by Jacob Chance
Flynn scowls. “Which is rich since I’m the one who ended up staying out there in the ‘freeze your nuts off cold’.”
Clancy laughs, “Hey, you offered. No one said you had to. I’m smart enough to stay inside. I like my nuts too much to risk them falling off.”
I bite into the juicy burger and moan. “I don’t know, this burger is good enough to justify losing your nuts.”
Clancy and Darren chuckle while Flynn aims a scowl my way. “Next time I’ll let you cook out and see how you feel.”
“I’m from Vermont. You guys forget winters are even worse up there.”
“Good.” Flynn gives a sharp nod. “Glad we agree that next time you can tackle the grill.” Damn, I realize I painted myself into a corner with my reply. There’s nothing to do but agree.
“No problem.” After one time of burning everything to a crisp, it will be the last time they expect me to barbecue.
“What are you guys doing during break?” Darren questions.
“I’m staying here most of the time. My mom needs some help with her shop, so I’ll be helping her out. I’ll go home for Christmas Eve and Christmas day, but other than that I’ll be around,” Clancy volunteers the information before looking to Flynn for his reply.
“My parents and sister are going away on vacation, so I’ll be here too.”
“You didn’t want to go?” Darren questions.
“Nah. Being trapped with my parents in a hotel room for ten days isn’t my idea of a fun time. It would be painful and by the end of the vacation, I’d need a vacation.”
“Gotcha. What about you?” Darren lifts his chin toward me.
“I’m going home. My parents are away until Christmas Eve morning. My brother, Donovan, and I are planning on spending our time on the slopes and living like a couple of bachelors.”
“You have a big house?” Clancy inquires.
“Yeah, it’s decent sized. Four bedrooms and five bathrooms. But there’s a finished basement with a kitchenette and two bedrooms.” I catch a covert glance between Clancy and Flynn.
“How long of a drive is it from here?”
“It usually takes me between two and a half hours and three, depending on traffic.”
“And your parents are out of town?”
“Yeah, my parents are in China for a month right now on their dream vacation.”
“Your brother’s younger than you?”
“Yeah.”
“Who stays with him?”
“He’s away at boarding school.”
“The same all male one you went to?”
“Yep.”
“So, is little Archer a virgin too?”
“Probably not, but you’d have to ask him.” I’m purposefully vague with them. It’s not my place to discuss my brother’s sexual practices. I’m pretty sure he’s not a virgin, but I’m not going to speculate. He’s always been more outgoing with girls than I have.
“What do you think of us crashing at your house for a few days?” Clancy leans forward on the table, his eyes bright, waiting for my answer.
“Who’s us? And it would depend on when.”
Clancy waves his finger at Flynn and Darren and then back to himself. “The three of us and we’ll invite Owen and Trevor.”
“That’s a lot of people. I’m not sure there’s enough room.”
“Don’t worry, we don’t mind sleeping on the floor.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time,” Darren mumbles.
“What ski resorts are you near?” Flynn cuts in.
“Killington.”
“Dude, shut the fuck up. That’s some of the best skiing and snowboarding on the east coast.”
My brow raises. “I know.” I also understand that having them at my house isn’t a good idea, but these are my boys. Flynn and Darren are my teammates. We have each other's backs on the field. And being new on the Terriers and the youngest, they’ve never held that against me. They’ve welcomed me from day one. Even if I wanted to say no, I couldn’t.
Consequences be damned, I’m going to agree. If they fuck up the house, I’ll have enough time to fix everything before my parents return. “Sure. You guys can stay with me, but you need to promise me you’ll behave at the house. I can’t have my parents’ shit getting fucked up.”
“Scout’s honor.” Clancy raises his hand.
Flynn barks out a laugh. “You weren’t a scout.”
Clancy scowls. “So? I can still say that if I want to. It’s an expression.”
“Yeah, but it’s meaningless if you weren’t really a scout,” Flynn explains.
“Says who? You?” Clancy challenges.
“Everyone gets that.”
Clancy crosses his arms over his chest. “Apparently not, because I don’t.”
These two will go on indefinitely if I don’t put an end to their bickering.
“Guys, time out. If we’re going to do this we need to figure out when and you have to keep it to only the people we mentioned.”
“I’m sure Owen and Trevor might want to bring their girlfriends.”
“That’s fine, but I don’t want twenty other people showing up unexpectedly.”
Clancy places his hand on his chest. “Would we do that?”
“Yes, you would.” I stare pointedly at him.
He grins. “You’re right. I totally would do that, but I promise not to this time.”
Leaning my elbow on the shiny oak bar, my eyes stay locked on the stage waiting for Perri to make an appearance. I didn’t have any intention of coming to Score tonight, but after dinner I was restless. I forced myself to spend an hour studying for finals. Then I paced my room like a caged animal waiting to be let out. When I couldn’t stand my racing mind any longer, I threw on a hat and jacket and headed this way. The closer I got to the burlesque club, the more I settled down. The sight of her is like a drug for me and I need my fix. So, here I am, waiting for a treat to be thrown my way like an obedient dog. I’ll take whatever crumbs she gives me.
Glancing at my watch, I notice it’s almost ten o’clock. I’ve been here for thirty minutes already and still no sign of Perri. Did I miss her performance? Maybe she’s not working tonight.
“Can I get you another one?” The bartender nods at my beer.
“Sure.” I push the empty toward him and my gaze sweeps toward the stage once more.
“You play for the Terriers right?” He inquires as he places the fresh bottle down in front of me.
I glance at him. “Yeah, are you a student at B.U.?”
“Yep, a junior.”
“Cool. Do you play any sports?” This guy’s a pretty big dude. With shoulders that wide he looks like he could.
“Yeah, I’m on the hockey team.”
“Really?” He nods. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around before. You live off campus?”
“Yep. Clancy tried to get me to move into the frat, but I had already signed a lease with my girlfriend.”
“Dude, you’re missing out. You should for your senior year. Go out with a bang.”
He smiles. “Not sure my girl would appreciate that.”
“Probably not. What’s your name, anyway?”
“I’m Oliver.
“Nolan.” I shake his hand.
“It’s too bad Owen had to miss the last part of the season. That really hurt you guys.”
“Yeah, it sucks. Darren, our backup, did a great job, but Owen’s play is on another level. Fortunately, he’ll be back next season.” I take a deep pull from the bottle, the cold liquid soothes my dry throat. Lowering the bottle to the bar, my fingertips tap on the wood. “Is there a girl who dances here named Perri?”
“Perri Benson?”
“Yeah. She works here?”
He points to the stage. “She’s right there.”
My head snaps forward with enough force to give myself whiplash.
Oliver chuckles, “You got it bad, man.” Ignoring his observation, all my attention is focused on Perri.
A slow drumbeat begins and every nerve ending in my body hums with awareness as I watch. Breathless, I wait for her to begin and when she does, it’s so subtle I almost wonder if I’m imagining it. But as the drum beat increases in pace and intensity, so do her movements. Her hips roll and whip from side to side, sending all the blood to my groin. She leaps and twirls around the stage on bare feet, in a combination of ballet and modern dance. Some of her movements are long and drawn out and others are abrupt and sharp. The juxtaposition of each motion keeps her routine exciting and engages the crowd. That and she’s fucking breathtaking. Her long hair hangs loosely behind her, mimicking the flowing skirt on the dress she’s wearing. Her face is almost void of makeup, except for the dark red color of her lips.
Time ceases to exist as I watch Perri. Her face conveys emotions as she maneuvers around the stage. Yearning is evident when she moves slowly, her feet floating across the floor, and passion when she leaps and snaps her legs in quick, high kicks.
Everything around me fades away as I observe Perri. She spins around on the ball of one foot with her other leg extended behind and stops turning when she’s facing the crowd. Still balancing on one foot, she raises her leg straight up beside her head. Catching hold of her calf, she holds the position until the music ends. Damn, she’s talented… and flexible. My breath leaves me in a long, slow whistle. I wouldn’t have thought it was possible, but this performance was better than last night’s. Throwing some bills down on the bar, I rise from the stool. Giving a wave to Oliver, I head for the exit. I should’ve stayed at home. Instead of gaining perspective from being here tonight, I’m caught in her web even more so. Fuck me.
Chapter Seven
Perri
Last night I could’ve sworn I saw Nolan at Score, but maybe I imagined it. My eyes repeatedly scanned the audience in the dim lighting for any sign he might be there. I finally noticed someone who resembled him at the bar, but I’m probably wrong. Why would he come back for a second time? It makes no sense that he would. And allowing myself to hope for something that has zero percent likelihood of happening wouldn’t be sensible.
Eliza’s tray clatters down on the cafeteria table across from me. “Sorry, it slipped out of my hands,” she whispers an apology before sinking down onto the chair.
“No worries. You only scared five years off my life, but I’ll be fine.” She stares down at the sandwich on her plate. Not even a glimmer of a smile shows and I take note of how puffy and red her eyelids are. “Eliza, you can’t let what happened with Owen ruin everything for you.”
“He broke up with me. Everything is ruined.”
“No, it’s not. Go home for break and get some distance from what happened. I bet you’ll feel better.”
“Seeing my family will make me feel better, but only temporarily. I just can’t believe we’re through.”
“You’re not. He needs some time and so do you.” I grab my backpack from the floor and rise from the plastic chair. Slinging the bag over my shoulder, I wait for her to look at me. “I need to get to class. Are you going to be okay?”
She nods. “Yeah, I have one more myself and then I’m leaving for home.”
“Call me whenever you need to. I have to work tonight, but I’ll be home after.”
“Okay.”
“Eliza.” I wait for her to glance up at me. “This is all going to work out somehow.”
“I hope you’re right.”
I smile encouragingly. “I am.” I trek through the tables and step outside, pausing to wind my scarf around my neck.
“Hi, Perri,” Nolan stops in front of me.
“Hey, how are you?”
“I’m good. I can’t complain. How about you?”
“Meh, it’s that time of year.”
“What do you mean?”
“Everything is crazy with the semester winding down and the holidays approaching. I swear it must be a full moon or something. Maybe Mercury or Uranus is out of whack or whatever happens.”
“Leave my anus out of this,” he jests with a wink.
I snort, “That was bad. You don’t have any aspirations to be a comedian do you?”
“No, can’t say I do.”
“What do you want to be?”
“I’m not really sure. I’ve been trying to figure it out, but all I’ve ever wanted to do was play football.”
“Maybe you could get a business degree and then it’s useful even if you play professional ball.”
“That’s what I’ve been thinking too. Practical degrees are always a good choice.”
“You must be leaving for winter break soon.” I’m sad I won’t be able to see him around for the next month. Even if we don’t talk much, at least I can gaze at him from afar.
“Yeah, I’m here through the weekend and then I’ll head to Vermont. Are you coming with the rest of the gang?”
I shrug. “Eliza mentioned something about it, but I’ll probably just hang here.”
“It should be a lot of fun. My parents are out of town and we live right near Killington. You can ski and snowboard to your heart's content, and we have a hot tub on the back deck.” He leans forward like he’s about to tell me a secret, stopping when his lips are only inches from mine. His blue eyes lock with my brown and I feel a swirling sensation in my stomach. “I’ll make sure you get the best room.” His deep whisper turns the gentle swirling into a tornado hurtling through me. Can he tell how he affects me? “So what do you say?”
Wait. Does he actually want me to go? I thought he was just being polite, but now I’m not so sure. I chew on my bottom lip while I contemplate his expression. He seems completely sincere.
His lips curve into a reassuring smile and he bumps his arm into mine. “Come on. You know you want to say yes.”
I do want to say yes. But wanting to do something doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for me. I’m not sure if it’s wise to indulge this silly crush I have. There. I said it. I have a crush on Nolan. Admitting you have a problem is the first step toward conquering it. Now I need to find a twelve step program for how to stay away from him.
“Do I need to pull the ‘you owe me’ card?”
My eyebrows draw together in the middle of my forehead. “Why do I owe you?”
“‘I wouldn’t date Nolan if he was the last guy on earth.’ Does that ring any bells?”
“I was going to apologize when I saw you in the library but Barbie was there.”
“Barbie?” His expression is confused.
“Oh. Come. On. You can’t be that obtuse.” He shakes his head like he doesn’t comprehend what I’m talking about. I sigh, “Your girlfriend. The tall blonde you drooled over in front of me.”
A slow, wide smile spreads across his masculine lips, showing his straight white teeth. “You sound jealous, Perri.”
Waving my hand, I roll my eyes. “Pfft. As if.”
“Then you have no reason to refuse my invitation.”
“How do you figure?”
“If we’re friends and you’re not interested in me why wouldn’t you want to go? It’s a free trip. All you have to pay for is your time on the slopes. I’ll even feed you.” He winks and I discover I’m not capable of refusing. This is a great opportunity for me to spend some time with him… I mean it’ll be awesome to snowboard.
“Okay. It sounds like a great time. When are you leaving? I’ll have to follow you guys up there.”
“How about if I ride with you and the rest of the group follows us?”
“What about your girlfriend?”
He looks at me like I’m speaking in tongues. “Who would that be?”
“The blonde.”
He chuckles, “That’s Kendra.”
“Great for her.”
“She’s not my girlfriend.”
“She’s not?”
“Nope. Kendra is Flynn’s little sister. We were partnered for a project in one of my classes.”
“Oh.”
He smirks. “Are you sure you weren’t
jealous?” He nudges my arm with his. “Maybe just a little?”
“What? Me? Jealous?” I laugh, “No, absolutely not.”
“Good. There’s no reason for you to be. Do you know why that is?”
“No.”
“You’re the only one I’m interested in, Perri. It’s too bad you find me so unappealing. Guess I’ll have to settle for friendship.”
“It’s not that I find you unappealing. I… I… uh.” If he only knew how attracted to him I am, he’d laugh.
“Don’t worry about it. I’m messing with you. Why don’t you give me your phone so I can text you the details of our departure, and you’ve been to the frat house so you can pick me up.”
I hand over my phone without a single word of protest. Watching as his large hands capably type his information on the screen, I wonder how they’d feel on my skin. Would his touch be gentle, or would he be rough and forceful? A shiver races up my spine as I contemplate the options.
“Here you go.” He hands me my phone just as a buzzing can be heard. Reaching in his pocket, he pulls his own out and checks the screen before tucking the device back into his jacket once more.
Glancing at the time on my screen, I gasp. “Oh crap. I need to run or I’ll be late for class.” I place my hand on his arm. “See you later.”
He flashes a quick grin. “Yes, you will.”
“Are you ready?” Joe questions, squeezing my hand.
“Yep.”
“Try not to fart on me this time,” he jokes.
I hit his chest with my other hand. “You’re horrible for bringing that up.”
“Hey, you’re the one who did it.”
“Not on purpose. It slipped out when I tightened my stomach muscles.”
“Oh, I remember. But your ass just happened to be right near my face.”
“That’s why I don’t usually eat cereal. It makes me gassy.”
“You didn’t have any today, did you?” he jests.
“Shut up.” He leads me out to the stage and we get into our starting position. His arms wrap around my waist from behind and his head rests on top of mine. It’s an intimate pose. Hell, it’s an extremely intimate, sensual routine. Slow, bluesy music plays and we move as one. We’ve practiced and performed this so many times it’s second nature. Joe lifts me and spins me, maneuvering me wherever he needs me to be. His hands are all over my body, in places I never imagined them being, but there’s not one iota of sexual tension between us. He might as well be a member of my family.
