Love on Beach Avenue

by Probst, Jennifer

  Pierce raised his hand and ordered three beers. “What disaster befell you today, my friend?” he asked.

  “I got harassed by the MOH at a bridal luncheon. She had too much champagne punch and tried to drag me in the bathroom to get laid.”

  Carter let out a short laugh. “Does that happen often?”

  Gabe gave him a sour look. “Yep. Sometimes it’s unfortunate. I’m not interested in hookups with clients. Plus, my body is sacred. She kept pinching my ass.”

  Pierce cleared his throat, and Carter could tell the man was trying really hard to look sympathetic. “That sucks, man. What’d you do?”

  “My usual bit. Made excuses, avoided her, and flirted with Tony to make her think I’m gay.”

  “Who’s Tony?” Carter asked.

  “The waiter at Mad Batter. He’s gay and has a crush on Gabe, so he probably didn’t mind,” Pierce explained.

  Gabe snatched his drink the moment it was set down in front of him and guzzled a quarter of the beer. He let out a sigh. “I’m tired of being treated like the community stripper by some of these clients. I’m up for this promotion, and I don’t want anything to screw it up.”

  Carter frowned. “Why don’t you just tell Avery? She’ll understand and help you work it out.”

  He shook his head. “No, I want to deal with this on my own. I need to learn how to handle the handsy clients, so this was a good test. I’m just fucking tired of it.”

  The amusement faded as Carter looked at his new friend. Society still had a hard time deeming men who got hit on as a problem, figuring they’d be happy to bang anyone or anything. But for Gabe in a professional environment, it must be hard to consistently convince so many women that he followed a strict code of conduct and took his job seriously. “I’m sorry, man. Beer’s on me tonight.”

  “Cool, thanks.” He settled, seeming to shake off his bad mood, and grinned. “So tell me what’s going on, my dudes. Carter, you have your sister’s bachelorette party this weekend, right?”

  “Yep. I’m in charge of five wild women let loose in AC. Should be fun.”

  “How are you and Avery doing?” Gabe asked curiously.

  Pierce narrowed his gaze. “Wait. You guys are together?”

  He hesitated, not sure how much to say, especially since both men were close to the sisters. “No. Well, kind of. I’m crazy about her, but I’m only here for the summer. I’d like to spend more time with her and figure it out.”

  Pierce nodded. “Sounds like a plan. Avery works so hard and could use some fun. God knows she hasn’t even dated anyone in the past year.”

  “She’s definitely into you,” Gabe said. “And you helping out at the Bankses’ wedding? That was huge. It’s obvious how much you respect what she does, and that means a lot to her.”

  “I just don’t want to hurt her.” Frustration laced his voice. “She’s looking for a happy ending, and I can’t promise her that right now.”

  “No one can promise that,” Pierce said.

  “Just be honest with her, but don’t give up. I think you’ll be good for her.”

  Satisfaction flowed through him. Knowing these two men approved of him pursuing Avery made him even more determined to try harder. Maybe it was time he pushed himself to give more than he thought he could. Avery was worth it. And after their shared kiss on the boardwalk, the need for her was eating him up like a virus, keeping him from sleep. He thought of her constantly. Could he really manage to walk away? Maybe a long-distance relationship was a possibility.

  The bartender refilled their beers, and they ordered nachos to pick on. “You and Taylor seem really happy,” Carter mentioned in between bites. “How long have you been dating?”

  Pierce began to choke, and Gabe pounded on his back until he caught his breath. “We’re not a couple. We’ve been friends forever.”

  Puzzlement made him cock his head. “Really? You seem so in tune with each other.”

  Gabe threw his head back and laughed. “Told ya.”

  Pierce glared at him.

  Gabe turned to Carter and explained. “Every time they’re together, he gets these moony eyes but swears there’s nothing going on.” He shot Pierce a knowing look. “I don’t know how you can stand being just friends with a woman you’re hot for.”

  Pierce jabbed a finger in the air. “You do it every day, man. How’s that working for you?”

  Gabe snapped his mouth shut and looked pissed.

  Carter glanced back and forth between the two, sensing a challenge sizzling in the air. “Okay, what am I missing?”

  “Nothing,” they both said.

  “Talk about feeling like the third wheel,” he muttered, taking another sip of beer.

  Pierce groaned. “Sorry, man. Let’s just say I’m not willing to mess up the best friendship I ever had with sex. It’s not worth it. As for Gabe, he’s got his own issues working with a woman who doesn’t seem to notice him.”

  Carter remembered the words he’d uttered in the tuxedo place. Something about being hot for a woman who didn’t know he was alive. And if it wasn’t Avery or Taylor . . .

  “Ah, crap, you’re in love with Bella?” he asked.

  Gabe shrugged it off. “Nah, just got a soft spot for her. But she’s got zero attraction for me. Thought I was gay for the entire first year I worked there.”

  Carter flicked a glance at the group of women currently eyeing Gabe with obvious interest. “I’m sure you have a lot of women to distract you,” he said. “Avery said you were named most eligible beach bachelor.”

  Gabe rubbed his head while Pierce burst into laughter. “So fucking embarrassing,” he muttered.

  “Seems like all three of us have some challenges in our love life,” Carter said. He raised his glass in mock salute, and they followed. “Here’s to having each other’s back. To friendship. And the future.”

  They clinked glasses, ate nachos, and proceeded to get a little bit drunk.

  He’d forgotten how nice it was to have a night out with the guys. He remembered that empty feeling back in DC—the stirring in his gut that told him he wanted more in his life. Funny, he’d had to travel all the way to Cape May to find all the things he’d been searching for: friends and a woman who made his heart light up. He was actually more than content.

  For the first time in a very long while, he was happy.

  “Are we ready to party?”

  Carter tamped down a grin as he watched the group of women clink their champagne glasses together and let out a whoop. The past week had passed by in a rush. Ally had flown in for her big weekend, bringing her three bridesmaids, who were all pumped for Atlantic City. Jason would be in Cape May on Wednesday with his family to help with any last-minute details and settle in, and then the wedding festivities officially kicked off on Friday with the rehearsal dinner.

  He’d only communicated with Avery by text, trying to give her what she asked for—distance. He didn’t want to push or upset her the week before his sister’s wedding. Still, the moment she’d gotten into the limo and slid next to him on the cushioned leather seat, his body knotted so tight, Houdini himself couldn’t untie it.

  The snug, short black skirt she was wearing almost dropped him to his knees. The royal-blue top dipped to a low V in the front, the clingy fabric emphasizing the lush thrust of her breasts and skimming around her curvy hips. She’d worn her hair down, so the wild curls fell over her shoulders with abandon, practically daring him to wrap his fist in the silky strands and tug her head back. She’d gone with red lips. Her eyes had some type of smoke effect, and when she turned to gaze at him, the hazel depths shattered the last of his fragile defenses. In minutes, he’d have done or promised anything just for permission to touch her.

  Instead, he’d forced a smile and thought of nuns with puppies to keep his erection under control. Dear God, this was going to be a long weekend.

  “Carter, what are you drinking? You better drink up—you’re part of this bridal party, too,” Ally said, her
voice already a bit pitched from the shots done in the car. But her face glowed with an excited animation that confirmed he’d planned the right trip. She was wearing a black cocktail dress and high heels and had a tiara perched on her head. She’d refused to wear banners or signs saying “Bride to Be,” and he’d agreed with her decision. There was a line between having fun and being tacky.

  He threw up his hands. “I’m drinking. Just not champagne. I need my masculine whiskey.”

  The women laughed. Judith patted his arm with affection. She was his sister’s colleague and a professor of medieval history. Her long blonde hair was caught up in an elaborate twist, and she wore a glittery silver top like a disco ball that blinded him every time he looked at her. “I may join you. I like those Moscow mules. You think they have them here?”

  “I’m sure they do. Ready to hit the casino for a bit, ladies?”

  Another whoop and he guided them into the heart of the Borgata. Multiple tables of craps, roulette, and blackjack were set up amid blaring and pinging slot machines in full diversity. From The Walking Dead, Superman, Sex and the City, and Wheel of Fortune, the choices were endless in ways to lose money. Most of them were more interested in the slots than the tables, so he figured he’d let everyone roam and herd them before their dinner reservations at Bobby Flay’s.

  Ally took off, arms hooked with Judith and Jason’s sister, Maddie, giggling like a schoolgirl. Noelle was another close friend Ally had met in Texas, who was proudly single and began chatting up a guy sitting at the Family Guy slot machine. With her red hair and bright-red dress, she was the one who’d begged for strippers.

  Yep. He’d need to keep a close eye on her.

  “Do you need any help checking reservations?”

  Heart battering his chest, he turned at the silky voice he heard every night in his dreams. Head tilted, Avery regarded him with wary fascination, as if she were trying to figure something out that remained a puzzle.

  Figure it out.

  Her words echoed in his head like a constant chant. But he’d sworn not to do anything this weekend to push or make her uncomfortable. He’d concentrate on giving his sister the best party weekend, and deal with the rest later.

  “You’re off the clock, remember?” he said, shaking his head. “No wedding planner. You’re Ally’s best friend and need to cut loose. I’ve got it under control.”

  Those teeth reached and nibbled on her defined lower lip. His dick wept. “Honestly, it’s no trouble if something goes awry. I can help. Oh, and make sure the chef knows to present the seafood tower with the special light display—it really makes the presentation pop. Were you able to secure the private booth at Premier? VIP service is great, but I find confirming in case of miscommunication is helpful and—”

  “Avery.” He rested his hands on her shoulders, and she stopped. “I have it covered. I promise.”

  She let out a breath.

  He released her shoulders, his palms itching to slide under the lace and touch bare skin.

  “Sorry.” She shifted her weight, as if not ready to leave yet. “I forgot to ask you: Who’s watching Lucy?”

  “Gabe.”

  She stared at him in shock. “My Gabe?”

  His voice was a low growl of sound. “I hope he’s not your Gabe. I hope he’s our good buddy Gabe.”

  Her lips twitched at his obvious jealousy.

  He wondered why this woman caused him to revert to a primitive caveman.

  “I just didn’t realize you two had gotten so close over one tux appointment,” she said.

  He shrugged. “We had a beer and nachos. He likes my dog. I think that’s good enough for a decent friendship, don’t you?”

  She laughed, and the sound pumped the room with joy.

  The words popped out of his mouth before he could stop them. “God, I love your laugh. It makes me feel so . . .” He trailed off. No need to embarrass himself further.

  She stepped closer and tilted her head. Those hazel eyes urged him on. “So what?”

  He locked his gaze with hers and told the truth. “Alive.”

  Her lips parted, and he almost reached for her, but the sudden shout and scream of the machines announcing a big winner ruined the moment.

  She cleared her throat. “I guess I’ll go gamble.”

  “Need a cocktail?”

  “Still working on my champagne.” She hesitated, then turned. “I’ll see you later.”

  He watched her walk away and disappear into the throngs of excited, happy people looking for a big hit. Too bad the emptiness in his gut made him feel like the loneliest person there.

  He clenched his fists and headed toward the bar.

  He was with a girl.

  Avery reminded herself it was his right. She was having a great time. Finally, she wasn’t in charge of everyone else’s happiness and was free to dance and have fun with her best friend. The girls in Ally’s bridal party were easy to get along with, and after a few hours, it felt like they’d known each other forever. Noelle kept up a steady stream of dance partners, and when Judith and Maddie pulled her onto the dance floor, Avery remembered how much fun it was to cut loose and let her body lead. The DJ played a variety of high-energy hits mixed with hip-hop and just enough rap. The VIP service kept snacks and drinks flowing at their table.

  So far, Carter had done an amazing job.

  And he was talking to a girl right now. A pretty one, too. She had smooth, straight blonde hair and big Barbie-doll blue eyes. Leather pants and some type of fringe top that would look ridiculous on Avery, but the woman at the bar had a perfect sleek, skinny body that probably made all clothes seem model perfect. Probably the regular type of women Carter went for. Not extra-curvy, wild-haired workaholics who made every decision based on practicality.

  Avery slumped in the booth and sipped her champagne. She was happy for him. The blonde wouldn’t have rules about long-term relationships or expectations. Maybe they’d sleep together tonight. No strings and no hassles. Just the way he liked it.

  He’d dressed casually tonight, but sharp. The navy button-down shirt was designer, with flipped-up paisley cuffs. The material clung and emphasized his molded chest. He’d put some type of gel in his hair so it was sculpted back away from his brow. The look made his eyes appear more intense—the blue-gray depths pinning an onlooker with a serious gaze, unbarred by his glasses. His dark-washed jeans were tight and made his ass drool-worthy. Every time she got near, the delicious scent of spice and whiskey teased her senses. Yeah, he was ready to get laid, and that woman was practically licking her chops.

  On cue, the blonde threw back her head and laughed at something he said. Their faces were close together, probably trying to hear each other above the loud music. Carter grinned with pride at making her laugh, and the woman squeezed his biceps in a familiar gesture. He did nothing to shake it off or discourage her.

  Asshole.

  Avery brooded and drank and watched.

  Noelle appeared with a big smile and leaned over the table. “Why aren’t you dancing?”

  She laughed, averting her gaze firmly from the man a few feet away. “Just hydrating. Having fun?”

  “Always.” Her blue eyes gleamed with pure mischief. Noelle practically exuded sex appeal and emanated confidence bigger women usually didn’t own. It was obvious she loved her curves, and dressed to accentuate every single one. Men were consistently asking her to dance and seemed to want to soak up her presence. Avery had adored her at first sight and wished she lived closer so they could be friends.

  “Noelle, I didn’t get to ask what you do for work.”

  The woman raised her voice to be heard above the music. “I’m a producer. I worked in New York for a while, but got transferred to Austin to do an indie series on Netflix. I’m employed by LWW Enterprises—they’re based in Port Hudson.”

  “Oh, I’ve heard of them! They got Kyle Kimpton’s book made into a movie, A Brand New Ending. Did you see it? I couldn’t stop crying, it was so dam
n good.”

  “Yes! That was my girl Presley Cabot’s doing. I was in the same sorority as her, and she’s done amazing things at LWW. Hey, when you come to visit Ally, make sure you invite me out! Sometimes I have a hard time making friends, and I just clicked with you.”

  “Same.”

  They smiled at each other, and then the DJ mixed into another song. Noelle shouted and began swaying her hips. “Come dance with me!”

  Avery focused on the slow bluesy-type sound. Couples began pairing up on the dance floor, arms and legs tangled together. “It’s a slow song.”

  “Who cares?” Noelle grabbed her hands, dragging her out. Only then did she notice Ally and Judith dancing together, laughing hysterically.

  “Girl power!” Ally declared with a slight slur.

  Maddie joined in, and they began a giant group hug that slightly resembled dancing.

  Suddenly, Carter cut into the circle, grabbing his sister and spinning her into his arms. “Come on, Ally-Cat. Show me your moves.”

  Ally’s face lit up under her brother’s attention. “I love you, bro,” she said with a sigh, making him laugh while he guided her in tight loops around the crowded floor. “Best man of honor ever.”

  “Man HO,” Avery popped in, shooting him a glare. The champagne had loosened her tongue. “In my world, it’s Man HO.”

  Ally cracked up. “Imagine my brother as a Man HO. Maybe you’ll get lucky tonight,” she teased her brother.

  The look he shot Avery held little humor. In fact, his gaze narrowed with such intensity, she shivered and hid a bit behind Judith, who was still bouncing back and forth in an imitation of dancing.

  “Maybe I will,” he said, his dark voice making lava bubble through Avery’s veins. Suddenly, he traded off Ally to Judith and reached for Avery. “Switch,” he said. “I’d like to dance with the wedding planner.”

  Ally giggled, and the ladies drifted off toward the right, getting closer to the DJ booth.

  “What was that about?” he asked, lowering his mouth to speak close to her ear. “Did I miss something?”

  Temper and embarrassment and alcohol mixed together in an explosive cocktail. “You missed dancing with your hot blonde,” she said. Heat rushed to her cheeks. It was awful to know she was acting like a jealous girlfriend and unable to stop it. “Didn’t she want to dance with you?”