30 Days

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30 Days Page 13

by Larsen, K


  Colin’s grin grows wide as he takes the nip and chugs it.

  “Thanks.” He chortles.

  “Ok, let’s get started then! Face your partner and stand close together- close enough that your torsos are touching.” Larry positions us.

  “I like this.” Colin grins devilishly at me.

  “Colin, place your right hand on the middle of Elle’s lower back. Extend your left hand out to your side with your arm bent and grasp her right hand in a loose grip. On the first beat, walk forward slowly with your left foot, placing down your heel first and then your toes. Elle will mirror each of your movements on every beat throughout the dance.”

  The music starts and Larry guides us through the moves he just explained. On the second beat, we step forward slowly slinking forward together followed by stepping forward quickly and immediately sliding our feet quickly to the right. We practice this a few times until we’re comfortable with it before moving on. I love the way Colin’s body cradles mine. The heat he gives off.

  “Great! Now, shift your weight to your left foot and do a right forward rock step: While making a half-turn clockwise, step forward quickly on your right foot, and then quickly shift your weight back to your left foot. With your right foot, slowly step forward to complete the half turn.”

  “Ah what?” Colin stops moving us completely confused. Larry laughs at our flabbergasted faces and walks us through the rest slowly. After running through the moves almost ten times we finally nail it and move around the floor seductively together in a real tango. My body buzzes with excitement as we dance.

  “This is awesome!” I squeal. “I feel like one of those professional dancers being swept all over the floor by you.” Colin’s only response is a shit eating grin as he keeps me pressed tightly to him and continues to move us to the music.

  Our lesson was quite possibly the most fun I’ve had in a long time. The closeness of the moves, the way he lead me around the floor and the fact that he too enjoyed himself has my heart beating wildly in my chest. Joy. Unadulterated joy. Unbuckling my seatbelt I lean across the middle console of the car and start trailing kisses from his ear down to his neck.

  “What’s gotten into you?” He smirks.

  “You make me feel Colin. I don't want the past to define me anymore.”

  “It doesn't define you. You define you.” He puts the car in park and turns to me. “You’ve been doing all these things, we’ve been doing them. Do you realize that we’ve done more together in two weeks than most couples do in a lifetime? We fit Elle. I want you to enjoy me. I love seeing you carefree and happy.”

  “I need to thank your mom.” I blab causing him to treat me to one of his dimples and a deep belly laugh. It’s such a turn on seeing him so happy and content.

  I crawl into his lap, my butt beeping the horn accidentally in the process, and kiss him like the world is ending. Our kiss soon becomes frenzied and desperate. We can never seem to get close enough to each other. I pop the door handle spilling us out of the car his mouth is gentle as he kisses me below the slope where my neck and shoulder meet. We barely make it into the cottage before clothes are flying and I’m in his arms, legs wrapped at his waist. He stumbles back smashing me into the wall but that doesn't break our kiss. His erection presses between my legs and I think I’ll go insane with need if he doesn't take me soon. “Colin.” I pant. “I need you.” He adjust his hips and slams into me.

  There are no words for the pleasure it brings me. Pounding into me with lust lidded eyes he reaches one hand between us and finds the one spot that drives me insane. I don’t have time to catch my breath from his lascivious kisses before a strangled groan tears from my throat and I’m twisted tighter until I’m coming. Wave after wave of earth shattering tsunamis break over me until I can’t cling to him anymore. I never understood what it felt like to both desire and feel desired before now. He carries all my weight with ease finishing moments after I do. Sliding down the wall to the floor in a mess of body parts he murmurs in my ear, “The things you do to me.” His words make me tremble, not in fear but in knowing that he’s crazy about me. Every action matches every word he speaks to me. He shows me nothing but love and kindness. He gazes at me as if I were the center of his world. It’s a heady feeling. His fingers draw lazy patterns up and down my arms for a spell until we’re forced to move from the unforgiving hardwood floor to somewhere more comfortable.

  DAY 17

  “So I think today we should go for a drive down the coastline. What do you think?” I ask post workout.

  “Sounds like a good idea, did you have anywhere in mind?”

  “Hmmm... I don't know.” I roll my eyes upward and tap my pursed lips in thought.

  “Elle? What’s up your sleeve?”

  “Come see!” I yelp with excitement. This morning Colin had an early client so I had time to pull off the best surprise. I drag him behind me outside and wait for him to notice something.

  “Elle?”

  “What’s strange about the street right now?” I watch as he glances up and down the street until his eyes finally rest on a bright yellow Ferrari.

  “Is that a...” “YES!” I cut him off. He looks like a kid on Christmas morning, jumping around wildly, eyes bugging out and squealing like a little girl.

  “Can I drive it?!” He asks still gaping at me.

  “Yes, you can drive down the coast if I can drive back...” I barter.

  “Whatever you want! Holy shit this is going to be the best day ever!” He’s still screeching and I can't help but roll with laughter at his response.

  “Ok, we have to shower if you want to ride in this thing... come on big guy.” I say tugging his hand. He shakes his head a few times like he’s trying to wake up from a dream before following my lead and hitting the locker room.

  ***

  The car is stunning in the flesh, as you'd expect, the interior finds a new level of elegance and class with hand stitched leather combined with brushed aluminum. It’s gorgeous. What this beast does best is get you all hot and bothered, making you write bad checks and leaving you gasping and clutching trying to explain to your new friends the South Carolina State Troopers why temptation was impossible to resist. I cannot wait to sit my ass in that immaculate piece of machinery next to my amazing girl and go for a ride.

  When Elle and I finally fold into the Ferrari, and I swear she took extra-long getting showered and dressed today just to torment me, I am so giddy I actually stall the car twice just trying to start it. Only slightly embarrassed at my gaff I poke fun of myself. “Third time’s a charm right?”

  “Sure Rico.” She laughs. God I love that fuckin’ laugh she has.

  “Did you actually just reference Rico Suave?” I tease.

  “Yep. I sure did!”

  Turning the key once more while clutching this time I almost come in my pants as the engine comes to life. I swear the car actually purrs. I put her in gear and we shoot down the street. I like the feeling of the sudden acceleration but anything with an engine capable of launching the car to sixty two miles an hour in less than four seconds and topping it out at almost three hundred and twenty klicks is not exactly a Sunday-drive-to-meeting station wagon. Elle is squealing with delight as we speed towards Route 17. Outside of meeting Elle, this might be the highlight of my life. Heads turn, women stare, hell, even men stare as we blow past them looking sexy as hell.

  “Faster!” Elle yells over the engine. Her face is lit up like the Fourth of July. I gently press on the gas pedal and we shoot forward, gravity pressing us both into our seat backs. The sun reflects off the ocean sparkling to our left and the saltwater breeze only adds somehow to the exhilaration of the moment. For the next hour we speed along the coast taking in the sights and enjoying the ride.

  “Do you want to stop and grab a bite while we’re here?” I ask as we enter Charleston.

  “There’s supposed to be a great new place I read about.”

  “Here?”

  “Yeah, Husk, I
think it was on Queen St.” She says.

  “Let’s see if we can find it.”

  After getting lost twice we finally find our way to Queen Street and find parking with some ease. The restored Victorian house’s relaxed atmosphere is alluring as we walk up the front porch. The smells wafting from the windows already have my mouth watering.

  ***

  “It smells delicious.” Colin declares while we’re waiting to be seated.

  “Agreed. I can’t believe we’re here. The picture I saw in the write up doesn't do this place justice. It’s awesome.” The atmosphere is comfortable and laid back with true Southern Charm oozing from every nook and cranny. Colin orders the shrimp and grits with tomato braised peppers and surry sausage and I get heritage pork with smoky field peas and kale.

  When our meals arrive we barely talk. The food is astoundingly good. We’re both gushing over it to the point of feeding each other bites from our plates to share the greatness. As we walk out I pat my belly feeling stuffed. “That was amazing.”

  “I’m glad you read about it, no one should miss out on that food.” He smiles down at me.

  “Keys please.” I state sweetly when we arrive at the car. A frown turns Colin’s mouth down making me giggle. “It’s my turn. You had yours. Come on... hand ‘em over.” Reluctantly Colin retrieves the keys from his pocket and sets them in the palm of my hand as if they were made of gold.

  “Be good to her.” He whispers. I groan in mock annoyance at his show of testosterone before walking to the driver’s side. When we’re both buckled in I start the engine and carefully ease into first. One touch of the gas pedal and we surge forward. The power this car yields is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. It grips curves with ease and seems to move forward on its own accord with little assistance from the gas pedal. Now I understand why Colin looked like he was having an orgasm the entire drive here. This piece of machinery is all power and seduction. It’s a trip to drive. People check you out as you drive by them as if you just lost a hundred pounds and became a supermodel. I like it.

  The entire drive, more like race, back Colin’s hand plays with the hair at the nape of my neck. “You look extra hot driving this car.” He grins checking me out.

  “You didn't look so bad yourself.”

  “Before we return this we’re taking a picture together in it.” He declares excitedly as we enter Searsport.

  48 hours after escape

  Dr. Rand

  “We have to find her!” Ryan shouts over the phone.

  “Mr. Darling we are doing everything we can.” I calmly tell him. He snorts in my ear.

  “Listen Dr. Rand, if we don’t find her you don’t get paid. The bitch wiped out her account!” He sneers.

  “I’m well aware of what happens if we don’t find her Ryan. I am confident that we will though. She took the list. There’s only one reason she’d take it and that’s to accomplish the things on it.” I explain.

  “What the fuck is this list you’re talking about?” Ryan sounds frustrated.

  “I’ll email it to you when we’re done, but essentially if we go by the list we can probably track her down. Did you hire an investigator?”

  “Yes.” He bites out.

  “Great. I’ll email you the list. You might want to get a copy of it to him as well.”

  “Fine. Send me this fucking list of hers.” He says through gritted teeth.

  “Very well. I’ll speak with you soon. Keep in touch.” I hear the click indicating dead air and hang up the phone. Dammit Elle, what have you done?

  ***

  Ryan

  I sit at the laptop clicking refresh every five seconds waiting for Dr. Rand’s email. What the fuck is this list he thinks will help so much? The chirp notification lets me know I have one new message. I click it open and start reading.

  From: Aaron Rand

  Sent: Friday, August 04, 2012 10:39 AM

  To: Ryan Darling

  Ryan,

  Below you will find a copy of the list Elle has compiled over the last six months. There is no specific order that I’m aware of that she might do them, if she does them at all.

  1 Have dinner alone

  2 See a movie alone

  3 Say yes to everything for one day

  4 Start a conversation with a stranger

  5 Learn to fight

  6 Trust someone

  7 Rock Climb

  8 Sing karaoke

  9 Kiss a stranger

  10 Volunteer for a day

  11 Play the piano in a hotel lobby

  12 Skinny dip in pool after hours

  13 Kiss in the rain

  14 Take a cooking class

  15 Send a message in a bottle

  16 Take a ballroom dance lesson

  17 Rent a Ferrari for a day

  18 Sleep under the stars

  19 Throw a drink in someone’s face

  20 Have a picnic

  21 Get a tattoo

  22 Watch the sunrise

  23 Read a book out loud

  24 Learn to make pottery

  25 Bungee jump

  26 Fire a gun

  27 Steal something

  28 Get kicked out of Wal-Mart

  29 Slash a tire

  30 Find happiness

  I highly suggest you send this along to the P.I. as he might have some ways of looking into some of these kind of items.

  Best,

  Dr. Rand

  ** Confidential Notice **

  The information contained in this message may be privileged

  and is confidential information intended for the use of the

  addressee listed above. If you are neither the intended recipient

  nor the employee or agent responsible for delivering this message

  to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any

  disclosure, copying, distributing or the taking of any action

  in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly

  prohibited. If you have received this communication in error,

  please notify the sender immediately by replying to the message

  and deleting it from your computer.

  You have got to be shitting me. That is the dumbest list I’ve ever seen. I’ve been paying for her therapy and that’s what they’ve been talking about? Elle must be even more fucked up than I imagined. As long as she's locked up or dead all her assets go to me now that her sister’s out of the picture.

  “Mick, yeah it’s me Ryan. Did you get the email?” I ask.

  “Yes. It’s definitely worth looking into some of those. How many bungee jumping, cooking classes or Ferrari rental places do you think there are in a hundred mile radius? Shouldn't take long to find her if she attempts any one of those.” Mick replies.

  “Well she’s got a hundred grand in cash with her. She might have used it to leave the country.” I grumble and drag my hand down my face in frustration.

  “Nah, I bet ya she’s within two hours of you. They never go far.” He says calmly.

  “I hope to hell you’re right.”

  “I got some calls to make. I’ll touch base in a couple days or if I have an update.”

  “Yeah. Ok.” I grunt.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll find her.” He says before hanging up. I set the phone on the desk and look around the room. I have people to pay off, toys to indulge in... bills to pay, three grand isn't going to last me long.

  2012

  August

  Tuesday morning I’m anxious when I wake up. I meet with the attorney today. I shower and dig through the haphazard selection of clothes I grabbed searching for something classy to wear. Eventually I settle on a plain blue summer dress and sandals. I sweep my hair up and away from my face into a loose French twist, put on some light makeup and pace around the cottage for three hours until it’s finally time to leave.

  “So what you’re telling me is that you want to fill out all the paperwork for divorce now but you do
n't want to file it?” Joe Jowett asks.

  “Yes that’s correct. I want it all ready to go in case I need it.”

  “Elle, you’re going to have to explain what exactly is going on.”

  I sigh in dissatisfaction. I don't know if I can tell him everything, given I’m a missing woman.

  “You can’t share any details of our relationship can you? Even if I might happen to be a missing person?” I venture.

  “Confidentiality clause says no, I can’t share what we talk about.” He nods.

  “Well, I inherited a lot of money and assets over the last ten years. My husband had me committed seven months ago and I escaped because he granted himself power of attorney stating that I was a danger to myself, suicidal.” My cheeks burn with humiliation but I continue. “This gave him access to all my funds that I’ve kept separate from him. I withdrew the cash that isn’t tied up...but he could still sell the house and try and go after the investments I have, leaving him a very rich man. Unless he finds me he can't access any of that. If he finds me and locks me up again under the pretense that I’m a lunatic he will clean me out because he can. So, I’d like all the necessary papers drawn up to protect myself and my assets so if he should come after me I can call you and put everything in motion. To save myself.” I explain hesitantly.

  “I see. I will need you to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to have on file stating that you are of sane mind. As a back up to filing for divorce. As all the money and assets are in your name only. I see how Power of Attorney was his only legitimate option to gain access to it all. He needs you alive.”

  “Speaking of that, currently he doesn't. My will leaves most everything to him and my sister. My sister recently passed away. So now everything goes to him. I need a new will drawn up too.”

 

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