Broken Enagement Read online

  From what I can see, there’s no one worthy of being picked up in the hotel lobby. It’s probably still a bit early for check in, and possibly too late for check-outs.

  With a sigh, I head for the bar.

  There’s bound to be at least one, if not more, hot chicks waiting for me at the bar. Where else do you got to pick up in a luxury resort? The bar or the bar.

  Even if I’m out of luck there, I may as well grab a drink before I check in.

  I don’t like to check in before I’ve checked out the lay of the land. And what better place to check out the lay of the land than at the bar?

  As far as I’m concerned, and speaking from experience, the bar is the hub of any resort or hotel.

  If there’s some lonely woman looking for a bit of holiday action, I bet I’ll find her at the bar. She may even be there right now, this very second.

  I feel a renewed vigor pulse through me as I stride to the bar with ocean views. Briefly, I hover at the entrance.

  It does, indeed, have those promised ocean views. White sand and a range of blues can be seen even from where I’m standing. The beach and ocean is literally a skip, hop and jump away.

  I guess if I can’t find anyone at the bar I might head down to the beach.

  Who knows? Maybe there’s some bikini clad model down there, sunbathing and waiting for someone to come along and help rub some sunscreen into those hard to reach spots.

  No point heading down to the beach without a drink.

  Slowly, I meander to the bar. I can hear voices, laughter—a woman’s laughter.

  After a few more steps, I see her.

  She’s absolutely fucking gorgeous. Quickly, I look around. So far so good. She seems to be here on her own. No husband or boyfriend to be seen anywhere.

  I straighten up and stride toward her, confidence oozing from me. The woman who can resist my charm simply hasn’t been born yet.

  “Can I buy you a drink?”

  She knocks me back.

  Ouch.

  How could this be? How can she resist my charm and good looks? Did I mention I’ve got incredible good looks? I mean, Adonis, eat your heart out.

  Speaking of hearts, maybe mine’s not in it enough, because a few witty quips from yours truly isn’t enough to stop her from almost leaving.

  When she picks up her drink, and starts towards the hotel, I watch for a second, hesitating, and then make a decision.

  “Now, wait just a minute,” I take off after her. “You can’t just leave, not when we’re just getting to know each other.”

  Luckily for me, she hesitates, turns around and looks me up and down. It’s not the sort of look I’m used to.

  It’s not the Wow, look how fucking gorgeous he is, and I can’t believe he’s talking to me look.

  It’s quite the opposite.

  Actually, it feels more like she’s appraising me as if I’m some beast about to be slaughtered, and she can’t make up her mind if any of my meat is suitable.

  “Sorry,” she says. “I must’ve missed something. I didn’t realize we were getting to know each other.”

  I shrug. “Easy mistake to make. But you know how it works. Boy meets girl at the bar. Boy asks girl questions, and you know…”

  “I thought you were after an easy fuck, and I was letting you down gently.”

  Ouch.

  This girl is hot. Fucking sizzling hot.

  My eyes can’t get enough of her. They hover at the lowest point of her V-neck t-shirt and imagine the perky delicious tits covered in a purple lacy bra. I can just see the edges of the material to know the color.

  “I’m up here,” she says and points to her eyes.

  “I thought I saw a stain on there,” I point to her tits and shake my head.

  Lame. That was fucking lame, even to my own ears.

  “A stain?”

  She actually looks down and looks back up smirking.

  “Is that like your best pick up line or what?”

  “Come on.” Fuck, let’s try this again. “Loosen up a little. I mean looks like you’re here on vacation, and I’m here on vacation—why not make the most of it?”

  As I’m speaking, I gesture toward the area of the bar, where you look out onto the beach and the water while you drink.

  With the right amount of ambience, she’ll be putty in my hands, and this place has ambience for miles. Literally.

  “Just look at that view. Like nowhere else on Earth, wouldn’t you say?”

  She doesn’t look. Maybe it’s time to change my approach.

  Nah.

  “The view? What view?”

  “The sand, the beautiful blue water stretching out to the horizon, the tropical skies on a perfect spring day—that view. You can’t miss it.”

  She shakes her head, not even glancing in that direction.

  “I don’t see any of that. There’s a giant fucking ego blocking all of it.”

  “You see? I knew you had a great sense of humor. It’s another thing we have in common.”

  She raises one of her eyebrows into a perfect arch.

  “My bad. I wasn’t trying to be funny—I was trying to insult you.”

  I laugh.

  “You crack me up. Would you be interested in getting dinner later?”

  “Of course. Just not with you.”

  She takes a single step forward, back towards me, and crosses her arms. Her face is projecting a stern self-assurance. I bet she’s so hot in bed someone would need to call the fire brigade.

  “Hurtful.”

  “Look, it’s not you—it’s just everything about you. And, also you.”

  She crosses her arms and smirks, slightly.

  And my imagination runs away with me again. Already I can picture our two naked bodies entwined, arms, legs and bodies, tangled in wild passionate embraces and different positions.

  Smoldering. I feel the flames flicker in me and grow into a raging inferno.

  Fuck.

  “What about lunch?”

  Surely, this woman’s got to eat.

  “Are you hard of hearing, or hard of understanding?”

  Man, the way she’s tilting her head to the side and giving me her most sexy look is fucking driving me insane.

  “So, no lunch?”

  “Dinner was bad enough—don’t you dare drag lunch into this.”

  “You don’t think I’m worthy of even mentioning lunch?” I put on the pout.

  The one the ladies fucking fall for every fucking time.

  She continues to stare at me with a growingly glacial expression.

  “Were you born like this, or did you get raised with too much praise?”

  “So, is this an either-or question, or can it be both? Cause I was definitely born like this, like the beautiful creature you see sitting before you now.”

  “You’ve always looked exactly like you do now?”

  “I’m talking about my soul, babe. My beautiful, shining soul, that my outrageous good looks sprang forth from, all creating the perfect package.”

  She steps backwards, back in the direction of the hotel.

  “Sounds like you’ve got a lot to unpack. Maybe I should leave you to it.”

  I shrug.

  “It’s simpler than it sounds, what I have to offer. It can be the simplest, purest, most beautiful thing in the world, if you want. Nothing to unpack, everything to enjoy.”

  “Sounds great. Hope that all works out for ya. Bye, now.”

  After those last few words soaked in sarcasm, she turns on her heels and strides to the hotel.

  Mesmerized, I watch her walk away. I’m mesmerized by the way she looks in those jeans, and I’m mesmerized by everything else about her.

  Yet, she’s still walking away.

  Once she’s out of view, I sigh, and turn back to the bar. I may as well have another drink and start thinking about plan B.

  I must fucking admit that I’m not used to this back to the drawing board stuff, not in this arena, at l
east.

  On some of the more challenging productions I’ve worked on, that’s a different story.

  But that’s Tinseltown, and I’ve got a fucking reputation that extends beyond any of that bullshit.

  And at the end of the day, I’m fucking Aaron Michaelson, sex god extraordinaire.

  Sex god extraordinaire who’s going to have to think of a new plan.

  Maybe.

  But, holy shit, what a fucking vacation so far.

  3

  Macy

  My phone vibrates in my pocket, as this almost comically cocky dude keeps trying to flirt with me from his barstool.

  I don’t bother checking it. I can tell it’s the front desk sending a text reminding me that my room—no, suite—is ready, and I’m just about ready to stop with these delays that are keeping me outside.

  I’m well aware that I can’t spend an entire tropical vacation indoors, but I do crave some quiet time after that long trip.

  And long trip or no, this guy is too much for me to handle right now—or probably anytime.

  The whole situation is just further evidence of how fucking deceptive looks can be. Even a guy like this—who I could safely say would be a ten in almost anyone’s book—was insufferable to begin with, and he keeps getting worse.

  “Sounds great. Hope that all works out for ya.” Hey, I’m classically polite until the end. “Bye, now.”

  Grabbing my carry-on, and, with some regret, leaving my cocktail on an empty table on the way, I walk purposely back into the lobby to get my key. There’s no one at the front desk except the clerk.

  She takes one look at me and smiles as I approach.

  “Ms. Evans, Miguel here will show you to your room.” She gestures to a small man walking up behind me. “He can take your bag and get you settled in.”

  This place is fucking huge. Even though I’m perfectly fine carrying my own shit wherever I go, my brief encounter with Mr. Personality has drained the last of my energy.

  I turn what I’m sure is a weary smile on Miguel. He reaches for my carry-on.

  “Thank you so much,” I say.

  “Just call us if you need anything, and enjoy your stay.”

  Quick, efficient, and polite without being overbearing—if the rest of the staff is as good as this receptionist, I think I’ll enjoy my stay here.

  “Thank you so much.”

  I slide my plastic key card into a folding envelope. It has my room number printed in bold turquoise numerals, with the words Honeymoon Suite printed in even larger red letters under that.

  Miguel walks at a leisurely pace. “Where are you from?”

  “New York City.”

  That’s one thing about New York. People always know where it is, none of that time-wasting, state-saying necessary.

  “Ah, very big place.” Pushing the elevator button, he turns toward me. “Much better weather here, yes?”

  “Definitely.” Walking into the elevator, he demonstrates where to insert my key card for my floor.

  We stand in silence until the elevator dings and the doors open.

  “Honeymoon suite. Very nice.” I tag along, noting the wide halls, tile floors, and muggy air.

  Taking a deep breath, I enjoy the briny, ocean air the open corridors contain.

  He stops in front of a door decorated with a ribbon that states “Congratulations.”

  He inserts the key into the door, and it flashes green briefly as he pushes it inward.

  Alright! Now this is what I’m talking about.

  I can see the ocean outside even from the door. The glass on the entire back wall showcases the view perfectly.

  As my post-flight fatigue kicks up another notch, I hold in a yawn and try to listen to Miguel give me the rundown.

  Nodding politely while zoning out with exhaustion, I think I have absorbed all the important details: fancy built-in closets on the right with complimentary robe and slippers, a refreshment bar farther into the room, which he shows me is fully stocked with all sorts of sugary and alcoholic crap which I’ve got no time for because it’s nap time.

  I’m sorry Miguel you’re the best and I’m trying to listen but I’m falling asl. . .

  Hey, now he’s showing me a good-sized, serious-looking desk. It’s much bigger and nicer than I’ve seen in any other hotel. That’ll be perfect for working on ideas for my thesis. Score!

  Just past the desk is a glassed-in soaker tub with a control panel out of fucking Star Trek or something.

  Okay, I’m impressed enough to wake up a little.

  It gets even better when we walk upstairs—yeah, that’s right, fucking upstairs—to the full-sized balcony. There’s a plunge pool, a seating area, and the view of the endless blue sea is overwhelming.

  It’s enough to put that view from the plane to shame. I could see it inspiring boundless ideas. Maybe I can work here and feel like I’m actually on this tropical island for a reason.

  This may end up being much better than I thought it would be.

  Cara never really got into any specifics of what she had set up for her honeymoon.

  Come to think of it, did she even set this up? Oh well, whatever.

  I follow Miguel back down the stairs and into the bedroom.

  On the table and chairs closest to the bedroom door is a small ceramic tray with four chocolate-covered strawberries, each with a slightly different swizzle of white chocolate that makes the whole thing look like an exquisite piece of modern art—an exquisite piece of modern art I plan to devour the fuck out, once I get some sleep.

  “Let the front desk know if there’s anything you need.” He hesitates out of uncertainty as I fish out my tip.

  “Thank you again, Miguel. It was great meeting you, and I’ll let them know if there’s anything I need.”

  I escort him to the door. I breathe a sigh of relief as it clicks shut.

  I know that sleepy time is coming soon, but first thing’s first.

  Cara has to see this, and I don’t want to forget to thank her again.

  Fucking profusely.

  Starting at the door, I use my smartphone to record a video clip working clockwise around the bedroom, capturing the giant, tastefully decorated and sexily modern-looking space in high-def glory.

  Cara needs to see more than just that one room. Starting another video, I stroll through the living room and into the bathroom—which I haven’t seen yet.

  There’s an awesome—as in genuinely awe-inspiring—walk-in shower that could probably hold at least a dozen people and spray all of them at once with the ceiling-mounted showerheads. I swing around to see the floating double vanities are set up with auto sensor taps.

  After stopping the recording, I send a text Cara.

  Girl, you’re not going to believe this place.

  I send the first video clip next. In one of the biggest surprises in my life, the Wi-Fi’s lightning-fast, and the video is sent to Cara in a flash.

  This is like no other resort I’ve been in, that’s for damn sure.

  As I record the desk, table and chairs, my fatigue makes a reappearance to jostle with my excitement, and I realize that my shot, as beautifully framed as it is, is lingering on the furniture a bit too long.

  Okay, cut.

  After stopping the video and sending it to Cara, I force myself to keep moving, over to my luggage, so I can unpack, before finally showering and resting.

  The cool air circulating as I walk into the bedroom brings a few, tiny drops of energy.

  With determination, I move every damn item of clothing and pair of shoes into its proper spot like I’ve lived here all my life.

  At long last, I move my bathroom stuff into its place, the walk-in shower beckoning my tired soul.

  My phone, resting on a marble counter, buzzes with a text from Cara.

  Looks awesome!

  Alright, I need to get my profuse thanking out of the way first.

  Yes, I can’t thank you enough. Seriously, I don’t even know what to say
. This is incredible. You saw it, right? Holy fuck! Thank you so much!

  Her response comes unnaturally fast.

  Well, thank God someone gets to enjoy it. I know it sounds weird, but I’m super relieved it’s not me there.

  I think my friend, the best friend anyone could ever fucking hope to have, is on the right track with that one.

  Ha ha! Then you would’ve had to put up with him “whose name must not be spoken.” No vacation would be worth putting up with a dick like that!

  You’re preaching to the choir, sister! Have an awesome time!

  I wasn’t a fan of Cara’s fiancé, to put it mildly. The woman—or maybe one of the women—he was cheating with angrily confronted her at her office, like a week before their wedding date.

  Yes, she was angry at Cara, the fiancée of the guy she was banging. She should’ve been angry at the guy, of course, because he’s an asshole.

  A typical fucking asshole.

  Oh well. Worked out well for me!

  I’m glad Cara’s spirits are up, and I may be tearing up a little at the thought of her heartbroken because of all that shit, then turning back into her real, happy self again.

  Life is too fucking short to keep dealing with the same shit over and over.

  Fatigue continues to settle in, and I postpone my shower for a nap on the sofa. I just barely made it there without passing out.

  I wake up feeling not that bad, and there’s still light outside.

  After looking at my phone, I see it’s only been like twenty minutes. But I feel amazingly refreshed as I walk toward the bathroom.

  At this point, I don’t want to let naive optimism take over and have Pollyannaish thoughts like Maybe it won’t be too bad.

  Because that’s the future, and you can never fucking know.

  But here in the present, getting out of my worn travel clothes and activating the private cleansing rainstorm of a shower, this suite is working out A-Okay.

  4

  Aaron

  The tropics are especially fucking hot this year.

  Watching the lady from the bar walk away, full of fire with a bit of anger, I think that this week may turn out to be much more fun than I expected.