Winter's Arrangement

Chapter 3 Carnival

Chapter 3 Relaxation and Carnival 

The next three days were filled with a bay cruise and tanning on the beach, and a little shopping. We had to get ready for Carnival. We all went to a custom boutique to get our attire for the festivities. We decided to wear matching Gold and blue sequence. leotards with blue feather wings and gold gladiator heels that wrapped up just below the knee. We had a matching small head dress that was a gold crown with blue feathers. We all looked hot as hell. We weren’t going to be the only ones at our skybox, we had to share with 6 other groups. Either way, my friends and I were going to light that place on fire.   

We exited our limo all ready for the party and we knew we were turning heads with our entrance. There was a special red carpet entrance for VIPs. We saw flashes from the press and paparazzi taking our photos while asking a million questions. The girls and I were used to all this fiasco and learned to just ignore it. We walked down the red carpet like Victoria's Secret models. 

We enter and are shocked to see the guys there. Justin and Kent both texted me that they were also going to a skybox, but I was hoping they would be assigned to the other side of the stadium. All were dressed in black sequence ready to party. Both Justin and Kent’s faces lit up as they saw me. I smiled back because the least I could do is be polite. 

“What a small world.” I said as I came up to them. I was going to give them a hand shake but instead Kent brushed past Justin and gave me a hug. I patted his back awkwardly and when he let go I was immediately engulfed into another hug by Justin. I really didn’t want any drama here. I just want to enjoy Carnival with my friends. 

“So glad we get to see each other again!” Justin said. 

“Lucky we got the same skybox?” Kent gleamed and I nodded. The girls finally came for me and dragged me to our section to start drinking. I mouth back a sorry and both nodded at me with big smiles. The skybox was divided into six sitting sections and the middle was a common area with food, dance floor, and a bar. Servers were everywhere taking care of everyone. 

“Girls, you are going to have to help me. I think Justin and Kent are going to cause drama and I don’t want to ruin our time.” I said and they all nodded. When stuff like this happened to one of us we all went into defense mode and isolated ourselves from outside company by any means necessary. My security team was standing around our section blocking anyone from entering which was helpful. 

The servers came and gave us our drinks. We were all ready for the parade to start. I heard my cell ding and looked at the screen to see Kent texted. 

Kent: Miss you, come and sit with us?

Me: Sorry, I really  want to stay with my friends. Maybe later.

Kent: Fine, but you owe me another dance…

Me: And when did I agree to this dance?

Kent: Since I am asking nicely and I have the cutest puppy eyes that guarantee you’ll say yes. Look up.

I looked up and next to our section were the guys and indeed he was giving me the biggest pout. I laughed and shook my head. 

Me: Fine 1 dance, that's it. I don’t like being manipulated. 

Kent: Victory! One dance with you definitely will make this the best night in my life.

Me: stop being so dramatic.

Kent: only with you.

I blushed at the last message and decided to just tuck my phone back into my clutch. The girls and I stood and watched the parade dancing to the music and taking loads of selfies. We were definitely having a blast just the five of us. 

“Hey Aria, boys keep texting to join them. I would hate to be rude but it’s your call.” Trish said. All the girls got their numbers with the guys they were paying attention to that night apparently. I was completely against it but I cannot deny my friends their fun and the potential to start something new. I was just not ready and to be honest, Justin and Kent were both not my type. They think that their money and charms can get any girl to bed with them. But because I am just plain hard to get, I became the ultimate prize to them. It’s moments like these I wish I had a boyfriend to shield me. 

“Fine, but there has to be someone right beside me at all times. I don’t want to be left alone with those two men, especially since they are both heirs to their families' companies. I am a big prize to them now… now that they know who I am.” I said to them, They all nodded and I asked my guard to open the rope and let the section next to us in. Soon we were all combined with the boys and I was sitting next to Katie and Trish avoiding Justin or Kent, thank god! I really do have the best of friends. 

My small heaven was disrupted though, Kent in all his boldness, approached right in front of me and asked me to dance. I took his hand and we went towards the common area where there was a small dance floor. We faced each other and started to sway our hips to the music. He kept a tight grip around my hips and his face was hovering over my shoulder. I could feel his hot breath breathing on my skin. I had my hand loosely around his neck. I am not trying to initiate anything, in fact my body stiffened. 

“Aria, let me take you out on a date? I want there to be something between us.” Kent said into my ear. He then started pepper kissing my shoulder. I did not like this. 

“Kent, please stop. I am not ready to be in a relationship right now. I can be friends at best.” I said. 

“What can I do to make you mine?” He said facing me. His eyes held hope and lust. 

“Time. If you give me time, I will consider it. I just got over a bad breakup and need time.” I said and I saw his blue eyes sparkle. 

“Anything for you Aria.” He said and tucked a hair behind my ear. Then there was a tap on his shoulder and it was Justin, and I am assuming he is here to interrupt our moment. 

“Quit hoggin her. It’s my turn to dance with this gorgeous woman.” Justin said.

“And when did I say you get to dance with me again? We made no agreement and I can dance with whoever I want. Now if you two will excuse me, I need to use the ladies room.” I said and let go of Kent, turned on my heel and walked away. I refused to see Justin and Kent fight for me. 

I was in the ladies room and I am so glad there was a sitting area. In no time my friends joined me and updated. They are having a blast and Trish is even thinking about sleeping over her guy's room. When I update with mine they seem concerned and they should be. I kinda want to call it a night and head back. We were leaving back to Alaska tomorrow. Luckily the girls agreed with me and we headed out to say our goodbyes. When I went into our section there was Kent and Justin staring daggers at each other. 

“Girls and I are calling it a night. So I guess this is goodbye.” I said and they both turned and softened their looks. 

“When will I see you again?” Kent asked and I shrugged my shoulders. 

“You need to come visit Chicago. I am going to miss you.” Justin said. I didn’t get it. Here I am plain hard to get and they are primarily focused on me. There are dozens of other beautiful women here that they can lay with. Why me?

“Yea, I might be there on business soon, I'll keep you posted. You have my number after all.” I said and gave them both a quick hug. 

The girls and I finally get to the limo and head back to crash at our suite. This trip has been invigorating. I had a blast with my friends and made wonderful memories. We met new friends. Besides the jealousy, this trip was the best. I am excited now to get back to work and make my father proud.