Gigolo All the Way

by JN Welsh

  Cole’s hands stayed her aggressive movements. “I wouldn’t be leaving the agency if I did, sweetness.”

  His eyes captured hers and enveloped her in intensity that raised goose bumps on her skin. Hope radiated through her from head to toe. “I-I’m glad to hear that, Cole.” Because I’m falling in love with you and no matter how hard I try, I can’t help myself. She silenced her inner profession.

  They were quiet for a moment and she needed to change the subject.

  “Ready to cut some cookies?”

  “You bet.” He rubbed his palms together.

  She was glad he wasn’t irritated or angry with her. She suspected if they were a real couple they’d have some squabbles here and there to add some realness to their farce.

  Once cookies were in the oven, the fragrance of vanilla, chocolate, and ginger filled the kitchen. The delightful scents seeped into the family room, adding to the toasty setting.

  Her mother rang the bell. “Elle’s baking cookies,” she called up the stairway.

  “Watch this,” Elle announced.

  The thunderous vibration of feet rattled the house as grownups and kids trampled each other on their way to the kitchen.

  “You asked me if my cookies were any good.” She pointed to the herd making their way to the kitchen. “There’s your answer.”

  Cole watched open-mouthed as her family crowded the kitchen with questions about when the cookies would be ready. She guessed it was the first time he had ever seen her family move that fast to get to the kitchen.

  “We want them hot out of the oven.” Donny, Anil’s son, exaggerated the wringing of his hands. “Can we help decorate, Auntie Noelle?”

  “Sure, I set up a station for you on the table over there.” Elle pointed.

  “Did you make your hot chocolate yet to go with them, Elle?” her Auntie Joy questioned.

  “I just got started, guys. The first batches will be out in a few minutes and the hot chocolate is heating. There are some extra special condiments for the adults.” She winked, referencing the rum and brandy behind the bar.

  “Right.” Her uncle Desi’s thick accent decorated the words.

  “Wow.” Cole’s eyes widened. “You should open a shop.”

  “We’ve been telling her that for years,” her Auntie Rachel declared as she prepared mugs for the kids.

  “I bake them out of love for my family.” Elle started rolling and cutting for the next batches.

  When the cookies were ready, she put a few on a plate with a mug of hot chocolate and passed it to Cole. “Sous chef gets first dibs.” She winked at him and then petted his chin before diving in to kiss his lips. The quick peck turned into a passionate tongue exchange that she shielded from her family with her hand.

  She cleared her throat and once she recovered, she divvied the rest of the cookie batches on plates and placed them in the family room, next to a carafe filled with hot chocolate.

  “Holly is doing eggnog tomorrow, so fear not. Until then, these eggnog cookies will do the trick. The ones with the icing are not for the kids or they will be drunk in seconds. Those will be out once they cool.”

  “These are delicious, Elle. You really should reconsider a career in baking.” Cole spoke with a mouthful of cookie but covered his mouth with a fisted hand.

  “Thanks.” She’d heard the compliment countless times, but when Cole suggested it, she grew a few inches, pleased he acknowledged her talent. He had an effect on her—whether he was talking about aspects of his business or commenting on her baking skills.

  It wasn’t long before her family members rubbed their bellies and complained about overdosing on cookies. They grumbled about holiday calories, passing out from sugar binges, and too much whisky or rum in their hot drinks.

  She and Cole cleaned up and when everyone cleared out, they sat in front of the fire. After indulging in their own version of overdosing, they both fell asleep.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Jasper seemed to bounce into the family room. This was the day her brother had been waiting for.

  “My girl’s all taken care of.” He winked at Elle. “Now I get to tackle the powder on Whiteface Mountain. I’m so pumped.”

  “Ugh, Jasper.” Elle didn’t need the visual of him taking care of his girlfriend. She did however, love seeing her brother’s excitement for the ski slopes.

  “And it snowed a little last night. Not a lot, but enough to make the slopes really nice.” Jasper peeked out the window.

  “Who’s going with you?” Elle asked. Whiteface Mountain had hosted the winter Olympics Games and was ski-heaven to Jasper who tackled the slopes every year.

  “The older kids, Spence, Dad, Uncle Desi. You know Auntie Joy is going too, and Anil.” Jasper continued to rattle off some more names. “Oh, and Cole.”

  “Scarlett’s not going with you guys?” Elle had been keeping a hawk eye on Scarlett since she noticed her interest in Cole. Elle didn't know what Scarlett’s deal was and it could all just be harmless flirting but until she knew for sure, she didn’t trust Scarlett. Elle had wanted to approach Jasper about it but her brother’s affection for the woman was real and Elle didn't want to ruin his holiday. She decided she would discuss it with him before the New Year.

  Her fake-boyfriend appeared in his gear, ready to go. “You coming, sweetness?”

  Jasper laughed. “Elle doesn’t ski. She learned some beginner basics eons ago, but for real ski? Nah.”

  Her brother’s challenging statement may as well have been the red cape of a matador. Elle gnashed her teeth and a puff of air escaped her nostrils.

  Cole fiddled with the clasp on his ski jacket.

  “I’ll go.” Elle felt the eyes of her family members on her.

  “Yeah?” Cole questioned.

  “Uh huh, I wanted to learn more this year—” she got up from the couch “—I’ll start on the practice slope and work my way up from there.”

  Jasper laughed. “Suit yourself. Just don’t slow us down.”

  Once at the resort, those that didn’t have ski equipment rented their skis. Elle borrowed her mom’s ski boots and equipment. Cole had brought his snowboard with him, so he was all set.

  “I’m going to the Terrain Park, but if you wait for me, I’ll do the beginner slope with you after you clear the cobwebs on your basics.” Cole tightened the scarf around her neck and tapped her white and light blue helmet.

  Elle felt dorky in her protective wear but thought he looked sexy in his. “It’s okay. I’m just going to watch you guys for a bit and then I’ll head over to my little learning spot. Maybe I can get some tips.”

  “Okay, but don’t go on the beginner slope without me. I want to be there for your first run.” He blew her a kiss and then was off.

  The Terrain Park that Cole and Jasper decided to tackle first was closer to the base of the mountain. After a small hike up a steep hill with ski equipment in hand, Elle was able to watch Cole on the terrain. The course was equipped with half-pipe, Gnar rails, and flat boxes for jumps and tricks. Cole wore a black and red ski jacket and she spotted him among a group of skiers and snowboarders ready to catch a little air. Having experienced his body, she could pick it out of a lineup a mile away.

  He was like poetry in motion as he glided like a pendulum on the half pipe, letting gravity, skill, and tightly packed snow and ice propel him on the U-shaped pipe and up into the air. He looked so comfortable, bending his knees and swiveling his body like a falling cat landing on its feet. He was definitely more than decent. When he did grinds on the Gnar rails and jumps off the flat boxes, she stopped breathing until he landed. He was really good.

  “Go, honey,” she cheered, claiming him.

  Her feelings for him were growing faster than she could interpret. They had only known each other a little while yet her heart swelled at the mere thought of him. And when she was close to him, when they kissed and made love, her affection for him amplified, terrifying her even more.

  Jasper skidded to
a halt next to her. “Are you going to watch him all day? Get going, sis.”

  “Shuddup, Jasper.” She was caught in the act. “Where do I go again?”

  “Just take the lift over there to the bunny hills.” Jasper chuckled and pointed in the general direction to the lift. “Bear or Facelift for beginners is that way.” He then pointed in the opposite direction. “There will be people there to help you get on. You’ll be fine.”

  “Cool,” Elle said before Jasper slid away.

  When she reached leveled ground again, she snapped on her skis and slid over, cross-country style to practice. Elle forgot how vast Whiteface was or how beautiful. This was a busy time of year for the location as crowds of people waited in lines, blurring into one another. She practiced on the bunny runs with the children and other adult novices for a bit and though she wasn’t great on her skis, thought she had enough knowledge to go on the beginner green run.

  Elle did find a ski staff worker who suggested she take Bear lift to the beginner runs. He assured her it was the appropriate step up. Elle made her way over to the crowded but quick moving lines. Two lifts were side by side and she saw the sign for the correct lift. She searched for Cole, but she was sure he was probably enjoying a double black diamond run at this point. He deserved to have his own fun, too. Elle decided she’d do a run on her own and find him later.

  Someone bumped into her. “Oh, I’m sorry.”

  “No worries. It’s crowded.” Elle steadied herself and the line moved forward.

  “Do you ski here often?” the man asked, and Elle recognized the ski-version of the pick-up line she used on Cole.

  “My family comes here every year.” She moved forward with the line.

  “It’s our first time here.” The man motioned to his wife and son a yard away from them.

  “Oh.” Elle almost laughed at herself for her false assumptions. “Are you enjoying your stay? It’s a great place for families. I highly suggest sledding.” Elle giggled remembering her and Holly’s laugh-o-thon. “There are always lots of kids big and small for your son to play with, as well.”

  “He would love that, thanks.”

  It was their turn to load onto the lift. She wasn’t afraid of heights as much as she was afraid to lift off, fall, and break something. In fact, the height was exhilarating, like being on a high swing. The view was spectacular with the snow powdering the trees like confectioner’s sugar, with the air just as sweet. Everything looked so clean. The sun brightening the white snow was as blinding as it was beautiful.

  “What run are you doing?” Elle asked as they rode up in the lift.

  “I was going to do Easy Street, but I think I’ll take something more challenging to push myself a little bit. How about you? I bet you’re taking a diamond run if you’ve been coming here for a few years.”

  “Actually, I’m taking Bear because I’m not so great.” She adjusted her helmet.

  “But—” concern etched on the man’s face “—you’re on the wrong lift. My son and wife were on that line. This is Facelift. Its still connects to multiple runs at the top, including a beginner green slope but—”

  “Oh, then I’ll be fine.” Once she heard the words beginner and green she relaxed. Though she wasn’t an expert skier she was sure she fell into the beginner category and had enough knowledge to make it down the run.

  The ride was a little scary the higher up she ascended, and she felt her heart flutter when they got to the top. Elle hoisted to her feet to get off and her travelling pal skied off toward another lift. She was proud of herself for handling the skis so far. She had fallen a few times on the practice run but she was doing okay. She did long for more seasoned company like her brother or Cole and wish she’d waited to do her first run with Cole after all.

  After hearing some other skiers mention the run she wanted to try, she followed them. She glanced at a sign with a blue square and green circle but as she chatted with the skiers she didn’t study which way they pointed. She was confident she was on the right path. At the top of the run, her ski companions slid down the slope easily. The hill didn’t appear to be too bad.

  Remembering what she learned—plant her pole, turn— she made her way down and soon found herself travelling down a steep somewhat winding hill.

  “Oh, shit!” Panic gripped her, and she was going faster than she ever wanted to go on skis. The snow was packed and its glossy surface resembled ice. I think I’m going to die. She prayed so hard to Jesus, bartered her life with God, and screamed her head off for help.

  She sped down the run, cursing her failed attempts at snowplowing. The trees lining the edges of the ski run whizzed into a green snowy wall. She was done for with nothing but basic skill and ski poles to slow her down—and she needed much more skill.

  She screamed and tried to stop herself with the ski poles but that set her off balance and she flew forward. Tuck and roll flashed into her mind and she landed hard on her forearms with the wind knocked out of her. She bounced, sending her body sideways. One ski dislodged and she rolled, her outfit frictionless to stop her. She slow pawed at the hill to stop herself with one hand.

  “Elle!” She heard her name in the distance as her other, still intact, ski anchored into the snow. Finally, she slid on her back to a stop.

  She heard the slowing sound of snowboard on ice, followed by the clank of loosening buckles.

  “Elle, are you all right?”

  “Cole?” She shook from adrenaline. She finally opened her eyes and squinted, even though Cole’s head and upper body shielded most of the sun. He knelt beside her and cocooned her body.

  “Are you hurt?”

  Do sore egos count? “No, I’m okay.” Breathless, Elle tried to stand but she didn’t know how to get up with one ski and she couldn’t reach the other.

  Cole removed his gloves and released her boot from the ski. He then went to retrieve her other ski that had flown off during her buffoon of a fall.

  She stood on an incline and brushed herself off, adjusting her helmet. She was thankful she had on her safety gear and wondered if without it, she’d have more than just achy arms. She stretched her arms and grumbled at her stupid mistake.

  Cole stomped back to her, his breath appearing like smoke against the icy air as he muttered to himself. He carried her ski with one hand and angrily loosened his helmet strap with the other.

  Some other skiers and staff stopped to check in on them and both Cole and Elle assured them that she was okay.

  “Are you okay?” she ventured to inquire when he stopped in front of her.

  “I’m fine.” He brushed the snow off her. “No, I’m not fine. What the fuck were you thinking taking this slope by yourself? Did you forget that you don’t ski well? We suggested you hit the bunny slopes for a reason.”

  “I know…I mean, I did and then I graduated to Bear but—”

  “Why were you even on Facelift?”

  “I was talking…then I got distracted and was on the wrong line…and—”

  “Where’s your brother?”

  “He’s skiing.”

  “That knucklehead.” Cole growled. “Someone should have been with you. I should have been with you. I only saw you because I was on my way to Lookout Mountain and taking Facelift to another lift for the advanced slopes.”

  “I-It’s not Jasper’s fault,” she stuttered.

  “You could have really gotten hurt or worse.” He quieted his rising voice.

  “I know.” She picked up her ski poles and the weight of his words hit her.

  “You’re shaking.” His eyes glued to her trembling hands.

  “I was scared, Cole. I’m not an idiot. I wasn’t trying to wipe out.”

  He reached to brush snow off again, but there was none left.

  “I messed up.”

  In a moment she was in his arms. She squeezed tears back, but her attempts were fruitless, based on the terror at what could have happened.

  “Why didn’t you just wait for me?” he
demanded. “You scared the shit out me.” He cursed. “I didn’t know if I would get to you in time and… Jesus.” He locked her in his arms as if trying to squeeze away both their fears.

  She wanted to speak but the lump in her throat muted her vocal chords.

  “Let’s get you down.”

  Cole trudged with her down the slope. The journey took them some time to get to the bottom with a lot of falling and sliding, solely on Elle’s part, but they finally reached the bottom. If Elle never saw another ski in her life it would be too soon.

  Cole was quiet on their way back to his car. He affixed his snowboard and her skis to his car and stowed the rest of their equipment in the trunk. They didn’t try to locate any family members and he stomped quickly through the snow. She hurried to keep up with him.

  Cole turned on the ignition and sat for a moment. She wanted to say something, but she was a little fearful to unleash his anger. His movements were curt as he put the car in gear and drove. The sun set as tangelo and cerulean intertwined majestically above. He stopped the car by a secluded area of the lake. The car was warm, and he left the engine running.

  Her heart beat so hard and fast it thudded in her ear. She was sure Cole heard it over the hum of the engine. The aroma of engine oil fanned through the vents. She didn’t know what he was feeling and had no clue what to say.

  She swallowed and willed up her courage to speak. “Are we going back to the house?”

  “I didn’t think I’d get to you in time.” His voice was so low she stopped breathing to hear him. “Hearing you scream like that sent chills through me that I never want to feel again.”

  “Cole, I’m okay. You helped me—”

  Cole cradled her face in his large hands and pulled her to him. The urgency in his kiss lit her on fire and accelerated her already shallow breathing. His tongue sought entrance, wrestling with hers.

  His hands tugged at her coat, unzipping it enough to squeeze her breasts. It was the middle of winter and she had too many clothes on. Elle shimmied out of her coat and threw the puffy ski jacket in the back seat. Cole did the same.