by Nora Flite
Peeling it all off, I left the pieces on the ground. I didn't want a ride. I needed to get away from all of this shit and just walk until my legs throbbed like the rest of me.
Hurrying around a building, I fled into the cool night with the sound of car doors shutting in the distance. I was long gone, they'd never find me.
But running didn't solve this problem of mine.
Not my Ellie problem, for sure. But beyond that...
Was I going to sign with Maximal? For real?
Thumbing my nose, I skidded down a slope and onto the main streets. Ellie won't do it. No way she'll jump with me. I'd created an out for myself.
Or was that what I'd even meant to do?
Sighing, I sped my walk up. Soon, I began running. Anything to make my muscles burn and my lungs scream. I needed more exertion, more exhaustion.
She won't do it.
I panted, gulped air and gloried in my own sweat.
I wish she would.
Stumbling, I held my ribs and leaned on a stone wall. I'd gone further and faster than I thought I was capable of. Shit, Ellie had me fleeing from myself. What was I supposed to do about this damn itch inside of me?
Forget about her. She'll never have the guts to do it.
My smile was cynical, but it fit me better. Facing the night, ignoring the part of me that vibrated with the idea of another meeting with that tempting woman, I headed towards home. My home. My tiny, forgotten place in the city where I could go back to my normal life of scraping by and base jumping in secret.
She doesn't want you to sign so badly that she'd risk her own life.
But if she really, truly wanted to understand me, maybe she'd actually do it. Maybe she'd—No. I stomped out my wistful thought.
Ellie wanted to make money off of me. She knew my past, and her company still wanted me. The gleam in her stare that I sometimes caught didn't mean jack shit.
She didn't understand what I did.
And I didn't want to work for anyone that couldn't.
You'll never see Ellie Cutter again.
With that fact searing at my skull, I detoured towards the first reddish glow of an open bar that I could find.
****
I was part raw garbage and part defeat when I rolled into work the next morning.
The drinks had been strong, the games from the women even stronger. They'd hung all over me, simpering and flirting and doing their best to get me hot.
I'd loved it—at first.
Then it had all fallen apart.
Somehow, I could see nothing but their cheapness. There was no life in their eyes, and their smiles made me sick. Since when did I give a shit about the caliber of women who wanted to fuck me?
I didn't know. Or maybe I did.
Fucking hell.
Regardless, I'd left, drunk and miserable. I was paying for it today.
Pushing the door open, I winced at the jingle of the bell. Sarah was waiting for me by the counter. She spun to face me, the early light making her curls a golden halo.
Her face was twisted with unease.
Lifting my sunglasses, I readjusted to the brightness. Scrubbing my eyes did nothing to erase the sight in front of me. “What the hell?” I whispered.
Sarah darted her nervous look between me, and the package on the counter. “It was delivered a few minutes ago. It's... well, it's for you.”
I knew it was, and I knew what it was. The glossy apple-red of the helmet was a reminder of what I'd done last night. Striding forward, I hesitated with my palm over it. I expected it to scald me, I don't know why.
“There's a letter,” Sarah said, pointing.
Peeking at her, I tugged the envelope off of the smooth surface of my gift. I didn't need to read the front to know it was from her.
Ellie.
Rocking side to side, Sarah watched me closely. Lifting the envelope, I tapped her with it on the head. “Ow,” she pouted.
“Give me some privacy.”
“Okay, okay.” Huffing, she grabbed a mop and vanished in the back. I didn't know what she was going to do back there, but I didn't care.
Peeling the letter open, I slid the crisp paper into the light. The writing was curved, if a little cramped. I wondered how long she'd agonized over this. If she'd felt as uneasy as the words looked.
Pike,
I thought about what you said. Maybe you don't realize how determined I am.
I'll jump with you. But only if you really mean you'll sign with Maximal.
Call me, I'll meet you wherever—I'll even arrange the jump.
I don't play around.
-Ellie
A laugh escaped me, deep enough to make my chest quake. Sitting in a chair, I held my head and read the letter again. She was serious. She was fucking serious.
Ellie would jump with me. I never expected she'd agree, but I... well. I guess I had hoped. God, was this going to happen?
Shaking my head, I folded the paper away. Wandering to the helmet, I cupped the curved back and chuckled. I'd read this girl wrong. She wasn't going to walk away because of a little fear. I liked that.
The hunger inside of me woke with a new fervor.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw movement. “You can come back out, Sarah.”
“Well,” she said, leaning the mop on a wall, acting like she hadn't been spying. “What does she want with you?”
“Don't get jealous, now.”
Snorting, she stepped heavily behind the counter. “In your dreams. I just want to know what the hell is going on. She shows up out of the blue, claiming you're some athlete she wants to hire, and then she sends... this.” Sarah gestured at the helmet, then glanced back to me, waiting.
Tightening my jaw, I met her look with severity. “Ellie Cutter works for Maximal. They want to sponsor me.”
“Sponsor you—but why?”
Hoisting the helmet, I fingered the buckle. “You'll find out sooner or later, guess I should come clean.” I never thought I'd tell Sarah this. Two years, and we'd never hung out much beyond work. Even if we had, I doubted I'd reveal my secret hobby. “I'm a base jumper, that means—”
“I know what a base jumper is.” Balking, she appraised me warily. “You're not fucking with me, are you? This is real.” Again, she eyed the helmet. This time, it could have been a poisonous snake.
“Sarah...”
Her smile was bitter. “So that's it. This woman is courting you so you'll agree to work with Maximal. Doesn't that make you, I don't know, angry?”
I'd never thought Sarah had feelings for me, not beyond a sort of big sister thing. I wondered if her disgust was for my hobby, or for Ellie Cutter. Did she think either—or both—were threats?
Sighing, I scratched the back of my neck. “It's a mutual thing. They'll use me to make money, but they'll let me do something I never thought—never dreamed was possible.” Fuck. Last night, jumping off of that building without a single worry about being arrested...
It had only added to my already singular addiction.
Shrugging lightly, my coworker stared up at me. I couldn't read her face. “This means we won't be working together anymore, huh?”
She'd laid it out so bluntly. “Yeah.” I smirked as wide as I dared. “From here on out, I'll be busy diving at the ground for tips.”
Chuckling, she leaned across, giving me a firm hug before letting me go. The wall came down, just like that. Of course Sarah was worried. Anyone normal would be. “Just tell me you'll be careful. I don't want to see you getting hurt.”
Smoothing my shirt, I nodded. “I like risks, but I'm always careful.”
Linking her hands behind the small of her back, Sarah wagged her chin at the crimson helmet. “This Ellie must really know how to win you over, huh?”
Turning the piece of gear in place, I traced the gold flames. “It's not what you think.”
She arched an eyebrow all the way to her hairline.
Laughing, I scooped the helmet under my arm and turne
d for the door. “Think whatever you want. This is all business.”
“Uh huh.”
“I have to make a call,” I said quickly. Sarah was pressing too hard, I didn't want to get into my weird thoughts with her. I was already struggling with them as they rampaged in my skull.
Ellie does know how to win me over, I mused to myself. In more than one way. This primal, eager side of me wasn't new. I loved women, even if I loved the taste of the fall more.
But what Ellie was doing to me was going beyond just lust. The fact she'd agreed to jump with me, when I'd been sure I'd read the fear on her face clear as day...
I wanted more than to just fuck this girl.
In the wake of everything, Ellie Cutter was making me... intrigued.
My mind and body—both of them—wanted much more than to just spread her open, though I ached eagerly for that.
Shoving out the front door, the bell jingled behind me.
I had the distinct feeling it could be the last time I'd ever hear that familiar sound.
- Chapter Seven -
Ellie
The phone call had been brief. In fifteen seconds, Pike had created a pool of nervous sweat beneath my breasts and down my sternum. I cranked the air conditioner in my car, fanning myself after hanging up.
He wants me to meet him at Skydive Zone.
It was a mild relief. I'd been worried that Pike wanted me to base jump with him. It would have been suicide, no doubt, but... my plan had been to try.
Skydiving, though. That was safer, in theory.
Looking out my window at the sparse clouds above, I swam in a wave of vertigo.
Who the hell am I kidding? This won't be easier.
The ride was long enough that I tortured myself with the ways I might die. Would it be better to pass out in the air before pulling the cord, or to hit the ground so hard I never even felt the pain?
Chewing my lip, I smacked the base of my skull on my seat. Quit being morbid. Everything will be fine.
I had to look on the bright side; Pike was going to sign with Maximal. That was god damn wonderful. It couldn't have come at a better time. Corbin was up my ass, threatening me with putting someone else on the task. That would have been beyond humiliating.
But it isn't going to happen, I told myself firmly. I've hooked Pike with a verbal agreement.
So now, instead of being humiliated, I get to tumble through the air like a wingless bird.
Shit.
The air field was gigantic. The flat ground let me see everything for miles, including the planes that waited. At least the object of my demise looks nice, I thought tersely.
Parking among a row of cars—I assumed most were employees—I shut my eyes and leaned back in my seat. Just breathe. It'll be fine. All I had to do was get out of the car, walk to the plane, and let some crazy, wild man be the last person I saw before I splattered on the ground.
Hm. Maybe my imagination was too vivid.
Sharp banging ripped me from my brooding. Snapping my eyes wide, I saw the familiar face of Pike through my driver's side window. He was one giant grin, an arm on my roof and his vivid stare pouring into mine.
He knocked the glass again. “Taking a nap in there?”
I'd expected to be here early, so that I could explore the location and talk to the pilot. I wanted a feel of what I was in for, to be informed and calm when Pike finally arrived.
He'd beaten me to the punch.
Never in my life had one person thrown me for such loops. What little shell-exterior I could build around my emotions, he constantly tore down with ease.
I needed to get my control back.
Opening my door hard enough—and fast enough—that he had to jump back, I slid out into the dry heat. “You're here early,” I said, sounding casual.
“Driving fast will do that.” He lifted something off of my car, holding it towards me. I recognized the red helmet I'd bought. “You don't need to work so hard to buy my affection, Miss Cutter.”
“It's Ellie—and I wasn't—” Crossing my arms over my sunflower-yellow tank top, I gathered myself. “I realized you didn't own one. You shouldn't take dumb risks, Pike.”
His lips tilted up. “There are some risks a helmet won't save me from.” Hoisting his gear, he carried it with him, walking away from me. He was wearing his usual torn jeans, and the view from behind was... distracting.
I took long steps to keep up with him, my sneakers kicking sand clouds. What kind of risks is he talking about? I had the terrible suspicion he didn't mean base jumping.
Together, we crossed the field, waving to the occasional employee who spotted us. There was a man waiting for us by the nearest plane, a clipboard in his thick-fingered hands.
“Welcome to Skydive Zone,” he said, winking at me.
Smiling as much as I could manage with my nerves, I shook his hand. “Thanks. I'm Ellie Cutter, and this is...”
“I know who he is,” the man said, chuckling. He reached out, pulling in Pike for a quick hug. “Hey Pike, how are you?”
Laughing, Pike broke free. “I'm fine, Marris. Just fine.”
They know each other? I was surprised, but it wasn't that weird. Pike had told me he'd gone skydiving before. Had he come here, then, with his dad?
Marris prodded me with the clipboard. “I'll need you to sign a few things before I can take you up in the air.”
I was familiar with contracts, and scanning this one had my belly turning in knots. “Oh, uh, sure.” It's a waiver. For if anything goes wrong. Ugh. Not the reminder I needed.
Firm, but comforting fingers came down on my shoulder. Pike's face didn't match his gesture. Those blue eyes were judging me, and I realized what was happening here.
He thinks I'll back out.
Well. Pike Moss didn't know a thing about me.
I never backed down when I'd made up my mind. I wouldn't start now.
Snatching the pen, I brushed Pike off. The sound of my writing was crisp, pointed. I signed every page of that waiver without thinking twice.
Offering the clipboard to Marris, I allowed myself to smile. “That should do it.”
“Indeed,” he chuckled, handing the papers off to someone else. Dusting his palms, he made a wide motion towards the plane. It was a pretty cream color, an orange stripe darting down its length. “Then I think it's time to get you two up where the birds play.”
My mouth dropped. “Wait, aren't you going to teach me what to do first, before we go up—up there?”
Marris squinted, hovering in the door of the plane. “Well, it's pretty basic, but you shouldn't have to worry about anything. Pike will have it all under control.”
Wrenching my neck around, I stared from Pike, to Marris, then back again. “Excuse me?”
Pike's teeth were like new snow in the bright sun. “Did you think I expected you to just leap out of the plane by yourself?”
I still didn't understand what the hell was going on. “You're going to jump with me.” I blinked. “Aren't you?”
“With you,” Marris agreed. “But you'll be attached to him. I'd never let you do this without more training first. Relax, Pike's a professional!”
It took forever before I could look at Pike again. “He means you... and I... will be strapped together?” I'd seen that on TV before. Somehow, it hadn't crossed my mind as a possibility.
Something warm and far too familiar rolled through Pike's stare. “Strapped nice and tight, yeah. Still sure you want to do this?”
Clenching my hands, I endured the swaying of my own heart. He's going to be right behind me, locked on. Pressed against my body, my... Touching my forehead, I willed my head not to swim.
“It's time,” Marris said, his voice as good as a judgment bell.
My last chance to walk away was right there. A simple motion, and I'd never have to endure what was waiting for me. No decadent, sex-brought-to-life man stuck to my back. Holding me close. Deciding my fate.
I just had to leave.
A simple thing.
So easy.
And then he gets away.
I would lose... I never lost.
Ever.
With Pike at my heels, I abandoned the solid ground and entered the plane.
****
Around us, the world was a giant, humming beast. The belly of the plane was empty, except for Pike and myself. Marris was at the helm, flying us further and further away from the world I knew. I pictured it spinning below me, a spot of color that melted until everything was the unifying blue of the sky.
“Are you ready?” Pike asked.
I shook my head, but my lips said, “Yeah. Sure am.”
Laughter bloomed low in his throat. Rougher than the engine, it went down into my bones and stayed there to breed. “I'll tell you a secret. I never expected you to agree to this, Miss Cutter.”
“It's Ellie. Would you just call me Ellie, already?” The plane bounced; I grabbed the wall-rung tighter. We weren't belted in, the loops alongside of us offered the only safety. “I'm flattered I could surprise you. Now you know how far I'll go.”
His nod was slow. “You're right about that, sugar.”
“You'll call me sugar, but not Ellie?” I scrunched my mouth at him.
Chuckling, he stood up, coming my way to stand by the nearest wall-rung. “You're looking pale. Sure you're alright?”
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I said, “Peachy keen.”
“Good. Because it's time to strap up.”
I investigated his eyes—the edges of his mouth—and tried to read his mind. All of my nerves were in overdrive, but my perception was foggy. Pike's stare said too many things for me to nail him down. Was he excited? Eager? Did he want to wrap himself up against me?
His presence burned through mine, the last few inches of freedom vanishing with his extended hands. Wordless, he took me by the shoulders. The last time he'd held me like that, he'd surprised me with my first kiss in over two years—I'd finally done the math.
I wasn't proud of that.
Celibate wasn't the right word for me. Workaholic, okay, that fit.
