Without You

CHAPTER 1

I have to find her Ryan, Joe said. You realize the lobby is filled with girls trying to get your attention, Brad said. There’s something about her. I have to find her, Joe said. And just how are you gonna pull that off, Ryan asked. I told her to come up, Joe said. Her and half the blonds in town, Brad joked. What was her name, Joe asked. Ava, Ryan said.

A few years later… .

What do you mean you broke up? Rose asked. He showed up with coffee, dropped the bomb, then left. It’s like he was going through a damn McDonald’s drive thru. I’ll have one break up to go please, Ava replied. Are you kidding me? Just like that? Tell me again why I wasted my time.

After another breakup, every girl needs her friends. Ava Ross was definitely no stranger to heartbreak. She was always the one to comfort everyone in their times of need, but now it was hers. Her boyfriend of three years had walked out. Not even a warning sign as to what was going to happen, she was in shock. It was time for another girl night, and she refused to be designated driver.

Ava Ross stood around five foot seven, long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. She worked out, she ate right, she did everything right. She always dressed to impress, even at the gym. She looked perfect from the outside, but right now, she fell a heck of a lot short of perfect. She had a tendency to fall for the bad boy, then try to heal him into a good man. She was almost too caring, too warm. She wore her heart on her sleeve with everyone, but this time, it had burned off and formed what felt like a lump in her throat.

Ava, you didn’t waste your time. You’ll never regret being with him. That’s what you told me when I broke up with what’s his name. Only thing I regret is not taking off the blinders when it came to him. I thought he’d changed, Rose. I thought he’d grown a heart. I thought for once it would work out.

Rose Shaw wasn’t a stranger to heartbreak either. Instead, she’d opted to be more like the guys. Dump them before they dump her, use them like the ones before used her. She was one strong woman. She was around the same height as Ava, and they both took care of themselves, but Rose was very different than Ava. She had a presence around people that always put them at ease and had the guys staring. Her long dark hair and hazel eyes were her strong suit. The fact that she knew just how to work every curve was what made her irresistible. Deep down, she wanted one man all to herself, but there was no way she’d ever admit it to Ava, or any of her other friends for that matter.

Ava, you need to get out of the house. Pack a bag for a few days. We’re going away. Where the heck are we gonna go Rose? Let me figure it out. There has to be a million last minute deals online. Ava did just that. She turned on her Aces CD, and started packing.

Ava thought back to a few years ago when she’d actually met the band—and that conversation she’d had with Joe Morgan.

She’d been nervous for weeks and had every song memorized by the time she got into the lineup. Her heart was racing, her palms were sweaty and the drink she’d had at dinner with Rose was kicking in. She finally walked in and was less than 5 feet from Joe Morgan. He was only the guitarist in the band, but she’d been dreaming about him forever.

Joe Morgan was every woman’s dream. He stood almost 5 foot 10, had the brown hair and the killer blue eyes that women wished they could practically swim in. He was enticing enough to have half the fans drooling over him, and took advantage of that fact. It was a well-known fact that he had girlfriends in every town, and Ava was sure that Buffalo was no different.

Her turn finally came and she was face to face with him. And you are, he asked. Ava. Nice to meet you, Joe said. You too. You are so much better looking in person, she joked. Okay, I like her, Joe joked. Ryan and Brad, the other two members of the band, just smirked. You have to share, Ryan teased. Nope, Joe joked. She got her picture done with them, then went to leave. Ava, can you stay here for a moment, the manager said. Sure, she replied not knowing what was going on. Once the meet and greet was finished, Joe walked towards her. So, about what you said, he teased. Well, you are Joe, Ava replied. What are you doing after the show? Going back to my hotel with my friend Rose. Why don’t you come hang out with us at the hotel a while. You do realize I’m not a groupie right, Ava asked. We could have fun, he said. I bet, Ava replied. We could talk and get to know each other. Okay, Ava replied. He wrote down the suite number on her hand and kissed her. He walked her back to security and she went to her seat while Joe headed on stage.

She’d made it to the hotel that night and saw more than one girl with the same number on a card, or their hand. She wasn’t about to be just another notch on the bedpost. She wanted him to remember her. Instead of making her way through the gaggle of women, she went back to her hotel and headed to bed.

She couldn’t help but smile at that. Being hit on by Joe Morgan of all people? She shook her head, trying to knock her brain back to reality.

Ava packed her Aces CD away in her suitcase with a grin ear to ear. She had two full suitcases packed by the time Rose called her back. Two round-trip tickets. Five day trip. You owe me $800. Fine. Where the hell are we going anyway? Jamaica. The resort is in Rio Bueno. It’s really nice, plus we got a discount on the flight with the air miles. Great. We’re leaving in 5 hours. Finish packing. I’ll be there in an hour or so to pick you up.

The girls left for the airport, excited about getting away from all the drama, but even more excited to be away from work. They made it through security then sat down, waiting for the boarding call. Ava looked around, checking out the guys in the terminal, then one caught her eye. He looked up, staring right at her. He grabbed his bags and walked towards her.

Boarding for flight to Montego Bay. Ava got up. The man looked over and smiled. Ava smiled back. You are supposed to be getting vacation man. Not home man, Rose teased. Ava went to grab her bag and he was directly in front of her. Hi, he said. Hi. You’re going to Montego Bay too? Ava nodded. Maybe we’ll bump into each other. Maybe, Ava replied. They boarded and Ava grabbed her seat. Rose was seated right in front of her. The guy boarded and looked over, then looked down at his ticket. I promise I’m not stalking you. I guess our seats are together. Ava laughed. Have a seat then. I’m Ava by the way. James. She went to shake his hand and he kissed her hand instead. She couldn’t help but smile.

He chatted Ava up a good portion of the flight. You sure you don’t have a man? Who could possibly pass you up? Thanks for the compliment, but I’m definitely single. Not for long pretty lady. You think so do you? He nodded. Ava smiled. So where are you two ladies staying? Ava told him about the resort. Seriously? My buddy and I are staying in the same place? Okay. Now that’s stalking. Booked an Oceanside suite. So did we, Rose said. Ava laughed. So, what are you doing for dinner tonight? Unpacking, Ava replied. The movie came on and she tried ignoring him the rest of the flight. Another relationship was the last thing she needed.

The plane finally landed. They headed to the resort, then got checked in. Oddly enough, Ava and James were a few doors down from each other. Around dinner, Ava and Rose headed to the restaurant and James invited himself to the table and sat down with Ava and Rose.

Rose started feeling like a third-wheel at dinner and went over to the bar, noticing a guy she thought was handsome. She flirted her way into a free drink or two, then noticed Ava and James heading out. Ava walked over to her. Meet you in the room. I’m going for a walk, Ava said. Your shadow coming with you, Rose teased. My stalker? Probably, she teased. Rose hugged her and Ava left. James was right behind her.

You gonna follow me all night, Ava asked. No, just something I wanted to do. Which is? She looked over at him and he kissed her. Tingles shot right to the tips of her toes. Been wanting to do that since I saw you at the airport. He kissed her again. What are you doing tomorrow morning? Morning run. You’re on vacation. Exactly what Rose said, but I’m doing it anyway. Then I’ll meet you for a run. You don’t have to. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her again. Yeah I do. I should get back, Ava said. He grabbed her hand and they walked back to the room. He kissed her again as they got closer to the room. So when was your last girlfriend? Ava asked trying to distract him from laying another kiss on her. A few months ago. Why? Just asking. I’m not the player type. Good to know. They got to the door and he leaned her against it, kissing her again. We should get some sleep, Ava said trying to break away from him. He kissed her again. Tingles all over. Sweet dreams beautiful. You too, Ava replied. He kissed the tip of her nose, then went down to his room. Ava went into her room and locked the door.

Ava went and slipped into her pajamas. She laughed. There was no way she was jumping into another relationship. She knew exactly what Rose would say to her. We’re on vacation. It’s a vacation fling. Just go for it. It wasn’t enough. The man was more than fine. She thought about it then realized that she had to stop over-analyzing things. Whatever happened on vacation was staying on this island. Sort of like the Las Vegas saying ‘What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.’ If only it were that simple.

Rose walked in a few hours later, laughing, then fell into the other bed. So how’s hottie from the airport? Fine. He’s okay. I just honestly don’t need another guy around right now, Ava said. So where’d you two disappear to? Went for a walk on the beach. And? Nothing. We talked and walked. Thought we were here to escape from guys? We are. How’s the guy you met at the bar? Met a few actually. One of them asked me on a boat ride in the morning if you’re up for it. Going for a run, then vegging on the beach. I need the down time, Ava said. I’ll meet you back here for lunch then. Ava nodded. If not, I’ll come find you two on the beach, Rose joked. They fell asleep and Ava was still wondering about James. There was no way he didn’t have some chick on the side or something. He had bad boy written all over him.

The next morning, Ava woke up and slipped her iPod on to head out for her run. She got changed, then headed to the beach. She walked right past James’ room. As she was about to start her stretches, James showed up. What time did you leave? 8. You do realize vacation means sleeping in? Ava laughed. Need help with the stretches, James asked. Think I can handle it, Ava said. She wasn’t about to give in to the flirting. They headed off a little while later and she was at least 5 feet ahead of him the entire run. He was breaking a sweat just trying to keep up with her. You’re good, he said when they finally made it back to the resort. Thanks, Ava replied. How long have you been a runner? A month or two. Just run to clear my head. What did you need to clear this morning? Just a million questions that I don’t need to answer. Yes I do like you, if that clears one question out of the way. Ava laughed. Thanks, but that wasn’t one. Yes I think you’re hot, James joked. Ava laughed. Okay. Give me a hint as to what’s going on in that brain of yours lady, James said. Just wondering why you have no girlfriend or anything. I want the spark that never goes away, James said. Ava almost laughed. He was beginning to sound like a Harlequin novel. You realize it takes work to make relationships like that. Hell yeah, but if I don’t want to kiss the lady every minute of the day, there’s no point to dating her right? Really? He nodded. The guy had an ego. You ready to head to the beach for a swim, he asked hoping that she’d say yes to the nude beach. I’m going to shower first. I’ll meet you down there. It was dropping a hint on deaf ears. I’ll come meet you at your room. They walked back and Ava went and changed. He grabbed a quick shower, then threw on his bathing suit and went down to get her. He knocked and got no answer. He left and headed down to the beach and saw her walking through the pathway. Ava, James said.

She turned to face him. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in close and kissed her. She broke the kiss and walked out towards the beach. Ava found a spot in the middle of all the people, hoping that he’d take the hint. Instead, he grabbed her hand and found a spot away from the rest of the crowd. He grabbed her sun lotion from her bag and rubbed it on her back for her, noticing that with one pull, the top would be off. Don’t you even think it, Ava said. Think what? I know what you’re thinking. The suit isn’t coming off that easily. He just looked over at her. Would you stop? Stop what? Eyeing me like I’m dinner. He laughed, but she had read his mind to a tee.

After a few hours of him flirting, he talked her into a dip in the water. They joked around, splashing each other, then he dove under water. Next thing she knew he picked her up and walked out as far as he could. Let go. He kissed her. They were both up to their necks in the water. He wanted her so bad he could taste it, and at least she wouldn’t be able to tell. He finally went to let go and she tried to swim away. Instead, he pulled her back to him and kissed her again. I’m gonna say something totally ridiculous, but I need to know, James said. Okay, Ava replied. I don’t wanna share. Meaning what? He kissed her again. Meaning I want you. Getting a little ahead of yourself, Ava said. Can’t help it. James, it’s flattering, but I… He kissed her again. James. She pushed him away and made her way back to the shore. She walked through the hot sand back to her chair. An attendant came walking out. Ava Ross? Ava raised her hand. The attendant walked towards her and handed her a note:

Met a guy. We’re doing lunch. Meet you at dinner. Bring sexy.

Ava laughed and thanked the attendant. What’s so funny, James asked. She met a guy on the boat cruise this morning. That means I get you to myself this afternoon. I have to get some writing done. The guy was past annoying. There was just no way that she was spending her relaxing vacation with a guy she couldn’t stand. No. You’re on vacation woman. No work permitted. And just how are you thinking that you’re going to stop me? Don’t you tempt me. Ava leaned back in her chair. The guy wasn’t taking a hint at all. Bet you I could talk you into not working. Just how were you thinking that was going to happen? He grabbed her bag, and her hand and led her back towards the hotel. Can I have my bag back, Ava asked. The minute he got to the private pathway, he picked her up and kissed her. Down. He shook his head. He walked towards the sliding door to his room. James. He sat her down on the bed in his room. What are we doing in here? Talking you into doing something other than work, he teased. He leaned towards her, leaning her back onto the bed. I need to go, Ava said. She brushed him off and went to her room.

Ava got some writing done, then got changed for dinner. She was about to leave when there was a knock at the door. She opened it and was face to face with James. And what do you want? Give you one hint, he teased. I’m meeting Rose for dinner. I have to go, Ava said. Company? There was no way that two days in a row he was inviting himself to dinner. Sort of a girl’s night, Ava said. I’ll walk you down then, he said hoping he could talk her into another walk.

Ava walked in and Rose walked over to her hand in hand with the mystery man she’d met. James, this is Greg, Rose said. Nice to meet you, James replied. You joining us for dinner, Rose asked trying to get Ava to relax a bit. Sure, he replied sitting down right beside Ava. They all chatted through dinner, then had a coffee and went for a walk on the beach. Everything was fine until James tried untying the neckpiece of Ava’s dress. It turned into tag down the beach. Ava had finally had it. The guy was driving her nuts. I have to get some sleep tonight, Ava said excusing herself from the walk. I’ll walk you… Thanks but no thanks, Ava said brushing James off again.

The next morning, Ava slept in a bit, then left for her run. She came back and saw James sitting with Rose on the patio. How was the run, Rose asked. Good. Ava went inside, putting her iPod in her bag. She grabbed a bathing suit and her shorts, then hopped into the shower. She got changed, threw on a little lotion, then came out. She went to grab her laptop and James walked into the room. I have to get some writing done. You’re on vacation. You need to get a suntan and a drink. Ava logged into her laptop. He knew there was no point in fighting with her. He went and sat back on the patio with Rose.

An hour or so later, Rose came in and shut the door behind her. Are you blind woman? Rose, I’m not doing this. I’m not meeting some random guy on vacation and spending my vacation trying to flirt with him. I told you that I’m done with the idiot guys. Look at him. The man is fine. He’s been talking my ear off about you for an hour and a half. Not happening, Ava said. Stubborn, Rose said. You go have fun. I’m relaxing my own way, Ava replied.

Rose finally talked Ava into going to the beach. Leave the laptop, Rose begged. Fine, Ava replied. They went down and Rose sat down in the chaise’s beside James. Was wondering when you two would make it down here, he said. Had to wait for the workaholic to take a break, Rose teased. Ava just shook her head and sat down.

After an hour or two of sun, Ava headed to the water to cool off. Rose nudged James. He headed straight to Ava. James, I get what you’re trying to do alright? What are you so afraid of, he asked. I’m not the vacation fling type James. She swam out a little further and he followed her. He finally caught up to her and pulled her to him. He kissed her with a toe-curling kiss that girls only see in the sappy chick flicks. You know how much I want you right now? I told you… He kissed her again. James. Who said it has to be a vacation fling? You are nuts, Ava said. She broke away from him and tried swimming off but he pulled her back to him. I mean it, he said. He never was one for putting off the inevitable. She knew exactly what Rose would tell her. There was no way she was doing it. No way was she giving into a random guy on vacation.

She thought back to that chance she’d had when she met Joe Morgan. If she’d just had the guts to go through with it back then… .

Promise you won’t regret it, James said. She gave in. She figured once he’d got his way, he’d walk off like all the other men she’d dated… . or at least she hoped he would. She made her excuse to Rose, and James walked back to the rooms with her. A half-hour later, clothes were flying in his room. It was intense, passionate, mind numbing sex. She knew she’d regret it tomorrow. This totally wasn’t her. She got up after and got dressed. Where are you going? Meeting Rose for lunch. Company, he asked. I guess, Ava replied. She went back to her room and showered and changed. She came out and James was waiting in the hall. He slid his hand in hers and walked down with her.

They walked into the restaurant and Rose was chatting up a man at the bar. Ava laughed. James looked and saw his buddy Jake. Part of him knew exactly what was going to happen next. Long time no see, Jake said as he got up and gave James a guy hug. James shook his head. Jake smirked. Rose was in for a heartbreak and James could predict just when it was gonna happen. They had a drink or two, then Ava headed back to the room to relax, and Rose and Jake took off for a walk.

So you live out our way too, Rose asked. Just moved back. Rose chatted Jake up, and the more they talked, the more she liked him.

Jake Madden was a lean, muscular guy that had every head turning. Both him and James looked like they walked out of GQ, and Jake could sweet talk a girl into almost anything. He was cool, smooth and handsome. Dark hair and green eyes, he was around six foot two and built like an athlete. He’d been working with a law firm in New York, then decided the big city wasn’t his style anymore and was offered a partnership at James’ law firm. Jake had a perfect smile, the perfect body. Almost everything was perfect. The man had women all over him. He preferred it that way, and Rose was always up for the challenge of turning a bad boy into a puppy dog.

So what are you two up to tonight, Jake asked. Dinner. Might try talking Ava into going to the club for some dancing. Why do you ask, Rose asked. Was gonna see if you wanted to come to dinner with me, but since you have plans, Jake said. Depends on where we were going, Rose said. The five star restaurant, Jake said. It was a sure fire way to get exactly what he wanted that night… or so he thought. Sure, Rose replied. Meet you at 5, he said. Room 136. He kissed Rose. ‘This is gonna be fun to see him turn into a puppy dog,’ Rose thought to herself. What Jake was thinking was a little more x-rated. He walked Rose back to the room, kissed her, then headed to his room.

CHAPTER 2

Ava got more writing done. She had dinner in her room alone, hoping that she’d managed to shake James. Part of her wondered if she’d done the right thing. She couldn’t take any of it back now. She slid the Aces CD into her laptop and plugged in her earphones. She thought back again to the night she’d met Joe. It fueled her writing enough to have a full-fledged writing marathon for a few hours. Around 10, she slid her earphones off. She had a shower, then relaxed. She had to be right about James. It was a stupid vacation fling and nothing else. After this, she’d probably never see him again. She left and headed out for a walk along the beach, making sure to bring her iPod fully loaded with every Aces song there was.

Jake walked Rose back to her room after their dinner alone. Rose had spent the entire dinner attempting to convince him that he was gonna fall for her. She teased, taunted and flirted her way back to the room. One kiss that he wouldn’t let her out of had her convinced she was right. Think that’s going to change my mind? Rose nodded. Don’t know me that well Rose. You sure? She kissed him again. You know you’re still wrong. Rose laughed and opened the door to her room, walked inside and slid her dress off, then turned to face him. The light glow of the bedside lamp drew attention to her curves. Jake looked towards her. What’s wrong Jake? Cat got your tongue? You are messing with the wrong man. Just getting changed for bed. If you’re trying to tempt me, it’s not gonna work. She slid off her g-string and flipped it at him. He looked over and saw her sliding on a satin and lace teddy. You aren’t interested, you can always leave, Rose said. She grabbed some lotion then rubbed it on her legs. He moved towards her, stopping to watch every move. Jake. What? Can you turn the light off for me? He flipped the light off then walked over towards her. She slid over in the bed as she heard the sound of him pulling his shirt and jeans off, and his boxers, sliding into bed behind her naked.

He leaned his body against her, pulling her to him and sliding the teddy off. Admit I was right, Rose teased. You weren’t. The fact that you’re so turned on you’re radiating heat means what? Means you’re a really good tease. Or you could just admit I’m right. He nibbled into her shoulder. Admit it, Rose joked. Would you stop? I can get up and walk out. You on the other hand… She heard a wrapper of some sort then his hand slid over her hip and between her legs. Partially right. They had sex. It was intense, and passionate, and took every ounce of energy they both had left.

They were tangled among the blankets and bed sheet, then fell asleep. Rose knew she was right and so did he, but there was no way his ego was letting her know. He woke up a half hour later and disappeared.

The next morning, Ava took off for her run. She had a feeling that Rose was going to need the extra sleep. An hour and a half later, she came back and saw Rose and Jake on the patio talking. Morning, Ava said. Was wondering where you disappeared to, Rose said. I’ll be out of your way in a minute or two, Ava said. She went in, showered, then slid her swimsuit on with her shorts. Have you seen James today, Jake asked. No, Ava replied. He was looking for you this morning, Jake said. Ava shook it off, then went and grabbed breakfast and headed to the beach.

Rose went back to the discussion they’d had the night before. Fine. You’re right. About time, Rose teased. Still, I’m not a relationship guy. Other than the fact that you’re a liar. Really? Rose nodded. And why would you think that Rose? Because you’re here. Didn’t want me to think bad of you. Didn’t have other plans. She kissed him again and he was horny in seconds. What were you saying? He picked her up and carried her back to the bed.

Ava relaxed by the water and saw James a few minutes later. And where’d you disappear to last night, James asked. Was writing. You seen Jake around anywhere? He’s with Rose. I need to talk to him before he does something stupid, James said. Like what, Ava asked. The man is a playboy. He has a girlfriend at home. Your point? This is a vacation. It’s like the old phrase… what happens in Vegas. That’s what Ava knew Rose would say. Maybe she was wrong about him and Jake, but she had to get rid of James somehow. You think that about us too? Ava nodded. And now? James, it was a mistake. A few more days and you won’t want to lose me for a second. Think pretty highly of yourself. Ava sipped her mango pineapple smoothie. You won’t Ava. You’re gonna miss me the second we’re apart. Ava finished her smoothie, then her breakfast. The man was a piece of work that she wished she could just wash away. He headed back to his room, leaving Ava to her sunshine.

An hour or two later, there was no sign of Rose. Ava headed back to the room. What the hell do you mean? I’m on bloody vacation. I’m not coming home tomorrow. James was in the middle of a fight on the phone and Ava was pretty glad she’d walked away from him. There was something about him that didn’t sit right with her. When she walked in, Rose and Jake were both gone. She logged into her laptop and turned her iPod on, turning the music up. After two hours, and a battery charge of her iPod, She took her earphones out, then showered and made an appointment for a massage. It’s exactly what she needed. She slid her room key into her pocket, then headed down to the spa. Ava, James said as she walked past him. She kept going. Why are you ignoring me? Go home James. She kept walking and went right into her appointment.

An hour and a half later, she left and went back to her room. The minute she walked past his door, he opened the door and pulled her inside. What, Ava asked. I’m not going until the end of the damn vacation. Go. He kissed her, leaning her against the door. You’re not getting rid of me that easily, James said. You need to go, then just go. Ava tried to push him away and he wouldn’t let her. I’m not going anywhere. I conference called them and told them it could wait. James, if you need to go, then go. I know what I need. And what in the world would that be? He kissed her again. He undid her robe. I’m going back to my room to get work done. No. We’re going to the beach. I’m not in the mood for the beach. He dropped the robe to the floor. Have another idea. Ava pushed him away and walked down to her room, slipping her robe back on. He followed her. Stop, James pleaded. Ava walked into her room. We’re going, James said. Ava went to grab her laptop and he pulled it out of her hands, putting it on the bed. He grabbed her bikini, handing it to her and took her plug for her laptop.

Ava changed, left a note for Rose, then he finally got her on the beach. He put a little sunscreen on her, then kissed her. When are you going back, he asked. End of the week. She put her head down on the sand pillow she’d made and relaxed. After a few hours of sun, and what seemed to be a pretty nice tan, Ava got re-dressed and they headed back to the room. So what do you feel like tonight? Going to bed. Okay. Want some company? Ava had just about had it with him. What she wanted was to be rid of him. He walked her back to the room. Seriously, James said. Answer is no. See you tomorrow then, James said. He wasn’t about to give up on her. Ava walked into her room and he saw Jake with Rose.

Afternoon. Rose almost jumped and Jake acted like it was his mom walking in on him. Where’d you two disappear to, Ava asked. The nude beach. What were you two up to, Jake asked. Went down to the normal beach, Ava replied. James knocked at the door. You seen Jake, James asked. Jake got up. What you needing bud, Jake asked. James motioned for him to follow him and they went back to James’ room.

What the hell are you doing? You promised her that you wouldn’t cheat and that’s the first damn thing you do. I kinda like her, Jake said. You are dating one of my oldest and dearest friends who’s practically like my little sister. Jake, stop acting like an ass. I talked to her this morning. I broke it off. Because of this? Jake, you promised her. And, I kinda like Rose. And you can never stick to one person. The second there’s any tidbit of a problem, you run. Great. Now I have more mess to clean up. I cared about her, but there was no way it was gonna work. We weren’t sexually compatible. She wasn’t enough. Nobody ever will be, James said.

So, Rose asked. So nothing. At least one of the two of us is thinking clearly. I know damn well the minute I get home this is over. That’s why there’s no point in getting all fucking excited. Why do you always short change yourself? You know he likes you. The man hasn’t been away from you the entire trip. And? Do I need to slap some sense into your head? Nope. The McDonalds moment is playing loud and clear. They got changed and headed down to dinner alone.

They were on their third drink when James and Jake showed up. You disappeared on me, Jake said. Rose kissed him. James looked over at Ava. It was getting almost ridiculous to Ava. She couldn’t manage to keep a damn boyfriend at home, but this one was like a leech that wouldn’t back off. They sat down to dinner and as soon as they were done, Ava headed out and walked down the beach alone. Was she scared to be in a relationship again? Maybe she should give James a chance. It was all too confusing. Part of her remembered what Rose had told her the last time they were away. Things happen for a reason Ava. Just go with it. She hoped she wouldn’t regret it.

Ava walked back to her room. Ava, James said as she walked past him. She kept walking. He grabbed her hand. What, she replied. What’s wrong? Doesn’t matter. She went to pull away from him and he lifted her chin so her eyes would meet his. I’m not just around for this vacation. When we get back, I still want to be there. Just call it what it is. I think I’m in love with you. Ava looked at him. What? I’ve known you for how many days? He kissed her. Ava went to turn and go to her room and he pulled her into his arms. James, there is no way that you could be in love with someone you barely even know. Yeah there is. He kissed her and pulled her close. His heart was racing. He picked her up in his arms, pulling her legs around his waist and carried her to his room and straight to his bed.

He leaned her back onto it, undoing her dress. James, this is ridiculous. He kissed her until she was out of breath, then kissed down her torso. This isn’t happening James. Ava walked out.

Rose was with Jake in his suite for the next two days. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, they were alone. They talked, got to know each other, watched movies and had mind-blowing sex. Rose, I have to come clean about something. When we first met, I had a girl. I broke it off, but I was with her before I left. Why did you break up? We were compatible in every way but in bed. I need the whole package. And? Happier with you than I’ve been in a year. Rose finally knew why Ava hadn’t wanted to get close to James. It was vacation sex… . or at least she thought it was.

The next morning, Ava woke up headed out to the beach for her run. She had less than 24 hours left for the vacation. Tomorrow before dinner the fantasy was over, and reality was back on the menu.

She got changed and went out to the beach, avoiding James and his room altogether. That night, she made a reservation for one. She had wine, dinner, then went to her room and went to bed. She packed her things and Rose’s, then went down to the front lobby and checked out. There’s a note here for you. The front desk person handed her the note:

Come see me before you go. Please.—James

Ava threw it away. The shuttle will be another hour and a half. I’ll keep the bags up here for you. Ava nodded. She went back out to the beach for an hour, then saw James walking towards her. Ava, where are you going? My flight’s leaving in 3 hours. You’re not going home already. She nodded. You were going to leave without even saying goodbye? After that stunt? I’m sorry. We got caught up in the middle of things. Don’t start. Ava, please. Don’t go. I’m going home. As soon as Rose gets her ass down here, we’re leaving. You’re running off. No. I’m running back to my life. I’ll call you when I get home. Why James? What’s the point? Don’t start this again. Your friend is at reception and the shuttle is here, the concierge said. Thanks, Ava replied. She got up and walked towards the lobby. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him and kissed her. I’ll call you when I get back. I didn’t give you my number. Ava went to walk off and he grabbed her hand again. Please. Ava wrote it down and handed it to him hoping he’d never use it. She walked off and left for the airport.

Ava and Rose got on their flight. Tell me again why you switched it to an earlier flight, Rose asked. Because you told him what flight we were on tomorrow. I need to get back to real life Rose. He told you he was in love with you and you take off? Darn right. An hour or two later, they were headed home. Rose dropped Ava off, and Ava walked into the house and saw reality. The boyfriend from hell had finally left, and left a mess behind. She checked through her things, and nothing was missing. He’d left her a note:

Some guy named James called. Nice to know it took you a split second to find a replacement.

She laughed, then threw the note away. She unpacked, threw in her laundry and sat down to relax and have dinner. Her phone rang ten minutes later.

Ava? Who is this? Don’t be mad. Please. James. I’m getting on a plane home. Meet me at the airport. No. Ava, I know you’re mad. I’m not mad. I just think it’s a little messed up that you’re trying to make more of it than it was James. It was a vacation. That’s all. Not for me. Just meet me. James. I’ll be landing in 2 hours. I’ll tell you when I get there. Tell me what? Just be there. He hung up. Figures. The moment she finally gets peace and quiet and a guy messes it up.

Two hours later, she was at the terminal. He got off the plane, bags in hand and walked towards her. You came, James said. What did you have to tell me that was so damn important? He dropped his bags, pulled her to him and kissed her. It wasn’t just one of those quick hello kisses either. It was a nobody else is in the room, we might as well do it here type of kisses. He finally put her down. Fine. You missed me. Let’s go before I do something illegal, he teased. He grabbed his bags and they headed out to her car. What did you have to tell me? That I want you in my life. Friends. Fine. He put his things in the trunk, then grabbed her keys. What? Not just friends Ava. What are you talking about? We got carried away on vacation. That’s all it was James. You’re wrong and you know it. So what was it then? If you don’t know, I’m going to have to make sure you figure it out. Which means what oh puzzle master? You’re coming to my place for a few hours, James said. I have things to get done at home. He hopped in the driver’s seat. Ava got in and they left.

They pulled into his driveway an hour later. Seriously, Ava asked. He parked and grabbed his bags, then opened her door. James, you are kidding right? He grabbed her hand, then walked to the front door, unlocking it and heading inside. There’s no bloody way. No way what? He flipped the light on at the front door, then went through his mail. Drink, he asked. I guess, Ava replied. He went into the kitchen and grabbed them each a beer from the fridge. He popped the lids off and handed her one. James, really. All it was, was two people getting carried away on vacation. Not to me Ava. James, this is ridiculous. I’m here because of you. I came back because I want to spend the last week of my vacation with you. You should have stayed. Why? All I was doing was wishing you were there. You’re really going overboard James. Tell me one thing then. What’s that? Why did you show up? Because I didn’t want you to be stranded. How very girl scout of you. Real reason Ava. Because I wondered what you wanted to tell me. Because you actually do care, even if it has only been a week. James, it was sex. That’s all it was. He slid the beer from her hand. What? He pulled her to her feet and led her into the dining room. What? He grabbed the remote for his stereo and turned it on. Come here, he said. He led her up the steps to the second floor. All she heard was her favorite Aces song on the stereo.

What are you up to? The music played quietly on the speakers in the master bedroom. He lit a few candles, then asked Ava to dance. This is crazy. He kissed her. Why is your heart racing again if it was just sex Ava? Fine. We were attracted to each other. That doesn’t mean… . He kissed her again, and she was swept away. He picked her up, then carried her to the bed, leaning her onto it. James, we shouldn’t. He ignored her and kissed her again, this time not letting her up for air. Her sweater and jeans hit the floor alongside his in minutes. He reached for his bedside drawer for a condom, then made love to Ava. This was pure, passionate, intense, romantic, and almost perfect sex. To him, it was a chance to make her see what he did. To her, it was a reminder that vacations don’t last forever. She regretted it the minute she did it.

They laid on the bed, as he pulled her into his arms. I didn’t just come back because I was horny Ava. I missed you. I couldn’t figure it out, then it hit me. I want to be with you. Can’t you just understand that? I could have if we’d met some other way, but this was just a vacation fling James. You wouldn’t have been with me if we’d met some other way? Meaning what? Meaning we met at the airport, not there. We talked for the first time on the plane. The second I saw you at the airport I wanted to walk over and kiss you. That’s not a damn fling. You are so darn determined aren’t you? Even if it takes me every day of the rest of my life. You sound like a Hallmark card. He kissed her again. You’ll see just how determined, he thought to himself, plotting out just what he’d have to do. There was no way he was letting go. Everything he’d wanted was staring him in the face, and he was going to hold on for dear life if it killed him in the process.