Frustrated Incorporated

Beth’s Angle

DreamInColour © 2004

 

Bethany didn’t do anything without purpose, especially when she was with Elise. To say they were like two peas in a pod was a gross understatement, for the last two years the two were never apart; except when they needed to itch a scratch.  Three years ago this itch was non-existent because Beth was in what everyone around her dubbed the ‘perfect relationship’. It was while she was with Conrad that she met Elise, because Elise was Conrad’s other girlfriend, ironic that they became friends if you think about it, but they never thought about it anymore.

“Anything goes tonight Elise.” Beth announced, “We’re in London, we’re single and we’re at one of the more exclusive clubs. I refuse to accept anything but the MOST fun.”

Elise laughed at her friend; “Sweetie fun follows you wherever you go.”

“It’s actually a gift.”

“Damnit there’s a line.”

“For some.” Beth worked her way to the front and smiled at the bouncer who returned her gaze with a stern one. “Hi, what’s your name?” She asked.

“None of your business.” The man barked.

“Well Mr. Your Business I was wondering if you could do me a little teensy favour. See me and my friend here are visiting from Canada and we really wanted to experience a proper London nightlife, we hear this is the place to be, so what I’m asking is if you would be so kind as to...”

“Back of the line.”

“See here’s the deal. I don’t do lines.” Beth said with a shrug, “So let us in.”

The guy walked over to her and looked down at her with a deep stern gaze. “What did you say?”

Looking up at him with not even a blink Beth said, “I don’t like to repeat myself but I will in this case. Let. Us. In.”

“I’d do it if I were you mate.” A voice said behind her.

She looked over her shoulder and smiled at the voice, “Then you’d be a smart man.” He seemed somewhat familiar, but maybe he just had a recognisable face, either way in that second she decided she really wanted a piece of him.

“It’s what I’m told.” He winked at her.

“Fine you’re in.” The bouncer said with a slight twinkle in his eye.

Grabbing Elise who was watching with a quiet humour Beth started giggling, “Brilliant.” She said in her best English lilt, before entering the club with her friend, she blew a kiss at the gentleman behind her then went in. There was no point in getting him right now, the game was more fun played in stages.

As soon as they were inside Beth started bouncing to the music, “I don’t even know what this is and already I love it.”

“I don’t care what it is I want a drink before I enjoy it.” Elise said with a laugh, “you’re usual milady?”

“Followed by a shot of tequila as always.” Beth nodded, “I’ll stay right here.”

“Hell ya you will.” Elise made her way to the bar.

“You seem like a determined young lady.” The man who had spoken to her outside sidled up next to her and looked down at her with a smirk.

She smiled to herself, ‘Yup I’ve got you right where I want you.’ She thought to herself. “That would make you damned observant.” She said back with a smirk of her own, “Why do I feel like I know you?” Despite the fact that he was a sexual draw just looking at him she really did feel like she had seen him somewhere before.

“I get that a lot, I’m Matt.” He extended his hand.

She took it and smiled, “I’m Beth. I’m sure you do but the more I look at you the more I’m damn sure I’ve seen you somewhere before.” Maybe he was a singer or something; he can’t have been that famous she usually knew the uber famous type.

“Have you ever been to London before this?” He asked, not giving her any hints.

“Once, about five years ago.” With Conrad, the bastard, she fumed to herself for the millisecond she always allowed and then got over it. She’d mastered pushing that away, her and Elise had decided to pretend Conrad didn’t exist, the bastard didn’t deserve to breathe. Okay this was getting over a millisecond she’d rather concentrate on Matt.

“Maybe we met then.” Come on pet, keep it coming, he knew she’d figure out and it was kind of fun watching her rack her mind.

“No I don’t think so, I’m sure I’d remember if it were then.” She tapped her finger to her lips as she stared at him. “It’ll come to me.”

“Let me know when it does.” He said with a laugh, “I see my mates, it was a pleasure to meet you Beth.” He took her hand again and squeezed it.

“You too Matt.” She held on and leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek, “I’ll come find you when I remember.” She whispered into his ear.

Catching her around the waist he whispered back, “You do that.” Then with a quick kiss to her neck he was gone. Wow this guy was good, an obvious continuous worker of the game, this was obvious and welcome. Beth liked a challenge.

“Good mighty Lord I think I’d have that man’s babies if he asked.” She muttered to Elise who, like always, showed up out of nowhere.

“Why does he look so familiar?” She watched him walk away and worked him over in her mind, as always her friend had snagged herself a prize piece.

Licking her lips Beth took a long sip of her drink, “I don’t know, but it’ll come to me and when it does I’m going over there to appreciate his familiarity up close.”

 

An hour later Beth was decidedly quite tipsy and enjoying the dance floor. Just as she started drinking some water to regulate the alcohol in her bloodstream it dawned on her. “Holy shit he’s an actor!”

“What?” Elise shouted, “I can’t hear you.”

Beth stopped because she’d begun scanning the room, “That guy, Matt he’s a fucking actor!”

“In what?” Elise could almost see her friend’s brain working overtime it always made her smile.

“Some cheesy romantic comedy whose name has a escaped me at the moment, but I remember that mouth like I had imagined it many times. I’m sure it’s him.” Beth exclaimed as she pulled her friend to a corner of the room that was on an incline.

“There.” Elise pointed, “He’s at the bar with that hooch.”

“Not for long.” Beth said with determination, grabbing a shot off the tray of a waitress she put down a couple pounds in payment then walked with confidence to the bar.

The woman was practically on his lap and he didn’t seem to mind, but he also didn’t seem to be paying her half of his attention. “I only strip on weekends.” She was saying was trying to get him to look at her but he was already watching Beth come toward him, the woman already forgotten.

“I figured it out.” She said when she reached him.

“Hello?” The woman said with attitude, although Matt was already done with her.

“Good-bye,” Beth waved at her without so much as a glance, “You,” She pointed at him while he smirked at her not even noticing the other woman leaving.

“Me what?” He asked leaning back on the bar to regard her; this creature was different from most of the conquests he took on at the bar. She obviously knew what she wanted and had no problem taking it, she seemed to enjoy him but for some reason he knew that he didn’t remotely intimidate her. This was a level playing field, it had been from the first moment.

“You were in that movie last year,” She exclaimed, stopping a mere foot in front of him.

“I was?” He just raised an eyebrow at her, this was her play, he wasn’t gonna give her much at this point.

Leaning into him she put her hands on his arms, “It was your mouth that gave you away. I’ve been thinking about it for the past hour and it finally dawned on me.”

“My mouth reminded you?” Instantly, on contact, his mind ran with the things that he wanted to do with this woman, he was already anticipating how good she’d taste.

She ran her fingers over his lips and smiled at him, “I’d imagined it so many times I knew it had to come back to me.”

“Fancy that.” He was murmuring precariously close to her mouth, usually he had complete control of these situations; he’d leave the woman just begging for contact from him. This was different however, as long as she’d let him kiss her he’d do it, he needed to.

“I’d fancy a snog if you’re willing to give one.” She pulled back just enough that her lips just barely brushed his, then came close enough to him that the rest of her body was touching his in all the right places.

“Willing, definitely willing.” He didn’t care where he was he didn’t care if it was in public, he literally needed to taste her at that moment.

“Okay then shut up and kiss me.” Beth was damn glad that she had started drinking water because she wanted to remember how delicious this kiss was. She was right this man was talented, it was very obvious he had practice in this area and that was perfect for what she wanted. They found themselves in a dark corner of the club for what seemed like forever when all of a sudden a Sean Paul track started playing and Beth pulled out of her blissful euphoria with a whoop, “Damnit all to hell I love this song.”

“What song?” His eye’s slowly opened and he looked decidedly quite drunk on her. This was abnormal for him, he looked at his watch and was astounded at the time that had gone by, this never happened to him. She was an enigma that he vowed he was taking home with him.

“Get Busy, it’s a good snog,” She giggled, “I mean song.” Grabbing his hand she pulled him out of the corner and onto the dance floor.

“I don’t dance.” He protested gradually realising his surroundings. He rarely danced at these places just stood at the bat with his mates and checked out which bird he wanted to take home, or if he wasn’t feeling like taking anyone home he just teased any woman who came up and tried to chat him up.

“Sure you do,” She put her hands on his hips and smiled up at him, “You just need rhythm and I’m going to assume you have plenty of that.” She hooked her thumbs into the belt loops of his jeans and pulled him as close to her as humanly possible.

“You assume that huh? You don’t even know me.” He didn’t stop her as she ground her hips into him pulling him into the dance.

“Don’t need to know any more than I already do.” She said with a laugh, her fingers ran down his chest, her eyebrow raised ever so slightly. She liked how he felt under her hands, she could almost not take the anticipation of feeling his skin against hers. The foreplay was by far the best she’d ever had, usually it was just about scratching an itch but she found she wasn’t even thinking about the itch, she just wanted to be around this man in any and every way physically possible.

“I guess you’re probably right.” The hunger with which he watched her gave her shivers throughout her entire body, it was getting to the point that if they didn’t leave she just might take him right there on the dance floor.

She put her hand to the base of his neck and pulled his face down to hers, inches from putting her mouth onto his she instead moved past it to kiss his ear and whispered, “I’ll be right back.”

He nodded because she had him immobilised, but he really didn’t want her to leave him, “Right.” This was a level playing field for sure; it wasn’t about getting her it was about finding out what she would do next.

“Wait for me there,” She pointed toward the exit by the door and then disappeared into the crowd. He watched her hips sway to the music as she sashayed her way through the crowd.

“Bloody hell mate you haven’t even been here an hour yet, how do you do it?” One of his friends said to him once he got to the bar.

It took him a moment to realise his friend was speaking to him. “I didn’t do anything this time mate.” He said honestly, “She’s doing everything I’m just following.”

“Bollocks!” The friend exclaimed, “You didn’t have to say anything, promise anything, convince her, do that smooth thing that I’ll envy till the day that I die?”

“Nope,” Matt shook his head, “I just have to be there, not sure what I think about that yet.” Mainly because he didn’t have the upper hand so his heart was already more involved than it should have been. He should have been thinking about a one-night shag, but already he wanted to get to know this woman.

“Don’t like it when the tables are turned?”

“I don’t bloody know right yet, ask me tomorrow when I don’t have zambooka coursing through my system.” He watched her as she danced with her friend speaking into the woman’s ear. The zambooka had nothing on what she was doing to his system; he didn’t care about anyone else in the room he wanted to see every move she made.

“You’re leaving with him?” Elise asked with not much shock, she’d seen that coming from the moment Beth had sized him up at the front door.

“We got separate rooms for a reason remember?” Beth said with a grin, she was already anticipating being in her room with him she could hardly take the anticipation.

“Oh I remember, but you are waking me up as SOON as he leaves tomorrow.”

“What if you…” She stopped because that was a dumb thing to say Elise was the type to survey all of her surroundings and sample a couple of boys on the menu before going in for the kill. It really just depended how much she wanted to work for her prize and that ranged by the night. When they were in Italy Elise didn’t care about foreplay it was about finding the man and taking him home, her record, fifteen minutes. Of course Beth was one to talk, if she thought about it she hadn’t even been in the club and she had this guy.

“I can assure you if I find someone he’ll be gone long before your firecracker over there.” Beth had no doubt in her friend’s power.

Then her mind was brought back to her goal for the evening. “He is rather delicious isn’t he?” Beth looked over at him and licked her lips.

“He wouldn’t even need a side dish, I could scoop him up for a main course.” That’s what they thought of men at this point, Conrad had deceived them to the point that they had promised each other that men were never getting under their skin again. It wasn’t about hating each other because they were duped into falling in love with the same man; it was about bonding over falling for an ass that wasn’t worth their time. So now they just made sure the itch was scratched whenever it needed to be and that’s all, no strings and no more contact after one night.

“That’s my dinner Elise, why don’t you work that hobbit like character over there trying to inconspicuously scope you out?” Beth suggested with a glance over her friend’s shoulder at someone who was way more familiar than Matt who seemed to be undressing Elise with his eyes, for obviously not the first time that night.

Elise followed Beth’s gaze and grinned, “I love this country.”

“You and me both love.” Beth kissed her friend’s cheek and smacked her butt, “Be safe.”

“Always.” Elise was already making her way to the other end of the room.

Beth found Matt exactly where she had told him to wait for her. She put a hand to his face and pulled it down so she could kiss him hard, “Good boy.”

He laughed against her mouth; “Do I get a treat now?”

“Actually you have to leave with me.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and gripped his shirt.

“Oh is that so?” His mind was swimming, he wasn’t sure if he felt drunk because all he could smell was her or if he really had drank that much.

“It’s a direct order actually.” She smacked her lips together her anticipation growing with ever second.

“Well then general, show me the door.” She’d had him the moment he’d watched her work the bouncer at the door.

Stepping away from him she looked over her shoulder and motioned with her finger, “Follow me.”

He shook his head and smiled, “Yes Ma’am.”

 

The light poured through the room making her groan and roll over. “Mornin’ darling.”

Her eyes flew open which made her groan again because it hurt, “Is it morning already?”

“The sunlight is a dead give away,” His voice had a deep morning scratch to it.

She yawned and raised an eyebrow at him, “You’re pretty damn sexy you know, I kinda like this scruff.” She rubbed his chin.

He grinned, “Cheers love.”

“Well I need a shower,” She decided not wanting the moment to get any deeper. She pulled herself out of the bed and walked, naked, to the bathroom.

He sighed after watching her leave and lay on his back to stare at the ceiling. This was different for him, he usually left before the girl woke up and he’d tried he really had, but he got caught up watching her sleep. By the time he realised he’s been staring at her for an hour he was too tired to move. He’d never let that happen before, but she was different, she was so different he needed to leave now before he actually let feelings get involved.

She let the warm water pour over her body and really hoped he was leaving. She’d figured he was the type to make a break for it in the middle of the night and she’d kind of hoped he would have. When he’d still been there that morning it had frightened her because she’d actually like it. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t get involved that deeply with anyone again, that’s why she’d sought him out. She’d fingered him as a willing one-night stand and that’s all she had been looking for last night. So why’d he have to stick around and look so delectable in the morning?

Taking a long time to towel off she wrapped it around her and cautiously stepped out of the bathroom. After a cursory glance around the room she breathed a sigh of relief. He’d left. Quickly getting dressed she knocked on the adjoining door to the room next door.

“Come in woman!” Elise called.

Beth stepped into the room still scrunching her unruly curly hair, “How was your night?” She asked as she flopped onto her friend’s bed.

Stepping out of the bathroom Elise smiled, “I do believe I have a crush on a hobbit.”

“He’s got a pretty sexy crooked smile I’ll give him that, what’s his name again?” She knew he was in the Lord of the Rings movies, but she hadn’t paid that close attention to those movies to know what the guy’s name was.

Taking one more glance at her appearance Elise came out of the bathroom, “Dominic, he’s actually on some show back home now. Ever heard of ‘Lost’?”

Beth thought for a moment, “I think so, is it that show that stars the guy from ‘Party of Five’?”

“Yeah that one, I’ve only caught it once and I thought I saw him, but he looks decidedly less hobbity in that one.”

“We’ll have to catch it when we get home.”

“Enough about me though, what about you, you look quite sated if I do say so myself.” Elise flopped onto the bed next to her friend.

“I’m worked up, worked over and decidedly more satisfied than ever before.” Beth said with a dramatic air.

“Wow, that’s the most glowing review you’ve ever given someone.”

“Yeah,” Beth sighed, “He was still here this morning.”

“When you woke up, really?”

“Yup and if it’s possible he looked sexier and sounded better than last night.”

“Ooh did you get morning booty?”

“No, cause I wouldn’t have let him leave if we had.” Beth said honestly, “It’s better that he left when I was showering.”

Elise regarded her friend; “You don’t sound convinced of that.”

“I have to be I’m never going to see him again.” Beth forced a smile, “Enough about him let’s do some tourist things today, I wanna see the Tower of London.”

 

“You’ve got to be joking mate.” Matt groaned, “I hate going there.”

“Listen buttfuck I don’t live here so indulge a Yankee friend and take me to the Tower of London.” Sam laughed, “It won’t kill you.”

“It just might mate,” Matt forced himself to stand and stretch, “Right, let me shower.”

“You still haven’t told me about the chick from last night.”

“Not much to say, she was just another bird.”

“Knowing you normally I would believe that but I don’t this time. Mainly because you just got home and you’re usually gone well before the woman wakes up.”

“Well believe it, same as the rest of them.” Giving another stretch he headed to the bathroom, “I’ll be ten minutes.”

Sam was starting to regret going to visit his aunt the night before and wished he’d been able to see this woman that had created such a reaction in his normally ‘take life as it comes’ friend. It was the lack of information about the woman from the previous night, usually he got a lot more details but Matt had said close to nothing about her except to say that she was brilliant.

 

“And these are our Queen’s beautiful crown jewels don’t blink or you’ll miss it.”

Beth watched as Dom pretended to do a mime walk on the moving sidewalk that was taking them through the vault at the Tower of London that held the crown jewels.

“He’s really quite odd.” She whispered to Elise who was laughing.

“You have no idea.”

“About me being odd,” Dom said with a smirk, “me mum is still trying to figure it out, love.”

Beth laughed, “Why is it you had to come with us?”

“Because you need a sexy tour guide,” He stuck out his chest and posed, “Besides Elise here invited me and I find I can’t say no to the woman.” He grabbed her around the waist and kissed her cheek.

“You sure can’t.” She winked at him.

“I’m going to wretch,” Beth rolled her eyes.

“S’alright love, there’s plenty of me to go round.” He said with flare jumping over to give her a dramatic kiss on the cheek then picking her up and spinning her around.

She burst out laughing and wrapped her arms around his neck when he stopped, “You’re making me dizzy.”

“I tend to have that affect.” He grinned.

Just then Beth’s face went slightly pale yet had a slight blush. Damnit there he was and not only was she glad, she was using all self-control to not go over to him. This wasn’t supposed to happen, what was going on with them. She was more than a little surprised when Dom had met them in the lobby of the hotel to come with them sight seeing and now this, what was going on? They were slowly losing their resolve and that couldn’t happen.

 

Sam stopped midsentence because he realised he was alone, “Matt?” He looked over his shoulder.

His friend was rooted in his spot watching a guy and two girls about twenty feet away. Sam was going to say something when he noticed one of the girls looked over at Matt, at first Sam was going to assume she was looking at him for the same reason most women did. He was six two, had dark hair and deep blue eyes, more than one woman had started swooning over this man, well before he opened his mouth and charmed them with his perfect English accent. This was different than other times though, because Matt was staring back and he definitely knew her.

“Must be the girl from last night.” Sam concluded to himself.

It felt like a week before he could get his feet to move, what the hell was wrong with him? Women never affected him so completely, usually just a lustful thing, but this was different. When his feet remembered how to work he found himself walking over to her, like he couldn’t have stopped himself if he tried.

 

Beth tried desperately to compose herself when she saw him heading over to her. She couldn’t believe it, no man ever had this affect on her, she usually just used them for whatever she wanted at the time. Yet for some reason this man had her whole body wanting more, not only her body, but her heart as well and that petrified her.

“Beth.” He said when he got to her.

She smiled at him, “Matt, hi.”

“Shit, I haven’t seen a woman act like that since the last time I hung out with Orli.” Dom joked before outstretching his hand to the newcomer, “Hey there mate, I’m Dom.”

“Pleasure.” Matt accepted the handshake with a smile; “I enjoyed your work on the Rings movies.”

“Cheers mate.” Dom laughed, “Let me guess I’m taller then you expected.”

“Still shorter than him.” Elise said with a laugh.

“That stung love.” Dom clutched his chest in mock pain.

Beth finally regained most of her composure, “Dom, Elise this is Matt. Matt, you’ve already met Dom, this is my friend Elise.”

Nodding in Elise’s direction Matt indicated behind him, “This is me mate Sam. Sam, this is Beth and her friends, Dom and Elise.”

“Good to meet you.” Sam smiled at them. “Looks like we all had the same idea, how about me make it a tour group of five?”

“Sounds great mate.” Dom agreed, “So are you Canadian like these ladies, or American?”

“American.” Sam grinned, “Out of San Diego.”

“No way! I live in LA when I’m shooting my new series, what part of San Diego are you from?” Dom, Elise and Sam walked on ahead talking and getting to know each other.

“So.” Matt and Beth said at the same time, and then both laughed.

“Well this isn’t at all awkward is it?” Beth finally said.

“Oh no, this is completely comfortable, happens to me all the time.”

“It does?”

“Not at all, I usually, umm, avoid…uh…yeah.” He didn’t really know how to say it.

She smiled at him and put her hand on his arm, “Don’t worry I understand, I usually do that too.”

Bending his arm where her hand rested he smiled back at her, “Well we’d better go join them, or Sam may just scare your friend’s away.”

“I don’t think anyone could be scarier than Dom.” Beth laughed, “And I’ve only known him a few hours.”

“I guess we’re in for a whole bunch more surprises aren’t we?”

Six hours later the five new friends were having dinner at a place Dom knew about.

“I’m serious!” Dom exclaimed, “The boat just started sinking, they had to get the Gimli double out of there cause his costume actually made him sink!”

Beth put her hand on Matt’s thigh and leaned into him as everyone started laughing hysterically. It happened so naturally it scared her, but for some reason she didn’t move away. Her body was deceiving her and she was letting it. It took him a moment to get his thoughts together then he naturally put an arm around her resting his hand just below her hip.

Elise looked over at them then gave Dom a look. He winked and waved over the waitress, “Could we get the bill then love?”

Leaning in Elise whispered something to Sam who nodded his approval as the waitress returned with the bill, which Dom took. All of this happened without Beth and Matt noticing.

“Uh, guys, we’re going.” Sam finally said jarring both of them out of their silent conversation.

Beth shook her head, she felt intoxicated and she hadn’t drank a drop of alcohol, “Okay so what’s next?” She asked as they left the restaurant, when he laced his fingers with hers she didn’t protest her inner self was going to lecture her later she knew it.

“I have a great idea.” Dom said noticing a cab driver sitting at the curb, “Get in,” he indicated.

Matt and Beth did while Dom talked to the driver who nodded upon receiving payment. Patting the roof Dom laughed at the two of them who spun around to stare at their friends who smiled and waved as the cab pulled away.

“So.” Sam said with a laugh, “You two wanna help me find a woman?”

“Say no more.” Elise grinned, “Dom has got the connections, we’ll hook you up.”

“Wonderful.”

Beth sat in the cab for about ten seconds without saying anything then leaned forward, “Where are you taking us?” She asked.

The cab driver relayed the address of her hotel, which made her laugh and she looked over her shoulder. He raised an eyebrow at her, which made her melt; in one movement she was straddling him. “I’m up for it if you are.” She whispered against his mouth.

“You drive me absolutely insane.” He said with a laugh before capturing her mouth in his. This kiss was the most intense thus far; they each couldn’t get enough of the other their tongues dancing perfectly together.

The cab pulled up in front of the hotel the action of the brakes forcing the couple in the back to realise they were still in relative public. Beth laughed, “I think you’re bad for my health.”

The driver refused a tip saying he’d been properly compensated so Matt took her hand and pulled her into the building, “I think you are exactly what the doctor ordered.”

“What? A dose of me a day keeps the doctor away.” She grinned pulling him by the collar into the elevator.

“Something like that.” He had her up against the corner of the lift; “I can’t get enough of you.” He admitted when they came up for air as the elevator opened onto her floor.

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.” She commented opening the door to her room.

“It’s a new thing, I don’t normally,” He swept the now familiar room with his arm, “return.” He finally said.

She slipped her hands underneath his shirt and pulled it over his head, “I don’t normally do this either, but I find I can’t act normal around you.” She allowed him to follow suit and remove her shirt.

He brought her close so that he could feel her skin against his own, “So it’s established, we aren’t at all being normal.”

She kissed the base of his throat and laughed, “Exactly.”

“Good,” He fingered the top of her jeans; “Can we stop talking about it then?”

She merely nodded running her fingers up his chest till her arms were around his neck. It scared her that she was going against the very promise she had made to herself in an effort to save her heart from breaking.

 

The next morning not only was he still there when she woke up but she was in his arms, her head resting comfortably on his chest. She inhaled the scent of him and watched his diaphragm move up and down as he took in each breath. She was absolutely completely addicted to this man and she’d only known him for two days.

He ran his fingers through her hair and kissed the top of her head. He’d been awake for the last hour listening to her breathing and trying to convince himself that this would be the last time he’d be with her. Until he decided there wasn’t any harm in seeing where this went, at least while she was in the city.

 

“We need to go to Spain.” Beth announced as she opened the door into Elise’s room.

“All right love, but I must tell you that I am sort of seeing someone else.”

“Dom?” She stared at the bed where he was lounging under the covers watching TV, “Where’s Elise?”

“Went to work out in the hotel gym. I figured my physique isn’t getting much better than the perfection that it is so I opted to stay and watch television.” He explained while flexing.

Beth laughed, “Damn and I need some best friend advice.”

“I think you just need some regular advice, and I can do that. Do you need to go to Spain cause you’re pulling a runner?”

Flopping down on the bed Beth looked up at him and sighed, “I don’t know what a runner is but it doesn’t sound good.”

“Is he still in your room?”

“He’s in the shower.”

“Why aren’t you with him?”

“Because damnit I don’t get attached.”

“Uh huh and that’s why you just slammed in here saying you have to go to Spain.” Dom laughed at her, “I’m sorry to be the one to say this but you’re already attached.”

“Fuck you.”

“We’ve been through this love.”

She smacked his leg, “That’s not what I meant and you know it.”

He shrugged, “I don’t see what the big deal is, have fun for a bit then move on.”

“What if I can’t?”

“What if you can?”

“You sound like a damn shrink.”

“My mates are forever fucking up relationships, I’ve learned from the best.”

“I need to meet these mates I think.”

“Dunno they are pretty irresistible.”

“What do you mean?”

“Elijah with his damn eyes and Billy with his, damnit I don’t even know what he has but women love it.”

“Good point, one irresistible man is enough for me right now.”

“There you are.” Matt was leaning against the doorframe with a smile and had the nerve to be shirtless, Beth was trying to hate him but it was impossible at this point.

“Well speak of the devil.” Dom laughed

Beth sighed and rubbed a hand over her face to try and maintain pure thoughts, “I came in looking for Elise and found a hobbit.”

“Gotta hate it when that happens,” He nodded, “All right Dom?”

“All right.” Dom said with a grin, “I just sort of sit here and gorgeous birds fall in from the sky.”

“Lucky you, have you had breakfast?” Matt asked.

“Me or her.”

“Both.”

“I really haven’t moved since Elise left.”

“And I came in here after you got into the shower.”

“So in short, no?”

“Yup.” They answered together.

“Brilliant,” He strode across the room and picked Beth up, “You just need to fix up and we’ll meet Dom and Elise for breakfast.”

“That’s what I need huh?” She wrapped her arms around his neck, the man smelled so damn good even if she wanted to she knew it would be impossible to say anything but yes to him at this point.

“Yup, cheers Dom.”

“See ya mate.”

“You really are an odd duck you know that?” Beth said once they’d returned to her room.

“So you want to go to Spain?” He asked putting her down.

“I-I-I well.” Beth stuttered, “It seemed a good idea at the time.”

“You felt it was necessary to go to an entirely new country to get away from me?” He didn’t seem at all mad just curious.

“Well I, I mean, I don’t know,” She sighed and threw her hands in the air, “Whenever I’m around you I want to stay around you and whenever you aren’t right there it just seems like a good idea to be far away. Besides you don’t want to get involved with me.”

“That doesn’t make sense.” He said with a laugh.

“You don’t think I know that!” She declared with dramatics, “Elise and I had talked about going to Spain so I just figured it’d be easier to make a clean break if I wasn’t in the country.”

“I’ve always liked Alicante.” He mused with a hand to his chin, “A friend of mine has a summer home there I’m sure he’d let me borrow it.”

She raised an eyebrow at him, “The idea was to get away from you.”

“The idea was to have breakfast with Elise and Dom,” He walked over and kissed her cheek, “Go shower I’ll call my mate.”

“What about Sam? Your friend from last night.” She really didn’t know where that came from, because at the moment she really didn’t feel at all involved with the conversation.  He was controlling her answers and she really kind of liked it.

“He loves an adventure,” Matt shrugged, “Now go shower.” He smacked her butt.

She jumped and then, shaking her head, went to the bathroom. Closing the door she closed her eyes, okay how did that happen? She had been trying to get away from him and now she was going with him to a sexy country. She lolled her head from side to side; this was getting ridiculous she really had to put a stop to it. Although, they were constantly moving and had meant to go to Spain, there really wasn’t any harm in taking people with them, was there?

“I don’t hear the water running,” He’d come into the room and she hadn’t even noticed, “Stop thinking love.” He said into her ear.

“Okay.” She whispered as he kissed her neck, “You keep that up I’m gonna make you shower with me.”

He laughed and stepped away, “As inviting as that sounds I must make a call.”

She sighed and muttered to herself, “Go with the flow I guess.”

 

“We’re going where?” Elise asked. Matt and Dom had taken their leave for a couple of hours to pack and get ready. They were going to meet at the airport later that night.

“Alicante Spain, Matt apparently knows someone who owns some property there and they’re letting us stay there for a bit.”

“Splendid, when did this turn into a couples getaway? It’s just been just the two of us when we travel, are you sure you want to change that? And where did the Spain idea come from? Jeez, I go downstairs for one work out and we’re having breakfast planning a trip to somewhere in Spain.”

“Alicante.” Beth was concentrating deeply on her bags trying not to look at her friend. They’d made a pact not to get attached to their conquests and based on the reasons under which they had left Canada it was best for all involved.

“Right, Alicante. Beth, look at me, what the hell is going on?”

Finally Beth looked up, “Going with the flow.”

“What?” Elise was gonna start pacing in a minute, so far it was okay, but did they really want to get closer to these guys, it always made it harder to say good-bye and they always had to say good-bye.

“Listen Matt’s hot like fuckin’ take me now hot and he wants me to go with him to a sexy country and I’m not going without you. Dom is equally as attractive, am I wrong?” It sounded kind of campy in her head but she decided to go for it.

“Nope.” That was the understatement of the year.

“Okay so Dom is just as hot and he wants to come with us so what’s wrong here?”

“Nothing’s wrong really, but you do realise we can’t have them with us forever. They have to get back to their jobs and we just have to keep moving until Conrad gives up.”

Beth shrugged, “Yeah, yeah I know, like I said go with the flow.”

“You never go with the flow, you always direct it.”

“Maybe it’s about time I let someone else call the shots again.” It came out before she could stop it, that wasn’t true, rash outburst she’d have to put a stop to that soon.

“Dear lord what has this man done to you.” Elise sighed, “He’s broken my best friend, now you’re gonna go all sappy on me aren’t you. Oh Matt you are the sun and moon…” She started pretending to swoon.

Beth burst out laughing, “Oh shut up! I’ll shove the sun and moon up your arse if you don’t go pack.”

“Oh good there you are, all bitchy and everything. I’ve missed you Beth.”

“Fuck off.”

“Gladly. Come you gotta pack, I mean honestly Beth we’ve got to get to the airport.” Elise couldn’t see she was laughing so hard but she was able to duck in anticipation of the pillow being flung at her head.

“You’re incorrigible.” Beth tried to glower at her friend, but she couldn’t she ended up grinning, “We really do need to pack though.”

“Did you bring the good swim suit?” Elise asked over her shoulder as she headed back into her own room.

“Of course, I was planning to pick up in it.”

“Now you just need to make sure he doesn’t take you in public.”

Beth sighed, “Right.”

 

“Oh God.” Beth groaned as they stepped out of the airport.

“Matt! Not in public!” Dom exclaimed.

“I didn’t touch her.” He said with a laugh putting his hands in the air as proof.

“This weather is heaven.” Beth said in explanation with a smack to Dom’s arm.

“Ow! Elise she’s beating me.”

“Behave children, now Beth come on do your groaning in a more private setting like maybe at the house?”

“Shit I just meant that I liked the weather, you people are sick minded.”

“And you aren’t?” Matt whispered into her ear while placing a hand to the base of her spine.

Jumping away Beth shook a finger at him, “What did Dom say about touching me in public?”

“Just trying to prove you’re equally as sick minded.” He said with a shrug.

She stepped up to him and smiled very close to his face, “Don’t start this game with me buddy, cause I’ll win.” She was speaking against his mouth then squeezed his ass and stepped away.

“We have a champion folks!” Dom announced grabbing Beth’s hand and holding it in the air.

Elise just shook her head at the look on Matt’s face, “Word of advice to you my friend, do not challenge her in this area, you will lose.”

Again he put his hands in the air, “I surrender you are the winner.” At least for now she was, he certainly hadn’t pulled out the big guns just yet. He didn’t think she had it in her to compete with him. He obviously didn’t know her that well.

Hardly paying attention Beth was already talking to a cab driver who was opening his trunk, “Seriously people don’t you want to get to where we’re staying?” She asked with a laugh.

“And you lot thought I was odd,” Dom laughed, “She gives me a run for my money.”

“You don’t know the half of it,” Elise grinned.

 

Matt and Beth strolled onto the private beach hand in hand to join Dom and Elise who were in a heavy debate over when they were going to swim.

“I say now.”

“I say tan first then swim.”

“I say if you don’t agree with me I’m just going to pick you up and make you agree with me.”

“So you aren’t at all interested in getting laid again?” Elise spotted the other two and laughed before Dom could respond, “You’re like fucking rabbits you know that right.”

“The implications in that sentence are just too much for me to work with right now,” Beth grinned. “Oh and Dom you will get laid either way, just pick her up, trust me.”

“Right.” He said with a laugh before scooping Elise up and carrying her screaming form to the water.

“Are we joining them?” Matt asked.

“You decide I find I’m enjoying your decisions as of late.”

“Okay game time,” Dom said once the four we properly saturated. He jumped up and looped an arm around Matt’s shoulders to bring him down so he could whisper something into his ear.

“Should we be worried?” Beth asked.

“Always worry when Dom is planning something,” Elise said with a shake of her head.

Just then the guys dove under the water to swim under each of the girl’s legs and stand up so they were on their shoulders.

Trying to maintain her balance Beth laughed, “Is this the game where Elise and I have to try and knock each other off of you guys?”

“Best form of female wrestling,” Dom said with a laugh, “We get front row seats.”

“You up for this Elise?”

“Are you kidding, I owe you big time for getting this goober to throw me in here to start.”

“Shit I’m in trouble.”

“I’d hold on tight if I were you love,” Matt laughed.

“Same goes for you buddy,” She said before Elise started splashing in an effort to get Beth to lose her balance.

Five minutes later both girls grabbed hold and toppled over at the same time. They came up sputtering and laughing hysterically, “Damnit we gotta call a draw now.” Beth said.

“You kidding I got you down fair and square!”

“Yeah but I pulled you with me so we both lose.”

“No way baby, you lose cause I started it.”

“Uh huh, the fact that you couldn’t stay up there doesn’t count then?”

“Nope.”

“Whatever,” Beth grinned, “I’ll give up the title then. Hey,” She swam up behind Matt and got onto his back, “When was Sam going to meet us here?”

Grabbing her legs as they looped around his waist he leaned back so he could see her out the corner of his eye, “As soon as he could convince, uh, fuck what was her name?”

“Cordelia.” Dom said as he pulled Elise to him who very happily wrapped her arms around his neck. “It was Cordelia right?” He looked down and asked her.

She nodded, “Yup, that was it, she was a sweetheart I hope he convinces her.” She started whispering things into his ear, just for the heck of it.

“No way, seriously? Like the name of the chick from that vampire show, Angel?” Beth asked turning to look at Matt in an effort to ignore Elise and Dom.

“Yeah that was it, Cordelia. Anyway he apparently met her the other night when he went out with these two. She had to work today but he said he could convince her to join him by the weekend for sure.”

“Sweet.” Beth fell back into the water so she could get the stray hairs out of her face. Running her hand through her hair when she came up she smiled at him since he was staring at her, “Blink baby, I’m going to dry off now.” She leaned in to kiss him quickly then swam away.

“Wait for me!” Elise called as she swam after her friend.

“So what are we doing tonight?” Beth asked while they towelled off.

“Something with alcohol I presume.”

“You presume right, wanna come with me and raid the liquor cabinet that has to be in that castle masquerading as a summer home?”

“Most definitely.”

“Are we gonna tell them?” Beth asked waving to the guys who were still goofing around in the water.

“Nah they’ll figure it out as they greedily watch us walk away.”

“You’re evil.”

“You’re just as bad.”

“Too true, did you bring that mixed disc?”

“Do I ever leave it at home?”

“Damn, let’s go find us some alcohol and maybe some food.”

“There was a bar-b-que at the back there.”

“You read my mind.”

“Don’t I always?”

“Right.”

It didn’t take long for them to get dry enough to head back. They wrapped their sarongs around their waist and waved at the guys that they were leaving.

“Okay so you go on an alcohol search I’ll look for something we can throw on the grill.” Elise said as she deposited her beach stuff at the door.

“Consider it done.”

“Oh and throw on that disc while you’re at it.”

That’s how the guys found them, dancing by the bar-b-que sipping a blended mixture of something while some sort of meat cooked.

“Oh God.” Both men groaned.

“Now what have we said about groaning?” Beth asked as she shook her hips to the music.

“Sweet heavens I think I’ve had dreams like this.” Dom said eyeing Elise over his sunglasses as she slowly danced to the music.

She winked at him and looked at Beth, “Now that they’re here to watch the meat shall we change?”

Beth laughed and reached behind her to pull two beers out of a cooler on the table. She handed one to each of the guys, “We found steak, watch it for a moment would you?”

Matt grinned, “I’m having more fun watching you.”

“You have no idea baby.” She said with a final sip of her drink and lick of her lips. “Ready?”

Taking Beth’s hand Elise grinned, “Ready.” They walked back into the house leaving the door open so the guys could still see them. Letting go of each other’s hands they removed their bikini tops mere seconds before individually entering their rooms.

Matt’s mouth was agape as he craned his neck to see a last glance of Beth’s bare back, “She’s into slow monotonous torture I’m positive of it.”

Dom slowly turned to look at his new friend after Elise entered their room, “Both of them are, I don’t know what’s better, the anticipation or after.”

Shaking his head and lifting the lid of the bar-b-que Matt mused, “I’ll take both however long this thing lasts.”

“I second that.” Dom said tipping his beer in Matt’s direction.

The girls returned mere minutes later clad in tank tops and cut off jeans just as Yeah by Usher started playing.

“Oh baby I love this song!” Beth exclaimed grabbing her empty glass, “I’m making more want some?” She asked Elise.

“Of course.”

As she sashayed her hips into the house Matt put his beer down, “I’m uh gonna go help her.” He was behind her before anyone else could say anything.

She laughed as she tilted her head to the side and allowed him to kiss the base of her neck, “Took you long enough.”

“You can’t be from this planet,” He breathed onto her skin.

Turning around so she was facing him she put her arms around his neck and gave him a coy smile, “Why do you say that?”

“Because you…”

She started laughing before he could continue, “I remember now!” She put her head on his shoulder.

“You remember what?”

“What movie you were in!”

He actually blushed, “You don’t really do you?”

She grinned up at him, “Because not only did I adore kissing you in Venice but also because, I’m so unbloodyhinged just being near you. You’re so cute when you’re acting romantic.”

“You remembered it didn’t you?”

“How could I not, it’s the perfect girlie line in a girlie movie.” Hearing a crash outside she laughed, “We’d better go make these drinks before they break stuff out there.”

“Allow me.” He took the empty glasses from her and leaned to slowly kiss her mouth, “I’ve been told I make a good mixed drink.”

“Well then by all means,” She put her hands on his waist and walked with him into the kitchen.

 

Beth was rocking in the hammock sipping her drink listening intently to the guys doing dishes, “Now see this is the life.”

Elise was leaning against the railing as she sat on the steps she smiled over at Beth, “We really need to go to more clubs like that one in London, we cashed in big time.”

“This is the complete polar opposite of what we planned to do when we came out here.”

“Do you regret it?”

“Are you kidding? I lying in a hammock drinking some fruit drink that a gorgeous man made me while he does dishes. I don’t want this to end.”

“When will it end?”

“I don’t want to talk about it just yet.” Finally realising something Beth started shaking her finger at Elise trying to switch the subject she asked, “So what’s up with you while we’re at it?”

“What do you mean, ‘up with me’?”

“Exactly what I said ya git, you and Dom. You keep bugging me about Matt and it just came to me, you are just as bad if not WORSE than I am about repeating a one nighter. What did he do? Why is he different?”

Elise sighed, “I don’t know, he’s just so interesting. That first night after we had sex we talked for hours. I mean when was the last time you did that?”

“Honestly, I can’t remember I mean since…well you know.” Beth didn’t want to talk about the relationship that had produced her propensity to instigate one night stands.

“Yeah I know, me neither and then all of a sudden there’s the guy who’s hilarious, damn good in bed and seems to be interested in me. He asked all these questions that, well frankly I wasn’t afraid to answer.”

“Uh huh, I feel you there. There’s that and not to mention that fact of waking up feeling so damn safe…”

“…and comfortable!’ Elise agreed, “Fuck, we can’t do this Beth.”

“I know, I know, we have to cut it off at some point, but do we have to yet?”

Elise nodded but looked grave, “Soon though.”

“What’s soon?” Dom sat down in front of Elise and leaned back on her knees.

“When I’m going to want my next drink.” She said, Beth rolled her eyes but she shrugged, it was the first thing she could think of the spur of the moment. She rhythmically started running her fingers through Dom’s hair.

“So what do we do next?” Matt asked while managing to slip into the hammock behind Beth not causing either of them to spill out.

She got herself comfortable against him, “I have no idea, and how long are we staying here?”

“That’s a good question,” He snaked his arm around her to take one of her hands and spoke into her hair, “When do you have to return?”

“Okay don’t do this,” Elise sounded worried, “You guys both have jobs to get back to at some point.” If she put some of it on them right now, maybe they wouldn’t get that they were basically played the whole time.

“Yeah, but not yet so let’s not go there,” Dom suggested as he took her hand pulled it around his neck. She let him and could smell the mixture of ocean, BBQ and product in his hair. It sent her mind swimming; she couldn’t fall for him she looked up at Beth.

Beth was having the same thought process as Matt traced circles on her hand with his thumb. Her eyes were wide speaking volumes to her friend; this was becoming so comfortable she might never want to leave.

They made a decision then, they could get these guys involved only as far as they were. They’d enjoy their time in Spain but come hell or high water after that they HAD to leave. Elise kept hold of Dom’s hand and spoke quietly into his ear. He grinned and stood keeping hold of her hand, “ Well we’re going to turn in.”

“And up and around and down.” Beth said with a laugh.

“I am appalled we are now going to chastely go to bed.” He said with mock shock as he pulled a laughing Elise into the building.

“Is that what they call it now?” Matt called after them; their response was the slamming of their door.

Beth turned around to face Matt and gave him a long lingering kiss, “Please tell me the rooms are sound proof.”

He grinned against her mouth, “But of course.”

“Brilliant.” She mimicked him, “So now that we are in this hammock how are we going to get out of it without injury?”

He turned away from her and was up and standing in seconds, “Like that.”

“Is their anything you can’t do?” She asked with a laugh as he pulled her to her feet.

“I’m absolute crap at singing.” He said wrapping his arms around her waist.

“Plan to have you serenade me dropped,” Jumping up she wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, “Now take me to that sound proofed room.”

“As you wish.”

 

They girls spent the week at in Alicante with the guys. Sam and Cordelia showed up for two days, but left again because they were meeting up with some friends of hers in a different city. On the seventh day they knew the inevitable had arrived, they had to part ways with these guys who had worked their way into their hearts like they had hoped would never happen again.

“So,” Matt leaned against the dresser watching Beth pack, “Now what?”

“Well now I’m going to fold my shirts and place them next to my socks.”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it.”

Beth sighed, “Matt you know as well as I do that your job and my propensity to only stay in one place for a short period of time just won’t make this work.”

“I disagree, my job takes me all sorts of places, how hard would it be for you come with me and besides don’t you have a job?”

“Uh, not exactly.” She didn’t look at him because she couldn’t tell him the truth, she just packed faster, moving her way around the room swiftly.

“What so your family has money, you’re independently wealthy, what?” He probed.

“I have the means, that’s all you really need to know.”

“What’s with the secrecy?” This wasn’t how this was supposed to end was it? He should be relieved, he partly was because he wasn’t sure how badly he wanted a girlfriend on a permanent basis.

“Listen Matt it’s been a fun week and a half, you have been the longest and best one night stand I could ever have imagined, but this has to end.” She finally looked at him, “It has to end now.”

“Right,” he said with a nod, walking over he stopped before her and kissed her, long and sensuously. Then he left. She inhaled and exhaled three times, counted to five and continued packing.

Matt met up with Dom in the hall, “Elise packing?” Matt asked.

Dom nodded, “Yup, wanna go to beach until they’re gone?”

“As long as you bring the beer.”

“Right.”

 

Elise and Beth sat on the porch of the home waiting for their cab. “So did you…” Beth started to ask.

“Yup.” Elise answered before she could finish.

“What did he say?”

“That it’s been fun and he wishes he could see me again. What about you?”

“Something like that too, we really fucked up our plan this time didn’t we?”

“Yeah we really did.”

“So where to next?”

“I think we should head to Switzerland I can work my contact there who can re-route some other money to Conrad so he’ll think we’ve paid him back, then we’re free from that fucker for good.”

“So after being on the run from him for two years, where in the world will we settle?”

“Where he’d never expect to find us.”

 

*Six months later*

The two men entered the bar with curiosity. They’d heard about this club, it’d opened up a mere four months earlier and had been rockin’ since day one. It was to whomever the bouncers at the door allowed in and they were trained to follow strict criteria. The owners were a mystery; they apparently were there every night, yet nobody knew who they were, it was that allure that made it even more fun and the name was enticing, Mates. The two friends, who had become friends under such bizarre circumstances, had decided that this was the club to check out that night, it had a good ring to it.

Her heels clicked on the hardwood floor as she walked across the long room to look out the entire wall of windows that portrayed their bar. “How are we tonight?”

“Full to capacity, line up around the block, as usual.” Her friend answered, she always stood for the first half hour, from opening, with her hands behind her back surveying the entire room.

“Pierre said that group from SoCal tried to get in again, trying to use the fact that their single on Billboard charts should get them in.” She reported.

“When will they learn we don’t give a rats ass how they rate?”

“I have no idea.” She turned to walk back to her computer so she could look over the figures from the week when her friend gasped. “What?”

“Four o’clock.” The woman at the window pointed.

“Fuck me it can’t be.” Returning to the window she peered out where her friend was pointing.

“Of all the gin joints in all the world.”

“They had to walk into ours.”

“So what are we going to do?”

“I don’t know, these things never end well with me.”

“Me neither but has it been as good…”

“Not since then no.”

“Then what harm would be in…”

“We could blow our cover.”

“They won’t tell.”

“Only problem is…”

“Yeah I know, it might be permanent this time.”

 

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