Whitewater Rendezvous

Sensing Elise’s feelings were bruised, Chaz said, “I’m sorry. I don’t want this to be awkward, and I don’t want to hurt your feelings.

You’re a beautiful woman, and like I said, I’m very fl attered. But I’m not into one-night stands, even if you weren’t a client.”

Elise let out a big sigh. “Oh, well. Can’t blame a girl for trying.”

Just then, Sally’s voice rang out, “Time’s up! Everyone out of the pool!”

Chaz turned to see Sally and Megan approaching through the trees.

Megan had the oddest expression on her face. She looked as though she’d just lost her best friend.

• 129 •

• 130 •

Whitewater Rendezvous

CHAPTER TEN

After Chaz and Elise left for the hot spring, time had seemed to slow to a crawl for Megan. She kept glancing at her watch and wondering what the two of them were up to. She was certain Elise would try to take advantage of the situation, and the pictures that formed in her mind were not at all welcome ones.

After fi fteen minutes had elapsed, she excused herself and went to change into her swimsuit, telling Sally she wanted to make a pit stop before their turn and would meet her there. In reality, she wanted to satisfy her curiosity about what was happening, so she intended to get to the hot spring a little early, alone.

She’d approached through the trees as silently as possible, grateful for the soft cushion of spongy moss beneath her feet. She strained to hear voices, but the only sounds she heard were the soft ripples of white noise from the river, and the chorus of bird songs that seemed to accompany them everywhere.

Her fi rst glimpse of the two of them through the trees had confi rmed her worst fears. Chaz had her head leaned back against the side of the pool, eyes closed with a hint of a smile on her face, the picture of contentment, while Elise loomed close, watching Chaz with a dreamy expression. Beside them, tossed haphazardly on a rock, was Elise’s bikini. Shit. Shit. Shit.

Megan couldn’t tear her eyes away, and neither could she move or announce her presence. She had to see what happened next.

Her heart sank when she saw Elise move in even closer to Chaz, so close that she was certain their bodies had to be touching beneath the turbulent surface of the water. Then Chaz opened her eyes and said something—but it was too far for her to make out the words. Whatever it was, it made Elise smile and reach for her.

A moment later, they were kissing.

• 131 •

KIM BALDWIN

She couldn’t watch any more. That’s what you get for being sodamned curious. The image of the two of them locked in each other’s arms was burned into her brain.

Megan retreated soundlessly a few dozen yards back into the trees where she could no longer see them. A turmoil of emotions welled up in her—anger, disappointment, longing, lust, envy, jealousy. She was furious that she was upset at all, that being with Chaz seemed to matter so much to her.

She didn’t know what to do. Sally would be along any moment.

How would she explain the fact that she was just standing here, all by herself, shaking in rage and frustration?

She took several deep breaths and told herself it didn’t matter. So she’d been beaten to the punch. Big deal. She’d go home in a week, fi nd a new bed partner, and forget all about this in no time at all.

No time at all. It sounded good, but she had a hard time believing it.

When she glimpsed Sally approaching through the trees, she’d willed herself to be calm and composed. She could put on a mask better than anyone. Royal Ice Bitch. She’d had lots of practice.

“Hey, Megan,” Sally hailed her when she got nearer. “Couldn’t you fi nd the hot spring?”

“I got waylaid here watching some birds,” Megan lied. “Then I heard you coming and thought I’d wait for you.”

“Well, let’s go. They’ve had their thirty minutes.” Sally had led the way. “Time’s up! Everyone out of the pool!” she hollered as they neared the hot spring.

Megan wanted to look anywhere but at Chaz, afraid she might not be able to disguise her tumultuous feelings over what she had seen.

She didn’t want Chaz to know what effect she was having on her. Chaz made her feel vulnerable, and at the moment, she didn’t like that one bit.

She glanced at Elise as Elise got out of the pool and reached for her towel. She did have a great body, Megan had to admit. All lean and tanned, and Elise was apparently just as comfortable with nudity as Chaz was. No wonder Chaz couldn’t resist her. Fury poured through her, though she knew she was being unfair. Elise was her friend, and she had no right to be ticked off just because she’d been fi rst to take advantage of a great opportunity. I had my chances.

• 132 •

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