By layering the decals and using various weighted vinyl I could manipulate the deck's weight and lean just a fraction. The small addition of weight was capable of compensating for a riders balance or aide in tricks, but could also hinder the rider just the same. It was a delicate balance.
The decals were legal at most demos however my skins were not. Boards had to remain clean and clear to compete. The majority of my sales came from skaters that just wanted a unique deck to show off.
I was so deeply involved in my design for one of my clients that I didn’t hear the front door open. I had just finished cleaning up a skin that consisted of colorful layered sugar skulls against a black skin base. The bright colors provided the perfect balance of colorful pop without looking overdone or cookie cutter.
I prided myself in my designs being unique promising that no one skin would be reproduced. I had received so many rave reviews and new clients because of that simple fact. Skaters prided their selves on their individuality.
“That’s killer.” Tristin’s deep voice sang from behind me and caused me to jump.
I turned to face him. He was still wearing the same clothes I had last seen him in. His hair was plastered to his head from sweat. I could tell that he had been out riding. My heart began to kick up in my chest at the sight of him standing there.
I wanted to pull him down against me and press my lips to his. I knew that being in Ms. Grace’s house that was probably not the best thing to do. I also still needed to apologize to him.
“Thanks,” I said shyly.
“Look, I need to apologize to you.” I started.
Tristin’s eyes were wide with shock.
“I know you were just trying to help me and I wasn’t very appreciative. I’m sorry.” I meant what I said.
I was truly sorry. I was sorry that I had hurt him and pushed him away.
“Why did you lock me out of your room?” He asked.
I looked down in shame unable to meet his eyes. He had every reason to know why but it didn’t mean it made me feel good to tell him.
“I have to keep anything of value hidden in my house. I don’t think you would do anything to hurt me, but I don’t know you like that.” I tried to explain.
I knew immediately that I had botched it. Tristin’s eyes heated with anger. I watched helplessly as he stormed away.
Unable to go to him I closed my eyes, throwing my head back against the back of the couch.
“What’s going on?” Ms. Grace asked from the entryway to the kitchen.
“I apologized to Tristin but I think I just made it worse,” I admitted.
“What did you tell him?” She asked intrigued.
“I told him I was sorry and that I just didn’t know him well enough to let him know where I kept my valuables,” I admitted.
Ms. Grace inhaled sharply as she shook her head.
“I’ll talk to him.” She reassured me.
“What are you working on?” She asked walking over to the couch to stand behind me.
“I got in thirty-seven custom skin orders. I’m working on the designs now to send off.” I said proudly.
Ms. Grace clapped her hands excitedly.
“I’m so proud of you Haven. You really are building up a strong and loyal fan base.” She boasts.
“Thanks,” I smiled shyly.
“Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. How about you set that aside and make your way to the kitchen table.” She said as she turned to leave.
I gave her a warm smile and saved the project I was working on.
Chapter Thirteen
Tristin
I couldn’t believe the mad skills Haven had. The skin she was designing was amazing. I wanted to stay and discuss it with her, but when she apologized and told me that she was sorry that she couldn’t trust me, it made my blood boil.
I had never given her reason not to. I hadn’t done anything she didn’t seem on board with and I thought that after what we shared in her bed that she would be more open to being with me. Hell, she let me sleep in her bed with her and I had my hand down her fucking pants.
Before my aunt started banging on the door I would have been buried balls deep inside her tight wet pussy and she was begging for it. Instead, she shut me down at every turn to help her.
She wouldn’t let me help her pack. She kicked me out of her room and then tells me it was because she didn’t trust me. It bothered me more than I let on.
When I left her with my aunt Grace I grabbed my board and did lines at the Dillon’s until my body nearly collapsed from exhaustion. We had been out all day riding and I hadn’t eaten anything. The only thing I had put it my body was the breakfast from my aunt and a bottle of water.
My body was weak and I needed to get back. The sun had set and there wasn’t enough light to keep pushing on.
After the weak apology from Haven, I went to take a shower. I could smell dinner on the stove and my stomach growled in response. I rushed through the motions and threw on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt.
I exited the bathroom and nearly collided with my aunt Grace.
“I need to speak with you.” She said in a hushed tone that demanded my attention.
I gave her a sharp nod and followed her into my bedroom. My room was decorated much like the rest of my aunt’s house, hues of pinks and reds everywhere you looked. Instead of finding it offensive I found it comfortable. It represented my aunt, a woman that had been like a mother to me since my own mother had passed.
I got a small tickle out of being in a pink and red room. I even sent Erick a picture of it. He and I shared a good laugh. He had always loved my aunt Grace.
“I need you to cut Haven some slack.” She said as soon as she shut the bedroom door behind me.
“But…” My aunt cut me off before I could say any more.
“She is a private girl. She didn’t lock you out because she doesn’t trust you in particular. She doesn’t trust anyone. She has been dealt a hard lot. I know it hurt you when she wouldn’t accept your help. But the fact that she let you take care of her at all is a huge feat for her.” My aunt continued.
I could see the truth in her eyes along with the pain she held hidden inside her.
“Haven works hard for everything she owns. She has had multiple things come up missing throughout the years and she is just protecting herself. Give her time and she will open up to you. Just don’t take it personally. I guarantee you that you are not the only one she keeps away. I can honestly say that only Sam and I have been in her home, until you. So you should think on that.” She said sternly.
I could tell she was torn. She was in a tough position. Defending her nephew from the girl she has known all her life and vice versa.
“I’ll try,” I conceded.
“Good, I love you more than anything and I love that girl in there too. I want you both to get along.” She smiled wryly and exited my room.
I was left standing there. I wanted to be mad and upset and I also wanted to hold Haven in my arms. I wished I could rewind time to earlier in the day when her body was pressed up against mine. I knew that wasn’t possible.
I blew out a hard breath and tried to push everything that happened today behind me. I knew that if I continued to sulk I would only push Haven away and cause my aunt further distress. I needed to man up and really try.
Though, I was afraid trying wasn’t the problem. I had begun to feel something and it scared the living hell out of me. I had never felt anything like the emotions I was feeling now toward Haven. She turned my world on its axis.
Dinner blew by silently. Haven and I were both famished so food took precedence. My aunt Grace didn’t even try to start a conversation. I could feel her eyes dancing between me and Haven regularly, though.
I had no idea what she was thinking and I was afraid to ask. Somehow I felt like she knew that there had been something going on between me and Haven. I just couldn’t put my finger on how I knew. It was like a sixth sense. Perhaps it was t
he dark red and purple mark, my mark, which rested on the side of Haven’s neck.
After dinner, I volunteered to clean up. My aunt had cooked the meal and Haven was in no shape to help. She did try to protest but I simply ignored her. My aunt reminded her about the work she had waiting and that seemed to calm her down.
I rushed through the chores, loading the dishwasher and cleaning of the table, stove, and counters. Once I had finished sweeping and mopping I grabbed a couple bottles of water to take into the living room.
I sat on the couch beside Haven, setting the bottles of water in front of us. Haven’s eyes were glued to the screen. I watched her as she worked. Her eyes were bright and shining against the lit screen of her laptop. She chewed on her bottom lip, a habit I noticed she had when she was deep in thought.
I carefully inched closer and closer to her until my leg was flush against hers. Haven’s eyes never left the screen. Her hand did slip onto my thigh and she gave it a light squeeze before returning to her work.
Just that small touch set my skin on fire. I wanted to yank the laptop out of her hands, throw her down on the couch, and devour her whole. However, I knew that would probably get me skinned alive and shipped to Japan with Erick.
I leaned my head against Haven’s and watched the computer screen as she worked. The sugar skull skin was gone and a new skin had replaced it. The skin was freakin’ amazing. It looked like the eye of a peacock feather drawn in bright bold colors. The blues, greens and golden browns, it looked realistic.
“Oh my gawd babe, that’s freakin’ amazing.” I gushed in sincerity as I studied the fine detail in the art.
Haven’s cheeks flushed. A slow smile crept across her lips. I wanted to taste the sweetness of her lips against mine so bad it hurt. Physically hurt. My sweats could attest to the physical pain I was in.
“Check this out,” She said as she zoomed in on the image, her eyes glued to the screen in front of us.
I could see intricate designs of skulls and cross bones that created the edges and shading between the blended colors. So at first glance, the board gave the illusion of a peacock’s feather but on close inspection, you could see that the colors were actually a collection of skull and crossbones overlapping in various shades to create a collage that resembled a peacock’s feather.
It was a fucking piece of art. I couldn’t believe the raw talent my girl had.
“Did you seriously create this?” I asked in astonishment.
Haven smiled shyly and nodded her head.
“Yes,” She said weakly.
Without thinking I cupped her face in my hands and laid a big fat kiss on her lips.
“Hey, quit manhandling my girl.” My aunt Grace called from behind us.
I immediately released Haven. My heart pounded in my chest in fear of what was to come. My cheeks were as red as Haven’s as we sat bored stiff waiting for the gavel to drop.
“Aunt Grace, I was just so overcome by Haven’s work. You have got to see this.” I said in a rush of words. It was the truth, though there was definitely more behind that kiss.
I didn’t want Haven to get in trouble for something I did. I was just so overcome with emotions at her near proximity and raw talent that I couldn’t help myself.
My aunt Grace tsked and came to sit in her chair in front of us.
“Tristin,” She looked at me expectantly.
“I’m sorry. I was just so overcome with shock by Haven’s talent that I couldn’t help myself.” I admitted flushing with heat, my eyes on the floor in front of me.
“Oh, if that’s why you kissed her then indeed you are in trouble.” She said with a hint of amusement in her voice.
My eyes shot up to meet hers.
“Haven, Tristin, you are both eighteen. I get it. I see the chemistry between the two of you. I only ask that you refrain from doing anything you shouldn’t be doing unless you are both prepared to face the consequences. I also ask that you are both respectful of an old woman. I like my sleep.” She shot me a pointed look and winked.
I couldn’t believe what my aunt was insinuating. I could see Haven turning beet red out of the corner of my eye.
“Yes, ma’am,” I said in shock.
“Now that the air is cleared, I’m headed to bed. Make sure Haven is comfortable and that she doesn’t stay up all night working.” She said getting up to leave the room.
“Yes, ma’am,” It was all I could say.
Once my aunt had left the room, Haven burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny?” I asked.
“You should see your face.” She said through her laughter.
I snatched her laptop off her lap and set it carefully on the table then covered her body with mine. My lips latched onto hers. I groaned in delight at the contact. I had missed her and it had only been a few hours. I laid her back on the couch, my body covering hers like a blanket.
Haven fisted the back of my hair as she eagerly returned my kiss. I settled myself between her legs and pressed my forehead to hers.
“You’re mine,” I growled reminding her who she belonged to.
“What does that make you?” She asked breathlessly.
“That makes me yours. Don’t forget it.” I teased her lips with mine.
“So I own you now?” She whispered along my lips.
“Every ounce of me,” I confirmed.
I felt her hips rise up to meet mine.
“I think I can get used to that,” She moaned against my lips.
I was done for by this woman. I have had many women in my life but not a single one caught my eye or held my attention like Haven did. Not a single one of them were able to touch me in places I didn’t know existed.
From the moment I met her, I felt this primal urge to claim her and make her mine. The insane jealousy I felt when another man touched her was a new feeling as well.
“How do you think your aunt knew about us?” She asked.
Her hips jerked up to meet mine. I dropped my head into the side of her neck attaching my lips to her pulse point. I knew exactly how my aunt had figured it out. I had marked Haven. I had given her a deep red and purple hickey on the side of her neck.
Haven moaned as I sucked and nipped at her neck. Mine. The thought was so primal. I groaned against her sensitive flesh as he writhed beneath me.
I pulled my lips from her neck and covered her mouth with mine, I swallowed her moans. My aunt’s house had thin walls. I loved the sounds that came out of Haven’s mouth they stroked my ego and my cock but I didn’t want my aunt to come out and bust up the party before it even got started.
Haven pulled away from me, her eyes staring deep into mine.
“As much as I want you to kiss me silly, I have a lot of work to do.” She said then placed a quick kiss to my lips.
I sat up, pulling Haven up with me. I felt dejected as she reached over and pulled her laptop off the table and set it back on her lap. She brought the screen back to life and continued to work on the peacock skin.
Feeling hurt I got up and stocked to my room. It felt like one step forward and two steps back with this girl. She says the right things and pulls me close to her and once I think things are going somewhere she shoots me down cold, leaving me dead in the water.
Chapter Fourteen
Tristin
It had been a week since Haven got hurt. She stayed here for two days, before returning home. I was shut down every time I tried to talk to her. She continued to remind me she was working. If I sat by her she would be sweet and caress my leg, but her attention never wavered from the screen in front of her.
When she was here, I had hoped that she would at least share a bed with me. I didn’t think my aunt would say anything about it. Instead, she slept on the couch. She rarely left the living room except to eat and shower. Otherwise, she was glued to her screen.
Once she went home I couldn’t even get her to come to the door. It was like she had shut herself away and I no longer existed. I felt like she ripped
out my heart and stomped on it. I was so angry and hurt.
I tried to give her space. I spent my days out riding with Jeremy and the guys. They were really cool. Once I got over my jealousy I found that it was a lot of fun to hang out with them. We split our time between the Dillon’s place doing verts and bowls and at the reservoir bombing the hill.
Jeremy taught me a few cool tricks and I showed him a few things I had learned. Cindy was always there cheering us on.
I was surprised when no one asked about Haven. It was like they accepted that she would come when she wanted or just disappear. I could tell that they had all missed her, but no one ever mentioned her name.
I had only been in Seal Dana for a week and already my team was calling. Dave, the captain had gotten us in on a demo in Huntington. It wasn’t a serious competition. It was a charity demo to raise money for autism. I knew I definitely couldn’t say no to that.
I invited Jeremy and the guys out to come out and ride with us. I knew that with their skills that some of them could get the exposure they needed to be picked up by a team. I was secretly hoping that I could get Dave to recruit Jeremy.
We had developed a bond and I wouldn’t mind having him on my team. Jeremy was always laughing, cutting up, and supportive. He wasn’t like a lot of the guys you run across that are stuck on their self and thought that they were god’s gift.
I called in a few favors and was able to get the team's bus to stop in town and pick us all up. We would be spending the weekend in Huntington.
I beat on Haven’s door and call her phone but I got no answer. I wanted to invite her along. It killed me that she had gone radio silent. My aunt had pleaded with me to give her space and assured me that Haven would come around.
It just felt like my aunt was always making excuses for her. I was pissed and hurt.
I slammed my clothing into my bag angrily. I was tired of excuses being made for Haven. The videos of her riding that I uploaded to my social media pages and sent to my team went viral. Everyone was asking about her and wanted to meet her. I couldn’t even let her know because she had gone off the grid.
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