Shattered Essence

by NK Morales

  “Hey guys, I’m going to head out. I need to get ready for dinner,” I said as I gathered my stuff from under the lounge chair I was lying on.

  “Are you going to the bonfire tonight?” Brooke asked from inside the pool.

  Wrapping my towel around my body I had to admit I was intrigued. “What bonfire?”

  “It’s by the lake and starts around nine. It’s usually a bunch of locals and college students from Durango,” Paula said from the lounge chair next to mine.

  Slipping my flip flops on I asked, “How do you know? Can we just show up uninvited?”

  Shielding her eyes from the sun, Paula replied, “My cousin is one of those college students. She said they have one almost every week. They like to meet all the new campers as well as see what new hot babes are visiting the ranch.”

  Wrinkling my nose, I had to think about it for a minute. “Yeah, sure, why not? Can you meet me in front of the main cabin around nine-thirty?” I really didn’t want to walk to the lake alone.

  Rolling over on her belly she said, “Sure can! See you then.”

  “Thanks Paula. See you soon,” I hollered back as I walked out the side gate.

  I hadn’t even taken five steps out of the gate when I froze. My heart skipped a beat before it tried to jump out of my chest. I could feel beads of sweat accumulating between my breasts. My surroundings turned hazy. I could no longer hear the birds or the breeze in the trees.

  Aye Dios mio! I must’ve been dreaming because I swear I was looking at an ancient deity. The only thing missing was golden armor and a bronze-tipped spear. It could be Dionysus, the god of wine, festivals, madness, and chaos, because I felt drunk and my thoughts were pretty chaotic.

  My heart was beating fast and I couldn’t breathe. So it must be Hades, the god of the underworld and the dead. He was here to take me to hell.

  I could feel electricity in the air, so maybe it was the Norse god Thor. He must be assembling a lightning bolt which he was going to throw, striking me down.

  Standing twenty feet in front of me was the most gorgeous guy I had ever seen. I didn’t know him, yet he seemed familiar. He was about six-foot-two. He had light brown straight thick hair that curled slightly at the bottom. It was almost long enough to cover his eyebrows. His jaw was square and smooth. His nose was straight and beautiful. Not too pointy and not too round. His skin was sun-kissed bronze. His cream colored T-shirt showed off his muscular upper body. My imagination was picturing what was underneath. I couldn’t tell from where I was standing if his eyes were green or dark blue. But somehow I knew they were emerald green. His smile looked like sunshine on a cloudy day.

  His smile? He’s looking right at me! Oh, shit!

  I couldn’t move. An unseen magnetic force was keeping my eyes glued on him. I was having an out-of-body experience. I swear I could actually see the back of my head. I could see myself staring at him. The only thing in existence was the two of us.

  It’s been so long. I never thought I’d see him again. I thought.

  Confused I asked myself, What? Where in the world did that thought come from?

  Answering myself back I said, He belongs to me, he’s mine and I intend to have him!

  Oh god, I’ve lost it! I am talking to myself. Worse, I am answering.

  Shit! I need to get the hell out of here before I completely lose my mind.

  Move stupid feet!

  Move!

  Blink stupid eyes!

  Blink!

  Oh god, I could feel the blood rushing to my head; or maybe it was rushing out.

  Am I drooling? Oh god, please no. MOVE STUPID FEET!

  I heard Matthew say, “Hey, are you okay?” only after he punched me in the arm.

  Thank you Jesus! I was able to move again and turned to face Matthew. “What?”

  “I thought you were getting ready for dinner?” He looked at me, then at the deity, then back at me and smiled.

  Still in a daze I said, “Uh, yeah, sorry. I just got a little sidetracked for a minute.” I was sure my face was bright red.

  Chuckling, he remarked, “You look like you’ve just seen a ghost. No. Wait. I take that back. It looks like you’ve just seen the biggest piece of eye candy ever made.”

  Reaching for his arm to steady myself I smiled, saying, “Most definitely!”

  Matthew gave my hand a squeeze and said, “Hey, want to walk with me? I need to get washed up for dinner too.”

  “Absolutely!” I released my hand from his arm and turned to see if the ancient deity was still there.

  Yup! Just like I thought. My imagination was playing tricks on me again. He was nowhere around.

  I chit chatted with Matthew until the path split into a three-prong fork.

  “I’ll see you at dinner,” I said and headed right.

  “You bet!” he said as he headed left.

  Chapter 5

  Drew

  “Finally, we made it.” I was closing the back door of my dad’s SUV, glancing to my right. “I didn’t think we’d ever get …” Time stood still. I had tunnel vision and I could no longer hear anything around me. There was a fire in my belly and my heart started racing. I felt like I was flying. If that wasn’t bad enough, I felt a twitch in my pants, front and center.

  In front of me a big pair of hazel eyes stood staring at me. Those eyes were attached to a slender body with just the right amount of curves. She was wrapped in a fluffy white towel and her long brown wavy hair was dripping wet. She was a tiny little thing, five-three maybe five-four, and if she was lucky she might weigh a buck ten, even soaking wet. Her skin was pink and glowing from the sun. She was hot, sexy hot. I imagined running my hands down and around her slender body. I couldn’t do anything but smile. Still, she did nothing but look right at me, like she was looking at my soul. I felt naked and exposed. As I stood there taking in this magnificent woman I watched as a guy stepped up behind her. I couldn’t help feeling a wee bit jealous. I also couldn’t shake the feeling she was mine, like she was made just for me. I knew it the second I saw her.

  Calm down Drew, you’re losing it, buddy.

  “Earth to Drew! Come in Drew!” Scott was waving his hands back and forth in front of me like a big red flag.

  Rolling my eyes I said, “You are such a retard, Scott.”

  “I’m the retard? I’m not the one with my tongue falling out of my mouth. Nor am I the one waving with Captain Winkie,” Scott mumbled.

  Am I that obvious? Damn!

  “Shut up!” I blew out a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding. Then I smacked Scott upside the head. “Let’s check out this place while Mom and Dad check us in.”

  I knew it was only a matter of time before I met my hazel-eyed beauty. And I couldn’t wait.

  Chapter 6

  Drew

  During dinner it was hard for me to keep my eyes off her. I tried to focus on my dinner but my eyes kept stealing glances at her. I felt like a lion staring at a steak. I couldn’t wait to take a bite. She was sitting one table up from us. I caught her looking at me several times before she hid behind her dad, whose wide shoulders blocked my view.

  It was hard for me to concentrate on the conversation taking place at our table. All I wanted to do was get to know her. I wanted to talk to her. Touch her. Smell her. Taste her. It wasn’t a desire, it was a need. I couldn’t wait till dinner was over. I was going to lose my mind if I didn’t get some fresh air.

  “Mom, can I leave?” I asked as I placed my napkin on my dinner plate.

  Concern shot across my mother’s face. “Drew, are you feeling okay? Don’t you want to stay for dessert?”

  “I’m fine, it’s too hot in here and I need some fresh air.”

  “Is it getting to hot in here, big brother?” Scott tapped the bottom of his fork on the table. “Are you sure it has nothing to do with the hottie in front of me you can’t keep your eyes off of?” He leaned forward. “Or maybe you need to pay a visit to the Captain.”

  Scott could be su
ch an ass sometimes. His killer smile and his charismatic personality frequently hid the fact that he was rather devious. I smacked him upside the head. Again. “Mom, please?”

  Looking back and forth between her two sons she said, “I suppose it’s okay. Are you headed back to the cabin?”

  I scooted my chair back, ready to leave. “I think I’m going to walk to the lake.”

  Scott placed his silverware on his plate and grinned. “Hey, one of the ranch hands told me there was going to be a bonfire by the lake. Do you want to go?”

  I ignored him. “See you later Mom, I won’t be out too late.”

  “Okay, have a nice night and take Scott with you.”

  Great! That’s all I need. Couldn’t I have just five minutes of peace? Alone!

  My mom is a little overprotective of her kids. When the three Malone children were growing up we could never, and I mean never, be outside without an adult. Plus we could never be more than talking distance away. I think we were the only kids who were never allowed to spend the night at a friend’s house. Friends were, however, always welcome at our house. Our house became the house where all the kids hang out. My mom wouldn’t have it any other way. Even now as teenagers, when we’re out with my mom, we have to be in her line of sight. It’s difficult for her to see us doing anything alone. She consistently tries to get us to do things together, to watch over each other, basically. She worries way too much I can see it in her face. It was one hell of a battle convincing her to let me study in Mexico for a year. That’s a story for another time. All I can say is, thankfully, my dad was on my side. To some degree I can understand the safeguards she put into place. As an FBI agent I’m sure my mom has seen things most people can’t even imagine. I try really hard not to give my mom any grief when she asks me to take one of my younger siblings along with me.

  I stood, took a deep breath, and rolled my eyes. “Since it looks like I’m babysitting Jessica, do you want to go with?”

  Jessica stood up and simply nodded her head up and down.

  Chapter 7

  Espe

  I had just enough time to grab a sweater and change into my best jeans before meeting up with Paula. It was almost nine-thirty when I spotted her walking toward the main cabin with Brooke and Matthew. Brooke was wearing jeans, Paula was dressed in a red cotton sundress and brown cowboy boots. Looking cute as hell. Matthew was wearing shorts and I thought he was nuts. Sure it was summer but in this high altitude, just over eight thousand feet, once the sun went down it was chilly.

  I was wondering if my ancient deity would be at the bonfire. Since the moment I saw him I hadn’t stopped thinking about him. During dinner he caught me watching him on more than one occasion. I was pretty sure he thought I was some kind of nutcase.

  Walking backward with his arms swinging back and forth Matthew asked, “Do you know if any other guests are coming?”

  “I heard several of the staff would be here. I didn’t hear about any other guests. I wasn’t lucky enough at dinner to sit with anyone my age. They were either too young or too old,” Brooke replied, shrugging.

  “I hear you, girlfriend,” Paula said. “Did you guys get a look at the super sexy surfer dude?”

  A chuckle came from Matthew. “You mean the one that looks like he plays baseball or the one that looks like he plays tight end for the Broncos?”

  Paula was putting her straight red hair in a pony tail. “I think the baseball player maybe a little too young for me.” Raising her eyebrows Paula continued, “Don’t get me wrong, he is a little hottie. But let me tell you, I’d love to lick his brother.”

  Matthew stopped in the middle of the road looking surprised and horrified. “Paula! You’re quite the little slut, aren’t you?” he teased.

  Paula laughed, saying, “Zip it, nerdalicious!”

  “Ahh come on, I was only teasing. Besides you can’t be too mad at me.” Smiling from ear to ear he added, “You just called me a good-looking nerd.”

  “You’re okay, but nowhere near as good looking as my Mr. Surfer lollipop,” Paula replied.

  “I think someone else would like to give him a lick.” Matthew was looking right at me.

  I looked at my feet, wishing Matthew would spontaneously combust.

  “Who?” Paula asked defensively.

  “You should have seen Espe drooling all over herself, in front of him.” Matthew stuck his tongue out to the side and started making gurgling noises.

  Oh god! Is there a cliff nearby I can jump off?

  “I was not drooling, Matthew!” I snapped.

  “Whatever! You were literally undressing him with your eyes.”

  “Asshole,” I punched his arm. “Paula, you don’t have to worry about me. If you want him, go get him.”

  Thankfully we were only a few yards away from the crowd. The bonfire was roaring and the music was blaring. Many of the attendees were already drunk and rowdy. Across the fire stood surfer dude, the ancient deity.

  Skunk balls!

  My headlights just turned on. To make matters worse I just wet my panties and not with pee.

  Damn!

  I had no idea why just looking at him put my body on the fritz. I really needed a few minutes alone to compose myself.

  Looking for an escape I asked, “Anyone need some water? Soda? Beer?”

  Paula was already shaking her booty. She pulled me into a hug and said, “Looks like Mr. Surfer Dude can’t take his eyes off you. Besides he looks way too young for me. I prefer men who are old enough to grow hair on their chests.” She pushed me away. “By the way, water would be great!”

  I was making my way to the cooler when Brooke stepped in front of me asking, “Isn’t this exciting?” Jumping up and down. “I love bonfires. We have them all the time in Texas.”

  Before I had a chance to respond to Brooke I felt a bolt of electricity on my shoulder. I turned to see the darkest green eyes I have ever seen. They were emerald green. Just like I somehow knew they would be. His eyes had tiny flecks of gold and they were smiling at me.

  I touched my shoulder. “Did you feel that?” I was thankful my mouth moved and words came out.

  “Yes, crazy right?” he said rubbing his electrocuted hand.

  His voice was deep, smooth, and rather velvety. I had this sudden urge to slide my tongue along the side of his throat. I swallowed hard and clicked my tongue, trying to focus on anything other than the way I wanted to devour him.

  It was confirmed. I was a madwoman. I wanted more than a taste. I literally wanted to eat him.

  Down girl!

  I took a deep breath, attempting to swallow the lump in my throat. “Really freaky!”

  Did I just sound like a frog? Shoot me, shoot me now!

  “Hi, I’m Drew Malone.”

  “Esperanza Reyes, but most people call me Espe.”

  I extended my right hand; when he grabbed it another bolt of electricity hit me. This one went straight down my spine. Touched my toes then returned to make my heart flutter.

  Chapter 8

  Drew

  “Wakey, wakey, hands off snakey!”

  “Dad, seriously?” I tried pulling the covers over my head, hoping to fall back to sleep.

  “We need to get going, Son. We’re leaving in half an hour for breakfast. Afterward we’re going horseback riding.”

  My dad is such a dork. He is a typical accountant. Stiff. Always abiding by the rules. He tries to be funny but fails most of the time.

  “I only need five more minutes of sleep.” I rumbled from underneath the covers.

  “Don’t be late, Drew.” I heard my dad grunt as he left.

  I wasn’t ready to get out of bed. I needed more sleep.

  After meeting Esperanza at the bonfire last night we talked for three hours. Before I knew it, it was almost one o’clock in the morning. I probably would’ve talked to her all night if Jessica wasn’t tired and ready for bed. When we arrived back at the cabin, sleep was the last thing on my mind. I lay in bed wide-
eyed for a while, recalling my encounter with Espe.

  Even now I couldn’t get the picture of her full red lips out of my mind. Nor her sparkling eyes, her high cheekbones. The way her hair looked so soft and how all I wanted to do was run my fingers through it. Her heart-shaped butt was doing a number on my brain. I kept recalling the way her nipples peaked underneath her clothing when she was cold. I could still hear her laughing at my silly jokes. Oh god, her laughter was intoxicating.

  Damn! I need a cold shower.

  Chapter 9

  Espe

  I was looking forward to going horseback riding. It had been years since the last time I rode. I had ten minutes before I needed to meet my parents at the barn. I swooped my hair into a pony tail while glancing at my reflection in the mirror. Not bad. I thought. My black jeans looked nice with my new one-inch heel black cowboy boots. My white T-shirt seemed to be hugging all the right places. There was nothing significant or obscene about the way I looked this morning, making it the perfect outfit.

  I was ready to head out to the barn when I heard the front door open.

  “Mom?”

  “Yeah, it’s me. I came to see if you were ready. Wrangler Bob has all the horses ready. Most of the guests have mounted.” Pushing me out of the bathroom she said, “Ándale, muchacha.”

  I groaned. My mom was so impatient sometimes. I grabbed my lip-gloss shoved it in my pocket and followed my mom out the door.

  “What took you so long?” Teasing, she elbowed me in the ribs, “It wouldn’t have anything to do with that boy who wouldn’t stop staring at you during dinner, now would it?”

  I smiled at my mom. “His name is Drew Malone. I met him at the lake last night.” I winked and clicked my tongue. “He kisses pretty good for a thirty year old.”

  My mom stopped walking. Her eyes almost popped out of her head and her jaw nearly touched the ground.

  Laughing I said, “Mom I’m kidding.”