Private Party by Jami Alden Read Free Book Online Page B

knew what he wanted her to say—
    that she would announce her plans to dump Brian once and for all and run off with him. Fat chance of that happening, no matter what had happened last night.
    And that was a good thing, he reminded himself as he quietly slipped on his shoes. Because he had no time whatsoever to devote to his personal life. The twisted, sour feeling in his stomach was just old wounds reopening. The long forgotten desire—for once—to be chosen first over his asshole brother. To not be chosen as second best, or in Julie’s case, as a convenient and potent form of revenge. Chris thought he’d gotten over all of this in the years he’d spent building his own successful business away from the influence of his family. But watching Julie march down the aisle had brought it all bubbling back to the surface. And spending the night discovering all the secrets of her lush, sexy body hadn’t helped matters any.

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    Best to leave quickly and quietly, not draw it out any further. Still, it seemed wrong to just leave her without a word, without some acknowledgement. As a nod to courtesy, he penned a quick note: Had to catch an early flight. It was great seeing you again. Thanks for a great night.
    He stared down at his own blocky print, biting the pen. It seemed a bit abrupt. He added: Come down whenever you need a break from the rat race.
    He almost scratched it out. What if she took him up on it? His stomach clenched with anxiety at the thought of her showing up at Holley Cay. A man could only stand so much emotional torture.
    No, Julie didn’t want anything more from him than for him to help even the score with Brian. She would see it for the meaningless invitation it was, but it kept the note from being a complete “thanks for the fuck” sort of brush off. He signed his name and indulged himself in one last look at her, golden, creamy, exhausted from his loving, before quietly closing the door behind him.

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    5
    J ulie closed her eyes and inhaled the salty Caribbean air, feeling her tensions melt under the warmth of the tropical sun. This was exactly what she needed, she thought as the low hum of the ferry’s engine lulled her into a half dream state. A whole week of sun, sand, and umbrella drinks. And most importantly, a hot vacation fling to put the icing on the cake.
    A curl of anticipation blossomed in her belly. It had been ten days since she’d woken up alone in Chris’s hotel room. In less than ten minutes, she would see him again.
    She sighed in pleasure as the light breeze caressed the skin of her shoulders, left bare by her gauzy white halter top. It was among the many purchases Wendy had insisted on in preparation for her trip to the Holley Cay resort.
    As she settled back into the soft padded bench, she couldn’t help but be impressed with the resort’s service so far. She and several other passengers had been met by an SUV at Charlotte Amalie Airport in St. Thomas and whisked in air-conditioned comfort to the resort’s private ferry. On board, they had been served delicious rum punch, shrimp cocktail, and a beautiful array of fresh tropical fruits as they awaited the arrival of additional guests.
    If her greeting was any indication of the service she would receive, Julie could see why Holley Cay was quickly gaining a reputation as a favorite spot for the young and wealthy to rest, recuperate, and frolic.
    She couldn’t help but admire Chris for realizing his dream. She remembered vividly back in college when Chris had talked about starting his own place, out from under the shadow of D&D. Chris had accomplished his dream and then some.

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    “It’s nothing more than a sleazy swingers club,” Brian and his father had grumbled after Holley Cay was described as “over the top, hedonistic luxury” by Travel and Leisure magazine. “I bet it’s all orgies and people running around nude. It’s an embarrassment to D&D to have Chris involved in something like