Hooking Up (Shacking Up 2)

Amalie reaches down and picks up my jacket. “How’d that get over here?”

“It was a makeshift blanket until the flight attendant came by with a real one.” I leave out the part where I did it to cover her thigh highs and the thin strap of her garters.

She passes it to me. “Thank you. That was thoughtful.”

“It was really nothing.”

“Armstrong would’ve been too worried I’d wrinkle his jacket to do something that considerate.”

“That’s because Armstrong’s a dick.”

Amalie regards me for a few seconds. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” I shrug into my jacket, adjusting my collar and tightening my tie.

“Why don’t you two get along?”

“Because he’s a dick.”

“Funny. That’s the same answer I got out of him.”

I sigh. I don’t want to get into this with her. “Sometimes people just don’t see eye to eye. Armstrong and I are like that. And he’s an actual dick who does dickhead things because he enjoys it.”

“I learned that too late, I think.”

The seat-belt light dings and the first-class cabin begins to disembark. I help Amalie with her carry-on and we head for baggage claim together.

“Where are you staying?” I ask as we wait for her bags to come around. She has more than one, likely because she’d planned to spend half of her vacation in lingerie. I throw a mental middle finger at Armstrong for missing out on it. Then I consider that someone else, some random hook-up, might get to see what Armstrong is missing.

“At the Haven.”

“You’ll love it there.” Of course she’s staying at one of my family’s properties. I can’t believe I didn’t ask before now. It’s on the opposite end of the island from where I’m staying, but it’s a small island, so it’s still not very far. I can’t decide if being at the same resort would be good or bad. I’d be tempted to find reasons to see her, and that would inevitably lead to more flirting, which could lead to other, more complicated adventures. If she offered the opportunity, I’d be hard-pressed not to take it.

“Armstrong and I came here several months ago and stayed a couple of nights at each of your resorts. I liked the Mills Resort and Spa best, but Armstrong thought this would be nicer. More private.”

He was right about that. The Haven is far more secluded, with private beachhouses set into the lush landscape. The Mills Resort and Spa is set on the water with a fabulous view of the inactive volcano, which is where I’m staying for now. I imagine Armstrong wanted the beachhouse because he’s not a huge fan of water and the shallow beach would be a better option. Where Amalie is staying is also our honeymoon resort. It’s the newest, the most recently updated, and needs the least of my attention while I’m here.

I collect our bags from the carousel and we head out into the beautiful, hot sunny day. Amalie slips on a pair of huge sunglasses. “What about you? Where are you staying?”

“On the other side of the island at the Resort and Spa.”

“Oh.” The sunglasses cover her eyes, but disappointment colors the single word.

I’m a familiar face on an otherwise solitary holiday. It won’t hurt to give her the ability to reach out should she want company, and I’m hoping she does. “Why don’t I give you my number in case you run into any problems, or you need anything?”

“Um. Okay. Sure. That sounds good.” Amalie rummages around in her purse until she finds her phone. She takes it off airplane mode and alerts and messages blow up the screen. “I guess I should call Ruby so she knows I’m alive.” She ignores the messages and brings up her contact list, adding my name before she passes me the device.

“Like I said, if you need anything while you’re here, I’m just a phone call away.”

“Thank you, Lex. For being so understanding about everything.”

“You didn’t ask for any of this.”

“Maybe not, but you got dragged into it unfairly. Anyway, your kindness has been appreciated.” She steps in, her body pressing against me as her arms wind around my waist. With her heels on, the top of her head reaches my chin. I return her brief embrace, enjoying far too much the way her body feels against mine. When she pulls away, her lips brush against the edge of my jaw. Fresh awkwardness replaces the easy, light mood.

I can fix that. “Just remember, my offer stands.”

She adjusts her purse strap. “What offer?”

I tap her carry-on case with my toe. “To be your beta tester.”

She laughs and shakes her head. I help put her cases in the trunk of one of the waiting cars and hold the door for her.

She waves as the car pulls away, her fingertips sliding down the glass as that soft smile falls. I hope she calls, and even if she doesn’t, I’m not sure I’ll be able to stay away from her. Not when she’s this close and I seem to be getting back my lost opportunity.

Nine: Honeymoon Blues

Amie

“I’m here and safe, I’m sorry I didn’t call you before takeoff.” Ruby’s slightly miffed by my lack of communication over the past eighteen hours. Apparently my email was insufficient and did not provide nearly enough details.

“Are you at the resort now? Did you meet a hottie on the plane? Did you hump him in the bathroom?”

“I’m in a car on my way. I didn’t hump anyone in the bathroom, that’s just gross.”

“Your email made it seem like the plane ride was going to be exciting.” She sounds pouty now.

The man driving glances in the rearview mirror. I smile and go back to my conversation with Ruby as I watch the endless expanse of white sand and pale blue water pass. I can’t wait to go for a swim. Alone.

“It was more exciting than most.” I’m twirling my hair. I sit on my free hand to stop the fidgeting.

“I knew it! Did you get it on with some sex god in your seats? That’s totally an old-you move!”

I snort. “I was never that wild.”

“Pretty close. Anyway, tell me about your seat partner! Was he hot? Did you get a number? Is he staying at your resort?”

“Yes he’s hot, yes I have his number, and no, he’s not staying at my resort.”

“Ohhh! Yay! Too bad about the last part, but Bora Bora is small, right? That means you can go visit him at his resort and then find another hottie to get freaky with at your own. It’s actually perfect.”

I laugh. “I love that you’re condoning such bad behavior, but I’m not going to sleep with him.”

“Why the hell not? You’ve spent the last year with a douchebag, you deserve a few sex-filled weeks.”

“Because Lexington sat beside me on the plane.”

Several seconds of silence follow. I smile as I imagine her shocked expression. “I’m sorry. What?”

“Lexington was on the plane. Beside me.”

Her voice is about seven thousand octaves higher. “As in Bancroft’s brother?”

“Do you know any other men named Lexington?”

“Just that porn star. Holy shit. Wait. Lex is in Bora Bora? How don’t I know this? Hold on.” Her voice is muffled briefly, but her finger must slip, because all of a sudden I hear Bancroft in the background and then it sounds like the phone is being dropped. Ruby returns, her voice still high. “Bancroft didn’t realize Lex was in Bora Bora. No, you can’t have the phone, Bane, just call your damn brother if you want information, I’m having a conversation right now. No. No. Do not make threats you know you can’t follow up on.” There’s more static and movement. “Sorry about that. So Lex was on your flight, in the seat next to you?”