Buddy Moon: Lisa & Tom

By Rhonda Boehm

Lisa and Tom are about a couple that goes on a honeymoon with a honeymoon couple and 2 other couples, 8 people in total in Hawaii, Maui and Kawi for 2 weeks. Lisa and Tom see beautiful and sunny Hawaii until they get separated from the group and spend the night away from the group - alone. Then bandits sh

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rhonda Boehm Books
• Release date: Mar 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869195937

Rhonda Boehm

Rhonda Boehm and her husband live in Texas, the loving "parents" of a black lab mix and a mixed-breed cat. Her grandchildren live nearby and love going to church and the movies with "Gigi."Now enjoying retirement and her new-found love of writing, Rhonda attends her church regularly and enjoys volunteering at a hospital. While working full time years ago, she went back to school part time and earned her Master's in Theology from Southern Methodist University.Rhonda writes historical Christian romances as well as contemporary romances. Always interested in writing about women for women, she says that Sarah and Hagar have been speaking to her for a long time. She loves attending her critique group regularly, an encouraging band of writers who help her to polish and update her books.

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I dedicate this book to my wonderful husband, Robert, who is the love of my life, after all this is a love story.

Chapter 1

O oh, now here’s something nice for you to take along, Lisa Collins said as she picked up a sexy red baby doll nightgown and showed it to her best friend. They were in Olive’s bedroom getting ready for the big trip.

Hmmm, I like that one too, Olive said. If I put any more in my suitcase, I won’t be able to close it, she laughed.

Lisa giggled. This is little. Just squish it right here in the corner.

And she did so.

Olive smiled and giggled too.

Olive! Lisa gushed. I can’t believe you’re taking all of us along on your honeymoon. It’s going to cost a mint!

Oh, don’t worry about it, Olive said, waving her hand in dismissal. Mason and I talked about it and want you guys to come along. It’s called a buddy moon. Three couples join the bride and groom on their honeymoon. Don’t worry, Lisa. There will be so many public displays of affection, you know, PDA, between Mason and me that you won’t be able to stand it.

Well, I appreciate it. And I’m sure the others do too.

My dad is paying for it. He said he doesn’t mind. He said it was his wedding present to us.

Olive’s dad was a VP for an oil company, and money seemed no object.Maui is such a romantic place for a wedding, Lisa raved. Then we’ll tour the Hawaiian Islands as a group. That is still just awesome! For a few days, after the wedding, we’ll be on our own, but mostly we’ll go as a group everywhere. And I like that.

But in this case, none of the attendees were really couples. The six attendees had not even met each other yet. Lisa and Tom—the best man—were supposed to be a couple, but she hadn’t met him yet.

I’m so excited, Olive gushed suddenly.

Lisa smiled. I hope to be as happy as you are one day. But with what happened… I don’t know…

That was so long ago, Lisa. Things are different now. I know that happened in the past, but now, maybe you can be contented. Olive dipped her chin and looked at Lisa. You’ll like Tom. He’s Mason’s best friend from college.

Olive… Lisa started.

"No, you will like him. He’s funny and charismatic. And he’s cute."

Don’t let Mason hear you say that, Lisa chuckled.

Oh, I’ve already told Mason. He doesn’t care. He trusts me. Besides, you’re the maid of honor and he’s the best man. Of course you have to get together, Olive laughed.

Does he know this? Lisa asked, cringing.

Mason was supposed to tell him.

Oh, Olive, Lisa groaned. I don’t know. What if I can’t get along with Tom? What if what happened in high school prevents that?

"Lisa, it’s been eight years. You have to jump back into life at some point and not let that jerk win."

I went to art school, Lisa mumbled. I moved on.

With everything but men. Olive looked pointedly at Lisa. When was the last time you had a date?

I don’t remember. It’s been a while. Lisa made a face. I don’t want to talk about it anymore.

Okay, but I’m matching you up with Tom.

Lisa hoped he had a great personality. According to Olive, he did, but Olive was always trying to play matchmaker.

Lisa sighed heavily. The traffic was awful.

Yes, Lisa. We’ll get there on time, Sophia spoke up, as if reading Lisa’s thoughts.

I just don’t want to miss the plane, Lisa moaned, nervously running her hand through her hair until she realized how long it had taken to get it styled before they left for the trip, then she stopped before she messed it up. It always took hours for her hair to get done. This time, she had gotten it styled and cut just right before leaving for the trip.

We’ve got plenty of time, Emma chimed in.

She’s right, you know, Alice confirmed, in the driver’s seat. We left early. When I drop you off, you can check your bags. You won’t be late.

Lisa looked at her friends—Sophia, Emma, and Alice—from elementary school. They were going on the vacation of a lifetime. Too bad Alice couldn’t join them. She was just driving them to the airport that morning but not going on the buddy moon. They would drive into Houston this afternoon from their little town of Grove, Texas.

Lisa hoped Olive was right about Tom. She recalled unbearable shyness that she had endured since her bad experience in high school. Would her inner demons ever let her rest and find someone nice?

Okay, I’ll relax, Lisa said. I helped Olive pack yesterday. Then, I went home and packed my own suitcase. I was up very late last night. She was nervous and excited and just wanted to sleep now. She was also so tired from lack of sleep. There would be time to sleep on the plane, but she didn’t want to miss anything. Maybe if she opened her eyes wider, she could stay awake, but they refused to stay open.

That’s better. Now, what did you pack for the wedding? Sophia asked Emma.

As the others started discussing the wedding, Lisa relaxed and leaned back in her seat. Her eyelids grew heavy. They were going to a wedding in Hawaii—Olive and Mason’s wedding. A buddy moon. Sophia and Emma were also bridesmaids in the wedding.

The car slowed down.

Lisa sat up. Did I doze off? she asked the group, incredulous.

Yes, you were snoring loudly, Sophia snorted, laughing.

I did not!

Everyone else laughed. They pulled up to the side of the airport, piled out of the car, and grabbed their suitcases from the back of the SUV. Alice had borrowed her dad’s Mercedes SUV so the three women could ride together. The guys pulled up behind them—Tom, Bill, and Noah with Jim driving. Then, the wedding couple, Olive and Mason, arrived. Olive’s dad dropped them off, parking his Cadillac behind the guys. Lisa considered the trip ahead and gazed at everyone.

Eight people, four couples who aren’t really couples but going to Maui together, she thought.

Lisa, this is Tom. Tom, Lisa, Olive introduced them.

Lisa was suddenly excited again. Tom locked eyes with her. His eyes were so baby-blue, they pierced her soul. He was drop-dead gorgeous in his six-foot-one frame. His button-down white shirt fit across his upper torso and muscular arms perfectly. The shirt was tucked into black jeans, hugging his trim waist. With that luscious black hair and a lock falling in his face, he had chiseled good looks. When she looked up, she found that he caught her checking him out.

He smiled.

She flushed and ducked her head, putting a blonde stray hair behind her ear. Would she ever change? Lisa wished she wasn’t so shy.

She looked up again. He was still staring, and he flashed another dimpled smile that made her pulse thrum. Lisa smiled back.

Look who’s ogling you, Sophia whispered in Lisa’s ear.

Lisa didn’t mean to blush, but it came on too easily. The blush started at the roots of her hair and ran down to her toes. Whenever Tom looked her way, she turned bright red and her brain turned to mush. Words failed her. Tom was hot. His smoldering blue eyes kept looking her way. Lisa was speechless, and her face turned red. Her breathing escalated, and her heartbeat slammed against her chest like a cartoon character. She thought everyone must see it—must hear it. Lisa couldn’t catch her breath. Sophia bumped Lisa’s shoulder again.

Lisa breathed in and out.

Calm down. He’s just looking my way. That’s all. That’s all? That’s everything!

Lisa reached for her suitcase and handed it to the porter. The porter weighed her luggage. Just a pound under the limit.

What a relief, she sighed.

Did you pack rocks? Tom asked in his deep male voice. Lisa jumped and looked Tom in the eye. When he smiled, dimples popped out in his checks. It’s okay. The weight’s just right.

Yeah, the rocks I packed were perfect. Lisa couldn’t help herself. She ducked her head… again but looked back up at Tom. Her brain didn’t work, but her smile did. Her mother always told her to smile when she was speechless around boys. Lisa smiled a lot.

Sophia bumped Lisa, who fell into Tom. My rocks need to be weighed.

Sophia! Lisa exclaimed, scrambling to keep from falling. Quickly, Tom steadied her. The skin on her shoulders burned with excitement. An electric shock ran down her arms and to her toes. She breathed in deeply, smelling Tom’s cologne—a cedar and woodsy spice and something else… his male scent. There was a magnetic attraction. Something pulled her to him. Chemistry?

Ahh, he smelled so good.

Chapter 2

Tom Jeffreys smiled into Lisa’s deep blue eyes. He just wanted to get her alone but not here, so he could talk to her.

She smiled back. Awesome. Her shoulder-length blonde hair was curled just right on her five-foot-six frame. Her blush was sexy, and his mouth went dry. Her pink sundress showed off her curves just right across her breast and fell loosely on her hips. The dress hit halfway up her thighs.

Tom had a reputation that he could schmooze anyone in conversation. Yet here he was… tongue-tied. Now that the gift of gab actually mattered, he couldn’t think of a thing to say. He was nervous and excited about this trip and her.

Tom had been in a serious relationship last year, but it ended badly. Dating had become a series of one-night stands, casual no strings attached.

He thought about being with her for two weeks and began imaging her in a different light. He was the best man, and Lisa was the maid of honor. It was like they were already a couple. Now, he wondered would this shy beautiful blonde, who smelled like lilac and took his breath away, be the one? Or would the ghosts of his past stop this relationship before it even started?

TJ! Mason shouted and slapped Tom on the back so hard he almost lost his balance all the while holding on to Olive’s waist with the other hand.

Only Mason called him TJ. Mason always shortened everyone’s name. Mason just didn’t know his own strength. Mason had been a star football player in college.

Tom reached out and grabbed Lisa again, but this time, she was ready. She was facing Mason and Olive, whereas Tom had his back to Mason, facing Lisa.

Are you excited or what? Tom turned and laughed at Mason.

I am thrilled, Olive spoke up. Bill and Noah came up and set their luggage down.

The guys’ luggage was smaller and lighter than the women’s. The men were going to get their tuxes in Hawaii. They didn’t have to pack those. The women had to pack their bridesmaid dresses. Carefully. They’d get steamed once they got there.

The wedding would be in the early part of the week, then the group would start touring the islands after that. They were staying there for two weeks. Olive’s family would fly in tomorrow, but this group—the buddy moon group—would start today.

Everyone checked in? Mason boomed.

Mason, not so loud, Olive whispered. We’re all here. Now that our luggage is checked in, let’s get checked through security.

The group walked along, with Bill and Noah clowning around, Sophia and Emma egging them on. Mason and Olive led the group. Tom and Lisa lagged behind.

What do you do for a living? Tom asked Lisa as they strolled along the corridor of the airport.

I’m a painter, Lisa answered, smiling to herself. I’m working on getting a showing at a gallery. I’m in negotiations with Bella’s Gallery downtown. I hope I don’t jinx it by mentioning it. Lisa looked up at Tom, raising her eyebrows. And you? What do you do?

I’m an architect for my dad’s firm, Jefferys’ and Sons. Not too far from Bella’s Gallery. Bella’s will be quite a nice showing. That’s a great place.

Well, I’m not there yet. Lisa pursed her lips, raising her eyebrows with a big sigh.

I have no doubt you’ll get that gig. I just barely finished the project I was working on before we left, but my brother will take it to the client and make any necessary changes while I am away. When she didn’t reply, he continued,

I’m worried there is a piece that will take longer than originally planned. Tom was trying to keep the conversation going as they headed to the gate to wait for their flight.

As they ambled through the airport, people were talking, kids were jumping, babies were crying, and announcements were broadcasted through the loudspeakers. Numerous people were standing at the kiosk to check-in electronically instead of standing in line. After the group checked in, they headed for the gate area to wait for their flight. Mason and Olive sat all lovey-dovey snuggled up together. Bill and Noah kept trying to get Sophia and Emma’s attention as if they didn’t have it already, and Tom and Lisa stood together, talking. The line to the check-in desk was long, but Olive had gotten them first-class tickets all together, so they were in the front of the line to board. Tom managed to maneuver and sit by Lisa—two seats on each side of the middle aisle. They were huge seats. First-class was the way to go.

Chapter 3

Lisa didn’t like landings or takeoffs. She held onto the armrest with one hand and the e-reader with the other. She sat straight up in her seat. The butterflies were bumping into each other in her stomach.

Tom laid his hand on hers. Her heart raced the minute his hand touched hers. She shivered. Those butterflies turned into bumblebees buzzing around. She could feel the electricity from touching him. She looked over and tried to smile, but it turned into a grimace because she was still so terrified about flying. He smiled and crinkles formed at the corners of his eyes. She liked that. He probably laughed a lot too. And his dimples… what a combo.The group was flying out of Houston to Dallas.

Don’t crush your e-reader with that death grip you’ve got there, Tom joked.

Despite her tense muscles, Lisa laughed.

And they took off down the runway.

She took a big breath and relaxed a little bit. Tom looked at her concerned. Lisa shivered.

Her breathing was deep, and her chest rose and fell in rapid succession. She stared into his dark-blue eyes, and her heart melted. If he kept this up, she would soon be a puddle at his feet.

He leaned over and bumped his shoulder into hers as they held hands.

And the plane lifted into the air.

Lisa was too caught up in Tom’s gaze to notice.

Tom smiled. Looks like we’re flying, he said, his voice low and gravely.

Yes, we are, Lisa whispered, still breathing deeply.

They talked the entire time on the short flight from Houston to Dallas.

Tell me what you do weekly, Tom inquired. You told me you are an artist. Tell me about your daily routine.

Such a tall order. Lisa smiled, breathing out and calming down some. On Monday through Thursday, I either take a client or paint or sculpt my own work. When I take on a client, it usually takes several sittings to get the painting right. Depending on their schedules, they come back three times a week till that painting is just right. It usually takes three weeks, but it can go longer.

What do you do on the weekends? Friday through Sunday? Tom smirked. Relax? Play? Goof off? Play golf? I got it! Work your fingers to the bone!

Lisa laughed. Well, sometimes, but what I really do is volunteer at the Children’s Museum, giving lessons in painting on Fridays. Sometimes, we mix it up and do sculpture, calligraphy, ceramics, computer/graphic design. She thumped the top of her lip while she thought about what else they taught. There are Christian or religious classes, graffiti, stained glass, mosaic, or tapestry, she laughed. Sometimes we bring in specialists, and sometimes I teach it all! Lisa could feel her eyes widen as she always got excited about her volunteer work.

Tom laughed.

I had no idea how to do a few, like computer/graphic design and tapestry. I had to learn those mediums before I could teach them. There was a real-time crunch. The Children’s Museum wanted to teach each of those, and I had to learn them. Fast, she said, smiling knowingly.

Wow! Tom chuckled. You did all those at once?

Oh, no. Thank God! Lisa giggled. One at a time.

Which do you like best? Tom asked.

That’s hard to say. Painting mostly. Oil’s more forgiving than other mediums, Lisa started, getting animated. That means watercolor is dry and done after a day. Sometimes, after an hour, you can paint over it. But you can’t change the basic color already on the page unlike in oil.

Yeah, I took an oil painting class when I was in architecture school. Just for grins. Just to see the difference. Just to test that I didn’t want to go another way, Tom confessed.

When my father found out a couple of years later, he just about had a fit, Tom laughed.

He wants me to take over the firm one day. I just wanted to be sure I wasn’t following in Dad’s footsteps because he said so. Tom ducked his head, then slowly looked up.

I wanted to make sure. I figured it couldn’t hurt.

What did your dad do? Lisa asked.

Oh, he read me the riot act and lectured me on my role in the company, Tom laughed.

"I had started working for the firm the year before. I was committed