Rush (Trojan Book 4)

by S. M. West

  “That looks so cool.” Pru holds Crystal’s hand. “I want to do that.”

  “Yeah, but not now. We’ll have to come back, or we could continue your lessons in Montauk. I’ve heard Ditch Plains is good for beginners.”

  “Yes,” Crystal says, already wading away.

  “Where are you going?” I slide off the board, eyes on my daughter.

  “I’m going to play.” She plops onto the sand at the water’s edge.

  “Ditch Plains sounds like fun.” Pru’s gaze slides from my daughter to me.

  “You know what sounds like fun?” I pull her to me, arms around her waist, hands on her ass.

  “Hey, perv.” Her hands drift to my ass and she does the same. “Nice buns.”

  “You and me.” I chuckle, thrusting my pelvis into her stomach, and her mouth opens at the feel of my hardening length against her. “Beck’s ‘Never Tear Us Apart.’”

  My lips land on hers and she greedily opens for me, our tongues dancing. Yet she’s the first to break the kiss as if only now registering the song reference.

  “Is that another test, because I don’t think Beck did a cover of ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ and INXS owns that song?” Her expression is dire, leaving no room for dispute.

  A smile, the one I always get when we talk music, plays on my mouth. “Yeah, it’s an INXS classic, but Beck recorded it as part of his Record Club with St. Vincent’s Annie Clark. Sure, Hutchence killed it, but you should listen to Annie’s voice…chills, I tell you. Chills.”

  She shivers at the word, and a smile breaks out on my face. I can never get enough of her, and under the water, my hand slides between her legs to cup her sex through the wet suit.

  “I want to feel how wet you are for me.” I groan at the far too many layers between us, and she bites her lip, heat burning in her gaze.

  “Who says I’m wet?” She’s coy, pushing away from me and diving under the surf.

  If I didn’t have my board, I’d be on her. Instead, I wait until she resurfaces to give her a look. One that conveys all the dirty things I’m going to do to her when we’re alone.

  Then she’s gone, swimming to shore to grab her board. Crystal glances at her before going back to the sand. I stare, dumbfounded. She’s going to try to get on the board…in the water. Why can’t she take me at my word when I say she isn’t ready?

  Cupping my hand around my mouth like a megaphone, I say, “What are you doing?”

  Pru wades out with her board, pausing a couple of feet from me. “Watch this.”

  “Oh, I will.” I shake my head and smile.

  She’s one determined woman, driven and passionate, and she won’t believe me until she tries. And knowing Pru, I wouldn’t be surprised if she proves me wrong.

  Lying stomach down on the longboard, her arms glide through the water on either side of her board as she paddles toward the wave. I’ve only explained the feel of catching a wave; she needs to figure it out for herself.

  Then she places her hands flat on the board at chest level and does a push up. She bends a leg, one foot on the board, but lifts her hands from the surface too early.

  Pru yelps, body tilting to one side and arms pinwheeling as she falls into the water. A few seconds later and she breaks the surface of the water, brushing her hair from her face.

  She pays me no mind and tries again. I watch in both amusement and wonder as she tries several more times with fewer shrieks and more growls from her as her frustration grows.

  But what’s fascinating is how she doesn’t give up, giving it her all each and every time. Pru gives new meaning to the word tenacious. And each time is like her first, she’s calm, focused, and with every breath, it’s clear she believes she can do it.

  By the seventh or eighth try, I’ve had enough of watching her slight missteps. She’s close, but it really does take practice. The biggest challenge to the pop-up is finding your balance, like learning to ride a bike. You have to find that perfect state where you could ride the thing with your eyes closed and fingers off the handlebars.

  “Hey, you don’t have to do this today or on your own.” I wade closer as she hangs off the side of her board, hair slicked to her forehead and eyes shining with the staying power you only see in some of the best athletes. “You know, I didn’t say you wouldn’t get in the water and on the board today because I didn’t believe in you.”

  “What?” Her head twists to look at me, glaring in the way someone does when yanked out of deep concentration.

  Quickly, her expression turns into a sheepish grin, and she gives up the climb back onto the smooth top. Her body sinks into the water.

  “I’d stay out here with you for however long it takes. It’s just that we have to go in soon. The gang’s meeting us for lunch, and we still have to pack.” I regret not taking her out onto the water sooner.

  Her desire to conquer this is strong and fierce and so much more than about surfing. I wanted to help her achieve her goals. I wanted to be there for everything and anything. If she needed me, I’d be there.

  “I know. It’s just that I think I’ve got this.”

  My fingers wrap around one of her wrists, and our gazes collide. “Oh, you’ve got this, not a doubt in my mind.”

  Her smile is easy and bright. “But we have to go in. We’re leaving today.”

  I nod and smile, filled with a mixture of melancholy for what we’re leaving here on the shore of the Pacific and hope to find more of the same when back on the east coast.

  “Yeah. We’ll go to Ditch Plains as soon as we can.” I lean in, only getting so close because of our boards. My salty, dry lips find hers, and the kiss is quick but packed with so much promise. I murmur against her mouth, “And you’ll rock the waves.”

  She laughs, and her wet, prune-wrinkled hand cups my jaw. “Okay. But I want to try one more time and then we can go in.”

  It’s my turn to laugh, nodding my head and slowly backing away. “Can I offer some constructive feedback?”

  “Yes, Jedi Master.” She tips her head with a sly grin.

  I chuckle. “Okay, get back on the board. You’ve got the paddle and push-up down. Where you still need work is keeping your hands flat.” I move her palms down on the board. “It’s tempting but don’t grab the rails.” I tap a side. “You’ll tip and create drag. Also, when you’re on your feet, don’t bend your upper body. Again, it’s tempting because you’re looking for your balance, but you’re more likely to fall off. Stand up and keep your knees bent.”

  “Okay. Got it.” Deeply focused, she paddles away from me, toward a wave, and this time she’s up, following all my tips.

  It’s short-lived when her excitement gets the better of her, and she squeals. Her body lists to one side and no matter how hard she tries, she’s unable to course correct and find her balance. Pru slips into the water and under the wave.

  Nevertheless, she did it, and what a sight it was.

  Bursting from beneath the water, she spins in my direction as I raise a fist into the air and holler, “Whoo-hoo!”

  Splashing and giggling, she swims toward me. “Did you see that?”

  “Hell yeah!”

  Pru wraps her arms around me, laughing, and Crystal stands at the shore, clapping and cheering.

  This right here is a glorious feeling. Pru in my arms, my daughter close by, happy and part of this. I’ve finally found what I’ve wanted for so long, and I don’t want it to end.

  We’re going back to Manhattan, and I only hope we take this feeling of family, togetherness, us against the world, with us.

  28

  Eli

  Don’t fight us

  We don’t spend too much longer in the water before grabbing a light breakfast, packing up our things, and heading out for lunch.

  Our goodbyes are difficult, and it’s hard to believe the three days in Los Angeles are already over. Daisy and Gray will soon be in New York to leave Henry with us, going on to the Outer Banks, but that won’t be a true visit.

/>   As predicted, my time with Pru is almost nonexistent when we get back. My schedule on set is packed, and Bryce has Pru spending most of her time at the studio with Tristan.

  I swear the guy is flubbing this one scene so he can have her to himself. It’s a stupid thought—I know this logically. He’s a professional, and the scene in question is pivotal to the overall story.

  Although I’d like nothing more than to wipe the arrogant smirk off his face every time he catches me staring at them. When we lock eyes, he inches closer to Pru, heads together, and my blood boils.

  This is her last week on set. The foreign language scenes will be done and while I still have another week and a half, her job will be over. We haven’t talked about what, if anything, that means for us. But I plan to, although tonight isn’t the time.

  Daisy and Gray flew in earlier today and have already left, leaving Henry at home with Crystal and Janet. Pru’s coming for dinner and offered to stay the night, to help with Henry, if needed.

  When I get home, the kids are watching a movie in the living room.

  “Hey, you two.” I kiss them on the tops of their heads and neither says a word, eyes glued to the screen.

  I chuckle at how they’re both engrossed in the movie about a boy’s quest to break his family’s generations-old ban on music. Crystal could recite every word of it since she has seen it so many times.

  “Hey.” I stroll into the kitchen, smiling at Janet before I lean down to kiss Pru on the forehead.

  “Hi.” She smiles up at me, hands full with plates, and my chest swells, overcome with unbelievable joy.

  I can’t tear my eyes away from her, struck by how beautiful she is, not in a glamorous way but more fresh and vibrant girl-next-door with her clear blue eyes like the Caribbean ocean and a tender smile.

  Her jaw-length hair is usually down in soft golden waves, shaping her face. Tonight she’s tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to pull it back into a ponytail, if I can even call it that. The tail is no longer than an inch, more a stub than anything else, with stray strands falling in all directions, but no less cute.

  Who would think coming home to her like this, something so everyday as setting the table or making dinner, would be the highlight of my day? I kiss her once more, this time on her lips, and she sighs into my mouth.

  Janet wipes her hands on her apron. “Dinner is ready. We’ll dish out. The kids are hungry.”

  “Okay. Let me change out of these clothes, and I’ll be back.”

  After dinner, Pru and I take the kids across the street to the Safari playground in Central Park for a bit before bed. Henry will sleep in Crystal’s room, in her bed, and she will be in a sleeping bag on the floor next to him.

  Once back at the apartment, kids in bed, I go to the living room where Pru’s scrolling through her phone.

  “Well, they are down.” I stretch my arms over my head and yawn.

  “Any problems?” She doesn’t look up, engrossed in whatever is on her phone.

  “Nope. What do you feel like doing? A drink? Music? A movie?”

  Her gaze finds mine. “Um, music sounds good. Maybe something mellow? I’m exhausted.” She lifts her feet onto the coffee table and continues scrolling.

  “What has you so interested?” My eyes dip to the phone.

  “I’ve got a text from one of the contacts that snubbed me after I left CE.”

  “What does it say?” I study her, but she’s glued to her screen so I can’t see her eyes.

  “Only to call them. I wonder if Whitney or Ross have explained things to them?”

  “I hope so.”

  “Me too. And the UN wants me in for another round of interviews.”

  “That’s great.” I search for the remote and she shrugs, twisting her lips.

  “I guess.”

  “Why—” I stop talking when Henry totters into the room, his stuffed octopus in one hand. “What’s wrong, bud?”

  “I miss my mommy and daddy.”

  “I’m sure they miss you too, but they’ll be back in a few days.” Pru softens her voice and pats at the cushion beside her. “Do you want to call them tomorrow?”

  We’d already agreed to video calls daily for both Henry and his parents’ sake. He spoke to them before I got home, but we can’t call them again tonight. Gray has a surprise planned for Daisy, and I don’t want to ruin that.

  He nods, and I marvel at how easily he climbs into Pru’s lap and curls into her, taking her by surprise. At first, she’s stock-still, staring at me wide-eyed then at the child before coming back to me.

  Nodding, I smile, understanding all too well the comfort being near her provides. I mouth the word “relax” and the tension leaves her body, and almost on instinct, she secures one arm around him and runs a hand through Henry’s hair.

  Grabbing the remote, I turn on some soothing music before sitting beside her, and we listen to tunes. Slowly, his eyelids begin to droop and while he gives it a valiant fight, forcing his eyes to open every so often, eventually he’s out.

  We sit there a little longer and I take her hand, weaving our fingers together. I can’t explain how good it feels to share these normal, little things with someone. No, not just someone—with Pru.

  I could sit here all night, but eventually she shifts, awkward and stiff, trying not to jostle Henry. Her body must be seizing from being in the same position for nearly an hour.

  “Let me take him to bed.” I gingerly scoop him up, and she stands, stretching and shaking out her arms.

  When I return, Pru’s slipping on her shoes and stuffing her phone into her purse. “I’m going home.”

  “Why? I thought you were staying the night?” I’m in front of her now, and she’s looking anywhere but at me.

  I slide a finger under her chin and tip her head up to face me. We stare at each other and I need no words to see it—something dark and tumultuous swims in her once light, clear eyes.

  “What’s wrong?” My gut churns, and I want to make whatever’s wrong go away.

  “I…I’m tired and I’ve got another long day with Tristan tomorrow. He needs more coaching and I…” Her words die on her tongue as everything about her deflates like a dying balloon. “I’m sure I’m part of the problem.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’ve never done this before, and even though things have been going great and Bryce is happy, I’m not a dialect coach.”

  “Hey, you’re great. Don’t beat yourself up. The two of you will get there. It’s not only the dialogue. It’s a tough scene.”

  I’m not completely clueless, and while I’m guessing, the mention of work and her doubts about her role are deflections. Her mood shifted at some point with Henry, or more accurately, at how easily he’d taken to her, just like Crystal or anyone else who’s ever met her. And that’s why she’s leaving.

  For some reason, most probably because of her mother, she’s uncomfortable with love and acceptance.

  That’s all I want to give her.

  I love her. Have for some time now, but she isn’t ready to hear it.

  “Hey, don’t run.” I pull her to me, never liking any distance between us. “Stay the night.”

  “Eli, I can’t.” She looks away once more. “I know I said I’d stay, but Henry’s down now and I’m sure he’ll sleep through the night.”

  “I’m not worried about Henry. He’ll be fine. I want to spend the night with you. I miss you.”

  She laughs, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “We just spent three nights together in LA and practically every waking hour for the past four days.”

  “We weren’t together last night.” My jaw tenses, not appreciating or accepting this feeling isn’t mutual.

  Surely, she missed me last night too? We slept in our own beds, floors apart, and I tossed and turned, suddenly adrift without her by my side.

  A sinking, hollow sensation floats through me, making me shudder. It feels strangely like I’m losing her, and I need to make her mine in eve
ry way.

  “Move in with me.”

  “What?” She jumps back as if shocked, and I hardly realize what’s happening. “No. No. I need to go.”

  “I know this is more than what we both expected or agreed to when we started seeing each other.” Tone calm and even, I take a step in her direction, but she’s continually inching out of the room.

  “Eli, no.” Her body shakes. “Don’t change the rules midgame. Things are good the way they are.”

  Now she turns, marching toward the door, and I’m on her, grabbing her shoulder to stop her. She whirls around, eyes glistening, cheeks flushed.

  “Exactly. We’re amazing together.” My hands clasp her shoulders, holding her in place, and from where we are joined, the volatile energy radiating from her buzzes through me. “Don’t fight us.”

  She wrestles from my grip, pulling away not only physically. “Moving in together isn’t a step I’m willing to take.”

  “Okay.” I jump on the fact she hasn’t said no, hasn’t shut the door on a future. “Okay. Maybe not now but think about it. We could move in together later. At some future date.” I try to play it off as if the next logical step is somewhere far, far in the distance.

  I’ll do anything to help her accept this, the idea of us, together.

  “There’s nothing to think about. I’m not moving in with you. Not now. Not ever.” Her words stagger me, destroying me like war ravages humanity.

  29

  Pru

  Betrays me

  Dark eyebrows snap together, and nostrils flare as he pales. Eli’s speechless, staring at me as if he’s only just seeing me for the first time. And more importantly, he might not like what he sees.

  I don’t want to hurt him, but moving in together is out of the question. And way off what we agreed this, whatever this is between us, would be.

  “Night.” I turn on my heel, open the door, and scurry to the elevator.