by DRAYER, GINA
Megan flopped down beside her on the small chaise and filled up her wine glass. “Don’t let him ruin our night. While I do love my boys”—she blew Peter a kiss——“it’s nice to have another girl in the group. After Matt got married, I had my hopes. But Beth has spent so much time out of the country this past year getting new projects off the ground in anticipation of the baby, she hasn’t had much time to hang out. You can’t even begin to understand how bad it’s been. I’ve had to endure listening to the locker room talk for years."
“Hey. You haven’t always been the only girl. You’ve had friends join us on more than one occasion. Remember that trip we took to Vail? You brought along Holly or Hailey. That girl from your master’s program.”
“Hillary,” Megan said, rolling her eyes. “And didn’t that trip go swimmingly? I thought she came to hang out with me, but she spent the whole week trying to get into Simon’s pants.”
“You’re selling her short. After Simon turned her down, she tried Matt and then me. To be honest, I was offended that I was her third choice. That was the year Matt grew that beard. He looked as if he’d just wandered out of the backwoods.”
“Oh my God! I totally forgot about that. It took him forever to get a beard that bushy. It was huge. He was going through this whole hipster phase. I blocked that image from my mind. Seriously, he looked like he’d just stepped off the set of a softcore lumberjack porno. I really need to dig up those photos to share with Beth.”
And with that, the two of them were off. They’d started recounting tales about their adventures, and each story was more outrageous than the next. It was hilarious. Peter and Megan could have taken their show on the road. And Julia should have been enjoying herself. But Simon was still on her mind.
Had they shared a moment? Something more than just another kiss? Maybe she had read too much into their nightly conversations. He didn’t show up tonight until the very last minute, and despite saying how much he wanted to spend time with her, she hadn’t seen him the entire evening.
It shouldn’t matter. After the encounter with Luke, all of the reasons why she should steer clear of Simon came back to her. Steeling her resolve, Julia decided, for the second time that night, she needed to keep her relationship with Simon platonic. Now she just had to convince her body.
“Earth to Julia,” Megan said. “That asshat is ruining your night. You haven’t heard a word I’ve said for the last fifteen minutes. I can have Simon punch him if you want.”
Julia frowned and looked over to her friend. Megan had moved to the overstuffed sofa and was stretched out with her feet in Peter’s lap. The music, which had been turned on sometime in the last hour, played softly in the background. Both of them stared at her expectantly.
She was being a terrible guest. Maybe she should just call it a night. Julia was just about to beg off and head back to her room when the door opened and Simon strolled in.
“About time. I thought I was going to have to send a rescue party,” Peter said.
“I got sucked into a conversation with one of our clients and couldn’t break free. I’m sorry it took so long,” he said, staring directly at Julia. “But I’m glad I’m here now.”
There was an intensity in his eyes that, even from across the room, heated her skin and caused her heart to race. Julia’s mouth was suddenly dry and she couldn’t seem to form a greeting. The room was quiet. Only the soft murmur of the stereo broke the silence, and it seemed like the world had narrowed to just Simon.
A loud pop sounded from the outside, and just like that, the spell was broken.
“At least you made it in time for the fireworks,” Julia finally managed to say. Smooth. State the obvious and sound like a petulant child all at the same time.
“Come on, Peter. Let’s go out to the deck. I think you could use the air,” Megan said.
“I don’t want to watch the fireworks.”
“I said, come on.” Megan hopped up from the sofa and dragged Peter behind her in a mad rush to get outside. The glass door closed with a thud behind them, leaving Julia alone with Simon.
“No camera tonight?” he asked, leaning against the back of the sofa. “I would have thought the fireworks would be just your thing. I'm surprised you aren’t hip-deep in the water trying to get some crazy shot.”
When Megan told her about the fireworks, that was exactly what she’d planned. But after Simon’s suggestions and a chat with the gallery owner, Julia had changed her entire shoot schedule. “I’ve decided to branch out. I’m going to focus on more artistic shots. I think I’ll have a better chance of gaining an audience. Or at least that's what I hope will happen.”
Julia took a drink of her wine, feeling strange talking to Simon about her work for some reason. They had spent weeks talking online about photography and art, but now she wasn’t sure what to say. When the pause in their conversation crossed over into awkward silence, Julia tried to fill the void.
“I wanted to thank you again. I know you said you’re not an art critic, but your comments really clicked. I even spoke with the gallery owner and after sending her some proofs of the stuff I’m working on now, she decided to do a private showing of just my photographs.”
“That’s great.”
“Well, ask me how great it is in a few weeks. I only have another month to finish the new series. I’m going to head back to the city so I can spend some time in the studio.”
“Oh,” he said, sounding disappointed. “I took some time off work this week so I could hang out with Megan. I was hoping you'd still be here. I’d like to spend some time with you.”
“I’m not leaving until next week, but I’m going to be swamped. I’m in the middle of shooting at the abandoned house, and that takes most of the day. I’m also working with an agency back home to line up models and that’s taking longer than I expected. And I have my editing to do.”
She was babbling. It was equivalent to a verbal car wreck, but she couldn’t help herself. When he was there in front of her, all she could do was picture him naked between her thighs. That’s probably why the internet chatting went so well. It was easier to ignore the fact that he pushed every one of her sexual buttons, and even a few she didn’t realize she had.
“Megan will be happy you’re staying the week. I know she’s missed you. And didn’t you say you have tons of work with the New York office? You’re a nice guy, and if things were different I’d be thrilled, but now is not a good time for me. I’m not sure it's a good idea to—”
“Slow down,” he interrupted, touching her arm. “I wasn’t suggesting anything by saying I wanted to spend time with you. You said you enjoyed our chats. Well, so did I. I thought we might try it out in person.”
“I leave before the sun is up and I’ve been eating lunch on site. I usually make it back so Megan and I have dinner together. We could make it a date… Um, why don't we plan on dinner together?”
“It sounds like a plan.” He took a drink of his wine and smiled. “So, do I get to see this new batch of photos?”
“I’m not sure they’re ready for public consumption.”
“How about a private viewing?” he asked with a wolfish grin.
The pop and crackle of fireworks interrupted her response. Peter pushed open the door and stuck his head inside. “Come on, you guys. If Meg is going to make me sit out here and watch the fireworks like I’m ten, you’re going to join me.”
“We’ll be right out,” Simon said and reached down to help her up.
“Thank God! I thought you were bailing on me again!” Peter said as they made their way to the deck.
“Oh, I wouldn’t miss this,” he whispered into Julia’s ear, causing her heart to flutter.
The cool night air coming off the lake felt good to her overheated skin, and Julia spent the next few seconds trying to slow her racing heart.
They’d made it just in time. For a small lakeside community, the fireworks display was spectacular and could rival most cities. From the deck, they
could see the whole show perfectly.
Julia had to suppress the urge to run back and grab her camera. She had a plan. It was daring and out of her comfort zone, but she was ready for something daring in her life. She looked over her shoulder to where Simon was chatting with Peter, and thought maybe something reckless was in order, too.
The loud pops and cracks of the fireworks echoed through the trees around them, so she didn’t hear Simon come up beside her. A shiver ran down her spine when he brushed against her arm. Julia wrapped her arms around her chest and rubbed the spot, trying hard to keep the thought of him touching other places out of her mind.
Mistaking her reaction, Simon took off his jacket and slipped it over her shoulders. The fabric was warm with his lingering heat, and the strong smell of soap and musk engulfed her, causing all those X-rated thoughts to flood her mind.
“Thanks,” she said, barely above a whisper, but Megan managed to hear her over the fireworks and cleared her throat, shooting her a curious look. Julia pulled the jacket closer and refused to look at either of them. This isn't awkward at all.
After the grand finale lit up the sky, silence settled over the small deck. The night had cooled down considerably, and Julia was grateful for his jacket since she was practically naked. She pulled it tight against her body and had to stop herself from leaning into Simon, who was now sitting next to her on the small lounge chair.
Megan kept shooting Peter quick glances when she thought Julia wasn’t paying attention. There was something going on behind those looks, and she was just waiting for Megan to start in on the questions. But Megan surprised her when she stood up and walked toward the back door.
“Well, I’ve had way too much to drink and I’m going to call it a night,” Megan said. “Peter, can you be a doll and help me back to the house?”
“Since when do you need someone to help you to the house?” he asked.
“Because I’m a lady, asshole. Now, be a fucking gentleman and walk me up to my room.” She grabbed Peter’s hand and pulled him behind her, leaving Julia alone with Simon.
She expected Simon to say something, but the silence continued until she couldn’t take it anymore and she blurted the first thing that came to her mind.
“I really love Vail.”
He blinked, confusion spreading across his face. “What?”
“Vail. My parents took me during Christmas break when I was eight. It’s one of my favorite places.”
“Vail is nice,” he said, drawing out the words. His brow was creased, and he was looking at her as if she’d started speaking in tongues.
It was then she remembered he hadn’t been there for their earlier conversation. “Megan and Peter were going on about a trip you all took to Vail back in college. Sounded like a lot of fun.”
“It was a blast. Every holiday and vacation turned into an excuse for us to get away. We did almost everything together, the four of us. It’s the main reason we went into business together. But it seems like we’re all heading in different directions now. Even Megan has drifted away from the group these last few years. I don’t think there’re going to be any more trips like that. What about you? Are you hiding a wild past? My dad always warned me about girls with tattoos."
“I’m a bit of an introvert. I don’t have many friends. I didn’t have the benefit of going through a wild phase in high school because of the accident. And in college,” she shrugged nonchalantly, “I felt like I was so far behind socially, I didn’t even try. Now that I’m older, I don’t really travel much because of my mom. I took a week in London here and there. Outside of that, I stick close to home. So, no. No crazy stories in my past.”
“Julia, I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking—”
She held up a hand to stop him. “Don’t worry about it.”
The last thing she wanted was his sympathy. Julia smiled and put on her ‘everything’s fine’ face. She hated to ruin the playful thought with memories of the past.
“No. It was insensitive.”
“I didn’t miss out. If I’d wanted to travel or go to Cabo with friends from college, I’m sure I could have. I had my fair share of invitations to social gatherings because of my father. I just wasn’t into the society scene. I’m not like”—she waved a hand in the direction of the house—“the other women in your circle. I’m just a teacher and part-time photographer. And that is all I want to be. If you’re looking for a reason why there shouldn’t be anything between us, that’s as good as any.”
“Christ, woman. Can’t you go five minute without trying to push me away?” He raked a hand through his short hair causing it to spike every which way. Simon closed his eyes and took in a deep breath before continuing. “We were having a nice conversation before I was an insensitive jerk.”
“I just don’t want you to get the wrong impression. I’m not interested in your money. I’m not impressed with your last name and I could care less where you vacationed last year.” The conversation had soured, but she really wanted him to understand where she was coming from. She’d turned over a new leaf since leaving Luke, and she wasn't about to go back.
Knowing that the moment was ruined, Julia was about to excuse herself and go hide in her room, when Simon leaned in and whispered in her ear.
“I like you, Julia. I like you because you’re not like the other women I’ve met. You’re different. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that’s a bad thing.”
Then he did the one thing guaranteed to silence her inner voices. He kissed her.
Every argument about taking things slow and not crossing a line faded into the background. As if working on muscle memory, her arms slid up around his neck as she kissed him back. His jacket slid off her shoulders when she reached up to run her fingers through his silken hair.
His mouth tasted of wine and was just as intoxicating. She had fantasized about doing this every second since he’d left her on the porch. He pulled away and to her horror, she let out a whimper. So much for showing a strong front.
“I wanted to make sure that wasn’t just adrenaline earlier.” He smiled and laughed at what she was sure was her dumbfounded expression. "I’m glad to see that it wasn’t my imagination. Now about this next week. Since I’ll be spending all day with my sister, I was hoping we could spend some time alone. Maybe a quiet walk, just the two of us, after dinner.”
Julia leaned back in and kissed him. She was fully on-board with spending alone time with him, preferably without clothes. But just as she started to slide her hands under the hem of his shirt, Simon pulled back again.
“I’m trying to be a nice guy here. I don’t want you to think I only want to get in your pants. Before we go any further, there are some things you should know. I mentioned that I’m leaving for New York at the end of the year. Things have changed and I had to move things up. I’ll be leaving before the end of the summer and I’m not sure how long I'll be staying.”
“What are you saying?”
“I want to get to know you a little better in the time I have left. I’m not talking long-term. I know you don’t want that, but I want more than just sex. Just a couple of months. Will that satisfy your no relationship terms?”
It sounded like the perfect plan. She smiled back at him sweetly. “You’re right. We can spend time together without making it into a relationship. But I have a request.”
“Oh, and what would that be?” he asked, casually leaning back against the arm of the chair.
“Let’s table this discussion until later.” She crouched down in between his legs and slid both hands up his thighs. “And I think you can wait on the nice guy part until tomorrow.”
“Why Julia, are you trying to seduce me?” Simon asked.
He was trying for light and playful, but she could see his hard cock straining against his pants and knew he wanted this too.
“Why yes, Simon, I am.” To emphasize her words, she reached up and undid the button of his pants. The purr of the parting zipper filled the air. “Is it working?
"
Chapter Seventeen
Modern Girl Tip #9: Wild Side—Part of the joy of a one-night stand is that, since the stakes are low, you can be and do whatever you want. (Within reason.) Really let loose and try something a little wild.
“Julia. We don’t have to—fuck!” Simon sucked in a sharp breath as she reached into his pants and cupped his aching cock. He wasn’t sure how he’d lost control of the conversation so fast.
“I know we don’t. But I haven’t had the pleasure of having you in my mouth,” she said and shot him a wicked smile. “Besides, it’s only polite to return the favor.”
With a deft slip of her hand, she inched under the elastic of his underwear, causing the last bit of resistance to leave him. Who was he to argue? She was being so insistent and when her warm lips encircled his length, even that thought was gone.
The feel of her mouth was unbelievable. Her tongue swirled and her teeth raked lightly against his shaft with each stroke. He watched as her cherry red lips circled his cock, sucking and licking her way down him.
Unable to stop himself, Simon tangled his fingers through her hair, trying hard not to lose control and fuck her mouth. The pressure of his hand against her neck seemed to encourage her. She increased the suction, bringing him to the edge of his control. The combination of her mouth and the sight of her lips on his dick was too much. But despite how amazing her mouth was, what he really wanted was to bury himself balls deep inside her.
“Julia,” Simon groaned and tightened his grip in her hair, trying to get her to ease up. If she didn’t stop now, he was going to lose what little control he still had. “Julia, stop. I won’t be able to hold out much longer.”
She made a low hum of pleasure in the back of her throat and the vibrations added another layer of sensation. He almost lost it like a teenager on prom night. But fuck, he didn’t want to finish like this.
With one swift move, Simon grabbed around her ribs and lifted Julia up, depositing her on the oversized lounge chair.
