Spring Break (Phoebe & Madsen Part 1) Page 3

  “Mmm that tastes good. I think I’ll have the same.” Madsen’s words are laced with flirtatious innuendos, the exact innuendos he promised to stop. Before I’m able to call him out, he walks away and toward the bar.

  Can’t a girl get a moment of alone time around this place? I’m not going to engage. It’s that simple. Madsen and his oiled-up pecs can just deal with it. I’m going to read this book and mind my own business.

  “Here we go,” he says while sitting on the lounger next to me. I glance up to see him holding out a fresh margarita for me in one hand and a shot of tequila in the other.

  “Thanks for the drink, keep the shot.” My tone is lined with more vinegar than honey and maybe I am the bitch he accused me of earlier.

  “Extra salt, like you prefer.”

  “How’d you know I like extra salt?” I ask, putting the now empty cup of my first margarita on the ground next to my chair.

  “Take your shot, you need to be ready for tonight. We’ll call this a ‘pre-game.’” He nudges the shot glass toward me.

  “I’d rather not. I don’t plan on getting shit-faced on day one. Besides, I like margaritas but not shots of tequila. If you know how I like my margarita, then you should know that too.”

  “Ah yes, I do know that. But, I also know that you’ll take exception if it’s top shelf and cold. So, drink up, sister, we’ve got a long night ahead of us.”

  He has a point. I will take a shot if it’s top shelf and cold. And, I’m not one to turn down free booze. I may be pacing myself, but free is free.

  “Fine. But, I’m not getting wasted,” I say before tossing back the shot and shaking my head in disgust. Gross.

  After taking the shot poolside, I managed to finish my book while Madsen swam laps in the pool. I’ll admit, I watched him a little. Okay, a lot.

  Fine, the entire time.

  I sat mesmerized by how flawless he was in the water. Lap after lap, his body was like a bullet flying through the water. I couldn’t look away. Neither could the rest of the women at the pool. I wondered to myself if any of them were the girl he mentioned earlier.

  Maybe it was the pretty brunette in the tankini sipping a frozen concoction across the pool deck. Or, perhaps it was the voluptuous blonde who was laying on her stomach, top untied, as if the setting sun was going to help her obvious fake tan.

  If I was a betting woman, I would go with Blondie. And, I’ve never passed up an easy bet.

  I check the time and realize it’s later than I thought and I need to get upstairs and ready for the night out. Kelsey signed us up for some sort of booze cruise and we need to be somewhere at a specific time. I hate schedules when I’m on vacation, but I’m a team player, so booze cruise it is.

  As I rise from the chair, I note that Madsen is lifting himself from the pool. Fuck my life that man is sexy. And talking to Blondie. Obviously, I win the bet with myself. I’ve made it only four steps when I hear my name being called. Turning toward the voice, I see Madsen scoop up his shirt from the chair he was sitting on and slip on his sandals.

  “Ditching me, Phoebes?”

  “Nope, it’s late, and if we’re meeting Duncan and Kelsey I need to hop in the shower. Besides, you looked ... busy.” I hate the way my voice dips as I utter the last word.

  “What time is ... shit, we have to get a move on,” he says, opening the door to the hotel and ushering me inside. “We may have to shower together to save time.”

  “Yeah, no thanks.”

  “Come on, you know it’ll save time. I’m all about efficiency.” He winks at me.

  “Innuendos, remember?”

  His eyes narrow and a smile takes over his face before answering me. “Not an innuendo, remember?”

  “This is going to be a long night.”

  “Sweetheart, you have no idea.”

  Oh, but I think I do.

  When I told Madsen it was going to be a long night, I had no idea just how long. Thankfully he didn’t suggest we shower together again and we managed to not argue much before we left to meet Duncan and Kelsey. We did bicker over what I should wear tonight. He wanted me to wear a skirt and mumbled something about easy access. A snarky comeback by me and a slamming of the bathroom door while I got dressed shut him up. He’s always been a flirt, but this shit is getting old and fast.

  Instead of the suggested skirt, I chose to wear my favorite summer party outfit: a pair of short, deep-green linen shorts; a lightweight, black button-up blouse with the buttons open to just above my lacy bra; wedges; and a few bangles on my wrist. My hair is down in its natural waves since the ocean air will surely work against any effort I put into it.

  When I walked out of the bathroom, Madsen was dressed and sitting on the balcony with a cocktail. He took in my outfit from the tips of my toes all the way up to my long wavy hair. Each inch he perused sent little shivers up my spine. He looked primal. Animalistic. Hot as sin. Fucker. I knew in that moment that if I let my guard down I was going to end up hooking up with him.

  That’s how I find myself drinking a bottle of water while the rest of the people on this boat are sucking down the mystery punch like it’s, well, like it’s water. I’ve seen more than three people puking over the side of the boat while a few girls have stumbled and fell on the dance floor.

  Kelsey noticed I wasn’t drinking but I blamed it on the plane ride and wanting to go all out tomorrow. She bought it, for now. Duncan didn’t buy it and I had to tell him I had fucking cramps for him to back off. Seriously, he’s such a pain in the ass. And, he’s pissing me the fuck off with his attentive boyfriend act. I know he’s full of shit.

  “Why are you glaring at your brother?”

  “For fuck’s sake. Will you stop sneaking up on me? I’m going to get you bells to wear around your neck. Jesus.” Madsen is like a damn ninja, I swear.

  “You’re wound up tight. That one-on-one time with yourself this afternoon didn’t relax you at all, did it?”

  I flip around to Madsen, my eyes wide. Guilt evident.

  “Ha! You were totally getting yourself off today. I was just kidding, but you just confirmed it. Babe, I told you, I’m here for you.”

  “Fuck off. Why don’t you go find a whore to fuck and leave me alone?”

  “Whoa. What’s your problem? I’m just teasing you. I always tease you, Phoebe. Why are you so angry with me today?”

  He’s right. He always teases me. We bicker and snip at each other. We flirt a little but that’s it. Something is different here. Maybe it’s the sunshine. Or maybe it’s me. I don’t know. Graduation and my birthday looming has me more on edge and bitchier than usual. Plus, I know that Duncan is going to screw Kelsey over and I’m going to be in a very awkward position.

  “You’re right. I am being a bitch, sorry. I have a lot on my mind.”

  “Want to talk about it?” he asks me, motioning to a bench off to the side of the back part of the deck. I’m sure there’s a name for this part of the boat but I have no idea what it is. I do know that there is no speaker here, so I don’t have to listen to the flashback nineties music the DJ is playing. I sit down and look out at the water. It really is beautiful. The moonlight along with the lights from the boat make it bright enough that I can make out the waves in the distance.

  “What’s going on? I know I was flirting pretty hard earlier but you’ve been off all day and I was trying to lighten the mood.”

  “Ugh, Mads, it’s not you. I mean, it is, you’ve been extra obnoxious today. I don’t know, it’s everything. Graduation, our birthday, my brother...” I tilt my head so it’s resting on his shoulder in a moment of defeat.

  “Okay, well, let’s talk about the easy one. Twenty-two. Not a big birthday, why are you stressed about that?”

  “I guess because it’s also graduation and I have no idea what I’m going to do with my life? When my mom was my age she and my dad were already engaged, and planning a future. I haven’t even been on a date in three months.”

  My head bounces as
Madsen laughs. I sit up and smack him in the arm but laugh too.

  “God, I’m pathetic.”

  “Nah, Phoebe, I wouldn’t call you pathetic. An old maid perhaps but not pathetic. Unless … how many cats do you have?”

  “Just seven. I think that’s still within reason,” I deadpan. His eyes laugh before the sound leaves his mouth. His perfect fucking mouth. Ugh.

  “Absolutely. It’s when you hit eight that you really should worry. See, crisis averted. Now your brother. What did he do now?”

  “Come on, you know as much as I do that he’s going to break Kelsey’s heart. As much as I’ve tried to fight it, she’s my best friend. I knew them dating was going to screw everything up. It’s only a matter of time before he breaks her heart and I have to listen to her cry and call my brother all of names I already do.”

  “Why would you think he’s going to break her heart? Duncan loves Kelsey. Like love loves her. He wants to marry her and shit.”

  Shaking my head like I didn’t hear him correctly, I look at Madsen, who nods. “Marry her? He’s cheating on her, Mads, he can’t marry her! Oh my God, this is worse than I thought.”

  “Cheating? He’s not cheating on her. Why would you say that?”

  “His alleged soup kitchen shifts. My brother is a lot of things, but a philanthropist isn’t one of them.”

  “Ah, yes. That was a shitty cover. He’ll kill me for telling you the truth, so if I do I want something in return.”

  “Like what? My soul?”

  “Nah, your soul is pretty dark. I’d rather not.”

  Laughing, I smack his arm again. His biceps are really muscular. Nope, not muscular. Or hard. Or sexy. Nope. Not this guy.

  “Fine, no black soul. What then?”

  “I want you to loosen up the rest of the night. We still have about two hours left of this cruise. I want you to have a few drinks, dance with me, and laugh. You have a spectacular laugh, Phoebes. Everyone should hear it.”

  “I, uh, I…” I stammer. I have no words. “Wow, I think that is the nicest thing you have ever said to me.”

  “Well, that’s a damn shame. It’s true. Look, I tease you and pick because that’s what we do, but I’m not that guy, Phoebe. We’ve known each other for four years and never really hung out just us. Let’s change that. Those two are going to get engaged this week and you and I are just along for the ride.”

  “They’re what?”

  “Shit. I said that before you agreed to the deal. You have to agree now, I’ve spilled the beans,” he says, running a hand down his face.

  “Explain because I’m about to hyperventilate.”

  “You’re right, Duncan doesn’t volunteer in the soup kitchen twice a week. He works at a factory on those nights to make money. He has been working to save enough to buy Kelsey an engagement ring. He’s planning to propose this week. I guess he was inspired by your parents’ story.”

  “Holy shit. I had no idea. I just assumed he was cheating on her. Wow. But, why is he working? He has money. I mean, we don’t talk about it, but he does.”

  “Yeah, he talked to your dad and he said something about responsibility, being a man, and life lessons. I don’t know. Probably the same reason he won’t pay for you guys to get a place together.”

  “Wow. I feel like shit. I have seriously said some seriously crappy things about my brother. Mostly to myself but still,” I say, looking off into the distance. I’ve been judgmental and quick to assume. I’m a horrible person. A horrible sister. Jesus, we shared a womb for goodness sake and I instantly assumed my brother was a cheater. I feel Madsen nudge my shoulder to get my attention. Turning my head to face him, I see his sincerity before he speaks.

  “Not all guys are assholes, Phoebe. Some of us are okay. Anyway, that’s why he’s been working and lying. It’s all for the greater good. They are happy and you, my friend, get to enjoy the rest of this trip and give your brother a chance.”

  “I really feel awful, Mads. Thank you for telling me.”

  “You’re welcome. So, about that deal. To the bar, we go!”

  I smile and let Madsen take my hand and drag me to the bar. I note that he never lets go of my hand. Our fingers aren’t laced, but he’s holding my hand nonetheless. And, it feels okay. Better than okay.

  “Phoebe, your tits are fucking amazing.”

  “Oh God. Yeeessss. Fuck. I love the way you suck on my tits.”

  Madsen’s tongue swirls my right nipple while his left hand holds my wrists above my head and right hand caresses my ass, pulling me into his erection. If he keeps this up, I’m going to come. Hard. Each time he grips and lifts my hips, the contact between us sends shockwaves through my body.

  “Keep your hands above your head. Don’t move them.” His voice is deeper and sexy as hell. Madsen releases my wrists and begins his descent down my body, gently kissing my torso as he does.

  It’s taking everything I have in me to not grab on to his hair. My reflexes want me to grab the ends of his hair, to tug, to pull, and to push him as he makes his descent. I don’t, and the restraint is pushing me closer to climax. The moment his fingers find my panties and pull them to the side, I instinctively untangle my wrists. I can’t stop myself, and as soon as his tongue finds my center, I grab his hair and tug. The moan he makes vibrates straight to my clit.

  “Oh, my God, that’s so good,” I moan as my orgasm builds. I’ve never come this quickly, but damn if I don’t need to.

  Why is he pushing me now? How are his hands on my panties and shoulders? No! Did we actually bring someone home with us? Oh. My. God.

  “Phoebe, goddammit. Wake the fuck up!”

  “Whaa … what?” I say, opening my eyes.

  Madsen is over me like he just was, but instead of covering me with his hot-as-fuck body, he’s lying to the side, scowling. I look at him through hooded eyes and recognize the scowl is more frustration sprinkled with distress.

  “Finally,” he says with relief in his tone. “You’ve been moaning in your fucking sleep for ten minutes. I’m going to need you to stop having your sex dream. Like right fucking now.”

  My what? Holy shit. Quickly rising to lean on my elbows, I look around the room to get my bearings. I was just having a sex dream, a very very good sex dream, about Madsen. Thanks nineties R&B music and Patron. I flop myself down and stare at the ceiling before responding.

  “I, uh … yeah, I’ve got nothing. Sorry?”

  “I need to take a cold shower. That was the fucking hottest thing I’ve ever seen, but unless you want me to reenact whatever dream you were having, I’m going to need you to fucking put a lid on that shit,” he declares, climbing from his side of the king-size bed and walking into the bathroom.

  Another time warning labels would be beneficial. Warning: your hot roommate is watching you have a sex dream. ABORT MISSION!

  I can feel that my panties are soaked and recognize I should probably get up and change them. If he’s this pissed from my dream, I probably don’t want to add the smell of sex, with myself or otherwise, to the situation.

  Once I’ve ruffled through my bag and located a new pair of panties, I quickly swap out them out and pull my sleep shorts back on. As soon as I hear the shower turn off, I rush to climb back into bed. I’m lying on my side, back facing the bathroom door, when Madsen climbs back into the bed.

  “Sorry.” My voice is quiet and timid, the darkness of the room making anything louder seem inappropriate. Instead of responding, Madsen scoots closer to me, his front to my back. Spooning. I don’t dare breathe or move.

  “It’s okay.” His hand gently pulls the hair from my neck to the side, exposing my shoulder. “Hey, don’t be embarrassed. Look at me.”

  I shake my head adamantly because there is no way I’m turning over to look at him. No way in Hell. But, he’s persistent and tugs my shoulder until I have no choice but to turn onto my back. I still won’t look at him.

  “Phoebe, look at me.”

  “No.” My response is nothi
ng more than a whisper. My hands instantly cover my face, willing him not to look at me. His hand cups my face and turns me toward him. Tears begin to form in my eyes. I don’t even know why. I’m not embarrassed because I was having a sex dream. That’s part of life. No, this is something I can’t put my finger on.

  “It’s not a big deal. It was just that you are already making my life hell by laying in this bed with me. Watching you touch yourself and moan was more than I could handle. I’m a little too buzzed tonight, but tomorrow I’ll sleep on the couch.”

  Madsen starts to move his hand from my face, but I place my hand on his wrist, halting him. Seconds tick by as we look at each other. This is not good.

  “Thank you for not making me feel worse. I am just embarrassed,” I say with a smile that I hope reflects my sincerity.

  “You’re welcome. Now get some sleep. You promised Kelsey an epic day of awesome. You better deliver.”

  I sure did. Me and my big mouth. At least my mouth didn’t call out Madsen’s name during my dream. Small favors and all that.

  My version of an epic day is a late breakfast, mimosas, a good book, and a nap. Kelsey’s version of an epic day is none of that. In fact, her version has us on a speedboat with Duncan and Madsen playing Rock, Paper, Scissors to determine who will Parasail first. I thought I had Kelsey convinced to have a girl’s afternoon at the spa instead, but then Duncan gave her some pathetic puppy dog look and she bailed on me. Instead of a sea salt scrub and massage by some Norwegian hottie named Sven, I’m wearing three layers of sunscreen, a long-sleeved cover-up, and a floppy hat that’s smacking me in the face more than it’s protecting me from the sun.

  I hate all of this.

  “Dude, you cannot keep using rock,” Duncan shouts at Madsen. He’s not shouting at him, but the wind is so loud you can’t communicate without raising your voice.

  If these two are going to debate the semantics of a playground game, I’m going to at least get that nap in. Twisting my body so that my legs are resting on Kelsey’s lap while the guys bicker, I close my eyes, setting my head on the back side of the boat. The sun warms my face and I allow the motion of the boat to rock me into relaxation. That is, until something blocks the sun, creating a shadow and dampening my moment of relaxation. I open one eye to see Duncan standing over me.