by M. Ullrich
Caroline jumped when hands grabbed her thighs but bit the inside of her cheek to hold back her verbal reaction. The hands were soft, delicate but large. They touched from behind her knees to the front, stopping just a few inches above her kneecap. Caroline sighed, an involuntary reaction to the touch, but she shook the feeling away and blamed it on relief.
“Gotcha!” a woman yelled. “I’d know Will’s hands anywhere.”
“Dammit.”
Caroline recognized Emma’s voice immediately. She removed her blindfold to find Emma standing right in front of her.
“I was just about to say I found you,” Emma said.
“How did you know…”
Emma shot Caroline a lazy smile. “I know your legs.”
A tiny spark ignited within Caroline.
Will took the drink vouchers from Maria and waved them in Emma’s face. “How does it feel to lose?”
“Terrible. It feels terrible.” Emma’s smile belied her words. “What do you say to meeting us for a drink tonight, and we’ll claim them together.” Will and Sydney looked elated at the idea. She looked at Caroline and said, “Is that okay with you, babe?”
“Sure.” Caroline looked between every happy person and wished she shared their excitement. She tried to swallow her anxieties, but they continued to bubble in her gut regardless. “Sounds like fun.”
Chapter Ten
Emma analyzed Caroline’s demeanor out of the corner of her eye. She’d been quiet throughout dinner, but now Caroline was stiff and completely silent. “When was the last time you were at a bar?” Emma asked.
“Why?” Caroline sipped at the same drink she had been nursing for an hour. “Is it obvious I’m not much of a barfly?”
“A little. Would it surprise you to know I don’t go out much when I’m home?” She had to give information to Caroline in order to get information from her.
Caroline placed her glass on the bar and traced a few drops of condensation with her fingertip. “That is a little surprising.”
Emma watched with rapt attention as Caroline continued to toy with her glass. Her fingernails were red like her lips, and Emma racked her brain to recall what color Caroline’s toes were painted. She was sure she had seen them but couldn’t for the life of her remember, and was curious if they matched.
“Maybe not so much with bars,” Caroline said. She broke Emma’s train of thought. “More like I expected you to always be going and always being out.”
Emma imagined the past seven years of her life, her travels, and the apartment she rented but had yet to turn into a real home. “You’re not wrong,” she said and swallowed back the rest of her margarita. “I’m usually on the road or in the air, but once I finally stop at home, I focus on my photography.”
“I want to ask you, but…”
“You didn’t want to be nosy?” Emma wanted Caroline to look at her, but her head was down as she nodded. “I’m not kidding when I say I’m an open book, Caroline. Ask me anything you want.”
Caroline shifted on the barstool and faced Emma more directly. She leaned her elbow on the bar and rested her head in her hand. She looked at Emma with a deep and analytical gaze that would make most people grow uncomfortable, but Emma considered this a development in their partnership.
“Have you always been into photography?”
“No. After my fourth or fifth trip I realized I could do something with all of these beautiful sights I’m seeing.”
“Was that before or after you were hired at Travel Wisdom?”
“Before. I was just blogging then and living off my savings. Then I started posting pictures to different social media sites, and as the followers rolled in, so did sponsorships and inquiries about buying prints.”
“Sponsorships?” Caroline asked, and her genuine curiosity made Emma smile. It had been a long time since anyone had asked a question that went below the surface of her basic job description.
“I went over some of this during the flight here, remember?”
“Not really.”
Emma smirked. “Who’s being forgetful now?”
“I was a teensy bit distracted by fearing for my life, but now you have my undivided attention. Please, go on.”
Emma was enjoying this side of Caroline but chose to not tease her anymore. For the moment. “After I gained enough attention online, companies started sending me goods in exchange for posts that would advertise for them. My bathing suits I brought, the sunglasses, and a few of my dresses were all given to me.”
“How much time do you spend online?” Caroline took the straw out of her mojito and started chewing it. Emma watched the plastic disappear between Caroline’s full red lips, distracted by her teeth and tongue. “You don’t have to answer that.”
Emma kicked herself for falling silent for too long. “I’m sorry, I got distracted.” She cleared her throat. “I can’t answer that with one hundred percent accuracy, but I’d consider it a full-time job.”
Caroline pulled the straw out from between her lips slowly.
“That’s why you’re always on your phone.”
Emma held up her phone and waved it back and forth. “Like I said, it’s almost always for work.”
“And here I thought you were the most popular woman in the world,” Caroline said, licking her lips.
“That may be true, too.” Emma slid closer to Caroline and leaned in. “But I know when to put it away.” She felt every bit of her charm kick into high gear.
“That’s good.”
“What about you, Caroline? How did you end up in public relations?” Emma shook her head to the bartender as he butted in to check on them. “Better yet, what brought you to Travel Wisdom?”
Caroline pulled back. “What time did Will say he was meeting us? They should’ve been here by now.”
She must’ve touched on a hot topic. Emma sighed and signaled for the bartender to come back. She ordered another margarita and decided to change the subject. “What do you think of the bar?”
“I’m sure you already have that part of your review done.”
“I do, but maybe I’m missing something.” Emma wanted to get Caroline talking again.
“It’s nice,” Caroline said with very little enthusiasm. “I wouldn’t say it adds to the resort’s star rating, but it doesn’t hurt it either.”
Caroline’s answer frustrated Emma. She wanted to be patient and focus on Caroline’s comfort, but she was too hungry for information about Caroline. She needed to stop giving, and finally get a little. “Forget about the bar.”
“What?”
“I’m really curious about how you got into public relations.”
“I’m sure you can already guess.”
“Family telling you to mind your business?”
“Yes.”
“Do you enjoy the job?”
Caroline looked at Emma again. The detached professional was back in her dark eyes. “I’m very good at it.”
“That’s not what I asked.” Emma took a slow sip of her fresh margarita.
“I do enjoy it, I guess. I’m good at it, so I feel accomplished and rewarded. I like helping people and getting them out of tough spots.”
“Have you ever helped someone undeserving?” Emma hoped asking Caroline about a personal experience that didn’t involve her directly would get her to talk.
Caroline looked amused, yet shameful. “Of course. Cheating CEOs, dirty politicians when they were still at the beginning levels, and cutthroat men who had no shame in breaking other people down to get what they want. They’d play with the reputation of the company and their fellow employees with no regard. They just expected other people to clean up their mess.”
“And you did.”
“It’s my job to make sure they all went on to succeed,” she said with a sad smile. “This is a nice change of pace.” Caroline motioned to the rest of the bar.
“Don’t get used to it,” Emma said dryly. “I don’t plan on needing a partner after t
his trip.”
“You’ve learned your lesson?”
“Not at all.” Emma tapped her glass to Caroline’s and chuckled. “Some people are just meant to travel alone. I’ve always been a lone wolf, even as a kid. I’m an only child, didn’t have a large group of friends, so I hit the road alone without hesitation. This trip is a first for me.”
“I think you’re handling it pretty well.”
“Better than you, that’s for sure.”
Caroline’s jaw dropped. “I would be much more offended if that weren’t true, but it is. This trip is a lot of firsts for me. But you already know that.”
“I’m just playing with you,” Emma said, placing her hand on Caroline’s forearm. “We’re both making the most of a bad situation. But I do think this trip would get a lot better if you stopped trying so hard to remain a stranger to me.” Before Caroline could defend herself, Emma held her hand up. “You’re my girlfriend.”
“And we’ve been together for two, maybe three years.”
Emma arched her eyebrow.
“That’s what I told the group when they asked.”
“We should probably stick with a definitive answer. Let’s go with three years.”
“Okay.”
“And I asked you out.”
“Fine.”
“But you said ‘I love you’ first.”
“When?”
Emma grinned. “After our third date. I said it was too soon, but you couldn’t help it because I’m so amazing.”
“Are you sure I didn’t say I hate you?”
Emma’s mouth fell open.
“Hey, ladies,” Will said. He stepped up behind Emma and threw his arm around her shoulders. “You already used your drink tokens without us?”
“We were waiting for an hour. I got thirsty.” Emma politely removed herself from Will’s loose embrace and smiled at Sydney. She wasn’t sure where this new, chummy attitude came from, but she could guess this wasn’t their first stop by the alcohol on his breath. “But that’s not to say we’re leaving any time soon.”
“Good,” Sydney said, her dark eyes never leaving Emma.
Warning bells started to chime in Emma’s head.
Will signaled for the bartender and ordered a round of shots. “I also invited Barry and Cam. I hope you guys don’t mind.”
Emma shook her head and looked back to Caroline, who was obviously uncomfortable. Was it the crowd? Or had she noticed that odd moment between her and Sydney? Emma reached out and patted Caroline’s knee, not at all surprised when Caroline pulled away. Emma really needed to check herself and remember Caroline’s dislike for touch, because then she’d stop being offended when Caroline pulled away.
Emma turned back to Will and Sydney. “Are they on their way?” She didn’t want to force Caroline to stick around longer than she wanted to, but she also couldn’t leave before the rest of their party arrived.
Will threw back a shot and winced. “Should be here soon.” His voice sounded deeper from the alcohol.
Sydney picked up two shots and handed one to Emma. “Cheers,” she said. She watched Emma’s mouth the entire time she drank the shot. “We should dance.”
“Syd’s a dancer. Me? Not so much. What about you two?”
Emma considered the question. She knew Caroline liked dancing, but did that count for crowded bars? The more she thought of Caroline, the more aware she became of the way she had been standing with her back to her. Emma leaned her back against the bar and included Caroline in the conversation.
“Up for some dancing, babe?” Emma grew anxious when Caroline didn’t look at her.
“This kind of music isn’t really my thing. Go, have fun.” Caroline leaned forward on the bar and ordered another drink. Her actions and tone were painfully dismissive.
This has to be some sort of test. She glanced between Caroline and Sydney.
“Come on,” Sydney said. She grabbed Emma’s wrist and pulled her toward the small dance floor.
Not many people were dancing, but the tight quarters made it feel like a massive crowd. Bodies were bumping and brushing together. Emma was helpless to the sway, and she let her guard down as the rhythm and infectious energy enveloped her. She swiveled her hips in time and raised her hands above her head, the air in the bar warm against her fingertips. Sweat beaded her brow, and Sydney kept moving closer. Emma closed her eyes as she danced, and she was surprised by Sydney’s proximity when she opened them. Emma started to leave once the song finished.
“Wait.” Sydney grabbed Emma’s hand and held it between hers. “That was only one song.”
“I should get back to Caroline.”
“One more song. Please?”
Emma couldn’t resist Sydney’s doe-like eyes. She pulled herself together enough to smile. “One more song,” she said, but regretted it when Sydney released her hand and grabbed her hips instead.
Temptation overwhelmed Emma the moment their hips touched. Sydney knew what she was doing. The roll of her hips was aimed directly at Emma’s mound, and the friction felt wonderful. Emma’s breathing turned ragged. She ran her hands the length of Sydney’s arms before directing her to wrap them around her neck. Emma pulled her even closer with an arm around her waist. Sydney was about an inch shorter than Emma, which set a trap. Emma looked down and her gaze fell right into Sydney’s cleavage. She bit her lower lip and dug her fingertips into Sydney’s hips. Emma could swear she heard a moan in response.
Sydney wove her fingers into Emma’s hair and pulled her forward. “How do you feel about another dance?” she said directly into Emma’s ear.
Emma fought back a chill. She looked up and saw Caroline watching her. “This is the last one. I’m sorry,” she said. And she meant it for both of them.
“Come back to my room.”
Emma pulled back and looked at Sydney skeptically. “What about Will?”
Sydney shot her a devilish smile. “With or without Will. It doesn’t matter.”
Emma looked at Caroline again and watched as she threw back a shot with Will. This was definitely a setup. “I’m flattered, but I have Caroline to get back to.”
“The week is young,” Sydney said, running her fingers down Emma’s stomach. “Don’t forget about me.”
Emma left Sydney on the dance floor. She approached Will and Caroline, who were laughing about something. She put on the best smile she could muster before speaking. “What’s so funny?”
“Will was saying…” Caroline closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them wide. “I can’t remember exactly, but it was funny.” Caroline was clearly starting to feel the effects of her drinks. “Oh look! Barry and Cameron are here.”
After a round of lengthy greetings and pleasantries, Emma spoke up. “I think we should get going.” Emma placed her hand on Caroline’s shoulder gently and gave it a squeeze. She hoped Caroline would not only understand she was being serious but wouldn’t hate her for it.
“But we all just got here,” Will said.
“I’m feeling a little bit hungry and a lot tired. Sorry. Maybe we could meet up again some night soon.” Emma asked the bartender for their tab and signed the slip.
“My girl does love to eat.” Caroline slid her arm around Emma’s waist.
Emma did a double take to make sure the right person was snuggling up to her. Her eyes nearly bugged out of her head when Caroline placed a small kiss on her shoulder.
“I bet she does,” Sydney said as she rejoined the group. Everyone grew quiet.
Will shook his head. “Syd…”
Emma laughed before the tension surrounding the group could rise. “Good night, everyone.” Emma left the bar with Caroline in tow. Instead of walking toward the room, she headed for the nearest exit. She turned to Caroline once they were in the hot, fresh air. The sound of breaking waves played in the distance. She opened her mouth, ready to accuse Caroline of some elaborate plan to test her, but words of concern came out instead. “Are you okay?”
�
��I’m fine,” Caroline said firmly as she toed the sand with her sandal.
The moonlight highlighted Caroline’s tight frown. Slowly, Emma knelt and encouraged Caroline to lift her foot. After a bit of a wobble, Emma held Caroline’s foot and removed her sandal. She did the same with her other foot before removing her own shoes and holding both pairs in one hand.
“Let’s take a walk in the waves.”
“I thought you were tired and hungry.”
Emma grabbed Caroline’s hand and laced their fingers together. She tugged her forward and said, “I’m always hungry, but I’m not tired. I just said that to get out of there.”
“But you looked like you were having fun.” Caroline pulled at their joined hands. “No one can see us out here,” she said. Her steps swayed a bit, and Emma never let go of her hand.
“I want you to be comfortable with me.”
Caroline snorted. “It’s been a long time since anyone has held my hand.”
“I’m sorry—”
“Do you know how long? Guess. I want you to guess how long it’s been since I’ve walked along with someone and held her hand.”
Emma didn’t like where this game could be leading, but she played along. Anything to get Caroline talking. She thought for a bit. “I don’t know enough about you to take a good guess.”
“I’ve been single for six months. That’s the only hint you get.”
“Um, okay.” Emma let out a long breath and bopped her head from side to side as she considered her answer. The cold water wrapped around her ankles. “Two months.” Emma jumped when Caroline made a very loud noise that sounded like a buzzer.
“Seven months. Possibly more. I guess the hand holding stopped whenever Ann stopped loving me. The sex stopped way before that, though.” Caroline kicked at a wave and nearly lost her balance.
Emma helped steady her again. She had a hundred questions about Ann and what ended their relationship, but she wanted Caroline to tell her willingly, not because alcohol had loosened her lips. She turned them around and started back toward the resort.
“I’ll gladly hold your hand for the rest of the week.”
“Because it’s your job.” Caroline stopped walking and stared up at Emma with wide, glassy eyes. “It’s still nice.” Caroline wrapped her arms around Emma and placed her head against her chest.