by Milly Taiden
“Are you a skier or a snowboarder, Nika?”
“Skier. I hear you’re all instructors.”
Megan replies, but Casey distracts me as she tugs me a step back from the group. “Holy crap, Gretch. He’s delicious.”
“I know.” I sigh.
“And that thing he did with his eyes. Damn, he wants you bad.”
“It’s your dress. Thanks, I think.” I chuckle and we rejoin the conversation.
I watch as the group laughs at something Nika says. Derrick returns and puts a drink in her hand as she continues on with a story. But I don’t hear it. I’m trapped in Derrick’s gaze. His stare makes the tiny hairs stand up on my skin, and when he takes a long swallow of beer I shudder a little on the inside.
Nika endears herself to my friends quickly while Derrick seems to brood. He spends a lot of time looking at me, and I feel as if I’m under a microscope. I’m about to force him to be part of the conversation when he nods his head toward the dance floor.
Not many people are dancing yet, and I assume I’ll be safe from launching myself at him so I follow. Derrick leads us to a spot behind people where we are no longer visible to our group. Placing his hands lightly on my hips, he leans down to whisper in my ear.
“You look fuckable.”
His hot breath sends a shock of electricity through my body, confusing my annoyance with lust. I squint and turn to him. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”
He pulls me back against his crotch, and his cock is hard against my back. “Answer your question?”
I let out a hiss. “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.” I move back to a respectable distance and start to dance. My whole body is twitching with longing, and I’m too flustered to know what else to do.
He chortles, and I’m not sure if it’s because of my word choice or my body’s reaction. I choose to ignore it.
Within minutes, the rest of our group is dancing along with us. Not wanting Nika to feel left out, the girls dance together with the guys surrounding us. It doesn’t take long for a brave soul to move behind Nika, and she dances with him as we all splinter off into couples.
Derrick’s presence behind me is like a live wire I want to touch but know I shouldn’t. As our bodies heat up, his musk seeps into my pores. My entire being is one pulsating nerve, and wanting him torments me. I let myself drift closer and feel his rough denim rub against the back of my thighs.
His hand drifts up to my belly, and he pulls me in. I feel his desire, and he says, “Want to take a walk outside to cool off?”
“Good idea.” I step away from him and lead us back to the table. I take a few swallows of my drink out of thirst and for a bit of alcohol courage. I have a feeling this walk won’t cool me off much.
I watch Derrick’s mouth surround the beer bottle as he guzzles some down. He wipes his mouth slowly with the back of his hand as his eyes bore into me. “Ready?”
“Yeah.” I look at him for a moment and then let him take my hand to pull me through the crowd toward the door. I’m more than ready. I’m so close to the edge, one touch and I just might fall.
CHAPTER 10
My ears ring in the silence when we get to the sidewalk. The night air is cool, and I involuntarily shudder at the sudden chill. Derrick backs me up against the brick wall of the club with his body and presses against me. “Cold?”
His damp shirt is hot, and I answer, “No. It was just a chill from the temperature difference.” I arch my hips into his. “This feels good.”
He moves his hands down the edges of my body and grabs my hips firmly. “It does. Tell me about Gretchen. Where did you grow up?” His voice travels to my core, making it quiver.
“I grew up in Woodstock, Vermont. I led a pretty usual childhood.” I move my hand up under his shirt and trace the definition of his abs.
“I don’t think so. You skateboard, and I’ll bet you’re good.” He grabs my hand under his shirt and pulls it down lower, and I discover that the line of hair below his naval is coarse under my fingers. I tease with my strokes going just under his waistband.
He says, “I’ve seen your cat-like reflexes. That’s not a normal girl to me. Normal girls ride bikes.”
The headlights of a car sweep by and bounce off the windows of shops and into my eyes. “I was a tomboy. I’ve always been physical and had a hard time sitting still. But I’m pretty girly now.” I shift my hips and glance down at my shoes.
Derrick releases my hand and wraps his arm low around my waist. “Yes, you are.”
The heat of him sears me, and I reach around to grab his ass. It’s firm under the soft denim. “So tell me about Derrick. I know you’re super smart and want to be a doctor. What else should I know?”
He surprises me by grabbing both my wrists and pressing them up above my head and against the wall. The brick is rough against my skin, but I let him. He says, “I’m a control freak and hopeless with real relationships.”
I tilt my head back, offering him my neck. “Oh. Same.”
He smiles and his teeth gleam in dim light. He lowers his mouth to my ear, and his hot breath sends a jolt of electricity through me. “I thought we might be kindred spirits. Because you scare the hell out of me.”
“What?” I scare him? He has a funny way of showing it.
He drops my hands and steps back to rake his hand through his hair. “Look. My relationships are about sex. Once the girl starts to get serious, and she always does, I’m done.”
Soft fabric bulks in my hand when I pull his shirt by his chest and yank him back. “Ditto.”
He grabs my butt with both hands and practically growls. “So we understand each other?”
Fuck. I reach my arms around his neck. “Yes.”
He lowers his mouth and takes me with a fierce kiss. Driving his tongue into me, he nips at my lips and pulls me in. My senses are flooded with his scent, his taste, and the flexing of his sinewy muscles. I give it right back and press myself against him as if I can fill every nook and cranny.
My mouth has moved to his neck, and I suck and kiss his salty skin. His hands are under the short hem of my dress, and I moan as his finger flirts with the G-string of my thong. I lift a leg to wrap around his waist, knowing anyone walking by would get quite a show. But nobody is around, and I dismiss the thought.
My hand slips down the front of his jeans and into his underwear. I grab his thick cock and stroke the silky skin upward, and his deep moan escapes.
He stops abruptly. “Shit, we can’t do this here.” Derrick steps away from me, and nods his head down the street toward a group of people approaching. He then pulls the bottom of my dress down in such a gentle way my heart stops.
I reach over and adjust his T-shirt to hang casually again. What am I doing? I drop my hands quickly. “I—ah…” I shake my head. “We should probably get back inside.”
“I need a minute. Walk to the streetlight and back with me?” He adjusts his pants, and I smirk.
“Okay.” A gentle breeze blows my hair away from my face, and I look up at the stars. “The sky here is incredible. It seems bigger than back home, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah. It makes me feel small and insignificant. I like to think I’m a big deal.” He chuckles. “Back home I kind of am. But here…” Derrick takes my hand and pulls it up to his mouth. He lays a soft kiss on my palm. “Here I’m a nobody. It’s nice.”
Oh, you’re somebody to me. “It is a humbling place. I came out here last winter to show the snowboard world how amazing I was. They showed me I wasn’t.” I sigh.
“Competition didn’t go well?”
“Nope. And once it wasn’t easy, my head became a mess. I lost my confidence and crumpled on the course.” Our footsteps echo off the buildings. “I’m not good at losing. It’s been a bitter pill to swallow.”
“So honestly, do you think you’re as good as the winners?”
Wow, good question. “Honestly? Yes and no. I think there are two girls on the circuit that are technically better th
an I am. But we’re close, and so much is left to making the right decision at the right time and taking big chances that pay off.”
“I can see that. You mean things like tricks, right?”
“Yes. That and going faster than you should. Trying a hard move you don’t always get right in training, and just going for it. I used to have no fear, and that was my edge. Most of the time I got lucky.”
We’ve stopped at the streetlight, and Derrick is bathed in a pool of strange yellow light. I say, “I used to think I worked hard for what I got. Only it wasn’t true. I’m working harder than ever and not getting it. I’m afraid I’m chasing the wrong dream.”
Derrick runs a hand down the side of my arm and catches my hand. “You can’t look at it that way. No matter what happens, you will never regret going after something you really wanted. You should be proud you had the courage to try.”
We start walking back to the club. “I am glad I tried, and I’m not giving up yet. One more year. I have to. I’m sponsored by Burton, and have obligations.”
I snort and think about my poster. Last year I was stripped down to the barest of bikinis and snowboard boots to stand in fake snow with a board for hours as they took my picture. A little Photoshop to turn me into a fantasy girl, and it became a popular advertisement in board shops. It even earned me the nickname Poster Gretchen. The marketing guys are trying to top it this year, and I can only imagine what they’ll have me do this time.
“What’s so funny?”
“Nothing, I’m just laughing at myself.” I remember what Derrick said earlier. “You said I scare the hell out of you. Why?”
“You’re not like other girls.” We’ve reached the club door, and he leans down and brushes my lips lightly with his. When he pulls it open for me he adds, “Not even close.”
Warmth spreads through my body. I’m so close. One more move and I’ll be a puddle. I will not fall for this guy.
***
Music pumps up the stairs and lures us back to the club. Before we step through the florid entry I say, “The guys might have moved over to the pool tables. Should we look?”
“No. I need to check on Dannika.” He furrows his brow, and it makes me wonder what he’s worried about.
My question is quickly answered when I spot her. On the dance floor, Nika is moving quite provocatively. While she is talented, she is stumbling a bit, and the guy she’s with is happy to keep her upright. Shit.
I move quickly to intervene, but Derrick is faster. “Get your fucking hands off her!”
The guy immediately lets go, and she slithers to the floor. He steps back with his hands in the air. “Dude, I was only helping her. Your girl has had too much to drink.”
Not the least bit interested in the display of testosterone I fear is about to happen, I squat down next to Nika. “Hey, take my hand.”
She grabs on with clammy fingers, and I’m afraid she’s going to be sick. “C’mon. I’ll take you out of here.”
As I begin to pull Nika up, Derrick lifts her into his arms and asks, “Do you need the bathroom?”
She shakes her head and leans against him. He glances at me and says, “We’re leaving.” His eyes are stormy, and my instinct tells me to just let them go.
I speak before I can help myself. “I’ll help you.” Not waiting for an answer, I part the crowd and lead them out of the club. My heels click a staccato up the steps, and I push the door open and hold it while Derrick carries her through.
Nika’s voice is muffled by Derrick’s chest, but I think I hear her say she’s sorry.
He responds in a tender voice. “It’s okay, honey. I’m taking you home.” The tone changes when he speaks to me. “I’ve got it; go back to your friends.”
“At least let me open the car for you. Okay?”
He sighs. “She won’t like that you’ve seen her like this.”
A shiver runs through me as the chill from the night air reminds me even summer can be cold here. “It’s a little too late, don’t you think? Besides, I’ve seen, and been, the drunken girl before. I’m not exactly horrified.”
He snorts. “Figures.”
“Oh, and you’ve never had too much to drink? God you’re a sh—schmuck.” Why I let this guy piss me off in an instant, I have no idea. This is one screwed-up relationship if I’m letting him talk to me like this.
We have turned the corner to the parking lot, and I see a black Range Rover with New Hampshire plates. “Twin cars, too? Cute.” I’m being a snarky bitch, but I can’t help it. “Where are your keys?”
He stops at the car, and his eyes squint in anger. “Front right pocket. Make sure the keys are all you grab.”
So tempted to twist his balls, I force myself to get the keys in a calm manner. “Seems to me you wanted me to do more than grab just a few minutes ago. Fickle, aren’t you?” The double beep of the unlock button sounds, and I open the passenger door.
Derrick sets Nika down on the seat and turns to me. Tugging his shirt down, he sighs. “Look, I’m sorry.” He reaches out to touch my face, but I pull back and he frowns. “Thanks for your help.”
“You’re welcome. Drive safely.” I begin to stomp and quickly morph my walk into something sexier. Because if I’m leaving him standing there watching me, then I want him to feel it all the way to his cock. Dickhead.
By the time I turn the corner my anger has dissipated. What is my problem? Taking care of your drunken sister is a good reason to be cranky. Besides, I had every intention of taking him home, and he was probably hoping for the same thing.
I slip my phone out of my wristlet and tap out a quick text to Derrick. I snort and hope what I say makes him smile. “Sorry I was a schmuck. You’re a sweet brother.”
I then text Nika. “Let me know if I can do anything. Been there, more times than I can count. Thanks for coming out tonight. My friends love you, and now they’re your friends too.”
When I walk down the stairs to the club, I decide I’m done with dancing. I enter the restaurant instead. The aroma of fried food welcomes me, and I’m glad I avoided the cologne-laced musk odor next door. My mood picks up when I find the guys playing pool.
Kaleb nods at me. “Finally, some competition.” His eyes crinkle with laughter as Nick punches him in the arm.
Jason asks, “Where’s the boy toy?”
“He took Nika home. She had too much to drink.” I choose a pool cue from the rack.
Nick says, “Nice guy.” The crack of a ball sounds as he hits the two ball into a pocket.
I flash a smile at him and change the subject. “Nice. I call Nick next game.”
Jason smirks at me when Nick misses his next shot. He squats down to eye the ball placement and says, “Watch and learn, poster girl, watch and learn.”
Thinking about how great he and Casey are together, I smile. I will.
CHAPTER 11
“So embarrassed, thx 4 help” Nika’s text came in when I was on my run.
I pull the chilled water pitcher from the fridge and fill a tall glass. Icy liquid quenches my thirst as I gulp down half of it. I walk with my phone to the living room to stretch. I text back. “Don’t be. We’ve all done it.”
She texts back within a minute. “D hasn’t.”
Wow, that guy is strung tight. “Is he mad?”
“Yup, ruined plan to get laid”
What? So not comfortable discussing this with his twin. “When do you leave for your shoot?”
“Was kiss steamy?”
“I’m not talking about this with you.” So Derrick told her he kissed me. I’ll take that as a good sign. I guess I can give her a little something and send another text. “Yes :)”
“Yippee! Tomorrow”
I reply.”I’ll miss you. I’ll try to keep Derrick company ;)”
“Counting on it.”
I chuckle and send Derrick a text. “Still on for dinner this week? I won’t grab without permission.” Now a big smile covers my face as I do a yoga balance pose.
>
The memory of our walk floods my mind. First, I think about the heavy make-out session. Feeling a familiar twinge, I shift my focus to the way he was when we were just talking. It was like a normal relationship with a guy that cares. Is he falling for me too? Is that why I scare him?
My phone vibrates, and it’s a text from Derrick. “I’m glad you can respect personal space. Is Wednesday still good?”
He’s way too serious. I text back. “I think you like me in your space. Wednesday is fine. What time?”
“I know you like me in yours. I’ll pick you up at the club at four.”
I chuckle and reply. “That’s fine. See you then.”
***
I check the clock on the bar computer screen for the hundredth time. It’s only three, and the restaurant is dead. A yawn emerges and I think about coffee. Walking over to the waitress station, I calculate how much sleep I’ve gotten in the past few days. Averaging about five hours a night, it’s no wonder I’m tired.
The delicious scent of coffee surrounds my nose as I pour a hefty cup for myself. If things go as planned, I won’t be catching up on any shuteye tonight. My skin tingles in anticipation of Derrick’s touch.
“Daydreaming about me again?” Rick calls out from the kitchen window. He’s sharpening a knife, and the zing of metal makes him appear sexy as his body moves fluidly. He’s a good-looking guy.
I flip him off and take another swig of my coffee.
“Hey, I’ve got a seven a.m. tee time tomorrow, want to play?” Rick’s tone has lost the sarcasm, and I consider his offer.
“I would, but I’m busy tomorrow morning.” Well, maybe. Truth? I hope I’m under the covers with Derrick at that time. But I can’t know that. Uncertainty didn’t stop me from packing an extra work outfit in my backpack though.
“S’cool. Maybe another day.” I watch as he walks to the back of the kitchen in search of another knife. He’s a ski patroller at Breck in the winter, and it occurs to me that he’ll probably work with Derrick.
