Changing the Script

by Lee Winter

  Sam lifted her hands in defeat. “Okay, that does sound kind of crazy. Maybe you’re crazy.”

  “Who, me?”

  “Yes. But I think you’re my kind of crazy.”

  They gazed at each other.

  For the longest moment, Alex was unable to stop staring. Those eyes were so kind, so interested. Sam’s lips, just slightly parted, ticked into a soft smile at the corners. Just a little. Her hair, blonde, shoulder-length, and sculpted, suiting those perfect cheek bones. Gorgeous. Alex’s cheeks filled with heat. “I’m enjoying our date.”

  “I’m pretty glad, since this is who I am,” Sam murmured. She whisked a stray hair out of Alex’s eyes. “So who are you?”

  “That’s a complicated question. It’s something I can’t easily share—how I see the world. There’s a movie in my eye and it plays all around me, all the time, and I’m constantly working out the shots, the angles.”

  “I can see why you became a director. But why move to LA?”

  “London’s not the epicenter of filmmaking. Besides, all my closest drama school friends left for Hollywood, so it was a pretty easy decision to go with them.”

  “And you’ve always wanted to be a director?”

  “Yes. No question. What about you? Was law enforcement always for you?”

  “Seemed the best fit. Does that sound strange, always wanting to be a cop?”

  “It sounds like you. Protective.”

  Sam snorted. “Or maybe I couldn’t think of anything better. Something that let me work outdoors a lot, do what’s right, and I’m largely left alone by people.” At Alex’s flicker of concern, she added, “I get it. No one likes to hang out with the cop.”

  “You like that?” Alex asked, picking up something in her voice. “Being the outsider?”

  “It suits me. Most of the time.”

  Alex leaned on her elbow and studied Sam. “I think I know your type. You like to be invited to the party even if you say no often.”

  “Doesn’t everyone?”

  “Maybe.” Alex smiled. “What music do you like?”

  “Sid’s.” She grinned. “My brother whips his guitar out at the pub every Sunday afternoon and has the smoothest voice. He does traditional Maori songs. And the Eagles.”

  “Really? I’d love to hear him some time.”

  “I’m surprised Chloe didn’t tell you all about it. She’s in there, every Sunday, front row, looking like she wants to fling him down and have her way with him on the spot.”

  “He still hasn’t noticed?”

  “He thinks she’s just really friendly.”

  “God. Someone should just tell him. But where would be the fun in that?” Alex laughed. “So do you like anything other than Sid’s greatest hits?”

  “I appreciate world music, all kinds. New Zealand does have the most beautiful songs of anywhere, of course.” Sam’s eyes twinkled at her shameless parochialism. “Ever hear Hine e Hine?”

  “No.”

  “Most spine-tingling lullaby ever—a Maori princess wrote it a hundred years ago. But I love traditional stuff from all over the place. Some of my music is more out there than others.”

  “How ‘out there’ are we talking?” Alex asked curiously.

  “I’ll play you some.” She pulled out her phone, flicked through the menu, and hit play.

  A rich, gentle, almost wailing female voice started, with other women’s voices layering it, like leaves on the wind. It was so wistful and aching that Alex shivered and closed her eyes. “Play it again?” she asked when it ended.

  Sam did.

  “God. Beautiful,” Alex exhaled when it finished. “You know, I could see this in my movie, at the start when we do all the wide, sweeping scenery shots. What is it?”

  “It’s a modern take on a traditional style of music from Bulgaria. The song’s Malka Moma—Little Girl.”

  “Bulgaria? That’s…unusual.”

  “Yeah, well. I can do unexpected sometimes. Sid teases the hell out of me for my ‘cat-killing music.’ Don’t tell anyone I love this stuff, okay? Years ago I spread the word I like pub rock.”

  “You and your tough cred,” Alex teased. “You know, you don’t have to be anything but you with me.”

  Sam didn’t really smile, but she relaxed. That was way better than any smile.

  Alex drew in a breath and appreciated all over again the peaty smell. She’d miss this. “Do you come out here often?”

  “Not so much these days. Work’s been busy since all the meth hit town. But before that, whenever I was climbing the walls to get out of town, I’d often ride out here.” She regarded Alex. “You’re the first person I’ve ever brought here. But I thought maybe you’d see it the same way I do.”

  “What do you see?”

  Sam hesitated. “This might sound as crazy as my music.”

  “Tell me.”

  “The essence of life.” Sam’s fingertips touched the soft, springy moss on a log. “Like a living, breathing thing—Earth…exhaling.”

  “I love that. You know, I could see my Amazons running through here. It’s got that forgotten-by-time, ancient warrior feel. So, I was right all along then. You are an Amazon.”

  Sam rolled her eyes, which sparkled. “No need for insults.”

  “I meant it in the best sense. My Amazons are powerful huntresses now.”

  “I know.” Sam reached for her orange juice bottle. Condensation ran down the glass, and she flicked a finger through it idly. “I’ve been hearing about all the changes. Your film sounds nothing like it was. I might have to watch the bloody thing now.”

  “How times change,” Alex teased. “I’ll make sure to invite you to the world premiere. It’ll be in Te Aroha—closest cinema to Ika Whenu we could find.”

  “Count me in.” Sam smiled but it faded. “That’ll be long after you’ve finished filming and gone home.”

  “Yes.”

  “I wonder what will have happened between now and then.” For the briefest second, disappointment flitted across her face.

  “Ah.” Alex inched closer. “Sam, you’re thinking about things that haven’t even happened yet.” She took Sam’s hand, trailing a thumb over the back of it gently. “You’re stressing about us parting ways and feeling let down before we’ve even gotten together.”

  Sam took a deep breath. “It’s not unreasonable.”

  “So…what about Bruce?” Alex asked. “He seems happy, doesn’t he? Take a leaf out of his book. Do you think that old dog worries about what’s happening eight months from now?”

  “It’s not a bad philosophy, living in the now. It’s just hard for me. I’m used to protecting myself; and taking unnecessary risks is not something I often do.”

  Alex stared at her. “Sam, you took on a biker gang. Alone.”

  “I did.” Sam gave a wry smile. “But normally I plan such things to the tiniest detail. Research. Figure out all the contingencies and so on. Then along you come and all that’s out the window.”

  “Oh dear. I’m a bad influence. I’ve stoked your reckless side.”

  Sam laughed. “Well, I’ve always had a reckless side, it’s just I usually minimize risk a lot better than I did that day.”

  “You? Reckless? I’m not seeing it.” Alex really couldn’t. Sam always seemed so contained.

  Sam rose. “Okay, come on then.”

  “Where?” Alex stood.

  Sam pointed through the foliage. “This way to meet Reckless Keegan.”

  Alex followed her through a few twists and turns, then a steep climb down. The sounds of rushing water began to fill her ears.

  Pushing aside one large fern frond, Sam held it for Alex to step past. A thrashing, churning stream rushed in front of them.

  “Where are we?”

  “Dry Creek.”


  “Doesn’t look very dry.”

  “Kiwis have a sense of humor about these things. And some years back, in a fit of madness, I did what everyone said was impossible, and jumped it on my bike.”

  Alex’s eyes widened. Her gaze darted up and down the embankment on either side, seeing nothing but rocks and thick foliage. “How? Where did you take off? How did you even find anywhere to land?”

  “Landing was fun. I ended up, after a few bounces, halfway up that thing.” She pointed directly across from them at a bushy native tree. It looked thick enough to break a fall…and take some chunks out of someone in the process.

  “But that would mean you crossed the river here.” Alex turned. A jagged rock was on the right of her, dense foliage on the left. The embankment under her feet was much higher than the other side of the river, and slightly rising. But it didn’t seem enough. Worse… “There’s no room for a ramp.”

  “No. That’s why it was seen as impossible. In fact, the moment Breaker Bob told me it couldn’t be done, I decided to prove him wrong.”

  “How?”

  “Hours of practice—I re-created the jump in a safe area over a different river. I also had rising ground on this side, speed, a big tail wind, knowledge of how to angle my body to the aerodynamic position needed, bravado, and sheer dumb luck. It all came together.”

  Alex stared at the churning water and the distance again. “You’re crazy.”

  “I planned it well. It was a managed risk.”

  “Even so!” A chill shot through Alex at the danger. “Crazy!”

  “Crazy would be doing it without any planning. This was just me being bold. Sucking it up and doing it even though people said I couldn’t. Sometimes a calculated risk’s worth the reward. Are you saying you haven’t ever risked everything, bruises and all?”

  “Well…I did take on Shezan. Do you make a habit of this?”

  Sam smiled and suddenly looked nervous. “I once kissed a beautiful woman I liked even though she was way out of my league.”

  “Who hasn’t?” Alex muttered. “When was yours?”

  “Oh, about two seconds from now.” Sam leaned in, capturing Alex’s lips with hers. It was nothing like their kisses the day before. There was no tentativeness this time; it had passion behind it, and a powerful promise of much more.

  Alex melted a little. “Sam? I’m not out of your league.”

  “You are to me. So…too crazy?” The way her eyes burned with desire, Sam wasn’t asking about the kiss.

  Alex clasped the back of her head, pulling Sam down for another dizzying kiss. And then she hung on tight, kissing her over and again. “Turns out I’m fond of crazy.”

  “Me, too.” Sam drew in a deep breath. “It’s still early. Will you…come home with me?”

  “No,” Alex said with certainty.

  “No?”

  “I can’t wait.” Alex pulled Sam away from the surging river, leading her deeper into the greenery behind them. Her eyes darted around. The smell was sweet and woody. Dense ferns and thick, tall timber pressed in on them, closing out the world. Alex’s eyes lit on one solid, smooth-barked tree. “Here.”

  Glancing up at the towering specimen, Sam’s lips curled. “Against a tōtara?”

  “Why’s that funny?”

  “Of all the trees you could have picked, you chose an iconic one. It’s used by the Maori for…”

  Alex pressed Sam hard into the trunk, then dragged her whole body slowly up against her.

  “Oh.” Sam’s breath caught. “Doesn’t matter.”

  “No.” Alex grinned and kissed her hard. “It doesn’t.”

  Taking Alex’s head in her hands, Sam claimed her mouth fiercely.

  The kisses were perfect. Hot, delicious, sexy, demanding. Arousing. So arousing. Alex’s legs lost a little cohesion.

  Sam spun them around until Alex’s back was against the trunk. Her hand flicked down the buttons on Alex’s jeans. They popped, one after the other, like soft gasps. She pulled open Alex’s shirt and pushed up her T-shirt, eyes sharp on the light-blue bra she’d revealed. Sam tugged it up, baring Alex’s small breasts and hardening nipples.

  Sam’s eyes darkened. “Oh yes,” she muttered, then her mouth descended on the closest tight knot.

  “God,” Alex whispered.

  As Sam’s tongue kept playing with Alex’s nipple, her fingers slid down, inside jeans and underwear. She played with Alex for long, slippery moments.

  It was delicious, naughty, and Alex couldn’t get enough, rolling her hips forward to meet her.

  “You like that,” Sam murmured. She stroked Alex’s crease harder, and the wetness was audible.

  Alex groaned and closed her eyes, warmth gathering in her cheeks. “I’m only human.”

  Sam’s lips shifted and her breath feathered Alex’s ear. “So am I. I’m so wet right now. I might come just from how you feel under my hand.” Her fingertips shifted lower, curling, drawing wet trails up to tease her clit.

  Flares of arousal radiated from Alex when those roaming fingers settled in to rub in rhythmic patterns. “Oh…” She curled her arms around Sam’s smooth, leather-jacketed back, pulling her in. “Don’t stop.” Her stomach clenched.

  After a few more determined strokes from Sam, Alex’s knees and thighs began trembling. The orgasm flooded her as she bucked against Sam’s firm fingers.

  She opened her eyes to discover her own white-knuckled fingers clenching tight fistfuls of Sam’s jacket. Alex lifted her gaze to meet her half-lidded eyes.

  “Did you enjoy that?” Sam purred.

  Alex swallowed. Her mouth was so dry. “I’m sure you could tell I did.”

  “I had an inkling.” Sam withdrew her glistening hand and reviewed the evidence.

  “So cocky.” Alex gave her an amused, challenging look. “And what would we find if I put my fingers inside your pants right now?” She splayed her hand against the leather in question and cupped Sam, then rubbed with the heel of her hand.

  Sam pressed her center into Alex’s hand, inhaling sharply. Her eyes became glassy and unfocused.

  Alex dragged her fingers slowly up and down Sam’s fly, enjoying the shudders each time she pressed against it. She pulled down the zipper. Oh yes. Alex could smell her desire.

  Sam gave a soft, strangled moan. “Any time now would be good,” she growled.

  Alex smiled at her impatience and peeled the leather down, over Sam’s perfect ass. She admired its pleasing contours, covered in black boy-shorts. “I remember these.” She gave the waistband of the underwear a playful twang. “From the dam. My brain flailed around from the sight of you. Didn’t know where to look.”

  “I’m glad I made someone happy with my sacrifice that day.” Sam’s teeth were gritted, and her chest rose and fell more quickly. “Could you…?” She waved at herself impatiently.

  “So eager.” Alex drifted her hand to the front of Sam’s boy-shorts, curling under them at the vee. Cupped in her hand was shadows and heat: the darkness of the material, forbidding and sleek, under which she could feel a repressed fire. She gave a testing rub.

  Sam’s thighs locked at attention.

  “Are you close?” Alex asked. “Just from me doing this?” She rubbed again, harder, pressing where she imagined Sam’s clit to be.

  This time Sam’s breath hitched, her back snapped into a sharp line, and the smallest hiss escaped from her lips.

  “Are you…fighting it?” Alex asked, amused. She rubbed again.

  Sam trembled.

  Alex peeled the boy-shorts down Sam’s muscled thighs. “Beautiful.” Her gaze lingered on the exposed skin. “So much power in your whole body, but I love your thighs especially.” Her fingers trailed the body parts in question. “Strong, lean…” Her fingertips drifted higher until the back of her hand faintly brushed Sam’s sex.


  “God.” The word was a whimper.

  With one finger, Alex ran a languid, light line between Sam’s lower lips, pausing to trail over every tuck and fold. “You really want this? Want me?”

  “Have I been so cryptic?” A tremor stole through her. “Please?”

  Sam’s swollen folds swallowed Alex’s roaming fingers as she pressed deeper. It was like drowning in silken softness. “Ohh,” Alex said softly. “You’re so aroused. And yet you’re trying so hard not to come, too.” She smiled. “How stubborn.”

  “Alex.” Sam’s breath caught, then came faster in ragged gasps. Her mouth dropped against Alex’s neck, and her heated lips slid across Alex’s collar bone. “The things you do to me.”

  “Tell me,” Alex urged her. “What do I do?”

  “So hot. I want to touch you. I always want to touch you.” Her hips bucked, then her body went taut. “Oh…I’m…”

  “Don’t hold back.” Alex skidded her fingers over the slippery folds. Her thumb found Sam’s clit, and she pressed in. “Let go. Now.”

  Sam’s thigh muscles locked together, her neck went rigid, and her mouth fell open in a cry. “Oh. Oh!” Sam’s fists formed tight bundles. Her sharp, incoherent cries carried on the crisp air, then faded out as she gasped. “I’m there.” Her expression transformed to pure wonder.

  Alex gazed in amazement, never having seen so much joy on her face. She slipped her hand from Sam’s heat, pulling up her clothing after one last, appreciative look at the delights she’d been playing with.

  Next time I’ll taste her. Her sex gave a sharp, approving clench at that thought.

  After doing up Sam’s pants, Alex’s fingers lingered on the leather and came to rest on the backs of those powerful, tantalizing thighs.

  I’m there.

  What did she mean by that? The words could mean she’d reached her peak, but Alex didn’t think it was just that. The distant look in Sam’s half-closed eyes said she was far from here. Far from her life spent existing in a rundown rental next to a police station that asked too much of her. Far from all of it.