Innkeeper's Daughter

by G, Dormaine

  “Cool.” She smiled as her top lip slightly twitched. And as she brushed her hair back behind her left ear I could see her hands slightly tremble.

  She was raw. I could tell, but when you’re that young sometimes that naivety will get you or the other person in trouble. “I will check your outfit in the morning then we’ll start.” she headed to the door, stopped turned back for about ten seconds as if to say something, then left without a word.

  Only two lessons, Sterling, then you’re done.

  CHAPTER 2

  We were one of first ones out. There were a few instructors and maybe one or two guests. We were geared up and strapped in after she showed me how to do it correctly. My legs felt strange bound tightly but I got used to it. Somewhat.

  Next step, she showed me how to stand without sliding, how to fall, how to walk and how to turn. It was much harder than I realized.

  “I’ve never been this clumsy before. I swear I’m not drunk,” I laughed fully aware of my awkward stance. She reached out to touch me but stopped short. I nodded my head “yes” giving her approval to guide me in the right position.

  “Don’t worry, you will get the hang of it,” she said hesitantly grabbing my waist to show me proper body alignment.

  “When? In ten years? I chuckled needing to laugh at this sad display called myself. I’m usually cooler than this or in control, but not today. “It shouldn’t be this hard to keep your legs closed.” I yelled as my legs widened uncontrollably with each movement.

  “If I can learn as a child then you can do this.” She giggled barely making eye contact with me as her cheeks flushed. She bit her bottom lip to stop her nervous twitching.

  “Are you comparing me to a child?”

  “No!” she screeched loudly. It was endearing. “I was just telling you it’s possible. I teach so many people, but I find the men to be more tight. Women are more flexible.” Hanna quickly turned away after her last sentence, her cheeks more flushed then they had been all morning. Initially it was the morning chill that made her cheeks rosy, but now what she said made her blush. I said nothing at first, watching her fidget. I admired her bubbly personality and truly appreciated her gift of compliment, but especially her virtuousness.

  “Let’s see it then.” She faced me a bit confused. “I’ve held you back all morning. Let’s see what you can do,” I said.

  “No, no this is your time,” she said bashfully.

  “Please Hanna, I could use the break.”

  “All right.” She dipped her head as she spoke as if to say ‘as you wish’. I didn’t know how to take that so I smiled.

  She glided off in our area and showed me her talents. She appeared weightless and free. I don’t think it was possible for her to have smiled any broader. She was beautiful. Her positioning was not awkward as if the snow provided no resistance. Off she went to enjoy herself. That time gave me the opportunity to take a breath and remind myself to stop admiring so much.

  After she glided back up the bunny slope she skied towards me playfully batting her eyes. Her glide was impeccable and her positioning was perfect. She focused only on me the closer she got, but then her smiled wavered and her breathing seemed to have slowed. I was caught off guard by her intense gaze. Without forethought a famous line came to me, “She walks in beauty, like the night of cloudless climes and starry skies…”

  “What?” she stopped short.

  I could not see my reflection but I could imagine my cheeks turning the brightest shade of red. “Sorry. It’s nothing.” I stuttered. “Just talking gibberish.” I answered, not meaning to have spoken aloud. “Anyway are you ready to help this sad excuse of a skier.”

  “Sure,” she breathed watching me warily.

  She showed me all the basics and by the time I got somewhat of the hang of it, it was time for lunch. I was ready to have a seat. One that was on purpose and not unplanned.

  “You are really a great, teacher, Hanna,” I said when we sat down inside the resort’s restaurant. I was actually surprised. Although it was difficult she made it somewhat simpler. “You make it enjoyable.”

  “Thank you.” she lowered her head, pushed her hair behind her left ear then slowly raised her head to retort. “That’s because we’ve just started. You just wait until we get on the slopes.” Her bottom lip twitched this time as she spoke, then she turned away after staring for what I guess to her was a few seconds too long.

  Her flirtatious shyness was refreshing. Welcoming even. I could not help but stare at the wide eyed beauty. She had a great personality and when we talked I could not help but notice her features. She could easily pass for her mid-twenties; her bone structure was so developed. What I noted the most was her mouth. It was exceptional; pink, pouty and full.

  White icing from a cupcake clung to her top lip but she hadn’t become aware of it. And for a split second I was jealous of a non-living element. She noticed me staring at her lips and licked the sweetness off them, trying not to stare at me when she did it. I wanted to reach across the table and kiss her. Everything she did was a seduction. There was an air about her that pulled me in but I didn’t even know her. Yes, I’d crossed the line, before but that was an unexpected mistake. This one was staring me in the face daring me to take the risk.

  What are you thinking, Sterling?

  “How’s everything going, Sterling.” John came and patted me on the back.

  “Oh, great, John.” I hurriedly stood up half startled and half guilty for what I was thinking, thoughts that could prove lethal for me. “I was just telling Hanna that she is a great teacher.”

  “I told you,” The proud father beamed. “Don’t let her kill you though. She can be tough.”

  “Oh, pa. Stop or you’ll make him run away.”

  John mockingly gave a scared look. “Well, good luck, Sterling.” I thanked him and he sauntered off.

  “You have more clients today?” I asked sitting back down unable to make eye contact at first. Remorseful thoughts.

  She shook her head. “No, just you.” she pointed at me with her fry. “You signed up for a ski package deal for the next few days and that’s just what you’re going to get. I’m at your beck and call,” She joked.

  “I’m looking forward to it,” I said feeling myself grinning back and getting pulled back into her web. Interest had already started to get the best of me. I needed to change the subject.

  “So what is there to do for entertainment in this quant town called Vail?” wondering about the town’s night life. I was thinking that I may take a drive around later on. That is if I wasn’t too tired.

  “Here? Nothing, that’s why I cannot wait to get out.”

  “You would want to leave your family business? But you’re so good at teaching.”

  “But that’s all I’ve ever done. I want to get away from the mountains and live by the sea. My parents are so boring. They don’t ever want to travel.” She aggressively tugged on her straw. “I swear as soon as I get out of here, I’m running straight to Aman Sveti Stefan.” Her mind drifted off as if she could visualize the island she spoke of. “Have you heard of it?”

  A lump caught in my throat rendering me speechless at first. “Yes, yes I know the place. It’s in Montenegro. The island is a romantic getaway that I’ve wanted to go so many times but…” I cleared my throat. “Anyway, I’m surprised that you’ve heard of it. Not that many people have.” She practically rendered me speechless. So many times I’ve asked Rachel to go but she never liked to travel outside the states or barely at all anymore. I’ve tried spur of the moment trips, romantic getaways within the States or sent her poetry but she was never impressed, even before this past year.

  A chill ran up my back and part of me told me to get out of there, but I didn’t follow caution. Then again I never do, even though this time thunderstorms sounded in my head.

  “Vail may be small, but we are connected to the world,” She sarcastically remarked.

  All I could do was listen to the rest of
the conversation instead of listening to my own damn instincts which told me to flee.

  After lunch she showed me the sign for the slopes and which ones were more dangerous than others. She had me try a few things like the chairlift and bunny slope. Now staring directly into my eyes when touching my arm, back or hands, as she explained everything. Was it done on purpose? I made up my mind to ignore it, thinking it would go away, or that it was just me feeling lonely. I was.

  ***

  The day was full and I was tired. Skiing was definitely more work than I expected. The shower seemed to have warmed me all over even though it took some time. I worked out heavily on a regular basis but my body never took a beating like it did today. I allowed the warmth to wash over me like a massage. It felt so damn good against my skin.

  Once again I called down for towels and once again it was Hanna who delivered them. I had barely pulled up my pants before there was a knock at the door.

  “Give me a minute,” I shouted while grabbing a shirt off the hanger. Before I could put it on Hanna walked in carrying fresh white towels.

  “I brought you towels,” She said this time placing them on the table then walking over to me. I had forgotten to put on a shirt, surprised that she was back again for the second night. She closed the distance between us with her hands behind her back staring at my still wet chest then back to my eyes. She stood so close that I didn’t know what to think for a minute.

  “Hanna…” I stepped back.

  “Yes,” she responded but in a way as if answering a question only she knew.

  Her eyes burrowed into me like they were digging their way to my soul. “You shouldn’t be here,” I whispered gripping my shirt. She said nothing. For a long while neither of us did.

  God, get this child who so desperately wants to be a woman out my room, before I break.

  But all I could think of was how long had it been since I’d made love to a woman, a woman who desired me like a thirsty creature in the dessert. I was that creature who so desperately wanted his needs to be quenched.

  “Hanna, I’m married,” I finally said not sure if I was being presumptuous.

  She pointed to my ring finger. “But that’s not what your finger says, or do not all married couples wear rings?” she asked it so harmlessly, without disrespect, just stating a fact, but those simple words slapped me hard in the face. I had forgotten to put my ring back on after this morning’s shower or did I?

  “I will see you in the morning,” she walked backwards towards the door. She gave me a half grin and waited for me to grin back. I obliged so she would leave.

  I sat down on the bed and decided to order room service instead. I didn’t want to take a chance of running into her again.

  I could not help but wonder if this is something she did. Flirt with older men or the single men in the resort. Maybe she was too young to know what she was doing. Her father seemed unaware of her curiosity or her beauty. It was then I decided to talk to her instead of ignoring her.

  ***

  The next day consisted more of both, with the skiing and the touching during our numerous breaks. She asked me a lot of questions. During lunch I told her a bit about my world, where I’d come from and where I’d ventured to. I told her about traveling while in the army, about other places and the people I’d met.

  Most of these places she was familiar with and dreamt of going to. She actually had plans for each country. In Paris, finish her book of poetry, as I have dreamt of going so many times, or sky dive in Spain and snorkel in the Caribbean. She was fearless. “One thing I must do is learn how to surf and it has to be in Hawaii. I know it’s been done like a thousand times, but I’m doing it when I get out of here.” Hanna’s eyes lit up when she spoke of leaving here.

  “You keep saying when you get out. Do you not plan on going to college or can’t you just go when you’re ready? You’re almost twenty.” I didn’t understand what she meant. She spoke as if she were trapped.

  “Nope.” The sparkle withdrew from her eyes and her face sorrowed as she faced away from her untouched meal. “My parents are insistent that I stay here and run the family business.” Sadness showed not only on her face but her mood darkened. It was obvious that she was not happy about her parent’s decision.

  “Sorry about that. You don’t have any other siblings that could take over instead. I mean why you?”

  The light in her eyes dimmed even further. “No,” she said, but I had a feeling there was more to that answer than what she gave. I didn’t push it. Possibly a freak skiing accident killed a sibling.

  To lighten her mood again I told her about the Caribbean. And her mind traveled with me, staying captivated to my every word. It felt good. As shallow as that sounded, being listened to is pleasant. Someone showing interest was even better.

  She was so easy to talk to. I felt relaxed around her. It was as if we’d been friends for years, talking of our dreams and the exhilarating risks we wanted to take, ranging from cliff jumping in Greece to deep sea diving in Egypt, Australia or the Galapagos Islands. A must for both of us was a safari in Africa. We spoke of what we would do there, how the places neither had gone would be like and how long we would stay. We talked so long we all but booked the flights.

  At one point she grabbed my hand forcing me back to reality. I then remembered we were just two strangers passing through time. We did not belong to each other and this was getting too real. I was getting too caught up in a woman that was not my wife, but it had been so long since I felt this excited about anything.

  I searched passersby’s faces and slowly pulled back my hand. I sat back in the chair. We were sitting too close. She saw me pull back but didn’t say anything. We just sat there facing each other. I was getting wrapped up in a fantasy. We both were.

  I wanted to avoid bruising her feelings, but the touching I could not chance. She was a lovely young woman who was interested in a man, a man that hadn’t touched a woman in over a year. This was a test. A test of strength, and if I didn’t stay away from Hanna I would surely fail.

  After we walked back outside away from close ears, I had to end anything before it started. “Hanna, I’ve had a wonderful time these last two days but I think it would best for me to find another instructor or just focus on my work.” It was hard to even face her. This woman, no girl, I just met the other day.

  Hanna didn’t say anything. At first she twiddled her fingers, playing with the draw string on her coat. She crossed one leg in front of the other not saying a word for a long minute. “Are you not happy with my teachings?”

  “Yes, of course, but that’s not the issue, Hanna. I mean there’s no issue. I just don’t think we should continue.” I was starting to sweat no matter how frigid it was out here. “We, us…”

  “Because you’re married and we’re attracted to each other?” she asked so matter of fact.

  I could not admit to the words she just spoke. “Whatever this is, I think that your emotions are misplaced. Maybe it’s me or maybe because I’ve traveled or am different then what you are used to but… I think we should keep our distance.” I finished hoping that she would understand my simple attempt of not stating the obvious.

  She leaned against the tree before speaking. “They’re not misplaced. I like spending time with you. I like our conversations. I look forward to them.” She stopped waiting for my response but I was speechless.

  “Hanna…”

  “So I’ll see you later, right?” She walked off into the woman’s changing area.

  “Wait, what, ‘later’,” I yelled after her but she’d already gone.

  I was somewhat relieved and disappointed. I had mixed emotions about seeing her again and about not seeing her ever. Either way I’d planned on spending a lot of time in my room.

  CHAPTER 3

  It was around 11 pm when I arrived back to my room from a long walk. I swore to stay in my room, and even though it was a two story loft, the walls started to close in. I met a few guests outs
ide by the fire pit and it felt nice to get out and mingle.

  I poured a glass of Samaroli rum and grabbed my dossier that I had not glanced at since arriving. I decided to relax on the deck and kick back in the lounge chair. It faced the snow coated mountains. I could not help but take in the magnificence. The mountains were majestic; the sky was midnight black with stars shinning above. It smelled like fresh new country, if there were ever such a thing.

  The deck was heated but the cool breeze that floated in mingled well, balancing the temperature. Admiring the view, I had to wonder why anyone would want to leave this place.

  The Caribbean rum had started to take its toll on me, so I rested my head back and became a fixture in my environment.

  There was a knock on the door. My stomach dropped. I knew exactly who it was. I didn’t yell for her to come in. She would anyway. I swiveled my chair around and watched her sashay in through my moonlit suite.

  She wore a simple black one-piece dress. It fit her impeccably. There was no bra supporting her perky B cup breasts as they bounced slightly with each step. I could only imagine a thong underneath, barely covering her sacred area. Her red five inch stilettos with silver tips completed her sexy appeal. Her hair was in a flirty flyaway bun and she looked every bit of a runway model. She was stunning.

  She stood in front of me, standing in between my legs. “You shouldn’t be here, Hanna.” I repositioned myself trying not to look at her breasts. Her nipples were stiff, aching to be kissed. I swallowed back desire, trying to concentrate solely on her face. “Please, you need to go.” I now sat up straight trying to control my urges.

  “Sterling.”

  “No, Hanna. I shouldn’t have allowed you in. You don’t want this. My world. Trust me.”

  “And all that’s best of dark and bright, meet in her aspect and her eyes…” she continued finishing the poem I had started the other day from Lord Byron. The man who himself had once ventured to Montenegro so very long ago. I sat there frozen, compelled by her verse, her youth and her splendor. Every day she astonished me by what she knew and how we seemed linked.