by catjohnson
GILLIAN’S ISLAND
By Cat Johnson
A beautiful bride, a handsome groom, and a private cruise. What could possibly go wrong? How about a hurricane, one stranded yacht, a few useless, scantily clad bridesmaids and an equal number of horny groomsmen?
In the midst of it all, maid of honor Gillian Marlboro wonders if Jamie Foster could be not only the groom’s best man, but also the man for her. Would the universe be so cruel as to hand her the perfect man and then let them both perish on an island that provides no fresh water and only Mother Nature’s aphrodisiacs for sustenance?
The eBook has been previously released. It has been reedited and revised from the original version.
Dedication
To Chris, my idea man, Whitney, my boatman and Amy, the aphrodisiac queen.
Copyright © 2011 Cat Johnson
Cover Art by Natalie Winters
License Statement
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this eBook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
http://www.catjohnson.net
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
About the Author
Chapter One
Gillian Marlboro stared at the reflection of the angelic blond dressed in ethereal white. Was that really her sister Julie with the busting-out-all-over bosom spilling out of the neckline?
The lips on the woman in the bridal-shop mirror moved and it sounded like Julie so Gillian figured it must be her, newfound cleavage and all. Wow. That was some amazing dress. Worth every penny of the outrageous price tag.
“It’s perfect.” Julie gazed at herself, then spun to Gillian. “Isn’t it?”
“Mmm, hmm. You look beautiful.” Gillian glanced at her own reflection and winced. Puke…um, sage green wasn’t really her color. All it managed to do was cast a green glow onto her own blond hair. Not to mention the strapless neckline and drop waist did nothing for her flat chested, big hipped figure either. And don’t even get her started on the giant bow making her ass look like the Titanic.
Julie, on the other hand, looked just as a bride should. Like Cinderella in a pristine white gown that cinched in her tiny waist and flared out in a bell to the floor.
Gillian sighed. One day it would be her turn and she’d get to be a fairytale princess while Julie waited on her hand and foot. Until then, she rallied her maid of honor enthusiasm and turned to the seamstress. “Thank you so much for getting the dresses done ahead of schedule. I’m so sorry you had to rush. None of us had any idea about this surprise trip.”
In fact, if the groom had consulted Julie or Gillian before he made the plans for a spur of the moment getaway during the busiest week of all their lives, they would have talked him out of it.
The seamstress stood behind Julie, unfastening the dozens of buttons down her back. “Don’t apologize. I’m glad I could do it. Not every bride is lucky enough to be whisked away by her groom for a relaxing, romantic pre-wedding cruise.”
Relaxed and romantic? Those were not exactly the words Gillian would have used to describe what she felt about the entire wedding party being dragged on this trip. Hectic, harried and impossibly busy came to mind, but she wasn’t the bride. Julie was over the moon with happiness. That was all that mattered.
Finally, the seamstress turned to Gillian. “Let me undo the back so you can get out of this.”
“Thanks.” Panic set in as she thought about the ton of things she had yet to do.
When Gillian was finally released from the bondage of the dress that would have put Scarlett’s corset to shame, she drew in a deep breath and started mentally mapping out her route while she gratefully threw on jeans and a T-shirt inside one of the dressing rooms.
She called out her plan through the particleboard walls. “Jules, I’ll pick up our shoes while you and Rob meet with the minister at the church.”
“Ugh. My cell phone battery’s dead. Can you call and remind him about that?” Her sister’s voice came from inside the next cubicle.
How could Julie forget to charge her phone? Gillian stifled the lecture she was tempted to give her sister about her forgetfulness. Instead, she whipped out her cell, hit the preprogrammed button for Rob’s work number, and listened to the phone ringing. She was thinking how lucky Julie was to have a maid of honor with obsessive-compulsive disorder when Rob answered his office phone with a very official sounding, “Hello.”
“Hey, Rob. It’s Gillian.”
“Gilly. Hi.” His tone immediately switched from financial consultant to future brother-in-law. “You excited? One more day and it’s nothing but fun in the sun.”
Fun in the sun? She’d settle for one good night of sleep instead of waking up to the to-do list in her head. He really had no idea the amount of stress this spontaneous trip was causing her. Utterly baffled at how clueless men could be when it came to things like the amount of preparation a wedding took, Gillian shook her head. “Yup. Couldn’t be more excited if I tried. Listen, don’t forget you’re meeting Julie at the church to see the minister this afternoon.”
The sound of Rob shuffling papers came through the phone. “I’ve got a ton of shit to get done at work before we leave, but no worries. I’ll be there. I have to get out of here by then anyway. The guys are flying in late today and I’m picking them up at the airport. I thought we’d go out for drinks to catch up tonight. You’ll come, won’t you? All shots are only a dollar tonight at the bar near my apartment.”
Gillian hadn’t done a shot since college. Besides being a little old for that kind of stuff, she definitely wasn’t going to get drunk the night before going out on the ocean. She had no idea if she’d be seasick, but she definitely was not going to be hung over.
“Thanks for the invite, but I haven’t packed yet.”
“You haven’t? Jeez. You’d better get that done. We leave bright and early tomorrow.”
Gillian swallowed her defensiveness. Unlike Julie, Gillian had never been late in her life. “I’ll be there on time, Rob. Don’t worry.”
“I know. Jules and I can always count on you, Gilly. You do what you need to tonight. There’ll be tons of time for you to get to know my friends on the boat. Look, I gotta get to a meeting now. See you tomorrow and don’t forget to pack your bikini.”
That suggestion didn’t even deserve an answer. “Good bye, Rob.”
She shook her head as she disconnected the call. A bikini. As if that was going to happen. No way was she wearing a bikini while on the same boat as Julie’s part-time model bridesmaids, both of whom, by the way, had been noticeably absent during most of the wedding duties. Gillian managed to grit her teeth and not blow up in anger when they routinely sashayed in just in time for the fun events after she’d done all the prep work.
Julie emerged from the dressing room wearing a fresh coat of lipstick and the adorable dress she’d worn into the shop and Gillian once again felt underdressed. “All set?”
“Yup.” Gillian consulted her watch. “Rob is finishing up at work, but he’ll meet you later at the church. In the meantime, you have an appointment for a manicure, pedicure and bikini wax in fifteen minutes. If you sign a blank check for me, I’ll run it over to the catering hall after
I get our shoes while you’re getting your nails done.”
Julie’s gratitude-filled smile made Gillian’s stress-induced heart palpitations all seem worth it. “Thank you, Gilly. You’re the best sister ever.”
Gillian rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Just remember that when it’s my turn and I’m the bride.”
Her sister grinned. “That may be sooner than you think.”
“Oh really? Are you giving me a Grow Your Own Groom kit as a gift?”
“No. Hopefully he’s already grown, so no tending required.”
Smelling an obnoxiously obvious matchmaking scheme, Gillian narrowed her eyes. “Julie, what are you up to?”
“Nothing.” Playing innocent was not Julie’s best trick, in spite of years of acting classes in college.
Gillian planted her hands on her hips. “You swore after the last disaster when you fixed me up with that idiot Rob works with you’d stop. No more interfering in my love life.” Or lack thereof.
“It’s not a fix up if two single attractive people happen to be in the same wedding party and decide they like each other. How is that interfering?”
Suddenly Rob’s parting words careened into Gillian’s brain. Don’t forget to pack your bikini.
Add to that the invitation to go out drinking with the guys tonight and the entire situation smelled pretty rotten.
Realization hit Gillian like a hammer blow to the skull, followed closely by dread. “Oh, no. Please tell me Rob didn’t plan this entire cruise just so I’d be forced to spend time with one of his groomsmen.”
“Of course not, silly.” Julie very suspiciously avoided making eye contact.
Gillian let out a huff, not believing her. She certainly hoped this was not a fix up because unlike her sister, she’d be going on that yacht sans pedicure or bikini wax, and if she didn’t get home to do laundry and pack, without clean clothes too.
She sighed. There were bigger battles to fight today, such as her ever-growing to-do list. “We both better get going.”
“You’re right.” Julie turned for the door, about to leave.
“Um, Jules. I need a check.”
“Right.” Julie plopped down into a nearby chair and rummaged for the checkbook in her purse. Her perfectly trimmed and highlighted hair bobbed as she shook her head. “See how I’d forget my own head if you didn’t remind me?”
“Exactly. Which is why you shouldn’t be trying to fix me up. How can I take care of you if I’m busy tending to a husband?” Gillian realized her own hair could use a trim, but that wasn’t happening before tomorrow. Maybe she could squeeze it in the day before the wedding. She’d have to call and make an appointment before they left on the cruise.
“I’m willing to bet you could do both.” Her sister smiled wider.
“Gee, thanks for the confidence.” Gillian scowled, suspecting even more strongly her “fix Gilly up with a man” theory was correct.
“I love you, Gilly.”
How could she be angry in the face of all that sweetness? She dragged in a big breath. “I love you too, Jules.”
Gillian had barely said goodbye to her sister outside the bridal shop when her cell phone rang. She grabbed it but didn’t recognize the out of town number on the caller ID.
“Hello?”
“Gillian?”
“Yes.”
“This is Jamie Foster, the best man.”
“Oh, hi.” Her brain quickly pictured the name and information on her list of Rob’s wedding contacts. James Foster. Chicago, Illinois. Fraternity brother. Best man. Though somehow his even, cultured voice didn’t fit what she had imagined Rob’s college frat-boy friends would sound like. That was actually a relief.
“I called to apologize. I got your email two days ago asking me to RSVP to the brunch the morning after the wedding. I’ve been meaning to get back to you, really, but work has been so busy and trying to get everything ready so I could leave… Anyway, yes I will be attending. I thought I’d better call instead of email in case you don’t have time to check your inbox with all the wedding duties I’m sure you have on your plate.”
Finally, a man who understood what planning a wedding entailed. Gillian had begun to doubt such a man existed. “Thank you. That’s very thoughtful and please don’t apologize. You’re the only one of the groomsmen who bothered to RSVP at all.”
“What? Brandon and Reilly didn’t get back to you? That’s nuts. You’re obviously going to have to give the hotel a headcount for brunch.”
“Exactly, but I guess some people don’t think that way.”
“Well, I certainly do.” He drew in an audible breath. “Anyway, again I apologize for both my tardy reply and for the rudeness of my friends.”
A man who wasn’t afraid to apologize. Another rarity. She smiled. “Apology accepted. Thank you, and I look forward to meeting you tomorrow.”
“And I you. See you then.”
“See you then.” With that promise of at least one civilized person on the boat other than herself, Julie and Rob, Gillian disconnected a bit more hopeful.
Chapter Two
Tapping his foot, Jamie Foster watched the baggage circling on the conveyer belt while trying not to be annoyed it was taking so long. Finally, the bag containing his best man’s tuxedo and clothing for a week came into view. He grabbed it and glanced at his watch, plotting his course as he strode through the sliding doors and toward the row of taxis parked along the curb.
The cab driver turned in the driver’s seat once the suitcase had been stowed in the trunk and Jamie was settled safely in the back. “Where to?”
He’d had to fly in this morning rather than last night like the rest of the guys in the wedding party when his flight had been canceled. He was cutting it close with this flight, but it was the first one the airline had been able to get him on this morning. He definitely didn’t have time to meet the guys at Rob’s apartment. He’d have to go directly to the dock.
“San Diego pier.” The tux would have to go with him on the yacht. There was no choice in the matter.
The driver floored it, the G-force pressing Jamie back into the seat. All right, maybe they would make it in time. Scenery whizzed by as the cab bobbed and weaved, avoiding other cars while Jamie held his breath.
Thanks to the light traffic and the cab driver’s fondness for speed, the trip took less time than he had calculated.
Since he was the type who was unable to relax until he saw his final destination, Jamie checked his watch again and finally breathed freely. He’d made it. In fact, the timing ended up being perfect, which made his day after the hellish night he’d spent worrying he wouldn’t make it.
Just as the taxi drove away leaving Jamie and his luggage in front of what he assumed was the yacht they’d be boarding, according to the slip number Rob had given him, Rob’s car came into view. Rob parked and he, Brandon and Reilly piled out. The three were dressed in matching polo shirts and khaki shorts with canvas deck shoes and looked exactly like they should for a trip at sea.
Jamie glanced down at his own pleated long pants, leather shoes, and white long-sleeved, buttoned-down shirt. That morning he’d thought he’d dressed down by not wearing his usual tie. Apparently, his idea of casual and theirs was different. He’d have to change when he got onboard.
“Jamie. Glad you made it, man. I was worried.” Rob shook his right hand while hugging him with his left.
“I was a little worried myself.” Jamie pulled back and observed Rob’s dark sunglasses and disheveled hair, not to mention the stench of alcohol he smelled still coming out of his pores as they hugged. Glancing at the other two guys, he noted they looked just as worse for wear. “Tough night last night?”
“We had a lot of celebrating to do.” Rob grinned. “Listen, I’ve got a few things to take care of onboard. You and the guys get caught up.”
Jamie nodded, wishing Rob had invited him onboard rather than leave him there with Brandon and Reilly, who were obnoxious enough sober. When they dra
nk, they were even worse and he’d bet they were most likely still drunk from last night. It was like college all over again.
“James. Good to see you.” Reilly nodded to him from behind dark sunglasses.
“Reilly. You two look like you had fun last night.”
“Yeah, our celebrating took until closing time.” Reilly slapped Jamie on the back. “Sorry you missed it, man.”
“Yeah, me too.” Good thing drunks couldn’t distinguish sarcasm.
“James, I have one thing to say to you. Late comers get last picks of the bridesmaids.” Brandon extended his hand to shake.
These guys had two things on their mind when they got together—women and booze. Jamie grasped his hand without much enthusiasm. “Brandon. You haven’t changed one bit.”
Brandon grinned, as if that had been a compliment.
“Wait until you see the bridesmaids, James. Julie brought two of them with her to dinner last night. They’re actresses or models or something.” Reilly let out a whistle. “They were hot and hotter. Yet, in spite of the superb offerings, Brandon still refuses to tell me which one he wants.”
Interesting how they didn’t think the women in question would have any say in the matter, but the two had always had an overabundance of both confidence and testosterone.
“I’m reserving my choice until I see the maid of honor. If she looks anything like Julie, then I want her. You guys can fight over the other two.”
As if Jamie would ever fight them over a girl, or win said girl in a fight. Nerds didn’t win women from jocks. It’s just the way the universe was organized. He’d come to terms with that reality years ago. Long before fate had thrown him into a dorm room with three studs, one of whom amazingly, had grown to be his best friend. Rob was the only one who could have convinced him to pledge the fraternity with them and not regret doing it later.
Reilly shrugged. “It doesn’t matter which one I get. They’ve both got great tits. One’s a blond and one’s a brunette. Now personally, I only like my blonds if the carpet matches the drapes. Since that has yet to be determined, I’m leaning toward the brunette myself. You okay with that, James buddy?”