Books Bikinis And Baring It All

I was busy putting returned books back on the shelves. It's not the most exciting job of a librarian. I could have delegated the task to one of the high school summer employees, but I find the mundane chore therapeutic. It was a beautiful day, but I was stuck inside. Summer was here, and I risked missing it all by losing myself to work. My thoughts were interrupted when I heard someone behind me.

It was Beau, the Chair of the Friends of the Library Committee. My heart leapt in my chest, not because he had surprised me but because seeing him always had that effect on me. He's incredibly attractive, and incredibly out of my league. I once overheard the women in the Third Thursday Book Club refer to him as "Cannon Creek's hottest bachelor." I concur with that assessment. I have been attracted to him since we met five years ago.

"Hi Hazel. I'm here to help get ready for tomorrow," Beau said.

"Oh yes. Thank you for offering. There's a lot to be done," I replied.

Tomorrow was the annual Summer Used Book Sale - one of the library's biggest fundraisers. Beau had offered to set up tables and carry the boxes of donated books from the basement. I had so many ideas I wanted to implement at the library, but the budget was always tight. There was also a fundraising campaign to build an addition. I wasn't sure I would ever see that happen. The campaign wasn't going well. I was really hoping for a successful sale.

I finished shelving books while Beau carried boxes. Soon we both focused on putting the books on display. It was nearly 8 o'clock before I was comfortable that we were ready for tomorrow's sale. "Do you want to grab something to eat, or maybe a drink?" Beau asked.

I knew Beau was just being nice. He could have dinner with any number of women. Still, the invitation took me by surprise. I had never spent time with him outside the library. Of course, I would love to have a drink with him but was afraid I would be too nervous and pictured myself doing something embarrassing like spilling it on myself. "Tomorrow will be a long day. I better head home and get some sleep. I usually turn in early. Unless an enjoyable book is keeping me up, that is," I told him.

"Okay. I need to talk to you about something, though. Sort of a favor you could say." Beau said.

"With all the volunteer time you have been putting in around here, I owe you. If you need a favor, it's safe to say I'll help. "Can we talk about it tomorrow?" I asked."

"Absolutely. See you tomorrow, don't stay up too late reading," Beau said.

That night I lost myself in an erotic novel. I was almost ashamed that I pictured myself in the role of the book's protagonist, a seductress able to tempt men into her bed. If only I had the allure of the woman in the pages. I pictured myself turning my charms on a man and in my head rehearsed all the things I would say as I led him to my bedroom. Before long the man in my thoughts became Beau. I pictured his dark hair, his brown eyes as they stared into mine with wanting. I touched my breasts, imagining they were his hands on me. Before long, my right hand was between my legs, slowly touching my sex. I went from wet to wetter as my wanton thoughts of Beau continued. His name escaped my lips as I brought myself to climax.

#

The book sale was going great - better than I had even hoped. Beau was such a trooper and a natural salesperson. He had shown up early and was busy helping browsers pick out books based on their interests. He was by far the best committee chair the library ever had. He put more volunteer hours in then the rest of the committee combined. I watched with some amusement and a hint of jealousy as women of all ages vied for his attention and flirted with him. I couldn't help but stealing a glance at him from time to time, and surprisingly, he was often looking my way, too.

The sale ended at 4 o'clock and I was delighted at how few books remained on the tables. Finally, a moment to sit down before the work of packing things up began. I was looking forward to a hot shower and then a good book. Or maybe a good shower and hot book. These days my excitement came from living vicariously through steamy novels. I was never what one would consider wild, but I enjoyed sex once I discovered carnal pleasures in college. A little excitement in my life seemed too much to ask for these days, however. There were limited opportunities for a small town librarian to find romance. There was no mysterious man waiting to sweep me off my feet and whisk me away.

Beau came out from behind one of the book shelves and said "So, about the thing I want to talk to you about."

"Oh gosh, you startled me, Beau. I didn't realize you were still here," I said.

"Of course I am, we still need to pack up the unsold books and put the tables away," he said. "I really do need to talk to you. And not about library business or books for once. I am hoping you can help me."

I had no idea what Beau could possibly need that didn't involve our connection to the library or mutual love of books. He had never asked for help before. It was probably assisting him with research or with some other community fundraiser.

"Like I said yesterday, I certainly owe you. What can I help you with?" I asked. Little did he realize there was very little I wouldn't do for him.

"Well. Here's the situation. I was the top salesperson at the company. I've been rewarded with a trip to the Caribbean. For two."

I couldn't help but wonder what lucky woman would be travelling with him. "Oh my gosh, Beau. That's awesome! You must be so excited. Of course, I would be happy to help you research things to do while you're there. I'll help you have a great trip."

"It's more complicated than that. I really don't have anyone I'm comfortable asking to go with me," he said.

"You'll find someone to take along. Who in their right mind would turn down a tropical vacation?" A tropical vacation with YOU, I thought but didn't say.

"I mean I couldn't think of anyone until I thought of you. Would you go on this trip with me?"

"Me? Every woman in town would line up for the chance to go on a trip with you." The words were out before I realized what I was saying. So much for being a seducer. Ugh!

"I have thought this through. I think you and I would travel well together. We have a lot in common. We've known each other for a while now, and we get along great. Plus, if you get sick of me, you can send me to the beach to read a book while you do whatever you want."

"I'm not sure taking a trip together would be proper. People will talk." Just stop talking and say yes, Hazel, I thought.

"Two friends going on a trip together isn't improper. We don't even need to tell anyone. When is the last time you took a real vacation, anyhow?"

Beau had a point. I took vacations, but most were extended weekends or staycations. I certainly had never stayed at a beach resort. Maybe it was time I explored a setting so often featured in the novels I read. Before I overthought this, I blurted, "I'll go. Thank you for the invitation."

#

A vacation. A real vacation. Why couldn't I just relax and look forward to the trip? Beau was a man who could star in any one of the hot novels I read. I couldn't deny my attraction to Beau continued to grow. It had become more than just a physical attraction, too. I had strong feelings for Beau. I knew he didn't feel the same way. How could he? I was the town librarian. No one thought of me as dating material, let along the town's "hottest bachelor."

Beau had told me his job had him burnt out and that he wanted to use the vacation to rest and recharge. He had said. "Bring books and bikinis." I hadn't owned a bikini since I was in college! But that is what women wear to the beach, right? I went shopping and spent hours online finding options I thought would work for the trip.

With the vacation less than a week away, I kept putting off trying on the swimwear I had bought. I went to my bedroom and stood in front of the full-length mirror naked. Like most people, I'm self-conscious about my body. I can't point to any reason I should feel that way. It's just part of my overall insecurity.

I started with the only swimsuit I owned before the shopping spree. It was a pale orange one-piece. It did nothing for me. For one thing the color is all wrong. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I bought it. When was the last time I wore it and who had seen me? How embarrassing!

The next suit was the most conservative of my purchases. The red one piece was much more flattering against my light brown hair and brown eyes. It was cut higher in the back, and it showed a bit of my lower butt cheeks. I envisioned myself constantly fighting the urge to tug at the fabric to cover more of my backside.

Next was a maroon bikini. It was more revealing, showing part of my upper breasts. There was no way pulling and tugging was going to do much to cover my butt with this one. Oh my! Each suit I tried on covered less. A floral suit showed generous side boob and rode high on my hips showing plenty of my butt. My patch of pubic hair stuck out from beneath the fabric. I was going to need a wax, I thought. A pink bikini had a thong style bottom, but it did cover more than just my crack.

The last bikini was an impulsive purchase. It was purple, and the top didn't cover much more than my nipples. When I put on the bottom, the entirety of my butt was on display. Come now, Hazel, I thought with a wicked chuckle, one did not merely have a butt when wearing something like this. It showed off my ass! It made me feel daring, and might I say, sexy? It didn't fit my personality at all. It was more suited to one of the characters in an erotic novel. It would be quite a surprise to Beau if I found the courage to wear it. But what would he think of me showing off my body? He may lose respect for me, or...he may see me in a whole new light. I would pack it but knew it probably wouldn't come out of my suitcase.

When the date of the trip arrived, I was a nervous wreck. There was no sign Beau had any expectations past companionship while enjoying a week on the beach. The thought was both comforting and disappointing. Beau picked me up the morning of our flights. It was obvious he had experience travelling as he navigated us through security and to our gate. We made our connecting flight with no issues after clearing customs.

#

I was amazed when we arrived at the resort late that afternoon. It was beautiful! We were greeted with glasses of champagne and given an overview of the services and amenities offered. How much did Beau have to sell to earn this trip?

Our fourth-floor room was luxurious and faced the ocean. The water was a beautiful turquois blue. We had our own private balcony. There was a bath tub in middle of the room, and my mind wandered. I envisioned Beau washing my naked body as I relaxed in the water. Stop! I told myself. He doesn't see you that way, so I had no business letting my imagination get away. The bathroom had a large glassed-in shower with two large rectangular shower heads so two people could shower at the same time. There was a large sink and mirror just outside the bathroom entrance, perfect for doing my makeup and hair in the morning. I made up my mind I would go with the flow and have fun on this trip, taking full advantage of the lavish all-inclusive resort.

Beau was sitting on the bed when I came out of the bathroom. "Check this out," he said. "Have you ever seen anything like this before?"

He pushed a door on its rollers to show the shower. With the transparent glass, the person showering would be totally exposed. "No. Never. You won't open that when I'm in the shower, will you?" I asked.

"No. Of course not. Not without your permission, that is," he said with a smile.

Hmm, that was an interesting comment. Since this was a couple's resort there was just one bed in the room. I wanted to crawl under the covers and sleep next to Beau. It was one of the things I most looked forward to, actually.

"I can sleep on the floor if you would be more comfortable," Beau said as if reading my mind. Dammit. He really had asked me to come with him as a friend.

"We're on vacation at a luxury resort. Nobody should be sleeping on the floor," I told him.

We both admitted to being tired from travelling. We would eat an early dinner, then settle in our room and plan the rest of our stay.

#

I slept late the first morning, disappointed each of us had stayed on their side of the bed. I hadn't realized Beau had left the room early and secured two loungers under a shade cover for us on the beach. We agreed our priorities for the trip were relaxation, enjoying good food, reading, and soaking up some sun.

I told him I would shower, then use the sink and mirror outside the bathroom to do my hair and makeup while he showered and got ready. It seemed the most efficient way to be ready in the shortest amount of time.

The first full day of our vacation was marvelous! The breakfast buffet was wonderful. The sun was hot, but that was to be expected during the early summer in Jamaica. I loved spending time with Beau. I couldn't help thinking about what it would be like to date him. He was always thoughtful and seemed to be going out of his way to make sure I was enjoying myself.

We had read quietly on the beach. I had opted for the new one piece and did my best not to tug at it trying to cover my lower ass. Men had it easy. Beau's trunks came almost to his knees. Most of the women's bikinis were pretty revealing. There definitely were more than a few wearing thongs. My goal was to get up the courage to wear one myself on this trip. I thought of it as personal growth, a way to shed my insecurity.

Conversation came easy. We talked mostly about books, movies and music. Music was the only area that are tastes drastically differed. I had once joked in college that I could never marry a Dave Matthews Band or Jimmy Buffet fan. Beau was both. He acted shocked when I told him I listened to hard rock and was especially fond of female fronted groups.

"I would never have guessed that," Beau said.

"No one would, I suppose. They can't picture 'Hazel the Prudish Wallflower Librarian' listening to anything but classical and opera. I know what people say about me. Hopefully, they wait a few years before they add spinster to the title."

We woke up earlier the next day of our stay. Beau once again went to the beach to reserve spots. It gave me time to enjoy an extra-long hot shower. I had just finished when Beau returned. While I was getting ready in front of the mirror, I couldn't stop thinking of Beau naked in the shower. He came from the bathroom wearing only a towel. I found it incredibly hot, even though I had seen him in swim trunks the previous day. This seemed more intimate.

I wore a bikini and did my best not to be nervous about it. Beau had told me I looked "great" but made no further comment. I wondered, though. Sure, the friendship was platonic, but did he find me attractive at all?

After a day of lying on the beach, we stopped at the bar on the way back to our room. I hung my beach bag on the back of a chair and set my novel on the bar. I enjoyed watching the bartender work. "Do you mind getting our drinks?" Beau asked. "I'm going to check on our dinner reservations."

The woman next to me began a conversation. "Your boyfriend is sure a looker. You are a lucky woman, dear," she said. She was an attractive woman who looked like she has some work done. I guessed her to be in her early sixties.

"Oh, he's not my boyfriend," I said.

"Are you sure about that?" the woman asked.

"I know it's a couple's resort, but really, we're just here as friends," I told her.

"Oh, you can't fool me. The way that man was looking at you, if he isn't your boyfriend he sure wants to be," she said.

"I'm sure that isn't true," I replied.

"It was the way he looked at your ass that clinched it."

"What way? I'm sure he wouldn't check me out like that!" I exclaimed.

"Well, he sure was. You know the way a man looks, then quickly looks away like he knows he shouldn't be looking. Do you want to date him?"

"Oh my Gosh, yes. Who wouldn't? But I don't think that will ever happen."

"I assure you, it can. It's obvious you two have chemistry. The woman leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, "You've cast a spell on him. Anyone can see that. My best advice is to go for it. Good men aren't waiting around every corner. If he's a good one, take him off the market before someone else does."

"I'm not even sure how to do that," I said.

"I see your reading Summer Lovin'. Such a steamy novel, and that character Ivy, goodness she's a spicy sweet one. What would she do in this situation?"

"She would seduce him for sure. Then she would sleep with him."

"Ivy doesn't sleep with men, dear. She fucks them. On special occasions she may even make love to them. Put yourself in Ivy's shoes. Flirt with him. He'll love it. He wants to look, so let him. Do you have any other bikinis with you? That one covers way too much. And honey, lose the bun. You look like a librarian for goodness sakes. Let your hair down! I'm Barbara by the way."

"Nice to meet you, Barbara. I'm Hazel."

Beau returned and Barbara excused herself. I told the bartender to make me something special. I was feeling adventurous.

The bartender handed me an orange drink garnished with several slices of fruit. "This is delicious! What do you call it?" I asked

"It's a Valentino," the bartender responded. His name tag matched that of the drink. Beau ordered one as well. The cocktail went down easy, and we enjoyed a couple more.

"I know the drinks are watered down, but they are going to my head. I wonder how much alcohol he put in it. Maybe it's the heat, or I've turned into a total lightweight," Beau said.

"I thought it was just me. I'm a little tipsy but was too embarrassed to say anything. I'm kind of enjoying the buzz. Let's have another."

"Whoa, I better call the city council. The town's prudish wallflower librarian is having fun," Beau joked.

"Hey, I like fun. And for the record I am not a prude. Well at least I didn't use to be. Small town life has taken a toll, I'm afraid."

"I was just teasing. I'm sure there is a side of you no one gets to see."

Hazel laughed. "Yes, no one but my eight cats."

"Eight cats?" Beau asked.

"I'm kidding. I have one cat."

"I thought you were serious. I was starting to wonder if you were a witch."

"Well, my cat is black," I told him.

The alcohol made it easy to relax and joke with each other. We had reservations at a restaurant that evening, and since it was more formal, decided to go back to the room with plenty of time to get ready. I sat on the balcony reading some of the resort's brochures before taking a shower. The resort had an island separate from the grounds and boat shuttles took guests there several times a day. "I would like to check that out at least once while we are here," I said.

"I would be up for that. You do know there is a clothing optional section there, right?" Beau asked.

"What? No, I didn't know that!" How in the world did I miss that detail?"

"We don't need to go. Or we can and just not visit that part. I wasn't even going to mention it. I'm up for it if you are, though," he said.

Was he serious? "If only I had what it takes to do that. I'm a nervous wreck even thinking of people seeing me in a bikini, let alone naked." I said.

"You shouldn't be so concerned. From what I saw today you could pull it off. We'll never see these people again, anyhow."

"Well, we will see each other again. Imagine you helping at the library while picturing me naked!"

"How do you know I don't do that already?" Beau asked.

"What?! Wow!" was he flirting? Did he really think of me naked? Luckily, I kept my cool, though I'm not sure how.