Ticket To Love Read online

“Yup. I told him I was bringing the woman I was seeing.”

  “So we’re seeing each other?” She diverted her gaze back to the magazine, not wanting to see his expression.

  “Well, we are vacationing together. Fuck buddies don’t usually do that.”

  She shook her head. Was he right? Had they crossed the line into a relationship without her even realizing it? A shiver swept through her. Even worse, she was beginning to like the idea.

  How had this happened? The man she was so sure she didn’t have a future with was beginning to become a part of her everyday life and she liked it. She was beginning to see herself actually dating Brad. Then Rick crossed her mind. “Shit.”

  “Shit, we’re only fuck buddies, or shit, you agree we’re more?”

  Eve looked at him. “I forgot to cancel my date.”

  “Date?” Brad stared at her with a confused expression.

  “Yeah, I kinda agreed to a date with Rick the landscaping guy. I guess he deserves to be stood up.”

  Brad blinked rapidly several times. “Wait, you agreed to a date with another guy while seeing me?”

  Yikes, so he thought things were getting serious as well. “I didn’t know we were seeing each other.”

  Brad grinned and took her hand. “Now you know. You can’t date Rick.”

  His hand clasping hers sent a sense of security through her. She liked it, and she liked Brad. Oh God, she was falling for the stubborn man next door who got under her skin in so many ways. “I don’t want to date him, anyway.”

  “Oh, yeah. Here I thought he was the perfect guy you wanted to marry, since you said that wasn’t me.”

  Damn, he had a good memory. “Yes, but Rick probably just wants sex and is cheap. He left me with the bill at our coffee date.”

  “You went on a coffee date with him, too?” Brad sighed, and she’d give anything to know what he was thinking right now. “He deserves to be stood up.”

  She laughed. “How much longer is this flight?”

  “I have no idea.”

  Picking the magazine back up, she said, “As far as I’m concerned, it’s way too long.”

  “I told you, we can join the mile high club to pass the time.”

  Eve rolled her eyes. “Keep dreaming, buddy.”

  He leaned his chair back and closed his eyes. “Don’t mind if I do.”

  ***

  Brad set his suitcase on the bed in his room. Since the moment they walked into the resort, Eve had insisted she was to get her own room. He couldn’t blame her, really. He’d been kidding about a relationship, or so he thought until she mentioned Rick. She’d actually gone out with the guy and had planned to again. Had their kissing meant nothing to her? It sure meant something to him.

  They couldn’t define this as a relationship yet. He still needed to figure out for himself what it was he felt about her, other than he knew he liked to kiss her, and if she’d let him, he’d do much more. Aside from the physical aspect, there was something there emotionally as well.

  He sat on the bed, then bounced a little. He wouldn’t pressure her to sleep with him. Heck, he’d already tricked her into coming here with him, but what else did she have to do while out of work? She might as well explore the beaches of Mexico—in a bikini. The smaller, the better.

  The phone on the nightstand rang. Maybe it was Eve telling him she needed help in a way only he could satisfy. Brad snickered. Now that would only happen in a dream, too.

  “Hello.”

  “Brad, I hear you’ve arrived. Is the room to your liking?” Uncle Scott asked.

  Brad glanced around. The place was modern, clean, and had everything he needed. “Yup. Thanks again for putting me and my…friend up.”

  “It’s the least I could do. Charlotte will be flying back tomorrow, so if we could have our man talk tonight, I’d appreciate that.”

  “That’s why I’m here, right?” To have a talk in person that Brad thought they could’ve had over the phone. His father had warned him that Scott was always difficult.

  “A car will be out front at six. Please leave your lady friend in her room and tell her to order whatever she wants. It’s on me.”

  He had to leave Eve here, alone, in a foreign country? “She can’t come?”

  Uncle Scott chuckled. “No, I don’t think she wants to go where we’re going.”

  Brad didn’t like the sound of that. “Where are we going?”

  “To the hottest strip club in town.”

  Brad wasn’t sure if he was excited or not.

  “Don’t be late.” His uncle disconnected the call.

  Well, he could go over and tell Eve where he was going and see how she felt about it. If he was lucky, she’d be fuming angry, rip his clothes off, and demand he call his uncle right then and tell him he was a taken man and he didn’t belong in a place like that. Then they’d have wild sex.

  But then the man in him was curious what the best strip club in a foreign country had in store for him. Decisions, decisions.

  The phone on the nightstand rang again. “Hello.”

  “Hey. I’m starving. Let’s go eat,” Eve’s sweet, demanding voice said.

  Brad glanced at the clock. It was just after three. He had time to eat with her before he left with his uncle. “Okay. Meet me at the restaurant in the lobby in ten.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  He placed the phone back on the receiver. After opening his suitcase, he changed out of the T-shirt he’d worn on the plane into a yellow polo. His jeans were fine. Then he picked up his room key card and shoved it into his pocket before leaving the room and heading to the lobby.

  The resort was nice. He’d give his uncle credit. The man had style and this place was impressive. With its black, white, and red décor, it was contemporary with Spanish decorations liberally placed around. The elevator door dinged open and he stepped into the lavish lobby. The restaurant was to his right. In the center of the lobby was a huge wall fountain with flowing, rippling water.

  Ah, there was Eve, in a short, tight dress again, with those legs that went on for miles. Her back was to him, but he’d recognize that round ass anywhere. He laid his hand on her lower back, startling her. He winked when she face him. “You look refreshed.”

  “The showerhead in my bathroom was awesome.” She smiled. “I’m so buying one when I get home.”

  With his hand still on her lower back, he guided her toward the restaurant.

  “Is it too early for an adult drink?” she asked as they entered the dimly lit room.

  “You’re on vacation; it’s never too early.”

  She sat and he helped push the chair in. As she placed her napkin in her lap, Eve glanced around. “It’s lovely here. I don’t think I want to leave.”

  Taking his seat, he said, “I could fly Bo down, and we could stay forever.”

  She laughed and opened the menu that sat on the table. Already, Eve was more relaxed. Her smile was radiant and her body less tense.

  A waitress appeared and they requested a bottle of red wine. A moment later, the server returned carrying the bottle and two glasses. As she poured the dark liquid into the cups, they ordered food.

  “So,” Eve sipped from the clear glass with her pink lips, “what’s on the agenda tonight?”

  He cleared his throat, trying not to imagine those lips wrapped around something else. “My uncle wants to take me out for our guy talk before Charlotte flies in tomorrow.”

  Eve set her glass down with a thud, her eyes wide. “Your ex-wife is coming here?”

  He nodded. It had been a surprise, but it probably should’ve been an expected one. “I didn’t know either until he told me.”

  “That’ll be weird for you.”

  Her, too, wouldn’t it? “Yeah, a little. I’m just glad you’re here.”

  “So, where are we going?” She cradled the wine glass, her blue eyes staring at him.

  “We?” He paused, and then it registered. “Oh, it’s just my uncle and I. He s
aid for you to order whatever you want in your room and it’s on him.”

  Leaning back in the chair, she straightened the strap of her dress. “That’s generous of him. Let me guess, y’all are going to a strip joint.”

  How did she know?

  Eve pulled her blonde hair over one shoulder. “I dated a guy like that. Anytime he was going out with friends, he’d tell me the same thing. Only, he took the stripper home.”

  Jerk. “You’re not mad?”

  She shrugged. “Why would I be?”

  Because you like me! You want to be my girlfriend. “Most girls don’t like their guys—”

  She held her hand up. “Stop. Let’s not define this, okay? I don’t know what this,” she motioned her finger between them, “is. I didn’t expect you to be who you are, so I’m still wrapping my head around it.”

  He smirked. “You didn’t expect me to be so awesome, did you?”

  Eve rolled her eyes, but not without smiling at the same time. He was winning her over.

  The waitress appeared with their food. His stomach growled. He was definitely hungry, but he wanted the blonde beauty in front of him a lot more than this food. Maybe he should cancel on his uncle and convince Eve to come back to his room with him. Seeing Evelyn naked would be so much better than a stripper.

  ***

  Eve tossed and turned in her comfortable hotel bed. It was three a.m. and she was wide awake.

  Where was Brad? Did he take one of those girls back to his room? Did he like what he saw in those women better than her?

  Could she even compare herself to a woman who worked out all the time? Spanish women were hot and sexy. They had such long, dark hair and sultry, flirty eyes. Not to mention tanned skin with shapely hips and big breasts. Oh, she had hips, but not much else going for her.

  Agh! This was doing her no good.

  Throwing the covers back, she left the warm, luxurious bed. She’d just go see if he was back yet.

  But why? She took a deep breath as she turned on the bedside lamp, and finally admitted to herself she missed him. Now to come up with a reason to bother him at this hour. She tapped her fingers on the dresser. Perhaps, she could claim she’d locked herself out of her room while getting ice. That would work. Sliding her keycard into the waist of her yoga pants just in case she needed to get back in, she left the room and went toward his.

  Eve stood outside Brad’s door. Damn, the hallway was bright after being in her pitch-black room. What was she doing? This was crazy.

  She knocked on the door, confirming just how nutty she was.

  No answer. God, was he still out?

  She pounded on the door a little louder, and this time someone moaned followed by the sound of stumbling.

  Shit. She hadn’t thought this through. What if a woman was in there?

  Turn. Run. Now.

  The door opened. “Eve?” Brad’s hair was tousled as though a woman had been raking her nails through it as he pleasured her.

  “Uh, were you sleeping?”

  “Yeah. Why aren’t you?”

  He was shirtless and his sleeping pants hung low on his hips. His abs were better than she imagined. She could almost count the lines on his stomach. “Are you alone?”

  “What?” He rubbed his eyes. “Why aren’t you in bed?”

  Great question, and she had an answer. A stupid one though. “Well, I locked myself out of my room while getting ice.”

  “At three in the morning?” He stared at her with disbelief.

  She nodded. “I was…thirsty.”

  He shook his head and rubbed his eyes. “I’m exhausted. Come in here and lay down. We’ll get you another key in the morning.”

  He was asking her to bed? Was she ready for that?

  “Are you coming? I just want to go back to sleep. Some of us do that.” He turned, but before entering the room added, “You’re welcome to go to the front desk if you prefer.”

  She’d come this far. It might be nice to actually sleep next to another human body. She followed him into the darkened room. “I can’t see.”

  He groaned and fumbled for her hand as he led her toward the bed. She climbed in first and slipped under the silky covers. Brad snuggled in next to her, turning her so her back was to him. He wrapped his arm around her waist and nuzzled his head into the crook of her neck.

  Wow, this was nice. She could get used to his arms holding her tight, making her feel warm and safe. Sleep would come quick.

  “Hey, Eve,” Brad whispered.

  “Yeah.” She yawned.

  “Your keycard is on your hip.”

  She grinned. Yes, yes it is. Oops.

  Chapter Eleven

  Brad opened his eyes in the still darkened room. Bright light peeked from behind the window curtains. What time was it? Last night had been a nightmare. First, his uncle couldn’t contain his undying love for Charlotte the entire time they were out, which was awkward. Then, he’d been uncomfortable at the strip club because he was worried about Eve all alone in her room in a foreign country.

  When he finally did get back to the hotel, not long after falling asleep, Eve had showed up. And sure, having her close to him—ass right in his crotch—should’ve been a comfort, but it had taken everything he had to keep his cock from poking her in the ass all night.

  Damn it, he’d wanted her. Still did. She breathed heavily, as she had all night tucked in his arms. At least one of them had gotten sleep. One thing he was certain of, Eve had shown up at his room because she’d wanted him. Maybe not sexually, but she’d needed to know he was here. Why else would she have shown up in the middle of the night with that lame excuse?

  Eve moaned and rolled onto her back. Brad stared at her as she stretched with her messy blonde hair and her eyes barely open. God, she was beautiful. How had they gotten to this point? The woman next door he had only spoken to a handful of times a year was now so engrained in his life he couldn’t remember what life was like before.

  The phone rang on the nightstand. Eve glanced around sleepily. “God, answer that. It’s loud.”

  Brad rolled over. It was ten-thirty in the morning. He picked up the receiver. “Hello.”

  “You up?” Scott asked. “I’ve booked a spa day for your guest, and she’s due to be there in thirty minutes. I called her room but she wasn’t there, so I figured she was with you.”

  Yup, she was here with him, but he didn’t want to let her go. “Hang on.” He set the phone down. “My uncle has made you a spa appointment in thirty minutes. Want to go?”

  Eve sat up quickly. “Hell, yes.”

  He chuckled, though he wished she’d rather stay here with him. He could pamper her in other ways. Reluctantly, he said, “She’ll be there.”

  “Good. Meet me in the bar when she’s gone.”

  Brad put the phone back on the cradle and stood. Eve was already out of bed and fixing her hair in the mirror. Her ass looked fantastic in those tight, black pants. After crossing to her, he wrapped his arms around her waist. “How’d you sleep?”

  Her breath caught. “Good.”

  He kissed her neck lightly. “I wanted you all night.” He glanced in the mirror, catching her gaze, dark with passion. “I want you now. Since my uncle owns the place, I think it’s okay if you’re late.”

  Eve spun around and stared at him. “Are you crazy? A massage, facial, all of it, sounds fantastic.”

  “I can do all that.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Brad, I have no idea what kind of facial you’re thinking of, but it’s not the one I’m desiring.”

  His cheeks burned. He was not talking about that kind. What a dirty mind she had. “I-I—”

  She leaned forward and kissed his lips lightly. “I think that’s the first time I’ve caught you off guard.”

  “You’re a naughty girl.” He chuckled as he traced a line up her spine then back down.

  “How’d it go last night?” She pulled away. “Enjoy the show?”

  No. Not at all. The gi
rls had been attractive, but they weren’t Eve. He’d have much rather seen her twirling around one of those gold poles. “I hardly paid attention. But man, my uncle is smitten with Charlotte.”

  She smiled and poked his nose. “Maybe they really love each other.”

  Oh yeah, just wait until she met his uncle and Charlotte. “You’ll meet her today. Then you won’t believe it.”

  “Well, you know what? I think it doesn’t matter. Unless you’re still hung up on her?” She stared at him, waiting for his answer.

  Hung up on Charlotte? Hell, no. That divorce had been the best damn thing they’d ever decided. “No.”

  “Well, I’m out of here.” She pulled away from his embrace. “Thanks for letting me crash here.” She headed for the door.

  He felt cold without her. “Eve, wait.”

  She glanced over her shoulder. “Yes?”

  “If you come here tonight, I won’t be such a gentleman.”

  She giggled slightly and left.

  ***

  Half an hour later, Brad walked into the bar. His balding uncle was engaged in conversation with a younger man. When he noticed Brad, he pointed toward a table. A moment after Brad sat, his uncle joined him.

  “You must’ve had a wild night. You look tired,” Scott observed.

  “I didn’t sleep well.” A hard-on that won’t go away will do that.

  “Is the bed okay? They were expensive, so I hope they’re nice.”

  Brad nodded. “Yeah, just stuff on my mind.” Like getting my cock inside of Eve—soon.

  “Good. Well, Charlotte will be here soon and I want to touch base on where you two stand.”

  I hate her and hoped I’d never have to see her again. “I don’t like her. She and I will never get along. Like I said, she took me for everything I had and left me high and dry. Make her sign a prenup.”

  Uncle Scott sighed and pushed his thick glasses back up on his nose. “She’s changed.”

  Yeah, she changed men and now had a rich target. “If you say so. It’s your money. If you want to share your millions with a gold digger, that’s all on you.”

  Uncle Scott shook his head and rubbed his forehead. “I want you at the wedding. I plan to have your father as my best man. I want you up there, too.”