Sugar Love

by Callie Bardot

  Effie glanced over her shoulder.

  Todd and Roy, clad in their purple and gold football jerseys, strode a few yards behind her.

  She spun around, hoping they didn’t recognize her and tease her for the Saucy Lady video in front of Zander…or, at all, for that matter.

  “Who the hell is getting picked up in a limo?” Todd said. “Dang.”

  Zander came to a stop next to the car. He gestured for her to enter.

  “Mr. King,” the limo driver said. He had a two day’s growth of dark hair covering his jaw. Aviator sunglasses shielded his eyes.

  “Antonio. We’re heading to the Skykomish River. You know the place. And this is Effie. You’re to take very good care of her, whether I’m with her or not.”

  Antonio nodded, placing his hand out to assist Effie.

  Her eyes widened at the “take very good care of her” bit. What, am I a prize pony? She accepted the assist and climbed in the roomy vehicle as Todd said, “Shit. Would you look at that? It’s that geeky chick, Effie, from the library. That dude must be her brother.”

  “Right?” said Roy.

  “Not her brother,” Zander called. “I’m her date. I prefer intelligent women.”

  He does? Effie shivered.

  “Fuck,” said Roy.

  “No shit,” said Todd.

  Effie peeked out the side window of the limo. Her cheeks began to burn. Right. I have no business going anywhere with this Zander guy. She pressed her palms together and started to rub them.

  Roy’s mouth dropped open, as he stared at Zander, then at the window where Effie sat.

  Effie scrunched down in her seat.

  Todd looked stunned if his wide eyes were any indication. “You’re the owner of EXcape, right?”

  “Right. Founder and owner.” Zander started to climb in the limo.

  “Fuck,” Roy repeated.

  “Shit,” Todd said, again.

  Todd grabbed the back of Zander’s Henley. “Hey, man, could I get your autograph? I mean, my boy and I are going to the Rocket Fuel Rodeo, and it would be so cool if you could autograph my shirt or something.”

  Zander whipped around.

  Antonio gripped Todd’s arm.

  “No touching,” he said.

  “My bad,” Todd said, putting his hands up.

  “Sorry, gents, but I’ve got a date with a pretty woman,” Zander said, climbing in the limo.

  Effie blinked at the compliment. She’d come to expect dismissal from a guy.

  Zander sat next to Effie, as Antonio closed the door behind them. “That guy’s full of himself.”

  “He is.” Effie snorted and glanced out the window again.

  A small but growing crowd of students circled around Todd.

  Todd waved his arms around, pointed at the limo, and waved his arms around some more.

  Heads turned to stare at the luxury car.

  “Does that happen much?” she asked Zander. “People asking for your signature?”

  “Not as much, lately.” His expression darkened. He kept about a yard between them on the bench seat, which flowed along one side of the limo and curved to form a back seat, as well.

  The car glided out of the parking lot.

  “Did it used to happen a lot?” she said, watching curious students stare at the limo as it passed.

  “Yes,” he said.

  “I take it you don’t like it?” she said.

  “Not at the moment,” he said. “Not lately.” He kept his gaze pinned on the crowd outside the window. His mouth formed a grim slash.

  Her stomach formed a hard knot of clay inside her abdomen. Is he angry? Is he angry at Todd and Roy? Is he pissed off at me?

  She studied the inside of the BMW. The soft leather seats were a creamy gold color. A mini-bar occupied the wall across from Effie. A small television hung from the ceiling near the driver’s side, and a magazine rack stood to the side of the mini-bar. She cocked her head, trying to make out the names of the magazines in the dimly lit interior. Climbing. Rock and Ice.

  She glanced at Zander.

  He still stared out the window, his face an unreadable mask.

  They pulled out of the parking lot onto the streets of the University district. More people turned their heads to gawk at the luxury vehicle.

  An uncomfortable clench seized her belly at being inside a car with a billionaire, being stared at by strangers.

  She focused on Zander, trying hard to be a good sugar baby—something she knew nothing about. “Do you like rock climbing?”

  “I used to. Very much,” he said. He quickly changed the subject. “Would you like something to drink?” He leaned forward and retrieved a bottle of wine. “This is an excellent Cabernet.”

  She shook her head. “Water’s fine.”

  He used to like rock climbing. I wonder if this has something to do with his hand?

  He handed the wine to her. “Hold this for a sec, would you please?” He pushed aside items in the fridge. They clinked and clattered. “I bought some of that peppermint tea you like. I had it made up for you. I have it chilled.”

  “You did? How thoughtful. I’d love some.”

  “That’s me. So thoughtful,” Zander said, in a sarcastic-sounding tone.

  She clutched the neck of the wine bottle and swallowed, her heart fluttering in her chest.

  He retrieved a clear glass bottle full of amber liquid. “I didn’t know if you prefer it sweetened or not, so there’s no added sugar in this one. If you do prefer a sweeter tea, I’ll make sure to have some ready for you next time.”

  His words softened some of her edges. “Thank you. That’s so kind. I don’t like it sweet, though.”

  “Duly noted,” he said, tapping his temple. “Here.” He handed her the carafe.

  “Thanks.” She handed back the wine, twisted off the cap to her tea, and took a swig. “Oh, it’s even better than I remembered. Probably because you made it.” She blushed at her blurted sentiment.

  “My staff made it.” He studied her for a few seconds, his face unreadable. Finally, he said, “I’m glad you like it.” Then, he uncorked his wine bottle, retrieved a glass, and poured himself a very full glass.

  They retreated into their beverages as the limo glided through the city, hopped on the freeway, and then exited, heading east.

  Effie kept sneaking glances at Zander. He seemed to be in a deep brood. She didn’t want to intrude on his mood, so she stayed quiet, steeped in silence as thick as her thighs. She sipped on her tea, while he finished one glass of wine and then another.

  An hour later, they turned into a dirt road off Highway 2. The vehicle came to a stop in a copse of trees.

  Zander’s face seemed to light up as Antonio opened the door for them.

  “Are you ready?” Zander said to Effie, a gorgeous smile in place.

  “Here we are,” she said, trying to smile, wishing she could go home.

  Antonio helped her out of the vehicle.

  Zander stepped out and took her hand with his warm one. “I’m excited to show you one of my favorite places.” He turned to Antonio. “We’ll be back later.”

  “Roger that,” Antonio said, with a crisp nod. He handed Zander a backpack. “Here are the supplies you requested. Mia got them ready for you. Have fun.”

  “Thanks.” Zander slipped his arms through the straps and tightened them, so they gripped his sculpted chest. “We’re set. We’ve got water, snacks, and some clothing, should we get wet.”

  “Wet?” Effie, already baking in the hot sun, stared at her surroundings. Trees, water, grasses and rocks—the outdoors in general—meant bugs, sunburn, itchy legs and insect bites.

  It looks so…rustic. Wild. Not very fun.

  “In the river? Swimming? You do swim, don’t you?” Zander eyed her with a puzzled expression.

  “Oh, sure.” Not really. She sighed.

  He must have taken that as some sort of signal, because he started trekking toward the distant sound of the rushin
g river.

  Effie took a huge gulp of air. Her first real, “out in the world” date, or horrible adventure, or whatever she thought to call it, had begun. Her only hope was to stay upright, not fall, and be pleasant enough for him to like being with her.

  She could conceivably walk away if he insisted on making her do things outside of her comfort zone. She had a “get out of jail” clause. But, then, she’d lose the money to pay for her tuition.

  But, did she have it in her to do such a thing?

  Chapter 8

  Effie

  Effie struggled to keep up with Zander’s pace as they trekked through the not so-great-outdoors, heading for the Skykomish River. As they hiked down a dirt path surrounded by trees, the relentless water noise grew louder.

  “Ahead is one of the places I used to kayak.” He released her hand. “We’ll have to climb over these stones. Are you cool with that?”

  “Oh, sure. Totally cool,” Effie said, remembering Haley’s advice about jumping and how high. The whole sugar baby arrangement seemed pathetic. I should leave before I get in too deep. Simply walk away and say thanks but no thanks. Her heels were beginning to burn from her socks rubbing against her skin.

  Zander leaped on one of the rocks and held out his hand to her. “Watch out for wet spots. Rocks can be slippery.”

  “Of course,” she said, feigning confidence. In truth, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d clambered over stones. Oh, wait, there was that time when I was twelve, and my mom and dad took us up to Canada. It was a Big Deal vacation to cross the border. We got up at dawn’s butt-crack, drove five hours to Vancouver, ate Breakfast Paninis at Tim Hortons, looked at a river, then drove home. It was a budget vacation, but it was fun. Effie’s mom had been so cheered by the attempt at a holiday she’d been in a good mood all day—not her usual fret and anxiety.

  Effie brightened at the memory, took Zander’s hand, and climbed up the boulder.

  “Watch this.” He released her hand and powered ahead like a mountain goat, hopping and leaping from rock to rock. At the bottom of his run, he turned around, grinning. “Come on. You have to trust yourself. Trust your body.”

  Birds twittered and chirped overhead in the trees, taunting her. They seemed to be saying, “He picked a loser, he picked a loser, he picked a loser.” The late day sun lingered in the sky, taking its sweet time as it headed toward the horizon.

  Maybe if she stalled, it would be dark, and then they could go home. A sigh left her lungs. She couldn’t disappoint Zander. His happiness at being outdoors beckoned her to let go. She took a tentative jump and managed to land on the next rock.

  “That’s it. That’s great, Effie.” He beamed at her.

  She took another leap and wobbled her landing, eliciting sharp spikes of fear.

  “Whoa,” she cried, reaching for a neighboring boulder.

  “That’s it. You caught yourself.” He nodded encouragingly.

  “I think I’ll go slower if you don’t mind. This is all new to me,” Effie said.

  A flash of some dark mood washed across his face.

  Uh oh. Haley says I need to do better than my stumbling self. He did just cover my tuition and all my expenses for the next year…or years, if I budget properly. Maybe I should at least try. She hopped to the next rock, spreading her arms out wide for balance.

  He brightened. “That’s it. Good job.”

  She fear-hopped from stone to stone, steadying herself when she faltered, feeling like a total klutz.

  “You’re doing great,” he said.

  “Thanks,” she said, hoping she covered the terror cascading through her in the form of shaky legs and dry mouth.

  Ahead, the rushing, gushing sounds of the river washed out all the birdsong. She came to a stop next to Zander and lifted her gaze toward the water.

  A surging river cascaded in front of her, rushing toward its destination. It splashed over river stones and forged ahead with relentless fury. It almost seemed alive. And, it looked deadly.

  “It’s flowing right now. The snow melts are making it epic water to paddle. I used to love to kayak here.” He put his hands on his hips and gazed at the river, with what looked like reverence or awe.

  “You used to put your boat in that?” She pointed at the frothing waves. That could explain the missing hand.

  “Sure did. I was pretty good at it.” His smile faded.

  “Why do you say was? Why not am? You’re not much older than I am.” She frowned.

  He lifted his bionic hand and turned it, palm up. “I think the answer is obvious, don’t you?”

  “Not to me. You seem to be able to do anything with that hand,” she said. “I’m sure you can hold an oar or a paddle or whatever it’s called.”

  Shutters slammed down on his expression. He assumed that same unreadable mask she’d seen in the car.

  She tried to steer the conversation in a better direction. “The water looks scary. How can you navigate that?”

  “You have to read it. Before we put in, we’d follow the river along the side, studying obstacles. It can change every day, every hour, even, so you can’t rely on what you did last week, or what it looked like yesterday. You always get familiar with it before you launch. Come here.” He extended his bio-hand to her.

  She grasped it, amazed by the dexterity in those high-tech fingers.

  He clambered up-river a short trek, rounding the bend. Then, he released Effie’s hand and pointed toward the edge of the river. “See those swirls?”

  “Yes.” She stared at where he pointed, noting water that whirled in place like a washing machine.

  “Those are eddies. If you know what to do, you can navigate them. If you don’t, you can get trapped in them. See that log stretched across the river?” He pointed.

  She nodded, her stomach clenched at the thought of paddling this force of nature.

  “And how the water flows under it and over it?”

  Again, she nodded.

  “That’s called a strainer. Meaning it can trap a boat. If I were running this river right now, I’d head for that small passageway through those two boulders. See?” He pointed to the left.

  “Yes, I see.”

  He glanced at her, studying her for a few seconds. “Let’s sit for a moment and feel the river song. It’s like food to me. And you look wiped from the hike.”

  “Sorry,” she said, a warm blush crawling up her neck.

  “Don’t be sorry. You said this was new. Sit.” He crouched, then settled, his powerful legs dangling off the edge of the rock.

  She stooped and bumbled into a seated position. Her heels screamed with blisters beginning to form.

  Zander inhaled a lungful of air. He let out an audible sigh, an expression of pleasure crossing his face. “I love the great outdoors.”

  She took a few tentative sniffs. The water smelled wild and untamed, mixed with the earthy scent of trees. It reminded her of a nightmare.

  “You should get back out on the river,” she said.

  “I should do a lot of things,” he mumbled, his expression souring.

  Like kick me to the curb? A sense of dread filled her belly as she sat, waiting for him to make the next move.

  Ten or so minutes later, he said, “Let’s head downstream. I’d love to dip in the water.”

  She gasped. “We’re going to swim in that?”

  She pointed at the tumbling water.

  He chuckled. “No, dear Effie, I’m not going to drown you. There’s a place down-river that’s sweet, calm, and beautiful. I’d love to share it with you.”

  Touched by his eagerness, she smiled. “That sounds great. Let’s go.”

  I don’t really know how to swim. Sort of a dog paddle. She climbed to her feet and winced, her blisters reminding her that this was not her world.

  “What’s wrong?” Zander said, pushing to standing.

  “It’s nothing.” She waved her hand before her.

  “Doesn’t look like nothing. You wi
nced. What is it?”

  She shook her head. “It’s nothing. Let’s go.” She tried to force gaiety into her voice. When she took a few steps, however, she had to limp.

  “That’s definitely more than nothing, Ms. D’Archangel.” He glowered at her.

  “Okay, it’s a blister. I’ll live.”

  “You should have said something.” His mouth fell slack.

  “I didn’t want to ruin your day.” She swallowed.

  “Not telling me something important is a ‘day-ruiner.’ But, in this case, I’ll give you a pass. Here.” He stepped closer to her, stooped slightly, placed his arm behind her knees, and scooped her up.

  “What are you doing?” she yelped, pressed against his warm chest. She wrapped her arm around his neck to keep from falling.

  “Carrying you, that’s what.” He began to stride across the rocks with steady, firm footsteps.

  “I don’t want to be carried. I’m not a child.” She tried to wriggle from his grasp.

  “Tough. I’m carrying you,” he said, the shutters falling down on his expression.

  “You’re pretty strong,” she said.

  “I still work out. I haven’t given that up.” His mouth flattened into a line. Carefully, he crossed the boulder field. When he got to the edge, he said, “I’m going to set you down. I don’t want to try jumping off this rock with you in my arms. But, I’ll carry you the rest of the way, got it?”

  “I’ll be fine,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m not a damsel who needs saving.”

  He huffed out a sigh, shaking his head as if displeased. “After a day or two, sure. But if you’ve got blisters, they’re miserable. I’m carrying you.”

  He clambered off the rock, then held out his arms to her.

  She resisted.

  “Fuck, Effie. I’m not going to leave you here on your own. Will you let me help you?” His pinched expression looked exasperated.

  “Fine. As long as you don’t think of me as weak.” Or disadvantaged.

  “I don’t think of you as weak. I think of you as injured. Everyone gets injured. Even me.” The words came out sharp, cutting through her. He deftly supported her to the ground and then scooped her up again once they’d clambered off the rock.