The Red-Hot Stakes

Chapter Twenty-Two

Halfway through my shower, I heard the click of the hallway door closing and knew Liam had returned. I froze just at knowing he was in the same vicinity as me. Then the hallway door swung open, only a crack, but still.

“Gina, you about done?”

There was nowhere to hide. “Just rinsing off.”

“I’d like to shower too, if there’s time.” His voice sounded strained.

Images of him showering popped unbidden into my head, and I pushed them aside. “I’ll be quick.”

“Thanks.”

The door shut fully, and I could breathe again. I finished in record time, wrapping a towel around myself and carrying my clothes out to the main area. “There you go.”

He choked on his drink of water, coughing and sputtering as he gaped at me.

I sighed. “I was trying to save time. I’ll finish getting ready out here while you’re in the shower. It’s not like we can both be in there at once.” I set my clothes on the bed, clutching the towel in a death grip. “Crap, I need my makeup.” I hurried to get it from the bathroom.

He came in just as I finished grabbing everything I needed. Of course he was shirtless.I avoided looking at him—to the point of nearly running into the open door. Which I awkwardly shut behind me.

I’m going to kill Avery.

At last, I was ready for dinner. My knee-length sundress was black with bright pink and white swirls all over it. The wide straps and boxy neckline were cute. Its tapered waist showed off my trim figure, and the skirt fluttered nicely in the tropical breeze.

Liam looked amazing in a bright-blue button down with white Bermuda shorts. “Ready?”

We all congregated in the open-air hallway of our building, us girls fawning over each other’s dresses. Then we started walking to the restaurant, our first real trek through the resort since arriving. I’d studied the map and gotten a decent feel for the place. The majority of the restaurants were near the main lobby building, but to the left.

I ended up in front, leading the way, and no one questioned it. A sense of accomplishment washed over me as the restaurant block came into view, the Italian one first in the section.

At least I could still contribute something. Liam grinned, then nodded. Just a little nod, but I couldn’t help the small smile that played on my lips, knowing he’d seen and acknowledged me.

The restaurant was decorated in soothing blues and greens, with cloth tablecloths and napkins. Candles in glass holders flickered on the round tables, four to six wicker chairs at each. It was elegant, but beachy at the same time. The menu held a mix of pizza and pasta dishes. Several plates of rolled up meat, roasted veggies and some sort of creamy white dip were placed in front of us, along with a loaf of bread and a plate of spices which the server poured olive oil over.

I didn’t usually drink wine, but it was an Italian restaurant so I figured, why not? Our waiter was fun, with a wonderful sense of humor.

We ordered several pizzas as another appetizer, and he handed us each an unopened can of tomatoes. We glanced at one another in confusion before he finally took pity on us, taking the cans and setting them on the table in groups of three to rest the pizza on top of. His laughter rang out at the expressions on our faces, and we joined him.

When the waiter came back around to refill wine glasses, he paused mid-pour to stare at Derek. “You’re not driving home, are you?”

It was the perfect way to start our vacation. The pizza was delicious, as was my mushroom risotto. Everyone raved about their food between bites, and the air between us relaxed. We finished up, getting two of each of the desserts, then passing them around so we could all try a bite. My favorite was the cannoli.

When we left, I was stuffed, but I felt lighter than I had in weeks, closer to myself and my friends than I had since my breakup.

Music pulsed from near the main building, and Avery bounced on her toes. “They said they’d have dancing every night. Let’s go!”

The beat called as her gaze locked on me. I nodded, and we linked arms, sashaying our way to the party. There was a wide-open theater space with an empty stage. Every evening they put on some form of entertainment, but we’d missed it for the night.

As we kept going, we reached a covered walkway that butted up to the back of the main building then opened into a huge domed ceiling covered with palm branches. A balcony hovered above us, connected by a glass elevator carrying people to the second floor.

The dance floor was decent-sized, tables and chairs lining the perimeter. There were two bars, a makeshift one in the entryway and another more permanent one in back. Us girls hit the restroom. While we were gone, the guys claimed a table and ordered drinks for all of us. Liam slid a mai tai in my direction. I nodded my thanks, taking a sip.

That was all I got before Avery dragged me out to the dance floor. We made space not far from the group, just us that first song. As we danced and giggled, I couldn’t help remembering all the times we’d gone clubbing over the years. An ache formed in my chest as I watched her. I knew our friendship was about to change irrevocably.

It already had, but this next step was even bigger. I was happy for her. Ecstatic, even. She and Derek were meant to be. It just made my limited time with her all the more special, so I concentrated on enjoying each moment.

After a couple of songs, we took a quick drink break then Avery used her irresistible charm to drag our entire group onto the floor. At first, they were careful not to pair up, but as the night went on and the alcohol flowed, it was harder to resist. I couldn’t—and didn’t—blame them.

Liam’s lithe body called to me. I remembered how he moved, knew how his fingers felt on my hips, how he writhed when I ground against him. I wanted to feel it again.

Another drink was thrust in my hands. Then another. My feet hurt, and I was sweating from the heat, but I was laughing, smiling and loving every minute of it. My friends leaned on their significant others, more heavily by the moment.

And I envied them.

When I stumbled into Liam, his warm hands caught my waist. I lost myself in that emerald gaze as the familiar scent of cedar and pine wrapped around me. Time froze. The decision to dance with him was never made, but I was moving with him to the beat all the same.

My hands splayed across his firm, glorious chest. He dug his fingers into my hips as I swayed, pulling me closer with every beat of the music. My breasts brushed his pecs, my nipples hardening into aching peaks. I ground against him, and I felt him lengthen as he met me, beat for beat.

The song ended, and the DJ said goodnight as the lights flashed on. I blinked in the harsh glare, and Liam jumped back as if he’d been burned. I hid my hurt, putting myself on hydration duty to keep the pain at bay. Hopefully the blackmailer had missed my moment of weakness. I composed myself as I snagged us all bottles of water, forcing them on everyone, then led the way back to our building.

Derek argued that I was going the wrong way, but Liam surprised me by standing up to him. “She’s got this, D.”

Avery nodded, too, giving my confidence a boost. I found our rooms without a problem, smiling smugly at Derek when we arrived. Once inside, Liam and I stared at each other.

“I’ll change out here,” I announced, hoping I’d brought decent pajamas.

He shrugged, ducking into the bathroom. I dug through my suitcase, finding a cami and cotton shorts that would work. I tapped on the bathroom door, telling him the coast was clear when I was done.

The door swung open to reveal him brushing his teeth. I joined him, everything feeling too familiar, too raw. No barrier was strong enough to keep out the pain of being this close to him. Then we climbed into bed, like we’d done so many times before.

But he wasn’t mine to reach for, wasn’t mine to run my hands over. I heard him rustling, felt the mattress dip as he took off his shirt and shorts. Knew he’d sleep only in his boxers. The space between us was so minuscule, I felt the heat wafting off him.

One small shift from either of us could close the gap, but it might as well have been the Grand Canyon. And the consequences could be worse than ever.

* * * *

Friday, I woke to the wonderful sound of the toilet flushing. I groaned at the light streaming in around the curtain. Despite my tiredness, I hadn’t slept well with Liam so close. Had never completely relaxed.

Liam, my favorite morning sight, came into view, hesitating when he saw I was awake. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to wake you.”

I shrugged, hugging a pillow to my chest. “No biggie.” My yawn was huge. “What time is it?”

“Nine.” He sat on the edge of the bed, his shoulders taut as he leaned back on his palms.

“Any word from the others?”

He shook his head. “Want to go get breakfast?”

Surprise flashed through me. “Just us?”

Liam chuckled, a twisted version of his normal laugh. “I don’t think I can handle pretending to sleep next to you anymore. And I’m not good at just sitting around.” He shrugged, the movement accentuating his biceps, his tattoo rippling as he leaned forward to set his elbows on his knees. “I think food would be relatively safe.”

“Nothing with you is safe,” I muttered, throwing back the covers and traipsing toward the bathroom. I splashed cold water on my face. How the hell would I survive another night like that? Let alone eight of them.

I came out just in time to see him buttoning his shorts, and heat flooded my cheeks. “We’re going to have to figure out an all-clear sign or something.” His laughter followed me as I snatched up the first clothes I could find and headed back to the bathroom.

We wandered toward the restaurant section, one of which hosted a buffet for breakfast and lunch. After the hostess greeted us, we followed another employee through a winding maze of food down a corridor to a dining area. There were several different sections of tables that branched off, all separated by water. As I stared out of the window, I noticed a turtle perched on a rock, sunning itself while koi swam around beneath. It was peaceful and open. And familiar.

As I studied the layout, understanding dawned. “That section over there is the Italian restaurant we ate at last night. They must shut down the buffet area and divide these into separate restaurants for the evening.”

Liam sat in his chair, looking around in surprise. “You’re right. That’s pretty neat.”

“Coffee?” A tall, dark-skinned man wearing a black apron poured water in our waiting glasses.

Both of us nodded eagerly in response, and he returned with a coffee pot. As soon as he filled my mug, I took a sip and sighed in happiness. Much better.

We ventured to the buffet. The amount of food was overwhelming—stations where a chef made omelets, counters of hot dishes with all sorts of meat, potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal. A whole section in the middle was devoted to pastries while another counter was laden with fruits next to a yogurt bar.

“I don’t even know where to start.”

Liam smirked. “I do.” He got in line for an omelet.

I followed, snatching a piece of bacon along the way. Can’t go wrong with an omelet. After I watched the chef personally make mine, I berated myself for not carrying some dollars to tip with.

I wound my way to the fresh fruit, helping myself to a kiwi and some grapes. I snagged a few delicate pastries and was about to head back when I found the drink station.

Champagne and OJ to start my day? Yes, please. I sat down at our table absolutely beaming.

Liam did a double take at my expression, then he saw my glass. “Mimosa?”

I nodded, and he shook his head, laughing quietly. We ate in relative harmony, reminiscent of our past mornings together. I was content to watch the people bustling around, the turtles on the rock outside, the fish swimming below.

But I’d definitely taken too much food. My omelet itself was way more than I needed, and when I was done, I automatically shoved my plate toward Liam. He shot me a sad smile as he helped himself to my leftovers.

It was easy to fall back on these moments of muscle memory. But they were also too painful. I still wanted him, and I tried to lighten the mood by blurting out, “Maybe a good romp in the sheets would help relieve some of this tension.”

Liam blanched at my words. “Gina…you know that won’t take care of what’s between us.”

I sighed. I knew that, just like I knew it wouldn’t make things any easier in the long run. Although those few minutes, or hours, would be amazing. I cut off all thoughts of bliss, knowing I wasn’t strong enough to do that to Liam a second time. Plus, if the blackmailer was watching…

Liam’s rumbly voice brought me back to the present. “Still sticking to your lame-ass excuse?”

I nodded, staring at the table. My phone pinged, saving me, and I picked it up to see a text on the group chat from Avery asking where we were. I responded, and she said they’d be down shortly. Rhonda and Greg came not long after. We stayed and drank coffee, chatting while they ate, though I was more careful to keep my distance from Liam.

Just in case.

Today was a chill day, which we planned to spend by the pool. Derek had definitely scored on the concierge front, or heavily tipped the guy. We had a poolside cabana with enough lounge chairs for all of us.

The pool was chest-deep with a thigh-high ledge all around it, if we wanted to sit in the water. A swim-up bar with stools and places to stand in the shade bustled with activity, even this early. Employees made the rounds, bringing drinks. The drink I’d had on arrival was called Purple Rain, and I ordered one.

We all lounged in the water, a colorful array of swimsuit-clad bodies. I wore a red bikini, on the athletic side, with a sports bra top and boy cut shorts. I hated having my ass hanging out.

Avery’s green one-piece was adorable with cute cutout sides, and she pulled off a big floppy hat. Her skin was so fair I’d be surprised if she didn’t burn before this vacation was over. Rhonda wore a sexy dark purple one-piece that dipped low in front, then cut out in the middle. The back was nearly nonexistent. Greg couldn’t keep his hands off her.

The guys wore similar long swim shorts in various colors. Our group drew the attention of all the females around, checking out our gorgeous men. When I caught several women staring at Liam, a snarl rose in me that I fought to keep from erupting.

And I reminded myself again why I was here, and why we weren’t together. It was for the best.

I focused on enjoying the lazy day of sunning, leaning and drinking. Music blared near the bar, starting around noon. Nearby were a few a la carte places to walk up to for lunch with nachos, burgers, salads and the like.

At three p.m., four energetic, handsome, male staff members started rounding up people for Zumba in the pool. Us three girls sat on the ledge in the water, having no interest in exercising. But watching, especially when the staff members took off their shirts to reveal toned torsos, I was up for.

Of course, Liam chose that moment to come back from the bar and stand right in front of us, blocking our view.

I kicked my leg out, splashing him. “Move it, Mister. Unless you’re dancing for us.”

He frowned, the little furrow appearing in his forehead as he turned to glance behind him. He shook his head as the instructors twerked and thrusted, doing some ridiculous moves. “Um, no thanks.” But he moved to one side.

My gaze lingered on Liam for a few seconds, imagining him doing the absurd movements. He could pull it off, make it look good even. He caught me staring, one side of his mouth twitching into a knowing smirk. I glared, quickly returning my focus to the Zumba class.

I was more than ready for dinner when they abruptly shut down the bar at six. Evidently they wanted people to eat, not drink, their dinner.

Our reservations were for Fresh Catch, an ocean-side outdoor seafood and grill restaurant. I let Liam shower first, figuring I could hog the bathroom as long as I wanted afterward to do my hair and makeup. He got ready quickly, meeting the other guys on the patio with beers from our mini fridge.

I took my time applying my makeup. My spaghetti-strap midi dress had buttons along the bodice and a loose, flowy skirt with a handkerchief-style hem. The pretty pattern of blues and purples faded in and out of one another. I pulled on some strappy sandals, grabbed a sweater from my bag then strolled out to the patio.

The other girls came out shortly after, and we followed the winding sidewalk to Fresh Catch. The open adobe half-walls overlooked the ocean, and short poles with yellow lights lit our way. A stiff breeze blew in, making me thankful for my longer dress, but I didn’t quite need the sweater.

We all ordered fresh seafood. My scallops melted in my mouth, my asparagus was just the right amount of crunchy, and I had white wine, which I didn’t hate. I heard no complaints from anyone else.

Avery talked us into dancing afterward again. Between the wine from dinner and the day of drinking, I was definitely tipsy. The food helped some, but seafood never stuck with me long. Everyone was in the same boat, all overly loud and dancing wildly. My mai tais went down easily. Soon, I couldn’t keep the room from spinning, even when I wasn’t dancing.

But I was happy.

I didn’t want to go when Liam said we were done. “Do we have to?”

Liam nodded. “Time for bed.”

The other couples were starting off without us, but they were headed the opposite direction of our building.

“You’re going the wrong way!” I yelled, trying to hurry after them. I stumbled, Liam catching me.

“That’s why we have to go, to make sure they get home.”

I nodded sagely. “Can you help me walk?”

One burly arm slid around my waist, one warm hand clamping on my hip. Fuck, he feels amazing. I led us all back to our rooms, never getting turned around once.

Liam shook his head, whispering in my ear as we stumbled into our room. “Damn, you’re good, Red.”

Lightning crackled between us, and I ran my hands up his chest. “Wanna find out how good?”

We tumbled to the bed.