Chapter 35
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
ELENA
I looked forward to the mud obstacle course with Orion. It was an opportunity for us to forget about our responsibilities and just play.
I’d never participated in a mud race before, but I’d wanted to. This would be the first time for me and Orion. I was more excited about it than he was.
Inside our lodge room, we got ready to prepare to head down to the obstacle course. Orion stood by the window, talking to someone on the phone, wearing his polo shirt and khaki slacks, looking handsome and way too preppy for this event.
I wore my black tank top and shorts I’d ordered online for this event. When he finished, he turned around, and I held up his outfit. A lightweight T-shirt and knit shorts that matched my outfit.
“Let’s go, Slingshot. We’ve got an obstacle course to overcome.”
“I watched the videos on YouTube.” He took the clothes and placed them on the bed. “How is this fun? Getting all dirty? Running in the mud and swimming in the muddy river?” Disgust flashed on his face, along with a little anxiety.
“Don’t think of it like that.” I walked over and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Think of it as spending time with me—your favorite girl.”
He pulled me close. “That’s the only reason I’m here. I have to make sure no man is getting dirty with you.”
“Thanks for giving it a shot.” I smiled. “We’re creating dirty memories together.”
“There are other ways of creating dirty memories without having to be here, you know. My office, my house or your house, a lovely retreat in the Bahamas, the Maldives, or even on my island. Lots of places.”
“Those places are wonderful, and I’d love to visit your island one day. But this is an unforgettable adventure. This is us trying new things. You’re stepping into my world by doing this. It’s not an extravagant retreat like what you’re used to. Or what you can afford.” I removed his shirt, rubbing my hands across the firm and muscular chest. “This is something I can afford because a friend got me discounted tickets. And because it looked fun. Besides, we’ll get a good workout out of it.” I stripped his shorts and admired how endowed he was.
“Keep going with your little speech, Sunshine. It’s turning me on.”
Smirking, I palmed him. “None of my previous boyfriends wanted to do this.”
“No?”
“Like you, they weren’t interested in running through the mud.” I took off his boxers, releasing his cock. “But you did, even though you’re uncomfortable with it.” I stroked him, loving the heat in my palm.
He moaned. “If this is how you ease me into an uncomfortable situation, I’ll let you know every time I stumble into one.”
“Don’t worry about anything. Have fun. If you slip in the mud, I’ll get you out.” I met his eyes, and there was so much emotion in them.
“You’ll run through the muck to save me?”
“I’ll get down and dirty for you.” I dropped to my knees and took him in my mouth, loving every inch.
He groaned and placed his hands on my head, watching me watch him. There was something special between us, a connection that was beyond this physical attraction.
“Feels so good, baby.”
Then I released him, got up,and placed two hands on his chest. “That’s just a taste of what’s to come after you finish the race with me.”
He narrowed his eyes at me. “You’re evil.”
“A teaser isn’t evil.” I tapped his cheek. “You’ve been working late the past few days. You need a break.”
I tossed him his clothes, “C’mon, Slingshot. Let’s have some fun!”
As we headed out to the obstacle course, a weird sensation overcame me.Then I heard her voice.
“Orion!” Chantel strutted up to us with Sabrina. “Nice seeing you again.” She brushed a hand down his arm, ignoring me.
I glared ather, wishing my eyes could send out a beam of light to burn off her hand. I didn’t want her touching him. Though he was my boyfriend now, the surge of jealousy still surprised me.
Chantel flicked a glance at me and back at him. Sabrina met my eyes and looked elsewhere. I knew she had helped Chantel spread the drug rumors about me.
“Hello.” Orion slung an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. “You’re here for the obstacle course?”
I wrapped my arm around his waist as well. “Nice seeing you and Sabrina here. I didn’t think you’d like rolling around in the mud.”
Arching an eyebrow, Chantel stared at Orion’s arm on my shoulder. Then she slid her disapproving gaze to me. “You get around fast.”
I blinked at the rudeness. I guess I shouldn’t have given her the benefit of the doubt. Indignation soared in me as I extracted myself from Orion’s arm.
“If you think my dating someone new after a year is fast, then how do you describe yourself when you date a new guy every month?” I paused as Chantel’s mouth dropped open, looking embarrassed. She stepped on my toes when all I wanted was a calm vacation. I continued my tirade. “We all know you screwed those guys from the lighting crew.”
She flared her nostrils, sending darts into my chest with her eyes.
I sent my own darts back at her. “And let’s not forget Mr. Gallini’s son, who had just turned nineteen.” I shook my head. “Seriously, he’s still a kid.” A kid who was big and tall like his father, who owned the gym she attended. Maybe she slept with the father too, but I hadn’t heard anyone whisper that.
Sabrina whipped her head at Chantel, whose face was beet red with anger.
Orion stood with his arms crossed over his chest, looking intrigued.
“Someone’s spreading rumors about me,” Chantel spat.
“It must be because you did that to them. What goes around comes around.”
Sabrina glanced at the floor, probably trying to escape the embarrassing situation but afraid of Chantel’s wrath afterward.
“Stay out of my business,” Chantel seethed.
“Then you stay out of mine.” I whirled around, walked to Orion, gripped his hand in mine, and stalked off.
Anger pulsed through my veins. This was my mini vacation with Orion. Our first actual date and Chantel had to ruin it.
Orion swung my hand back and forth. “That was admirable.”
I flicked an annoyed look at him, even though he had nothing to do with it. Actually, he did. Chantel wanted him . Had he given her any indication that he was interested? Doubts swarmed in my mind like annoying ants.
I stopped in my steps and narrowed my eyes at him.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Chantel said it was nice seeing you again . What didn’t you tell me about seeing her on your last business trip?”
He considered me for a moment, studying my face with amusement. Then a smile appeared on his face as he leaned in and whispered, “Are you jealous?”
I rolled my eyes, not admitting to anything. This entire situation was already ridiculous and my behavior baffled me. Still, I couldn’t help it.
“Answer my question,” I scoffed.
His smile widened. “I saw her at an event, but nothing happened.” He touched my face tenderly. “I was too busy thinking about dandelion tea and a sexy eye roll from someone else.”
I twisted my lips, feeling better. But also feeling annoyed at myself for letting Chantel push my buttons. I knew without a doubt she’d been badmouthing me to all my colleagues. Her family had influence at Channel 7 News, so I wasn’t surprised if they chose her over me.
Those with privilege had an upper hand at everything.
Feeling drained, I sighed. “Okay.”
“Come here, Sunshine.” He pulled me flush to him for a warm embrace. “I love that you’re jealous, but never doubt how I feel about you. Okay?” He kissed my forehead. “That was the most interesting spat I’d ever witnessed. She stepped on your toes, but you twisted her arms.”
Grinning, I imagined the image, and it made me feel a little better. “Sometimes you have to draw a clear line for the bully. I’m not dismissing her attack. Let’s stop talking about her. I need to release some tension.”
His eyes sparked, thinking about something entirely different. However, I wasn’t in the mood for anything sexual.
I needed to sweat off this irritation.