Julia let out the breath that she had unknowingly been holding. Feeling the warmth rising from her chest, she placed her hand at the exposed skin just under her neck to hide her inevitably reddening complexion. “Um, okay,” she said, flustered she stumbled over her words. “Thank you, for, my bags, and my shoe. And the arms. Oh, yeah, thank you.”
Seth smiled and gently moved a stray stand of hair of out Julia’s face, twisting it around his finger as he moved it to the side. “You’re welcome. Have fun with your friends.”
Mia came up to stand on Julia’s left, Wendy on her right. Julia watched as Seth walked away, pulling his own rolling suitcase behind him.
“Mmm. Nice. So what was that all about?” Mia asked absently. The women kept their eyes on Seth, his toned legs flexing with each step he took.
“Whatever it was,” Wendy said, “it was fun to watch.”
Seth moved out of sight, and Mia and Wendy moved in front of Julia, turning to face her. “Spill,” Wendy said. She put her hands on her waist and pushed her hip out to the side. “Did you get his number?”
Mia crossed her arms over her chest. “I thought you weren’t interested in meeting any men on this trip.”
“I’m not,” Julia snapped. She grabbed the handle on her suitcase, pulling it up until it snapped into place. “And I told him as much.” Julia turned her back and began walking in the other direction.
“You did what?” Mia moved quickly into her path, placing her hands on Julia’s shoulders to stop her. “You told him that?”
“I lost my shoe and made some stupid remark about being Cinderella. Then he made a comment about being my Prince Charming. So yes, Mia,” Julia glared at her friend. “I told him I wasn’t looking to be around men right now.”
Mia and Wendy looked at each other and smiled.
“Stop that.” Julia pointed at her friends with her freshly manicured finger. “Don’t you even start your scheming bullshit.” Julia let out a long, loud sigh. “Can we please go to the hotel now? I’d like to change out of these sweaty clothes. And you promised me a very large drink with a cute little umbrella.”
Wendy grabbed the bag off Julia’s shoulder and smiled at her friend. “I totally agree,” she said. “It’s time for drinks.”
Mia grabbed the suitcase handle out of Julia’s hand. “Big fruity drinks it is.” Mia loaded their bags onto a large cart and they made their way out of the airport where Deb was flagging down a cab. They packed in tightly, listening to Deb and Wendy explain their scheduled plans and activities for the week.
Once they arrived at the hotel, Julia took a moment to bask in the beauty of their surroundings. The foliage was a subterranean green the likes she had never seen. The ocean breeze felt moist on her face, and the penetrating warmth from the sun seared her ivory skin. She watched people flitter about, feeling a pang of jealousy as couples moved arm in arm, stopping to take a selfie or steal a kiss.
“Come on, Julia,” Deb stood at the open hotel doorway. “We’ve got a weekend of fun ahead of us. What are you waiting for?”
Julia smiled and scoffed. She moved toward Deb and grabbing her hand, and the pair quickly caught up with their friends. Standing at the reception desk, the extravagance of the hotel caused Julia to pause. She began to feel the excitement of the vacation setting in. She wanted to hurry the man behind desk. If this is the lobby, I can’t wait to see our rooms.
“Miss?” The concierge said.
Julia turned to look at him, he held out a small brochure with the hotel logo on the front. “Me?” she said. “Oh, yes. Sorry.”
“This is for you.” He moved the brochure closer. Julia took it from his hand and opened it. “It contains your room keys, the Wi-Fi password, the on-demand radio stations and television listings, as well as your weekend’s itinerary.”
“Thank you,” Julia said. She tucked the brochure into the front pocket of her purse. The concierge tapped the gold bell sitting on the counter three times. Within seconds, three young men dressed in black shorts and red tops walked toward them.
“These young men will show you to your rooms and help you with your bags.”
“Um, Julia,” Wendy said. Her voice was high and she sang her words like a tune. “Isn’t that your Prince Charming?” Wendy lifted her head and motioned to a group of men standing further down the reception counter.
Julia turned to look and gasped. It was Seth. He was even more handsome in the sunlight. As if drawn to her, Seth turned her direction, smiled and winked.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” she whispered.
Mia leaned in and rested her chin on Julia’s shoulder. “I’m thinking the universe has plans for you this weekend. You can’t fight it, sweetie. Julia, meet Mr. Destiny.”
“Shut up, Mia,” Julia said. She chuckled, shrugging her friend off her shoulder. “I don’t believe in destiny.”
“I think you will after this weekend,” Grace said, patting Julia lightly on the cheek. The women laughed as they left the reception desk. Julia walked behind her friends as they followed the bellhops carrying their bags toward the elevators. She glanced back and caught sight of Seth watching her and the hair on the back of her neck prickled. Meeting his gaze, she gave a little wave. Before rounding the corner and moving out of sight, Julia watched the men in Seth’s group push him, punch his shoulder, and give him a high five.
Men. All just a bunch of oversized boys. Julia shook her head, but her bewilderment was soon replaced with a smile. She remembered Seth’s invigorating scent, his toned arms, the things he said that left her grasping for her own words. She shivered, reliving the sensation of her hair wrapped around his finger. Her mind began to wander. I bet he has a great body. And I bet he would be great revenge sex.
CHAPTER 4
“I don’t think I’ve danced like that in years,” Mia grabbed a napkin off the table and dabbed her forehead and the skin over her top lip. “That was awesome.”
“That was kind of obvious when you started breaking out those eighties dance moves,” Grace said. Pulling out a chair, she sat down, and pushed her long blonde hair off her shoulders. Laughter roared from the women as the rest of the group took seats around the table.
“Thank you,” Julia said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve laughed this hard, and had this much fun and ... Well, just thank you for helping me through the last year. I don’t think I would have made it without all of you.”
“Aw,” Wendy gave Julia a sideways hug. “We love you, honey.”
“Yeah, Julia.” Deb reached across the table and placed her palm over Julia’s hand. “You’ve always been there for us, helping us with all of our shit. It’s the least we can do.”
A waitress approached the table holding a tray of drinks. “Excuse me ladies,” she said and began moving the drinks from the tray to the table. “These drinks are from the gentlemen over there.” The waitress nodded her head toward a table of men at the other end of the room.
Moving in unison, the women turned their heads. Siting at the table were five very attractive young men dressed in suit and ties, including Seth. The men nodded or waved in acknowledgement.
“You’ve got to kidding me.” Julia’s words tinged with a sarcastic chuckle.
Mia reached over, grabbing the drinks one by one and passed them around the table. She held up her drink to toast the men. “Thank you,” she said. The men held up their drinks in response.
“Wow,” Wendy said. “Those are some hot guys. Especially Julia’s Mr. Destiny.” She teased and took a drink, keeping her gaze on the men as they spoke among themselves.
“Yes, they are,” Grace said. “Very hot.”
“And I’m not afraid to admit that I am thinking some very naughty thoughts right now.” Wendy folded her arms on the table and leaned forward, pushing her chest out. ”
“So maybe one of them will spank you for being a bad girl.” Julia nudged her friend with her elbow and took another drink. “Or maybe you can spank him.” Laughter e
rupted once again. Julia looked around the table and watched her friends for a moment. Her heart felt full and her mind felt free.
“Well, lookie there,” Grace said and sat back in her chair, crossing her legs. “I do believe we’re about to have company.” Turning to look, Julia watched Seth and the other men walk across the room in their direction. She quickly turned away and scooted up to the table, gripping her glass between both hands.
It’s fine. It’s no big deal. Just say hi and then let everyone else talk. The men stood at the end of the table and Julia looked up.
“Ladies.” A tall blonde man spoke up. “May we join you?”
Mia shrugged her shoulders at the others. Julia looked around the table for their reactions. Dammit. Someone say something. No one did. No one seemed to object, so she grinned and nodded her approval. “Sure. Why not? Pull up some chairs boys – and maybe another table.”
The men moved things around and within a few minutes, the two groups were mingling. Somehow, without her noticing, Seth had claimed a seat next to her. He pulled out her chair and everyone took their seats.
“So,” Mia sat up at the table and picked up her glass. “What do you guys think of St Lucia so far?”
“It’s great,” the blonde man said. “I’m Kevin by the way.” He held out his hand to Mia. “And that’s Frank, Paul, Devin, and I believe you know Seth.”
The women made their introductions, and Kevin ordered another round for the table. “What brings you ladies to the island?” Kevin asked.
“A girls’ get-a-way vacation,” Grace answered. “We all needed some down time and what better place to do it than a tropical island.”
“What about you boys?” Mia asked.
Speaking in unison, the men answered. “A wedding.” Laughter erupted, which sounded much louder than it actually was due to a lull in the music from the DJ.
“Sorry about that folks,” the DJ said. “Technical difficulties. But were back and here is something to make you tap your toes.” The lyrics to “Five Hundred Miles” streamed through the speakers.
“I love this song,” Wendy said. She sat up tall in her chair and began bouncing to the beat of the music.
“Want to dance?” Kevin, who seemed to be the ringleader of the group, stood and held his hand out to Wendy. She looked down at it and then back up at his face, a smile overtaking her lips.
“Absolutely,” she said. Taking his hand, they moved to the dance floor. Other men in the group took their cue and asked Mia, Deb, and Grace to dance as well. Julia and Seth remained at the table.
“Dance with me?” Seth said. He turned his body in his chair to face Julia more directly and held out his hand.
“I don’t know,” Julia replied. She folded her arms over her chest and looked at it warily.
“I know you like to dance.” Seth grinned mischievously. “I saw you dancing with the girls earlier. You’re good.” He leaned close and whispered. “And very sexy when you move.”
Julia felt her stomach muscles quiver. Thinking about him watching her made her mouth dry and her pulse quicken. Every sense she had heightened, magnified, including her senses of want and need. She tried to remember what movements she had made on the dance floor, hoping there wasn’t anything too embarrassing.
“Why would you want to dance with me?” She turned to meet Seth’s gaze. “I’m probably twelve years older than you.”
“So?” Seth used his fingertips to push Julia’s hair behind her ear. “What does our age have to do with dancing?”
“Wouldn’t you rather hang out and dance with someone your own age?”
“If I found a woman my own age that was as charming, as beautiful, and as sexy as you are, maybe. But I doubt she exists. So I want to hang out and dance with you.”
“I don’t know, Seth. I don’t think –”
“Is it an issue for you that I’m younger? Does my age bother you?”
“Of course not.”
“Then why should it be an issue for me that you’re older? One dance.”
Dammit. Fucking logic. “Fine,” Julia said. Her tone testified to her reluctance. “One dance.”
Seth stood from his chair and again held out his hand to Julia. Placing her hand in his, she looked up and stared into Seth’s sparkling eyes. She was captivated.
They made their way to the dance floor, the tempo of the music changed. It was no longer a toe-tapping fast-paced tune, but instead a super ballad, loved by women everywhere – “I’m Gonna Find Another You,” by John Mayer.
“Do you like this song?” Seth wrapped his hand around Julia’s waist and pulled her in close.
“I love it,” Julia replied, putting one hand on his neck and the other on his right bicep. So hard, toned. “It’s a great song.” My god he smells good. Why does he have to smell so good?
“SO WHAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT?” Grace interlocked her arm with Julia as they walked through the extravagant hotel lobby toward the restaurant. “Did you kiss him?”
“No, Grace,” Julia bumped her hip into Grace’s. “I didn’t kiss him. “ But I really, really wanted to.”
“Then why didn’t you,” Wendy moved to the other side of Julia. “He’s really cute. And I bet he’s got a really big –”
“Wow. You actually went there.” Julia laughed. She pulled away from her friends and turned around, walking backwards to the restaurant door. “You guys want to go ahead and plan our wedding while we’re at it?”
“Nope,” Mia said. “We figured you guys would just elope and then you’d come back pregnant.”
“Good morning, ladies,” the hostess greeted them. “Table for five? Would you like a seat inside or on the terrace?”
“The terrace please,” Julia said. Turning to offer her friends a smug smile, Julia answered for them.
“Well, well, well,” Mia said. “Look who’s growing some balls.”
Along with her friends, Julia followed the hostess out on the terrace to their table. As they sat down, Mia saw Seth sitting alone at the other end of the patio. “Now’s your chance. Go talk to him,” she said. She nudged Julia. “At least go say hi or something.”
“Okay,” Julia said. What am I doing? She could feel butterflies opening their wings in the pit of her stomach. This is stupid. I’m just going to say hi. “How do I look?”
“Gorgeous,” Grace said. “Now go!” Grace spun Julia around and swatted her butt to nudge her toward Seth’s table.
Julia smiled, adjusting her hair and pulling at her top to show more of her cleavage. She took a deep breath as she moved closer, and her nervousness morphed to excitement. She remembered his hands on her waist, the feel of his firm physique against her body, the smell of his cologne. She wanted more.
Seth stood up from his table. His face lit up and he offered a wide mouthed smile as a beautiful young blonde woman ran towards him, practically jumping into his arms. Julia felt her heart sink.
What the hell? Julia stopped walking and stood still, her only movement the rapid rise and fall of her chest. I don’t understand. Julia turned sideways to look at her friends. Or maybe I understand perfectly. They had seen the woman as well. Mia took a step toward Julia, but Julia put up her hand and shook her head telling Mia to stop.
Taking one last glance at Seth, Julia gasped. She realized he had seen her. She moved quickly toward the door of the restaurant and didn’t stop until she reached the elevator. “Fuck,” she said under the breath. I should have known better. Why did I let them talk me into this shit? I came here to get away from men. What the hell am I doing? They’re all the same. Lying cheats.
Julia pushed the button on the wall numerous times in quick succession. “Come on,” she hissed, looking up at the numbers over the elevator. The large golden doors open and she moved inside. Turning to face the doors, she watched Seth racing towards the elevator.
“Oh, no you don’t,” Julia said. “Nope. Not going to happen.” She reached out and pressed the close doors button. The doors began to
close and she held her breath as a hand appeared between them, causing them to reopen and allowing Seth to join her. Julia thought of disembarking from the elevator, but Seth stood in the way, making it impossible for her to get by without having to make contact.
The doors closed a second time, and Seth pushed every single button on the panel, lighting up all twenty floors. “Julia, you have to let me explain,” Seth said.
Like hell I do.
CHAPTER 5
“Why did you do that?” Julia gestured towards the button panel, stepped to the back of the elevator, and pushed her back against the wall. The wooden railing felt cool against her palms. She wrapped her fingers around it to steady herself and to give her something less dangerous to do with them.
“Now we have more time to talk,” Seth said. He stood in front of the door, putting his hands in the pockets of his khaki shorts.
“Talk about what?” Julia looked up at the numbers over Seth’s head. Each one lit up, and Seth looked over his shoulders as the doors opened and then closed behind him.
“I saw you,” Seth said, taking a step closer. “On the terrace. Why did you run away?”
“Because I saw you, too.” Julia nervously crossed her arms over her chest, and then quickly returned her hands to the railing. “And I saw the woman you were with.”
“And?” Seth took another small, slow step. The doors opened behind him but no one got on. Julia watched the large metal doors slide closed again.
“And, that’s the type of woman you should be with.” She trailed off, not wanting to believe her own words. “Younger, beautiful, and if you prefer them – which it seems a lot of men do, certainly my ex-husband – blonde.”
“Well,” Seth stepped closer. The earthy undertones of his cologne wrapped around her senses. To keep her extreme attraction to him inside, she wrung her fingers tightly around the railing behind her. God she wanted to touch him. They were alone. So close. His muscles were flexing along his forearms as if he too had to hold back. “I prefer redheads.” Seth reached up and twined the ends of Julia’s hair around his fingertips. A chill ran down the back of her neck. “But I’ll tell her you said she was beautiful and young. She’ll love you for that.” He turned his back against the wall to stand beside Julia, his shoulder touching hers. They both watched the elevator doors open and close, gaining no new passengers.
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