"Hey! Is everything okay over there?" a ski patroller hollered, breaking the tense atmosphere.
Edwin released me and waved to the patroller. "She's okay, I think. She just bumped her head," he hollered, embarrassing the shit out of me.
"Come on out of there, it's not safe," the patroller called.
Edwin helped me to my feet and this time we managed to inch over to safety on foot.
"You shouldn't be over there," the patroller told us. "Those slopes are for experienced downhill skiers only."
"I'm sorry. I couldn't stop," I admitted.
"I see," he replied, smiling with Edwin. "You're sure you're okay?"
I nodded, utterly embarrassed.
"Alright then,” he said to me, then turned to Edwin. “You take care." He pushed off and glided down the slope with such masculine grace that it sickened me.
Before I could decide on my next move, Edwin was helping me on my way. I was surprised how patient he was being with me and I couldn't help but wonder if he was only doing it to get a rise out of Cameron. I still fell another two times, battering my already bruised body, but I finished on my feet and that was a small miracle.
Cameron was waiting for me at the bottom again and he didn't look very impressed. "I thought you got lost," he said to me, then narrowed his eyes at Edwin.
"You could say that," Edwin answered, just to push Cameron’s buttons.
"Could you leave us alone, please Eddie?" I begged.
"Whatever you want. See you later." He took off immediately, heading back for the lift, where I saw Hunter and Aliah waiting in line. Aliah waved at me wildly and I raised my hand to acknowledge that I saw her.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not going again. I'm afraid I might kill myself if I try hard enough. You're not mad are you?"
"I'm not mad," he replied, with pause. “A little disappointed, but not mad."
"I knew this was a bad idea." I shook my head with regret, then I plopped my sore ass into a snow bank. "I'll just hang out down here and watch you, if that's okay."
"Okay, I guess. Why don’t you watch for me and tell me how good I do.” He smirked. “I'm not the most experienced skier, but I think I’m getting better with every run.”
I smiled at his attempt to make me feel better, as he bent over for an awkward kiss. “I’ll be back before you know it,” he said, before skiing off.
Determined to put the skis away for another lifetime, I snapped them off and piled them next to me. As each of my friends glided effortlessly to the base of the mountain, I felt more and more angry. Why did everyone insist that I engage in the one and only sport that I couldn’t actually do?
Cameron had gone down the mountain two more times and I told him how great of a skier he was, even if he was only mediocre at best. The icy wind chilled me to my core, as the frigidness sunk into me, bone-deep. The falling snow was getting heavier and it got to the point where I couldn’t control my trembling body.
Cold, lonely and depressed didn’t even begin to describe how I felt, as Cameron pulled up to me. I stood from the snow bank and threw myself into his arms. He knew I was done.
"I'm going to head back to the hotel," I told him. “I’m freezing to death out here.”
With both poker sticks in one hand, he reached for me. "I'm coming with you."
I instantly pulled back. "No. I don't want you to suffer because I suck. I want you to go and have fun. Was this not the whole point of the trip?"
He shook his head no. "Actually, spending time with you was the whole point."
I smiled, but when I saw Hunter and Aliah making another pass down the hill, I hollered out to them. "Hey guys, I'm gonna get going, but I'm trying to get Cam to stay."
"We're thinking of heading over to a bigger slope," Hunter hollered back.
“You should come with,” Aliah added.
He looked at me, unsure of what to do. I could tell that he really wanted to go.
I gave him a quick kiss. "Go. You don't need me dragging you down. I'll be fine on my own."
"You're sure?" he double checked.
"Yes!" I pushed him away so he’d take the hint.
“I guess I’ll see you in a bit then.”
I nodded and hurried back to the lodge to lose the skis ASAP. Still bundled to the chin, I enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace. The flames seemed to have a pleasant effect on me, my skin tingling while I waited for my body to thaw out.
Relaxed, but insanely bored, I glanced over to the counter and watched the people returning their equipment. Edwin was standing in line to return his skis. I watched him as he unzipped his jacket, sweat glistening on his forehead. And here I was, frozen.
"Hey!" I called, trying to get his attention.
He handed his skis to the lady and carried his boots to a nearby bench. He quickly slipped them on before coming across the room to see me.
"I wondered where you guys went," he said, looking around for Cameron.
"They went to check out some better slopes. You could probably catch them if you hurry."
"Nah. I've had enough. Do you mind if I hang with you for a while?"
Bad idea. "Sure."
He nodded and smiled, then headed for the canteen to get himself a drink. When he returned, he removed his jacket and took a seat next to me on the oversized lounge chair. He draped his arm over the back of the chair and settled in next to me. I wanted to ask him to move away, but he was so incredibly warm and I was so deathly cold.
"You're freezing," he said, looking down at me.
"I know. This is helping though," I said, showing him my warm drink.
He snuggled up a little closer to me. "Are you having fun at least?"
"Well, I was, until the whole skiing thing," I answered, a smile finally gracing my lips. “I could’ve done without the bloody nose last night though.”
He couldn’t help but laugh at me and I wished that the deep rumble from his chest hadn’t warmed me immeasurably. "I think maybe you should leave skiing alone and take up something else next time. Like knitting."
"Knitting?” I shook my head no. “Not gonna happen."
He smirked, still teasing me. "I give you five years."
I shoved him playfully and he shoved me back gently with his large, warm hand.
"Oww!" I howled, suddenly feeling like a walking boo boo.
Edwin raised a brow at me. "I barely even touched you."
"I know. But now that I'm warming up, I'm starting to really feel it."
Edwin chuckled at me again and the smile never left his moist, pink lips. "Maybe we should head back and get you some aspirin. You've had a rough couple of days."
"So, you've noticed," I replied, unimpressed with my incompetence. I slowly stood to my feet and groaned from the aches and pains.
We made our way back to the hotel and again Edwin was patient, even with my turtle's pace. When we got in the hotel elevator, just the two of us, the air turned stifling. I looked up at Edwin and he grinned, as the elevator slowly headed for the second level. When the door dinged, I rushed out ahead of him.
"Let me walk you to your door," Edwin insisted.
"No," I hollered. I spun around, not expecting him to be so close behind me, and he nearly knocked me to the floor. "That's not necessary." I straightened up and whirled away, with lightening in my step.
I became very suspicious of his intentions, as he followed after me. I put my key in the door and opened it on the first try, then let it slam behind me before Edwin could slip inside.
"You're not going to invite me in?" Edwin asked. His disbelief was evident, even through the closed door.
I peered out the peep hole, wishing the dreadful feeling in my chest would go away. "No."
"That's rude," he replied, raising his eyebrows at me. He delivered me a pointed look through the peep hole, as if I had hurt his feelings.
He knew I was watching him? Tough. I was not letting him in.
"What can I say, Abs? You were my best friend, wh
o I liked to kiss and do other fun things with." His smile grew wicked, then faded out, and his arched eyebrows fell flat. "And now I have to feel guilty for trying to steal you from him. Bastard. I had you first."
My scowl hardened, but he couldn’t see it. "Eddie, you need to back off. Whatever it is that you're trying to do here, it won't work."
"What are you saying?" he asked, not budging from my doorstep.
"You should go.”
I saw how quickly Edwin became agitated. It had to be the moment when he realized how much of a hold Cameron had on me.
"You deserve better," Edwin growled.
"What do you know?"
"I know that you're settling with him and you deserve more than that."
"I'm not settling. I love Cam."
"You think you do. Time will tell," he said. Then he stormed off, not leaving me a chance for rebuttal.
I was infuriated by his innuendoes and frustrated by his words. My blood boiled and I knew there was only one way I would be able to get any relaxing in now. After running myself a hot bath, I stripped naked and slipped into the steamy water, overcome with a warmth that relieved my sore muscles and eased my mind. I soaked in it for a long while, until my eyes shot open.
"Abby, you in there," Cam called from the door.
"Yeah," I replied, rubbing my eyes.
"Everything okay?"
"I'm just in the bath. I must have fallen asleep." The water was cool and my skin wrinkly, suggesting I had been soaking a lot longer than I had planned. I quickly escaped the tub and made myself presentable.
I tousled my waterlogged hair with a hand towel, as I walked out to greet Cam. "How was it?"
"It was excellent. I wish you could've been there," he said, pulling me into his cold embrace.
I locked my lips onto his and gave him a warm kiss. "I'm glad you had fun." I smiled, but was unwilling to put up a front. "You should know that Edwin walked me back."
He sighed, not knowing how to respond. "That man's incorrigible. He really needs to learn how to mind his own business."
"I promise it was totally friendly."
"I don't trust the guy," Cam admitted.
I peeled him out of his jacket and rubbed my hands over his chest, hoping to ease his tension and lighten the conversation. "It doesn't matter, Cam, because I love you."
He smiled at me and his anxiety seemed to brush right off his shoulder. His eyes slowly perused over my chest and when they landed on my lips, he looked ready to devour me. His thumb brushed gently over my bottom lip, before he nibbled on it.
"Hungry?" I teased.
"You seem to have that effect on me," he said, with a slanted smirk.
Unable to elude his penetrating gaze, I looped my arms over his shoulders and leapt into his arms to kiss him fervently. His hands explored my thighs, until he dropped me on the bed, and I was as good as his.
Later that night, Cameron treated me to an amazing candle-lit dinner and showered me with love for the rest of the evening. We went for a dip in the pool, and I gave him all of my solicited attention, as the others left us to our own. Later yet, we relaxed in our hot tub and gazed at the stars, our limbs wrapped around each other, skin against skin.
It was like I was falling in love with him all over again.
CHAPTER THREE
I WAS LUCKY TO be spending the last day of the year with the most amazing people. After sleeping in late, I curled up on Cameron's chest and he wrapped his strong arms around me, keeping me pressed tight against his smooth, hard body. He kissed my bare shoulder and gazed at me in such a way that made me feel so special. Never had I felt so content and secure in my life.
We shared breakfast in bed and it was so delicious. I sipped on my orange juice and had a taste of Cameron, by flicking my tongue into his accepting mouth. He lifted the tray from the bed, then crawled on top of me, urgently finding my mouth again. Our lips connected, but it wasn't enough. I needed more. My body begged for it. Cameron sank his kiss even deeper yet and, with his growing erection pressed against my thigh, I couldn’t resist him.
He pried himself off of me long enough to rip open a condom and slide my panties to my ankles, then he was moving inside of me, like it was his home. It was a perfectly snug fit, with every inch of him sliding in and out, creating an enchanting friction.
With a moan and a gasp, I came undone beneath him, my nails digging into his flesh, clinging to the reality that was slipping from my fingers. His mouth covered mine, as he growled with release, but he didn’t stop kissing me for a long while.
When he finally rolled aside, I showered him with my smile. "That was amazing. You’re amazing," I said, sweaty and satisfied. My palms smoothed over his chest, then I climbed on top of him and leaned down to kiss his sexy lips another time.
“Speaking of amazing…” Cam replied, as his eyes devoured my naked body now straddled over him.
Feeling awfully exposed, I smiled softly and reached for my robe. I thought I would give Cameron a hand and reached for his bag, intending to pass it over to him, but he tackled me before I had the chance.
"I can get it!" he shouted.
It startled me, and when he stuffed his bag quickly into the corner, it had me very concerned.
What was he hiding?
"I made arrangements for you and your girlfriends to get pampered for the day at the spa downstairs," Cam said, stealing my curiosity. "I hope you don't mind. I wanted it to be a surprise."
Damn, I hated surprises, but he was really good at them. "Mind? I mean, I would have enjoyed it more if you were there with me. But still, how could I mind?"
Cam’s smile slanted lazily across his lips. "I thought you might say that. Jessica and Maddie acted the same way when I told them.”
"What about Aliah?"
"She'll be there too. Go and have fun with your friends." He smiled sweetly.
"Do I dare ask how much this is costing you? The last thing I planned to do was drain your life savings.”
"You dare not ask and don’t act all surprised. You should know by now that I don't half-ass anything." His blue eyes glimmered at me before he checked his watch. "I love you and I want you to be happy. Go on, they're probably waiting for you now."
"What are you going to do?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
"The guys were going downstairs to work out, so I thought I'd check that out. We'll probably just shoot the shit for a while after that. So go," he insisted.
I slipped on my bikini and flip flops and topped it with my robe. I wrapped my arms around Cameron, giving him a hard, deep kiss and a soft press of my body, before I let him go. He wouldn't forget that kiss anytime soon.
When I exited the elevator on the main level, I found my ladies waiting for me.
Aliah tapped her toe. "Is this true? Maddie tells me Cam's treating us to a spa day. She can't be serious."
I shrugged my shoulders. "Yup. That’s what I hear."
Aliah’s eyebrows remained high on her forehead in disbelief.
"Must be nice to have a man who's made of money," Jessica said, sounding more than a little jealous.
"Not to mention his other redeeming qualities," Maddie noted, not keeping her fascination with Cameron a secret.
I smiled to myself, recalling his hard body, sharp wit and soft lips. "I certainly can't complain.”
***
EDWIN SANTORA WATCHED THE door swing open to the smallish exercise room. Cameron Clarke was the last dude he wanted to see walk through that door. He didn’t need that extra dose of adrenaline, or the other emotions that spiked through him, but it was out of his control, just like Abby’s decision was.
Edwin had come on this trip in hopes of getting Abby out of his brain, but dumb-ass Cam decided he’d bring her along. It was bad enough he had to witness Abby ogling Cam all weekend, but now he had to put up with Cam’s arrogance too. Funny how just a minute ago his muscles were feeling the burn and now, suddenly, he was ready to flip a bus.
Jealousy hung thick in the air as Cameron lifted a couple of free weights from the stand. Edwin dropped back on the bench, after loading the bar with weights way heavier than his usual limits. This was one thing he had Cameron beat at and he’d make a point of showing him that.
When he finished his third rep, he knew Hunter was impressed, but it didn’t stop him from coming out with his potty mouth. The other two guests in the room decidedly took their leave, obviously intimidated by all of his large, heated muscle. Edwin chuckled to himself, wondering what a beast he must look like, every muscle flaring from his extended bout of weight lifting.
Cameron pressed out a harsh breath on his last lift, then tossed the heavy weights to the floor, gravity making them clank loudly when they connected with the ground. He sat up on the bench and lazily glanced at Hunter.
"I should probably give you guys a heads up," he announced to Hunter, though it was really Edwin who he was warning.
Edwin finished the last of his dips, wiped his forehead with his t-shirt, then tossed it over his shoulder. He padded across the floor and every muscle in his body rippled as he eyed up Cameron.
"Heads up? For what?" Hunter asked, his curiosity just as vicious as Edwin’s.
"It's probably just that we're next at the spa," Edwin teased, laughing at his own joke.
Hunter laughed along, but Cam's face stayed serious, his eyes locked dead on Edwin.
"Actually, this has to do with Abigail. I thought you especially would appreciate a little notice."
Edwin lifted his chest as his lungs filled with air, then dipped his chin before his fists started flying. Adrenaline flooded his senses, as he winced at his own overactive imagination. He growled. He actually growled. "She better not be knocked up already, you fucker."
He approached Cameron, looking dangerous and intimidating, but stopped a few strides away, his teeth clenched, fists balled at his sides.
Cameron laughed at Edwin's response. "That's not it, you tool.”
Edwin didn’t scare very easily, but that had knotted his chest in a way he never could’ve imagined it would. He took a deep breath, and the knot loosened ever so slightly.
A Twist of Fate (The Twisted Trilogy) Page 4