by E. L. Todd
Nancy turned. “Damn…”
“Don’t make it obvious,” Derek hissed.
“Sorry.”
“Okay. I’m hitting the water,” Derek said.
“Aren’t you going to say hi?” Nancy asked.
“No,” Derek said. “I have to make it clear that I’m ignoring her.”
When she reached them, Derek turned and headed toward the water. He didn’t look back as he paddled into the water and rode the first waves. He concentrated as hard as he could since he knew Paola may be watching. She may not be impressed with his conversation skills, but hopefully she would be mesmerized by his moves. Derek didn’t look at the beach once because he didn’t want to make it seem like he cared what she was doing. After he was out there for an hour, he returned to the shore and joined Thatcher.
“They are still talking,” Thatcher said.
“Really? It’s been an hour.”
“My girlfriend is probably falling in love with her. Thanks for that.”
“I’m going to grab my bag and leave.”
“Be careful,” Thatcher said.
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t totally ignore her. If you do it twice, you’ll seem rude. Acknowledge her then leave.”
“Okay.” Derek walked to Nancy and grabbed his bag. “Having a good time?”
“Definitely,” she said.
Derek looked at Paola. She was wearing the same pink bikini. Her hair was wavy and long, reaching her shoulders. Her skin was dark from the exposure to the sun. Derek stared at her chest for a moment before he regained control. “Hello, Paola. How are you?” He unzipped his wet suit and pulled it down to his waist, revealing his wide chest and defined stomach. It was low, but he wanted her to notice him.
“Good,” she said. “Did you wax your board?”
“Uh, no. Why?”
“Because your board was smooth on the waves.”
Derek was pleased to know she had been watching. “Thanks.”
She nodded.
“Well, have a good day.” He turned and walked away, not looking back. When he walked to his car, he stared at their backs. The three of them were still talking. Paola hadn’t gotten in the water once. He hated acting immature but he didn’t know what else to do to spark her interest. Paola didn’t turn around once and he felt annoyed. He had never tried so hard to get a girl to notice him. And it just failed every time.
He drove home and changed before he went to school. His classes were boring and predictable. He had a comparative anatomy exam to study for but he chose not to. Everyone in that class was failing. His teacher pulled two exams from the overall grade because he couldn’t fail everyone.
When Derek had lunch with his friends, they asked about Paola. He had nothing interesting to say. He ignored her like Sydney told him to, but it didn’t seem to do anything.
“Give it time,” Sydney said. “Girls don’t like it when guys are too forward.”
Derek sighed then looked over to Paola. She was eating with her friends again. Her tray held a banana, a yogurt, and small side salad. She was ridiculously healthy. Now he understood how she got that rocking body. Derek didn’t look at her and concentrated on his food. “Why are girls so complicated?”
“We aren’t,” Ren said.
“I beg to differ,” Derek said.
“Well, you could just ask her out but she would probably say no,” Sydney said. “Which is why you’re playing these games.”
“It seemed so easy for you and Coen,” Derek said. “My relationships are always complicated.”
Coen laughed. “Easy? Ha.”
“And it still isn’t easy,” Sydney said.
“You still haven’t caved?” Derek asked.
“Nope. And I’m not going to,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest.
Coen shook his head. “My wife is going down.”
“Not down on you,” she snapped.
Derek finished his day then went home. Now that he had his scholarship money and his competition money, plus his sponsorship, he moved into his own apartment. He didn’t hate his roommates, but he wanted his own space.
When he walked inside, he saw Cheyenne sitting on the couch, eating a bag of chips. “I gave you a key for emergencies.”
“This is an emergency,” she said, watching the television. “I was starving and my cable went out.”
“You mean you didn’t pay your bill so they turned it off?”
She shrugged. “I guess you could put it like that.”
He rolled his eyes. “Why don’t you stay with Ryder? He’s supposed to take care of you, right?”
“He’s a work.”
“The life of the rich and the famous,” he said sarcastically.
She rolled her eyes. “Just give him a chance.”
“I already did.”
“No, you didn’t. Go out to dinner with us.”
“So I can watch you pay for your meal?”
“What the hell is your problem, Derek?”
He tossed his backup on the table and came back to her. “This is my problem. You are dating a gay that doesn’t have my approval. You should dump him and respect my wishes.”
“Is this the Godfather now?”
He glared at her. “I mean it, Cheyenne. I don’t like him. You’re going to make your life miserable if you stay with him, living in a trailer park with three kids but no dad.”
Cheyenne shook her head. “He’s trying to make a life for himself. He’s going to school and he works full time.”
“It isn’t just that,” Derek said. “He doesn’t treat you right. He doesn’t take you out or look at you in the right way.”
“Look at me in the right way? What is that supposed to mean?”
He shook his head. “Forget it. You’re on birth control, right?”
“I can’t believe you just fucking asked me that.”
“Answer me.”
“It’s none of your business.”
“If you aren’t, I can have Sydney or Ren get you some.”
“I am not having his conversation with you.”
“The last thing I need is to have my sister get knocked up.”
She threw the chips on the ground. “I’m going to slap you. You don’t tell me what to do and you don’t control my life. I take care of myself and I make my own decisions.”
He stepped closer to her. “No, I take care of you. Dad and Mom aren’t around so now it’s my responsibility. That was the last thing I promised Dad. I will look after you and I will make you uncomfortable. I have to protect you. I don’t care if you hate me. You’re my sister and I love you. I’m sorry I can’t be the fun brother I used to be, but now I’m your guardian. You may as well get used to it.”
She crossed her arms over her chest and looked down. “Dad asked you that?”
He met her gaze. “I would have done it anyway.”
“Derek, I understand where you’re coming from, but I’m an adult. I make my own decisions.”
“Not if they are the stupid ones. You deserve someone better than Ryder. I’m not letting you settle for him.”
“I’m not settling.”
“Yes, you are!”
She sighed. “Let’s go to dinner tomorrow night. You’ll see that he’s a good guy.”
Derek shook his head. “I have a million other things to do.”
“But I come first, right?”
He looked away, saying nothing.
“Please just do this for me.”
“Fine.”
“And have an open mind about it.”
“I—I’ll try.”
“Thank you.” She sat down and grabbed the bag of chips. He sat beside her. “Can I sleep here tonight?”
He looked at her. “Why?”
“I just don’t want to stay at my apartment.”
“You didn’t pay your electric bill?”
“I may have forgotten…”
“I can loan you some money.”
/>
“No,” she said quickly. “I’m fine.”
He stared at her for a moment before he turned back to the television. “Let me know if you change your mind.”
She pulled the blanket over her shoulder and leaned against the opposite arm of the chair. When it got late, she closed her eyes and fell asleep. Derek watched her for a moment before he grabbed a pillow and an extra sheet. He arranged it around her body then turned off all the lights before he went to bed.
When he fell asleep, a dream came to him.
“I really like this swimsuit,” Derek said, touching the strings of the top.’
“Thanks,” Paola said. “I like it too.”
Derek grabbed it and played with it in his fingers. He stared into her face, admiring the freckle in the corner of her mouth. Her light hair cascaded down as she leaned over him. The sun was setting and the sand was kicked around them. He stared into her beautiful face and felt the world grow quiet.
“Why don’t you pull it?” she whispered.
“I would love to.” He pulled it gently until it came undone. Her breasts peeked out and he could see her nipples. Derek felt his dick harden and twitch.
She stared down at him, confidence in her eyes. She grabbed the string around her neck and pulled it loose. When it fell to the ground, her chest was bare.
Derek stared at her tits, loving their perkiness and roundness.
Paola grabbed his hand and placed it over one, letting him squeeze and feel it. A quiet moan escaped her lips.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered. He sat up, still caressing her breasts.
Her hand ran down his front. “You are too.” She leaned forward and kissed his bare chest. “You’re the man I always wanted.”
“You’re my real life fantasy.” He placed his face close to hers then stared at her lips. “I want you.”
“And I want you.”
“Then why don’t you talk to me?”
“Perhaps I’m scared.”
“Don’t be. I won’t hurt you.”
She stared at him, waiting for him to kiss her.
Derek leaned forward and sealed his lips over hers, massaging her breasts. His lips exploded in a raging fire as they embraced. It knocked the wind out of him. His hand moved to her hair and felt the tangled strands.
“I knew you could do it, man,” Coen said as he stared at him.
Derek didn’t stop kissing her.
“Just treat her better than the way you treated me,” Nancy said with a smile.
Derek turned Paola on her back then moved on top of her, spreading her legs apart. He kissed her belly button piercing then returned his lips to hers, loving every moment of his euphoria. He felt the explosion start between his legs while he kissed her, touching the body of a supermodel.
Suddenly, the tension woke him up and he felt Paola leave him. Derek kept his eyes closed, hoping the vision would come back. When it didn’t, he sat up in bed, feeling the sweat drip down his chest. His cock was throbbing with release. He had never been hornier in his life. He grabbed his lotion and massaged it onto his cock. He pictured Paola in his mind, her tits inside her swimsuit, her lifted ass, and felt his orgasm start. He’d never fantasized about a real person before. Derek always watched porn to get off, but now he was shaking with pleasure as he thought of her. It never felt so good. When he came, he felt his body relax with the sexual frustration he had. He breathed deeply, enjoying the tenderness in his groin. He had never cum harder in his life. Paola’s face floated in his mind. He had to have her. There was nothing that could stop him.
6
“Thanks for meeting me today, Derek,” Tony said as he sat across from him at the table.
“No problem,” he said. “What’s up?” Tony was his new agent. After signing with Rip Curl, he conversed with Tony over the phone and in person. They discussed competitions, his salary, and his gear often.
“We scheduled you for another competition this weekend.”
“That’s short notice,” Derek said as he drank from his beer.
“Are you saying you don’t want to go?”
“No, not at all,” Derek said quickly. “I’ll compete in any competition you want.”
“Good. That’s the attitude I wanted to hear.” He fixed his glasses then pulled out his folders. “I just need you to sign here and here.”
Derek read through the document before he signed anything. He was excited to be sponsored but he wasn’t stupid. He didn’t have a family to get him out of situations anymore. He was the only person he could rely on. The paperwork just said Rip Curl wasn’t liable for any injuries or death. Derek already knew that. He signed it.
“You’ll be leaving Friday and will return on Sunday. All expenses are paid for, including flight, lodging and food.”
“Can I bring anyone?”
“No,” Tony said. “You won’t be alone though.”
“Are you coming?”
“No, my associates who live in California will attend the event. You’ll be traveling with Ms. Francesca, the winner of the women’s competition.”
Derek’s eyes widened. “She’s coming? For real?”
Tony raised an eyebrow. “Will that be a problem?”
“No, no,” Derek said with a smile. “There’s absolutely no problem. I’m glad I’m stuck with her all weekend.”
Tony laughed. “She is a very sexy lady.”
Derek glared at him. Tony was forty with a wife and two kids. He didn’t like it when anyone looked at her that way, especially a creepy old man.
Tony ignored him. “Here’s your flight information, your ticket, your hotel reservations, and a visa card for your food expenses.” He dug in his bag and pulled out an envelope. “And here’s your check for the month.”
Derek opened it and felt his mouth drop. “This is just for this month?”
Tony winked. “You got it made, kid.”
“Shit. I may as well just drop out of school.”
“You haven’t already?”
“Well, no. I can’t surf forever. “
“One of my clients is fifty and he’s amazing. Don’t let that chase you off.”
Derek nodded. “Thanks, Tony.”
He stood up and patted him on the shoulder. “Good luck at the competition. We’d be very pleased if both of you won. I think Paola will sweep the girl’s division. You’ll have a hard time. The Australian team will be there.”
“I hate those blokes,” Derek said in an Australian accent. “But I’ll kick their asses, mate.”
Tony patted him on the shoulder again. “Keep up the good work. And have fun with Paola.” He winked and walked away.
Derek gathered the papers and stared at them blankly for a moment. He was excited to travel to California since he’d never been there, and he was happy about this paycheck, but he was more excited about being alone with Paola. Maybe something would happen between them. After jerking off to her last night, he was even more obsessed with her, which was odd since he hardly knew her.
He left the bar then drove to the restaurant where he was meeting his sister and her boyfriend, who Derek despised.
When Derek sat in the booth, Ryder had his arm around her shoulders and he was kissing her neck. “Ah-hem.”
“Sorry, man,” Ryder said, pulling away. “I didn’t you see there.” He had long brown hair and kept flipping it out of his face. His face was pale and white, almost ghostly. He wore a metal ring on his forefinger and he had a tattoo on his wrist. Derek couldn’t even stand looking at the guy. And the idea of Ryder fucking his sister pissed him off even more.
Derek looked at the menu so he wouldn’t punch Ryder.
“Aren’t you going to say hi?” Cheyenne asked.
“Hi,” Derek said while reading the menu.
“Don’t be a jerk,” she snapped.
“Let it go,” Ryder said as he patted her shoulder. “He just had a bad day.”
“No,” Derek said. “I just don’t like you.”
>
“Derek!”
Derek looked at his sister then looked down. “I’m getting a bacon avocado burger. What are you getting?”
She sighed. “Cheese sticks.”
Derek grimaced. “That has absolutely no nutritional value.”
“When did you become a health expert?”
Derek leaned back in his chair and ignored her.
“So, how was your day?”’ Ryder asked.
Derek didn’t look at him. “Good. I’m going to San Diego this weekend.”
“Cool,” Ryder said. “What for?”
“A surf competition.”
“In California?” Cheyenne asked.
“What other San Diegos do you know of?” Derek said sarcastically.
Cheyenne rolled her eyes. “Are you going alone?”
He smiled. “No. I’m going with the female winner of the competition.”
“I recognize that smile,” Ryder said. “Someone is going to get laid.”
Derek felt the anger rise but he didn’t let it escape.
“Who is she?” Cheyenne asked.
Before Derek could answer, the waiter came over and took their orders. Ryder ordered a burger, a shake, and a beer. Derek wasn’t sure where he put it. He was so skinny. When they were alone, Derek spoke.
“Her name is Paola. I just met her the other day.”
“Do you like her?” Cheyenne asked.
“I don’t know her very well,” Derek said. “But I like what I see.”
“You’re such a pervert,” Cheyenne said.
“I think she’s hot, but I would like to get to know her,” Derek said. “She’s hard to approach.”
“Your moves don’t work?” Ryder asked.
“She’s—different,” Derek said.
“In what way?” Cheyenne asked.
“She’s just—mega hot. Like, a supermodel. I get nervous every time I talk to her. The last time I spoke to her, I sounded like a total dweeb.”
“Dweeb?” Ryder asked.
Derek ignored him.
“Just talk to her,” Cheyenne said. “She can’t be that different.”
“I’ll talk to her this weekend,” Derek said. “I’ll be spending a lot of time with her.”
The waiter brought their food and they ate quietly. Ryder had reasonable manners but he still made a mess. Cheyenne ate her food like she was starving. Derek took his time eating his burger, Paola’s face flashing in his mind.