A Complicated Summer of Love (Complicated Love Series #3) (10 page)

“Hey.” Tracy plops down beside me. “Uh, I really need to top up my tan because I refuse to go home looking pale.” She lays down on her back in her pale blue bikini.

“Beautiful, you don’t need to worry about a tan.” Karl chuckles.

“Hush up you, Mr. I-Only-Have-To-Be-Out-In-The-Sun-For-Five-Minutes-To-Become-Brown, I need to work a lot harder on mine thank you very much.” She pouts.

“Okay beautiful. Well, while you do that, I’m going in for a swim.” He gives Tracy a peck on the lips.

“Joshua’s out there.” I point over in the vicinity where Joshua is swimming.

“Great. See you in a bit.” He runs toward the water and I notice Tracy sitting up.

“Mmm, he sure has a nice ass.” She giggles before laying back down.

“Tracy!”

“What? It’s true and he’s mine!” I laugh because she looks so happy with herself and I like that look on her.

“I’m happy for you. He’s a good guy and he clearly loves you. From what Joshua said, I never would have believed that Karl would eventually settle down with someone, but I’m glad it was you. You two belong together.”

“Thanks, Annabelle. I can’t believe it either, but I know he’s the one for me and I can’t wait for our new life to start when we get back.”

“What’s going to happen when we get back?”

“What do you mean?” She sits up and looks over and me.

“I mean you live in LA and he lives in London…how’s it going to work between you, being so far away from each other?”

She frowns and looks deep in thought. “We haven’t actually discussed anything like that…yet.”

“Oh, that’s cool.”

It’s pretty awkward between us as I’m not sure what to say. I feel like I’ve put my foot in it with my question. Stupid me was being nosy again.

“Shouldn’t we have discussed this by now? It seems like an important decision to make. What if he wants me to move to London? I can’t move. My job is awesome, and I can’t imagine ever wanting to leave. Being a fashion designer is what I’ve wanted to do all my life, and Los Angeles is the place to do that.”

“London isn’t all that bad. We grew up there. Why would it be such a bad thing, living back there?”

She sighs before answering. “Because I was so thrilled when I was offered the job, and even though I loved working in London, being in Los Angeles is the place I want to be. I can’t explain why, but I just love living there and I’m settled.”

“Look Tracy, I’m not sure what Karl is thinking, but I think you need to speak to him and find out what’s going to happen when you get back.”

“Yeah, I think your right.” We both lay down and spend some time topping up our tans.

Half an hour later and we’re interrupted by Lily. She lays down beside me without saying a word. I look over and see that she has her eyes closed.

“Are you okay?”

She doesn’t speak for a while before mumbling her response. “Fine.”

She doesn’t say anything else and I wonder if this has anything to do with Brandon. I haven’t seen him around today, and I found out from Joshua that Brandon was taking Maddison scuba diving for the day. I don’t want to question her about him, so I leave it alone for now.

“Have you had a good morning? I didn’t see you.”

“Yeah, it was okay,” she mumbles. Wow, she really doesn’t want to talk. Tracy sits up beside me and looks over at Lily.

“What’s wrong with you and your lack of conversation?” She looks annoyed.

Lily sits up and glares at Tracy. “Nothing okay? I just don’t feel like talking.”

“If this is about Brandon and Maddison, then I say you need to get over it.”

“What the hell do you know about it? You and Karl have been too busy with each other to even realize what’s been happening.” She stands abruptly and her face shows that she has had enough. She’s scowling and frowning.

“It doesn’t take a genius to work out why you’re mad and pissy. If you really like him then go and tell him, or act on it.”

“I’m not talking about this. Just drop it.” She stomps off back to the bungalows without saying anything more. Tracy and I look at each other before shrugging our shoulders and laying back down to do some more sunbathing. It’s best to wait until she calms down before talking to her. I really can’t understand this thing between Brandon and Lily, and I’m not sure where Maddison fits into all of this. It’s an utterly bizarre situation.

Later on, the sun is slowing disappearing beneath the ocean and it’s casting a beautifully soft, orange glow across the sky. Tracy and I have been sunbathing all afternoon while the guys swam and played a game of football. Karl and Joshua headed back to the bungalows a little while ago, so we are the last ones off the beach.

“I can’t believe we have one more day here. What time are our flights on Friday?” I gather my towel and sun cream, putting them in my beach bag.

“Our flights are in the afternoon, so we have to be at the airport before midday.”

“Wow! Okay, so we better make tomorrow count then.” She slings her arm around me.

“Let’s all go to the Four Seasons tomorrow night for a meal. Our last night should be special.”

“Yeah, sounds like fun.” We’re almost to the bungalows when we spot Maddison walking toward her bungalow. She looks happier than I’ve seen her since we arrived. I see her turn around and see Brandon jogging up to her. Before I can question anything, Brandon scoops her up in his arms and kisses her passionately. Tracy gasps beside me and I can’t help but giggle. They must’ve had a good day together. Brandon sets her back on her feet and I see them making their way to the bungalow that Lily and Maddison share.

“I really wouldn’t want to be Lily tonight,” Tracy snorts.

“I’m not saying anything.” I hold my hands up and I can’t help but laugh. “Anyway, I’ll see you tomorrow.” I give her a hug and we go our separate ways, back to our bungalows. I make my way to the bedroom and spot Joshua sitting up watching a program on the television. He has it on mute and has the subtitles on in English. I stand there for a while before he spots me.

“Hey, darling. You coming to bed?” He pats the space beside him. Instead of going to him, I slowly take off my clothes as Joshua’s gaze stays on me. He appraises my body as each part clothing is removed. I see the desire scorching in his eyes and I’m really giddy that I can cause this reaction in him after so long. I’m left standing there in nothing at all. I slowly walk to the end of the bed and see a perfect rigid tent in Joshua’s shorts. I smile and lick my lips playfully which causes Joshua to growl. I kneel on the bed and slowly crawl up to him. He grips my hips and I gasp when he hoists me up so that I’m sitting on his erection.

“God you’re so beautiful. I love you so much.” He pecks me on both cheeks and then on the tip of my nose. “I’m going to show you just how much I love you.” I smile at his words. I love him so much and this holiday couldn’t get any better.

“Show me, Joshua…now.” I kiss him passionately and Joshua spends the rest of the night appreciating me and showing me that we belong together…forever.

THURSDAY

Her beautiful red hair is absolutely breath-taking and I’m enjoying stroking it and sifting it through my fingers. Her face is flawless and that smile that she’s giving me makes me hard. I can’t believe I’m here, in bed with her. She’s lying beside me and I’m trying my hardest not to touch her, but I can’t help it. She is so beautiful. We aren’t talking, but we don’t need to because we’re both comfortable here together. She starts gliding her hand up and down my chest gently and I feel my muscles clenching. I can’t think straight while she’s stroking my chest. I’ve wanted this for so long that I’m in heaven right know. I don’t know what’s happened to make her change her mind, but at this point I’m not bothered. She sits up and leans on her elbow while continuing to stroke my chest. I lean over and kiss her lips once before I feel her hand moving down toward my cock.

“Your cock is rock hard and waiting for me, baby.”

I’m confused by that voice, it doesn’t sound like Lily at all. “Maybe I should do something about this.” I feel a hand on my cock, and oh God, it feels fucking good. I groan deep in my throat.

“You like that, baby?”

I slowly open my eyes and I’m not prepared for what I see. Maddison is lying beside me, stroking my cock. I sit up abruptly, and it takes a moment for me to understand what I’m seeing.

Maddison is here with me, in my bed?

I look around the room and notice that I’m not in my room.
Oh, Shit!
I must be in Maddison’s room. The sad thing is…I was dreaming about being here with Lily. I push Maddison’s hand away from my cock and cover myself with the duvet.

“What are you doing, Maddison?”

She sits up next to me and giggles. “Helping you with your hard problem.”

It doesn’t sit right with me because the hard on I’m sporting has nothing to do with her and everything to do with my dream of Lily.

“I’m okay.” I scoot out of bed and run around grabbing all my clothes. They seem to be lying all across the room. “I really need to get going.”

Maddison laughs and she hasn’t moved from the bed. She’s sitting up with the cover around her waist. She isn’t modest at all.

“You can’t use that excuse here, baby. We’re on an island, on holiday. What could possibly be that important that you have to take off so abruptly?”

Lily, Lily, Lily,
repeats over in my head. She could be next door, in her own room and it makes me sick to think that she could possibly see me leaving Maddison’s room. I’ve got to get out of here. I can’t have Lily knowing that I slept with Maddison.

What the hell was I thinking?

I know I had a bit to drink after we finished scuba diving yesterday. The whole day was incredible. I’ve never been scuba diving before so to actually have the opportunity to do it was brilliant! It took an entire morning to learn the basics before we could properly go into the sea to explore. We had an experienced professional with us at all times and I was surprised that being with Maddison was actually really fun. She suggested we go for a meal and a few drinks afterward and I must have enjoyed myself. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have ended up here, in Maddison’s bed.

“Look you’re a great person to spend time with…”

She places her hand up to shush me before speaking.

“Don’t give me that crap. Baby, we had a great time yesterday and even better night from what I can remember. I’m not going to let you make me think it was a mistake because it wasn’t, no matter what you try to tell yourself. You wanted me last night and I’m pretty sure you still want me now.” She doesn’t give me any more time to speak. She throws the cover off her and saunters across to me completely naked then gives me a little peck on the cheek before sashaying her way to the ensuite bathroom. She closes the door behind her and I hear the shower turn on. I release the breath I’ve been holding since she gave her little speech.

I do find her attractive, she’s definitely right about that, but I don’t feel anything more for her. I was stupid to have sex with her and I feel guilty for using her. She’s a great woman, but she isn’t the one that consumes my thoughts continually. I collect the rest of my clothes and continue getting changed. I need to escape as quickly as possible because I can’t risk Lily seeing me. I don’t bother waiting for Maddison to finish in the shower and rush through the bungalow to the front door.

“Have fun did you?”

Spinning around, I spot Lily sitting on the couch, reading a magazine. She’s in a bright orange bikini that makes her tanned skin look gorgeous. The look in her eyes is not one I want to see. She looks disgusted, and I think I can see something like hurt maybe, but she covers it rather well.

“Lily…I…” She doesn’t wait for me to explain. She chucks the magazine on the coffee table and stands.

“Hey, you don’t have to explain anything to me. I’m not bothered who you hook up with. It’s nothing to do with me.” She walks off toward her bedroom.

“Lily, wait!”

She slams the door without even acknowledging me. This is such a mess. Why can’t anything be easy with her? She’s the one that keeps blowing hot and cold with me. I’ve been a friend to her and I have tried, but she’s always holding me at arm’s length. What else can I do? And now I’m the bad guy because I didn’t wait around. I don’t know how I can win in this situation and I’m getting annoyed with how it’s going down. There’s nothing I can do now, so I decide to head to the beach to clear my head. I’m so glad it’s the last day of the holiday because I’m not sure I can take anymore of this shit. Maybe it’s best if I just head back to Los Angeles and forget about Lily and Maddison altogether.

What the hell am I doing?
I’m sitting here in my room, crying over some guy. I don’t do this and I’m shocked I’m doing it now, but the tears keep coming and the knot in my stomach is making me feel sick.

He slept with Maddison?

They’ve been spending time with each other, but I thought he was just trying to make me jealous. Why should it matter to me anyway? I keep pushing him away because I know with him it would be real, and I’m not ready for that yet. I’m not looking for commitment and I’m not sure if I’ll ever be ready. So how can I be annoyed that he’s gone to someone else for comfort?

I’m sure it’s because it’s Maddison. She’s a complete cow and I absolutely can’t stand her. I see the way she looks at Joshua, and I’m one hundred percent sure that she has her eyes on him, so I’m not sure what she’s doing with Brandon. I’ve been wondering if she’s been using Brandon to make Joshua jealous, but would she seriously sleep with Brandon to do that? Well, she is a complete whore, so I guess it wouldn’t be something that would be out of her comfort zone. Okay, I’m being a bitch, but this thing has shaken me up more than I want to admit. I hate that he’s gotten under my skin and I hate that I’m acting like such a girl. I hear a knock on my door and the person doesn’t wait for me to answer before waltzing in. It’s Annabelle and she’s looking incredibly happy today.

“Hi, I just swung by to let you know that we’re going out for a meal tonight, all of us, together. I thought we could go for some Thai food for our last night…you know, spend a bit more time together as a group. You in?”

I try discreetly to wipe away my tears, but when I look back at Annabelle and notice that she’s frowning, I realize I haven’t gotten away with it.

“Lily, have you been crying?” She’s looks concerned and I hate being seen as a weak woman. Nobody ever sees me cry.

“No…I…just…had something in my eye. I’m fine.” She doesn’t seem to believe my sorry excuse for an answer. I can’t tell her why I’m actually crying because it’s stupid and pathetic when Brandon isn’t even mine. Sometimes I’m not even sure if we’re friends let alone anything else.

“Come on. I’m not stupid. Something or someone has upset you and I’m pretty sure I know who that someone was. It’s Brandon, isn’t it?”

I stare at her wide-eyed.
How can she know that?

“I saw Brandon and Maddison last night. They looked pretty cozy together and they were heading here.”

That explains it.

“Look it’s fine. I’m just having a moment. It’s stupid really.” I stand and start getting ready for the day by finding something to wear. “I’m in for tonight, though. Sounds like fun.” I try to sound upbeat, but my voice sounds flat. Annabelle is silent beside me. I look around and notice her staring at me and she still has that sympathetic look on her face. “Annabelle, seriously, I'm good.” I try to fake a smile, but she still doesn’t look convinced and makes her way over to me. She gives me a hug which I’m kind of uncomfortable about.

“I’ll see you later then.” She lets go and walks out my door. I finish getting ready and head back into the lounge room, stopping abruptly when I see Maddison sitting on the sofa with her feet up, and Annabelle’s seated in the chair. They both stop talking as soon as I enter. Annabelle looks slightly annoyed, and Maddison has the biggest smile on her face.

“What’s going on?” I look between the two of them. Annabelle stands.

“Oh, nothing. I was just inviting Maddison to the meal tonight.” She smiles a tight smile.

“Yeah, and I said that I’m really looking forward to it especially if that gorgeous hunk of a man that left my bed this morning will be there.” I see the sly smile appear on her face and I know she’s trying to get to me, but I’m not going to play her stupid games.

“Whatever…I’m heading out.” I’ve got to get away from her because if she says anymore, I’m likely to punch her.

I’m heading for the door when Annabelle speaks, “Wait up, Lily.”

I head out the door and wait for her on the decking. She falls in beside me and I start walking. I don’t know where I’m heading, but I just needed to get away from bitch face in there.

“She was out of line saying that.”

“It’s cool. I’m not bothered what she says, and I’m certainly not bothered who Brandon screws.” She laughs and I snap my head around to look at her. “What is so funny?”

She stops laughing and smirks.

“You. Saying you’re not bothered who Brandon sleeps with. I know that isn’t true just by looking at you. I know you like him, I’m not stupid. Brandon sleeping with Maddison has upset you more than you like to show, but I can see it in your eyes that you’re in pain.” She’s still smirking.

“I really don’t want to talk about this.” I stop at the steps leading toward the beach. “Please just leave it.”

She nods her head and gives me another hug.
She sure likes hugging me.