Stuck on You (Crimson Romance)

by Thurmeier, Heather

  Paige smiled and fluttered her eyelashes at him. “So run on down the hall and get them. I’ll wait here.”

  “Oh, sure, no problem. I’ll just run down the hall with this,” he pointed to his erection, “flapping in the breeze. That won’t be obvious to any of the teams I’m bound to run into along the way. And when they inquire where I’m off to in my current situation, I’ll be sure to tell them I’m heading back here to you. Sound good?”

  “Point taken,” she said, biting her lip. Now he wanted to bite her lip.

  He looked around. “Where are Zoe’s things?”

  “I know you want to fool around, and believe me, I want to too, but I can’t let you violate Zoe’s privacy by going through her things.” Paige sat up and pulled the blanket around her. “You think Zoe’s okay, right? I feel a little bad that I’m not, you know, pining away with worry while she’s at the hospital.”

  “She’s fine, trust me. I asked the medic before they left. He thinks it’s a sprain or less.” He opened the bedside table and took a quick peek. Nothing that looked anything like a condom. “It’s the show’s policy to be extra cautious since we’re not on set all the time.”

  He closed the bedside table drawer harder than he meant to and it banged loudly in the quiet room. “Damn it. Where the hell is a condom when you need one? I know Zoe will have one around here somewhere.”

  “I really don’t think you should be doing this. I don’t care how bitchy she is, you can’t go through her things like she doesn’t matter.” Paige’s voice held a distinct hint of annoyance.

  If she knew what he knew about Zoe, she wouldn’t be riding him about it. She’d be helping him find what he was looking for then she’d be riding him because of it. And he’d be happily buried balls-deep inside her right now.

  He stopped and stared at Paige. “Listen, I’m not going to violate Zoe’s privacy. I just need her makeup bag and I’m sure there will be a condom in it. That’s all. I swear I won’t touch anything. I know Zoe.” He sighed, cursing his slip of the tongue. He couldn’t think straight without proper blood flow. He did want to tell Paige about his past with Zoe, but right when he was about to get busy with Paige probably wasn’t the right moment. “I know girls like her. They always come packing protection.”

  Paige thought about that for a moment. “It’s on the bathroom counter. But I swear to God, if you snoop in her things for longer than just a peek for a condom, I’m going to tell on you. And Zoe will totally kick you.” Her eyes glanced down quickly then back up.

  He had no doubt that Zoe would, or where she’d kick him. But luckily, he also knew Zoe would get over it. One quick peek inside Zoe’s normal polka dot makeup bag was all it took to find a row of wrappers. Tearing one from the line, he closed the bag. Then opened it again, taking another.

  Who was he kidding?

  Miles trotted back to the bed, crawling his way up her legs with kisses as he went. Paige giggled when he got to her inner thighs and pushed him away.

  “Miles,” she practically murmured. “Enough already.”

  He hadn’t ever heard anything more wonderful. Sheathing himself, he settled between her legs as she wrapped them around his waist. When her heat surrounded him, he thought he might actually pass out. He’d been thinking about this moment for so long — finally getting to live it was better than amazing.

  He curled over her as they moved together, kissing her lips and neck and anywhere else he could reach. When she scratched her nails down his back, he picked up the pace.

  She responded with little gasps. When her breathing finally gave way to one last moan as she arched into him, he let himself give in too. Collapsing onto the bed beside her, he pulled her into his arms while he tried to catch his breath.

  If he gained nothing else from this entire TV show experience, just one kiss from Paige had made it all worthwhile. This other stuff with her, beside him, satiated because of him, was icing on the cake.

  • • •

  Paige rested her head on the pillow next to Miles, running her hand up and down his stomach in lazy sweeps. She wasn’t trying to entice him into round two, although she could already see the stirrings of interest. For now she was content to be here with him, in his arms — his amazing, strong arms.

  “I’m a terrible teammate,” she said, realizing she hadn’t thought much about Zoe — other than during the whole condom incident — and she’d been at the hospital for a couple of hours already.

  “Why do you say that?” Miles asked then yawned.

  “Because my teammate is at the hospital with a possible broken ankle and I’m here in bed, getting sexed up with a hunk on another team.”

  Miles laughed. “You have met Zoe, right? I’m pretty sure she’d do the same thing in your position. In fact, I think she’d applaud your timing. And I’m also sure she’s fine. She would have been in a lot more pain if her ankle was actually broken. The medic wouldn’t lie to me if he thought there was a real chance she was injured. Nor would Ben leave me here in the dark if they discovered something major was wrong at the hospital. I trust Ben, especially in a hospital. He’ll call if there’s anything to worry about.”

  “So it’s the whole ‘no news is good news’ thing?”

  “Exactly.” He kissed her forehead. The gesture of comfort hit the spot she needed soothed.

  “You don’t think they’re still waiting to be seen and don’t even know yet if it’s serious or not?”

  He shook his head. “No way. Chip Cormack is way too pushy to let one of his contestants sit in the waiting room all night. I’m sure he’s pulled whatever strings necessary to get them in to a doctor right away.”

  She sighed. “I hope you’re right. And I really hope they call soon to tell us.”

  “I don’t. In another forty-five minutes, I’ll be happy for an update, but right now, I have other, more important matters to attend to.” Miles rolled her over so she lay on his chest. If his body was any indication of his mindset, it was obvious he was already way beyond thinking about Zoe.

  Paige wasn’t as sure of Zoe’s situation as he was. But maybe he was right about one thing; they could wait a little longer to hear back about her status.

  And in the meantime, he made a pretty convincing argument about how they should spend their time — starting with the rock hard desire pressing against her thigh. And hopefully ending with a bite of that dinner he’d brought for them, which they still hadn’t so much as glanced at. Hunger could wait.

  • • •

  Paige scrunched her eyes against the blinding light. A bang that sounded like the door closing startled her. “Miles?” she mumbled trying to figure out where she was and what time it was. Had he come back for more?

  “What?” Zoe asked as she shuffled to her bed.

  “You’re finally back. I can’t believe it took so long to wrap a sprained ankle.” Paige sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She stretched. Her body ached in the most amazing ways after her few fun-filled hours with Miles.

  “Seriously. Then Chip showed up with a bunch of legal waivers and forms. God, is this what Cassidy went through every time she fell on The One?”

  Paige laughed. “I think she finally signed a stack of forms and told the medic to fill in the dates as needed. So you’re really okay?”

  “I’m fine. A little sore. I have a splitting headache and a serious case of exhaustion.” She flopped onto the bed, pulling the blanket over her then clicking off the light.

  “Thank goodness. I’m so glad you’re okay.” Paige closed her eyes again, getting ready to settle back into another amazing dream featuring Miles.

  Now that she had real life details of his body to draw on, it seemed her mind couldn’t stop putting him in all kinds of interesting scenarios and positions that would never happen in real life. Her current favorite was one
very detailed dream involving a canoe, a couple of strategically placed life jackets, and some Cirque du Soleil inspired balance.

  “Thanks.” Zoe yawned. “Now if you don’t mind, I’m too tired to talk.”

  Paige yawned back. “Me too. You can tell me all about your hospital visit in the morning.”

  “Deal. And you can tell me all about why our room smells like sex.”

  Paige cringed and pulled the blankets over her head. Damn it. She couldn’t get anything past Zoe.

  • • •

  Paige picked at her breakfast and tried not to look directly at either Miles or Zoe — or even Ben, for that matter. All of them seemed to have big grins on their faces every time they looked at her this morning. It was as if all of them were in on some kind of joke and she was the only one who didn’t know what was going on.

  “What?” she finally asked, unable to take it anymore. “Why do you guys keep looking at me like that?”

  “I’m just admiring the nice color in your cheeks this morning,” Zoe said with one of her sticky-sweet smiles. “Some might even use the word glowing to describe you.”

  Paige glanced to Miles. He couldn’t seem to hide his good mood this morning. Just seeing his smile and the twinkle of deviousness in his eyes was enough to make her cheeks burn.

  “I guess I got a really good sleep last night.” Paige went back to attempting to eat her fruit salad.

  “I’m so glad to hear my hospital visit didn’t keep you awake with gut wrenching worry.” There was no mistaking the sarcasm in Zoe’s voice.

  Paige blushed deeper but for a completely different reason. “I was worried. Ask Miles.”

  Zoe raised an eyebrow questioningly. “Really? Now why would Miles know about your emotional state last night?”

  Oh, no. Why did she say anything to defend herself? She would have been much better off with Zoe thinking she was an uncaring bitch. Now she’d have to put up with Zoe’s relentless teasing and questions.

  “I … ” She paused, trying to think of a feasible excuse. She couldn’t think of anything except Miles’s sculpted body hovering over hers.

  “Paige and I had dinner together last night while you two were at the hospital. She was very worried about you.”

  “But you weren’t? Sweet.”

  Miles nudged her with his elbow. “I knew you were too tough to let some silly ankle bother you. Unless of course there was some very hot doctor on staff in the emergency room last night, in which case you’d suddenly feel as if you were dying and need chest compressions or mouth-to-mouth.”

  She laughed. Actually laughed. It wasn’t often Paige heard that particular sound coming from Zoe. “You know me too well.”

  True. Why was that exactly?

  “Too bad for Zoe the doctor was female,” Ben added. “Beautiful enough to be on one of those medical drama shows on TV, but female nonetheless. Poor, poor Zoe. Not a Dr. Hunky to be seen last night.”

  “Just as well. I’m only here for the game, not for hooking up with random doctors.”

  They continued eating their breakfast in silence for a few minutes. The only sound in the common room today came from the large flat screen TV in the corner of the room playing the local news. All the other teams had already left for the day over an hour ago.

  “Speaking of hooking up,” Zoe said, breaking the silence. “Anyone care to tell me how condoms went missing from my makeup bag?”

  Paige inhaled a piece of melon.

  She coughed, tears springing to her eyes. When the piece of food dislodged, she took a shaking breath then coughed a few more times. She wiped the tears out of her eyes only to find Zoe looking at her with fake innocence on her face.

  Zoe already knew the truth. She’d probably figured it out the second she’d walked in the room last night. Paige suddenly remembered Zoe’s comment about the room smelling of sex. Did sex have a smell? Maybe lust mingling with pheromones.

  “About that,” Miles started.

  Paige shot him a look. Was he really going to tell her what they’d done? How had she been so stupid to let him take condoms from Zoe? Of course Zoe would notice. She noticed everything.

  Damn it. Paige should have insisted Miles go back to his room and get his own condoms, erection flapping in the wind, as he’d so eloquently put it, and all. Anything another team would have said or assumed would be better than having to look at the expression of amusement currently gracing Zoe’s beautiful face. Paige could already hear the jokes and teasing she’d have to put up with for the rest of the day.

  “I may have — ” Miles started, but was interrupted by a breaking news bulletin on the television.

  They all turned to see what had happened. The view of the scene was from a circling helicopter. Below them, in the center of the screen, an emergency rescue boat was pulling something — or someone — into the boat on a bright orange backboard.

  The words on the ticket tape running along the bottom of the screen sent a chill down Paige’s spine: Has reality TV finally gone too far?

  “Oh my God. That’s one of our teams.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Miles stood from the table, drawn to the television. One of the teams from the show apparently had been rappelling down the side of a cliff and had fallen into some body of water. Where they were and what had happened was still unclear.

  One thing was very clear — whatever cache it was they’d been trying to reach, was now off limits. He couldn’t risk Ben or either of the girls getting hurt the way the team on television seemed to be. No cache points or prizes would ever be worth it if one of them got hurt.

  Not after the accident that had happened on the mountain with Ben. Miles would never let something like that happen on his watch again.

  “Which team is it? I can’t tell,” Ben said to no one specifically.

  Miles just shook his head. He had no words. It didn’t matter what team it was, only that one of them had gotten hurt. Hopefully not hurt too badly. Not like Ben had.

  “I can’t tell either. I wish the helicopter would get closer.” Zoe stood right in front of the TV. “They’re way too far away to even see if it’s a team of girls or guys.”

  “I’m sure we’ll hear news later tonight when we get back to base camp. And if no one says anything, then we’ll find Chip and make him tell us.” Paige looked determined.

  “Why don’t we find one of the production assistants right now and ask them?” Ben questioned.

  “We don’t have time,” Miles said, finally pulling his gaze from the news long enough to check his watch. “We’re supposed to check out in a few minutes. There’s probably another penalty for checking out late too. I’m sure Spencer is already waiting for us on the line with his speech about how we all suck for coming in late yesterday.”

  The others nodded and followed him out to the front lawn. Sure enough, Spencer was there with a huge primetime-worthy smile on his face. Chip, however, was missing. Normally he was on the sidelines watching every start and finish of the day, but not today.

  Miles’s stomach sank. Shit. It really was one of their teams that had been injured. No way would Chip miss something like their late start if he didn’t have somewhere more important to be. And what was more important than the drama of a penalty other than the drama of a tragic accident during filming?

  That accident on the news was more serious than he thought. They would have to be extra cautious on their hunt today. He couldn’t let the same kind of accident affect either of their teams.

  An uneasiness washed over Miles as the four of them stood shoulder to shoulder on the start line. Maybe they shouldn’t tempt the weird vibe of the day and skip one day of the show. Go have coffee somewhere and wait out the time they were supposed to be finding caches.

  “Welcome to the start of day fourteen. You�
�re officially halfway, so congratulations. All of you have done very well up to this point.”

  A unanimous grumble rippled through them, confirming he wasn’t alone in his belief that his team sort of sucked. A stark contrast from the success they’d always had climbing. His chosen alliance team didn’t seem much better.

  “Now, we need to take care of some business,” Spencer started with his serious tone. “Last night you had some trouble reaching the check in on time when Zoe took a nasty spill. How are you feeling now, Zoe? Are you able to continue in the competition?”

  Zoe smiled but Miles could see her discomfort as she shifted her weight off of her bandaged ankle. She was remarkably shorter in sneakers.

  “I’m fine,” she said. “I’d be one hundred percent again if that annoying medic had allowed me to wear my heels.”

  “How long are you off your heels?” Spencer asked.

  “Hopefully only a few days, but it could be as much as a couple of weeks.”

  Spencer smiled and nodded as if he really cared. Miles doubted he was even listening to what Zoe said. “Great. Okay. I won’t keep you any longer. Your day starts now.”

  Spencer looked surprised when none of them took off in a sprint to the vehicles. But with Zoe’s ankle and the breaking news about one of the other teams, it seemed as if no one was really in a hurry to get the day started.

  “So how are we working today?” Ben asked, breaking the silence. “Are we going together again?”

  “That was the plan, wasn’t it?” Paige asked, looking to Miles for confirmation.

  He nodded. “Yep. But with Zoe’s hurt foot, I think Paige and I should be the drivers.” It sucked not getting Paige all to himself in his truck, especially after the mind-blowing night they’d had, but it couldn’t be helped. His memories of the night would have to be enough to get him through the day. Then hopefully he could spend tonight making a whole new set of memories with Paige. He just had to figure out where those memories would be created since Ben and Zoe would both be at the lodge tonight.

  Good thing he had all day to figure it out.