Taming the Bachelor by M. J. Carnal Read Free Book Online Page A

He knew nothing about their argument and decided it was best if it stayed that way.  What he did know for sure was this snorkeling trip was really going to suck.
     
    “Marco!” Ryan yelled from the bar, waving him over to sit with him.  The waitress was currently tending bar and she smiled at Mark when he walked up.
     
    “What can I get you handsome?”
     
    She was still trying.  Mark groaned.  “Give me something strong that’s gonna put me on my ass.  Then, make it a double please.”  He put his head into his hands and groaned. 
     
    Ryan laughed, “Trouble in paradise my friend?”  He leaned forward and pinched the bartender’s ass and she squealed.  “I thought this afternoon that you were heading to tap that fine ass right there.  But when I found her alone, I had to take care of it again myself.  Where did you go?”
     
    “I had something else I had to take care of.  I’m kind of trying to stay away from the whole screw everything that moves image.”  Even before the words came out of his mouth, he knew he actually meant them.  It scared him to death.
     
    “Why?”  Ryan looked stunned.  “Please tell me the infamous Mark Moretti does not have some girl back in North Carolina because that will seriously ruin my trip.”
     
    Mark took a long chug of what tasted like rubbing alcohol and looked out at the boat that they would be snorkeling from.  Caleb was already aboard and for some reason, Mark’s anger immediately returned.  This was ridiculous.  He’s your best friend , he told himself.  Mark took another long chug.  “Ugh, what is this?”
     
    “You said you wanted to be drunk.  This will do it.”  Ryan ordered him another and grabbed it before they headed to the boat.  “Let’s get this shit over with.  I got a lot to do when we get back.”
     
    “Seriously dude? How many women do you think you have slept with?”  Mark took another long chug.
     
    “Today?”  Ryan and Mark both laughed as they boarded the boat.
     
    The tension was instant.  Ryan looked between Caleb and Mark and took a seat in the middle.  Thankfully, Molly and Rich chose that minute to board.  Caleb just paced at the front of the boat.  Mark contemplated going over and punching him but he didn’t know what had gone down between him and Sophie and he thought it would be better to defend her honor when he knew what Caleb had done.  He crossed his arms over his chest and sat back.
     
    “Allen, if you are done with your pity party, I need you back here.  Let the girls sit up front.  I need to talk to you about the bachelor party.” Naturally, Ryan had been put in charge of the party that was sure to get them all in trouble.  Caleb walked back to them and sat as far from Mark as he could.  “So I am thinking Vegas the weekend before the wedding.  A buddy I train has a sweat pad up there and we could stay there.  You know what they say about Vegas.”
     
    “Guys, I’m sorry,” Rich interrupted.  “I really don’t want a bachelor party.  I know it’s tradition.  But that’s kind of why we wanted you all here.  We just wanted some time away.  I don’t need another weekend right away.  We can always do a guys weekend but I don’t need that.”
     
    “Bullshit.”  Ryan took a sip of Mark’s drink and gagged.  “You are the groom. Last weekend of freedom and all that.”
     
    One by one the rest of the wedding party boarded the boat.  Sophie was last and stepped aboard in a lace bathing suit cover up.  She wore large sunglasses but her cheeks were still flushed and puffy.  She walked past the men to the front of the boat and sat down next to Amber.  Mark watched her.  She moved so gracefully.  Her blond hair was swept up in a loose braid and she had changed into a black bikini.  She had gotten some sun today and looked stunning.  He smiled at her when he thought she was looking but the smile wasn’t returned.  Amber whispered something to her and when