by Blood, Joy
“Um no, not him, his roommate?” I say it as a question because really it is a little weird.
“Roommate? Seriously? Linn what the hell?” That’s Shana.
“Yes seriously. He asked me out and I said yes. No big deal.” I open my door and leave it open, this conversation isn't over I'm sure.
“What kind of guy asks out his roommate’s hook up? Eww, maybe he does it all the time.” Cristal this time.
“I don't know guys. He asked. I said yes no big deal. We are going swimming or something.” No big deal.
“Swimming?” Shana laughs.
“Yeah swimming.”
“You don't swim!” They both say at the same time.
“Well maybe I will today you never know.” I defend myself. I really am not much of a swimmer. It’s not that I'm scared of water it’s just not my favorite thing to do. Ever. But I do have a very sexy bikini. For sunbathing. So it really doesn't cover much. It’s black. Simple. I put it on throw on a pair of shorts and a loose hot pink tank top. I grab a hair tie and put it around my wrist then start French braiding my hair so it drapes over my shoulder. Tying it off at the end
“I can’t believe you are bailing on us again. It’s dirty Sunday and you have already broken so many rules it’s not even funny. And it is the first one here. We need to christen the apartment, together!” Cristal says bringing up our Sunday ritual. Every Sunday, after a Saturday night out, we laze around together nursing our hangovers. Bloodies, Grey's reruns, and number one rule no showering. If you shower you are not allowed to participate. Hence the name ‘Dirty Sunday’.
“I went and bought clamato and vodka. And I have pickles.” She says the last in a sing-song voice. I do love pickles in my bloodies.
“Nope she showered. She gets none. Rule number one. Guess we get to swoon over Mc Steamy by ourselves today Cris.” Shana says and heads to the kitchen. “Have fun swimming.”
“You look good,” Lee says kissing my cheek then opening the door to his Jeep helping me inside. How chivalrous.
“So where are you taking me?” I ask when he gets in.
“You'll see.” He says with a wink. We take off out of town and hit I90 for a few miles the turn off onto another highway. I haven't been out of town this way before.
“So tell me about yourself.” Tell him about myself. What the hell could I tell this man that wouldn't have him running for the hills? I'm not much of a dater, my longest relationship was a month. Not that it would qualify as ‘dating’ Dylan and I hooked up on and off for that month. I was 19 and he was 21. Everything was going great until feelings started to get involved. That was my cue to leave. I don't do feeling and I don't do back story. His or mine. But Lee? He makes me feel different like maybe things could be… never mind let's just keep it short and sweet no one will get hurt. We can have a little fun then go our separate ways. That’s all men really want isn't it? The short version of the life of Linn he gets.
“Well, I grew up in a small town with the two best friends anyone could ask for. Shane and Cris, they are both older than me by a year. We’ve been friends since forever it seems.”
“And how old are you?” Lee asks looking at me with a raised brow. Why do people have to do that?
“I'm 20. You?” He clears his throat, seeming uncomfortable. “You look a little older than 20. Thought you were maybe 22.” This makes me laugh I am probably the most immature person my age. You know that saying girls mature faster than boys? Yeah doesn't apply to me.
“Do I seem 22? Wait how old are you?” I barely hear him answer under his breath. “29? Seriously? Dang, I snagged myself an old man.” I'm rolling with laughter now.
“What the hell is so funny? And I'm not an old man.”
“Sorry. You are just making it sound like this is some sort of scandal. I’ve been with older men, believe me, all of you are the same regardless of your age.” Maybe a little too much info.
“Ouch. How old?” Shit.
“Okay share time is over,” I say trying to get out of this conversation. This is why I try to stay away from the conversations, I tend to over share. No filter.
“Fine, I’ll let it go.” He concedes. Then gives me a sideways glance. “For now.” For now… how about forever?
“What is it that you do?” I ask him if he is going to pry so will I.
“Well, I am currently working at a small claims firm downtown. Nothing too big, a guy I went to college with had a spot open at just the right time.” Lawyer aw crap, a guy Rita would approve of. Maybe I should give him to Shana. The thought instantly bothers me, okay keeping him to myself.
“Cool.” I hear a song on the radio I like and reach over to turn it up real loud. I do believe I just put an end to all conversation.
After what seems like hours we finally end up at Flathead lake. I can never get over how beautiful it is here. I mean Montana is gorgeous but when you get to the mountains it just puts a whole new meaning to the word. I grew up on the flatter side of the state so seeing this part always takes my breath away.
“You ever been on a sailboat?” He asks grabbing a small cooler from the back of the jeep. Shit we are going out on a boat? Maybe I should have lead with ‘I really am not a fan of the water’ before agreeing to go on this… whatever it is.
“Nope. Never.” I smile trying to hide my hesitation.
“Good. I like knowing I'm the first… to take you out on a boat.” He smiles. Shaking my head I follow him down the dock and onto a small sailboat named Casanova. Go figure.
After giving me a quick rundown on how not to get myself killed on the boat and out on the lake we take off. The boat is small enough that I really don't need to help. I just get to sit back and enjoy the view. And it is one hell of a view. His white tee shirt is stretched across his damn photoshopped body and his swim trunks are loose on his hips but you can still see his perfect shaped ass. I'm an ass kinda gal what can I say? Me, on the other hand, I'm strapped in a bright orange life jacket, clutching it for good measure. I look ridiculous I'm sure.
When we get out to a clear spot drops the anchor and we drift.
“Hope you are hungry I have PP&J.” Seriously? He opens the cooler and sure enough, there are a bunch of those uncrustables along with juice boxes. This causes me to laugh and by laugh I mean, laugh so hard I snort. Now that doesn't happen unless I'm with the girls. No one but them has heard the dreaded Linn snort. Now I guess I can add Lee to the list. My face heats up and I cover it with my hands.
“Hey don't cover your face. That was probably hands down the cutest noise I have ever heard.” I'm sure. Jerk.
“Don't be an ass.” Taking my hands down I roll my eyes at him.
“And that right there is cute as hell too.” He winks. “Don't get embarrassed around me. Eat.” He hands me an uncrustable, one with strawberry jam.
“How did you know I liked these?” I ask him popping the wrapper then tearing it off.
“Didn't. I just always have these in my freezer, figured I should bring something to eat.”
“The juice boxes?” I question and nod toward the cooler. He grabs one and pops the straw in then hands it to me. Fruit punch. Yum.
“Thought it would be funny. Turns out I was right.” I feel my face heat up again reminding me of the damn snort.
“That blush looks good on you by the way.” Blush? Shit, I don't blush. “So what are you going to school for?” The questions again. Great.
“Teacher.” Keep the answers short and sweet.
“You don't like to talk much do you?”
“Not much to talk about. Grew up in a small town came to a big one to get away from the small one. Same story that’s been told hundreds of times, just by a different person.” He studies me for a beat.
“Why do I get the impression that your story isn't one that has been told before?” Why is he digging?
“What’s you story?” I ask. He just nods in defeat. I win this one.
“Well, I grew up in Missoula. Spent my su
mmers on this lake learning to sail with my grandpa. I went to College in Seattle and lived there up until a couple months ago.” He is on his second sandwich now and a third juice box. Yes, I'm counting. The man could probably make clipping his toenails sexy and feet to me are gross.
“How do you know Clay?” The two of them seem to be polar opposites.
“Um… we met in Seattle. We were roommates there too.”
“So you two are close?”
“I'm not sure about close, but we get along enough to room together. The guy is kind of a douche sometimes.” He laughs to himself. “But he had a place and I needed a room when I got back. Didn't want to live with my dad and his wife.”
“Parents aren't married anymore?”
“Nope mom took off when I was 5. Left me and my brothers with my dad. He remarried twice after her. Stella, wife number two, is the woman I consider my mom. She raised us like her own but dad couldn't stay faithful long enough to keep her. Started sleeping with his secretary.” Well damn.
“That sucks. Where is Stella now? You see her still?”
“Yeah, she lives here. Well, Seeley Lake area.”
“Haven't been there. I heard it’s beautiful.”
“Oh yeah, it is. She got a nice chunk of money from the divorce, bought herself a beautiful house there. At least she got that from him.” I guess he doesn't like his dad much. Well, we have that in common.
“So he married the secretary?”
“Nope, he married a client of his about three years ago about. Now see how easy that was? I want to hear more about you.” He puts away the cooler. “Please.” He says with that sexy ass smile of his.
“I…” He raises his brows at me challenging me to say no. “Fine.” I grit out.
“Never thought it would be so hard to get a girl to talk about herself.” I roll my eyes at him. Okay here goes I guess.
“My mom died when I was 16 and my dad was a… prick. High school sucked. Shane and Cris got me through it all. They are my family now, them and Brinn, Chris’s mom.” He’s quiet for a second.
“That sucks about your mom. Were you close?”
“Yes and no I guess. As much as a teen can be close to their mom.”
“You swim?”
“What?”
“Swim? Do. You. Swim?” Oh, no more talking.
“Not particularly,” I say clutching at my life jacket. He raises his eyebrow at me. Did I mention I can’t stand that? It looks fricken cute on him, though.
“Why didn't you say something?”
“I… Don't… Know…?”
“Well do you have a phobia or is it something you just haven't really done?”
“The last I guess. I mean I came out on the boat didn't I?”
“That you did my brave girl. Now let's get that life jacket off, it’s hot and the water is beautiful.” He stands and takes off his shirt. My mouth waters at the sight of him. On his chest above his heart I catch a tattoo it’s small so I don't see what it says because he moves too fast. Damn the man is fine as hell. His chest has a dark smattering of hair that leads down to that wonderful thing called a happy trail.
“You going to get in or do I have to swim by myself?” He asks moving away from me to drop a ladder off the side of the boat. Well, it’s now or never right? I'm not going to sink, am I? And hey if I drown I will be saved by this sexy as sin man. Then if I get lucky he will give me mouth to mouth. I weigh my odds and decide that it is totally worth the risk of drowning. I take off the comfort of the life jacket then strip off my tank top and shorts. I'm really not all that skinny I have curves and boobs. Both of which seem to be appealing to the opposite sex.
He wastes no time diving into the water splashing me in return.
“Coming in babe?” He asks when he resurfaces.
“Yes, I suppose I will.” I take the more cautious approach and lower myself into the water via the later. And shit is the water cold. I get almost down to my waist when I stop.
“It's freaking cold.” I turn around and start to go back up the later but before I can wet arms wrap around me and pull me in. Oh, fuck! We both fall back into the water. I feel him loosen his grip just enough to let me get to the surface. I'm going to kick his ass!
“What the fuck Lee?” I shout at him when I catch my breath. Wiping away the water from my eyes I see him in front of me.
“Sorry, I couldn't help it. You just needed a little… push. Or pull.” He says sweeping stray hairs from my face. Then he swipes his thumbs under my eyes a couple of times. Shit, my mascara must be everywhere.
“There you are.” He whispers. Then he leans in and places the softest kiss on my lips. Pulling back he gives me a sweet smile. “You really don't need all that. You're beautiful without it.” Well hell. Putting my hand up I snake it around his neck and lean in making him think I'm going in for another kiss. Instead I run my hand up to the top of his head and push down as hard as I can causing him to go under the water. Payback.
“I had fun today. Thank you.” I tell Lee as we get out of his jeep. “I’d ask you in but the girls would probably be pissed at me if I do. Seeing is how I skipped out on our first dirty Sunday here.”
“Dirty Sunday?” He asks with a confused look on his face. He holds his hands up and chuckles at me. “You know what never mind I don't want to know. I’ve got somewhere to be anyway.”
“Okay, well I’ll see you around I guess. Classes start tomorrow so I'm going to be pretty busy…”
“Shh…” He puts one hand in my hair at the back of my head and the other around my waist pulling me close. “No making excuses.” He says tickling my lips with his. “I will text you later.” Closing my eyes I enjoy the tingles I get from having him so close. I hear him give a slight groan. Then he is gone. Walking back to his jeep. “Better text me back screamer.” And just like that, my jaw is on the ground.
Walking through the door I see Shana and Cristal sitting on the couch huddled up in their blankets with tears in their eyes. “Aw, I hate this part,” I say and quickly rush past so I don't have to see poor Izzy crying in her prom dress. Seen it so many times I can’t even count but damn it gets me every time. I strip out of my still semi-damp clothes and head to the shower to rinse off the lake water off.
The girls have turned off the TV by the time I'm out and are waiting on my bed when I get to my room. Nosy bitches. God, I love them. I go about getting dressed in my normal tank and yoga pants for bed and wait for the grilling to began.
“Alright, so how was this guy? Did he rock your world?” The question I always get asked from Shana.
“We just went out on his boat,” I say with a shrug like it’s no big deal.
“You mean you didn't sleep with him?” Cristal has a shocked expression on her face like I just told her the easter bunny really doesn't crap jelly beans.
“No, we didn't we just… had… fun.” I'm a little dumbfounded myself. Usually when I'm alone with a guy either one or both of us ends up naked and there is usually an orgasm or two or three involved.
“Well, we have to meet this guy.” Shana states and Cristal just nods her head up and down frantically agreeing.
“I don't know guys it’s probably nothing. Yeah we had fun but this can’t go anywhere I'm going to be too busy with school and he is so much older…”
“Wait what?” They both interrupt me at the same time. “How much older?” This is Shana.
“He’s 29. Like I said it probably won’t go anywhere.” I say shrugging my shoulders.
“Okay if you say so,” Cristal says. Then follows up with “Shane said she wants to go get tattoos next weekend what do you think?” Changing the subject.
“Like matching or just whatever we want?”
“It doesn't matter I just want one, I can’t believe I'm 21 and still haven't gotten one. You two don't need to get one I just thought it would be fun. But I would like you there, you know for moral support.”
“Well, Shane I'm all for it. What about you Cr
is?” We both look over at Cristal waiting for her answer. It really isn't like her to go out on a limb and do something like that. She is the most reserved of the group. She just got her ears pierced last year because we held her down and made her do it. Well, not that drastic but it did take a couple shots of liquid courage. Probably shouldn't do that before a tattoo, though. I do believe that is frowned upon.
“I’ll go. Not making any promises, though. I just can’t think of anything I would want on my body for the rest of my life.”
“Alright, then it’s a date. That means no other dates. Linnie.” Shana says in a stern voice.
“Fine. Fine. I'll be good. Promise.”
Laying in bed while I'm setting up my alarm on my phone to wake me for class in the morning my text alert goes off. Lee. That was quick.
Lee: had fun with you today.
Linn: me too.
Lee: never had a girl out on my boat before consider yourself special ;-)
Linn: considered
He is so cocky but it makes me laugh.
Lee: not much of a texter either? Damn are you sure you’re a chick.
Linn: why don't you ask Clay I'm sure he can confirm I am most definitely a ‘chick’
Lee: I’d rather find out for myself
I'm not sure what to say after that comment so I just set my phone down beside my bed and go to grab a glass of water finding Cristal on the couch reading. That girl usually has a book in her hand. She is more of a classics kind of girl but I'm not sure what she is reading now. She has an app to read books on her tablet she got for school.
“Hey, girl what's up?” I ask her. She jumps slightly and looks up from the tablet.
“Oh, nothing.” She squeaks out. Then I look at her a little closer. Her cheeks are bright red and she looks like I just caught her with her hand in the cookie jar.
