Teach Me Something (Something Series Book 4)

by Aubrey Bondurant

  “Hear me out. There, you could not only meet guys, flirt, dance, and escape the pressures of finding the perfect someone, but also you wouldn’t have to stress about somebody knowing your ex-husband or worrying you’ll end up on page six for gossip. Gain that confidence, then return home and put it to good use.”

  “Meet some Aussies, huh? Is there someone you have in mind?” Like him.

  “No one specifically, but I’ll be there as your wingman and have plenty of friends.”

  Okaaaay, that wasn’t the answer I’d been hoping for, but I had in fact expected it. Then I thought about what it would be like to have an anonymity similar to that I’d enjoyed when I’d gone to the sex club as Kat. No one would know who I was or have an expectation about how I should act. Did I have it in me to shed the boring, proper Catherine persona? Or would I make a fool of myself by trying too hard?

  “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”

  “I’m thinking about the possibilities of anonymity a world away. How long will you be there?”

  “I have a shoot in Sydney, so a couple days there. Then I’m traveling to visit my family, which is north of the city, for another week. You could come with me there, too, and stay any amount of time. You’d have Internet, so you could work if you needed to.”

  “Wouldn’t it be weird for me to meet your family?”

  He shook his head. “No, not at all. But I’ll warn you they’ll probably make the same assumptions yours did about our ‘friendship.’”

  “Where would we stay?”

  “My mum and stepdad manage a resort. Not the kind you might be thinking of—it’s made up of cottages laid out over a number of acres. It’s off-season, so they’ll have cabins available for us to stay in.”

  It was sounding more appealing by the moment.

  “Do you need to make a list of pros and cons?” He was teasing about my list-making propensity, but in a gentle way.

  “Probably,” I admitted. Then something dawned on me. “Oh, I’d miss Haylee and Josh’s little girl’s baptism. It’s this weekend.”

  He sighed, looking at me dead in the eye. “And they’d understand. They already know I’m out of town, and it’s not like there won’t be other opportunities for you to get together with them. I’m not trying to sound harsh here, but when’s the last time you’ve said no to anyone?”

  I smirked. “You realize you’ve just challenged me to say it to you.”

  He chuckled. “Maybe, but you know you don’t want to.”

  No, no, I didn’t. But it did remind me of the problem at hand, and why it might be a bad idea to spend a vacation with someone to whom I was so attracted.

  But he wasn’t giving up so easily. “My point is you can be a good friend with a big heart and still say no. And you said yourself that vacations by yourself are no fun and that you work too much. Plus, when’s the last time you picked up and went on an adventure? You wanted to break out of your shell and do something spontaneous, so here’s your chance.”

  I swallowed hard, aware he wasn’t wrong. “You’re leaving Friday morning?”

  “Yep. And just so we have full disclosure: if you come with me, then you’re at my complete mercy.”

  A guy as hot as Will shouldn’t ever be allowed to tell a woman she’d be at his mercy, especially in his delicious Australian accent, unless he had something to tie her up with immediately following that statement.

  “Uh, what would that mean, exactly?”

  “It means a boot camp on meeting, flirting, and dating guys will be in full swing.”

  Although in the back of my mind, I still wondered if this trip might further my attachment to Will, it only took a moment to contemplate the alternative. That was to sit home and not change a damn thing about my predictable life. No, thank you. I’d been there, done that plenty. “Okay, I’m in.”

  His smile was contagious. “Really?”

  “It would seem so. Text or email me your flight details so I can try to get on the same one?”

  “You bet.” He winked and was out the door minutes later, leaving the panic to set in about rearranging everything.

  Of course it was nothing a few lists wouldn’t cure.

  ***

  As I went through security at JFK airport on Friday morning, I felt someone watching me. Turning, I saw Will in a different line a few people behind, tracking me with his eyes. I also noticed the female TSA agents taking notice of him. Could I help it if his smile that focused on me gave me a thrill? He was striking, but beyond that he had a way of making me feel like I was the only woman he had eyes for despite the fact we were only friends.

  “Hi,” I breathed, sounding like I’d run a race, when he met me on the other side.

  He smirked as if guessing the reason. “Hiya. Any idea why when I checked in I was bumped up to first class?” We proceeded towards the gate together.

  I’d already rehearsed my response, knowing he probably wouldn’t be happy about it, given his pride about such things. “Because we’re traveling together for the next thirty-some hours, and I wanted company. You did say you were putting me through a boot camp. Since I’m about to embark on a whole new adventure of being casual, flirty, and fun, well, where better to prepare me than on the plane?”

  He arched a brow in amusement. “You practiced that little speech, didn’t you?”

  I laughed. “It annoys me how quickly you have a read on me, but yes, of course I did. As previously established, spontaneity is not my strong point.” We reached the first-class lounge and sat down.

  “Hmm, speaking of which, I have something for you.”

  He pulled out a small, wrapped box which instantly aroused my curiosity. I mean, what woman didn’t enjoy getting a surprise gift? But his smirk had me proceeding carefully. Especially with his lips now twitching.

  “What?” I asked.

  “You’re pulling it apart perfectly as if you’re planning to save the paper. Don’t you want to rip into it?”

  “Maybe I like to savor the anticipation.”

  The smirk got bigger. “Good to know.”

  Had I inadvertently flirted and made a sexual innuendo without trying? Maybe there was hope for me yet. When I finally fished out the contents, I held a round black ball with a white eight on it. I fixed my eyes on Will. “Is it an eight ball?”

  “Uh-huh, a magical one, or some people call it an answer ball.”

  “For what?” I turned it to where the circular window was visible, and a blue triangle floated up, but before I could read it, he snatched the ball from my hand.

  “One of the things you most need to work on, if I’m being blunt, is being a little more relaxed and a little less analytical about your decisions.”

  I arched a brow. “I won’t bother to argue that point, but how does this ball come in?”

  “Simple, really. When it comes to your decisions on this trip, you’ll ask a question, and the eight ball answers.”

  “And I follow the advice of this ball?”

  “Yes. It’ll force you to go with the flow. At least while in Australia. Deal?”

  My first inclination was to think about it, which was ironic considering the reason he’d given me the gift in the first place. So I took a deep breath and shook it up. “Dear Magic Eight Ball: I need to loosen up and learn to be more fun. Should I allow you to make all of my decisions on this trip?”

  I flipped it over to see the blue triangle that eerily said, “As I see it, yes.”

  Hm. “I have one caveat, though,” I blurted out.

  “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t,” he said, chuckling.

  “You should be impressed I only have one. See, I may have to work on this trip. So if I have anything come up work related, then no ball.”

  “Deal.” He pulled out of his pocket a smaller version on a key chain.

  I raised a brow.

  “This is in case you need a backup.”

  It was so silly that I couldn’t help smiling, but then
shit got real once we were on the plane, and the flight attendant passed out the menu for dinner service. Will plopped my eight ball in front of me.

  “Seriously?”

  “Come on. Be adventurous.”

  I sighed. “Fine. Should I have the beef or the chicken?”

  I turned the ball over and it said: ‘No’. “Explain to me how that’s helpful.”

  He laughed. “You’re supposed to ask it yes or no questions only. Now ask if you should have the beef.”

  “Fine, should I order the beef?”

  He turned it over, and it said, ‘Decidedly yes.’

  “And should you have the red wine?” he asked.

  “Of course I should. Red goes with the beef.”

  He smirked, turning my ball over to reveal a ‘NO.’ “The eight ball disagrees. Time to walk the walk.”

  “Oh, yeah, drinking white wine with beef is really living it up?”

  He shrugged. “Think of it as breaking the mold with something outside of the norm.”

  “Maybe I want a second opinion.”

  Pulling the smaller version from his pocket, he handed it over. And wouldn’t you know it? It said the exact same thing, much to Will’s amusement.

  When the friendly flight attendant came to take our orders and poured the wine, she automatically reached for the red, but I stopped her. “Actually, I’ll have the white.”

  She gave me a condescending brow raise. “But red goes with the beef.”

  I tossed an ‘I told you so look’ toward Will and then focused back on her. “Yes, but I’m living on the edge and defying all social conventions because his balls told me to.”

  She poured the white and couldn’t move on quick enough while Will burst out laughing.

  “You know something, Cath? I believe there’s a wild and sarcastic side to you that’s anxious to get out.”

  I held up my white wine for a cheers clink to his. “Here’s hoping.”

  ***

  After a short layover in San Francisco, we arrived in Sydney thirty-two hours later, having lost a full day with the time difference. After we checked into our separate hotel rooms, I was surprised when Will announced he had to go straight to his model shoot. Good thing we’d each slept a decent amount on the plane.

  He’d made me promise to get out and not stay in my room doing nothing, so after consulting the magic ball about some tourist options, I ended up taking a ferry over to the Taronga zoo.

  After a few hours exploring the amazing zoo, I was happy I’d gone ahead and seen the koalas alone. Maybe there was something to allowing the ball to make decisions for me. By the time I arrived back at the hotel, Will had left me a message on my room phone that he’d returned and I should get ready for a night out.

  I’d just finished applying my eye makeup a bit darker than usual when the knock came on the door. Looking down and noticing I was still in nothing but the hotel robe, I smiled. ‘Do I get dressed before answering?’ I asked the ball.

  ‘My reply is no’

  So there I had it. I puttered to the door, peered out the peephole in case it was a stranger, and then opened it to a slightly shocked Will.

  “Uh, I can come back,” he stammered, taken off guard at seeing me so underdressed.

  “Nope, come on in. I would’ve put on my clothes, but the ball told me not to bother.”

  He chuckled, stepping inside. “You’re really embracing this aren’t you?”

  “You know, it’s kind of liberating. By the way, the ball had me raiding the minibar as well, so I’m two vodkas in if you wish to help yourself while I change.”

  “Ah, you now have someone to pin the blame on.”

  “Exactly,” I called over my shoulder as I walked into the bathroom. There I slipped on the black Herve Leger dress which hugged my curves and showed enough leg to make me hopefully appear sexy.

  Coming back out, I enjoyed the appreciation reflected in Will’s expression.

  “Um, that’s some dress, but we’re only going out to a bar.”

  “And this isn’t okay?” I smoothed my hands down over my hips and walked over to check my reflection in the closet mirror. I’d be fine in any of the bars in Manhattan dressed like this.

  He laughed. “Not here it’s not. Do you have a pair of jeans?”

  “Yes. Of course.” I guess I could do more casual, and the upside was I’d be more comfortable.

  I rummaged through the closet, grabbing my skinny jeans and a gorgeous black-and-white silk top. After changing and walking out, Will’s frown gave me pause. “What?”

  “It’s not that you don’t look good,” he hedged.

  I lifted a brow and watched him crack a smile.

  “It’s just that you’re intimidating as hell looking like that or in anything, really, I’ve ever seen you wear. Well, the yoga pants are an exception, I suppose, but even those appear to be designer.”

  They were, but I kept quiet and wondered how the heck I was intimidating. “What should I be wearing?”

  “Something less, I don’t know…”

  “Fashionable?”

  “Expensive.”

  I motioned towards my closet, as if to say, be my guest.

  He perused the contents a moment before turning to meet my eyes. “Did you have more hangers brought up and have these clothes dry cleaned?”

  I folded my arms across my chest, feeling a bit like a petulant child as I defended myself. “I bring my own steamer, and yes, I did call down and ask for more hangers.”

  Instead of being put off by my tone, Will smiled and stepped in closer to lay his hand on my shoulder. “I’m not making fun of you. Honestly, it’s kind of adorable.”

  I shook my head, not believing him for a second. “My OCD is adorable?”

  “You don’t have OCD. You simply prefer things neat and tidy. But you’re not high maintenance about it, considering you steamed your own stuff. I get fashion, and I especially understand why you, in your position, would have designer clothes. But tonight when we go out, I want you to be Catherine the woman, not Catherine in charge of a major fashion magazine in New York City.”

  “Okay,” I whispered, well aware of his hand still touching me. “But in that case, I probably need to go shopping.”

  He glanced over towards my suitcase. “Maybe not. What’s in here?”

  While he walked over and looked through the contents, I tried not to let my lacy thongs and bras turn me bright red with embarrassment. I hoped he didn’t find the condoms I’d tucked in the pocket in case my adventurous side included that type of fun on the trip. Not that I expected it. But when I’d seen my ex on Wednesday, the first thought that had popped into my mind had been regret he’d been the last man I’d been with. I hoped to be able to channel my inner Kat, a woman who would be confident enough to maybe have a fling, and so I’d packed them just in case.

  “Earth to Cath.”

  I blushed at the train of my thoughts. “Yes, sorry. Um, those are my workout clothes and pajamas.”

  He pulled out a long-sleeved, black cotton V-neck. “This is good. Put this with the jeans, wear the black heels, and your hair down.”

  I’d twisted my hair up, thinking it went better with the dress. “It’s a yoga top,” I protested.

  “It’s casual, which is perfect for the bar.” Then he smirked and pulled out his little eight-ball key chain. “Should Catherine wear this black top to the bar?” Flashing it at me, he showed me the ‘YES’ and then pointed to the bathroom.

  Something told me that ball was just getting started for the evening.

  CHAPTER NINE

  After walking a couple of blocks from the hotel in downtown Sydney, Will led me into a bar which looked half sport themed. On the wall were framed jerseys and mounted televisions showing rugby and soccer playing. The other half of the bar consisted of a soon-to-be dance floor, if the DJ setting up lights and speakers was any indication. Glancing around, I saw several pool tables and dartboards off to the left in a separate
room. There seemed to be something for everyone here. In surveying the laid-back crowd, I was glad he’d insisted on me dressing casual.

  I resisted the urge to tug at the form-fitting yoga top and was completely taken off guard when Will suddenly stopped and turned towards me.

  “Before you meet this crew, you should know that Jack and Adam are harmless, so feel free to flirt away with them. Rich, however, is married, although he won’t tell you, and Paul is definitely not your type.”

  “Okay.” I felt as if I’d been fire hosed. Shouldn’t I make some of these judgements on my own? I thought that was the whole point of this exercise.

  After leading me over to a table in the corner, he greeted the men there and turned to introduce me. “Cath, I’d like you to meet my mates from my time here at university. This is Adam and Jack. Over there is Paul, and I guess Rich hasn’t arrived yet. Everyone, this is Catherine.”

  “Hi, guys,” I said, smiling as I watched Will give bro-hugs all the way around.

  Adam scratched his head and turned towards Will with an awkward expression. “Um, Bridget is here, mate. Sorry about that, but she found out you were in town.”

  I was clueless who Bridget was, but Will sighed and scanned the room apprehensively. It wasn’t long before a sexy brunette, dressed in leather pants with a silk camisole top—definitely not used for yoga—and four-inch heels came running over. She engulfed him in a hug that was more than familiar.

  She was beautiful. Petite, curvy in the right places, fashionable, and young. Young like Will. Matter of fact, in seeing them together, I realized they fit. It was as if the universe was reminding me that I, on the other hand, did not. Judging by the irritated look on her face, she wasn’t keen on the fact that he’d brought me here with him.

  “Who’s she?” Bridget gave me what I interpreted as the universal ‘stink eye.’

  Never one to allow someone to talk about me as if I wasn’t sitting there, I held out my hand. “Hi, I’m Catherine. Nice to meet you.”

  She didn’t take my hand but instead turned her pout towards Will. She then dragged him away from the group, towards the bar and out of earshot.

  I had to remind myself that she was twenty-something and merely lifted a brow at her behavior. I focused my attention on ordering a drink once the waitress came over.