Attainment

by J H Cardwell

  Holy shit. Did she just say that out loud? I turned to her, mortified.

  “Chloe, shut up." If my eyes could shoot lasers, I would have just annihilated her.

  John just gave a quick squeeze of my hand, and a quick glance as if to say what, that it was okay? Or that we would discuss that later? I wasn’t sure, but I was going to have to talk with Chloe later about her big mouth and how to learn to rein it in. Elle just looked at me with an ‘I’m sorry’ look and gave a little shrug.

  “Come on ladies. Why don’t you take a look around? Guys, let’s go get a drink for them and get the food on.”

  As soon as they left we were giggling like crazy. We were barely able to hold our excitement. How rich John, hell maybe all of them had to be.

  “Reese, if you go acting all goody two shoes and screw this up for us, so help me I will throw you overboard.” Then she jumped up and down clapping her hands together. “This just might very well be the time of our lives.”

  "Are you kidding me Chloe...I could so kill you right now. Please watch what comes out of your mouth...okay?"

  "I'm only trying to help out," she said "you'll be thanking me tomorrow, you wait and see."

  Maybe so…but why did I feel so strange about what was happening. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that we were on a yacht worth, I don’t know, millions? Maybe, because we had just met these guys yesterday for crying out loud. Or, maybe because we really should have let our parents or someone know where we were…just in case. Damn Reese stop being so crazy…Ugh...but I couldn’t seem to ease the knots in my stomach.

  We would have to stay with each other at all times…that I knew for sure.

  Chapter 15

  The ship was absolutely amazing. It had all the bells and whistles: two large bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dining area with a full size stainless steel refrigerator, a wet bar, 3 decks (one just for sunbathing), a captain and a full-time ship attendant. How could anyone have this much money? What was strange and good I guess, is so far John hadn’t acted like he was that wealthy. We were gaping at every little detail, barely able to take it all in; standing over at the railing looking into the dark, black water below…the moon was brightly reflecting off the sea.

  When, all of a sudden I felt hands come up to gently grab my waist. I gave a soft squeal and jumped.

  “John, you scared me to death! I can’t believe all of this is yours.” I said breathless from the fact that I had just about jumped out of my skin, again with him.

  “You okay?” he said chuckling, noticing how my breathing had changed. He smirked up at me with sensual eyes…seemingly aroused by my breathiness. Good grief, I thought.

  “Yeah sure, just a little jumpy I guess.”

  “No need to worry Reese, I won’t bite,” he said as he gave me a little wink.

  John was just so dang gorgeous. His teeth were bright white and perfectly straight, accentuated by the tan color of his skin. You could tell he had been very well groomed through-out his younger years. And his blue eyes were simply piercing.

  “Hey,” he said gently turning me towards him (I sheepishly looked around for all of my friends who were still gazing over the railing). “I know I’ve already told you, but you look absolutely amazing. I can’t get over how beautiful you are. There is something about you Reese. I can’t quite put my finger on it…an innocence maybe? I’m not sure.”

  Innocence? Oh God, I wish that were the case. Unfortunately it was taken from me a while ago. I looked down at my feet and silently shifted a little from side to side.

  He softly lifted my chin so my eyes would be looking directly in his.

  “Reese, I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable, but I’m looking forward to getting to know you a little better.”

  I looked around again at my friends who were now talking to the other guys. At least everyone was present and accounted for I thought. This is usually Maura’s job, to keep things organized like a mother hen, but when it came to guys, I couldn’t be cautious enough.

  He gently pulled my eyes back to him. I enjoyed looking at him, that was for sure.

  “John, I think it would be nice to spend some time together, all of us…”

  “But?…” he said feeling like I maybe had something coming behind that.

  “But, I really am not looking for a relationship of any kind right now. Not to mention I am only here for a little while at the beach, then it’s back to reality.”

  “Listen Reese, all I’m asking for is some time to get to know you a little better…who knows, we could be pen pals after this,” he said chuckling.

  I chuckled too, “that would be cute…us expecting a letter from each other, snail mail weekly.”

  John got serious all of a sudden. “Reese, who are Tate and Carter?”

  I sighed a little, shifting my gaze around. “I can’t believe you remember their names after one comment from Chloe.”

  “I don’t think I will quickly forget anything that has to do with you,” he said.

  That was sweet, and a little forward, but it helped me open up a little.

  “Well, Tate was my boyfriend of nearly a year until a little over two weeks ago, and Carter was my boyfriend for six months before Tate.”

  “Oh, so you have had some pretty serious relationships,” he said keeping his eyes on mine. “How could I think any different, I’m sure guys have been lined up for a chance at your attention.”

  “Hmmm…let’s just say I’m used to guys letting me down.” I can’t believe I was even talking about Tate and Carter with him. “John, I came here to get away from all of that, so can we not talk about them anymore, please?”

  “Of course Reese…I just feel like I need to go kick their ass or something for letting you down. I just hope you don’t think all guys are like that.”

  “No offense John, but yeah, I actually do think all guys are like that.” I winced and John put his hand over his heart like he had just been shot. I let out a soft laugh. “I’m sorry but it’s true. That’s why I’m not the best girl for you to be wasting your time on. I’m sure there are lots of other girls dying for you to be taking them on a tour of your yacht.” I silently wondered how often that actually happened for him.

  Like he could read my mind he said “well, I don’t typically bring girls up here. Yeah, the guys always want to, but I’m a pretty private person Reese.”

  “Is that so? Well shyness is certainly not a virtue of yours now is it?” I motioned to his hands still placed around my waist. I realized I was leaning back a bit from his face feeling a little too close for comfort.

  He dropped his hands and stepped in a bit towards me. I was suddenly flushed, I could feel the heat rising up my neck.

  “Would you mind if I gave you a kiss Reese? I mean being this close to you with the setting of the boat swaying and moonlight on the water. Me standing this close to a beautiful girl seems like it belongs in a movie.”

  “Oh my, that must be a line you’ve used a time or two, you have it down pat…and I hate to tell you but this is not a movie John.”

  “Oh, I beg to differ Reese. I haven’t EVER used those words on a girl before, and I think we would make a great movie.” He laughed when he saw my eyes get big. “You know what I mean, a romance or chick flick?” He quickly recovered.

  He got serious again and whispered near my face.

  “And you didn’t answer my question Reese, can I please kiss you?”

  I stared at him for a moment, evidently a little too long because he leaned in slowly, his fingers gently holding my chin up a little…oh my, is this really happening? Then with the softest lips, he touched his to mine. Mine instinctively parted a little, which made him give out a slow breath, sending chills down my back. His body was almost leaning on mine.

  The kiss felt like it lasted for minutes, but he swiftly pulled back. My eyes stayed closed for a few beats longer…my heart racing.

  “Now that was made for movies,” he said.

  My eyes
were blinking but I still hadn’t moved.

  Before he could say anything else, Elle cleared her throat and casually walked up to us.

  “Hey guys,” she eyed me almost wickedly “we’re getting hungry around here.”

  John smiled at me, that gorgeous smile, “Absolutely, dinner, coming right up.” He held my eyes a beat longer, then he jogged to the dining area, like he had a new burst of energy. We could smell food grilling. Music was playing around the ship on outdoor and indoor speakers. Jason Mraz’s voice belting out his smooth lyrics.

  Elle had my drink in her hand. Handing it to me she said “I saw the attendant open a new bottle of vodka and poor it in, with a real splash of lime, cranberries and a new bottle of tonic water. You are good to go Reese.”

  “Thanks Elle.” She watched as I poured it into the pink water bottle I had set down earlier. It was transparent, so I could tell nothing was in it before I put my own drink in it. You never could be too careful.

  "What was that kiss Reese? I mean that was kind of quick don't you think? I felt a need to interrupt. He is ridiculously handsome and rich, but his body was all but smashing up against yours."

  I wanted to tell her how he said it was because I was so beautiful, but even I knew how lame that sounded.

  "I know Elle. I'm glad you came over when you did. I’m a little weak right now I guess." I told her about the text I had gotten from Carter, and what my mom had said.

  “Oh Reese, I can see why you want to show you can have fun too, just be careful, not only physically, but also with your feelings.” She threw her arm over my shoulders.

  “You’re right. Hey, let’s all make sure we keep on top of things tonight. I just have a strange feeling about being on this boat.”

  Chapter 16

  We were having a really great time. Dinner was delicious. The guys seemed extra proud we were enjoying their catch of the day. The night air was amazing. Us girls were dancing on the deck, giggling and just being happy to be together. We were drinking a little of course, except for Elle. She was still having a good time though. You could tell because she was grinning and out of breath from dancing.

  I was actually feeling really relaxed, and ambitious to show off a few dance moves (which without a little alcohol, would not be happening in front of them),...when John came up behind me and starting moving with me.

  At first my body’s reaction was to stiffen up and slow down, but when I looked back at his face, he seemed to have a cute, innocent, fun-loving expression. I couldn’t help but to turn around and chuckle at him.

  “What? I have a few moves myself,” he said as he crossed his feet and quickly did a turn then bowed. We both laughed out loud.

  “That kind of looked like a Michael Jackson move, not a John Rider one,” I said. But, just by the way he was moving, I could tell he had rhythm.

  Then a slow song came on and he sweetly held out his hand and asked me to dance. I of course said I would oblige him. He gently took me into a close embrace as we ever so lightly swayed.

  “I have enjoyed you being here this evening Reese. I don’t want to scare you off, but I was watching you dance earlier, I can’t seem to take my eyes off of you tonight.”

  “Well then, that is a problem, considering we’ve been here for over four hours. You must need to at least rest your eyes by now.”

  “Ha, ha…I could go all night and tomorrow, and not need to rest from looking at you,” he whispered.

  I was keeping a check on all the girls around the deck, making sure everyone was okay. John, however, was being very distracting. I couldn’t locate Chloe until my eyes swept the other end of the boat. She was talking with Brett, their heads together. I was hoping she was watching how much she had to drink, and was keeping her head on straight. As I brought my eyes back to where they were, they stopped halfway when I spotted Sam. He was staring at me with a dark look on his face. Worried he had caught me looking, I quickly reverted my eyes back to John. For some reason, I felt like Sam had been staring at me more than once like that tonight.

  “So, how long have you known all of your friends John? Did y’all meet in college?”

  “Harrison and Sam grew up with me in Charlotte. But, I didn’t meet Brett and Kerry until college. So I guess you could say we’ve been close friends for a while now.”

  “Do their families come from money too?” I cringed, I didn’t mean for it to come out like that. “I mean do they have mega companies as well?”

  He chuckled “actually, Sam’s Dad and my Dad are sort of partners. So, I guess you could say he does in a sense, but Harrison’s parents are in medicine, Brett’s dad is a stock broker, and Kerry’s dad is a lawyer.”

  “Oh really? Tate, I mean my ex-boyfriends’ parents are lawyers.”

  John sighed a little. "So, now I get to hear about the infamous Tate. What is your story with him Reese…if you don’t mind me asking?”

  I actually did mind him asking, but I was feeling so relaxed, I was more willing to answer. “We dated and now we don’t…the truth is, I was in love with him, and he, he wasn’t who I thought he was.”

  “Oh…and you’re not going to elaborate are you?” John asked. I shook my head and bit my lower lip. “And Carter, are you still in love with him?”

  “Wow, you are not embarrassed to ask the tough questions right off are you?" I said feeling a little exposed. "Well, I thought I had been in love with him, but regret is what I mostly feel now. Regret, because he broke my heart and I didn’t get over him quick enough, I guess. I was still hanging on a bit even while I was dating Tate. But I didn’t realize it then. Oh my, I have no idea why I just told you all of that John. I mean that is SO unlike me. I don’t know what came,”

  Before I could finish, I felt his soft lips swiftly cover mine. This time his tongue quickly followed, touching gingerly to mine, then with more force. He took a sharp intake of breath, as did I, and we were kissing. His right hand that had been around my waist slowly started moving up my left arm, and then back down again, like he was caressing me. It really did start to affect me, and I let a little moan slip from my lips. Oh shit, I was really starting to get light-headed. We moved slowly over to the side rail. He would pull his lips from mine and look at me, then gingerly place them back on me. Then he started trailing kisses down my neck. Oh my God, I thought. I shouldn’t be doing this, but oh it feels so good. Then he pulled his lips back to mine, somehow even more sensual than before. I could feel my body responding all over, tingling and getting heated.

  I ever so slowly pushed him back, his lips were the last thing to disconnect from me. “John,” I said completely out of breath. “Let's not get carried away. I think we have had too much to drink, especially after such a long day.” Wow, if John was really this sweet and sensual, I wondered how fast I would fall for him. That thought alone was freaking me out. Surely, his true colors would show soon. He was too good to be true. I was NOT going to be hurt by a man again.

  I stepped back a little and slowly looked around the room trying to regain my composure. I saw Elle and Maura, they were both still dancing. But, Chloe was nowhere to be seen. “I actually need to use the rest room. I’m definitely not use to having vodka tonics.” I gave a somewhat uncomfortable chuckle.

  “By all means Reese, do you remember where it is? Last door on the left down these stairs. I’ll go up a deck and check out the snacks we have. It’s been a while since you ate. If you’re not used to drinking this much, we better get some food on your stomach. I can’t have you getting sick. I mean, I was hoping we could hang out on the beach again tomorrow. But, I’m sure you wouldn’t want to if you’re feeling like crap,” he laughed a little, reaching up and caressing my face.

  I smiled...feeling very happy about my emotions at the moment. I tiptoed down the stairs unsure of where the others were. Not seeing anyone, I walked towards the bathroom, but before I could get to the door, I felt rough hands grab my arm and pull me into one of the bedrooms.

  I was slammed ag
ainst the wall and a hand thrown over my mouth. It was Sam! What was he doing? I tried to holler his name through his hand, but the sound was muffled. His eyes were still dark, but his pupils were severely dilated. He looked evil…even un-human like.

  “You’ve been teasing me all night Reese. I see you looking at me. You want me, don’t you Reese, Huh?” He shoved his body against mine his hand still over my mouth. My eyes wide and worried. I froze at first, then I tried to fight him off with my hands. He quickly grabbed both of my hands and threw them against the wall above my head, holding them there.

  "Don’t scream Reese, or I might just have to break your neck." He laughed. "Besides the guys already know what’s happening down here," he said.

  Please God, tell me they didn't know he would do this, is all I could think.