The Rules In Paradise (Playing By The Rules)

by Woods, Lindsey

  “As usual I have enjoyed your company. I’m being sincere when I say I become uncomfortable when we part. I don’t want you to read into that, I just want to be honest.”

  I didn’t have a response for that so I stayed quiet.

  “Listen, I have a large amount of work to do tomorrow. I would like to invite you on an excursion the day after. You are more than welcome to decline, I understand if you do not wish to see me given the way I behaved this morning. I do really hope you’ll come though.” He stared at me, waiting for an answer. All my mind could think about was how attractive he looked under the dim lights of the building.

  “What are we doing?”

  “That is information I will not reveal. I want you to come because you are willing to spend time with me, not for any other reason.”

  “Fine, what time?”

  “I will see you at noon. Until then make sure you do not think of me nearly as much as I will be thinking of you.” He smiled and hit the button for the elevator. He motioned me in when the door opened. I hit the button and all I saw was his small smile disappear as the doors closed.

  Chapter 6

  “It’s maddening Char, I mean I honestly can’t hardly stand it.” I threw my head back against my lounge chair.

  “So why did you agree to see him tomorrow?”

  “That’s the thing, I don’t know! I don’t know what the deal is. One minute he is being coy, the next he kissed me, then he’s cold and then he’s infuriating. I literally feel like I’ve been run over by a tornado.

  “How does he feel about you?”

  “Let me refer you to my previous answer. He says he is interested by me. That does not mean interested in me. He acted like that kiss was the worst thing he could have done. It made me feel stupid because in my head I wanted him to do it again.”

  “What if he has a girlfriend and that’s why he said he shouldn’t have done it?” Char was laying on her stomach, facing me as we spoke. She was my sounding board because she had noticed I was obviously affected by something.

  “He said he didn’t have a girlfriend. I mean, I know he could be lying but how would I know? Why wouldn’t he go for it if he’s on vacation and has a girlfriend I’ll never meet? I just can’t gauge what this is.”

  “Well, he’s hot Olivia. I can’t deny that. You clearly like being with him, can you leave it like that? Can you just hang out and let things happen? Maybe you’ll realize he is just a friend and that’s enough. It’s ruining the moment if you’re so worried about what’s happening. If you’re worrying then that means you’re probably not living in the present. Enjoy it, if he leaves and that’s it then you had a good time.”

  I knew she was right. I had to just enjoy our time together. I wasn’t asking for a label, heavens knows that was not my goal. I wasn’t even looking for us to be on the same page. I only wanted us to be in the same book. I wanted to feel like I wasn’t under his scrutinizing eye all the time.

  “He’s just so intense. I’m shocked by what he says sometimes and how he says it. He’s just truly unlike anyone I’ve ever met.”

  “And probably will ever meet. So enjoy it. I’m telling you Olivia. You’ve been more outgoing and more willing to get out of your comfort zone since that first night. I don’t blame Mexico for it, or even alcohol. I blame a certain blue eyed hottie. Enjoy it!” Char practically yelled the last part and I smiled. She was right and I knew it. I had to take this adventure for what it was and have no regrets. I willed myself to keep this information in the front of my brain.

  I pressed the button to the elevator so that I could go down to the lobby. I waited impatiently for the doors to open. When they did I was shocked to see Cole standing there playing with his phone.

  “Uh, hi,” I said. He raised his head and I watched realization wash over his face.

  “Well hello, this is a pleasant surprise. I was just on my way down to wait on you.” He moved over and I stood next to him, leaning against the back of the elevator. Elevators were awkward and uncomfortable in the best of situations. This was clearly not the best of situations. My hands felt clammy and I felt stifled by his presence.

  “How was work?” I asked nervously.

  “It was work, successful, but still not as fun as finding something to do with you.” I smiled at the fact that he, of course, had to slide in the word successful.

  “Are you ever not successful in any of your endeavors?” I asked.

  He smiled for a moment before he answered. “Not usually.”

  We walked out to the parking lot and got into the Jeep.

  “Are you still not telling me where we’re going?”

  “You would be correct. Tell me, what did you do yesterday?”

  “I laid by the pool, we had a few drinks, went swimming. Really just relaxed.”

  “I suppose you were happy to be rid of me then.”

  “You have no idea,” I said smiling.

  “Has your smart mouth ever gotten you in trouble?” He asked as he pulled out onto the main road.

  “No, but it has gotten me out of trouble many times. Many times with you alone I guess also.”

  “Well I’ll have you know that I have gone through hell and high water for you,” he said.

  “What do you mean?”

  “My friends, including Jason have been bombarding me with questions concerning you.”

  “And what have you been telling them?” I felt myself get nervous. I wasn’t sure why, but this topic made me exceedingly nervous. This was a conversation I had rehearsed many times in my head. I had even bounced it off of Charlotte yesterday by the pool. I was hopeful he was going to give me some kind of insight into his thoughts, but I figured that was only wishful thinking.

  “Exactly what I’ve told you. I cannot seem to stay away from you. That I enjoy spending time with you. I may have added in that you’re extremely intelligent and you keep me on my toes. The last of which really made them root for you.” He spoke easily and with a smile. I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to be on the inside of his loop. To know him well and to be able to figure him out. I was envious.

  “Why have I not seen all of these friends?”

  “Well they are returning home today. They were at the pool that one afternoon. The pleasure part of my stay is over, as far as they are concerned. Save Jason of course, he will be staying as we have some business to take care of.”

  “You will be working all week?” I asked.

  “Yes I will be. I need some way to pay for the tab that you and your girlfriends have racked up.” He smiled to show he was joking.

  We continued to drive in a different direction than the hike, though I could not even begin to navigate where we were. Down a nearly invisible dirt road we finally stopped. There was a small cabin-like building.

  “What is this?” I asked, now suddenly really nervous because I knew nothing of what to expect.

  “I have heard through the proverbial grapevine that you are somewhat of a nervous and, for lack of a better word, uptight person. I have brought you to a place to help you let go and enjoy this beautiful place that we have come to know each other.”

  A man came out of the cabin. He had dark skin and was wearing a helmet. This was definitely not a good sign.

  “Mr. Cooper, it is great to see you again. I’m Alexander and I will be your guide today. Mr. Allen has set you up for everything we offer. This must be your companion?” The men shook hands and Cole put his hand on my back to introduce me. I chuckled quietly at the word companion. It made me feel like a secret mistress or something.

  “Yes, this is Olivia. She is extremely excited for today’s adventure, of that I have no doubt.”

  I stuck my hand out and shook the man’s hand. I glanced over at Cole and he was beside himself with amusement. I had never seen him quite so tickled by anything. A quarter of my mind was still concentrating on the fact that was warm hand was still resting on the small of my back. It took everything in me not to
shift my weight so that there would be more contact.

  “I am extremely excited as well. Let’s go get you some gear and head out.” Alexander walked in front of us, leading us toward the cabin.”

  “Gear?” I asked Cole nervously. His smile was now spread all the way across his face. He draped his arm casually over my shoulder and let out a little chuckle.

  “Oh, Olivia I admit I am slightly frightened at what you might do to me after this adventure is through.” We continued to walk until we reached the cabin and Cole held the door for me.

  “There’s not a chance in hell. I refuse.” I whispered as Alexander was leaning down, having me step into a harness.

  “What’s done is done my dear. Now you have to grin and bear it.” Cole said as he slid on his own harness and tightened it around his waist. His plain T-Shirt and cargo shorts still looked like a million bucks on him.

  “I will kill you. I hope you understand this. If I survive and don’t fall 700 feet off of this zipline I will literally end your life.” I burst out in exasperation. “So Alexander take note, I’m putting my trust in you. Please let me live through this so that I can physically harm Mr. Cooper when this is over.”

  Alexander was smiling as he tightened my harness around my waist and put on my helmet. “It is my job to keep you safe Miss. Olivia. I however cannot protect you Mr. Cooper after you leave this establishment.”

  Cole laughed and patted Alexander on the back. “I am not too worried about my own safety.”

  “Mr. Cooper, I understand you have done this before. Miss. Olivia your only job is to hang on right here, below where your harness meets the line. I have secured you in there nice and tightly. Try it out so you may learn to trust it. Lean back and rest your weight in the harness. I will not let you go.”

  My body began to shake as I slowly let myself fall into the harness. Both of my feet left the ground and I felt like I would fall. Alexander held me still as I adjusted to resting in the harness and not letting gravity keep me on the ground.

  “Excellent job, now shift your weight so you are again steady on your feet.” He unhooked me from the line.

  “As per Mr. Cooper’s request he will go first, followed by you. Mr. Cooper is nearly a expert so he will take you for the afternoon. Attached to his bag is a radio, if you should need anything please don’t hesitate to use it. You may take your time as Mr. Cooper has booked the afternoon for you. I hope you enjoy.” Alexander smiled as he hooked Cole up and stepped back.

  Cole grabbed one of my hands as he sat and rested his weight in the harness.

  “You will be fine. I want you trust me and the harness and the line. Enjoy it Olivia, I believe you will be impressed.” He smiled one last time as he grabbed on and used one leg to push himself off. It took seconds for him to disappear into a speck. The jungle seemed to swallow him up. My nerves continued to worsen as Alexander hooked me up to the rope again.

  “I do hope you take his advice Miss. Olivia. It is safe and a beautiful journey. Please enjoy.” Alexander smiled as he fastened everything.

  “I am going to give you a push and then the downward slope of the line will take you the rest of the way. Mr. Cooper will be waiting for you at the end.”

  I took a deep breath and closed my eyes as I felt Alexander’s hands on my back and I slid a few inches. Before I could get my bearings I felt the wind rushing against my face and in my hair. If I would have known this was going to be happening I would have put my long hair in a ponytail.

  My eyes burst open as I felt my speed increase. I was dangling over a large canyon with a beautiful body of water rushing under me. Quickly I reached the other side of the canyon and was consumed by the foliage of the jungle once again. I couldn’t help but smile and all but squeal in delight as I flew past all of the beautiful Mexican plant life. I knew I was approaching the end of the line as I heard Cole’s laughter coming from behind me. I slowed quickly as the line became nearly even instead of sloped. The stop was not as abrupt as I had expected. I had slowed and I felt Cole pull me the rest of the way in.

  “Stand,” he all but commanded and I did as he said. He unhooked my harness from the rope and stepped back on the platform. “Well?” He was all smiles, more than I had been able to see since knowing him.

  “That was so much fun!” I nearly screamed. I was left with the glorious sound of his laugh.

  “I’m so glad you enjoyed it. We are not nearly finished. I had a feeling you would find it to be enjoyable. Follow me.”

  We got off the platform and followed the predetermined trail.

  “This is really great Cole. Thank-you.”

  “You’re more than welcome. After you had appreciated the beauty on the hike, I knew I would have to take you here. Just wait until you see what comes next.” I smiled and was suddenly giddy like a little school girl.

  We walked for a few more minutes before we met the next platform.

  “You will have to go first so I can make sure you are all hooked up. I recommend keeping your mouth closed. Don’t ask, just trust me.” He smiled at me as he started hooking me up to the line. He even gave an uncharacteristic wink as I sat and he gave me a gently push.

  Again, the feeling of the wind wooshing by and my hair floating back was amazing. I watched the trees rush by and felt nearly as if I could fly. I heard a strange noise and tried to look around to see what it was. Before my brain could comprehend what was going on I was getting drenched. I sputtered water and tried to wipe my eyes to no avail. Finally the water had passed and I saw the most amazing waterfall. The line had gone straight through it. Cole had kind of warned me. I reached the end of the line and was able to stand on the platform. I remained attached as I didn’t want to screw anything up. I tried to make some semblance of order out of my hair, but it was hanging down in long brown tangles all around my shoulders and back. I looked up to see Cole coming down the line. He was leaned back, acting cool as can be as he brushed his wet hair back with his hand. He came to an even smoother stop and stood next to me. This platform was smaller than the last and I felt much too close to him.

  “You seem to have gotten a little wet on that one. Did that surprise you?” He asked as he smiled and unhooked me from the line.

  “Very much so. I hadn’t anticipated that.” I hardly got the words out as I was so focused on the soaking wet man in front of me. His T-Shirt clung to him deliciously and his now wet, messy hair was unbelievably hot. I was suddenly very aware that my shirt was sticking to me just as much as his shirt was sticking to him. I pulled it away from my skin as he worked on his own harness.

  Cole came close to me and brushed some of my hair back.

  “You look stunning evenly freshly drenched. Please don’t fret about it.” His voice was soft and extremely enchanting. I felt my body melt into a puddle at his feet. “Come on, there is much more.” He said as he took my hand and we walked to the next platform.

  Hours later we had walked miles of trail and rode even more miles of zipline. The last line took us back to the area of the cabin. Once Cole had unhooked himself and me, we walked back to the cabin, both of us chattering excitedly.

  “From the looks of things the lady has much enjoyed herself, Mr. Cooper.” Alexander walked from the cabin towards us, smiling.

  “I did, very much so. I loved it, thank you.” I was so excited and full of adrenaline I could barely breathe.

  “Alexander we’d love some water if you don’t mind. I left a few in your refrigerator.” Cole spoke kindly but with authority.

  “Yes sir, right away.” Alexander turned back toward the cabin.

  “Did you enjoy yourself Olivia?” Cole’s intense gaze was upon me as he began to unhook my harness. His deft fingers untied the knots and loosened all the connections.

  “I did. I mean it when I say thank-you. It was absolutely amazing. I’ve never done anything like it. I appreciate it Cole.” I smiled at him and fondness washed over me. He was gorgeous, and intense and I had grown to appreciate both o
f those things. His fingers and hands brushed against my hips and lower stomach and I felt utterly entranced by his closeness, his hands and his eyes.

  “You have really beautiful eyes, you know that?” I said. His eyes softened and the skin around them crinkled slightly as he gave a shy smile.

  “Ditto Olivia.” His words were barely a breath.

  The electricity was palpable between us. I felt like the world around us didn’t exist. Here it was just Cole and I in damp clothes, standing close enough to feel each other’s breath. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted but I wanted more contact in some way. The little space between us was too much. His eyes fluttered between my own and my face and lips. His eyelids hung low, his eyes almost obscured by his long eyelashes. I felt like at any moment we might explode from the cataclysmic amount of electricity flowing.

  “I want…”

  “Mr. Cooper, some waters for you and Miss. Olivia.” Alexander was standing near us, offering us some drinks. He had cut off whatever Cole was planning to say. My body screamed in frustration as Cole pulled away and acknowledged Alexander and took the waters. He smiled his gratitude and handed them both to me.

  “Hold that please while I finish your harness.” His fingers finished unlatching everything quickly this time and I stepped out of it. Even more quickly he had gotten his own off and handed both of them to Alexander.

  “Thank you for your time today Alexander. As always it has been a pleasure. I will be in touch.” Cole shook his hand and turned from the man, taking one of the waters from me. I smiled and waved at Alexander as I turned to walk with Cole. His stride was large and he was walking fast. I was slightly falling behind but didn’t make much of an effort to keep up. I knew what this was, he was turning sour again. He reached the Jeep and took a long sip of water. I made it a few seconds later. I stood next to him by the Jeep but did not say a word. I wasn’t going to beg for any information.

  Cole paced for a few seconds, his face full of anguish. I watched him as intensely as I imagined he watches me.