by Jenna Payne
He dug his heels into the mattress, driving into her over and over until he joined her. She writhed and whimpered in his arms as his orgasm consumed him. She finished before him, but he continued to thrust, squeezing every last drop of pleasure out of her before he fell back, spent, his arms locked around her.
He was still inside her, the heat of her almost burning his sensitive flesh. He kissed the top of her head, whispering sweet words to her while he cradled her in his arms. In no time, her body relaxed and her breathing was slow and even.
Still buried within her, he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
*****
Vienna’s legs were still a bit sore when she stepped off the ice the next morning. She pushed thoughts of the previous day out of her mind. Her competition was early Saturday morning, which meant today was the last day of practice in Chehalis. Tomorrow was Friday, and today she would be leaving for Seattle shortly after lunch. That would give her most of Friday to get accustomed to the rink in Seattle and plenty of time to rest. She was down to the wire. Her stomach was in knots, but she wasn’t sure all her excitement was over the competition.
Ethan sat in the stands, cellphone in hand, pulling up the video of each of her programs while she took off her skates and laced her running shoes up.
“Do you want to watch them now?”
“No. Let’s go back to my place and eat. I need to pack so I can leave right after lunch.”
“I’ll meet you over there. I need to grab a few things.”
Vienna nodded, lost in thought. She walked out of the building, not even noticing when Ethan leaned down to kiss her. He smiled at her back as she walked away. She was in the zone and nothing was going to distract her. He found this side of her amusing. She was so driven and so goal-oriented. It was one of the things he liked most about her.
Vienna got into her car and drove to her home, leaving the door unlocked behind her so Ethan could let himself in. She’d spent so much of yesterday wrapped in his arms she hadn’t gotten around to packing.
She put her large duffle bag on the bed, pulling her costumes out. She packed one for each program and two more in case something happened to the first two. She tossed her competition skates into the bag, wrapped in a towel so the brads for her laces didn’t snag on any of her clothes.
She made a quick sweep of her room and the bathroom, making sure she had everything for her stay in Washington. The competition started on Saturday and ended Sunday afternoon. It was going to be a long weekend, but she was ready.
If she did well this weekend, she would set her sights on qualifying for the Olympics. She closed her eyes, envisioning that for a moment before she pushed it to the side. One dream at a time. And right now, she was focused on the World Championship. Next week, she would reevaluate and plot her course. Now, she had to stay focused.
She could smell the food cooking before she realized that Ethan was already there. She was going to miss his cooking while she was gone.
Vienna lugged her bag into the living room, setting it down by the door and pulling up a chair at the table.
Ethan had sautéed chicken to go on a beautiful salad he’d already prepared and placed on her plate. He brought the sizzling pan over to the table, pushing half the chicken onto her salad and putting the rest on his.
“This looks delicious, thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
They ate in companionable silence, Ethan watching Vienna as she lost herself in thought over and over.
She looked up and caught him smiling at her.
“What?”
“You’re cute when you’re mulling over stuff.”
“Thanks. I’m just trying to visualize everything. It helps keep me calm before a competition.”
“Oh. I forgot to bring my phone in.”
He scooped up her empty plate and set it in the sink with his before racing outside to his car to get his phone.
When he returned, Vienna furrowed her brows in confusion.
“What’s in the bag?”
“My stuff.”
“For what?”
“For the weekend.”
“Which hotel are you staying at?”
His smile faltered.
“Whichever one you’re staying at.”
“What? No you can’t stay with me. My coach won’t like that and I have to focus.”
“So I can’t share a room with you?”
“No. The rooms we reserved are for competitors only. Even pairs skaters that are married don’t share a room.”
“My parents did.”
“Well that’s different.”
“So I can’t stay with you? Is that what you’re saying?”
“Of course not. I have to focus and rest. I can’t do that if you’re underfoot.”
“Is it alright if I come and watch you, or is that too distracting too?”
“Ethan, I don’t mean it that way. I want you to come to the competition, but the rest of the time, I need my space. I don’t know why you don’t understand.”
“I understand alright. It’s okay to sleep with me, but you don’t want to be seen in public with someone like me.”
“What do you mean someone like you? You’re amazing.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“It’s just the way it is.”
“I don’t buy it,” he said, turning to leave.
“Where are you going?”
“I’m going home, where I’m welcome. I wouldn’t want to break your concentration and ruin your competition. Goodbye and good luck.”
“Ethan please don’t-”
But the slamming door cut her off mid-sentence. Hot tears threatened an instant before they spilled over. This was the last thing she needed before a competition. He should understand. It’s not like the figure skating world was new to him. But maybe they were too different.
Vienna moved around her home in a daze, tears flowing and heart broken. She hadn’t meant to hurt him, but her priorities were clear. Double checking her heavy bag, she zipped it back up and hefted it over her shoulder. She didn’t have to leave for another hour, but she might as well.
There was no reason for her to stay here.
*****
Vienna scanned the crowd early Sunday morning, but she knew she wouldn’t find Ethan there. He’d been noticeably absent Saturday night, making her high-scoring short program hard to get excited about. She was in the lead in her division going into the long program. All she had to do was skate the long program clean and she would win the women’s single skate.
Her name was called over the loudspeaker and she pushed thoughts of Ethan out of her mind. It was his loss, and no big surprise. He was just like the other men she’d dated over the years. He got what he wanted from her and moved on at the first sign of tension. She would get over it, but for now, she had to focus.
She stepped out onto the ice, waving to the crowd when she took her courtesy circle around the rink. She stopped in the middle of the ice, getting into her opening pose and waiting for her music to start.
The piece began gently, and she flowed into her opening sequence with effortless grace. A medley of her favorite Broadway tunes.
When the tempo picked up, she shot into her first sequence to loud applause from the crowd. She nailed the landing on both, a broad smile spreading across her face.
The wind whipped her skirt around as she picked up speed. She was exhausted and emotionally drained, but the excitement of the competition fueled her. She stuck the next two jumps and mentally prepared herself for the last sequence; Ethan’s signature move.
She didn’t let the thought of him wiggle its way into her mind. She was too focused on nailing the jump and the landing. The crowd held its breath as her feet left the ice, the slicing of the blade almost deafening as it echoed above the silence.
She heard the crowd go silent, all eyes on her. Her skates touched down easily on the ice and she allowed herself a moment of relief as the crowd
roared its approval.
Tightening her circle, she worked herself into the final spin sequence. She couldn’t hold back her smile as the music faded and she came out of the spin feeling triumphant.
She’d done it!
Flowers and tiny stuffed animals rained down from the stands and she stooped to pick up a few as she skated off the ice.
She sat on the bench beside her coach, waiting for the judges to tally her scores.
Her coach whooped in response to her high scores. The two competitors that were following her couldn’t close the gap no matter what they did. She’d won.
“Great job, Vienna,” her coach beamed.
“Thanks, Franz.”
She moved to the edge of the rink, watching the final performer take the ice. This was the best moment of her life, but Ethan’s absence was tearing at her. In a little under five minutes she was going to be on that ice, accepting her hard-earned medal.
A hand touched her shoulder, and she turned, expecting to see her coach.
She was shocked to see Ethan instead. He held a single red rose in his hand.
“What are you doing here?” she said, not wanting to get into a fight right before she went out to collect her medal.
“I’m sorry. That’s why I’m here. I was wrong.”
“You were,” she said, surprised at how hurt she sounded. “You missed my short program last night.”
“I didn’t. I saw you.”
“Why didn’t you let me know you were here then?”
“Because I was still mad, but I’ve had some time to think, and I realize I was wrong. I’m so sorry Vienna.”
Vienna searched his eyes, his face. He looked like a lost little boy. His expression almost undid her.
The announcer read the results of the last competitor, leaving a brief gap before they announced the winner.
“And your champion, ladies and gentlemen, is Vienna Rhett of Chehalis, Washington!”
The crowd roared and Vienna turned.
“Wait.”
“Ethan, I have to get out on the ice. I’ll be right back.”
“Promise?”
She kissed him on the cheek and took the rose he offered.
“I promise.”
She skated out onto the ice with the second and third place competitors, tears of joy streaking down her face. The crowd was on its feet, several of them chanting her name. It was more than she’d ever dreamed of.
She took her spot on the podium, catching Ethan’s gaze and smiling. His being there made the moment all the more special, and she was glad he’d set aside his hurt feelings and had come.
The small, gold medal felt heavy on her neck. She took a victory skate around the rink, waving at the fans before skating off the ice and into Ethan’s arms.
“I’m so glad you came,” she said, leaning into him and wrapping her arms around him.
“Whoa be careful,” he said, setting her back a little bit.
She saw something move beneath his coat.
“What is that?”
“Well,” he began, reaching into his heavy jacket, “you said that you wanted a roommate. It’s not a goldfish, but I think you two will get along.”
He pulled out a tiny, fluffy silver kitten with bright green eyes.
“She reminded me of you,” he said, handing the purring kitten over.
“Because I’m hairy and fluffy,” Vienna laughed, snuggling the precious cat tight.
“No. Elegant and perfectly beautiful.”
He pulled her close, kissing her passionately.
“I was actually hinting about you when I was talking about a roommate,” Vienna admitted, letting Ethan lead her to the locker rooms so she could change.
“I know. But a kitten is a good start.”
“As long as you don’t make me wait for you forever.”
He laughed, dipping his head down to kiss her once more.
“What’s so funny?” she asked.
“Nothing. I was just thinking the same thing.”
THE END
Bonus Story 40 of 40
Stormy Love
Prologue
Lizzy walked into the jewelry boutique to cheer herself up. She was going to have to speak to her mother later and that was always a horrible situation. So she figured buying a nice bracelet would lift her spirits. The owner knew her from a month back, the last time she had to speak to her mother.
“Hello, Miss Storm, it is good of you to return. Is there anything I can help you with, a problem with your last purchase?” The salesman asked. She had to search her memory for his name. She smiled.
“I am immensely satisfied with my last purchase, Reginald, and I was wanting to purchase another. I feel the need for a second bracelet,” she told him. He was pleased she remembered his name. Reginald was an older man, stout with grey hair and a three-thousand-dollar suit.
“Well, Miss Storm we have some wonderful new pieces over here you may be interested in. I am happy you enjoy your first purchase with us,” Reginald pulled out a velvet tray of bracelets she was interested in looking at from the many under the glass counter. Then he looked up as another customer came through the door. Lizzy smiled.
“Go see what he needs, Reginald, I am going to be a minute looking at these,” she told him taking off her coat and setting it with her purse on the counter.
He smiled and moved off greeting the new customer. Lizzy looked over the beautiful pieces. She wanted to buy them all, but despite her trust fund she did not like indulging herself that much. One expensive bracelet would work for today. There was a loose silver chain bracelet with amethysts set all around the metal. She shook her head. She was hard on anything with a clasp. Then she looked at a solid, wide bracelet that would slide over her wrist, but was snug enough to not fall off. It was also silver set with two emeralds and a ruby between them. They were good sized stones too. Wearing it, she raised it up and held it in front of her, looking in the mirror. It fit and looked good. As good as her previous purchase that was on her other wrist. Lizzy had a thing for emeralds and rubies so she decided that she would get that one. It matched her dark red hair and bright green eyes.
She saw in the mirror that Reginald was helping a tall man looking at watches. Actually, Reginald was explaining the watch and the man was looking at her. He saw her see him in the mirror and smiled slightly before returning his attention to Reginald. She realized she recognized him from somewhere, she just could not remember where. Boy, was he tall, though, easily six and a half feet, if not more. Making him over a foot taller than she was. Well-proportioned though, and he also had red hair. His clothes looked designer made. Hmm. Nice looking guy in a jewelry store. She wondered if it would be worth the effort to say hello. He glanced over and saw her checking him out and his smile widened. It was her turn to focus her attention back to the jewelry, embarrassed.
Despite what her parents thought, she was not a slut. She did occasional like to have a good time and human contact was important, she believed. She heard the bell on the door ring and as she looked up a voice called out.
“All right everyone, stay where you are!” She saw four men file in wearing ski masks and dark clothes. Her first thought was, how cliché. Then she jumped when she saw they all had big guns. Lizzy put her hands up quietly as did the tall man. Reginald came around from behind the counter.
“What do you think you are doing? You just can’t walk in here and expect—” he was interrupted as one of the gunmen pistol-whipped him and he went down. Lizzy cried out and moved towards Reginald. She could see blood where he slumped on the floor next to the tall man who was bending to the fallen store owner.
“Hold it lady. Forget about him, worry about yourself,” The biggest gunmen said to her with a Midwest accent. She kept moving.
“He is injured and needs help,” she told him softly. The big man grabbed her arm and swung at her, she sidestepped with old practice at avoiding someone swinging at her face, so his punch landed on her shoulde
r. She gasped and staggered. The guy was strong! Using his grip on her arm he spun her around. She heard someone shout not to hurt her as she flew into the jewelry case she had been looking at moments before. Lizzy had brought her arm up as she was thrown and as she was slammed over the case her forearm shattered the glass and she cried out, in pain this time. He jerked her up by the hair and as she was spun around she saw the tall man with a gun to his temple frozen in a half crouch next to Reginald. She caught his eyes and she could see the regret that he couldn’t do anything for her. There was a struggle showing clearly on his face. He was on the edge of doing something stupid.
“You need a lesson in how to keep to your place!” The big gunman shouted in her face and then punched her in the stomach. She bent over gasping and gagging then her leg was kicked out from under her. She rolled into a ball with her back against the counter in case he was going to start kicking her more, cradling her slashed right arm. She received a kick in the leg and held back her cry of pain, waiting for the next one.
“Come on man, time for us to go before the cops come!” She felt another kick in the leg and held back a scream of pain, tears beginning to run down her cheeks. She did not want to give him the satisfaction.
“The authorities are on their way. I triggered the alarm when you walked in,” she heard Reginald’s voice. He sounded weak. Lizzy slowly uncurled painfully and saw the three of the four men gathering up last handfuls of jewelry before heading out the door. The fourth man waited until they were at the door before he removed his gun from the back of the tall man’s neck. She heard him say, “Sorry man,” as he backed away and then went out the door. Lizzy straitened herself up against the counter and tried to slowly straiten the leg he had kicked. He had connected with the side of her knee and she gasped as she straightened it out. That was going to hurt even more in the morning.,
*****
“Look mom, you know I am recording this for posterity don’t you?” Lizzy asked her mother over the phone, rubbing her temple. She looked around her condo. Police report on the table, her arm wrapped and her leg in a brace. Her wounds were throbbing, but after the initial painkillers the doctors had given her she refused anymore. She did not trust pills.
