“Oh, so now you want the details?” He chuckled.
“Nope, not details. Just merely interested in the roundabout timetables.”
“If all goes well, we’ll be ready for clients at the beginning of next month. I have your e-mail, and if you haven’t changed your address, we’re good. That’s how my secretary will get a hold of you. She’ll be setting it up.”
“Sure,” Mallory said, “when we’re here, we’re all friends and exchange sexual favors. But when we’re home, it’s all secretaries and official business.”
Antonio arched a look at her. “I’m assuming my secretary will be going through your publicist, correct?”
Mallory shrugged. “Well, yeah, okay, but so? It’s all so impersonal! I remember the days when people talked on the phone and were real friends, not fake ones.”
“Chickie,” Charlotte said. “You’re barely twenty-three. I’m pretty sure most people had cell phones and were connected to the Internet before you were six. You probably grew up only texting.”
“Stop harshing my mellow,” Mallory complained. “I’m just sad to be leaving all you guys tomorrow. If you must know, my real life totally sucks. There’s no one who’s real in it. Here, I feel like I used to when I was younger. Relaxed and happy.” She glanced at Emma. “If you guys decide to come down here again, I’ll hop on a plane and meet you if there’s an opening.” She glanced around the group. “In fact, we should all do this again over the same week. This was one of my best trips here.”
Charlotte shook her head sadly. “I likely won’t be back any time soon, but I’m hoping your private island trip works out, because when Antonio dumps me for a different flavor, I’m making him send me. Maybe while I’m there, I can find another guy who can afford to bring me back here, because on my salary, it’s not happening.”
Antonio cleared his throat. “You need to stop talking like that,” he told her. “We’re doing great together. I like what we have. Let’s not spoil it.”
“I like it, too,” Charlotte said, smiling sweetly as she took a sip of her drink. “But let’s face it, we’ve known each other for years. I know who you are. And I want you to make a promise right now in front of everyone that, to soften the blow of breaking my heart, you will be sending me to Fuck Me Island when you’re done with me.”
“Fine,” he said. “I’ll send you, but that’s a long way off, so let’s just enjoy the rest of the week on the boat, shall we?”
“We shall.” Charlotte nudged a toe against Mallory’s leg. “I’m giving you my e-mail. Keep me posted. And if Tonio backs out of his offer, you’re my key witness.”
“I’ve got your back, girlie,” Mallory said as she stood up. “Now let’s have some fun. Everyone done with their drinks?” She rattled her empty glass. “I think we need another.”
Before anyone could respond, there was a shriek, followed by a high-pitched squeal. “Here you guys are! I’ve been looking all over for you. Now we can start this party!” Cheri stood in front of the cabana totally naked, her huge boobs hard and unmoving, even though she’d been waving her arms around. Frankie, her husband, stood right behind her like a hulking shadow.
Pete heard Emma’s soft groan. He felt the same way. The only thing that could be worse was if Harry showed up—
“Hey there, gang!” Harry exclaimed, waltzing up with his wife, Jennifer, a beer in hand. The guy had on a Speedo, his usual attire, which Pete was pretty sure was a thong in the back. Honestly, Pete and Emma might be better off going back to the villa at this point. “Haven’t seen you two around, but now I know why.” Harry winked at them. “Hanging out with the elite crowd, I see. But you guys have come to the right place. This is the pool party of the century. It can get pretty darn wild here. It’s my favorite day of the month.”
Mallory had already been standing. “I’m just heading to the pool now. Can’t wait. See you all later!” She waved as she made a beeline out of the cabana, presumably to the bar for another drink. Pete wished he could beam himself to the pool just so he wouldn’t have to deal.
“Aw, come on, you guys, don’t leave yet!” Cheri cried as Emma stood up, Pete right behind her. “The party is just getting started.” She jiggled her chest, her boobs moving only a teensy bit.
Emma rocked her empty drink in front of Cheri. “We’re just going to go get a refresh,” she said, grabbing Pete’s hand and tugging him along. “I’m sure we’ll be back in a jiffy.”
Pete had to almost run to catch up with his wife. Emma had her hand over her mouth, stifling giggles. “Back in a jiffy?” Pete said. “When pigs fly.”
“Oh, my,” Emma said, choking back her laughter. “I would’ve said anything to get out of there. If that’s who we have to party with tonight, this is going to be a long night. I can’t manufacture sexiness with just anyone. It has to happen organically.”
“You don’t have to do any manufacturing.” Mallory turned from her spot by the bar with a fresh drink in hand. “There are a lot of great couples. Lucky for us, the Cheris and the Harrys here are few and far between. I’ve actually vacationed with Cheri and her gigantic knockers only one other time. Harry and Jen are pretty harmless. They keep to themselves. But there’s a great couple in the secluded pool, which is called Lovers’ Pool. Antonio told us to head in. Come on, and I’ll introduce you.” Mallory stripped off her dress, draped it over the railing that ran around the makeshift tiki bar, and stepped into the pool.
“We need a drink first!” Emma called to her retreating back. “Then we’ll join you.”
“Sounds good!” Mallory tossed over her shoulder.
22
__________________________
____________
The pool was like a dream. Once they were handed their new drinks, Emma disrobed, draping her sundress next to Mallory’s. Instead of being completely naked, Emma had worn the scarlet bikini bottoms Piper had purchased for her.
“Holy fuck!” Pete gasped. “Can you warn me ahead of time when you’re going to wear one of those things? And is that a heart above your ass?”
Emma twisted around to look.
Since she was more flexible than most, she could easily see the small swath of material shaped like a heart right above her thong line. She gave her husband a smoky look. “Yes, it is. These were a gift from Piper. I’d say that woman knows sexy better than anyone.”
“Damn.” Pete scrubbed both hands down his face. Then he shook his head. “How am I supposed to strip naked with a full erection?” He glanced around the pool. “Going in there with a boner is going to make me look like a pervert.”
Emma chuckled. “I think just about every guy here has a boner, and you’re allowed to do whatever you want. But I’m going in just like this, with my bikini bottoms on.” She tossed her hair over her shoulder, knowing her husband was watching her like a lion hunting prey, and she loved it.
Emma took her time sashaying to the edge of the pool.
Her ankle hit the warm water, and there was a soft whistle to her left.
“Jesus, woman, are you trying to kill us again?” Charlotte’s voice carried as she strode around the pool. “That body of yours is killer. I know I’m a broken record, but wowza, I need to get a pair of those bottoms, stat. Even though my ass won’t look half as kickin’ as yours does.”
Antonio was right behind Charlotte, and Emma could see the lusty look in his eyes. His gazed darted down her body. He’d have sex with her in a heartbeat if she wanted to, there was no question. But he nodded politely to her and placed his hand on the small of Charlotte’s back. “We’re getting new drinks,” he called. “We’ll meet you in the small pool.”