Pinehurst

by Nicole Grane

  Chapter 8

  “This way, Evelyn.” Antonio’s soft voice spoke from behind me.

  I turned around to admire the scenery, I mean Antonio. His six-foot tall frame stood over me by at least half a foot. His dark hair that once hung loosely around his face, was now tucked behind his ears, giving it a sexy, lazy look that made my knees wobble—again.

  His dark brown eyes, black really, were deep and intense. I hadn’t been able to admire them fully earlier on the lawn. The bright sun had obscured my vision. I admired them now. His skin, golden and tanned, was proof that he spent most of his time in the sun. This was my personal trainer? Oh Baby! Maybe this class wasn’t going to be so bad after all?

  I followed Antonio out the gym doors and onto the track field. The late afternoon sun was still blazing. Today was one of those rare “summer days” in Idaho; or so I’d been told. The air was uncharacteristically hot and I could feel the beads of sweat beginning to form instantly.

  “Why are we out here?” I waved my hand back and forth in front of my face, trying to fan myself. “Aren’t we supposed to be inside, hitting each other or something?”

  He looked stunned. “Do you want to hit me?”

  “No. Well, I mean, aren’t we supposed to? Isn’t that what Slayers do?”

  Antonio smiled. “Yes and no. I don’t plan on sparring with you for some time. I think it’s better if we start slow. We need to build your muscles up before you’re ready for any real physical activity.” His eyes looked me up and down with skilled thoroughness.

  I huffed. Was he suggesting I was out of shape? How dare he! I was rock hard damn it! Well, almost. I was nearly seventeen. My thighs and butt were as firm as they would ever be.

  Antonio cleared his throat. Blush now tinged his cheeks—weird! What did he have to be embarrassed about?

  “So where do you want to start?” I grumbled.

  “We’ll do a few laps around the track, then head into the weight room and work on some basic conditioning.”

  I groaned mentally. “I don’t run.” I tried to look as put out as I sounded.

  “You will,” Antonio promised with a smile, ignoring my warning.

  He took off down the track. I followed, barely keeping in step. Sadly, it was obvious—he was taking it easy on me.

  I started off okay, but by the second lap, I was wheezing again. I held onto my right side tightly. A painful stitch had rooted itself deep. I wanted to drop to the ground and cry. But of course I didn’t. There was no way I was going to cry in front of Antonio, and have him thinking I was a total baby.

  I tried to distract myself with thoughts of how cute he was; even though I was still irritated by his earlier comment. I was sure that Antonio would break Gillian’s hot-o-meter in an instant. I glanced over at him. He was smiling again–must be an inside joke.

  “So, what are you doing here?” I panted along-side him. I couldn’t believe it. He wasn’t even breaking a sweat! I was dying and he wasn’t even breaking a freaking sweat? How fair is that? I felt like one of the contestants on the “Biggest Loser,” only I wasn’t over weight. I was just un-athletic, having never exercised a day in my life practically. I was so out of this guy's league.

  “I’m helping to train you.”

  I frowned. “I know that. I meant, what are you doing at Pinehurst? You're a Slayer right? Aren’t you supposed to be . . . I don’t know . . . slaying something?” I panted.

  Now he frowned. “You truly have no idea what a Slayer is, do you?”

  “Not really. I only . . . found out my dad’s . . . some Guardian . . . slash . . . Slayer . . . the other day.”

  “‘Guardian slash Slayer?’” He repeated me, his tone incredulous. “How did you get in this class?”

  “Somebody’s . . . twisted . . . idea . . . of a joke.” I breathed heavily. I’d already established that running and talking were not a good combination for me. Why I persisted on doing it was beyond me. “It wasn’t . . . my choice. Believe me.”

  Antonio slowed his pace, allowing me to catch my breath—there was a God!

  “I’m here as a favor to someone,” he announced. “I was asked to supervise and help out with the class,” he admitted a few moments later.

  “Some favor. Talk about a waste of time,” I breathed heavily. My heart still beat like a rabbit's but at least I could form whole sentences.

  “I’ll let you know after a few weeks,” he murmured under his breath.

  “Huh?”

  “Never mind. Let’s finish this lap and head in.” He pushed on effortlessly, leaving me slightly behind. Show off.

  I had to kick it into high gear to catch up—a mistake I wouldn’t be making again. I was practically wheezing now. “So, where are you from?”

  “Valencia.”

  I rolled my eyes mentally. Like I know where that is. Is it too much to expect that I might get a geographical location to my question?

  His smile broadened, as if hearing my mental rant. “That’s in Spain.”

  “I knew that,” I lied. I didn’t want him to think I was a total idiot. “I studied geography.” Sort of . . . well . . . I’d taken the class anyway.

  “So, how old are you?” I continued. “You’re so far from home. Your parents must really miss you. I’m sure your girlfriend does.” Careful Evie . . . reign it in. Don’t be too obvious. Why is he smiling like that? I swear he can hear my thoughts!

  The corners of Antonio’s mouth curled up. “I’m nineteen. I’ve been away from home for a while now. I’m sure my parents miss me but they understand. I have a job to do.”

  “Oh.” Oh? That’s my response? Oh. Could I sound any less intelligent? Okay. Think Evie, think. He’s nineteen . . . three years older . . . two really. I was practically seventeen. That’s not out of the realm of a possibility, is it? Dang it! He hadn’t mentioned a girlfriend? I gave him a sideways glance. There’s no way I could ask him again without sounding too obvious. He’ll think I’m interested, which of course I am.

  “I’m not attached to anyone.”

  “What?” I jumped out of my head.

  “You asked if I had a girlfriend.”

  “No. I just said she must miss you . . . if you had one that is. It’s not like I asked or anything.” I snorted, waving him off. Even through my wind-burned cheeks, I could feel the blush on my face. Damn this Irish skin. I had to be glowing. I jogged on.

  “My apologies.” His voice was solemn.

  “So you don’t have a girlfriend?” I reiterated.

  “I thought you weren’t interested?” He smirked, still keeping his eyes forward.

  Damn if he wasn’t frustrating. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he was enjoying this. “I’m not interested. I just didn’t want to be rude. You commented, and I thought I should acknowledge . . .”

  “No.”

  “No, I shouldn’t acknowledge?”

  “No. I do not have a girlfriend.”

  “Oh, no girlfriend huh?” I tried to hide my excitement. Ahahh! Focus Evie! You don’t want to trip and look like a klutz. Ask him something. Anything! Change the subject! You’ve still got that smirk on your face, he’s gonna see how excited you are . . .

  “So. Why are you helping me?” I asked. Oh my God, how can he not have a girlfriend? The very laws of nature were against it. It was almost a sin. Who was I kidding? It was a sin!

  Antonio chuckled.

  “What’s so funny?” Had I missed something?

  “Nothing.”

  My eyes narrowed.

  “I’m here because you need me.”

  “What?” I had to follow along better. He was going to think I was mental.

  “You need me,” he repeated earnestly.

  YES! I do need you. I need you to take me into your arms and—“Umph” I landed, arms out, skidding on my stomach like I’d just stolen home base.

  “Evelyn!” Antonio rolled me over gently. His soft eyes looked me over. “Are you alright?” he asked.

&n
bsp; I thought about that. I think I was physically okay, but my pride would be wounded forever. “Evie.”

  “What?”

  “My name's Evie.” I dusted the dirt off my hands and legs and took inventory: No cuts, scrapes, or limbs going in opposite directions. “I’m fine.” Although, if there was any mercy in this world, a giant hole would open and swallow me now! How embarrassing!

  “Can you stand up?” He snaked one arm around my back and helped me to my feet. Oh the heat of his body . . . it could melt a glacier.

  “Sorry, I must have tripped on a rock or something.” I could feel my cheeks burning again. He had to think I was a total loser.

  “No.” The back of Antonio's fingers brushed my cheek. “I don’t think that.”

  Oh my God, he was touching my face! And looking at me with those dreamy eyes! Ahahh! I squealed mentally. I took in a big breath. Aftershave! He shaves . . . Wait! Did he just say “no?” As in, he didn’t think I was a total loser? I hadn’t actually said that . . . aloud. What was going on?

  He lowered his hand. “Are you sure you’re alright? He gave me a long look. “We could call it a day?” I could definitely sense the concern in his voice. How sweet!

  “No! I mean I’m fine. Really.” He was sweet to worry, but there was no way I was going to wimp out. “Come on.”

  We resumed our run. This time, my eyes were on the ground ahead. I couldn’t risk tripping and really injuring myself. The thought of getting hurt and not being able to train with Antonio made my chest start to ache. Mercifully, we finished in the weight room an hour later.

  In my expert opinion, having endured two full days of Hell, sixth period P.E is a two-hour, brutal work out; designed to break the human spirit, and smother it into oblivion—a hot shower was the only thing I wanted.

  “Decided to take a shower, Hollyander?”

  I spun halfway around, soapsuds still sliding down my body.

  “Nice!” Chad grinned. “You think I might get a front view?”

  I screamed as I did my best to cover myself with my hands.

  I’m not sure if it was my blood-curdling screaming or the look of sheer murder in my eyes, but Chad, the ass, took off and ran like a bat out of hell.

  I grabbed my towel from a hook on the wall and ran to my locker. Not even bothering to dry off, I threw on my sweat shirt and pants, and ran barefoot out of the locker room with my hair, still dripping wet.

  “CHAD BIXBY HOW COULD YOU!” In a fraction of a second, I’d crossed the ten-foot gap between us and threw myself on a still grinning Chad. Like a ball of fury, I hit him with everything I had. He threw me from him effortlessly, only to have me come back for more. I wanted blood!

  “Oh, come on. Like I was going to pass up on an opportunity like that,” he boasted, as he struggled now, to fight me off.

  “You Pervert!”

  “Evie!” Strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind, pulling me off Chad.

  I knew the voice. I couldn’t stop. I was filled with so much rage, that only my fingers, gouging Chad’s eyes out, was going to release it. I kicked and fought like a wild cat, trying to break free.

  “Evie stop!” Antonio commanded.

  I ignored him, struggling harder to get away. What was he doing here anyway?

  “Calm down!” Chad barked. “It’s not like I saw everything . . . just your back side.”

  “What?” Antonio growled from behind me. The shock of Chad’s words must have distracted him. His grip loosened.

  “You jerk!” I managed to reach out with my hand and claw his face. Revenge is sweet!

  Chad shrieked as he touched his bloodied cheek. He came at me this time, his fist poised and ready to strike.

  That’s when Antonio flipped me backward over his shoulder in one easy movement. I staggered into the wall behind me, uninjured, but too surprised to move. Antonio was between us. By the look on Chad’s face, I could see it surprised him too—he recovered quickly.

  “She’s going to pay for that!” Chad screamed.

  “Me? You spied on me while I was taking a shower! I’m going to do much more than just scratch your face.” I made a move toward him.

  He lunged at me, only to meet Antonio’s fist. Chad stopped short. A look of confusion claimed him. His eyes were blinking as if trying to figure out what had just happened to him. He fell back onto the ground. Knocked out—cold!

  I stood open mouthed. I’d never seen anyone knocked out before. Well, except for on TV, but that wasn’t real.

  “Evie, are you alright?” Antonio was looking at me now, his hands gently rubbing my shoulders. “Did he hurt you?”

  I stared past him, looking at an unconscious Chad. “I can’t believe you hit him.”

  “He was going to attack you!” Antonio exclaimed.

  “I know, but you knocked him out!” Yes I was stating the obvious but I couldn’t get over how easy Antonio had made it look.

  “He took advantage of your privacy,” he growled. “He got it easy. Had Gunny overheard any of that—”

  Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! I started to shift back and forth from one foot to the other. The shock of what had happened had set in “Antonio, Chad saw me. Naked! He’s going to tell everyone.” I sucked in a mouthful of air. “He’s going to tell Stacy Wilcox. My life is over!” I buried my face in my hands.

  “No!” Antonio shook me lightly. “He will not tell anyone.”

  “Are you kidding? This is like striking gold. I may as well just give him my panties so he could parade them around the school and tell everyone we had some sort of love affair. Jerk!” I kicked Chad in the leg—he’d have a nasty bruise later. I kicked him again for good measure. How dare he?

  “Evie!” Antonio took me by the arm, pulling me away. “I promise you, he will not speak of this to anyone.”

  I wished I could believe him. “I’ll just be a minute.” I walked back into the locker room, slipped into my shoes and took up my backpack. I didn’t bother with combing out my hair. My body slumped as I returned to Antonio. I was ready to sink into any hole that might blessedly open up. None appeared. The embarrassment of what had just happened was too much to bear. The look of sympathy in Antonio’s eyes nearly brought me to tears.

  Antonio must have sensed my impending breakdown. Come. I’ll walk you to your dorm.” He put his arm around me leading me away. Being that all the life had been sucked out of me, a gentle breeze could have led me. It wasn’t until we were safely outside and away from the building, that he released me. My body silently screamed in protest.

  “Do you think he’ll wake up soon?” I asked when we’d almost reached my dorm.

  Antonio mused, “Perhaps.”

  “I’m sorry I got you involved. Chad hates me for some reason. Now he’s going to give you a bad time too. When he wakes up that is.”

  I really did feel bad. I was flattered Antonio had stuck up for me, but now Chad would have someone else to direct his anger toward. Too bad it couldn’t be someone deserving, like Stacy. Stacy! Please God; don’t let Stacy hear about this.

  “I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

  “I suppose I should call my dad and have him come get me,” I thought aloud. Maybe he can send Miles tonight? It really was the only solution. The entire school would know by dinner. Breakfast if I was lucky. I’d never been so embarrassed in my whole life. He wouldn’t put me through the horror of having to stay at a school where some pervert has it out for me. Damn that Chad Bixby. Not only was I going to have to switch schools again, but I was also starting too really like my new friends—especially Antonio.

  Antonio took me by the arm and pulled me aside, out of the shuffle of traffic. His face was filled with concern. “You mustn’t leave.” There was a sense of urgency in his voice.

  “Uhh, I can’t stay here now,” I scoffed.

  “I don’t understand. Why would you have to leave?”

  I looked at him incredulously. “You’re joking right?” His face didn’t budge. He still w
ore a look of confusion and concern.

  I stepped closer, not wanting to chance any passersby overhearing. The close proximity surprised me. Dang he smelled good. “Look, maybe it’s different for a guy, but for a girl . . . well, for me anyway . . .” I suddenly felt self-conscious.

  “What is it?” There was a kindness in his eyes, the likes I’d never seen. He’d volunteered to be my trainer. He’d come to my rescue and defended me with Chad. Twice! He genuinely seemed to care about me. Why?

  “Why do you care so much?” It came out a little more demanding than I’d intended. I could tell by his shaken expression, that he hadn’t expected me to ask this.

  “How could I not?” He looked at me like I was missing the obvious.

  How could he not? Could he be anymore cryptic? What kind of answer was that anyway? I’ll tell you what kind of answer that was: It’s an, I have my reasons and I don’t feel like sharing them with you kind of answer. Or maybe, the dreaded, you’re too young to understand kind of answer. Clearly we were not on the same page. Men! Did we have to spell everything out for them?

  “I’m embarrassed alright.” My eyes evaded his. “No guy has seen me . . . you know, ever. I’ve never even kissed—” There was no need to finish. Understanding suddenly swept across his face. Why did he have to look at me that way? Like I’m some poor pathetic soul? Even if I was!

  “Chad will always be snickering or making fun of me now.” A tear escaped out the corner of my eye. I didn’t bother wiping it. More were on the way. “I can’t stay here Antonio . . . I just can’t.”

  “Evie, you have nothing to be embarrassed about. Chad should be the one who’s embarrassed. For him to stoop so low, just to sneak a peek at a beautiful girl . . . it’s unconscionable!”

  Yeah, it was unconscionable, but I knew Chad hadn’t felt the least bit sorry. In fact, I was willing to bet that if he was given another opportunity to—I stopped mid-thought; my eyes growing wider as I stared at Antonio.

  He suddenly looked uneasy, shifting his weight slightly.

  “Beautiful? You think I’m beautiful?”

  “Well, I . . .” he stepped back a little, his cheeks flushing an adorable shade of pink. “I should get you inside, it’s almost dinner time, and you're still wet.” He reached for my arm.

  “Why don’t you want me to leave?” I asked, planting myself firmly where I stood. For the first time in my life I didn't care how I looked.

  “What?” His words came out flustered. “I promised to train you. If you leave, I shall not be able to fulfill that promise.”

  I thought about that. Not the proclamation of love I’d expected. “I’m sorry,” I admitted softly. “I appreciate your time, really I do, but I can’t stay here. Not after what’s happened. I’m too . . . exposed now.” I couldn’t help but cringe at the word.

  “Evie please,” He took hold of my arms, drawing me closer. His dark and luscious eyes looked anxiously into mine. “Do not leave,” he pleaded. “Not yet.”

  There was something incredibly romantic, albeit unsettling about his request. I wasn’t sure what to say. My mind wasn’t working right for some reason. Every time I wanted to protest, I fell deeper into his gaze. He’d licked his lip, moistening it slightly. My eyes lingered there for a moment, wondering what it would be like to kiss those lips.

  “If I promise you that Chad will not speak a word of this to anyone, will you stay?” The headiness of his words distracted me from my thoughts. Antonio looked almost . . . desperate.

  “How can you—”

  “If I promise you, will you stay?” he repeated more earnestly.

  “Yes.” The word fell from my lips of its own accord.

  He sighed contently. “It is done. Do not think on it any longer.” His hand touched my cheek softly, holding it for a moment. I felt the warmth of his touch move through me, somehow healing my wounded spirit. Strange . . . I didn’t feel quite so upset any longer. “I will take care of everything,” He promised.

  I walked slowly up the steps, my mind reeling. What the heck just happened?

  “Evie!”

  I spun around, my eyes seeking Antonio’s.

  “You were right. It is my favorite.”

  “What is?” I called out, confusion overtaking me once again.

  “The cupcake; you were right.” He smiled knowingly.

  I thought back to the cupcake I’d given him the other day and blushed. I still had no idea how I knew chocolate was his favorite.

  Antonio gave me a wink and took off at a light run down the path. I couldn’t help but smile after him.