by Ryan Michele
Not All Girls Are Made Of Sugar And Spice And Everything Nice. SOME GIRLS ARE MADE OF THE BEACH AND WINE AND EVERYTHING IS FINE.
“First things first, I need some clothes of my own.” Everly tugged on my hand, lacing her fingers with mine as we exited the ship and touched our feet to land for the first time in three days. We had eight hours in St. Kitts to cram in as much fun as possible.
We made the short walk down the pier to Port Zante where the entrance to the local shopping mall stood a bright and cheerful yellow that invited us to enter.
Tomorrow Drake would be saying his nuptials in St. Thomas.
This was his last day as a single man, but in reality, he’d been taken with Kelsey from the moment he laid eyes on her. I looked on as he stopped her at the entrance, tilting her head back as he claimed her lips with a sweet and tasteful kiss.
“Disgusting, aren’t they?” Everly laughed.
“Vomit-inducing,” I agreed.
“We’re going to do that tour of Wingfield Estate in half an hour,” Jane Lynn, Everly’s mother, told us.
Everly checked her watch. “We’ll be on time.” Her lips lifted into a mischievous smirk. Then she leaned into me and went up on her tiptoes to whisper in my ear. “We so aren’t going on that tour with Mom and Herbert.”
I waited ’til her mother was out of earshot to ask, “What do you have in mind? Where to first?”
“Hmm.” She tapped her chin. “Finding shorts that my ass don’t hang out of for starters and a bikini top with more than dental floss for coverage.”
The sight of her in the string bikini Jess had given her to wear yesterday was etched in my brain. I spent a good half hour in the shower last night working my dick over by hand to the thought of ripping the skimpy red material off her and claiming her smoking body. Everly had no idea the things she did to me, but I was playing things cool and keeping my distance. I was also being respectful of her family being around. I didn’t think Drake would appreciate witnessing me paw at his sister.
Time seemed to pass by quickly.
Everly led me into a store that was geared toward tourist such as ourselves. They sold keychains, mugs, shirts, and other novelty items. I picked up a few odds and ends. A shot glass, sunblock, beach towels, and a pair of those rubber shoes used for swimming.
We were going snorkeling later, and I didn’t want to step on any coral. I bought a necklace to give to my mother, and Everly grabbed a few things for her best friend Samantha.
“Sam would kill me if I didn’t bring her back a shirt and a keychain.” She grinned, holding her selections up to look them over before deciding what to purchase.
It took us three stores before Everly found what she was looking for.
“What do you think?” She struck a pose wearing a big white floppy hat. Her braid laid over her left shoulder as she put on a fashion show for me. Everly had traded the clothes her sister lent her for a black one piece and matching sheer sarong that somehow looked even sexier on her than that red string bikini. I thought it was the fact that I was left to imagine what was underneath. Fuck me if I didn’t want to find out.
The rest of her family had left to take the tour of that estate. I didn’t know what Everly had up her sleeve. The woman was full of surprises. I didn’t mind. I was game for whatever as long as it meant spending my time with her, getting to know her more on a personal level outside of the occasional run-in at the office. We were far from Boise, and I planned on taking full advantage.
“So how do feel about taking a ride on ATVs?” She beamed at me.
“Sounds perfect.”
“Good, because that’s what we’ll be doing while everyone else is doing the sugar plantation tour and ziplines. We’ll end up at the same beach as them for snorkeling, so it’ll work out perfect.”
“How do you know all this?”
“I may have taken it upon myself to do a little research and booked us a rental and tour last night when you were using up all the ship’s hot water. Pick up is in like ten minutes, so we better get a move on.” She snagged a backpack to put our stuff in. “This is for you.” Everly handed the backpack to me, and we went to catch our ride for the ATV tour. Our group consisted of ten other riders. All appeared to be other passengers from our ship.
“Alright, everyone, thank you for joining us this morning. Safety is priority number one. Each of you will receive a helmet and goggles. How many of you have experience riding an all-terrain vehicle? Raise those hands.” Our guide studied our group. “Okay. We are going to split you into two groups. Experienced riders to the right and those with little to none to the left.”
Everly and I went to the right. Our gear was handed out, and I strapped Everly’s helmet on for her after we took turns rubbing sunblock on each other.
Before we set out we were taken to a practice field to make sure everyone in our group could operate their ATV with ease. The sun shone down on us, warming my skin, and I was glad I’d grabbed us the sunblock. Sweat dripped down my back, the humid air clinging to my skin. Birds cawed in the distance, probably laughing at what idiots us humans were. I watched one of the beginners get stuck in a bush. The instructor had to push her out.
Everly got going without issue. The woman was a natural.
It took me a few minutes. I didn’t think I’d ridden since I’d gone away to summer camp when I was a kid, but operating the four-wheeler was just like riding a bicycle. Some things you’d never forget. The vehicle hummed and roared beneath me, vibrations pulsing through my body as I revved the engine. My blood screamed for adventure. I wanted to ride off and go exploring, but I knew we had to stay with our group.
We lined up to ride single file. Everly commanded the dirt path in front of me, giving me the perfect view of her ass in those shorts she was wearing each time she leaned forward. Blades of grass whipped against my calves as we rode down the narrow path. Some of the trees provided a little shade against the heat of the sun.
The funny thing was our tour started at none other than Wingfield Estate. Looked like we’d be getting that tour after all.
“Wingfield Estate was once owned by the family of Thomas Jefferson,” Everly told me.
I shook my head. “Did you read that when you were reserving our tour?” I teased.
“Maybe.”
The estate housed the remains of the stone structures built by British masonries. The land had a rich history. It hadn’t always been a sugar cane plantation, but it had its start farming tobacco and indigo before a hurricane wiped out the tobacco crops. We walked around the property, taking in the petroglyph rock carvings.
Our tour continued through the rich green tall grasses and rocky paths of the island, navigating to the Romney gardens and exciting trails. Trading our ATVs for loungers, I was happy to get some shade at South Friar’s Bay. Mostly I craved an ice-cold beer and something to fill my stomach. Riding on ATVs for hours had worked up my appetite.
Drake and the rest of the family were waiting for us at Shipwreck Bar, and Jane Lynn looked ready to throw Ev over her knee. Her eyes cut to Everly, narrowed into tiny black slits. If looks could kill the woman’s gaze would have leveled me.
“I thought we were going to have to contact the authorities. Where have the two of you been all this time? I thought someone had kidnapped you, or worse. You could have told me you had better things to do besides enjoy this vacation with your family.”
“Geez, Mom, take a chill pill. We missed you in the plaza, so we went on an ATV tour that started at that estate. We were trying to catch up with you, but I guess we barely missed you. Don’t spaz out on me. I’m here now and ready to have lunch with you guys and do some snorkeling.”
“It’s inconsiderate and rude. I couldn’t enjoy my tour. All I could think was what if something happened to you and Mason, and you were kidnapped or gotten lost. You’re trying to turn me more gray-headed, aren’t you?”
“No, Mom. Let’s not fight right now.”
I excused myself to order
a beer. I didn’t want to be in the middle of the family drama. Jane Lynn, while reserved, was a woman you didn’t want to be on the bad side of. I was a grown man, and yet she had the ability to make me feel sixteen again when her mom voice came out. I didn’t enjoy that feeling one bit.
They bickered for a few minutes, but then the fight seemed to resolve itself. I was glad. I could see how tense Everly had grown since we’d met up with her family. While we rode the ATVs, she wore a smile the entire time.
Her shoulders sagged forward as she leaned on her elbows. I hated conflict. I wished there was something more I could do for her.
I handed Everly a beer and took a seat next to her at the table across from Jess and Casey. Everly’s mother and stepfather went on down to the beach to relax. They had already eaten lunch. I knocked back my beer, relishing in the bitter cool taste as it soothed my dry throat.
After enjoying burgers and home-cut fries, Ev and I took a bucket of beer to the beach to kick back and let our meal settle before setting out in the water to go snorkeling.
I settled down on the blue and white striped lounger, taking in the peaceful view of the gorgeous blueish-green water and white sand. Now this was what I called a real vacation. No office. No annoying co-workers. No stress. Just kicking back and enjoying the sunshine and the sight of Everly in her swimsuit.
Jess, Casey, Drake and Kelsey were out on the water attempting and failing miserably to paddleboard. The sight looked downright comical. Kelsey seemed to have given up trying all together, instead laying on her board as though it was a float.
Ev stripped down to her bathing suit and took up the chair next to mine. Her mother and Herbert were on the other side of her. Her stepfather appeared to be napping with his hat pulled down over his face, while her mother pulled a romance novel out to read.
“Oh my God,” Everly squealed, and I turned my head to see what she was excited about.
A spider monkey and his partner in crime were doing their best to swipe a bottle of beer from our bucket.
“That’s amazing. Hurry! Grab my camera from the bag, please.” She grinned like an eager child on Christmas morning. Her smile stretched wide, her spirit had lifted and shifted away from the tiff with her mother back at the bar.
I dug around and found the camera, managing to snap some photos of Everly squatting behind the spider monkeys with the cheesiest grin plastered on her face. She was goofy and adorable. I thought she was going to cry every time she noticed them doing something different.
An hour later we were in the water exploring. There had to be a billion fish surrounding us. All shapes, sizes, and colors. The ones that stuck out the most were white and black striped with yellow on their faces. Everly swam gracefully next to me like a mermaid who was part of the scenery. There was a shipwreck nearby, but I wasn’t sure we’d have the time to explore. We had about another hour before we would be picked up and shuttled back to the ship for dinner and a show.
Everly swam ahead of me, then glanced back over her shoulder, her blonde braids moving with the current. She was so beautiful I physically ached to kiss her. Instead, I directed her attention to the fire coral and sea urchins. The prickly little bastards were everywhere. Which was why the swim shoes were needed. I’d heard horror stories of how painful it could be to step on one and get those spines stuck in your feet.
Back on the powdery sand of the beach, I finished off my last beer while Everly gushed about seeing starfish.
We loaded up to return to the pier. Our group was exhausted, and I wondered if Everly would rather get room service than go to dinner and a show. The moment her head hit my shoulder she was out, smelling of the ocean and sunshine. Sand gritted in places I wished it wouldn’t under my shorts, but the day had been great. Jane Lynn stared at her daughter and me, but I couldn’t read what she was thinking.
I leaned my head against the window and closed my eyes, in need of a nap myself but unable to find peace. I could feel Jane Lynn’s gaze on us still when we arrived back at the pier. I had this sensation pricking at the back of my neck that told me maybe she didn’t approve of my being with Ev. Sure, our relationship was fake for the duration of the trip, but the idea she wasn’t a fan of our coupling stung me deeper than I wanted to admit. Maybe because there was a time when all I wanted was to make Everly Woolsworth my girl. Part of me still dreamed of making that happen.
Everly
I Smile Because You’re My Sister-In-Law. I Laugh Because You Married My Brother!
“Today’s your big day. How are you feeling?” I asked Kelsey as she was fussed over in the salon chair. It was early morning, and we had just docked in St. Thomas. The men had already left for Magens Bay Beach to make sure everything was in place. It was my first time away from Mason outside of showering since we’d started our vacation. I had this strange sensation like I missed him. Maybe it seemed silly, but I had grown accustomed to spending all my waking moments with him.
Jess busied herself snapping pictures. Casey had volunteered his camera and photography services. He only took pictures as a hobby, but he was actually great at it. I knew he’d do a fantastic job capturing all the good stuff.
The dress I had packed for the ceremony on the beach had been lost with my luggage, but my mother had scored me a beautiful blue sundress that matched not only the colors of the wedding but my eyes as well, from one of the shops she visited on the ship.
I was shocked when last night over dinner Drake and Kelsey pulled Mason and me aside to ask if we’d stand in today as the best man and maid of honor. I only hoped Jess wouldn’t feel left out. Kelsey and I were closer in age and had more in common. She fit seamlessly into our family like the older sister I never knew I wanted but desperately needed.
It didn’t hurt that she also shared my shoe fetish and often invited me on shopping excursions to feed the addiction. I spent more time with her than I had Jess the past few years, since Drake introduced us. Though to be fair, my sister was always busy with Casey or dedicating her free time to whatever save the world crusade that struck her fancy.
I glanced down at my feet and smiled.
We wore the same size, and she had the perfect sandals to match my dress.
My gaze shifted to Kelsey and how gorgeous she looked. Her dark hair hung down her back in long, wavy ringlets. A halo of blue and white flowers adorned her head, tasseled with ribbons to match.
Her dress was form fitting, hugging her shapely hourglass figure. The dress cut off above her knees with a plunging neckline and a train that attached with Velcro and snap buttons.
Kelsey made a gorgeous bride, and my brother was a lucky man to have found her. He said the moment he saw her he just knew. I didn’t think love like that existed outside of books and movies, but my brother proved me wrong.
Some final touches to her makeup, waterproof mascara and peach lip gloss, and she looked perfect. Her cheeks were naturally tinted with freckles and sun kissed.
We arrived at our destination. Blue water and white sand awaited us along with the brutal heat, which was why the ceremony was being held as early as it was. My skin glistened with coconut-scented sunblock. I didn’t put on much makeup because I knew I’d only sweat it off and end up looking hideous with mascara running down my face. No one wanted to see that, and I didn’t want to look like a drenched rat in the wedding photographs.
Herbert greeted us with our flowers. They matched the halo Kelsey wore on her head like a crown. Since Kelsey’s father wasn’t here for the wedding, Herbert would be escorting her down the aisle; well, the sand. My soon to be sister-in-law didn’t have the best relationship with her birth father nor her mother. Kelsey didn’t mention them often, and I never pried, figuring if she wanted to talk about them or share that part of her life she would when she was ready to do so.
My stepfather beamed with pride to fill the shoes. The day carried a tinge of bittersweet-ness with it. I couldn’t help but miss my dad and wish he was here to see Drake start the first day of the rest o
f his life. Dad would be so proud of the man he’d raised. It hit me square in the gut. My chest constricted, and my breath stuck in my throat. Tears threatened to make themselves known, the urge to cry burning in the back of my throat as a tight knot formed there. My father would never see any of us get married or have children. Someday, if I ever did find a man to spend the rest of my life with, I’d have to depend on Drake or Herbert to be the man to walk me down the aisle. The thought absolutely gutted me. I knew they’d both step up for me, but neither could replace my father. No one could.
I wrung my hands around my flowers and concentrated on happy thoughts, taking deep breaths. I glanced up and found Mason smiling at me brighter than the sun, standing next to my brother in a blue shirt and white pants, mirroring Drake and matching my dress. The bottom of his pants were rolled up above his ankles. Mason and Drake were both barefoot. Kelsey too. I was too chicken to chance burning the soles of my feet on the gorgeous white, but hot, sand.
The sky held big, fluffy clouds that were so close to the water you’d think you could reach up and pinch a piece off one as though they were made of cotton candy. A white archway awaited Kelsey’s arrival. Adorned with gorgeous white lilies and greenery, the aisle was marked by matching garland held down by giant seashells. White chairs with blue satin bows were separated into two rows on each side. Jess gave Casey his camera, and he sprung into action like a professional photographer. My sister took her seat after greeting our brother. She whispered something in his ear and hugged his neck.
Mom took her seat, leaving me to walk down the aisle with Mason. He appeared at my side and held out an arm. My bad mood disappeared the moment I gazed into those warm honey brown eyes.
“You’re simply stunning, Everly.” He leaned in to kiss my cheek. His lips were soft. Butterflies fluttered in my lower belly. My nerves hummed with anxiety, and I wasn’t even the one getting hitched. Though the thought was planted in the back of my brain that I was nearing thirty and hadn’t settled down or even attempted to really meet the man I’d marry. Deep down every woman secretly fantasized about meeting Mr. Right and having their dream wedding. I was proud of Drake for stepping up and going the extra mile to make this day as special as possible for Kelsey and for bringing us nuts along with them to witness the occasion.
