Burning Up

by Marie Coulson

  Chapter 27

  Sand, Sea, and Sex

  Pulling up at the beach, I checked myself in the mirror one last time before grabbing a blanket from the trunk and hurrying down onto the sand. I could hear Mel and Amy squealing, giggling, and yelling as I walked across the cool sand. L.A. in March usually meant rain, but the weather had been remarkably mild for a few days. It was perfect for partying on the beach, wrapped in a blanket with friends. Making my way over to our usual spot, I smiled as I spotted Mel and Amy who each had a beer in hand and were sitting on the sand, side by side. The sound of their laughter was intoxicating. As I got closer, I could see the ragged mop of brown hair sported by Nick and the spikey blonde of Eric’s hair. But I couldn’t see Ollie. Disappointment plagued me. I wasn’t eager to see him after our confrontation, but I had missed him terribly. I stood and watched them all for a moment. Mel shoved Nick on the arm for saying something lewd and disgusting, no doubt. Eric was plucking at his acoustic guitar with Amy sitting between his legs, her back against his chest, and her hands around the guitar. She’d been begging him to teach her for months.

  “Waiting for an invitation?”

  The sound of his voice behind me sent a thrill of excitement through me. Smiling, I turned around and threw my arms around his neck.

  “Ollie! Congratulations!”

  Hesitating a moment, he wrapped his arms around me and chuckled. “Thanks.”

  I released him and stepped back a little. “Ollie, I …”

  He shook his head. “Not now. We should get over there.”

  His guitar was hanging loosely over his shoulder, and as he walked away from me toward our friends, I sighed. Ollie quite literally took my breath away. His dark hair, tattoos, and rock star looks were every girl’s dream. He was wearing torn jeans, sneakers, and a white tee, but on him, it was so much more. It was hot, and I could hardly tear my gaze from him. I know what you’re thinking, I’d been having sex with Jared in the coffee shop only an hour beforehand, and here I was drooling over Ollie. But it was more than sexual, what I was feeling. I wanted to be near him. The sound of his voice, the way he smiled, and the stunningly deep brown eyes that had the power to render me helpless were a force I couldn’t fight.

  Nick and Eric got to their feet as Ollie approached and each patted him on the back enthusiastically. Amy practically leapt at the poor guy, and Mel gave him a quick hug but made very little fuss.

  “Dude! We totally did it! A contract! Some bitch is gonna pay us to play! Can you believe it?” Nick yelled with excitement.

  Ollie nodded. “I know. I still can’t believe it!”

  Eric grinned. “Ollie, you, my friend are the man!”

  I walked over and nudged Mel gently who quickly grabbed me and hugged me tightly.

  “Hey girl! Can you believe it, they guys are gonna be famous!”

  I smiled at her. “Aren’t they already?”

  Amy bounced over and immediately pulled me into a warm embrace. “They’re local stars, but now they’re gonna be so much bigger! Global!”

  Taking me by the hand, Amy led me to the crate of beers and pulled one out for me.

  “So, Layla, Now that I’m gonna be a huge star and my junk is gonna be getting all kinds of action, wanna get in their first, have the exclusive before it becomes so fucking in demand that even I don’t get a chance to hold it.”

  I cringed. “Nick, I don’t care how famous you get. I will never have sex with you. Not now, not ever.”

  He held his hand to his chest and pretended to be injured.

  “Oh, that’s cold, baby. I was just giving you dibs on the goods, the offer to unwrap my package.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I’d return to sender for faulty goods if I were you.”

  “Ouch. There’s nothing wrong with my dick!” Nick protested.

  Eric snickered. “Except that it’s attached to you.”

  Ollie laughed lightly and sat down on the ground pulling his guitar from behind him.

  I sat beside him and gave him a weak smile, handing him a beer.

  “Thanks.”

  Mel and Amy sat opposite us, side by side, looking sickeningly loved up. They were one of those couples that you couldn’t help but be jealous of, nuzzling at each other’s noses and exchanging gentle kisses, it was the stuff love stories are written about.

  Nick raised an eyebrow at them and grinned, earning him a jab in the ribs from Eric.

  “Dude, you’re sick, you know that? They’re your friends.”

  Nick shrugged. “I’ve got a dick and it can’t help but respond to a little girl-on-girl action. It’s like a seek and destroy missile. A weapon of mass destruction.”

  Ollie almost choked on his beer. “Missile? Are you serious? That thing is as dangerous as pepper spray.”

  Nick gave him a puzzled look.

  “One pump and you’re left with stinging and burning for days. You’ve probably got more exotic diseases in your forest than the Amazon,” Ollie clarified.

  Nick got to his feet and held his hand to his chest. “I’m hurt. Besides, I don’t remember either of them complaining. They moaned, oh God, they moaned. One of them is even a biter. Mel, oh kitty clawed at me like I was a scratching post and Amy, she used me as her personal teething toy.”

  A sneaker flew quickly at Nick’s head, hitting him square on the ear. Mel cheered in triumph and kicked her shoeless feet in the air.

  “Hey, I’m just saying, anytime you feel like adding a little testosterone and making it a ménage et trois, I’m totally available.”

  Amy cringed, putting her fingers down her throat. “Urgh. I’d rather stick pins in my eyes.”

  Nick sat behind her and wrapped his arms around her playfully. “I’m gonna be a star, baby. That makes you a groupie.”

  I shook my head and laughed as Amy struggled out of his embrace and Mel stared daggers at him. Eric grabbed his guitar and walked behind Nick; he pinched his fingers over Nick’s ear and pulled him up to his feet.

  “You’re gross. A God damn horny dog that humps your leg no matter how much you train it. Maybe we should get you neutered.”

  Mel raised her hand and grasped Nick’s package in his hand. He yelped with pain and desperately tried to remove her hand, but she tightened her grip, digging her nails into his jeans.

  “I’ll happily neuter him right now,” she offered, grinning.

  Nick was squirming and hopping up and down with pain. “Fuck! I give! Let go!” Nick begged.

  “And there was me thinking you were desperate for us to handle your junk,” Amy teased.

  Nick’s face was contorted with pain. “You’re turning them blue! Fuck! All right, I’m sorry!”

  Beside me, Ollie roared with laughter as Eric continued to hold Nick by the ear and laugh loudly beside him.

  “Mel, let him go before you make him impotent!” I yelled through my laughter.

  “It might be for the best if he didn’t breed. Can you imagine another one of these walking around?” Eric chuckled.

  Ollie shook his head and getting to his feet, he kissed Mel sweetly on the cheek. “Cut him some slack, he’s like a damn puppy. He gets all over-excited and can’t control himself.”

  Mel rolled her eyes and begrudgingly released Nick. Eric also let him go and Nick instantly fell to his knees, cupping his crotch and writhing around.

  Taking another beer from the cooler, Ollie looked out at the sea and sighed. Leaving Mel, Amy and Eric laughing at Nick complaining about his bruised balls, I walked over and stood beside Ollie.

  “Have you ever just looked out and wondered what it would be like to just … drift away?”

  I gave him a confused look. “Have you?”

  He nodded. “When I was a kid … one summer, I got on a train and bummed my way from Michigan to L.A. I just wanted to see the beach. My asshole father never even noticed I was gone. I got to the beach and just sat there all day, looking out, and wishing I could just … float away. Maybe wash up on some desert is
land. Anywhere away from him.”

  My heart sank and ached for Ollie the boy.

  “I even waded out into it and thought about laying down and just letting the tide take me away.”

  Gently, I slipped my hand into his as it hung loosely at his side. He glanced down at it and brushed my fingers with his thumb before pulling his hand from mine.

  “Anyway, I was just a desperate kid. Things are finally going my way. My mom and brother are moving here, and I just got signed by one of the biggest fucking record companies in the world. All I have to do is go to New York and sign the papers.”

  I smiled at him. “I’m really happy for you, Ollie. No one deserves happiness more than you.”

  He raised an eyebrow at me and the corner of his mouth curved up. “Shame you didn’t feel that way a few months back.”

  “I did. I wanted you to be happy, Ollie.”

  Turning to face me, he shook his head and took a long drink of his beer. “Funny way of showing it. Did you ever love me?”

  Gazing into his eyes, I cupped his face in my hands and stood on my tiptoes, placing a gentle kiss on his lips.

  “I always did. I still do,” I told him with a sincere affection. I meant it. Every moment I spent with Ollie only made the feelings stronger. His eyes closed, and the cold sensation of his lip ring against my warm and wanting lips was like ice on a hot summer day. He closed his mouth over mine, kissing me hungrily, passionately, and lovingly. I felt a rush of emotion soar through me, and I didn’t even care when the whistles of our friends began to echo from across the sand.

  “Is that a private party? Or can anyone join?” Nick cried out.

  Never taking his lips from mine, Ollie flipped him off. I kissed him with a desperate need. Every ounce of hurt and pain was washing away as his arms slid around me. Breathless, he rested his forehead against mine.

  “I love you, Ollie,” I whispered.

  His nose brushed mine gently and he let out a long sigh. “It’s not enough.”

  Letting me go, he walked away and back to our friends. I watched with a heavy heart. I felt as though I was leading him on, making false promises, and holding hope in my hand for him to take. But I meant what I said; I loved Ollie more than he would believe.

  * * * *

  Sitting on the sand, I began drinking my fifth beer. The bonfire was warm and the dim light paired with the beautiful sunset was so stunning that it resembled something you would see in a magazine. The sound of Eric plucking at his guitar caught my attention, and getting to my feet, I crossed the sand and sat beside him.

  “So, I guess you’re pretty stoked about the contract.”

  He nodded and grinned at me. “You have no idea. This has been my dream for years. We’ve worked so fucking hard and waited so long. None of it would be possible without Ollie, though. It was all his new shit that got us noticed.”

  I looked at him, perplexed. “New stuff?”

  He nodded. “Yeah. That music book he carried around with him all the time. It’s crammed with songs he wrote. Really emotionally charged stuff. Chicks eat that shit up. It’s all stuff about love, broken hearts, and whatever.”

  I pressed my lips together and looked out at the sea. “They say you should write what you know.”

  Eric snorted. “Ollie sure knows heartache. His mom bailed, his dad beat up on him, and then you … well, you know.”

  I nodded weakly. “Yeah. I know.”

  Putting down his guitar, Eric nodded toward Ollie who was laughing with Mel and Amy as Nick animatedly told some story about one of his latest conquests.

  “He really loves you, you know? I mean, I’ve known Ollie a long time, and he’s not the kind of guy who chases after a girl. Girls chase him. They flock to him, and he’s always been knee deep in pussy. Then he met you. It was like he became a totally different guy. Monogamy wasn’t exactly his thing, and the next thing I know, he’s packing a bag and getting on a plane to London to try and win you back. I told him it was a stupid idea, but he didn’t care. Said he had to try, because if he didn’t he’d never forgive himself. Layla, Ollie’s my best friend. I had it real bad as a kid and when I met him, he helped me turn my life around. He bought me my first guitar, and now he’s got us an amazing opportunity to be famous, rich, and play our music for the masses. It’s my dream. He’s an awesome guy, and any girl he ends up with is seriously lucky to have him. He’d treat her like a fucking queen. So, tell me one thing, do you love him?”

  I stared at him, speechless. I’d never had Eric down as such a deep and emotional guy. His sweet baby face stared back at me, waiting expectantly.

  “I do,” I said a little hoarse.

  He nodded and picking up his guitar, he smiled. “Then stop dicking around and tell him you want to fuck his brains out, get married, and make a whole bunch of kids. Because this back and forth shit is getting really boring. Besides, I know it’s exactly what he wants, too. Even if he won’t admit it.”

  “Hey! Southern Bell, what are you ladies clucking about over there?” Nick yelled.

  “Yeah, you two look very cozy,” Mel teased.

  I rolled my eyes and turned my attention to Eric. “Southern Bell?”

  Eric winced and laughing; Ollie pulled out his guitar and started strumming. “Alabama, baby!”

  Eric opened one eye and made a face that suggested he was in pain. “Please don’t. I beg you.”

  Chuckling, Ollie began to play the tune Sweet Home Alabama. Pulling Amy to her feet, Mel began to dance around on the sand. Nick pulled out his drumsticks, and grabbing the empty ice bucket, he began tapping a beat on it. Amy bounced over, took my hand and pulled me up to dance with her and Mel. The alcohol running through my blood was loosening me up, and giggling, I joined them. The sun was going down and I was dancing on a beach with my friends. Did life get any better?

  * * * *

  Lying on my back, looking up at the stars, I sighed. Mel and Amy lied on either side of me. The drinks had been flowing for hours now, and I was feeling more than a little merry; I was totally sloshed. The music hadn’t stopped, and the guys had played all of their favorites while we girls danced and sang on the sand.

  The mood was calming, and strumming his guitar gently, Ollie sat opposite me. I leaned up and gazed at him as he played one of my favorite songs, More Than Words by Extreme. Every line was heartfelt, deep, and emotionally charged, and Ollie sang it beautifully. His voice was husky and delicious. The words flowed from his mouth and reminded me of melting chocolate, smooth, enticing, and warm. His eyes were blazing with passionate and powerful sentiment. I knew he was trying to tell me how he felt. Ollie always found music as the best way to express himself. But as wonderful as that song was, it couldn’t compare to the next he played.

  Where do I go from here?

  How do I go on without you now?

  You left me all alone with so many questions

  And all I have is a hole inside my soul.

  Baby come back to me, I promise I’ll be better.

  Come back because we’re meant to be together.

  If only you had given me time.

  If only I had made you mine.

  Can you hear the breaking of my heart?

  I want you now; I need you forever.

  I’d cross an ocean and give up on you never.

  I’m holding the shattered pieces of my heart.

  If you say you’ll be mine, I’ll never let us part.

  Mel and Amy gazed at him dreamily.

  “Ollie, that was … amazing,” Amy swooned.

  “Yeah, wow. I never knew you had that kind of thing in you,” Mel said beaming at him.

  He glanced at me before placing his guitar on the sand.

  “Yeah, well. It got us signed, so I guess it did its job.”

  Eric nodded while Nick rolled his eyes.

  “Soppy, sappy shit. But hey, if it gets me laid,” Nick said, grinning like a smug cat who got the cream.

  Getting to his feet, Ollie brushed
himself down. “I need a walk.”

  Turning on his heel, he started down the beach. Everyone was staring at me. Amy gave me a penetrating stare.

  “What?” I said, looking between her and Mel.

  “Go after him,” Mel gushed. “You know you want to.”

  I shook my head. “Oh, no. I’ve had enough drama for one day.”

  The two of them gave me an inquisitive stare.

  “Jared,” I stated. The two of them instantly sat bolt upright, and checking that the guys weren’t listening, they leaned in closer. Eric and Nick were engrossed in a discussion about the record deal and seizing the opportunity, so the girls began throwing questions at me. Rolling my eyes, I explained what had happened at the coffee shop. The argument. The office. The sex. The reporter. Everything. Mel’s face turned serious and Amy’s expression was thunderous.

  “You had sex with him!” Mel whispered angrily.

  I nodded. “It’s not like I planned it. It just happened. I couldn’t stop myself.”

  Amy snorted a laugh. “Yes you could. It’s easy. It’s one fucking word! It’s no.”

  I held my head in my hands. “I don’t need a lecture. I know what I did, but I wanted it and I won’t feel bad about it.”

  Mel groaned. “Layla, will you ever learn your fucking lesson? Do you enjoy the torture or are you that stupid?”

  I got to my feet and kicked at the sand in frustration. “I know, okay, I know. But since when are you both so perfect?”

  Amy sighed loudly. “Sweetie, we’re not putting you down, we’re just worried that you’re falling into the same trap you always did with him. Fighting, fucking, making up, and then fighting and fucking all over again.”

  Mel nodded. “Exactly. Baby girl, we just want you to be careful.”

  I took a deep breath and glanced behind me. I could still see Ollie walking slowly down the beach.