Cooper squints his eyes. “Merge?”
Meg steps in and says, “We’ll get a series of shots with you two pressing your bodies together. On the tramp, and as stills.”
Oh boy, pressing our nearly naked flesh up against each other while everyone watches. Like that’s not awkward. I shake my head and ask, “Okay, the tramp first?”
Meg nods and I turn to Cooper. “Pizza.”
He smiles. “And beer, lots and lots of beer.”
I chuckle and let him lead the way to the tramp.
Chapter 28
Cooper and I have spent hundreds of hours fine-tuning how we move our bodies through air. We’ve also spent a fair amount of time pressing up against each other. But right now, we’re in serious danger of bloodletting.
“Shit, that really hurt.” Copper is rubbing his nose, which I just smashed with my head.
“I’m sorry.” I turn to Xander, Don, Andrea, and Meg. “Guys, I’m not sure this is going to work.”
Xander sighs, “I suppose I can manage with just stills.”
Meg doesn’t give him a chance to waiver and orders us down and off to makeup.
Cooper puts his arm around my shoulders and leans down to speak quietly in my ear. “If we’re going to get rough, I can think of better places to do it.”
His warm breath makes me shiver. “Cooper, I’m not—”
He interrupts me. “I know. We’re not a thing. It’s all good, Gretch.” He opens up his palms and shrugs. “I just can’t help flirting with you.”
I smile. “Flirting is fine. I just want to be clear.”
“Got it.” A smirk forms on his face. “Ready to press up against me and hold still? Because that’s kind of hot.”
I chuckle. “I’m ready. The question is, are you?” I glance down at his crotch.
“Multiplication. Big numbers.” Don’s voice carries over to us and Cooper’s face heats up.
I laugh as we walk over to Monica. But my stomach flutters a little. My body remembers what Cooper and I had, and it was quite steamy. I might need multiplication too.
Andrea’s fingers are cold on my skin as she applies more glue to my nipple coverings. She says, “Sorry. You must be tired of my poking and prodding by now.”
“It’s fine. I’m sure it’s a long day for you too. Thanks for making me look good.”
She smiles and reaches in her candy dish. She raises her eyebrows at me and I nod.
A moment later the sweet flavor of butterscotch coats my tongue and the sugar improves my mood. “Thanks.” I walk back to the strobe lights and prepare myself to merge.
Meg claps her hands. “Places everyone, let’s get this done.”
Xander walks over and says, “Okay, we’re going to make this fast and furious. I’m hungry, and nobody likes a grumpy Xander.” He lifts his hands and presses the ends of his fingers together. “You’re going to start with foreheads together and very slowly you will connect your bodies all the way down while Meg keeps shooting.” His hands meld together slowly from the fingertips down to his wrists as he speaks. “Let’s see if we can get this in a couple tries. Ready?”
Cooper and I nod and splay our arms out slightly from our hips in the familiar pose. I’m standing on a block of wood to make us the same height.
The clicking of the camera starts, and I move my forehead toward Cooper. Connecting, we roll slowly until our noses touch. His scent is musky, and my core awakens. Uh-oh. Moving on to our lips, my insides start to tremble. Cooper was right, this is hot. My tongue could so easily dart into his mouth. By the time our chins lift to connect our necks, I know moisture threatens to dampen my thong.
Twenty-six times fifteen, ten times fifteen would be one-fifty, plus another one-fifty — Oh, fungus, my nipples are hard as a rock and pressing into Cooper’s bare chest. But his erection is more disturbing.
Xander lets out a sound from the back of his throat and says, “Twenty-five times forty.”
Cooper speaks between his teeth. “Too easy.”
Xander replies. “Seven hundred and five times three hundred and seventy-two.”
Cooper grunts. “Try calculus.”
Damn, he must be a math whiz because now that we approach our hips meshing I’m not sure how it’s going to work.
Meg stops. “Okay, we need a break. Cooper, take a walk.”
I step off my box, put my hands on my hips, and stare at the floor as I walk in circles. The white paper beneath my feet is soft, and I imagine snow as I try to think about what I need to pack for Colorado.
“Let’s do this, people!” Meg calls out, and we all return to our positions.
Cooper’s eyes are closed, and I guess he’s searching for the focus to stay unaroused. We move our foreheads together as the camera’s shutter whirls.
Xander purrs. “Cooper, the feel of your skin against me is like silk.”
I feel a grin threaten to form as we press our lips together.
Xander continues. “I want to nibble that plump bottom lip.”
Cooper and I are moving our chests together, and so far he’s not hard. As we move down our torsos Xander says, “Imagine my mouth moving down your body, Cooper. You taste so good, and my tongue is so wet.”
I think I feel Cooper shudder, and when we meld our hips together he’s flaccid. Xander’s voice gets sultry as he says, “I’m so close to what I really want in my mouth, just a few more inches, Cooper.”
Cooper tenses a bit, and I struggle to contain my laughter. The hair on his thighs is rough as it touches my legs, and I focus on the texture. When we finally get to our shins, I realize we’re just about done.
Meg stops shooting, and Don lets out a cheer. Stepping back from Cooper I let myself laugh, and he chuckles too.
Xander grins and puffs out his chest. “Want to do that again, big boy?”
Cooper shakes his head. “I’ve got to hand it to you. That worked.”
Xander holds up his index finger. “I’m a cock tamer.” He bends his finger down and then extends it again.
Meg rolls her eyes, and Don groans before he says, “Nice work people. Let’s stick a fork in it and call it done.”
***
Feeling grimy after a long day under hot lights and way too much makeup, Cooper and I head back to the hotel for showers and make a plan to meet in the lobby to go out for pizza. The elevator bell chimes and the doors open to a large area decorated in natural tones. My boots are silent walking across the forest-green carpet as I wander toward the couches.
Cooper notices me first, and is standing when I see him. His hair is damp and combed neatly. Instead of his usual loose tee, he has on something a bit tighter, and I have no doubt it’s to show off his pumped-up physique.
I know I should, but I don’t hide my perusal of his body. “Dang, those Vail girls won’t know what hit them this winter.”
Cooper slides his hand lightly down the side of my arm and catches my hand. “Tonight I’m all yours; now let’s eat before we both die of carb deprivation.”
Burlington is home to the University of Vermont where I went to college, and my favorite pizza place is a short walk from our hotel. Cooper doesn’t let go of my hand as ice cold wind cuts through us. Tired and hungry, the physical contact is nice, but I shouldn’t lead him on. I pull away, and Cooper takes it back and says, “Just as friends, okay?” I smile back and give him a squeeze.
Garlic and oregano permeate the air of the noisy restaurant. Walking by the ping of pinball machines, we head to the bar. I spot the taps, and my thoughts immediately flash to Derrick when I discover they have Stella.
The bartender is quick to take our order and hand us menus. I don’t even open mine. “I want something deep dish with meat. You decide, and make it a large.”
Cooper grins at me and closes his menu. “We’re on the same page.”
Two draft beers are set before us with a thud, and I grab mine. Breaking through the foam, I take a large mouthful of the amber liquid and let it sit on my tongue
for a moment before I swallow. “Oh man, that’s heaven.”
Cooper’s eyes are closed as he savors his too. “Oh God, this does taste good.”
The bartender smiles in amusement. His blue eyes catch my attention, and they make me think he’s probably a hit with the college girls. He asks, “Long day?”
Cooper answers, “More like a long few weeks. We’ll have a large deep-dish pepperoni pizza please.”
The bartender nods and turns to place our order on his touch screen. I say, “Casey and I used to eat here at least once a week when we were at UVM.”
“This seems like a fun college town. I went to Tufts, and Boston was pretty awesome too. Only I was kind of a nerd and didn’t get out much.”
While I knew Cooper was smart, I had no idea he was genius level. Tufts’ acceptance rate is low, and even my brilliant brother didn’t get in. “Tufts? What did you major in?”
“Chemistry. I was going to be a doctor.” Well now, I seem to be attracted to that type.
“And now you’re shooting for the Olympics instead. Who knew there was a brain under that tattooed exterior?” I trace the lines of the tribal pattern on his arm.
Just as I realize how bold I’m being for someone who doesn’t want to hook up, he grabs my hand. “There’s a lot about me you don’t know.” He gazes at me for a second and breaks into a grin. Pressing my hand over his tattoo he asks, “Feel that bump? That’s where I shattered my arm when I was twelve.”
A hard section of bone is raised, and I’m amazed at how large it is. “Ouch, how’d you do that?”
“Skateboarding down the railing at school. Concrete isn’t forgiving.”
“I know.” I lift up my leg and press his hand against my shin. “Broken leg, skateboard park. I was with my brother and his friends. I didn’t dare cry and have them call me a baby, so I stood up to skateboard more until my brother saw my leg.”
Cooper smirks and takes my hand to press it against his scalp and my fingers touch smooth skin. “This bald spot is from a baseball. I had a concussion and some stitches, and the hair never grew back.”
I take his finger and trace a scar under my chin. “This is when my brother convinced me I could fly if I wore his Batman cape.”
Cooper and I chuckle. He sobers and places my hand over his heart. “This is where some girl opened up my heart. She’s still welcome in it, if she wants to try again.”
I melt in his eyes. He’s sweet and funny, and for a moment I think if we did more than sleep together we could work. But then Derrick’s deep voice plays in my mind, and I know it would be a mistake.
I pull my hand back gently. “Cooper.” The effects of the beer make me want to take him back to my room and finish what our bodies started earlier today. But this guy doesn’t want a no-strings-attached relationship. And I’m not sure I want one either. “I’m sorry. I’m still kind of hung up on my last boyfriend.”
He nods, and pain flickers in his eyes. “Got it. I know how that feels.” He winks at me. “Maybe I’ll call Xander. He made some pretty sexy promises.”
Grateful he’s not mad, I laugh along with him while my lust pouts in the corner.
Chapter 29
I’m almost embarrassed to arrive in Breckenridge in my new-to-me car. Christian found me a late model Land Rover with just under one-hundred thousand miles. I almost died when he brought it home. But how could I refuse? Not only is it a pleasure to drive, but it’s also pretty slick, with a black leather interior, and shimmery silver paint.
My phone rings, and I grin when I see it’s Casey. I can’t wait to share this with her.
“How’s I-90? Are you watching your speed?”
I lift my foot off the gas and slow down from eighty. “Yes, Mom. Wait until you see what Christian helped me buy.”
“Oh, is it something sexy?”
“Kind of. It’s a Land Rover.” The blinker clicks as I move over to a slower lane.
Casey squeals. “No way! Omigod, that’s too funny. Send me a picture at your next stop.”
“Okay. It’s a great car but…”
“I see Derrick sometimes. Did I tell you that?” I picture her biting her lip, hoping I’m not mad.
“You do?” I’m dying to ask how he is, and I rip off a piece of fingernail with my teeth.
“He’s still very single. He always asks about you, just in case you care.”
I snort at Casey’s not-so-subtle hint that I should talk to him. “I know I need to deal with what happened, and I will.”
“You could call him on your trip. You’ve got like twenty hours on I-80.”
“I deleted his number.” The words are barely out of my mouth when my phone buzzes with a text. I glance quickly, and it’s from Casey with Derrick’s contact info. She knows me way too well.
I sigh. “How do you have his number?”
“Oh, please, I have the UPS guy’s number. I’m the freaking phone book for Breckenridge.”
“Well, that I understand. The UPS guy is so hot he wears shorts in January.” Casey chuckles along with me.
She says, “Derrick’s been hanging out with Jason. He’s a good guy, Gretch.”
I take a deep breath and change the subject. “How’s Nika? Excited about teaching this winter?” The wheel is smooth in my hand as I move my fingers down to a lower position.
“She is, and I’m going to be a little catty right now, so brace yourself.”
I snort, “Bring it.”
“That girl can eat. I’ve never seen anything like it. Nothing on your plate is safe from her.” Casey quickly adds, “Not that she’s getting fat, but she’s curvier these days. It’s so not fair, because she’s even more gorgeous now. And I hate her for being able to eat anything she wants.”
I chuckle. “Yeah, I’ll bet she does look great with some meat on her bones.” A long, straight expanse of highway seems to suck my foot toward the floor and I pull it back to slow down again.
Casey’s voice makes me grin from ear to ear. It will be so good to see her again. She says, “Nika’s happy about gaining weight too. We had a blast buying new jeans in Silverthorne.” I check my mirrors for the undercover cops known to hang out on this road, but only see a vast expanse of green.
“Did you share our sandwich?” The moment I say it, my stomach clenches, and I remember eating sweet potato fries with Derrick.
“Oh no. She got her own and then scarfed down what I couldn’t eat. You’ll see.”
“I might need that sandwich soon. I’ve missed you, Case.” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear and remember Derrick telling me he thought it was pretty.
“I’ve missed you too. I’ve got to get going, but don’t forget to send me that picture.”
“Will do. Bye!”
I turn up the radio and let my thoughts drift back to Derrick. Of course I go right to memories of his hands and the things they do. I turn up the AC, and cold air blasts on my bare feet. Damn it, why can’t I get over him treating me like a prostitute? I know I can’t believe what Paul said, but what the hell is the explanation?
I recall the pain in Derrick’s eyes that night when he brought me home. Did I run because he cares?
A blue rest area sign catches my attention. In six miles I should stop and take a break. I’ll get Casey her picture, pee, and find a snack. And, maybe, I’ll text Derrick.
***
Vinegar stings my tongue as I lick seasoned almond residue from my fingers. Sealing the can with a snap of the plastic lid, I throw it on my passenger seat and pick up my phone.
Just do it. I take a deep breath and air rushes out of my mouth. I can do this. Unblock him, text, and then turn off my phone until the next stop.
“Hey, Derrick, it’s Gretchen.” Okay, he probably knows that, but maybe he deleted me too. “I’m on my way back to Breckenridge and would like to talk.” I’m sure Nika has told him I’m coming. I suck at this, big time, but I keep typing. “I’ll get in Thursday night. Would you have coffee with me Friday morning?”
I hit send and quickly turn off my phone. Sweet baby in a manger. I get out of my car and go to the luggage in the back. A Velcro pocket rips open on my backpack, and I store my phone. I can live without it for the next couple of hours, right?
Gulping down iced coffee, my throat screams at the temperature while my body embraces the caffeine. It’s going to be a long way to my next stop.
Merging into traffic, I marvel at the smoothness of the engine under me. Its graceful power makes me send a telepathic thank you to Christian for the hundredth time. I suppose letting the people who love you help isn’t such a bad thing after all.
Chapter 30
My third and last day in the car, and the urge to text or call Derrick is so great I’ve almost resorted to keeping my phone in my backpack while I drive. He texted back the other day within minutes saying he would meet me at nine at the Baked Bean. My first reaction was to wonder why he didn’t invite me to his house. But upon reflection, I think he may be trying to make me feel comfortable.
I can’t put my phone in the back, though. I need my music. That’s what I tell myself as I pick up my phone with the intention to call him, again. It’s warm, and I turn the smooth plastic in my hand.
I don’t, and the wait is making me crazy. I like to think I could control my body’s sexual attraction to Derrick, but we both know better. Physical electricity sparks from us when we’re in the same room. I’m not sure I could resist, and I guess he feels the same way. No, meeting in a public place is a much better idea.
Under two hours from Breck, I open the windows to let some of the thin air in. I inhale the cool dryness. I’m going to be right back to sucking wind when it comes to running here. It takes weeks for red blood cells to acclimate to the altitude and mere hours to lose it when returning to sea level.
The Rockies jut into the deep blue sky, and my pulse quickens. It wasn’t that long ago I was seeing them for the first time. They’re just as awesome today, and my blood hums with excitement thinking about another winter here. And my stomach flutters when I think about seeing Derrick tomorrow morning.
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