Episode 37
EPISODE 37
RIVER AND MISTY'S DATE, PART ONE
River
Misty’s a beautiful woman, and clearly, I can satisfy her. I gave her an orgasm earlier without even touching her between her legs.
But Rachel is still on my mind. Rachel, with her unique dimples, her engaging intellect, and her penchant for stargazing…not to mention her delicious body.
I can’t blame her for leaving. She could have died. Thank God Ginger—a doctor—was there to take care of her and get her breathing. Otherwise…
God, I can’t even think about it.
I stand on the deck dressed in simple jeans, leather flip-flops, and a black button-down shirt. I left the cowboy hat in my suite. In my hand is a bouquet of bright red hibiscus from the garden in the front of the mansion.
Misty was supposed to meet me here fifteen minutes ago. During that time, I watched Ariel and Alex head out for their evening, and a few moments later, Sebastian and Heather.
I draw in a breath. I hate to be kept waiting.
The French doors open, and though I’m expecting Misty, Sienna walks out, looking stunning in a metallic blue number that hugs every inch it covers—and it doesn’t cover a lot.
“Wow,” I can’t help saying.
Her cheeks blush a subtle rose. “Thank you. Emily helped me choose it. Do you think Brett will like it?”
“He’d be an idiot if he didn’t.”
“Those are beautiful flowers,” she says.
“They’re from out front.” I pull one hibiscus out of the bouquet and place it behind Sienna’s left ear.
“Won’t that clash with my dress?” she asks.
“Are you kidding? It only adds to it.”
Brett walks onto the deck, closing the doors behind him. “Hey, Riv. You horning in on my date?” He gazes at Sienna, and I swear to God he nearly drools. “Wow.”
Sienna smiles. “Seems to be the word of the evening. River said the same thing.”
Brett raises his eyebrows at me but then returns his attention to Sienna. “Then double wow. You look fantastic. Just gorgeous.” He holds out his arm. “Shall we?”
“Absolutely.” Sienna takes his arm, and the two of them walk off the deck and into the courtyard.
I have no idea where they’re going…or where the hell Misty is. For someone who wants me—or so she says—she has a strange way of showing it.
I pace along the deck, squeezing the bouquet. I came here to find love, not charm secrets out of a spoiled heiress. But it’s one for the team. Always for the team.
Ten more minutes pass before Misty finally appears.
I drop my jaw and the bouquet of hibiscus. The flowers scatter onto the floor of the deck.
Misty is wearing nothing.
Except it’s something. It’s a skintight minidress made of some kind of see-through stuff. As if she’s wearing pantyhose on her body, and on her feet are transparent sandals. Are they made of plexiglass?
I’ve already seen her goods, so why be so blatant? What the hell is she after?
“You like?” She tilts her head, striking a pose that leaves nothing to the imagination.
I clear my throat. “I’d have liked it if you were on time.”
“Oh, River.” She touches my cheek. “Anything good is worth waiting for.”
Right. I’m supposed to be charming, not pissy. I paste on a smile. “You look beautiful, Misty.”
“Don’t tell Evangeline, but this is from my own wardrobe. I brought it along. The things her stylists chose for me are lovely, but I wanted something truly fabulous for tonight.”
“You found it,” I say.
“Good. I’m so glad you like it.” She twirls around, giving me a bird’s-eye view of her firm ass. “What are we doing this evening?”
“We’ll start with dinner right outside the pool.”
“Not on the beach?”
“Brett and Seb are dining on the beach and Alex is in the courtyard. This way we’ll have our privacy.”
She grabs my hand. “That sounds perfect. Lead the way.”
We walk off the deck and through the courtyard to the screened-in pool area. A table for two has been set and a bottle of Dom Perignon should be chilling. I have no idea what Misty likes to eat. I could have asked, but instead, I told Chef to prepare something fit for a Hollywood gala. She’s been to many of those—one on Sebastian’s arm.
If I were choosing for me, I’d have requested a succulent grass-fed ribeye with roasted veggies and a loaded baked potato.
But this isn’t about me. Though damn it, it should be. My buddies and I are supposed to get to know the ladies and see if we match. Instead, I’m stuck doing investigative work with a woman who seems to have her own agenda.
Better get on with it.
Once inside the pool area, I hold out a chair for Misty and then sit across from her. Our table is adjacent to the bar with the pool and hot tub, along with the courtyard, in our view.
Our server, Mariah, arrives to uncork and serve our champagne.
I pick up my glass and clink it to Misty’s. “To making memories.”
“Lovely,” she replies. “To making many memories.”
“Your appetizers will be served shortly,” Mariah says. “Shrimp cocktail with a trio of sauces. Can I bring you anything else to drink?”
“Some sparkling water would be fabulous,” Misty says.
“Right away. Mr. Barrett?”
“Still water for me, please. And a Pappy Van Winkle. Neat.” Dealing with Misty calls for the smoothest bourbon I know.
“Right away.” Mariah bows and leaves the pool area.
Misty takes another drink of the champagne. “I’ve been looking forward to this.”
“I have as well.” I hate lying, but I’ve got a job to do. “I plan to discover exactly what makes you tick, Misty.”
“I think you already know,” she says coyly. “That orgasm today was the best I’ve had in…maybe ever .”
I give her a semi smile, trying to mimic the one I’ve seen on Sebastian’s face that makes ladies swoon. “Then I guess I’m in competition with myself tonight.”
Misty’s nipples harden against her transparent dress. Point one for me.
“Tell me.” I take a sip of bubbly. “What makes you think I’m the hottest man here?”
“Are you kidding?” Her blue eyes widen. “Look at you.”
Not where I was going, but okay. How do I ask why she wants me without letting her know that I know she wants me? Brett would have her eating out of his hands by now.
W W B D?
What would Brett do?
Before I come up with anything?—
“I’m sorry about Rachel leaving,” Misty says. “I know you were hoping…”
Yes, she knew something, which is why she told Evangeline to get rid of Rachel.
“Hoping what?” I ask.
“I just… I saw her kiss you last night, and…”
“Misty”—I reach across the table and take one of her hands in mine—“I wish both Rachel and Ginger the best, and I feel terribly about what happened today. Rachel is a lovely woman, but I haven’t made any decisions about any of you ladies yet.”
Her lips turn slightly downward.
Shit. Need to fix this fast.
“I enjoyed our afternoon together.” I squeeze her hand. “And tonight will be even better.”
Her smile returns. “Promise?”
“I don’t say things I don’t mean, Misty.”
She squirms in her chair.
I try to think of something else to say, but I’m saved by Mariah arriving with our shrimp cocktails. She serves us quickly and leaves, and I take a sip of the bourbon she brought me. Smooth and smoky, it slides over my tongue and down my throat.
Something about a top-shelf bourbon. It’s like liquid courage. Just one sip helps me find the right words.
I set the glass down and meet Misty’s gaze head-on. “You say you know my secrets.”
“Some of them,” she says demurely.
I take a bite of shrimp, swirl it in the red cocktail sauce, and bring it my lips, trying like hell to look sexy. Once I chew and swallow, I narrow my eyes. “What if I told you I know yours as well?”
She swallows her bite of shrimp abruptly and takes a sip of champagne. “What secrets are you talking about?”
“Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”
The shrimp she just picked up lands in her lap. She stands quickly. A glob of red cocktail sauce now stains her see-through dress…right at her pussy.
I don’t have a clue what her secrets are, other than she thinks she has something on Evangeline. The statement just popped out of my mouth as I was attempting to channel Brett.
“Did I startle you?” I ask.
“Of course not. But…I should probably go change.”
“Don’t be silly.” I’m not letting her out of my sight. “Just take the dress off. The staff will take care of it. There are plenty of dresses in your locker in the changing area.” I smile. “Or you could wear nothing at all.”
“Just… Just a moment.” She heads to the changing room.
I take another sip of bourbon and smile. Now we’re getting somewhere.