“See, that could never happen to you. Mike and Randi would never disown you. And I have a trust fund. But it’s never going to happen because you’re not getting pregnant and I wouldn’t desert you if you did.”
“I love you, Daniel.” I clasped my hands around his neck and kissed him.
After filling ourselves with Mom’s delicious roast chicken and latkes, Danny and I excused ourselves. We were off to go to a club in West Hollywood that had a reputation for showcasing unknown talent. A new band was performing this evening.
The club was already crowded when we arrived, not an empty seat in sight. As we waited for the waitress to bring Danny change of a fifty for his beer and my Diet Coke, I spotted my friend, Grant Barnes.
Only twenty-four, Grant had become an overnight sensation two years earlier. Dad, at my urging, had convinced his director to cast Grant to star in a major film he was producing.
Anticipation grew. By the time filming began, poor Grant could barely go out in public so I invited him to stay at our house.
Public disclosure of my houseguest could have made me very popular except Dad swore me to secrecy. That the hot young star was spending his evenings playing Guitar Hero with a high school student sounded so preposterous, even bloggers wouldn’t have believed it.
“Lizzie J!” Grant called out. Danny glared at Grant, all sexy tousled brown hair and pale sea-green eyes.
Grant always called me Lizzie. He was the only person who did. I hated it, but he was Grant Barnes. He could call me whatever he wanted. With his posh London accent, it was music to my ears.
Grant threw his arms around me and kissed my cheek. “I didn’t know you were in town!” he exclaimed.
“I got home the other day. Grant, I live here, remember?”
“Yes, I’ve been there. How is university?”
“Amazing. What are you doing in town?”
“Leaving. First flight home tomorrow. Mum can’t wait and neither can I. I’m tired of living out of a suitcase. I haven’t been home in over a year thanks to you.” We both laughed.
“Do you know how many actors would kill for your life?” I asked.
“Don’t get me wrong, Lizzie,” Grant explained. “I’m living the dream, but I’m exhausted. I’ve just been stuck in Utah for three months. It was good coming to L.A. for ADR just to see my mates.”
Danny, not pleased with the warm reception I had received from the terminally attractive actor, stood with his arms possessively around my shoulders, but he laughed at Grant’s story.
“Boyfriend?” Grant asked. I nodded yes, and then introduced them.
“I’m glad you’re Lizzie’s boyfriend,” said Grant. “You look right together.” Then he added, “When I was staying with your family, I always wondered why a girl as attractive as you are didn’t have a boyfriend.”
“Elizabeth was waiting for me to return to her life,” Danny answered. I blushed and turned to gaze into his sparkling sapphires.
“That’s pretty close to the truth,” I told Grant.
“I’m happy for you Lizzie.” Grant turned to Danny. “Why were you laughing about Utah? You’ve spent time there?”
“My Dad worked there years ago. Let’s just say it’s my family’s least favorite state. Dad was so lonely he developed a drug problem.”
“Steve had a drug problem?” I never knew that and I was family.
“It was years ago. We don’t discuss it, Eli.” But he was.
Then Danny turned back to Grant. “Dad’s fine now, but he’s never gone back. Mom won’t let him.”
“I don’t blame her. I won’t let you work there either, “ I declared.
“What does your dad do?” Grant asked.
“He’s Steven Newman,” Danny answered knowing the name said it all.
“Of course. I’d love to work with him. He’s brilliant.”
Later, paparazzi were staking out the sidewalk as I left the club flanked by Danny and Grant. We lingered, talking by the side of the Porsche. Grant warmly embraced me before Danny and I got into the car for our drive to Malibu. By morning, pictures of Grant embracing me would be all over the internet.
CHAPTER 41 - ELIZABETH
Flying from Santa Monica to Aspen in our Gulfstream takes only about two hours, which was good because today I was an inexplicably nervous flyer.
Danny, Teddy and I sat apart from our parents. Teddy had the right idea. During take-off, his iPad earbuds were in place and he concentrated on reading a book.
Seated beside me, Danny tried putting me at ease by talking into my ear about an item in the morning newspaper. Then in mid-sentence, Danny leaned over and kissed me. “We’re up, baby,” he said and smiled.
Then it hit me. “You were boring me so I wouldn’t think about the take-off?” His guilty smirk answered my question. Then I reclined against Danny, resting my hand on his chest, while he settled into reading The Grapes of Wrath on his iPad.
Set against a snow-covered mountain, the large, mission-style lodge beckoned. Danny, Teddy and I approached in the car we were sharing. The house was surrounded by a stand of evergreens, seemingly cut off from civilization. Smoke rose from the multiple chimneys against the clear blue sky. The household staff had prepared for our arrival.
Keeping our excitement tamped down, Danny and I carried our luggage to the private downstairs suite. The spacious room was decorated in warm, southwestern hues. The bed and bureau were made of rustic thick cut pine. A deep-seated studded leather love seat with matching ottoman faced the sizable window with its views of the majestic mountain. An overhead antler-styled lighting fixture made this the perfect spot for curling up with a book, though I doubted I’d have time to indulge.
Best of all, on the wall opposite the king-sized bed was a wood-burning fireplace. The staff kept it stocked and ready to go. All we needed was a match to light the kindling. Nothing would be better after a day on the slopes than a hot whirlpool bath followed by snuggling by the fireplace with Danny.
Dinner at the lodge was a casual, raucous affair with seven of us at the table. The cook had prepared an old-fashioned barbeque as our welcome meal with platters of ribs, warm homemade potato salad, a green bean casserole, and the most delicious cornbread.
Later, Teddy joined Danny and me in the lower level playroom to shoot pool. The over-sized room also contained air hockey and foosball tables. There was a large screen television, cozy seating areas and a bar. Sliding doors led to a patio where the hot tub was discretely hidden by landscaping.
Pool does not work with three people. I offered to play for both Danny and Teddy to even the sides, but they both declined my offer. After warming up, it was clear why. Elizabeth Jacobs sucks at pool!
If Teddy would disappear, Danny and I could play and then I might improve. I felt like the stereotypic jealous lover only it was my brother whom I was jealous of.
Instead I amused myself by throwing darts. Grant Barnes had taught me proper British pub techniques. I’m good at darts. In fact, I excel, but neither Danny nor Teddy noticed the bulls-eyes I was throwing.
You can throw darts without competition for just so long. Tired of being ignored, I called it quits. Saying good-night would be safer, as I was tempted to throw a few darts at painful places neither my boyfriend nor brother would be pleased with.
I approached Danny and hugged his waist.
“I’m going to bed,” I whispered. “Don’t be long.”
I kissed his cheek promising more to come. Danny rested his cue, against the pool table. Hint received.
“Teddy,” he said, “I’ll be right back.” Danny turned to me. “Let’s go, Eli.”
His arm around my shoulder, we walked into the bedroom. I grabbed Danny’s shirt collar, pulled him to me, and planted a warm kiss on his lips.
“Get rid of Teddy,” I urged.
CHAPTER 42 - ELIZABETH
Visions of bumping off Teddy filled my brain. Admittedly, this was not healthy. Saner was turning my attention to the handsome
bare-chested man sleeping beside me.
I had no recollection of Danny coming to bed, so it must have been late. What could have been so fascinating about Teddy to keep Danny from me?
I touched my hand to Danny’s stubbled cheek and gently kissed his full lips.
“Good morning beautiful,” he whispered, so content.
All evil thoughts vanished as Danny responded with his own kisses. I was happy all over again that we had been given our own private suite.
“You didn’t wake me when you came in,” I complained.
“I didn’t want to disturb you. You were sleeping so soundly.”
“Do you think anyone is up?” I felt compelled to whisper though nobody could hear us. Our families were at minimum two flights up.
“I don’t know,” Danny answered.
I smiled wickedly. Danny grinned. Then I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him. Danny tightened his hold and returned the kiss. My leg wrapped around his and he urgently pressed against me, hard, ready. Our hearts were pounding. I was breathless.
Danny worked open the buttons on my shirt. I took a deep breath as Danny pushed it off my shoulders and tossed it aside leaving me naked. Electricity radiated between us. Pressed against the pillows with Danny poised above me, his fingers feathered down my side and he prepared to enter me.
A quick, loud knock came on the door, followed by Teddy’s entrance. I gasped, horrified. Danny jerked his fingers back and collapsed on top of me, shielding me from Teddy’s view. I hastily pulled the sheets up around us.
I couldn’t look at my brother. I didn’t know if ever could again. The thought that fourteen-year-old Teddy had caught us naked in bed was mortifying.
Teddy was equally shaken. “Mom wants to know when you’re coming to breakfast?” he stammered.
“Tell her we’ll be right up,” Danny answered. Teddy flushed and hastily retreated out the door.
Danny moved off me so I could breath again. He held me and stroked my back. I was shaking.
“I’m going to kill that kid,” Danny said, more annoyed than angry.
“I have first dibs. Teddy’s my brother.”
“Poor Teddy!” Danny laughed. “He’s probably traumatized. Walking in and finding your sister…” Danny kissed my forehead. “We better get upstairs before a parent shows up next.”
Teddy accompanied Danny and me to the slopes. I felt inappropriately dressed for skiing with my brother. My new Bogner jumpsuit clung to every curve. I had purchased it with only Danny in mind. The Bogner had seemed sophisticated. With Teddy at our side, and Danny gawking at my every movement, I felt like an expensive slut.
The mountain air was crisp and fresh. The powder was pristine and perfectly groomed. It was cold, but not uncomfortable on this sunny day. Perfect conditions for starting a ski trip!
Disembarking from the gondola, I noticed several girls my age wearing similar attire. Now I was glad to be wearing my Bogner. The hell with Teddy! Danny’s eyes would have no reason to stray today.
I adjusted my helmet and lowered my goggles. Danny and Teddy did the same. I sidled up to Danny and playfully smiled.
“Race you to the bottom,” I challenged before taking off.
The wind flying through my hair was invigorating. The quality of the snow was exemplary. The mountain wasn’t crowded this early; perfect conditions for a friendly race.
I had the early advantage. Still, after skiing about halfway down the run, neither Danny nor Teddy had caught up. I anticipated them passing at any moment because I was losing steam. Rustiness and the thin Rocky Mountain air, were taking a toll.
The tortoise and the hare; I definitely related to the old yarn. Forced to stop, and out of breath, I was the arrogant hare. The tortoise would soon catch up and gloat.
I moved to the side, practically asthmatic, and attempted deep breathing exercises. Danny made a dramatic entrance, stopping beside me, spraying me with soft powder. He starred through my goggles to my eyes.
“Hey, Eli. Are you okay, hon?”
“I’m a little out of breath. I’ll be okay,” I answered with a wheeze.
“Babe, you’re not okay. You’re not used to the thin air.”
I nodded, embarrassed.
“Same. No more racing. We’ll go slowly. Together.” Danny smiled warmly. His love was reassuring.
“Okay,” I whispered, and Danny and I took off, this time at the same slow pace.
Teddy was at the base waiting.
“I beat you!” He exuberantly announced.
“Good going, squirt,” Danny responded enthusiastically. Teddy beamed.
“Juice break,” I announced.
Outside the base lodge we propped our skis. Then we removed our helmets and gloves, and entered the building to find a table.
“Large cranberry,” I told Danny. As I put down my gloves and my helmet with goggles attached, I added, “I’ll be right back. I’m going to the restroom.”
As I turned to go Danny grabbed my arm.
“You’re okay now?” He asked.
“Yeah. I can breath again.” I smiled and gave Danny a quick kiss before leaving.
Men stared at me as I walked toward the restroom. How unusual. It was quite disconcerting. I missed not having my sunglasses shielding me from uninvited eye contact and I quickened my pace.
While returning to the table, I was stopped three times by men who wanted to buy me a drink. Of course I politely declined, but the unsolicited attention stunned me. I purposely bestowed an affectionate welcome back on Danny so they would see that I was taken.
“If this is the greeting I get, next time I’ll pay men to hit on you,” Danny teased.
“Can you stop doing that?” Teddy complained.
“Sorry.” Then I turned to Danny. “You saw?” I gulped down my juice. The thin air was dehydrating.
“Who could miss?” he laughed.
“They’re very bold here. Why are those men bothering me?”
“You are kidding, right?”
“No,” I said. “Can you please order me another?” I indicated my empty glass.
“Sure,” he replied. “Have you looked in the mirror today, Eli?”
“When I got dressed this morning.”
“Baby, you’re like Snow White in spandex.”
Teddy rolled his eyes, took his iPhone from his pocket, and inserted his earbuds.
A waitress passed and Danny ordered me another large cranberry juice.
“When you bought this, didn’t you notice how it clings to every luscious curve on your body?” Danny grinned.
“I thought you’d like it,” I said n a flirty voice.
Danny smiled, almost laughing, and hugged me. “Of course I like it.” He released me and held my gaze. “It’s amazing on you. And with your coloring, well you do look like Snow White if she skied.”
“I wanted you to like it.”
“Why do you think I didn’t pass you on the mountain? I liked the view.” Danny laughed. “It never entered your mind that I’m not the only man who would be looking at your ‘ass-etts?’”
I rolled my eyes at his attempt at humor. “No. Why would I think about people I don’t know?” Danny wrapped his arm around my neck and playfully gave me noogies.
“Elizabeth you lovable knucklehead. I love how naïve you can be.”
There was enough time for one more run before lunch. This time, even Teddy took it easy. When we finished, I was beat. I hoped eating lunch would revive me.
Delicious, hot food was what my body craved, but it wasn’t enough. I was history, and it was obvious enough that Danny took one look at me and without asking, called the house caretaker to come and get me.
CHAPTER 43 - ELIZABETH
The sound of spraying water greeted me when I woke. Crackling wood and the scent of pine permeated my senses. Someone had lit the fireplace. It was cozy under the comforter and my limbs felt heavy. I didn’t want to move. So I didn’t.
The shower ceased leaving t
he sound of the fire. I wouldn’t be alone much longer and that made me smile.
Moments later, Danny emerged from the bathroom wearing a bath sheet wrapped around his waist. Droplets of water glistened on his sculpted chest. I sighed. His damp, shaggy hair was tousled and something about its wetness and the way it fell, was so arousing. I couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear. May I never grow bored with this view.
Danny rewarded me with his shy smile. “What?” he laughed.
I decided to feed him back the line he had used on me this morning. “Have you looked in the mirror today?” I asked.
Danny climbed onto the bed behind me tickling my neck with my hair. Droplets of water fell on my face and I giggled. “Not since I got dressed this morning,” he said.
Now facing him, I ran my fingers from his cheekbone to his chin and back up the other side. All smooth. “Liar!” I laughed. “If you hadn’t looked in the mirror since this morning your face would be a bleeding, scabby mess.”
I turned to my side. Danny leaned over my shoulder, his fingers gently moving my shirt collar aside. The wetness from his hair as it brushed my neck, and his breath touching my ear, caused me to gasp.
“You’ve got me on that,” he replied.
The slowness of his enunciation against my ear caused uncontrollable tremors. I squirmed, but I wanted to stop. My back and legs were already sore from skiing.
“My muscles hurt,” I complained.
“Here. Let me,” he answered.
Danny rolled me onto my stomach. He tried massaging my back but the fabric of the shirt was bunching up. He yanked it over my head.
“That’s better,” he declared.
Danny was right. What did I have to be modest about anyway? Danny’s fingers adroitly kneaded my back, pressing all the right places. I hoped he would go on forever.
Then Danny’s skillful hands moved down to my thighs that he expertly administered to. When Danny reached my inner thigh, shivers coursed through me. Soon this would stop being therapeutic.
Cold droplets of water fell on my lower back. Danny’s hair was dripping. The coldness made me startle. Reflexively I rolled onto my back, bucking Danny who was on his knees leaning over me ready to continue the massage.
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