A Friendly Encounter

by Alex Dafney

  I step over to the sink, clutching my clothes and makeup bag in my hands. I stare at myself in the mirror. The updo hairstyle, smoky eyes, low cut dress. So not me. I begin removing the layers of eye makeup with a washcloth, softly humming to myself and thinking about mine and Jase’s kiss earlier. My stomach flits with nervousness as I try to dissect the exchange. It was a simple, quick peck on the lips, but I wanted it to be so much more.

  I shake my head at myself as I slip the evening gown off, placing it on the counter before slipping into my pajamas. “Making mountains out of mole hills.” I mumble to myself as I grab my toothbrush and toothpaste from my bag. Stepping out of the bathroom I make a beeline for the bed. Wanting nothing more than to curl up and sleep for three days.

  An hour later I flop to my side. Sleep seems to be evading me tonight even though I am exhausted. I squeeze my eyes shut in the dark room, hoping to fall asleep. In the still and darkness I can hear muted noise coming from outside of my room. I open my eyes, trying to focus on the sound. Eventually I sit up, tossing the comforter off me to go investigate the sounds. It’s not like I’m sleeping anyway.

  I pull the bedroom door open slowly, peering out into the dark hallway. The only light I see comes from underneath the door directly across from me. I step into the hallway on my tiptoes, leaning my ear against the door. Sure enough the sounds I heard are coming from Jase’s bedroom. Taking a deep breath, I lift my hand, knocking quietly. “Come in!”

  I push the door open slowly once I hear his voice, peaking my head around the door. He gives me a bright smile. “Couldn’t sleep?” I shake my head slightly, taking in his room. He sits up in the bed, a laptop computer on his outstretched legs. The TV plays softly, I assume mostly for background noise. He pats the bed next to him, giving me a warm smile. “Join me?” I raise an eyebrow at him as I step into the room, closing the door behind me with my foot.

  “Can you share your bed?” He lets out a chuckle as he flips the cover down. I climb into the plush king size bed, snuggling into his side without thinking twice. I glance at the computer screen as a yawn escapes me. “Are you working this late?” He pushes the computer closed, lifting it and placing it on the bedside table next to him before lifting the cover and sliding down next to me.

  I lift my head, placing it on his chest as he wraps his arm around me. “I was, but there’s no way I can focus with you in my bed.” My heart flutters at his words, but I remind myself we’re just friends, nothing more. “Do you want to watch something?” I give a shrug as a huge yawn escapes me. I bury my face further into his chest. Content with the familiar scent of him and the way his body seems to mold to mine. “I’m just going to try and fall asleep. Watch whatever you want.”

  I hear the TV flip off and the room is thrown into utter darkness. I lift my leg, resting it on his strong thigh as my eyelids become heavy. “Good night, Abs.” He rests his hand high on my bare thigh as I mumble the same sentiment before drifting to sleep.

  Chapter 11

  My eyes flutter open the next morning to late morning sun streaming through the windows. I lift my head carefully from Jase’s chest as a huge yawn escapes me. “Good morning, sleepy head.” I tilt my head toward him, noticing his bright eyes and even brighter smile. I sit up completely, stretching my arms over my head. “What time is it?” He glances over at the open laptop that sits next to him on the bed.

  “It’s just after ten.” He answers as I tilt my head side to side, stretching my neck. “I haven’t slept this late in ages.” He gives me a smile as he closes the laptop and sits up fully before swinging his legs over the bed and stretching his arms over his head. “I hope you didn’t stay in bed on my account.” I give him an impish smile as he smirks at me over my shoulder.

  “I’ve been awake for about two hours. You seemed comfortable so I decided to work from bed so I didn’t disturb you.” My brows draw together as I frown over at him. “Jase. You should’ve woken me up. I hate to interrupt your work because I’m sleeping in.” He waves a hand toward me as he walks toward the en suite bathroom. “What do you want to do today?” I watch as he disappears into the bathroom, leaving the door open.

  I fall back onto the bed, stretching my arms and legs as far as they will go. “I could stay in this bed all day.” I smile up to the ceiling as I hear him chuckle. I close my eyes, thinking of how easily it would be for me to fall back asleep. I feel the bed dip down and open my eyes to Jase looking at me from above. His face upside down in my view as he gives me that damned smile.

  “No way am I letting you lie in bed all day when you’ve never been to L.A.” I let out a groan as I slowly sit up, instantly missing the comfort of the bed beneath me. I scoot to the edge, dangling my legs over the side as I watch him strut toward his closet. “We could go shopping, or to a show, or out to lunch, hit the tourist spots. Your choice.” I flop back on the bed without answering him. The last thing in the world I feel like doing is shopping after yesterday, and the thought of getting up and getting dressed to go to a show doesn’t sound appealing either.

  I feel the bed dip down next to me and turn my head to find him lying next to me on his side, his head propped with his elbow as he gives me a smile. “Go get a bathing suit on. I have a plan.” He stands, offering his hand to me to help me up as I moan. “If it doesn’t involve lounging in a bed all day, I’m out.” He rolls his eyes at me, a playful smile on his lips. “How about lounging in a cabana at the roof top pool with an endless supply of mixed drinks from the tiki bar?”

  I tilt my head slightly, tapping my index finger on my chin like I’m thinking it over. He laughs loudly, causing me to giggle. I start for his bedroom door, opening it and stepping out into the hallway. “I’ll be in the kitchen when you’re ready.” He calls across the hallway as I step into his guest bedroom. I quickly brush my teeth and pull my hair into a low ponytail. There’s no use fixing my hair if we’re going to be hanging out next to the pool for the day.

  I step back into the bedroom, flipping open my suitcase that sits on the bench at the end of the bed. I rummage through looking for the one-piece swimsuit I packed, unable to find it. I pull a black, string bikini out, holding it in my hand as the price tag dangles next to my wrist. I walk over to the nightstand where my phone is charging, quickly snapping a picture after laying the bikini out on the bed and sending it to Blake. “What the hell?!”

  I end with a mad face emoji. I stare at my phone as the little text bubbles dance across the screen, letting me know he’s typing. “Bahahaha! Did you really think I was going to let you go out there with that grandma suit of yours?” I roll my eyes after reading his response, chunking the phone on the bed next to the scrap of bathing suit fabric. “Put the thing on and shake your ass in his face!”

  My cheeks burn as I read his text without picking up the phone. I strip out of my pajamas, picking up the bikini and sliding the bottoms on first, then the top. I step into the bathroom, looking myself over in the mirror. “Oh. My. God.” I turn to the side, my mouth dropping open as I take in the bottom of my exposed ass cheeks. My phone pings from the bed and I make my way to it, picking it up to find another text from Blake.

  “How’s it look on you? Send me a picture of your ass!” I shake my head as I type. “No way! My ass is hanging out of this thing! I can’t go out in public like this!” I jump when my phone begins to ring in my hand with a video call. I hit the green button to accept the call, giving Blake a scowl. He laughs boisterously. “Let me see what it looks like. You know I’ll be honest with you.” I let out a sigh as I step back into the bathroom, flipping the screen on my phone so he can see my swimsuit.

  He lets out a low whistle as I turn away from the mirror, letting him see the back. “Damn, doll face! I told you to seduce the guy, but this is almost cruel.” I flip the screen back to me, holding up my finger to my mouth and giving a shush noise as I nervously glance toward the bedroom door, hoping like hell Jase doesn’t hear this conversation.

  Blake rolls his eyes at
me, raising an eyebrow and giving me a look. I push the bathroom door closed with my foot, leaning back against the counter as a small smile creeps onto my face. “He kissed me last night.” I giggle as he tilts his head to the side, looking up with a dreamy look on his face. “Was it like, a kiss kiss, or like, a peck?” I chuckle at his valley girl impersonation, shaking my head slightly.

  “It was a peck, but it was sweet. He didn’t want to tell me what he does for work and I told him it was fine.” I give a little shrug. His eyebrows narrow together in confusion. “What does he do?” I shrug once more. “I’m not sure. We went to some work event thing last night where everyone was an asshole.” I roll my eyes as I recall my run in with Jase’s ex. “I also had a run in with the ex.”

  I quietly tell him about everything that happened last night, letting out a long sigh once I finish. “I don’t like this anymore. Don’t seduce him and get your ass back on a plane. The only people I know who don’t talk about their jobs are drug dealers and pimps.” I let out a chuckle as I shake my head side to side. “You don’t know any drug dealers. Or pimps.” He gives me a pointed stare. “Exactly. What the hell does he do for a living that he can’t discuss with you?”

  I think about my short conversation with Ashley, the personal stylist. It seemed like Jase’s ex may have only been around to spend his money left and right. I refrain from telling Blake my speculations though. Only reassuring him that I’m fine and I’m going to spend the day at the pool. I end the call, walking out of the bathroom toward my suitcase. I grab my bathing suit cover up from the suitcase, pulling it over myself as I step into the hallway.

  I step into the brightly lit kitchen, first noticing Jase at the bar, his back to me as he works on his laptop, two tablets, and his phone. I stare out the floor to ceiling windows behind him, taking in the magnificent view of the city. When we got here last night it was dark, and I’m fairly certain the windows must have been covered because I did not notice the view.

  I walk by him toward the windows. “This view is incredible!” I say as I stop just in front of the window. I can feel him step behind me, his bare chest brushing my bathing suit coverup. “Another reason I bought the place. It’s peaceful working on the balcony late at night.” I turn to him, looking up at him as we stand mere inches from each other.

  I turn my eyes from his, the intensity in our locked gaze becoming too much. Clearing my throat, I take a small step backwards, as much as I can without placing myself against the window. “Are we ready to be poolside?” I turn my eyes back to his, finding a casual grin on his face. “I’m ready if you are.” He turns from me, strolling toward the door in long strides as I watch the muscles in his back flex with every step.

  We lie side by side on a covered cabana lounge next to the roof top pool. Jase really undersold this place. There’s an infinity waterfall, waiters that always circulate refilling our drinks, and the view of the city is spectacular. I let out a content sigh as I roll to my front, folding my arms and resting my head on them as I close my eyes.

  I open one eye as I hear Jase let out a small sigh, finding him staring straight at my ass. A small smile pulls up on my lips as I turn my head, facing away from him. At least he finds my ass nice. After a while I push myself up, turning to sit back on the pillows and face the pool. There’s one other couple in the entire area.

  I watch them as the woman slings her arms around the guys neck, pulling herself up and wrapping her legs around him as he drops his lips to her neck. She closes her eyes, her head falling to the side as a euphoric look comes over her face. I look over to Jase as he nudges my leg with his own, a devious grin on his face. “If you keep staring that hard, they’re going to come over here and ask you to join.”

  My cheeks instantly burn. I smack him in the chest with the back of my hand as he laughs loudly. “Shut up! I was not staring that hard.” He laughs harder, rolling to his side to face me. “They’re always like that. I swear, I think they’ve had sex in every public area in the building.” I glance over to the couple, finding the woman’s back against the wall of the pool and the man’s face pressed between her breasts.

  My mouth drops open at the openly sexual act just as one of the waiters heads their way. He drops down to his knee, talking to them lowly as they pull apart from each other. “He’s asking them to leave the pool.” As they walk toward the stairs that lead out of the pool, they stare at each other passionately. I let out a long sigh as I lower myself back on the chair, closing my eyes and thinking of myself in that position with Jase.

  I glance over as I feel the lounge shift, finding Jase standing and striding toward the pool. He gives me a smirk over his shoulder. “Why don’t you join me, and we’ll pick up where they left off.” My mouth falls open as he turns his head away from me, diving straight into the pool. He resurfaces, giving me a boyish grin, before sending a spray of water toward me with his hand. “Come on, Abbi!” I shake my head slightly, clearing his comment out of my mind as I stand. He was only joking, of course.

  I dive into the pool, swimming under the water and bobbing up beside him. He reaches for me, hooking his arm around my waist and pulling me to him, chest to chest. His hand splays out across my lower back as his eyes bore into mine. “This bathing suit should be illegal.” His thumb brushes the top of my bottom, sending a rush straight to my core.

  I bite my bottom lip with my teeth, pulling it into my mouth as I force my eyes away from his. “I’ve got a proposition for you. For this weekend.” He releases his arm from around me, gripping my hand and pulling me toward the side of the pool. He reaches the edge, placing one hand on the side as he spins me in front of him, my back against the wall. He places his hands on either side of me, as I look up to him through my damp lashes. “A proposition?”

  He glances around us, lowering his body into the water until we’re at eye level. “I’m proposing a sexcation.” I stare at him as my mouth falls open slightly, not quite registering what he’s saying. “What?” He gives a small shrug, keeping his eyes on mine. “It’s been a while since I’ve been with anyone. I’m assuming the same for you, and neither of us are looking for anything serious right now, right?” I lower my eyes to the water between us, staring down at my pink toenails through the water as I think about his words. I definitely want to be with him, but I’m not sure I can do a casual hookup. He may not want anything serious right now, but that’s all I’ve ever wanted.

  “Just two friends, who are obviously attracted to each other, having a great weekend then we go back to being friends. A friendly encounter.” I lift my eyes to his, blinking quickly. “Are you serious?” He gives me that killer sideways smile of his. “Depends on your answer. I may tell you this was all a joke if you say no.” I giggle lightly, looking away from him as the waiter approaches us with two drinks in hand. “I’ve taken the liberty to freshen your drinks, Mr. Jackson.”

  He places them on the side of the pool as we give him our thanks. I pick up the drink, taking a rather large gulp, needing the liquid courage for this conversation. I look back to Jase who hasn’t wavered his gaze from me. I play with the tiny umbrella on the side of my drink as I think about what he’s offering. I’ve never been with anyone other than Remington, and I’ve never thought of myself as the casual fling type of girl.

  Although, I’ve been picturing Jase naked for weeks, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to know what his lips would feel like on my body. “Okay.” I hear myself whisper before I’ve fully processed my thoughts. He raises an eyebrow, as he lifts his drink from the side of the pool. “Okay?” I let out a long sigh, lifting my drink and taking a large gulp from my straw as I stare at his handsome face.

  “Okay.” I clear my throat, hoping to sound more sure of my decision. “But everything goes back to normal when we get home?” He gives me a small smile before taking another drink. “Yes. We get this-“ he gestures his hand between us, his lip pulling up on one side in a grin. “Attraction between us resolved, then we fly back on Sund
ay and go back to normal life. I’ll only be there a few more weeks anyway.”

  I think about it for another minute, sucking down the remainder of my drink and placing it on the side of the pool. It is a means to a burning need that we both have, and he will be leaving in a few weeks. Maybe I can be the casual girl just this once? I place my hand between us, giving him a bright smile. “Deal.” He chuckles as he places his hand in mine and we shake on it.

  “Deal.” He says as we drop hands. Nerves suddenly hit my stomach as I realize what I just agreed to. He seems to notice and takes a few strokes back, raising his empty glass as he glances behind me. He sets his glass on the side of the pool, stroking his arms behind him in a perfect back stroke toward the deep end.

  The waiter places our drinks on the side of the pool next to me, giving me a smile as he takes our empty glasses and turns to walk back toward the bar. I swim toward the ladder and climb out of the pool, the warm air drying my body as I grab my drink and walk back toward the cabana, paying extra attention to swaying my hips.

  I sit back on the lounge, scooting upwards to rest my back against the pillows as I sip my drink. I have a slight buzz already, but I feel like I’m going to need a bit more to go through with this. Jase swims over to the side of the pool, resting his arms on the side as he looks me over. “You want to head out to an early dinner?” I give him a shrug as I suck down my drink before standing and reaching for my cover up.

  He pulls himself over the edge, running his hand through his wet hair as he stands and walks toward me. He grabs a towel from the edge of the lounge, running it along his body quickly before tossing it back to its place at the end of the chair. Placing his hand on my lower back, he guides us toward the elevator, throwing his hand up to the waiters who stand behind the tiki bar as the elevator dings in front of us.