Intercepted

by J Q Anderson

  I slip out of bed, careful not to wake him, and quickly dress before making the walk of shame back to my room. I round the outside of the building, keeping my head down and fortunately don’t run into any coworkers.

  When I sneak into my room, Dani is already awake. She grins, taking in my appearance.

  “You look thoroughly well-fucked, my friend.”

  “Dani!”

  She laughs. “That yummy water polo-god is exactly what you needed last night after you kicked that cheating douche-bag to the curb. By the way, hands down you’re my new hero.”

  I stifle a smile. “I’m glad I can serve as free entertainment for you.”

  “Yeah, about time you had some dirty stories of your own. I was running out. Tell me, was he good?”

  I raise my palms. “I don’t kiss and tell.”

  “Shit. That good? You lucky slut.”

  I laugh. “Dani. Your mind is rotten.”

  She grins proudly and nods.

  I catch up on sleep while Dani goes skiing, then we get ready for our shift. I haven’t had a day off in almost a week, but it doesn’t matter because some of my shifts are only part-time, so the resort doesn’t mind it.

  Our shift starts at two and by six o’clock the lounge is swarming with people. This will be a great night of tips and I’m glad because I need to make up the money I spent to go see Marc. Zack, Dani and I are on a roll. Zack seems glad to see I’m back to my normal cynical self after what happened with Marc yesterday. Dani told me that when Marc showed up at the lounge Zack kicked him out to the back and when they came back Marc looked ashen. Zack wouldn’t tell me about it, but I gave him a tight hug anyway. I love that he always has my back.

  I’m delivering drinks to a table of single guys when I see Jake walk in with what I assume are his two friends that arrived today. They are in ski clothes and Jake looks like one of those hot ski instructors resorts love to hire. Our eyes lock across the room and he smiles. His hair is ruffled up and he shakes it. My breath catches and I smile back at him.

  They slide into a booth in Dani’s section and I ask her if I can take it. She darts a look at Jake and his friends and gives me a conspiratorial smile.

  Jake’s eyes are on me like lasers. He smiles as he introduces me to his friends, Pete and Dillon. They are both good-looking and already attracting attention from the women in the lounge. I smile inwardly when I see a ring on Pete’s left hand. I like that Jake has a married friend.

  I take their order, fighting the urge to run my hands through the beautiful mess that is Jake’s chestnut hair. Wet, artfully disheveled strands flop over his forehead. He’s also caught the sun and his skin has a beautiful golden tint. Shit. I need to stop drooling over Jake. I come back shortly and Jake looks up and smiles at me as I set down the order of drinks and appetizers. I am wearing my uniform black jeans and his fingers stroke my leg under the table. My heart hiccups and I smile but don’t look at him.

  They order more drinks and stay for a long while. The whole time Jake’s eyes are on me. One of the guys from the other group I am serving writes his phone number on a scrap of paper and folds it, then tucks it into my apron pocket. This kind of thing happens all the time. I am used to it. These guys get off daring each other to hit on a girl from the staff and it usually just means great tips for Dani and me, so we have fun with it. But as I look up, Jake’s eyes are trained on the guy. His jaw is set and he looks like he’s about to get up and head over. I make my way to Jake’s table and ask them if they are okay on drinks. Jake’s eyes lock on mine. He doesn’t look happy. I smile and shake my head slightly, letting him know it is not a big deal.

  I go back to the bar and wait for Zack to fill my next order when Jake appears behind me.

  “Everything okay? Are those fuckers being disrespectful?”

  “Jake.” I smile. “It’s no big deal. Guys here do that all the time. It’s kind of an Alpha thing to try to get a waitress’s attention. It’s harmless and usually means good tips.”

  Jake nods, but doesn’t look any happier.

  “It’s sweet that you care. But really, it’s fine.”

  He frowns. “Are you going to call him?”

  “What?”

  “He slipped his number into your apron pocket.”

  I smile and reach into my apron, then pull the scrap of paper and hand it to Jake. “Here. You call him.” I wink and he stifles a smile, then rolls it into a ball and shoots it behind the bar.

  “I woke up and you were gone. Why did you run away?” he mutters so only I can hear. His eyes are liquid brandy. I want to drown in them.

  “I didn’t run. I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about me being there when you woke up. I know we said we would keep things simple.” I look down because I’m trying hard to sound unaffected, even though I already know Jake has infiltrated my thoughts and my body in a way that is beginning to scare me. I don’t want him infiltrating my heart, too. He tilts my chin up.

  “I want to kiss you.”

  I smile. “You can’t. I’m working.”

  “We will probably stay in and chill tonight. When can I see you?”

  Zack gestures at the waiting order.

  “I have to go. But let’s figure something out.”

  “The guys want to swim for an hour after dinner. Come by my villa? Give me your number and I’ll text you.”

  I turn to the bar and load the order on my tray. “I don’t have a phone.” I give him an apologetic smile. “I sort of threw it against the wall because Marc wouldn’t stop calling.”

  He shakes his head and smiles. “Okay. Come over at eleven. I’ll kick them out.”

  I knock on the door of Jake’s villa. It is five after eleven and I hope he managed to get his friends to leave for a while. Going through my shift with Jake so close and not being able to touch him was torture.

  The door swings open and without saying a word he scoops me into his arms and crushes his mouth to mine. He closes the door and pins me behind it. I wrap my legs around his waist and moan when his erection presses against my sex. Damn. Fire flares inside me and I can’t get enough. I clutch his hair in my fists and turn my head for a breath as his mouth moves to my neck, ravaging me.

  “Natalia,” he groans and the delicious sound floods me. “I fucking missed you.” He makes quick work of undressing me and I unbutton and pull his jeans down. He sets me down for a moment to step out of his clothes and I do the same. I am panting. My heart bangs against my chest in anticipation. Our eyes meet and our mouths follow. Jake picks me up again and pins me against the door as he thrusts into me. I gasp and close my eyes to fully absorb the feeling. It’s heavenly and primal and so incredibly good. I grip his shoulders and let him fuck me. Slowly, faster, then slow again. He fills me completely and I surrender. He invades all of me. The glorious scent of leather and sex and Jake infiltrates me once again as I press myself to him.

  “Jake. Damn.”

  He slams deeper into me and I explode around him. My body trembles. I have lost all command of my limbs. Jake holds me against the door and takes my face in his hands, then kisses me. It is deep and so full of everything. It is as intimate and intense as what we just did. When he pulls away we are both breathing hard.

  “Fuck, Natalia. This is crazy.”

  “Yeah,” I breathe. I feel light headed and drunk with Jake. He kisses me again, then slowly slides me down to my feet and reaches for his clothes. I do the same and when we are both dressed he pulls me to the couch with him. I lie sideways with my legs draped over his lap. I yawn. Sex with Jake is exhausting. He smiles.

  “Want a drink?”

  I shake my head No. “I better go. I have a poker game to win.”

  “Oh, so I’m down to a booty call?” He grins.

  I laugh. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure.”

  “How does this work?”

  “How does what work?”

  “This thing between us. I mean… I hate to think about it becau
se you know my thoughts on the subject, but I can’t help feeling like I am taking advantage of you.”

  “How so?”

  “Well, this… Making love to me… It’s also sort of… your job, too. How does it work? Are you going to give me a massive bill before you leave?”

  He laughs out loud and shakes his head.

  “Jake, I’m serious.”

  “I know. You’re killing me, Natalia. Do you seriously think I’ll charge you for having sex with you?” He laughs again.

  “Um…Isn’t it what you do for a living?”

  “Babe. I told you. I’m not that different from every other single guy out there. I fuck whoever I want.”

  “So I’m not getting a bill?”

  He chuckles. “No. No bill.”

  I let out an exaggerated sigh of relief. “Thank God. That would’ve been one hell of a bill.”

  At this he laughs louder. “That good, huh?”

  “Fucking mind-blowing, Jake.” I grin. “Now I have to go.” I get up and he follows me to the door. His arm snakes around my waist and he pulls me into a deep kiss.

  “Wanna get some more fucking-mind-blowing sex tomorrow?”

  “Cocky smug bastard.” I smile.

  “The guys are getting up early to hit the slopes. I’ll manage to stay back and join them an hour later. Will an hour be enough?”

  I reach up and grip his hair at the nape, then kiss him with the same intensity he used on me. “I like your hair.”

  He grins and threads his fingers through my hair. “I like yours.”

  “Nine a.m. tomorrow?” I say between kisses.

  “I’m already hard.”

  “Creep.”

  He grins and I narrow my eyes, stifling a smile.

  I jog back to the lodge, feeling heady and high. It’s the Jake effect and a faint voice from within tells me I’m crossing into dangerous territory. I shut the door on that and hurry to Derek’s room to win some more bills to my money pot.

  Chapter 18: Jake

  I close the door and press my forehead against it. What the hell is happening to me. This girl is turning into an addiction and it’s getting harder to turn away. Whatever this is, I need to get a fucking handle on it before it gets out of control. I keep trying to prove to myself that the effect she has on me will soon wear off and I’ll be able to breathe again. But it’s been the opposite. Every time I see her it’s more difficult to say goodbye, then the countdown begins until I see her again. Fucking Christ.

  I pour myself a drink, raking my brain for some order. If I’m willing to ride this until I leave Aspen in two days it needs to be my decision. Maybe I can let things play until I leave and then reevaluate the situation when Natalia and I are apart. In less than two months we will both be living in the same city and we can keep it going if that’s what we want. Yes. I am pleased with my plan and can now focus on how and where to fuck her.

  The guys walk in as I’m stepping out of the shower. They want to call it an early night so we can hit the slopes as soon as they open. I don’t tell them about my plan to meet them later in the morning yet. I let them take the bedrooms and offer to take the couch.

  In the morning I hear Pete and Dillon ruffle around as they eat breakfast. I purposely wait to get off the couch until they are almost ready to go.

  “I’m not feeling that hot. Why don’t you guys hit the top and I’ll catch up with you in an hour or so.”

  Dillon frowns. “You okay?”

  “Yeah.” I rub the back of my neck. “I’m just moving a bit slow today.”

  Pete and I exchange a look and I know he’s already called my bullshit act.

  “Hope you feel better.” He winks and I dart a look at Dillon who’s oblivious to my ulterior motives.

  It is almost nine when they leave and I’m sweating bullets. I don’t want them to run into Natalia on their way out. Luckily a good ten minutes pass before she knocks on the door. When I open it I’m taken back by her appearance. She’s wearing workout clothes and is breathing hard.

  “Sorry.” She smiles. “I didn’t have time for a shower. Wanna do that together?”

  Sudden joy invades me. This girl is a constant surprise. I love that about her. Her skin is glowing with sweat and I’m instantly turned on. She smiles at what’s happening in my pajama pants and I wrap her wrist and tug her against me.

  “I’m gross, Jake.”

  I bury my nose in her neck and pick her up as I take a long breath. She laughs and wraps her legs around me, telling me I’m disgusting and sick, but she’s kissing me anyway. I love that she’s so comfortable around me and that the shower together was her idea.

  In the bathroom, I strip her clothes off and pull us under the cascading stream of hot water. She lets me wash her hair and I am shocked at how erotic and sensual this simple task is with her. I’ve done this with other women, but it’s never felt this intimate. It was mainly for their pleasure and didn’t mean anything more.

  Natalia takes the shampoo and does the same for me. I smile because she’s standing on the tips of her toes in order to reach my hair. I lean down to make it easier and she kisses my cheek and says Thanks. Unease stirs in my chest at that small gesture and I need to shake it off. I grab her hips and turn her around so she’s facing the wall, then press her to me. She lays her palms against the marble wall and pushes back, slightly bending over. My dick is throbbing and the need to be inside her takes over. My hands cup her breasts and she presses against them, arching her head back and pushing her ass against me. I ease into her and she moans out loud. It goes straight to my groin and I push deeper into her.

  “Jake. Damn.”

  I slam into her and she grinds back. It doesn’t take me long. I come hard inside her, groaning her name as she yells mine, then collapses in my arms.

  I turn her around and cover her mouth with mine. Her lips are soft and wet. She’s completely surrendered to me. Her eyes are closed and her only support is my arm around her waist. She kisses my shoulder and smiles, resting her head on my chest.

  “God, what are you doing to me?” she whispers and I still because that is the same thought that’s been roaming in my mind since the first time we met.

  “Just making sure you know how good you are at this.”

  “This being...”

  “Casual sex. You’ve mastered the art.”

  “Oh.” She smiles. “That’s good to know.”

  I kiss her, then pull her out of the shower and hold a robe up for her. She looks up at me and hesitates, then slips it on. I don’t want her to get dressed just yet because I’m not ready for her to leave.

  I make us coffee and we sit at the dining table in comfortable silence.

  “I should probably go,” she mutters. Our eyes lock and a quick emotion crosses hers. I wonder if this is as strange for her as it is for me and if she, too, is afraid she’ll fall for me.

  “What’s your schedule like today?” I ask her, downing the last of my coffee. She stifles a smile.

  “Um, actually. I have the day off.”

  I roll my eyes and hang my head. She laughs. This is just my luck. I’m spending the day with two guys and all I’m going to do is think about every minute I could be spending with her.

  “When are you free?”

  “Well,” I say, reaching for her hand and tugging. She stands up and walks toward me. “I’m free right now,” I say, then pull on her hand so she sits on my lap, straddling me. I’m already hard. I grip her waist and bring her closer, then untie her robe and slide it off her shoulders. It falls to the floor and my hands move to her breasts. She’s naked and exposed and mine. My eyes memorize every inch of her. Our eyes lock and without looking away I wrap my hands around her knees and spread her legs wider, then lift her up and slide into her. She’s wet and ready and my dick is so hard it hurts.

  “Baby,” I whisper. “You feel so good.”

  She grips my shoulders and we start to move. She tilts her head back and closes her eyes as s
he rides me, moaning every time I push deeper into her.

  “Oh, fuck!” She screams and it sends me over. I slam into her and once again I’m falling into a dark abyss of foreign emotions.

  Her arms circle my neck and she drops her head to my shoulder.

  “I think you’re trying to kill me,” she whispers to my ear. I chuckle.

  “Ditto, Princess.”

  She stills and pulls her head back. “What did you call me?”

  I frown. “Princess?” She’s suddenly pale. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

  She shakes her head. “Nothing. It’s just... Nobody has ever called me that except... Tango. The last time I heard it was two years ago.” I cup her face and her eyes are wet. I press a kiss to her lips and the tears spill down her cheeks.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay, Jake. Now you know what a head case I am. It’s good that you have no expectations because I’m sure I would disappoint you.” She watches me for a long moment and doesn’t say anything. Her fingers stroke my face and there’s longing in her eyes.

  “Jake. What’s going to happen after you leave? I mean, we just go our separate ways and that’s it?”

  I brush the hair off her face. “I think the only thing we can both manage is what’s happening right now. But if this is not what you want, we can stop.” I’m such an asshole. But it’s true. This is all I can manage.

  “Do you want to stop?” she murmurs.

  I shake my head. “No. Do you?”

  “No.” She presses her forehead to mine and lets out a long sigh. The darkness stirs in my chest and there’s nothing to hold on to. I wrap my arms around her and squeeze her tight and she does the same. We stay like that for a long moment, and I wonder if she knows that she is what I’m holding on to, because what lies beneath this terrifies me.