Tangled Beauty Page 5

  “She’s certainly pretty, enough,” I said. “He must just be totally enamored by her looks.”

  He wrinkled his nose. “If you can see past that stone-cold bitchiness.”

  “Well, she must have some hidden talents that keep Reed happy.”

  “Girlfriend, pulease. Even if she sucks cock better than me, she’s still not worth the gas it took the cabbie to drop her ass off at our doorstep.”

  I chuckled. “Well, she’s going to be your sister-in-law,” I said. “You’ll have to somehow learn to accept her.”

  “No I don’t and you know why? Because she won’t be around long enough to bother,” he said. “Reed will come to his senses and kick her to the curb. I’ll give them six months.”

  “That much?”

  “Okay, three,” he said, tossing me a beach towel.

  I stared down at it and sighed. “Why are we doing this, again?”

  “It’s liberating, exhilarating, and totally naughty,” he grinned, wickedly. “You’ll love it.”

  I didn’t know about that. Being naughty was his thing, not mine. “Let’s just get it over with,” I mumbled, following him out of my bedroom.

  It turned out that all of my fears were for naught. We arrived at the private alcove just before midnight and there was no sign of Reed or Sela.

  “It’s beautiful,” I said, staring at the low-tide under the moonlight. It looked so tranquil, so peaceful. Now, that I was actually here, I was glad I’d been talked into coming.

  “Spread out the towels and we’ll have a nightcap before we strip and run around naked.”

  “I’ll need it.”

  As we enjoyed the wine, Jesse’s stared towards the ocean, a wistful look on his face. “It seems like yesterday…”

  I smiled. “What, that you were swept off your feet by that actor?”

  He took a sip of wine. “Yes. I was so confused until that night, Sin,” he said, turning to me. “I mean, I tried, I really did, to be what everyone else wanted me to be. I even went out on a couple of dates with girls, but it always felt so wrong.”

  “What, like kissing a brother or sister?”

  He laughed. “Probably. I don’t know, I’ve never kissed Reed before.”

  I hit him playfully in the shoulder. “You know what I mean, smartass.”

  “Yeah. Anyway, I guess deep down I always knew I was gay.”

  “Did you ever try talking to anyone about it?”

  He sighed. “Once. My parents invited this couple over and they had a son, who was the same age as me, I think we were seventeen at the time. Anyway, I thought for sure he was gay and when I broached the subject, he literally freaked out.”

  “What happened?”

  He smiled, bitterly. “Called me a few names and then took a swing at me. He went completely berserk.”

  “Why did he freak out so bad? Did you make a move on him or something?”

  He rolled his eyes. “No. I just told him that I was confused about girls and whether or not they were for me. Then I asked him if he’d ever been with a guy before and he acted like a total asshole.”

  “That’s too bad.”

  He nodded. “You know what the worst part is?”

  I took a sip of wine. “What?”

  “He came out of the closet.”

  My eyebrows shot up. “You’re kidding.”

  “Not at all. My parents mentioned it, a couple of years ago. They were obviously flabbergasted about the entire thing.” He scowled. “My parents are so homophobic, it’s pathetic.”

  “Well, I think that guy owes you an apology.”

  He took a drink of his wine. “At the very least,” he said. “But really, I don’t care. He was obviously battling his own feelings at the time. Although, once an asshole, always an asshole. Speaking of…”

  I turned to see where he was looking and felt a warm rush swirl around my insides.

  Reed.

  “Where’s Sela?” asked Jesse as he walked towards us through the cool sand. He’d also changed his clothing and now wore black lounge pants and a matching hooded sweatshirt.

  Reed sighed. “She has a migraine.”

  “You know, I hate to be the one to break it to you,” said Jesse, “but, your fiancé is an irritating bitch.”

  He stuck his hands in his pockets and chuckled. “She definitely has her moments.”

  I stared at Reed as he stood there looking towards the ocean and felt envious of Sela. With his eyes glittering in the moonlight and his hair blowing in the wind, he looked like a model, posing for a picture. If I were Sela and hadn’t seen him for a while, he wouldn’t have been out here with us. I would have tied him to the bed and had my way, several times over, by now.

  Of course, I’d never had a migraine so I shouldn’t judge.

  Feeling a little loose-lipped because of the wine, I cleared my throat. “Would you like to join us? There’s plenty of wine.”

  He turned and smiled. “No, thank you. I just wanted to let you know that I hadn’t forgotten about you two.”

  “You’re not going skinny-dipping with us?” asked Jesse.

  “No, I’ll give you love-birds some privacy,” he said, his mouth twitching.

  Jesse stood up. “Nonsense, we don’t need privacy, big brother. We didn’t come here for sex.”

  “Well, although I’d love to join you,” he said. “I have to get back to Sela before she wakes up mom and dad. If she thinks I went skinny-dipping without her, she’ll blow a gasket.”

  “You’d better go back, then,” I said. “We’re not staying out here much longer, anyway.”

  Plus, there was no way I could drop my clothes when he was watching. At least, not here, on the beach.

  “Well, you two have fun,” he said, turning to go back. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

  “Good luck with the shrew!” hollered Jesse.

  Reed raised his hand but didn’t look back.

  ***

  Michael

  I watched them frolicking in the water after the other man left. They couldn’t see me hiding between the rocks, but my view was clear, especially of her.

  It was the perfect night. The moon was full and the setting was made for lovers.

  It was made for us.

  When Sinclair stepped out of the water she looked almost naked in her pale wet panties and bra. Her curves set me on fire and my hand moved inside of my trousers, watching her as I pumped my cock. I wanted nothing more than to lick the salt from her breasts as I thrust in and out of her wetness while she whispered my name, begging me for more. These thoughts consumed me and soon I shuddered into my fist, imagining the satisfaction in her eyes when it was over, as we held each other close and spoke of our future.

  Soon, my love

  .

  Chapter Eight

  Reed

  I walked back towards the house, wondering why the hell I hadn’t just said fuck it, and stayed with Jesse and Sinclair. Not only would it have been interesting to see how far they’d go with their little farce, but the thought of getting a glimpse of Sinclair’s body naked, well, it was enough to make me strain in my pants. As far as I was concerned, I could still appreciate a beautiful woman without touching her.

  Unlike my father.

  Sighing, I walked into the house and up to the guest room, to check on Sela. It was dark and empty.

  Fuck.

  I left and began searching the house for her as quietly as I could, so I wouldn’t wake up George, Gretchen, or my parents. When I finally made it to the library, I stopped in my tracks. Sela was sitting on the sofa, wearing a flimsy pink robe, and drinking a glass of champagne with Jack. As soon as he noticed me, Jack stood up and moved behind the sofa.

  I forced a smile. “What’s going on in here?”

  “What does it look like?” asked Sela, a little gleam in her eyes.

  Jack smiled and patted the sofa cushion. “Son, sit down.”

  “No, thanks. So I see that your migraine went awa
y.”

  “Yes, after my bath. I went out to look for you and bumped into your father,” said Sela, running a hand through the back of her damp hair. “We’ve been chatting.”

  “Is that so?” I asked.

  Jack cleared his throat. “Yes. We haven’t had much of a chance to talk, yet. So, we decided to have a quick glass of champagne, to celebrate your upcoming wedding and talk about you.”

  “Oh, did my father reminisce about my childhood?” I asked, knowing very well that he wasn’t around enough to know much about it. Nor did her really care, since I wasn’t his biological child and he was a prick.

  “No, but we did talk about acting, actually,” said Sela. “Your father seems to think I might have a future career in Hollywood.”

  I looked at Jack, who nodded. “Yes, she expressed an interest in it and I told her I might be able to help.”

  I turned back to Sela. “So, what about modeling?”

  She shrugged. “Well, I can do both.”

  “You’re already complaining about how busy you are. I don’t see how you can,” I said.

  “Listen,” said Jack, looking down at his watch. “I think I’ll head up to bed, so you two can discuss this in private. It’s getting late.”

  I folded my arms across my chest. “Good idea. I’m sure that mom’s probably wondering where you are.”

  He stared at me for a minute and then nodded.

  “Good night, Mr. Eddington,” said, Sela, standing up. She walked over and threw her arms around him. “Thanks so much for the advice.”

  “Um, well, yes,” he said, patting her on the back.

  “Good night, Jack,” I said, as she released him and he began walking towards the door.

  He turned and paused at the door. “Good night, Reed.”

  I looked down and frowned. “You might want to zip up. Your fly is down.”

  Jack’s eyes flashed to Sela and the guilt on his face was enough to send me to prison for manslaughter. Amazingly enough, however, I kept my cool. I wanted to break his fucking neck, but a larger part of me, wanted to believe that even he wouldn’t stoop that low.

  “What were you doing in here with him, Sela?” I asked her after he slipped out the door.

  Sela stood up. “What do you mean?” she asked, not quite meeting my eyes.

  I moved closer to her. “His pants were unzipped and you both looked a little suspicious.”

  “You’re being ridiculous,” snapped Sela. “Do you honestly think I’d do something like that? Seriously?”

  I wasn’t sure what lengths she would go for her career but I was pretty certain she knew how powerful Jack was in Hollywood.

  “I don’t know. I really don’t,” I said, moving towards her. “But if you did…”

  She stepped backwards and raised her chin. “What? You’d hurt me?”

  I smiled, coldly. “No, but don’t give me any ideas.”

  “Your threats, Reed, they are getting old.”

  I sighed wearily and rubbed my forehead. “Sela, I haven’t threatened you and frankly, I’m getting tired of your little escapades- first, your accusations then the drugs and now this… weirdness with Jack? I just don’t get you.”

  She tightened her robe and started walking towards the door. “Believe whatever you want. I’m tired and going to bed.”

  “Do you need help finding your room?” I asked, dryly.

  She turned around and glared at me. “No but I’m sure you can find your old room, which is where you’re obviously staying, this weekend.”

  Then she stormed out of the library, and as far as I was concerned, possibly out of my future.

  ***

  Sinclair

  “Well, that was fun,” I said, dryly.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” asked Jesse. “Is your foot still bleeding?”

  I stopped walking for a second and removed my flip-flop. “A little. The cut wasn’t too bad.”

  “We should have stayed in the water, then,” he said.

  “Hell no,” I said. “What if a shark would have smelled the blood and came looking for me?”

  “Oh, you worry too much,” he said.

  “You don’t worry enough,” I retorted.

  It was shortly after one o’clock in the morning and we were walking back towards the house.

  Well, I was limping.

  After getting the courage to strip down to my underwear, I’d finally found myself in the ocean with Jesse, who’d, thankfully, kept his shorts on. After going out just past my chest, I’d stepped on something sharp. When I swam back to shore, I’d noticed that my foot was bleeding.

  “I just hope I don’t get any blood on your mom’s carpeting.”

  “You’ll be fine,” he said.

  When we got to the house, I talked Jesse into carrying me back to my room.

  “Jesus,” he wheezed, carrying me up the stairs. “Maybe you should cut back on the carbs.”

  I squeezed his bicep. “Maybe you should start working on building these puny muscles.”

  “Cruel, Sin, cruel,” he said in a strained voice.

  When we finally reached my room, he dropped me onto the bed. “I think… I’m going… to die,” he gasped, bending down to catch his breath.

  “Oh, you’ll be fine. Could you start my bath water? I asked, examining my foot. The cut was pretty minor. “And see if there are any Bandaids in the bathroom?”

  He stood up straight. “God, you’d think we were married or something.”

  “Hey, you’re the one who wanted to pretend we were a couple.”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah,” he said, walking towards the bathroom.

  A minute later, he walked out of the bathroom carrying three Bandaids and looking confused. “For some reason, the water isn’t working,” he said.

  I groaned. “Seriously?”

  “The pipes are making a weird noise but nothing is coming out. Obviously, you can’t take a shower or bath in there.”

  “Crap. I need to take a shower or something. I’m all salty from the ocean.”

  “Try mine. I’m right down the hallway- the last door. You can use it while I go and have a snack downstairs. I’m freaken’ starving.”

  “Well, okay.”

  “Here,” said Jesse, handing me the Bandaids. “This should take care of the blood, although, it looks like you may have stopped bleeding already.”

  I put all three bandages on, just in case. I wasn’t about to piss Mimi off. “Thanks, Jesse.”

  “No problem. Do you want me to scrounge you up a snack, too?”

  “No, thanks.”

  “I was only kidding,” he said, kissing the top of my head. “You’re not fat at all. If you want to eat, don’t hold back.”

  “No, I’m fine.”

  “Okay. Go take your shower then, hopefully my shower is working.”

  “I hope so.”

  “Well, let me know if it isn’t.”

  “Oh, I will.”

  He smiled. “Okay, I’ll see you, later.”

  “Thanks.”

  After he left, I grabbed my robe, shampoo, and shower gel. Then I went in search of his room.

  ***

  Reed

  After Sela left, I raided the liquor cabinet in the library. With a satisfied grin, I grabbed a bottle of Jack’s most expensive tequila, sat down on the couch and proceeded to get drunk.

  It didn’t take long.

  Less than an hour later, I staggered back to my bedroom. When I closed the door, I was surprised to hear the water running in the bathroom.

  Sela?

  I walked over to my bathroom and slowly pushed the door open. Sure enough, I could see flashes of her naked body through the clouded glass shower door.

  Fuck it.

  Although I was still pissed, I was also drunk and hornier than shit.

  I slipped off my clothes and opened up the shower door, determined to have my way with Sela. She was still my fiancé, after all.

  “Oh my God!” s
he screamed.

  I blinked in confusion. The vision standing before me wasn’t Sela. This one had glistening soft curves, cat-like green eyes, and long dark hair that reached her lower back.

  I was so hard, it was almost painful.

  “Reed!” gasped Sinclair, turning away so that all I could see was the water dripping down her heart-shaped ass.

  “Shit…I’m sorry,” I said, closing the door, instantly sobering up.

  I picked up my clothes and quickly left the bathroom.

  ***

  Sinclair

  Oh my God.

  Had that just happened?

  My heart was still racing as I hurried to wash off the rest of the soap from my body. I tried pushing away the image of him staring at me in the shower, the desire in his eyes.

  I couldn’t help but smile. He had definitely liked what he’d seen.

  And, oh, hot damn, that body of his! Standing in all of his naked glory- the smooth chiseled chest, hard biceps, and that thick piece of manhood between his legs, pointing right at me! He was ready to go and I freakin’ scared him off!

  Engaged, I reminded myself.

  I hit the shower wall and turned the cold water up, wondering if it worked for women, too.

  Chapter Nine

  Reed

  I waited for Sinclair to finish, still confused as to why she was in my bedroom, using my shower. If she wouldn’t have looked so horrified, I would have thought she’d planned some kind of seduction. Although I’d like to say her plan wouldn’t have worked, I still couldn’t get the image of her hot, naked body out of my mind.

  Jesus, I needed to sober up.

  When she finally stepped out of the bathroom, she was wearing a short blue terry-cloth robe and holding her things in front of her, like a shield.

  I smiled, sheepishly. “Well, that was awkward.”

  Her cheeks grew pink and she nodded. “Very.”

  “I guess I should ask- why are you using my shower?”

  Her eyebrows shot up. “Your shower?”