Ticket To Love Read online

  What the fuck? This was crazy. Last he knew, Scott only called his dad around the holidays. They weren’t close. “You want me to be a groomsman as you marry my ex-wife?” What the hell had his uncle been smoking all these years to not see how absurd that request was?

  “I’d really like you to look past the fact that she’s your ex. I love this woman with everything in me. After all, you’ve moved on, haven’t you?”

  “I don’t want her back, if that’s what you’re asking. I’m still picking up the pieces from the debt she left me in.” He paused. “I’m sorry. I’m going to have to decline being a groomsman. Take it as you want, but I just can’t.”

  His uncle nodded, looking saddened. “Okay. I guess I understand.”

  “I know you wanted me to come down here so we could chat and whatever. If you want to marry her, go right on ahead. Just know I’m not jealous. It’s odd, and I really don’t want any part of it.” Had his uncle even told his parents yet? He could only imagine what his dad would say. Dad had disliked Charlotte. And now she’d be his sister-in-law.

  Brad shivered. This was getting creepier by the minute.

  “Oh, here she is now,” his uncle said.

  Charlotte tossed her brown locks behind her shoulder as she walked toward them, decked out in designer clothes. She’d lost weight and was now stick thin. Her jewelry probably weighed more than she did, especially with the amount she had on.

  “Oh, Scottie, I missed you.” She planted her red lips on his uncle’s cheek.

  “I missed you too, pumpkin.” Scott wrapped his hands around Charlotte’s waist.

  “Hi, Brad.” She sat in his uncle’s lap.

  “I was just leaving.” Brad pushed his chair back and stood. “You two have my blessing. Now I’m going to enjoy some time with Eve.”

  “Oh, she’s here?” Charlotte asked, her eyes wide with surprise.

  “Yes, she’s at the spa right now. And then I hope we can get some sightseeing in.” After all, they needed to enjoy some time here.

  “I want to meet her.”

  “If she wants that.” He wasn’t going to force Eve to do anything she didn’t want. His uncle probably had some weird delusion in his head of the four of them sitting around drinking and laughing. That wasn’t happening. If Brad had his way, he wouldn’t see them again during this trip.

  ***

  Eve sat on the plush bed in her hotel room feeling like a brand-new woman as she talked on the phone to Sara. “I’m so getting you a massage after the baby comes.” The hot stones down her spine had been the best part.

  “I need one now. My ankles are swollen. My back hurts. God, this can be over with anytime,” Sara said. “Oh, and I’m so jealous you’re in Mexico right now on some impromptu trip. How the hell did you afford it? I would’ve thought you’d be homeless by now.”

  I won the lottery. I’m a millionaire. “I had some money saved.”

  “Yeah, but you must be broke now. I’m worried about you. You’re out of work. You bought a new car. It doesn’t make sense. Just a few months ago, you were complaining that you needed a raise because your mortgage had gone up. Now, it’s like you’re carefree. Are you there with someone?”

  Guilt took over when she realized her friend didn’t know she was here with Brad, either. Eve sighed, hating that she was keeping two things from her friend. “I’m doing all right for myself.”

  “How?”

  Couldn’t everyone just leave her alone about the money? She was so sick of this secret, but she was too scared at this point to tell anyone. Sara might kill her for hiding the truth. “Don’t worry about me.”

  “Whatever.” Sara groaned. “I’ve got a doctor’s appointment in an hour. Hopefully they’ll tell me it’s time for this baby to get the heck out. I need to finish getting ready. Enjoy your vacation.”

  Sara didn’t have much longer. Eve couldn’t wait to meet and hold the baby. She still held out a small hope that one day she’d be cradling her own baby in her arms. “Text me what the doc says.”

  “I will.”

  They ended the call, and Eve couldn’t hold back the guilt. She was beginning to hate the money. It was the big, dark secret she’d chosen to keep from everyone. And now everyone wondered how she was affording things since she didn’t have a job. She was either going to have to fess up or find employment.

  Falling back on the bed, she stared at the ceiling. That overjoyed feeling she had after the spa was gone, and now shame was front and center. She knew why she kept this secret from people she didn’t know well, but from Sara, who she had known since middle school, why not just tell her? It wasn’t as though she couldn’t trust her. Sara was one of the few people who had stuck around in her life. Eve never really let people in, losing her parents at a young age did that to her.

  “I have to tell someone,” she whispered.

  Picking up her phone, she sent a text to Sara.

  Can you keep a secret?

  Then she stared at her phone, waiting for Sara’s response.

  Always.

  Okay, here goes nothing.

  I won the lottery. I was the big jackpot winner when it was 385 million.

  Sara responded right away.

  Whatever. Quit drinking the water down there.

  I’m not joking.

  Eve bit down on one of her fingernails.

  Sara texted again.

  You’re serious?

  Would anyone believe her at this point?

  Yes.

  Sara replied.

  Wow…

  I had to tell someone.

  Eve felt one hundred times better now that she’d admitted it.

  Sara responded.

  I still don’t believe you. This is some sick joke. I’ve got to go. I’m gonna be late.

  It was worth a shot.

  Be safe.

  Well, she’d tried, and at least she’d told someone, even if Sara thought she’d lied. She was a little hurt by that. Then again, it was probably best to have the conversation in person next time.

  Now to figure out what to do for the day.

  ***

  Eve sat across from Brad at a quiet and quant restaurant. Their table was outside on a terrace overlooking the crystal clear ocean as the sun began to set. She’d never had dinner at a more beautiful place.

  The food was better than she’d expected. She’d never been crazy about seafood, but after her first bite into the coconut shrimp, she’d found a new favorite meal.

  As she sipped her wine, she stared at Brad. He’d been silent most of dinner, and she hated seeing him bothered. It was a rather odd, messed up situation, one of those things you’d see in a movie, but not real life.

  “So, we don’t have much longer here before we have to return to the real world. We should hit the beach tomorrow, you think?” she asked.

  “I’d like that. I heard there was a nude one nearby.”

  Setting her glass down, she grinned and shook her head. “No.”

  “Hey, can’t blame me for trying.” A sexy smirk spread across his face.

  No, she couldn’t. “I do promise though, if you like tiny bikinis, I brought that, and a one-piece.”

  “Oh, you’d better have that bikini on.”

  Her nipples hardened against the thin material. He’d like this itty-bitty thing she wore for sure.

  She went back to her meal and he did, too. Inside her purse, her cell rang. “Excuse me.” She dug through her bag, found the phone, and didn’t recognize the number.

  “Who is it?” he asked.

  “I don’t know.”

  Brad took the phone from her before she could answer.

  “Brad, give that to me,” she demanded as she grabbed for it.

  He shook his head. “Hello?”

  “What are you doing?” It could be the assisted living community or something about her grandmother.

  “Oh.” Brad smiled. “Hi, Rick.”

  Rick? Oh, God, she’d forgotten to cancel the
date. “Give me that.”

  “No, I’m sorry, Evelyn is indisposed at the moment…”

  She grew more irritated by the moment as Brad ignored her.

  “Friday? Oh, no, I don’t think she can make it. She’s in Mexico right now… Yeah, with me.”

  This wasn’t funny. “Give me the phone.” She held out her hand.

  He shook his head as he reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “Actually, we’re out to eat right now at an expensive place, which I plan to pay for and not leave her with the bill.”

  No he hadn’t. She gripped the table with her free hand until her knuckles were white. “Brad, stop it.”

  Brad chuckled and handed her the phone, which now displayed her apps. Rick must’ve hung up on him.

  “That wasn’t funny. It was immature.”

  “It was a little fun. After all, you’re not dating him. I’m sure you can find someone cheaper to do your landscaping. Hell, I’ll do it. I know a thing or two.” He drank from his beer bottle.

  Eve pulled the napkin from her lap and set it on the table with a bit too much force, the impact stinging her hand. “You’re as a big a jerk as Rick.” She stood.

  “Wait. I’m sorry.” He pushed back from his chair. “Sit. Eat.”

  Right now she wanted to get as far away from him as she could. She was sick and tired of the antics between them. Things were never going to change. Here they were supposedly having a romantic dinner, and yet they still couldn’t get along. “I’ve had enough.”

  “I was wrong. I’m sorry.” Desperation spread across his face. “I didn’t know it would upset you so much.”

  “I shouldn’t be here with you to begin with. I don’t even know why I came. I barely know you, other than I hate that damn walnut tree of yours.” She crossed her arms. She wanted to walk around, but her feet were suddenly like lead.

  Brad came within arm’s length. “You know me, and you know we work well together. Your body molded into mine perfectly last night. Stay with me tonight.”

  Was he serious? After the immature stunt he’d just pulled? “No.”

  “Yes.”

  “No.”

  “Yes.”

  Agh! This man drove her crazy. “You’re so, so—”

  “So, what?” He inched closer.

  She inhaled his intoxicating scent. His musky spice enticed her to want to say yes as her panties grew moist. “Go away,” she whispered.

  “Only if you go with me.”

  “This isn’t a good idea. This whole thing makes no sense.”

  His gaze bore into hers. “Go back to my hotel room with me.”

  She shook her head. If she went there, she knew what would happen. “No.”

  He raised a hand in the direction of the waiter. “Can I get the check? The lady and I would like to leave.”

  “Not together.” She spun and walked away.

  The hotel wasn’t far, and before she got back there, he’d catch up to her. They’d argue again. Her insides would flood with the desire to kiss him, and if she couldn’t control it, they’d end up together in one of the beds, hot and sweaty.

  One minute she wanted him, and the next…Well, there were a whole lot less nexts. Why was she resisting? Having sex with him was going to happen eventually. She wasn’t naïve. There was a strong pull between them, and fighting it was getting harder and harder. He’d left her weak in the knees after oral sex. She couldn’t even fathom how much pleasure he’d give her in the sack. Could she even be anywhere near as talented as him?

  Then it hit her. While she’d had sex before, she wasn’t nearly as experienced as she’d like to be. She’d never had a wild lover, and Brad would be. He’d be doing a lot more giving than she would be. Sleeping with Brad was going to happen, and perhaps the sooner she did it, the better. Once he learned how bad she was, they’d go back to being just neighbors—though she was no longer sure that’s what she wanted.

  She stared off at the setting sun. Could she take a chance on him? He didn’t seem like the type to dump her after he got her in the sack. She certainly hadn’t been easy on him.

  A moment later, she heard the sound of someone jogging up behind her. She knew who it was without him even saying a word. Silently, they walked together back into the hotel, to the elevators, and disembarking on their floor. Their rooms were in opposite directions.

  Standing in front of the elevator, they stared at each other. He had a longing in his eyes. Almost a plea for her to give him a chance.

  It was now or never.

  Taking a deep breath, thinking back to her recent thoughts, she walked past him and toward his hotel room.

  Chapter Twelve

  After fumbling with the keycard, Brad inserted it into the slot. Was Eve going to let him finally explore her body? Had she come for the reasons he thought? He tried to be sly as he pushed open the heavy, resistant hotel room door with one hand, but instead it slipped and came back toward them.

  Eve giggled. “They are heavy.”

  She entered first and he followed, staring at her ass in her tight jeans. He was ready to pull those off and rub his hands along her legs. She stopped at the bed and turned slowly until her gaze met his.

  He opened his mouth to speak, but she shook her head. “Don’t talk, please.”

  Oh, that was just fine. He had other things he wanted to do with their mouths. Wasting no time, he wrapped his arms around her waist and tugged her to him. He claimed her lips, and she moaned in response. Brad lightly nibbled on her bottom lip, and when her mouth parted, he slipped his tongue in just as he slid his hand around her neck, tilting her head upward.

  Take this slow, he reminded himself. Give her time to make sure this is what she wants.

  Once they did this, everything would change. They’d no longer just be neighbors who played a little. They’d be, well, lovers. He wanted more than that. But he’d take whatever he could get right now.

  He pushed her slightly, until her legs met the bed. She fell back, right where he wanted her. Brad stared into her blue eyes, unable to believe she was here with him. Her lips parted, and he couldn’t hold back any longer. He pressed his mouth to hers. Eve grabbed his shoulders as he lifted her. This kiss wasn’t enough, not when she was ready for more. Placing his hands on either side of her, he pulled back. She gazed at him with red, swollen lips.

  After unbuttoning her blouse, he stared at her full breasts in a sheer, skin-toned bra that gave him a peek at the rosy nipples underneath. While this bra wasn’t fancy, his insides still flipped with excitement as he imagined peeling it off.

  When he pressed his lips to the soft skin between her breasts, Eve’s chest rose as she let out a soft sigh. Brad stared through his eyelashes at Eve’s face. Her eyes were closed and her lips parted as she waited for what was next.

  He kissed along the cup of the bra, while Eve sighed and wiggled. She wanted him to do more, and he’d gladly oblige. Pulling the material back, he sucked her erect nipple into his mouth as deep as he could while he rubbed her other nipple between his fingers, lightly pinching.

  Eve groaned and wiggled more as she rubbed his shoulders. “Damn it, I need more. Let’s just do this.”

  “Ah,” he blew on her damp skin, “good things come to those who wait.”

  “I can’t wait much longer.”

  He slid a hand up her thigh to cup her crotch. She moaned, thrusting her hips slightly. Through her jeans he could feel how wet she was—for him. Knowing this was a sure home run, his cock ached to be inside. They had time to take it slow later. For now, he needed to get inside her.

  He unbuttoned her jeans then did his best to tug them down, but man, these things were stuck. “Can I get some help here?”

  She giggled. “The downfall to skinny jeans.”

  “Just as long as they come off, otherwise I have scissors.”

  She continued to laugh as she stood and shimmied her way out of them until she stood before him in the skin-colored bra and a pair of bright
red panties sitting low on her hips.

  “You wild girl.” He winked. “Red’s my favorite color.”

  Eve stepped closer, letting her fingers run along his chest. “You naked would be my favorite color.”

  She lifted the hem of his shirt and tugged it over his head. As her lips explored his neck, she fiddled with the top of his jeans, undoing them until finally, they fell toward the floor.

  After kicking his shoes and pants off, he picked her up and laid her on the bed. “You’re so gorgeous. Do you know that?”

  Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink.

  Brad reached around and unclasped her bra. Then he palmed her ample size breasts, enjoying their softness. He skimmed over her hard nipples as he listened to her heavy breathing. It was time for more.

  Releasing her breasts, his hand immediately went right where he knew she wanted him. He glided his fingers through her lower lips, coating his digits with her juices. She was ready, but he wanted to make sure. As he inserted two fingers deep into her, her walls tightened. Eve’s back arched and she dug her nails into the sheets.

  Letting out a long sigh, she gripped his ass, squeezing. Then she slid her palm around, wrapping her hand around his length through his boxers, and stroked. God, her hand was a perfect fit, and the way she moved it up and down, up and down, wow.

  He pushed her hand away. This show had just started; it was way too early for it to end. After removing his fingers from inside her, he got off the bed and went to his suitcase. He’d packed a box of condoms in hopes he’d get lucky. Taking one from the box, he shoved his boxers down then rolled on the condom.

  Eve waited, her eyes heavy with passion. Brad tugged her panties down and threw them across the room. She opened her thighs wide. Leaning forward, he cupped her face between her hands and kissed her long and hard. He positioned his cock at the opening to her pussy, swirling it around to tease her. Staring into her eyes, he looked for the confirmation she wanted this as much as he did. When she nodded, he slid into her warmth.