Discovering Alicia (7 page)

Despite his casual words, Brad didn’t miss the fact that Tom was staring at him with obvious curiosity.

“I told her I wasn’t in the market for a serious relationship either, and meant it, in the beginning.”

“Maybe she’s changed her mind about what she wants, too?”

“I have no clue,” Brad admitted, a bit too loudly. He started to pace.

“Here’s a wacky idea—how about talking to her about it?”

“If it sounds crazy in my own head, odds are high she’ll shoot me down. Then, I’ll lose her all together.”

“Never pegged you as a chicken shit.”

Leave it to Tom to cut straight to the quick of things. He was right. Brad was scared. It made no sense, but Brad was pretty damn sure he was falling in love with Alicia Lawrence.

“Go to hell,” Brad muttered.

“Nice comeback, dude,” Tom said, walking over to the fridge and pulling out two sodas. “I gotta admit, though, I’m really bummed at the change in plans.”

“What are you talking about?”

“If you’re thinking about going all serious with her, are you sure it’s a good idea?” Tom popped open his can and took a healthy drink.

“Yeah, I am. After the subject came up for discussion, she was out-of-control horny for hours. I almost had to crawl out to my truck when we were done.” Brad’s pulse sped up, as it always did, when Alicia was on his mind. Making love with her was incredible, but equally so was simply spending time with her, talking, laughing, just being together. He’d never been happier.

“Leave it to you to work a threesome into a conversation.” Tom chuckled and shook his head.

“I wanna be the one who gives Alicia all of her fantasies from now on, Tom.”

“Crap, Brad, keep the sappy shit to a minimum. You’re freakin’ me out.”

* * * *

“It’s so sweet of you to have me over for lunch,” Aunt Dottie said while dabbing her lips with the napkin. “I can’t believe your vacation is almost over.”

“Neither can I,” Alicia admitted with a sigh.

“You’ve been having a good time, yes? Mavis was telling me she’s seen you and Brad together around town, and the other morning, very early, I was on my way to the market and noticed your car in his driveway.” Aunt Dottie winked.

Heat flamed in Alicia’s cheeks, but she was extremely relieved Aunt Dottie brought up Brad. She was a mess over her feelings for him, and Ali hoped talking things out might help.

“I really,
really
like him.” Ali was relatively certain a different L- word would be more appropriate, but how stupid was she to fall so hard, so fast? It was a total rush to be with a man who accepted and encouraged her true nature, but that sure didn’t automatically equate to long-term success.

“That’s marvelous, dear.” Aunt Dottie beamed.

“No, actually it sucks.”

“Why? I don’t understand.” Aunt Dottie reached across the table and patted the back of Alicia’s hand.

“I’ve let my guard down with him, been open and honest, and I don’t think I’ve ever been happier in a relationship.” Ali rolled her eyes. “What the hell am I saying? We’re just vacation play buddies. Oh great, that sounds trashy even to me!”

“Nonsense, you’re two young, consenting adults enjoying each other. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, Alicia.”

“But we agreed in the beginning to keep things casual. Instead, we’ve seen each other every day. When I think about us going our separate ways, I burst into tears.”

“You need to tell him.”

“When he hasn’t said or done anything to indicate he has deeper feelings for me?”

“Now, we both know men have trouble voicing their emotions, but are you sure he hasn’t been
showing
you how much you mean to him?”

“Well, sometimes I think he might be.” Ali took a moment to consider how much of their time had been spent doing other things besides making love. They’d been sightseeing, gone fishing and boating, danced to the jukebox at the Tavern, and shared many lazy hours soaking up the sun. “But, I live ten hours away, I own my home, have friends and a life there,” she added for explanation sake.

“Pretty flimsy excuses, if you ask me, dear.” Aunt Dottie smiled. “If it’s meant to be, you two will figure out a way to make it happen.”

* * * *

Ali was out of the cottage, had the door locked, and was walking briskly toward the truck before Brad had a chance to get out. He leaned over and swung open the passenger side door.

“Excited about our evening?” he asked.

“I haven’t been to a fair in ages! Can we ride the Ferris wheel, play over-priced games, and eat until our tummies hurt?” Ali jumped in and fastened her seatbelt.

“We can do anything you want, sweetheart.”

During the thirty-minute drive, they shared stories about carnival and amusement park visits from their pasts.

“You’ll win a giant stuffed animal for me, won’t you, Brad?”

“Size is a requirement?”

“Of course, silly.” She patted his thigh as he parked the truck. “Everyone knows the girls carrying the biggest prizes are with guys who are way into them.” Ali meant to be funny, but Brad looked at her with such a serious expression, she wished she’d kept her mouth shut.

“Then you’ll have the biggest fuzzy thing they have.”

Ali’s mind reeled, and her heart pounded as he pulled her close and kissed her thoroughly. Was he just playing along, or was there more to his comment? Should she ask, or wait for him to say more? They only had a few days left.

“Let’s go have some fun,” he whispered against her lips.

As they made their way from the parking lot to the ticket booth, at least fifteen people either called out greetings to Brad, or came up to them and chatted. He kept his arm around her as he made introductions. Ali didn’t miss the curious glances, but everyone was kind and friendly.

“You’re a very popular man,” she commented as they entered the midway. “It was like this when we were at the diner and at The Tavern.”

“This is a close-knit community, and I’ve been showing you off around town for three weeks.”

“You have?” she asked, stopping and turning toward him.

“Hell, yeah. The most gorgeous, incredible, sexy woman on the planet is with me, and I want everyone to know it.”

He cupped her cheeks in his hands and lowered his lips to hers. Ali wrapped her arms around his middle and snuggled close.

“If you two aren’t careful, the church ladies will ask you to leave.”

The playful statement, spoken in a deep sexy tone, had Ali smiling against Brad’s mouth. He ended their kiss, but kept her tucked against his side. “Alicia, this is Tom Almont.”

“Nice to meet you,” she said, holding out her hand.

“The pleasure’s all mine,” he responded with a rakish grin, taking her hand in his and holding it instead of actually shaking. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Really?” Ali glanced between the two of them, unsure how to take the comment.

“Yeah, he can’t stop singing your praises, but practically everyone in town gets to meet you before me. Nice best friend, eh?” Tom briefly scowled at Brad before returning his full attention to Alicia.

“Not my fault you’re a fucking workaholic.”

“Whatever, dude. I’m off for the entire night, mind if I join you two?” Tom winked at her before letting go of her hand.

Brad gave her shoulder a little squeeze as he stared intently into her eyes. Ali’s stomach did a nervous flip flop while other, more private parts of her person, snapped to attention.

What the hell? Get your mind out of the gutter,
Ali silently chided
.
“Sure, sounds great.”

“Where do you want to start, sweetheart?” Brad asked, smiling.

Ali turned this way and that, getting the lay of the land. Lights were blinking, bells and whistles chimed, kids were laughing and running in every direction, and the screams of people on the roller coasters echoed through the night.

“I definitely need one of those elephant ears, and a corn dog, and a lemon ice,” she said, pointing to the many food booths. “But since I don’t want to vomit, how about we do rides first?”

“Keeping barfing off the evening’s agenda seems reasonable,” Brad agreed. “Lead the way.”

They rode the giant Ferris wheel first. The sky was crystal clear and filled with stars. Next, they went on the Tilt-O-Whirl and three of the coasters. Ali alternated between laughing, screaming, and holding on for dear life.

“Let’s do that one next.” Ali waved to the ride on their left.

“You want to go on something called Circle of Death?”

“Don’t be a baby, Brad. Look, there are kids in line to go on it.”

“Those are teenagers, Alicia, and teenagers are basically stupid.”

“You’re a huge pussy, dude. Come on, Ali.” Tom grabbed her hand, and they joined the line. “He’s got a thing about being turned upside down.”

Alicia watched the two-person cars tilt, whirl and swing violently side to side. “This doesn’t go all the way round, and wait, what do you mean? We were just flipped over multiple times on that last one.”

“Yeah, I couldn’t believe he went on it.” Tom leaned in close. “Making you happy, bringing you pleasure is the most important thing to him, Ali.” His warm breath tickled her earlobe.

The line began to move, and they were ushered into a car. The space was so small they were pressed together from shoulder to knee. The attendant snapped the wire enclosure shut after they fastened their lap belts. Ali grabbed onto the bar in front of them and was extremely surprised when Tom draped his arm across her shoulders. The ride began, jerking them up into the air. The car tipped almost all the way to one side, propelling Ali against Tom. She kept hold of the bar with one hand and gathered a fistful of his shirt with the other. The car swung to the other side then pitched forward. Ali screamed, and Tom wrapped both of his arms around her.

He didn’t let go until the ride stopped. With her first step on solid ground, she stumbled.

“Shit, I’m kind of dizzy.” She laughed, clutching him for much needed support. He held her tightly as they walked to the bench where Brad was waiting.

“That was a riot!” she exclaimed.

“You can’t walk on your own,” Brad remarked, cocking an eyebrow.

“I know, cool isn’t it?”

All three of them laughed.

“Wanna sit down for a second?”

“No, I’m good.”

It was then Ali realized she was speaking to the man she was sleeping with while clinging onto his best friend. Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment. Brad was up off the bench and standing an inch away in a heartbeat.

“He’s touching you, Alicia, because I gave him permission to.”

Her head spun even faster, and a shiver raced down her spine.

“Dude, lighten up; she’s shaking.”

“I’m fine,” she whispered.

“Tell him to let you go, if that’s what you want. It’s all up to you, sweetheart.” Brad stroked his index finger along her chin.

“What I want is to not end up on You Tube for putting on a show at the God damned local fair!” She grabbed Brad’s wrist for support and took one shaky step to her left. Tom rested a hand in the small of her back. “Seriously, guys, people are staring.” Ali said, glancing around. “Brad, don’t you have game booths to visit?”

“Alicia, don’t you have food booths to visit?” he mocked.

“Oh, like I could eat right now.”

“Damn, I was all set to watch your technique on a corn dog,” Tom said with a cocky leer.

“Too bad. Now, all you’re going to get is me being nervous and uncomfortable and watching everything I say and do.”

Alicia truly thought that was how the rest of the evening was going to go, but by the time Brad and Tom were locked in heated battle at the third gaming booth, she was cheering them on along with the small crowd which had gathered. It was a shooting contest, and they were tied with perfect scores.

“Sudden death! Miss the next shot, leave empty handed; hit the mark and win the grand prize for your lady!”

“What if they both make the shot?” someone yelled.

“She walks away with two prizes!”

Ali grinned from ear to ear. “Ain’t that the truth,” she mumbled, knowing no one heard over the noise.

“Take your time, guys. I want the red gorilla and pink Dalmatian,” she called out. When Brad and Tom turned in her direction, she licked the last of the powdered sugar from the elephant ear they’d been sharing off the tips of her fingers. They each flashed a sexy as hell smile before focusing their attention back to the absurdly small, moving targets. The onlookers went wild when both of them hit their marks.

It took a few moments for them to navigate through the back slaps and high fives due to carrying their extremely large burdens. Ali waited until they broke free of the crowd then hurried forward. She threw her arms around Brad’s neck and kissed him soundly. Without giving herself a chance to second guess, she turned and did the same with Tom. More cheering went up around them.