Whose Bride Is She Anyway (10 page)

“I will in just a bit. You go ahead.”

Andy headed straight for Diana and Tara smiled. If Andy had his way, Diana wouldn’t be engaged for long.

August captured her attention as he leaned over the bar and shook hands with the bartender, taking the beer he offered.

Those hands…
Lean and long fingered, but as wide as the Grand Canyon.

This was just lame. Tara’s heart was jumping and her pulse was racing over August Guthrie for no good reason. They’d had a conversation that lasted all of ten minutes, he probably didn’t even last that long in bed.

Bed …
now there was a place Tara could envision him.

Hellooooo… Since when did she become stimulated by just a man’s looks? Tara needed conversation, IQ scores, job stats. Lust never entered the picture in her small, but organized dating world. She’d been judged far too long on how she looked and now she was using the same discriminatory tactics she so despised. The road obviously went both ways, fat or skinny.

A high-pitched giggle intruded on her thoughts, bringing Tara’s head back up. Kelsey was suddenly whisked away by Gordon. He pulled her to the dance floor and began to do something Tara wouldn’t venture to qualify as an Arthur Murray certified dance step.

August turned his head toward Tara’s table and their eyes met. Or clashed, or something like that. Locked on one another was a suitable term. He was doing that eye contact thing again and it was driving her insane, making her squirm and the dilemma of all dilemmas … it made her nipples so tight she could crack open bottle tops with them.

August lifted one corner of his mouth.

Was that a smile? Tara lifted her chin and gave him her right profile.
Take that, you lust evoker!
She sensed mo vement from her peripheral vision, then the scent of big-hunky man assaulted her nostrils.

“Hey. ”

Oy. Hey, hot-stuff, wanna do it ‘til we collapse?
Gawd, this was shameful and wrong, just
wrong.
Tara looked around to see if the crew cared that she and August were communicating. The rules stated they couldn’t fraternize unless supervised. Well, they were supervised, if you counted George the cameraman slumped over the bar, pink umbrella drink in hand.

While it wasn’t likely they’d do the hump-backed beast here in this group setting, Tara didn’t need any suspicion cast her way. No one seemed to care much, so she guessed it was okay. Hell, Ms. Mary was pinching booty left and right and no one made a peep.

August placed a big hand on her arm momentarily, giving her a slight nudge. A pinprick of heat spiraled outward into a house on fire all along her arm and right to her shoulder, making her snatch her arm back.

“Hey, August, right?” Tara answered, as non-welcoming as possible. Pretending she didn’t even remember his name seemed cool and distant. He’d never guess all she’d thought about since she met him was
doing him,
and now she had the added worry that he was a former classmate.

August pulled a chair out beside her, the metal legs scraping on the pool patio. He didn’t seem concerned at all that she’d pretended she didn’t know his name. “Yep, that’s me. Did you have a good day? ”

Oh, yes, August! She wanted to scream at him. It was tres fantastique. How could it have been anything but good when it meant that Kelsey Little was going to get what she wanted yet again? “Yeah, it was okay. Hot, but okay. How about you? ”

“It
is
hot here.”

Tell me about it… Here … there … anywhere in your general vicinity, Tara thought, as she blew out a breath. “It’s nothing like Colorado, that’s for sure.”

August’s laughter rumbled and her head began to swirl. “No, it’s not like home, but it’s a nice diversion from the same old-same-old.”

Oh, for sure, Tara thought. There was nothing same or old about going on a reality show to pursue yo ur old high school hottie, now was there? “It’s beautiful though. I love the beaches.”

August nodded, “Yep, me too. So, do you like living in Colorado?”

Tara nodded curtly. Keep it neutral, she reminded herself, people from the show’s staff might be watching. “I like the mountains and it’s where I was raised. What’s not to like?”

He ran a hand over his jaw, his fingertips scraping the stubble from a long, hard day.

Leaning near her he sighed. “I didn’t say you couldn’t like it. I was just asking.”

Then ask yourself this, August. Why the hell is it making me nuts just sitting near you?
“I know, ” Tara said defensively, twisting her upper body away from his big Leaning-Tower-of-Pisa one.

“Did you eat?”

Did it look like she’d eaten? Were her thighs flapping in the breeze? Was August calling her fat? Was he
mocking
her? She never should have worn that stupid bikini because now he thought she was fat and if he thought she was fat, it was going to trigger his memory from high school and then he’d know who she was. Oh, God! Tara didn’t know how much more pressure she could take.

Whoa, now that was conclusion jumping, rather hasty. Good gravy, she was a bundle of nerves and taking it out on August. How could he be blamed for being babe-o-licious? It wasn’t his fault he made her drool buckets and if he remembered who she was, he certainly was good at hiding it. Closing her eyes, Tara took a slow inhalation of air, and smiling serenely, she responded, “Yes, I did eat, thank you. ”

He put his hand on her arm again. “Are you okay? ”

If he would quit touching her arm, thereby turning her into a horny, salivating freak show—she would be just frickin’ glorious. “Don’t I look okay? ”

August removed his hand. “Yeah. ”

Good. “Well, I am, fine that is.”

August grinned. “Me too.”

Oh, God. Why wouldn’t he just go away? The heat from his body was slamming into hers and rivulets of sweat were making a puddle in the space between her breasts. Was he trying to impress her? So she’d pick him for Kelsey? Grabbing her drink she took a long sip, then rubbed the cool of the glass over her forehead. “Good. It’s important that you’re fine. You need to be strong and mentally healthy for the competition ahead of you. So you should go to bed and get a good night’s rest now. ”
Shoo-shoo. Go away and leave horny Tara alone.

Leaning into her further, August whispered close to her ear, “I’m not tired. It must be jet lag or something. I’m wide awake and rarin’ to go.” Tara found herself inching toward the heat of his breath and thinking about his tongue jammed in her ear while he was
rarin’ to go
. Her nipples tightened … this must end.
Now.

“Not me, “Tara faked a big yawn. “I’m still tired. Must be all that sunshine. I’d better go off to bed now. Sweet dreams.” With that, Tara slid off her chair and slipped away as fast as her tingling toes could carry her.

Crossing over the dance floor, she headed for the nearest palm tree and clung to it to steady her breathing.

Why, why, why did Kelsey Little always win? Why, why, why did she want a man who wanted someone els e and was willing to make an ass of himself on national television to get it? And why, why,
why
couldn’t she have met August Guthrie back home?

Because that just would have been too damn easy.

She had to get some sleep. Tomorrow marked the first round of competition and she’d be so involved in torturing Kelsey, Tara would forget all about August Guthrie.

Love your outfit, darling

T
ara rubbed some SPF on Ms. Mary’s very pink shoulders as they prepared for the first round of competition to begin poolside. And it involved nothing but the jurors and a big screen television. It was set up at the far side of the bar and cushioned lounge chairs sat around it. Tara was fuzzy on what was expected of them today, she’d spent another restless night either panicked over being outed by August or hot and bothered over August.

“Ow!” Ms. Mary yelped and winced. “That hurts,” she said as she perused her tender sunburned flesh.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Mary. I’m trying to prevent further damage. You spent far too much time in the sun yesterday and you can’t afford to get any more on those shoulders or you’ll be far worse off than you are. Now be nice to me, sit still and let me finish. ”

Ms. Mary sighed, “I know, but there was so much to see. I mean have you ever seen such a beautiful landscape of men? Never mind, that was a silly question. Of course you have. All the hunks in your neighborhood must just line up to date you. ”

Tara snorted at Ms. Mary in disbelief. “Yeah, the line was so big all the guys in the ‘hood had to part like the Red Sea when I stepped outside of my apartment.” Please. Most people in her complex didn’t even know who she was. Who could get to know her when all she did was use the damn place to sleep? Tara loved her work and by far it took precedence over dating and her sadly lacking social life. “I hate to disappoint you, Ms. Mary, but there’s no line of anything, unless you count the line to use the laundry room. I work a lot.”

Ms. Mary’s eyes searched Tara’s. “Well then, girlie I think you’ve done yourself and the male population at large a grave injustice. You’re young and beautiful, why wouldn’t you want to share that with someone?”

Tara smiled at Ms. Mary and waved her hand, dismissing her comment. “Pretty is as pretty does. I just haven’t found anyo ne that I find interesting enough to date much is all. ” If you discounted August that is. And he was definitely being discounted. No August. Not on the island, not in her imagination, not in her dreams, not in a car, near or far, not here, not there, not
anywhere
.

“If I were you I’d get out more, Miss non-sociable. I had a grand social life before I met Josiah. It’s how I knew he was the one for me. I tested all water available
first
.” Ms. Mary’s smile was wistful.

Tara repositioned the umbrella over Ms. Mary’s head and sat down next to her. “You were lucky, Ms. Mary, there’s no denying that. I’m sure if the time is ever right, Mr. Wonderful will drag me off into the sunset.”
Or to a secluded cove
… Ugh. Tara shook her head. No coves, no August Guthrie.

Mary chuckled, “I have a feeling it won’t be long now. ”

Tara appeased her with, “I’m sure you’re right. So what’s on tap for today? I see the TV is set up. What do these poor men have to do to win a date with Kelsey? ”

Ms. Mary scanned her list of activities. “Today is ‘Shop ‘Til You Drop’. This ought to be oodles of fun. Each contestant has been filmed shopping as they pick out an ensemble for Kelsey, something they’d like most to see her in and guessing the closest to her correct size. Then Kelsey looks them over, chooses the one she likes best, but she won’t know who bought what. The outfit that Kelsey chooses will determine her date for the evening. She also has to wear the item chosen on the date. All we have to do is vote on the contestant we feel took the most care in finding her an outfit. We have
ten
videotapes to watch”

Tara began to laugh, squealing in a fit of giggles. “I can’t wait to see how this turns out. I actually feel sorry for these poor guys. Men don’t know anything about a woman’s size or what she really likes.” She wondered what August would like to see Kelsey in.

Most probably—
nothing.

Okay, enough with the August crap. Let Kelsey have him for all she cared. One mustn’t lust for what one couldn’t have. It was like a reality show commandment or something.

Videotape. She’d focus on videotape and then vote on the prettiest clothes for the Queen of Mean to wear. Tara jumped up, grabbing one of the videotapes and turned to the jury already assembled in their lounge chairs, drinks in hand. “Ready guys?”

Everyone nodded their heads. “Okay, first up is…” Tara looked at the label on the tape, “Aaron Caldwell…”

Ten videotapes and ten shopping spree’s later, Gianni was snoozing in his chair, Walter looked dazed and Ms. Mary had chugalugged one too many drinks with the pretty pink umbrellas.

Ms. Mary’s head bobbed on her neck as she waved her empty glass around and said, “That is the ugliest dress I’ve ever seen in my entire life and believe me, my life ain’t been of the short variety. ”

Diana began to laugh, holding her stomach and wiping tears from her eyes with her shoulder. “I—I…” she held up her hand and took a long breath to stifle her fit of laughter. “I’m sorry, but what would make August choose—ch—ch—ooooose,” she snorted again, “thaaaat?”

Andy rolled his eyes, prepared to defend his own species. “It’s not
that
bad, Diana. Give the guy a break.”

Diana stuck her tongue out at Andy, still giggling. “Oh, yes it is, Andy. I wouldn’t be caught dead in something that frightful!” Her laughter turned to a high pitched squeal as she tried to explain the horror of the dress to Andy. “It’s a purple and orange muuuuu— muuuu…” Diana managed to squeak out before she doubled over.

While everyone laughed, Tara slowed the tape down to stop the frame on the dress August held up against him. He looked awkward and uncomfortable as he explained why he chose this particular dress for Kelsey to the camera.

My hell, it was the most God-awful disaster on a hanger she could ever remember in all of creation. Tara had to agree with Diana, the big purple flowers splotched randomly over the orange background really did make quite a statement. Not one Mr. Blackwell might agree with, but a statement nonetheless. When asked why August chose that particular dress for Kelsey, August claimed he thought the purple flowers would compliment her coloring.

If Kelsey were a couch maybe…

Tara was tired of watching video tapes and tired of rehashing the outfits the contestants had chosen for Kelsey. For the most part they were just flat out mismatched, something her grandmother might wear, or ugly. August’s being the ugliest, grand prize winner. It was time to get this over with, she decided. “Um, so I’m going to go out on a limb here and assume we don’t think August put as much care into choosing something for Kelsey as say, Vinny or Aaron? ”

Ms. Mary rocked back in her chair. “Well, I wouldn’t say August didn’t choose what he
thought
was best, but that Vinny could give Calvin Klein a run for his money. Loooove the purse he chose with those shoes. Perfect, if you want an honest opinion. ”

“But you have to admit, the dress looked sorta small for Kelsey. Seemed more like wishful thinking on Vinny’s part if you ask me.” Giovanni joined in, rubbing his eyes free of sleep. “I just want to get this over with. That was the most boring two hours of my life, but Vinny looked like he had the time of his.”

Yeah, Vinny did seem to take great pleasure in sorting through racks of clothes and running his hands in appreciation over the surfaces of shoes. Maybe he has a foot fetish? Nevertheless it looked like Vinny was on top of the heap for this round and Tara was feeling just a smidge of satisfaction because of it. August couldn’t possibly be chosen for this round, because if Kelsey chose his outfit and wore it, her eyeballs would burn for days after, even if Tara didn’t really care whether August was picked or not. And she didn’t either… “Let’s take a vote then, shall we?”

Giovanni groaned his agreement, “Please, let’s vote and get it over with. I can’t look at another tape. It hurts my head…”

Tara tallied the votes and let the crew know they’d made a decision. One of the staff went to get Kelsey.

Kelsey flounced out onto the pool deck and glanced at the dresses.

The jury watched carefully as Kelsey perused the outfits she had to work with. Each of the contestants were lined up on the far side of the pool, waiting for her to make her final selection. Kelsey absently twirled a strand of blonde hair as she tried to decipher which dress she’d choose. Looking across the pool, Kelsey looked at August, but he was watching Tara.

Tara caught August’s stare in her direction and turned her head in feigned disinterest.

Kelsey turned and ignored the men as she picked up the purple and orange dress August had chosen. Her face distorted a bit as she held it up and then she smiled as she saw the camera zoom in on her, covering her obvious distaste. When Kelsey came upon the dress and shoes Vinny chose, she grinned. Preston Weichert hovered close by with his stupid microphone and whispered, commenting on what Kelsey might do next.

Tara fidgeted as she waited for Kelsey to make a choice.

Picking up the slim fitting gold dress, Kelsey fingered it, biting her bottom lip as she did. It really was fabulous, Tara thought, and the shoes were stunning. Kelsey ran her fingers over the gold dress. Smiling, she turned to Preston who asked, “Have you made your decision, Kelsey? ”

“I think I have, Preston, ” she paused and rested her fingers lightly on Preston’s arm. “Though all of the outfits were just lovely, I think this best suits my coloring. ” Kelsey put the dress in front of her, plastering it to her bikini-clad front.

“Do you think it’ll fit, Kelsey? You have to wear it tonight for the winner.”

Gianni stifled a snicker at Preston’s question and Diana chuckled softly. Tara had to wonder if Kelsey
would
fit in the dress. It looked pretty tiny.

Kelsey looked at the tag and frowned briefly, her eyes narrowing. “Well, of course it will. It’s too beautiful not to!”

It was a size four if Tara remembered correctly. Uh-oh. Tara wasn’t even a four… Kelsey could forget getting her chubby ass into that dress without a crowbar.

Ahh, life was good.