Rush

by Violet Vaughn

  She shakes her head and leans against him. He glances at me and says, “We’re leaving.” His eyes are stormy, and my instinct tells me to just let them go.

  I speak before I can help myself. “I’ll help you.” Not waiting for an answer, I part the crowd and lead them out of the club. My heels click a staccato up the steps, and I push the door open and hold it while Derrick carries her through.

  Nika’s voice is muffled by Derrick’s chest, but I think I hear her say she’s sorry.

  He responds in a tender voice. “It’s okay, honey. I’m taking you home.” The tone changes when he speaks to me. “I’ve got it; go back to your friends.”

  “At least let me open the car for you. Okay?”

  He sighs. “She won’t like that you’ve seen her like this.”

  A shiver runs through me as the chill from the night air reminds me even summer can be cold here. “It’s a little too late, don’t you think? Besides, I’ve seen, and been, the drunken girl before. I’m not exactly horrified.”

  He snorts. “Figures.”

  “Oh, and you’ve never had too much to drink? God you’re a sh—schmuck.” Why I let this guy piss me off in an instant, I have no idea. This is one screwed-up relationship if I’m letting him talk to me like this.

  We have turned the corner to the parking lot, and I see a black Range Rover with New Hampshire plates. “Twin cars, too? Cute.” I’m being a snarky bitch, but I can’t help it. “Where are your keys?”

  He stops at the car, and his eyes squint in anger. “Front right pocket. Make sure the keys are all you grab.”

  So tempted to twist his balls, I force myself to get the keys in a calm manner. “Seems to me you wanted me to do more than grab just a few minutes ago. Fickle, aren’t you?” The double beep of the unlock button sounds, and I open the passenger door.

  Derrick sets Nika down on the seat and turns to me. Tugging his shirt down, he sighs. “Look, I’m sorry.” He reaches out to touch my face, but I pull back and he frowns. “Thanks for your help.”

  “You’re welcome. Drive safely.” I begin to stomp and quickly morph my walk into something sexier. Because if I’m leaving him standing there watching me, then I want him to feel it all the way to his cock. Dickhead.

  By the time I turn the corner my anger has dissipated. What is my problem? Taking care of your drunken sister is a good reason to be cranky. Besides, I had every intention of taking him home, and he was probably hoping for the same thing.

  I slip my phone out of my wristlet and tap out a quick text to Derrick. I snort and hope what I say makes him smile. “Sorry I was a schmuck. You’re a sweet brother.”

  I then text Nika. “Let me know if I can do anything. Been there, more times than I can count. Thanks for coming out tonight. My friends love you, and now they’re your friends too.”

  When I walk down the stairs to the club, I decide I’m done with dancing. I enter the restaurant instead. The aroma of fried food welcomes me, and I’m glad I avoided the cologne-laced musk odor next door. My mood picks up when I find the guys playing pool.

  Kaleb nods at me. “Finally, some competition.” His eyes crinkle with laughter as Nick punches him in the arm.

  Jason asks, “Where’s the boy toy?”

  “He took Nika home. She had too much to drink.” I choose a pool cue from the rack.

  Nick says, “Nice guy.” The crack of a ball sounds as he hits the two ball into a pocket.

  I flash a smile at him and change the subject. “Nice. I call Nick next game.”

  Jason smirks at me when Nick misses his next shot. He squats down to eye the ball placement and says, “Watch and learn, poster girl, watch and learn.”

  Thinking about how great he and Casey are together, I smile. I will.

  Chapter 11

  “So embarrassed, thx 4 help” Nika’s text came in when I was on my run.

  I pull the chilled water pitcher from the fridge and fill a tall glass. Icy liquid quenches my thirst as I gulp down half of it. I walk with my phone to the living room to stretch. I text back. “Don’t be. We’ve all done it.”

  She texts back within a minute. “D hasn’t.”

  Wow, that guy is strung tight. “Is he mad?”

  “Yup, ruined plan to get laid”

  What? So not comfortable discussing this with his twin. “When do you leave for your shoot?”

  “Was kiss steamy?”

  “I’m not talking about this with you.” So Derrick told her he kissed me. I’ll take that as a good sign. I guess I can give her a little something and send another text. “Yes :)”

  “Yippee! Tomorrow”

  I reply.”I’ll miss you. I’ll try to keep Derrick company ;)”

  “Counting on it.”

  I chuckle and send Derrick a text. “Still on for dinner this week? I won’t grab without permission.” Now a big smile covers my face as I do a yoga balance pose.

  The memory of our walk floods my mind. First, I think about the heavy make-out session. Feeling a familiar twinge, I shift my focus to the way he was when we were just talking. It was like a normal relationship with a guy that cares. Is he falling for me too? Is that why I scare him?

  My phone vibrates, and it’s a text from Derrick. “I’m glad you can respect personal space. Is Wednesday still good?”

  He’s way too serious. I text back. “I think you like me in your space. Wednesday is fine. What time?”

  “I know you like me in yours. I’ll pick you up at the club at four.”

  I chuckle and reply. “That’s fine. See you then.”

  ***

  I check the clock on the bar computer screen for the hundredth time. It’s only three, and the restaurant is dead. A yawn emerges and I think about coffee. Walking over to the waitress station, I calculate how much sleep I’ve gotten in the past few days. Averaging about five hours a night, it’s no wonder I’m tired.

  The delicious scent of coffee surrounds my nose as I pour a hefty cup for myself. If things go as planned, I won’t be catching up on any shuteye tonight. My skin tingles in anticipation of Derrick’s touch.

  “Daydreaming about me again?” Rick calls out from the kitchen window. He’s sharpening a knife, and the zing of metal makes him appear sexy as his body moves fluidly. He’s a good-looking guy.

  I flip him off and take another swig of my coffee.

  “Hey, I’ve got a seven a.m. tee time tomorrow, want to play?” Rick’s tone has lost the sarcasm, and I consider his offer.

  “I would, but I’m busy tomorrow morning.” Well, maybe. Truth? I hope I’m under the covers with Derrick at that time. But I can’t know that. Uncertainty didn’t stop me from packing an extra work outfit in my backpack though.

  “S’cool. Maybe another day.” I watch as he walks to the back of the kitchen in search of another knife. He’s a ski patroller at Breck in the winter, and it occurs to me that he’ll probably work with Derrick.

  Then my mind flashes to Derrick’s body. I’m going to see that man naked. My core flexes at the mental image. I shake my head and walk back to my bar. I’ve got to stop this train of thought or I’ll do him in the car on the way to his house. Great. Now my thoughts are there, and the idea has me oozing.

  I grab the brass polish and a rag to shine up the bar taps and bar rails. A little physical exertion might relieve some of this sexual tension. White, pasty liquid floats on top of the rag for a moment before it sinks in, and I rub the rail with a vengeance.

  Two more cups of coffee and a lot of shiny brass later, it’s four o’clock. Right on the nose Derrick strolls into the restaurant.

  I can’t help the smile that comes, and I say, “Hey. Tom just went to the safe and I’m cashed out. We’re just waiting until he returns.” I had run down to my locker earlier, and I hoist my backpack on my shoulder as I walk out from behind the bar.

  Derrick’s green polo shirt is damp on his chest from playing golf. I move a little closer to inhale his musk. He asks, “Good day?”


  “Not bad. Good round?”

  “Not really. It was one of those days that make me wonder why I play this game.” His eyes twinkle to let me know he’s teasing.

  “Yeah, games can be tough.” I tease back, and he chuckles as if surprised by me.

  Tom approaches us, and I begin to walk. “Have a good night.”

  “Thanks, Gretchen. You too.”

  I wave and wink at Rick as he watches me walk out with Derrick. The grin on his face makes me think he knows what I might be doing tomorrow morning, and he seals it with a thumbs-up.

  Pushing through the door, I ask, “So the plan is I run with the dogs while you slave away at an amazing dinner for me?”

  The sound of golfer’s cleats on pavement carries over to us as we head toward the parking lot. “No. I’m going to run with you.”

  “You run?” I’m not sure why this surprises me.

  “I do. And those mutts are kind of crazy; I wouldn’t make you deal with them all on your own.”

  Interesting, he didn’t really need me to run the dogs. We’re at his black vehicle, and I move toward my door. “Those mutts are cute, and I think you secretly like them.” I grin at him as he opens my door. So polite. I slide onto the hot leather.

  “I don’t hate them. I’m just not a dog person.” He shuts the door for me.

  Derrick gets behind the wheel and puts on sunglasses. His dark hair does the swoop thing, and I feel like I’m with a movie star. The muscles in his arm flex as he reaches behind my seat to turn his head and look out the back to pull out of the parking spot. I glance longingly at his neck and ache to taste the salty flavor of him.

  The car is hot from being in the sun for hours, and I’m wondering why Derrick doesn’t turn on the AC. When he stops at the main road, he unbuckles his seat belt and whips off his shirt with one hand. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. That was incredibly sexy. He throws it casually in the back, and I can’t help but smile. Here I thought he might want to fold it. He is definitely not vanilla.

  While I ogle his pecs, he rebuckles his seat belt and rolls the window down a bit. He places his hand on my thigh over the fabric of my Bermuda work shorts. “These are all wrong for you. You should take them off.”

  Okay, way to take me from flustered to wet in a heartbeat. Not sure if he’s serious, I answer, “I will soon enough. My running shorts should make you happy.”

  “What would make me happy is if you took those off, now.” It sounds a little bit like an order, and I feel my anger simmer. He pulls out onto the road and speeds up quickly.

  “Zero to sixty just like that?”

  A smile slowly forms on his face. He pulls his sunglasses down so I can see his eyes as he glances at me. “Just like that.”

  His meaning isn’t lost on me this time. I slide my feet out of my sneakers and socks and then wiggle out of the shorts. With a quick flick of my wrist, I throw them in the back. “Shall I take off my shirt too?”

  “Yes, please.” He licks his lips as he lowers the windows further to let a breeze flow briskly through the car.

  We must be going way over the speed limit, and it sends shivers throughout me as I lift the shirt over my head. Sitting in just a thong and my sheer stretch-lace bra I feel sexy.

  Derrick asks, “Better?”

  “Much. You should probably take your shorts off too.” I put my feet on the dash and lift my arms above my head, drinking in the wind on my body.

  “Perhaps you could help me with that in a few minutes.” His tone is even, and it leaves me wondering what he has planned.

  We fly by the dirt road to Derrick’s house. I ask, “Wasn’t that your turn?”

  He flashes his killer smile as he steals a glance at me. “It was, but we aren’t going to my house.”

  The road narrows and turns to dirt. “Where you taking me?”

  He taunts me. “You’ll see.”

  A colder breeze snakes though the car, as we get deeper into wooded land. Suddenly water appears as the dirt road becomes a small parking lot for public boat access. Although not for motorboats, according to the sign.

  The area is void of cars, and my mind goes to dangerous places. My nipples harden as desire spreads through my loins. The gears clunk into park, and our seat belts zing back as we both release ourselves at the same time.

  He asks, “A little dip?” The idea of a swim tempts me almost as much as knowing Derrick is about to shed his clothes.

  I’m out of the car before he can come around to my side, and I meet him at the back. He lifts the hatch and reveals two beach towels.

  He kicks off his boat shoes and lets his eyes land on my breasts. “Nice bra.”

  I’m not a modest person, but I feel a bit exposed. My work bra is revealing with a lacy, floral pattern. In an effort to level the playing field, I say, “I believe you need my assistance?” I step closer and grab the soft cotton waistband of his shorts.

  His voice drops into a rumble as he says, “I do.” He puts his hands on my shoulders, and the metal of his button is hot when I unbutton it. His zipper seems to growl as I pull it down. My hand grazes his hard length through his boxer briefs, and he moans.

  Derrick’s shorts drop, and he steps out of them. Grabbing my hand, he says, “C’mon.” Stones poke at our feet as we pick out our way quickly along the rocky ramp toward the water.

  “It’s cold, so you’re going to want to do this fast.” He drops my hand and runs a few steps before diving in.

  I follow, and the icy temperature takes my breath away. I go under and swim a few strokes before breaking the surface. A gasp escapes my mouth. “That’s freezing!”

  Derrick chuckles and swims away from me. He has the stroke of a competitor and it’s a pleasure to watch. Not a bad swimmer either, I race to catch up. We continue long enough that my heart is beating fast when he stops.

  “Refreshed?” Droplets glisten on his tan shoulders as he treads water.

  “Very. You?”

  He looks down as if he can see through the dark water. “Definitely more relaxed.”

  I snort and say, “I bet I could fix that for you.”

  He tilts his head at me and gazes long enough that I’m about to say something to break the uncomfortable silence. Damn it, he unnerves me.

  His voice is husky when he says, “I plan on it.” He dives under and swims back toward the shore.

  An involuntary shudder shakes my shoulders. Holy hell, that man knows how to get me hot. I follow and let the chilly lake help me regain control.

  Chapter 12

  Derrick reaches the shore well before I do, and I think it’s on purpose. He manages to wade into the water with a towel for me by the time I’m ready to stand and walk out. How sweet.

  Is he concerned about my modesty? Somehow I doubt it, but the air on my wet body causes goose bumps, and I welcome the fluffy cotton. “Thanks.”

  I wrap the oversized towel around my body and use the end to squeeze water out of my ponytail. “Do you ever bring the dogs here?”

  “Yeah. It’s an ordeal getting them all back home, but they love it. They were bred to be fishermen. They get very concerned about people in the water and can’t help but try to herd you back to shore.”

  I climb through the car door he opened for me. “That’s cute.”

  “Kind of.” He walks to his side and gets in. “I prefer to throw things for them to retrieve instead. But Nika is a fish and can’t resist a good swim.”

  The engine rolls over to a hum, and I ask, “Really? Was she a swimmer?”

  “She was.” His mouth gets tight as if he’s angry. Huh.

  “And now she’s a famous model. I suppose swimming helps with long, lean muscles.”

  Derrick snorts with disgust. “Not eating is how she stays thin. That’s why she got so drunk the other night. Before a shoot she starves herself. She’s convinced she’s one pound away from being fired.”

  I’m tempted to defend Nika, but I’m sure it wouldn’t go over well, so I keep quiet.
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  “She doesn’t need to model. We have plenty of money, and I hate how it makes her feel.”

  He’s angry, and I’m not sure what to do. I’m not afraid, but I’m not stupid enough to fuel it either. I sit in silence with my thoughts.

  Truth is I’m a bit anal about my body too. I work hard to stay lean and in top physical condition. But I don’t let a couple extra pounds keep me from flaunting what I’ve got. As far as I can tell, confidence in your appearance is the key to turning on almost any guy.

  I’ve returned my feet to the dash and lazily let my hand surf the air outside my open window as we bounce along the dirt road. Derrick lets out a big sigh that makes me wonder what he’s thinking. “Sorry. I worry about my sister and just wish she would listen to reason.”

  I decide to try to lighten the mood and joke. “I hate it when people don’t take my great advice too. Darn free will and all that. Idiots.”

  His face warms up in a grin. “Exactly.” He turns onto his road, and I hear the hum of a band saw. Jason’s truck is ahead at a construction site. This is a new development, and there are a few houses still being built.

  I point at it. “That’s Jason’s truck. He works construction in the summer.”

  “He’s a funny guy. Instructor, right?”

  “Yup. So were the other guys you met at the club. I know a couple patrollers if you want to meet them. But no rush. There will be a big party at the end of the summer I can take you to.”

  The odor of cut pine threads through the air blowing into the car. Derrick says, “Well aren’t you just the welcome wagon?” He chuckles.

  It makes me smile. “I’m going to take that as a compliment.”

  We pull into his driveway, and he says, “It is. Most girls I date are looking for what they can get from me, but you seem to search for things you can do for me. It’s nice, that’s all.”

  “Well, then you’ll understand what I’m about to say. I’m a little uncomfortable with the big tips you leave me. I don’t want your money.”

  The muscles along his jaw flex, and I’m afraid I’ve insulted him. I quickly add. “I appreciate it, really. But it feels awkward.”