by M. Ullrich
She continued to stroll in the waves along the beach. The breeze was light and felt warm on her legs. Caroline had grown accustomed to wearing less clothing and revealing more of her body. She was wearing a strapless romper, the shorts very high on her thighs. She was still not as confident as Emma, who stood in her string bikini and needed nothing more, but was confident nonetheless. She adjusted the sunglasses on her face and tucked her hair behind her ears as she approached Emma.
“Getting work done? Aren’t you afraid of dropping that in the water?”
“Learned from that mistake already,” Emma said as she tapped her knuckle against her phone. “This is a waterproof case. It won’t save it from being taken away in a wave, but it’ll at least save it from water damage.”
“Smart.”
“Stay still.” Emma placed her hand on Caroline’s shoulder. With her other hand, she angled her phone and snapped a few pictures.
Caroline examined the satisfied smile on Emma’s face as she scrolled through her pictures. “Sometimes I forget you’re into photography.”
“I haven’t taken nearly as many pictures during this trip as I usually do.”
“I’m sorry,” Caroline said. She knew any change to Emma’s traveling routine was her fault.
“For what?”
“For messing with your trip.” Caroline couldn’t look at Emma. She stared off at the shore, where a sand dollar was stuck in the beach.
Emma was oddly quiet before she handed her phone to Caroline. “Help me out for a minute? The company that gave me this bathing suit wanted me to post about it. I need a few pictures.”
“Okay.” She didn’t have much experience with photography aside from taking pictures of pretty meals or something unique that had caught her eye. Taking a picture of Emma was very different. “I can’t make any promises. I’m no professional like you.”
“Just take a lot and we’ll be fine.” Emma stepped back a few feet before going farther into the water. She pulled the elastic from her hair and let it fall around her shoulders.
Caroline nearly gawked at the sight. Emma belonged on beaches and in bikinis all the time.
Emma tucked her hair band into the top of her bikini and made sure the camera wouldn’t pick it up before giving Caroline a thumbs-up. “Ready.”
“Um, okay. Uh, go?” Caroline took one photo and then another, and she didn’t stop hitting the button until Emma looked like she had used up every pose she could think of. Caroline knew more than a few shots were outstanding, and it had nothing to do with her photography skills.
Emma jogged back to her and took her phone. “Thanks.” She looked through the photos as the waves crashed around them. “These are perfect, Caroline.”
Caroline felt a sudden rush of bashfulness hit her. “I just hit the button,” she said with her head ducked. “You did all the hard work.”
“Yeah, but if you couldn’t take a decent picture, we’d be here all morning. It’s almost eleven already.”
Caroline picked her head up immediately. “What?” She pulled Emma’s phone toward her and checked the time. “The group meets up in five minutes. We have to go.” Caroline grabbed Emma’s wrist and started to tug her along.
“Or we could skip today.”
“Nice try.”
“Hey.” Emma pulled Caroline back to walk side by side. “I like going to group a lot more than I expected, and, yes, you can rub that in my face all you want, but we’re on this gorgeous beach, and we’re having a good time together.”
“Group is only for an hour. I don’t know much about how the world works, but I’m pretty sure the beach will still be here.”
“Yes, but this mood may not be.”
“We’ll still have a good time later.”
“Speaking of, I have an idea for tonight.”
Caroline ignored Emma. She grabbed a towel from the small cabana by the entrance to the resort. “You’re keeping the bikini on. We don’t have time to change.”
Emma snorted. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
Caroline shot Emma a look that told her just how serious she was. “We were already late once, we can’t be late again.”
“Then you go ahead. I’ll run up to the room for a cover-up and meet you there. I’ll be the only late one.”
“We’re a package deal in group. If you’re late, I’m late.”
“I don’t feel comfortable sitting there in this.”
Caroline looked Emma over again. Even if her body was perfect, Caroline could sympathize with not wanting to be on display. “Fine, but hurry up and don’t ditch me.”
“I won’t.”
She knew she should be heading to group but her curiosity got the best of her. “Wait—what do you have planned for tonight?”
Emma was a vision as she smirked at Caroline over her shoulder. “I don’t have anything planned, I have an idea. You’re going to take me on a date.” She winked and walked away.
In a fog of confusion, Caroline stood still. Surely Emma had a plan beyond that, or at least a reason. Caroline shook off her stupor and continued into the resort. She snuck in just as Maria was getting started.
“I am so sorry. We lost track of time this morning,” Caroline said as she tried to close the door as quietly as possible.
“We already know all about your night,” Cam said. She elbowed Barry lightly.
Caroline didn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea. “We were at the beach. I swear Emma would live there if she could.” She grabbed two chairs and brought them over. “Emma will be here in a few minutes.”
“I was just about to explain that today’s session is all about intimacy.”
Caroline’s jaw dropped. The room filled with excited giggles and whoops.
Maria walked around the room with a basket in hand. “Ladies, I’m going to have you take one of these lipsticks and apply it liberally. The brighter the color, the better.” Maria got to Caroline and shook the basket in front of her.
Caroline pointed to her lips. “I’m already wearing lipstick.”
“But I’ve never seen a mark of it on Emma. I’m guessing it’s a very good brand and smudge-proof?”
Caroline nodded.
“Take one of these cheap tubes. They’re all brand-new.”
Caroline fished through the basket for a color that matched her usual ruby red as closely as possible. The color of the lipstick was the least of her problems, however, considering the next hour was about intimacy. Maybe Emma was right when she proposed skipping.
“I’m so sorry,” Emma said as she swung the door open and ran into the room. The door slammed loudly behind her. “Oh, what are we doing today? Makeovers?” She sat next to Caroline and grabbed the lipstick from her hand. She took off the cap, looked at the color, and grimaced. “Putting makeup on the dudes?”
“No,” Maria said. “Especially not in your case.”
Emma leaned into Caroline. “What is she talking about?”
“Ladies, you’ll be applying a very liberal amount of lipstick, and then you’ll have a seat on your partner’s lap—sideways or facing them, whichever is most comfortable. You’ll have fifteen seconds to leave as many lip marks as possible on their face and neck. The couple with the most lip prints wins drink tokens.”
Caroline looked at Emma, who seemed so relaxed while Caroline was buzzing with panic. She had grown more comfortable with Emma, but covering her face with kisses definitely crossed the line she’d drawn between them and physical temptation, no matter how innocent.
“It may not be your usual color, but start applying, Caroline.” Maria was smirking at her.
Caroline did as she was told. The lipstick smelled cheap and felt heavy and oily as she went round and around on her lips. When she finished, Emma smiled at her and patted her lap. She started to sit on her lap sideways.
“For strategy’s sake, I think you should face me.” Emma shrugged when Caroline gawked at her. “I hate losing.”
Caroline took a deep bre
ath, threw one leg over Emma, and straddled her lap. She shifted a couple of times to spread her weight evenly. Emma rested her hands on her bare thighs, firm and possessive, but respectful. Caroline cleared her throat and willed herself to ignore how good it felt. She looked everywhere but into Emma’s eyes.
“When I say go, start kissing.” Maria’s voice came from behind Caroline.
Needing a boost of courage, Caroline finally looked at Emma, who offered a small but significant nod.
“Go!”
With the fear of losing fueling her, Caroline grabbed Emma’s face and started to pepper her forehead with firm kisses. She kissed her forehead, down to her brow and the bridge of her nose. She continued to her cheeks and jaw. She covered her chin and over below her ear and then down her neck. Caroline was unrelenting. She wouldn’t lose this challenge. Maria started a five-second countdown, and Caroline picked up her pace. She traveled back up and over Emma’s chin, and just as Maria called out to stop, Caroline placed her final kiss just above Emma’s upper lip. Without noticing, Caroline had her eyes shut the entire time, and when she opened them, Emma was looking back at her. Their faces were close enough for their noses to touch.
“Everybody dismount,” Maria said with a small laugh.
Caroline dropped her hands to Emma’s shoulders and was slow to move. She stood on unsteady legs and backed away. Turning to Maria, Caroline focused on the game instead of how it felt to have her legs around Emma’s lithe body and lips against her soft skin.
“You all did very well. But before I announce the winner, I have one question for Caroline.” Maria tapped Caroline’s shoulder and then pointed to Emma. “How did you manage to kiss her everywhere but her lips?”
“Oh.” Caroline laughed along with a few others in the group to buy herself time to come up with a reason. “Emma’s not much of a lipstick person, especially bright colors. That’s why I make sure to spend an extra few bucks on the good smudge-proof stuff. Sharing is not caring in this case.” Caroline was relieved when Cam and Ted laughed.
“Makes sense and you managed to win anyway. You got a quick set of lips on you.” Maria handed Caroline the drink coupons.
Emma leapt out of her chair and wrapped her arms around Caroline. The hug was unexpected, but Caroline sank into it easily. Emma took out her phone and held it in front of them. “Make a kissy face,” she said.
Caroline puckered her lips and looked at their faces on the screen. Emma smiled ridiculously and they both looked happy.
“Take some of these wipes.” Maria walked around with a canister of natural face wipes. “Clean yourselves up. If you walk out of here like that, people will think you’re nuts.”
“I don’t know, I kind of like this look,” Emma said.
“Our next exercise won’t be a competition. Sorry, Emma,” Maria said. Everyone shared a laugh. “This will be just between you and your partner. I want each couple to sit together, facing each other, and hold hands. Lean into one another. I want you to be as close as possible.”
Everyone moved their chairs to face one another, and the couples sat down and held hands. “Very good. Now I’m going to ask you all to list three things and you’ll take turns answering. For example, what are three of your favorite foods? Justin will answer with his three and then Chanel with hers. Got it?” Everyone hummed in agreement. “First, what are three physical traits you love about your partner?”
Caroline’s brain short-circuited. How was she supposed to come up with three things she loved about someone she barely knew?
“Your legs,” Emma said without hesitation or a moment of thought. She looked directly into Caroline’s eyes. “Your lips and your back.”
“My back?”
“Yes. I notice these things.”
Caroline thought about the many parts of Emma she had been taken with. “Your hair, your eyes, and your abs.”
Emma shot her a lopsided grin. “You like my abs?”
“I’m sure most of the people here do,” Caroline said with an eye roll.
Maria moved on. “Name three non-physical traits you love about your partner.”
Caroline watched as Emma turned her hand over and began tracing her palm. “You’re spontaneous.” She tried to control her racing heart. “You’re playful, and you’re very sweet.” She sucked in a sharp breath when Emma kissed her knuckles.
“You’re a critical thinker and surprisingly funny. You’re also very soft, even when you don’t think you are. Which makes it even more special.”
A lump formed in Caroline’s throat.
“Three things you want your partner to know and never forget.”
Caroline opened her mouth, but Emma started speaking first.
“You’re never alone, Caroline. When you need to talk, there’s always someone to listen.” Emma tightened her grip on Caroline’s hands. “Don’t let the people from your past continue to dictate your future.”
Caroline couldn’t fight the tears she felt prickle her eyelids. She swallowed back the emotion. “You may be a little wild, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. You have so much good to give this world, don’t ever stop sharing yourself.” Caroline bit the inside of her cheek to try to control her trembling chin. She looked at their joined hands and focused on Emma tracing her ring finger. “You make living happily and boldly seem possible, even for someone like me.” When Caroline looked up, Emma’s eyes were shining. Caroline couldn’t understand what was happening.
Or maybe she just didn’t want to.
Chapter Eighteen
Caroline sat on the balcony and stared off at the water. The color of the ocean continued to surprise her. Every time she looked, it was a different shade of blue. It was truly a marvel. She’d much rather think about the depth and wonder of the ocean than listen to her voice mail from Travel Wisdom. Ronaldo must’ve called, or his assistant, or another administrator. But why?
Caroline’s anxiety and vivid imagination gave her a multitude of reasons. Ronaldo could’ve found out about the kiss and now wanted her fired for doing the complete opposite of what she was sent there to do. Caroline placed her phone on her lap and reclined on the balcony lounger.
Ronaldo could’ve found out more about why she had left her last position. If he knew she was in an interoffice relationship that blew up into gossip and drama, he’d immediately regret sending her on this assignment. He could be calling to tell her he already booked her return flight because he couldn’t trust her to do her job.
Caroline’s stomach twisted. She had ruined her new job before she even had the chance to prove herself. Worse yet, she knew she was falling for Emma and wasn’t doing nearly enough to stop. And now she had to plan their date. She laughed bitterly. A work date for their job—a job she may no longer have after she calls Ronaldo back.
“May as well make the call before I put effort into planning a date,” she said to herself with a humorless snort. She dialed and prepared herself for the unknown, which may as well be the worst.
“Travel Wisdom. How may I direct your call?” a gruff but pleasant voice said.
“Hi, this is Caroline Beckett, I’m returning Ronaldo’s phone call. Caroline from Public Relations?”
“Oh, yes Miss Beckett, Ronaldo told me to put you right through.”
“That’s not good,” Caroline whispered to herself.
“Excuse me?”
“Nothing. Thank you.” Caroline placed her hand over her face as she listened to wordless hold music for nearly five minutes before Ronaldo picked up.
“Caroline. I’m so glad I was able to get through to you today. Have you been keeping busy?”
Caroline glanced down at the beach where people were playing volleyball. “There’s certainly a lot to do around here.”
“Listen, the reason why I’m calling is to check in on you.”
“On me?”
“Yes, you. I kind of threw you into this, and I just want to make sure I haven’t scared you off. I’m happy to have you with t
he company.”
Caroline was so tense her stomach hurt. She relaxed her rigid posture. “Thank you. I appreciate you saying that.”
“How’s Emma doing? Has she been giving you any trouble?”
Caroline wanted to laugh and cry. Or maybe just cry. “Emma has been…”
On her mind constantly?
Ridiculously sweet?
Making her reconsider celibacy?
“Great. Very professional and open to any suggestions I’ve had.”
Ronaldo let out an audible sigh. “That’s so good to hear. What are some of the things you’ve been up to?”
Caroline raised her brow at the loaded question. “I think it’d be best for you to find out with Emma’s reviews. But we’ve been all over. It’s really a great place.” Caroline could hear Ronaldo speaking to someone in the background.
“That’s great, Caroline. I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you Tuesday.”
Caroline barely got her good-bye out before Ronaldo hung up. The relief gave Caroline a jolt of energy. She was now slightly excited for a date night. But she still had to plan it. She needed to do some research. Caroline jumped up to grab her iPad and plopped back down on the lounger. If Emma wanted a date, she was going to get a date.
* * *
Emma couldn’t concentrate. Not on her camera, the photos, or the lively bodegas she was trying to capture. She had the same problem when she tried to photograph a local fisherman and a large sailboat in the distance. She’d stare for a while, camera in hand, but never actually take a picture. Her mind was in a hundred different places, all to do with Caroline.
Caroline had rushed from the room after group and all but kicked Emma out of her day. She told Emma to focus on her photography. When Emma asked what she was going to do, Caroline said she had a date to plan. Caroline’s voice held no excitement or hint to what she was feeling. Emma was worried. Something had happened with Caroline in group that morning, and Emma wanted to know what.
She checked the time and decided she had been on her own long enough. Caroline would have to deal with her presence or get their date started already. She still had to shower and dress for whatever Caroline might have planned. A display of colorful flowers in a small marketplace caught Emma’s eye. She sifted through the various bouquets in search of one that fit Caroline. Something a little darker, but with a beauty that shined bright.