Slow No Wake

TEN

Locked In

“This has to go, too,” I said, as I handed Joey-G my toiletry case.

He inspected the back of his Ford Excursion for an empty space. The case was small but ample trunk space was already packed to capacity with tents, camping gear and luggage to accommodate five people. Not to mention all of their kite surfing equipment.

“Maybe you can put this on the floor by your feet?” Joey-G suggested as he handed the bag back to me.

Daniel took it from my hands. “I’ll put it next to me. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

“Are you sure?” I asked. “You need more leg room than I do.”

Daniel kissed my cheek. “Let’s get in the car.”

Joey-G hopped into the driver’s seat and Ricky rode shotgun. That left Eddie, Daniel and me for the back seat. I had a feeling the next few hours were going to be a bit uncomfortable.

Eddie took the left passenger side, behind Joey-G and I slid into the center “hump” seat. Daniel sat to my right, behind Ricky. Both Eddie and Daniel were tall and muscular guys, so it was tight.

Once we were on the road, Eddie made a point of stretching out so his right leg was touching my left. He glanced over at me and gave me a dimpled grin. My breath caught reflexively and I immediately hated my body for responding to him.

I glanced at Daniel and he was scowling. He put his left arm around my shoulder and pulled me in as close as he could. It was just enough so that my leg was no longer touching Eddie’s.

“You can lay your head on my shoulder if you get tired,” Daniel said quietly.

Apparently it was not quiet enough, because Ricky yelled back, “Whose shoulder can I lay my head on? Joey-G is driving and I don’t want him to run off the road.”

The guys all chucked at Daniel’s expense, but he didn’t seem to mind. He placed a gentle kiss on the top of my head.

I could see Joey-G looking at us in the rearview mirror. “No making out in my car,” he yelled back to us. “I’m the only one allowed to score in this vehicle.”

Daniel flipped him the bird.

“I saw that,” Joey-G said.

“You’re just jealous,” Daniel said. 8Y

“Hell, yeah,” Joey-G said. “Lexie’s hot.”

I could feel my face getting warm with embarrassment. Daniel pulled me even closer to him, which I didn’t think was possible in such a confined space. If I was any closer, I would have been in his lap.

The rest of the trip the guys talked about kites and wind and waves. I could feel myself getting tired. As I lay my head on Daniel’s shoulder, I could feel his breath catch. As I snuggled in even closer and placed my hand on his muscular chest, his heartbeat quickened. Daniel felt so warm and I felt so secure in his strong arms, it didn’t take long for me to drift into a peaceful sleep.

***

A kiss on my forehead woke me up. “We’re here,” Daniel said softly as I opened my eyes.

Joey-G and Ricky were already out of the car and Eddie was stretching out next to me. He must have fallen asleep at some point, too.

Daniel opened his door and we both hopped out of the car. I was immediately struck by the beauty of the beach.

“Wow,” I said to Daniel. “This is wonderful.”

He smiled. “Yeah, we like to come up here every few months, if we can. The waves here are a bit different than they are further south.”

“And so are the chicks,” Joey-G said. “What’s that saying about variety…it’s the seasoning of life.”

Ricky frowned. “Dude, variety is the spice of life. And you call yourself a chef. Ha!”

The guys all laughed.

“We’d better get the tents set up first,” Eddie said. “The last time I tried to set up a tent drunk, it fell down on me in the middle of the night.”

We unloaded everything from the back of the SUV and then the guys got to work setting up the tents. I asked Daniel if I could give him a hand, but he told me he could handle it.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” I asked. I was feeling strange just standing there watching everyone else work.

“You can do the most important job,” Daniel said, removing his wallet from his pocket. He handed me a ten dollar bill. “Walk up to the concession area and get two bags of ice, then fill the coolers with ice and beer.”

I had to grin. Of course, getting the beer ready for consumption would be considered the most important job to these guys.

I headed over to the concession area. It was 11:00 a.m., so the breakfast crowd was long gone and the lunch crowd hadn’t started yet.

A young blonde was at the counter. I thought she was around my age, but she was overly tanned and it seemed to be prematurely aging her. When she approached me, she had a strange expression on her face.

“You here with Eddie?” she asked, her tone harsh. I wasn’t sure exactly what she meant by the question.

“Eddie’s part of the group I’m here with,” I said. I hoped that would appease her.

She looked me up and down as if she was sizing me up. I felt extremely uncomfortable. “Eddie and I usually get together when he’s in town,” she said.

“Okay.” That was really too much information, but whatever. “Would it be possible to get some ice?”

“I’ve never seen them bring a girl with them. They usually hook up with girls in town.”

It was becoming increasingly obvious that I was going to have to hear whatever this young woman wanted to tell me before I had any hope of getting the ice.

“So which one are you with?” she asked.

I sighed. Even though it was none of her business, I figured the quicker I satiated her curiosity, the quicker I could get my ice. “Daniel,” I admitted.

“Figures,” she said, but didn’t elaborate.

Now she had my curiosity piqued. “Why do you say that?”

“He usually doesn’t do hook-ups.”

I didn’t like that she used the word usually. I would have preferred the word never in its place.

She continued staring at me. “I can see why he likes you,” she said after what seemed like an uncomfortable eternity. “You’re cute and classy.”

I took it as a compliment. “Thanks.”

“I’m Cyndee, by the way,” she said pointing to her name tag.

“I’m Lexie.”

“Cool name.” She bit the side of her mouth as if she was thinking about something. “Would you mind doing me a favor?”

“What is it?” I asked hesitantly. My thoughts were spinning with all of the things I could imagine Cyndee may want me to do for her.

She swallowed. “Would you mention to Eddie that I get off work at six? Maybe he could stop by and say hi?” I’m sure that wasn’t the only reason she wanted him to stop by.

“Sure,” I said. “No problem.”

Cyndee’s face lit up. “Thanks, I owe you one.”

“Can I get my ice now?” I asked as nicely as possible.

“It’s on the house,” she replied.

***

When I carried the ice bags over to our campsite, the guys cheered and hooted. I noticed the tents were all up and the guys looked like they were readying their kite surfing gear. I placed the ice in coolers with the beer.

Daniel came over to me and kissed my cheek. “Thanks, Lexie.”

“No problem,” I said as I handed him his money back. “Ice was on the house.”

Daniel raised an eyebrow.

“Apparently the attendant is a big fan of Eddie’s,” I said loud enough to get his and the other guy’s attention. All eyes were on me. “Do you know a blonde named Cyndee?” I asked. “With a y and two ees?”

Eddie actually looked a bit uncomfortable, but he played it off. “Names I’m not too good with, but I usually remember a face and I always remember a body.”

Joey-G and Ricky laughed. Daniel glanced at me. I sensed he was trying to gauge my reaction. I continued. “Cyndee wanted me to let you know she gets off work at six and she wants you to stop by and say hi.”

“I’m sure she wants more than just a hello,” Ricky said.

“Eddie will make sure she gets off,” Joey-G added.

I could tell it was going to be a very long weekend.

***

I crawled into Daniel’s tent to change into my bikini. It had been quite a while since I put on a swimsuit, but I thought I looked decent in it. I wasn’t expecting the reactions I got when I stepped out of the tent.

Joey-G, Ricky and Eddie were all eyeing me. I suddenly felt like a sizzling steak set down in front of three hungry men. Before I knew what was happening, Daniel threw a beach towel over my shoulders.

I turned to face him, not sure what to say. Daniel gulped. “Do you have a tee shirt and shorts?” he stammered. “Something to wear over your bathing suit?”

“But we’re on the beach. I’d like to get some sun. You’re the one who said I looked pale, remember?”

“I know, but…” He seemed to be at a loss for words. “That bikini is…you’re so…” He rubbed his temple as he searched for the right words.

I put my hands on my hips. “I’m so what?”

Eddie looked at Daniel and then to me. “What Daniel is trying to say is that you’re smokin’ hot in that bikini and he doesn’t want every guy on the beach checking you out.”

I glared at Eddie and he just smirked. I turned to Daniel. “Will it make you feel better if I put on my shorts with the bikini top?”

“I guess so,” he said, but I didn’t think he was convinced. I had the feeling he wouldn’t be happy until I was fully clothed.

I let out an exasperated sigh and crawled back into the tent. When I reappeared, I was in my shorts and my bikini top. I handed Daniel back his beach towel and he nodded. “Thanks,” he muttered.

I kissed his cheek then whispered in his ear. “I only changed to make you happy.”

That got a small smile out of him.

The guys all grabbed their gear. I grabbed my beach towel, sunscreen and a paperback, and we headed to the water.

I found a secluded spot near some large rocks jutting into the water. The temperature was a near perfect 85 degrees and the constant breeze guaranteed it wouldn’t get too sweltering in the sunshine. I was really starting to love Florida. Sand, surf and sunshine—what was not to love?

I was surprised to see that Daniel had followed me. He put his towel down next to mine and we both sat stretched out on the sand.

“What did you bring to read?” Daniel asked.

I held up the book Savages.

He scrunched up his nose. “Do you like it?”

“So far. I haven’t had a chance to read very much of it yet.”

“Did you bring sunscreen? I wouldn’t want you to get burnt.”

I held up my SPF 30 and he nodded. “Let me know if you need help putting it on your back.”

I handed him the sunscreen and turned my back toward him. I could feel him squeeze some of the cream on my back. Then with soft but deliberate movements, he rubbed the substance into my skin. I liked the feeling of his hands on me. Jolts of electricity moved through my body with every one of his strokes. I imagined him touching the rest of me with his strong hands.

“There,” he said when he finished. I was a little sad he was no longer touching me. “Now your back won’t burn.”

I gave him a quick smile. I liked having Daniel take care of me, even if he went a little overboard sometimes. I had never been taken care of by a man. Jeff had always expected to be taken care of.

“You don’t have to stay here with me,” I said. “I know you probably want to spend time with your friends. I want you to. That’s why I brought my book.”

“Are you sure you’ll be all right?” There was apprehension in his voice. Was he really that insecure about me and our relationship?

I looked into Daniel’s eyes. “I’m here with you, Daniel. I don’t want anyone else. You don’t have to worry.”

He nodded, but I sensed he wasn’t completely convinced. I wondered what had happened in his past to make him feel so insecure.

“Please go have fun with your friends,” I said. “It would make me happy.”

“Okay, but only to make you happy,” he said as he rose and grabbed his gear. I watched as he headed over to where Eddie, Joey-G and Ricky were getting set up.

I watched the guys for a while as they did their thing. It was kind of exhilarating watching them and I imagined the adrenaline rush they got from soaring through the waves and then flying through the air on their boards.

After a while, I decided to read my book. With the warmth of the sun, the light gulf breeze and the relaxing sound of waves, it didn’t take long for me to drift off to sleep.

I was dreaming about Daniel’s hands on my body…when the feeling of cool sand being thrown on my arm interrupted my revere.

I opened an eye and saw Eddie standing over me. He flicked another bit of sand at me with his foot.

“Wake up, Sleeping Beauty,” he said as he plopped down on the sand next to me.

“Stop throwing sand on me,” I moaned.

“Technically, I was kicking sand on you, not throwing it.” He picked up a small bit of sand and threw it on my arm. “That’s throwing sand.”

I flipped over to face him and sat up. “I don’t want any sand on me.”

“Then you might not want to lie on the beach.” Boy, was he on a roll.

I glared at him. “What do you want, Eddie?”

He gave me a sexy-as-hell grin that showed his dimple. Electricity raced through my body.

Shit.

He had his shirt off and I noticed beads of sweat were glistening on his tanned abs. I had to restrain myself from wondering how salty his sweat would taste if I licked it from his chest.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I immediately scanned the beach for signs of Daniel.

“He’s out there,” Eddie said pointing toward the gulf. I could see Daniel was pretty far from shore.

“And why aren’t you out there with the other guys?”

“Because I’d rather be here with you.” His eyes locked with mine and my stomach clenched. “Just so you know, if you were mine, I’d have you sunbathing in the middle of the beach in your little bikini so every guy within half a mile could see you. But that’s because I know I’m the only guy who’d be tapping that. Obviously, Daniel’s still not sure.”

I could feel my breath quicken and all of the blood drain from my face.

Eddie grabbed my book and inspected the cover. “Savages. Hmmm. Don’t best friends share the same girl?”

I gulped. “Have you read it?”

He put the book down. “I saw the movie. I found it intriguing. I wonder if Daniel would be willing to share?”

The air between us had become so heavy with sexual tension, even the gulf breeze couldn’t blow it away.

“I’m with Daniel,” I said, looking into Eddie’s eyes. He didn’t even flinch. His eyes were filled with lust and challenge.

“For now,” he said. “Some things are worth waiting for.”

“You may be waiting a long time,” I countered. “I really like Daniel.”

“And I really like you,” Eddie said as he reached over and placed his index finger on my ankle. He circled around it slowly with his fingertip. I gasped as a wave of shivers rippled through my body.

I eased my ankle away from his finger. Eddie gave me a half smile, then placed his index finger on my other ankle. He circled it gently with his finger and my body reacted. When I felt desire spreading deep into my core, I knew I was in trouble.

Eddie met my gaze, his eyes scorching. “Your body doesn’t lie, Alexandria. I can see you still want me.”

Angry tears began to pool in the corners of my eyes. “I want Daniel,” I managed to get out through clenched teeth. I hopped up, grabbed my towel and other things and marched toward our campsite. I could hear Eddie’s laughter behind me.

By the time I got back to the campsite, I was enraged. I couldn’t believe how quickly and easily Eddie could get to me and I couldn’t believe I allowed it.

At that moment, all I wanted was to see Daniel, to touch him and to feel him touch me. I wanted to feel his strong arms around me. I wanted to press my face against his chest and nestle in his warmth.

I stared at the fire pit. It was still too hot to start the fire. It wouldn’t get dark for several hours. That’s probably how long it would take for the guys to get back. I doubted they would want to give up any daylight kite surfing time.

I contemplated taking a long walk on the beach by myself to clear my head. The more I thought about it, the better the idea sounded. As I headed back toward the beach, I thought I heard my name being called in the distance. If it was Eddie, I wanted to be as far away from his as possible.

“Lexie.” I heard a male voice call again.

It couldn’t be Eddie, I thought. He never calls me Lexie. I stopped and turned to see Daniel running toward me.

“Where are you going?” he asked as he tried to catch his breath.

“For a long walk,” I said.

“Do you mind if I join you?”

“What about the kite surfing?” I asked.

He shrugged. “I think I’ve had enough for the day.”

I started to walk and Daniel walked with me. He held out his hand, so I placed mine in his. He laced our fingers.

We walked silently for a few minutes. The beach was getting quieter as the afternoon sun peaked. All I could hear was the waves splashing against the shore and our footsteps as we splashed through those waves.

“What was Eddie talking to you about?” Daniel said. As casually as he tried to make the question, I could hear the strain in his voice.

“Savages,” I said.

“I wasn’t too fond of the movie,” he said. “Especially them sharing the girl.”

I cringed.

We were silent for a few more paces. “Do you mind if I ask you a question? If you don’t want to talk about it, it’s okay.”

“You can ask me anything,” Daniel said.

“Did something happen between you and Eddie? I don’t mean recently. In the past.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Yeah, kind of.”

Daniel sighed. “It was our senior year of college. I started dating a girl, Cara, and I really liked her. She was a freshman. She wasn’t very experienced with guys, if you know what I mean.”

I could tell Daniel was getting a bit uncomfortable but I thought it was important for him to tell me the story. “It’s okay to say she was a virgin, if that’s what you mean.”

When I glanced at Daniel, I could see he was biting his bottom lip. “That’s what I mean,” he admitted. “Anyway, we were taking things slow but I was really starting to fall for her. She told me she wanted me to be her first and that she wanted her first time to be special. For obvious reasons, I had tried to keep the contact between Cara and Eddie to a minimum. He was as much of a player then as he is now, maybe even more so.”

Daniel bit his bottom lip again and then continued. “One night, I invited Cara over. Eddie was supposed to be at a party. I got tied up at the crisis center, where I was working, and was late meeting her. When I got back to my room, Cara ran out crying. Eddie had never made it to the party. He seduced Cara and the two of them had sex. Her first time was with him instead of me. He didn’t even care about her. She was just another score for him. Cara was so embarrassed that she didn’t want to see either one of us again.”

I could feel my heart breaking for Daniel. Even though words could not adequately describe what I was thinking or feeling, I still managed to tell Daniel I was sorry that happened to him.

“I haven’t dated much or very seriously since then,” he admitted.

“Why are you still friends with Eddie?” I wondered aloud.

“That’s a good question. And I don’t have a good answer. I never had a brother and I always thought Eddie was like a brother to me. Or maybe I just wanted him to be. He’s kind of a jerk, isn’t he?”

“Jerk is really a nice word for what he is,” I said and we both laughed.

I stopped walking and turned toward Daniel. He stopped and turned to face me. Our eyes met and we both looked at each other for a long moment. “I hope you know you’re the only one I want.”

Daniel swallowed. “Are you sure?”

I nodded. “I want to be with you. Tonight.”

Daniel stroked the side of my face lightly with his fingers. He didn’t take his eyes from mine. “You really want to be with me?”

“Yes,” I insisted. “You and only you.”

A smile crossed Daniel’s face and his eyes gleamed. He leaned down and touched his lips to mine. His kiss was gentle at first, but as I responded with a little more heat, his kiss became more intense and urgent. “Tonight,” he said breathlessly. “I can’t wait for tonight.”

***

By the time Daniel and I returned from our walk, the three other guys were starting on the beers.

“We need to think about doing a grocery run for dinner,” Ricky said. “I’m starving already.”

“The usual?” Joey-G offered. “Burgers and brats.”

Daniel and I took seats next to Ricky. Joey-G was on his other side and Eddie was seated across from us.

“And what does Alexandria like to eat?” Eddie asked as he glanced in my direction.

Daniel grabbed my hand and held it tight. “What would you like for dinner, Lexie?”

I turned to Daniel. “Whatever you guys are having is fine.”

“Burgers and brats it is,” Joey-G said. “Let’s head for the supermarket in ten.”

When I snuck a glance at Eddie, he was scowling. Then he jumped to his feet. “I’ll meet you guys at the car.”

“Going to see Cyndee with a ‘y’ and two ees?” Ricky teased.

Eddie didn’t respond. He just hurried toward the concession stand.

***

Ten minutes later, we stood at Joey-G’s SUV. Daniel pulled Ricky aside and said something quietly on his ear. Even straining, I couldn’t make out exactly what he was saying.

“Yeah, sure, man,” Ricky said as he walked to the back of the car and hopped into the seat behind the driver, the one that had been occupied by Eddie on the way up.

I slid into my seat next to Ricky and Daniel sat next to me. Joey-G took the driver’s seat. We only had to wait a minute before Eddie ran over to the car. I could see Eddie furrow his brows as he noticed that Ricky had taken his previous seat. He let out a barely perceptible sigh, then hopped into the passenger seat in front of Daniel.

“Okay, kids,” Joey-G said. “Food shopping time.”