Holidays on the Slopes (Closed for southern_slut)

[CarnivalBarker]

Holidays on the Slopes (Closed)

http://www.beavercreek.com/~/media/Beaver%20Creek/Images/Main%20Images/ResortWithFireworkBVC3419Chris%20McLennan.ashx?&bc=ffffff


I always take the first day of my trip easy. No need to shred a knee or break a leg trying to go all out and doing something stupid. No, the first day was always to get the lay of the land, to find out how fast the runs were, how much snowpack was present, how icy the turns were, how fast the girls in the village might be. My favorite thing early in the trip was to ski late into the evening, before sliding directly from a run into the ski village below where the tourists and college kids gathered. There would be no shortage of cute co-eds in their cold weather gear, most shopping while their boyfriends or families shopped, some in their ski wear, still trying to look more cute than serious on the slopes. Either way, I didn't mind. The coeds tended to be cute, and the serious skiers tended to have hard, athletic bodies, and I could spend the week with a cutie of either variety.

The two weeks around Christmas and New Years was always my favorite time here. My family was busy back in Texas opening presents, drinking to keep each other sane, and fighting over grandpa's will, which could be an issue, and has been for the last five years of his ever-so-shortening life. I preferred my adopted home, the slopes of whatever resort I chose to ski each year. Most of them were perfectly snow-decked at all times, the Christmas lights gleamed with every color you knew from every tree you grew up with, and the villages had the best steakhouses and seafood restaurants, bars, and nightlife that a 40 year old guy could enjoy and not seem either too old or too young to enjoy. And the people were always in a festive mood. Parties every night erupted where anyone could buy liquor, DJ's filled the air with the sounds of the best synthesized noise of the era, and the chalet I rented always had the warmest fireplace, the best view, and the largest hot tub to entice some sweet southern girl seeking to avoid her parents. This was holiday at its best.

My last run of the day began with a creaky, windy ride up the ski lift to the weakest of the black diamond runs. I warmed up with some blue and greens just to get an idea of the snow pack, and then I would whet my appetite with a single blast down a supposedly tough track, before taking in some nightlife and preparing to hit it hard for real tomorrow. Once on top of the mountain, I looked below, and the evening sky was beginning to set the village aglow in yellow-bathed hues, that welcomed any traveler from above or below. I pushed off and was down the slope, unharmed in less than twenty minutes. As I coasted the final 300 yards to a slow pace, I lifted my poles and turned to the side, kicking up a long spray of powder as I came to a stop at the base of the run. I pulled off my skis and proceeded in just my boots to the bar that faced the mountain, giving the patrons a view of the ten hardest tracks, and where they would see anyone's glory or failure as they somehow made it to the bottom.

As I carried my skis onto the heated patio, propping them along a nearby railing, I looked to my left and saw a girl at the bar, noticing her immediately. Before I could sit down, a guy approached me.

"Davis MacLaren, right?" he asked.

"Yeah," I said. "Hi."

"My brother is a huge X-Games fan. You won the freestyle, right?"

"Silver. But yeah, that was me."

"You should be in the Olympics, dude." I thanked him, and allowed him to get a picture with me on his phone, not explaining that the knee I wrecked three years ago kept me out of serious competition, instead allowing me to just play here and there and make a living doing endorsements, lessons, and junkets for rich fans. As I turned back toward the bar, I saw you again, and thought you looked a bit familiar, but couldn't tell. I took a seat by the fireplace, and waited to catch your eye, or perhaps make my move. Within moments, I had struck up a conversation with some cute girls at the table next to mine. Yet, my mind wandered to you.

Who IS this girl? I asked myself, as I took a drink.

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01794/bodyguard-ski-inst_1794338b.jpg

 

[CarnivalBarker]

........

 

[CarnivalBarker]

.....

 

[prettyserpentine]

I hated skiing. I'd always hated it. But my father had this bright idea of paying for a big holiday for my little sister's 21st birthday at his chalet in the mountains. I had come here to escape Christmas, and she decided to use her present at this time of year. Just when I had been planning my great escape.

"Come on sweetheart, you won't mind putting up with Emma for a few days? I'll make it up to you."

I had rolled my eyes. Dad had been trying to pamper us ever since the divorce six years ago. Emma had taken it pretty hard, being only fifteen at the time, but I had known it was near the end, really. Of course I had conceded. My little sister was a spoilt bitch, but she was my sister and I loved her, even if she annoyed the hell out of me.

Emma had gone out skiing with her friends, and her boyfriend Will. I'd taken the opportunity to do some studying. I had finished my Bachelor's Degree in Literature, done my Master's last year and this year was doing my MFA in Creative Writing. Next year I was going to do my PhD. I worked hard, my grades were good, but all the studying kind of impacted my social life. I socialised with other students mainly, and one or two of my tutors, but after a drunken night last year that ended in an affair, I had pretty much stopped socialising with the Literature grads.

After the skiing, Emma and her merry band of idiot friends turned up at the chalet, disturbing my evening curled up reading Dickens in front of the fire. She had coerced Will into persuading me to go out for a drink with them all. Truthfully, I went because I couldn't be bothered arguing with her. And maybe if I got drunk, I could sleep through the noise of her and Will banging later. I pulled on my best pair of tight jeans and knee high boots, with a snug green jumper with a big rolled up neck and lacy cuffs that hung loosely like old fashioned sleeves. I put a little makeup on to accentuate my blue eyes, and let my long red hair hang loosely around me.

I sat at the bar, sipping a glass of mulled wine. The lights of the huge Christmas tree glinted off my glass, and the bar smelled faintly of cinnamon. I realised it had been a while since Emma or her friends had been up to annoy me about not dancing. I glanced around.

That's when I saw him.

He looked kind of familiar. I tended to come to the chalet most winters, maybe I'd seen him here before. Some guy was talking to him, taking a photo with him. I looked back into my glass of mulled wine, thinking little of it. Eventually Will came over again.

"Hey Lucy. Won't you dance with me?"

I didn't like Will. I didn't like the way he looked at me. The jokes, the dark looks. He made me uncomfortable. I tried to ignore the way he stroked my arm.

"No thanks, Will. I twisted my ankle earlier on the slopes. Don't feel much like dancing."

He laughed. "Baby, I know you weren't skiing. That'd mean leaving your little books behind. Come dance with me." He smoothed my long red hair back.

"Go dance with your girlfriend. Emma. Remember her?"

He scoffed. "Come on Lucy. You know we'd have fun..."

I stood up, shrugging him off. I noticed Emma and her friends talking to that guy... They seemed comfortable and my eyebrows raised in annoyance. I looked back to Will.

"No, Will." I looked over again, and noticed you looking at me. Will was running a finger down my arm and I moved away from him, towards the table.

Towards you.

But instead, I looked at my little sister. With short, pixie hair the same shade of red as mine, we could have been twins. She was telling you it was her birthday. I rolled my eyes at her.

"Excuse me," I apologised to you, smiling quickly and then looking at her again. Ignoring her friend's hand on your knee. "Emma, I'm going back to the chalet."

"Oh come on Lucy, stay... This is Davis. Don't be rude."

I looked pointedly at Violet's hand. "I think it'd be rude of me to interrupt," I said sarcastically, with a sly smirk. "Anyway, enjoy your evening. I'll see you later."

I pulled on my coat and scarf and opened the door. Emma called after me as my hair got caught by the wind, blowing around me as I cast you a parting glance and headed down the snowy street to a quiet little cafe, where I pulled a book out of my handbag and sat by the window, content.


Lucy: http://cache.desktopnexus.com/thumbnails/899716-bigthumbnail.jpg

 

[CarnivalBarker]

I smiled when your sister introduced me, and was perplexed when you left. I figure you must not simply be interested, and I certainly had no problem with the fresh-faced brunette running her hand up my thigh. But she seemed young, naive even. At some point thereafter, as Violet (I believe that was her name - Violet) continued to flirt, I thought, "Little girl, you have no idea what you are asking for." I wasn't maybe the best guy and knew it, and I knew what would happen if this barely out of high school creature ended up in my room. I wasn't opposed to it. But my mind wandered to the redhead that left to go home earlier.

"So, Lucy? That was your sister?" I ask Emma.

"Yeah," she says. "I don't know what her deal is."

"She hates fun," Violet says, as a guy sits next to Emma.

"Yeah she does," the new guy says. "Who is this?" He asks Emma, his arm going around her. I introduce myself, and he tells me his name is Will.

"I saw she shot you down," I grin, quietly. Emma shoots daggers at him with her eyes.

"Oh, Will is my boyfriend," she informs me, as if trying to convince nobody but herself. She scoots close to him. "Davis is a ski instructor," she tells Will.

"Well, I'm actually a retired Olympic skier. I quit when I shredded my knee, and I am trying to get into coaching." I respond. Will could not be less interested, his eyes checking out several girls in jeans walking through the village.

"How long will you all be in town?" I ask Emma.

"Three days," interrupts Violet, her eyes trying to seduce me as she takes a sip of her drink.

"But Lucy is here on her own," says your sister. "We are sharing my dad's place. She may stay longer."

"What place?" I ask.

"Oh, we have a chalet on the East face, just on the edge of the resort."

"The big cabin that sits on the road coming into town?"

"Yeah that's it," she says. I know exactly the place she describes. For years I wondered who lived there. From the road the place looked huge, and I wondered who had the money to own it. We talk a few moments more and I excuse myself to go catch dinner at the steakhouse around the corner. I had gotten to know the bartender there, and the hostesses were usually interested enough to take care of me, and also not likely to be related to the girl I was still intrigued by - the redhead that didn't seem interested. Why did I always want what I can't have? Because that was always more fun than what was easy. I stood up to tab out.

"It was nice to meet you Violet," I say. "Emma, I'm having lunch tomorrow at Brakers tomorrow, off the blue run. You two should come join me," I say, dropping $200 on the table to cover everyone's drinks. "Good to meet you, Will," I say, as the money hits the table in an effort to show him up a little. "Find me," I tell everyone. "I'm here for two weeks. Everyone in the village will know where I am," I smile and take off with my skis, heading to get a steak, and some wine at my next stop.

 

[prettyserpentine]

I was almost finished my book, when I took a craving for mulled wine. There was a restaurant down the street that made the best mulled wine at the resort, so I pulled my coat on and headed down there. It was quite quiet, and the waitresses gave me a little table for two just by the fireplace. I sat there, sipping my mulled wine and reading my book, when the waitress disturbed my reverie, setting down another steaming glass of the drink, and smiling at me. I looked up at her, confused.

She smiled, speaking quietly. "From the gentleman."

I leaned forward, a strand of my hair falling down like a curtain. My eyes widened and I smiled slightly, nodding in thanks.

It was you.

I could barely concentrate on my book, struggling to reach the final pages in between sipping my wine and stealing glances at you as you ate your steak. But finish I did, and I glanced up at the clock. It was almost ten thirty! I rose up too quickly, knocking my book onto the floor, and in my struggle to catch it I tore a page out. I frowned in irritation as I pulled on my coat, heading up to the bar. I glanced down at the page, merely titled 'Great Expectations', and I scribbled a note on it, whispering to the barman as I handed him the sheet. I glanced at you, and noticed you looking at me. I nodded my head again, mouthing 'thank you and heading back to the chalet.

The bartender approached you, handing you the piece of paper. "From the lady," he said, smirking. I had underlined 'Great Expectations' and scribbled underneath it: Thank you for the wine. Lucy. I had started to write my cellphone number, but put a line through it. I had only written half of it down, anyway. I smiled at the thought of that frustrating you.

The next day I managed to finish one of my papers. I leaned back in the chair and smiled, very pleased with myself. Maybe I'd even join Emma tonight in her little evening out. Apparently lunch had gone so well, everyone was going for drinks. So I styled my hair in an up do, put on some makeup and a little cocktail dress.

"He only invited Emma and me," Violet smirked as I entered the living room. She wore the shortest skirt I'd ever seen. She was such a tramp.

"Good for you," I said sharply. "I wasn't intending on going out to listen to your lame chat up lines tonight, Violet. I prefer to spend my time with intelligent people. Not vapid whores like you."

Her eyebrows perked and she snidely retorted. "I can't stay and chat, Emma's just gone out to get into the cab. Enjoy your evening with Will."

Even on the mention of his name, my skin prickled. She walked out, slamming the door loudly. I glared at it until I heard movement behind me.

"Jesus, Lucy... You look good enough to eat."

I swiped open my iPhone and dialled a cab to the bar I'd been to the night before. Maybe I'd see you there after you'd hopefully ditched my sister. Or maybe you'd go home with Violet. I didn't like that thought. The cab driver said he'd be half an hour, and I groaned inwardly. I turned, forcing a smile as Will stared at me.

"Cab's on it's way." Now to endure a half hour with Will. He didn't disappoint. I sat down on the arm of the sofa and pulled my dress down to my knees, sending a text message to Emma, advising her that she should have taken her low life boyfriend with her. She texted back telling me that he was just being friendly.

Friendly my ass.

Which is exactly where his hand was. "Lucy..."

I was out of my seat like a shot. "Will, honest to god, you need to back off. You're my sister's boyfriend, now stop acting like an asshole. I'm not interested. Now fuck off."

He growled a little, grabbing my arm. "Give it up, Luce. It's just you and me. Emma doesn't have to know." He pulled me to him, kissing me. I struggled and he tightened his grip. "You can stop being a little cocktease..."

I shoved him. "I said no, goddammit!"

He shoved me back, knocking me onto the sofa, pulling my dress up, his hands on my ass. "Oh Lucy... Lace. I like it..."

I raised my knee, getting him right in the balls and raking my nails across his cheek. He fell to the floor, cursing, sitting on his knees as I struggled into a sitting position, shaking. He lashed out with the back of his hand and I felt my lip crack and tasted blood. "You bitch. You fucked me once, and I know you liked it..." He gripped my legs and I slapped him, shoving myself away and striding to the door.

"You weren't dating my sister. If you touch me again, I'm going to kick your ass. And I suggest you leave Emma. You can call a cab and go back to your backward ass hometown in Who-Gives-A-Fuck-Ville." I stormed out, meeting my cab as it pulled up to the house. I fixed my mussed up hair and applied red lipstick to hide my bust lip, when the cab pulled up at the bar.

You weren't there, and I felt a stab of disappointment. Emma texted me when I was chatting to the bartender. 'Are you okay? I just saw Will. He says you made a move on him.'

I rolled my eyes. 'I didn't. He did. We just argued.'

'I told him this is his last chance. We can talk about it in the morning. He's being a dick.' I shook my head. She always gave him last chances. Stupid girl. 'Anyway, Violet says she's going home with Davis so it'll just be me, you and Will.' I winced. Violet. And you.

"Lucy? Bad news?" The bartender, Steven, looked at me. "What'll it be, kiddo?"

"I'll have a dry martini. You can keep them coming."

I was pretty drunk by the time it hit 11pm. One of the waitresses had clocked off shift and we were talking about our different classes, ordering cocktails and dancing. I barely noticed Emma and Violet enter the bar, choosing to ignore them and dance with Sarah instead. Then I saw you, leaning across the bar and talking to Steven. He pointed at his lip, and then at me, and you looked over. So I waved, thinking absentmindedly that my lipstick might have worn off. I didn't see Will behind me, but you did. I wondered why you looked troubled, but I kept dancing, upping my game a little, even though I was sure you'd prefer that slut Violet to a bookworm like me.



The dress: http://image.dhgate.com/albu_319849971_00-1.0x0/winter-black-a-line-cocktail-dresses-collar.jpg

 

[CarnivalBarker]

I got to the bar and sat down, before I saw you or your crowd. Steven told me you were all in, and pointed you out. "I think she and that guy got into it earlier," he said, pointing in your direction. My brow furrowed, and I couldn't quite figure out the dynamic. Will was with Emma, but you were dancing with him, and he seemed way into you. I shrugged it off and ordered a drink.

"So," came a voice from over my shoulder. "Why Johnny Walker Black?" Violet asked, sitting beside me at the bar.

"Because Blue isn't worth the high price, and Red is of inferior quality, now isn't it?" I say, holding up my glass. Violet laughs and touches my knee, as Emma approaches us a moment later.

"Hey Davis," your sister says.

"Hey," I reply. "Your sister and Will are over there," I point. Both Emma and Violet look a bit surprised, unaware that you would be here. Emma marches immediately off in your direction.

"What are you getting me?" Violet asks. I smile. I turn to Steven and tell him to bring Violet anything she wants, and he nods. This is the reason I love the ski village. I'm not particular, and I like the attention. Frankly, Violet has nice legs, and an eagerness that would be fun in bed. You have an innocence and suggestion that I might be able to corrupt you. Even Emma seems enticing, with her hair in wisps covering her eyes, and a tight body in her evening dress. My play is to be non-committal at this point. Violet may be too easy, and she's not my fist choice. But, I'm not about to let any of you know my intentions until the situation with Will resolves itself, and until I get one of you alone and try to make a deeper connection. Steven brings Violet a Chocolatini, and I roll my eyes, teasing her for her girly drink.

I see Emma stake out a high top table near the dance floor, placing her coat and purse down before charging to the floor and pulling Will away from you, leaving you dancing alone. I notice you moving to the throbbing music and like the way your body sways. I lose track of anything Violet says, though I notice she is closer than before and practically whispering in my ear. She catches my attention a moment later.

"Will dates Emma, hoping he can fuck Lucy," she says. My eyes get a bit wide and I turn to look at her in disbelief. "And Lucy is into him, but for some reason plays prude."

"How did she cut her lip?" I ask.

"What?" Violet asks.

"Steven said she cut her lip. Said Will did it."

Vi rolls her eyes. "Probably bit it when he was fucking her after we left earlier," she says, dismissively. I take a sip of my drink and grind my teeth. I couldn't be more disappointed if that were the truth. But I had no idea what to believe. Violet ran her hand over my thigh. "Tell me how you hurt your knee," she says, her eyes seductive. "Maybe I can help you heal," she grins, turning me to face her.

"Olympic trials. Six years ago. I needed a normal run to qualify in the giant slalom. Just had to hit each gate, and I was in. But the track was fast, and I wanted to make a statement. There was a world record out there to be had. I took off down the mountain at top speed from the moment I left the block." I gently teased a finger along her jaw. "I hit the first gate," I say, brushing her lower lip. "It was simple, straight in." I run a finger along her arm, down her side, and onto her thigh. "The second gate was a tight squeeze, but I plowed through it HARD." I grin. My hand slides over her knee and then suddenly off. "I pressed right trying to get into the third gate, but had to turn left quickly or else I would miss it. When I did, I went too fast, and my left leg buckled in, while my foot went out." I described the tumble down the mountain that broke 12 bones in my body and nearly twisted my leg off at the knee. "Each Mountain is a mistress, and she always guards the third gate," I say. I raise my glass with a wink, knowing the story was true in fact, but the metaphor was horrible bullshit. I enjoyed toying with the cute things I ran into in the village, and Violet was no different. She hung on every word, and I suspected the third gate would not be any challenge on her run.

"Sounds.......painful," she says. I simply smile a broad grin.

"Yeah, maybe." I enjoyed the flirt. At the same time, I wished it was you sitting here. Violet seemed too easy.

I turn back toward the dance floor for a moment, and people have filled in so that I can no longer see you or Emma, and could see Will slightly over the other people nearby. He looked to be in some discussion but I could not tell with who or what about.

"Where is your chalet?" Violet asks, as I peer through the crowd, trying to find you and Emma.

 

[prettyserpentine]

My head was swimming when Emma eventually found me on the dance floor. She gripped my arm, glaring at me before dragging me to the ladies' room. I looked at myself in the mirror, my jaw had started to bruise a little and my lipstick had indeed worn off, revealing my cracked lip. I frowned, dabbing it with a wipe as Emma started to complain.

"Will did that to you? Lucy I'm sorry..."

I rolled my eyes. "Don't be sorry. Be proactive. Dump his ass."

"I can't. He says he loves me, and he's sorry..."

"Goddammit Emma, do you want to be the kind of pathetic whelp who stays with a guy because she feels sorry for him or is scared? He hits women. Maybe you, next time. You can do better," I said, softening. After all, the kid was my sister. She looked genuinely sad.

"You're right. I'll go and tell him now."

"Good. I'll be out there, if you need me."

I noticed you as I walked up to the bar. I glanced at you and Violet, looking cosy, and I scowled, leaning over the bar and flirting a little with Steven. I ordered a Johnny Walker Black and raised my glass to you, wincing a little as the alcohol stung my lip. Steven asked me what had happened. I felt suddenly self conscious as I recanted the story.

"My sister has the worst choice in men, and friends," I looked pointedly at Violet, "Her asshole boyfriend keeps trying to get me into bed. We had a fling once, years ago, but I am so over that. Anyway, he doesn't like it when girls say no, and I did, so... He got handsy." I gingerly touched my cheek and Steven looked pissed. The waitress I had been hanging out with earlier, Gina, came over and told me that Emma was finishing things with Will, and he wasn't too happy. I glanced over, noticing him. He looked angry, and I was suddenly worried for my sister. Gina and I headed over, finding a tall blond man standing between Will and Emma. She looked small and afraid, and I went into protective big sister mode.

"What's going on here?" I demanded as Gina went to Emma.

The tall blond spoke. "This douche was trying to start something. I'm just defending the lady is all."

"This is all your fault, you little bitch!" Will yelled.

Emma shrank to my side. "I told him it was over, Luce. He just got mad." I stood in front of her defensively, although the blond guy was much taller than me. People were dancing around our little circle. "Where's Vi?"

"Doing what she does best," I muttered, then I looked at Will. "You can get out. And you leave us alone. I never want to see you again." I glared at him angrily. Emma hurried off to find Violet and tell her what was happening, leaving me and Gina squaring off against Will. The blond guy followed my sister. It was kind of sweet, like she had a knight in shining armour.

Will laughed, shaking his head and calling my sister a little whore. He started shooting his mouth off and I pushed him towards the door and out, so we wouldn't get kicked out by the bouncers. Gina stood at the door as Will argued with me. He kept pulling at my arms, trying to get closer to me but I stayed away, glancing around in case I needed help.

"You're a goddamned tease, Lucy..." He hissed at me, his hand closing around my wrist. I pulled my arm but he was stronger than me. A taxi pulled up and he started pulling me towards it but I resisted. "She's drunk, silly bitch," he called to the driver.

I cried out as he yanked the door open forcefully and I smacked my head off the corner of it, making myself dizzy. My left eye went kind of red, and I could feel blood trickling down my forehead and cheek. I could hear my little sister, and feel strong arms pulling me away as his grip on my wrist disappeared. Everything was spinning and I grabbed onto the shirt of the man who was holding me. I could see my little sister, all 5'5 of her, her fist cocked and Will's nose streaming blood. I smiled proudly, my legs wobbling.

"You ever touch my sister or me again and I swear to god, I will tear your arms off, you piece of shit!"

I grinned at her as Gina pulled Emma back and the security shoved Will into the cab. I was still clinging to the man's shirt, and I felt really, really woozy. I looked up...

...at you.

My heart lurched and my head throbbed. "Oh...um... That's my sister..." I said proudly as my knees totally buckled.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

I hold you up as best I can, making sure you slump against me and don't crash to the ground. "Let's get her somewhere," I say, squatting briefly to pick you up, and I carry you inside. Steven lets us into a private lounge area and I sit you in a booth and slide in next to you. "That's an ugly cut," I say, patting blood from beside your eye. I nod and Gina goes to get a first aid kit.

"You know," I say, "someone should go ahead of you and make sure he gets his things out of your place and you don't walk back into a lion's den when you get home." Steven agrees. I begin to put a butterfly bandage on your eye.

"Bet you didn't plan on your vacation going this smoothly, huh?" I ask you, grinning. "But I didn't either, really." And I didn't. I had just come to shred some of the slopes and throw around a college girl at night, as I usually did. I didn't for a second think that I'd get drawn into someone's domestic dispute. Violet stood over us, her arms crossed, looking disturbed by all of it. I look up at her and flash a grin. You seemed out for the count, and I still had no idea what to make of any of it, but felt certain that Violet would volunteer later to clarify things for me from her back, in my bed. At the same time, I hoped you might rally.

"You're probably going to need to go home early, when we do," Emma tells you as I hand you some pain medicine from the first aid kit. "Especially if you're injured," she says. "You shouldn't be up here in the mountains by yourself." Her comment piqued my interest. Maybe this drama would abate when everyone left, and I could hang out with just you. The blond guy appeared again.

"Do you guys need someone to ride back with you and make sure that guy doesn't try something?" He asks Emma.

"That might be a good idea," I say, squeezing your thigh as I look at you, sympathetically. "And someone will need to get this one inside safely," I say. I let you rest your head on the table where you sit and I stand up. "If you guys, uh....don't need anything else," I say, "I'm going to head back to the bar."

 

[prettyserpentine]

"Alright, I'm sorry for the distraction..." I said, embarrassed. But you were already leaving, with Violet trailing after you, casting a glare in my direction. I sighed, figuring I'd been right all along, and that she was in fact going home with you tonight. What did it matter, anyway? All there had ever been were a few secret glances, and the drink you bought me.

Steven brought me in a brandy, to get me rallied. Emma was deep in conversation with the blond guy, whose name turned out to be Roger. He was going to take her home, and make sure that Will was gone. He seemed like a nice guy, and Steven vouched for him, so I let her go.

"Steven... Could you tell Violet's date that I'm sorry all this happened, and tell him thank you. I kind of wish I had given him my number after all," I said, smiling sadly.

"Of course I'll tell him," Steven said. "Providing he hasn't left with your little friend."

I shrugged. "Well, if he has, then I hope he wears something. God knows what he'll catch from that skank. Obviously he has bad taste."

Steven shook his head. "You can stay in my office until you feel good to go, alright?"

I nodded as we walked into his office, round the back of the bar. He gave me an ice pack for my jaw and I thanked him. Just as he reached the door, he looked back. "Davis is still there. With your friend. You want me to get her to keep you company?"

I laughed. "I'd rather have Will try and fuck me again and beat me senseless than have her in here for a minute."

"He tried to..." Steven looked at me in disbelief. Over his shoulder I caught a glimpse of Violet whispering in your ear. A stab of jealousy rang through me.

"He tried to. But I'm not some simpering weakling." I forced a smile and leaned back on his sofa.

"If you need me, just holler." He closed the door.

I sat forward, my head in my hands, wincing at the cut on my forehead. Eventually Emma texted me, telling me she was going to stay with Roger, and that Will was gone. At least that was something. It mildly annoyed me that she was going off with a guy she had met one time. It was typical of her. But I relished the thought of being alone. Then my phone beeped again. Emma. Telling me Violet wouldn't be back either.

I switched my phone off, pissed off and drained the glass of brandy in one mouthful.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

A few minutes back at the bar, and I find Violet right next to me. I order a drink for me, notably not getting one for her. She tries to hard, I think to myself. I try to have a conversation and it's simply Violet flirting, flirting, and flirting. Having never had trouble picking up girls in the village, I know what she doesn't, and that is that she need not try so much. If she could act normal, or maybe just have a conversation that doesn't involve innuendo at all times, then she'd get me to go home with her, no problem. But neediness wasn't attractive. I was bored. As Steven brought a drink that Violet ordered, he looked at her.

"Your friend is pretty shaken," he says.

"She's still here?" I ask.

"Yeah, back in the office." He replies. Violet sneers as she looks over her glass. After two drinks, I excuse myself, claiming I have an early day on the slopes. I tab out and hand the receipt to Steven, glancing down at it and then back at him. He looks down and sees my simple scrawl: Davis - 544.655.2712. And he knows what to do.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Violet asks.

"That's okay," I say, giving an apologetic grin. Sometimes a guy just isn't interested in what's available. My mind wanders to the hot redhead in the office, but I'm unable to get back there without Violet trailing me or interfering with me altogether. Violet looks upset, but is understanding.

"Alright then." She says, dropping $10 on the bar and grabbing her clutch. She stomps toward the dance floor and disappears among the throng of people, quickly drawing the attention of several guys. As she does, Steven makes his way to the office.

"Here," says Steven. He hands you the receipt and leaves quickly, with a smile. I start walking into the Village, where my chalet overlooks the lower village where your friends are. I wonder if you're ok. And I hope you call.

 

[prettyserpentine]

I lift my cellphone from my coat pocket and I send you a text. 'Have fun with Violet.' It's short, it's to the point, but it's got an attitude. I zip my coat up, and open the door. I thank Steven for his help, and apologise for all the trouble that's happened tonight, but he assures me it's okay.

He tells me I should call you, but I tell him I'm heading home to get a shower and going to bed. It's almost instant, you text back and ask me if I'm alright, and you're glad I messaged you. It makes me smile. I reply, telling you I'm alright, I'm just heading home now that Will has gone, and I thank you for your concern, and I apologise again.

I still think you're with her, and it makes my heart sink. I hail a cab and it a keys me home. I let myself into the house, locking the door and I deadbolt it behind me. The house is quiet, and I check every room to make sure Will is definitely gone. When I'm sure he is, I pour myself a large whiskey and go into the bathroom where I run a bath. I check my phone again, but you haven't replied. I guess you're busy with her.

Glancing at the clock, I'm surprised that it's only 9:30pm. I tie my hair back in a messy ponytail and take my remaining makeup off, cleaning the blood. My lip trembles a little as I look at the bruise forming and my split lip. Curses run through my head for Will and I wish I wasn't alone. I look at my phone again. Nothing.

I get into the bath, my whiskey propped on the little shelf, and I start to relax. It's a nice feeling after all the madness this evening. My phone stays silent, and I find myself hoping that you have second thoughts about Violet. I lie in the bath and soak for a half hour, and the only thing that disturbs me is my phone ringing.

"Hello?"

"Lucy, it's Emma. I just wanted to let you know you can lock up. Vi is going home with some guy."

"You mean Davis?"

"No, no. Apparently he blew her off." A grin explodes across my face. "So she won't be back tonight."

"Aw," I say, but sarcastically. "How's it going with Roger?"

I could hear the smile in my sister's voice. "Great. He's taking me for ice cream and then we're going to watch a movie at his place. You're sure you don't want me to come home?"

I say no, and reiterated that she should enjoy her birthday. She thanked me, and hung up. I got dried and wrapped myself in a bathrobe, and my phone rang again. I roll my eyes, and then realise it isn't Emma.

It's you.

I answer. "Hello?"

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"Hey," I say. "Did you make it home okay?" You tell me you did and ask what happened to Violet. "Ah," I explain. "I wasn't feeling her." I don't tell you that you seemed younger and sweeter and that the prospects of violating you for the next week got me hot. "But from your message, I knew you thought I was, so I figured I'd call." You thank me for checking on you, and I tell you that I'll be around for another week in the village. "But Emma said you guys were all leaving the day after tomorrow." I don't tell you the simple fix. My Olympic and XGame earnings have made me somewhat wealthy and you're welcome to stay with me and get a flight home later. I decide not to be so forward just yet. There will be time for that later.

"You, uh.....want to have lunch tomorrow?" I ask. "There's a great grill near the green runs that most people don't know about. I'd love to hook up.....ah....hang out. You know, before you have to leave." I listen closely for your response, hearing you run some water. It makes me wonder if you're cleaning up, and what you might be wearing. Perhaps a tiny nightie. Or maybe you're a casual girl that lounges around in tiny soft shorts and a figure fitting tee shirt. I wonder if you are shaved, and what you smell like, what you taste like. I hope you agree to meet up.

"If not, I might be able to make it to your city soon. In fact, I'm not even sure where it is that you are from." I continue to wonder about you - how you kiss, what you feel like on the inside, whether you have any tricks that might make me want you more than I do already. I don't easily fall for anyone, but the few times my eyes have caught yours, I have found myself more and more intrigued. I want to conquer you, own you, possess you. But I also want to hold you, snuggle with you, and talk to you before climbing onto you again and again. "I guess, maybe, I'd like to hang out away from all the drama. And Will."

 

[prettyserpentine]

I shudder as you mention Will's name. "He's gone so there's no need to worry about him showing up. Hopefully." I sit up, the water running off my shoulders. "Yes, Emma is leaving the day after tomorrow, but I'm not. I've two full weeks off from college and I'm not planning on heading home at all. I'll go back to college from here, like I usually do. We don't really do Christmas. Not since our mother remarried and dad throws money at us to try and make up for the divorce." I chuckled, getting up and wrapping a towel around myself.

"But yes, lunch sounds lovely. I know the grill you mean. I'll meet you there. Will one do?" You say that's fine. I smile. "I should go. I'm just out of the bath and I need to get dressed and dry my hair." You seem to stumble for words on the other end of the phone. It makes me smile again and I find myself wondering how you look when you bite your lip. I giggle slightly. "Goodnight, Davis. I'll see you tomorrow at one."

I hang up and start getting ready for bed. I sleep fitfully and wake up the next morning, dressing in thick leggings and a sweater and coat. I head out for my morning run, listening to an old lecture on my iPod. My red ponytail bounces as I run, doing two laps of the village. My body is slender and lithe, and I don't notice you as you come out of one of the stores. I run past, breathing in little puffs.

When I reach home, I get a shower and change into tight jeans and a pair of knee high leather boots with a red silk blouse. I pull on a thick white cardigan and call a cab. It drops me off at the grill and I'm ten minutes, fashionably, late. I grin at you as I walk in, my red curls bouncing around my shoulders as I sit down at the table opposite you, crossing my legs.

"Good afternoon, Davis," I say, my blue eyes sparkling at you.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

I hang up the phone excited at the prospect that you will be here an additional two weeks. It gives me time to both seduce you and, given the opportunity, abuse your body in the best possible way. And I peel off my shirt and lie on my couch, watching the fireplace. I wish you were here now, and since you're not, I pick up my phone and fire off a text.

"You awake?" I send, to Violet.

"Fuck off," comes the only response.

"Ok. Just offering a spot by my fireplace."

No response comes for nearly an hour. Around 2am, my phone buzzes. "Where at?" The message says. I send back my address and about twenty minutes later, Violet shows up at my door. I let her in and close the door behind her, watching her tight ass as she walks across the room.

"Hey there," she says, walking through the small chalet. She turns around and drops her purse on the kitchen counter. I walk slowly to her and offer her a drink. She drapes two arm around my neck, kissing my shoulder as I pour her a glass of wine.

"Couldn't do any better than me?" I ask. She grins.

"Shut up and take me to bed," she says, kicking off her heels near the kitchen island where her purse lies. I hand her the glass of wine.

"Follow me," I say, a tone as if I am giving in to her demands. I walk upstairs and she stumbles a bit following me, but makes it there a moment later. I sit on the bed and pull her to straddle me. She sits there a moment, sipping her wine, as I slide my hand up her thigh. "If I think you're going to tell anyone, then this doesn't happen," I tell her. "Got it?" She nods as I pull her neck back by her hair and begin kissing her neck and the top of her chest. I take her wine and place it on the floor and suddenly fling her to her back. I slide her dress up and climb between her thighs, my lips eager to eat her. As I begin, her thighs quiver, and after several moments, she is soaking wet. I slip off my boxers and rise over her, beginning to slide my large cock into her pretty, bare slit. As I begin entering her body, Violet seizes up. Her hands go to my chest, her nails begin digging into mine.

"Wait, I.....wait," she says, catching her breath. "I just, uh......I don't know about doing this." I pull away from her and pull her thigh back under me and collapse beside her, my forearm over my eyes.

"Big talker," I say, frustrated.

"Excuse me?" She says. "I'm sorry but I'm not some slut."

I lean over and kiss her deeply one time then pull away. "I didn't think you were. But I also didn't think you were some little girl either," I say. "And you tell a guy to take you a bed, he will want to take you to bed."

"Well, I don't care what...." she says before I cut her off.

"Just go." I tell her.

"But, I..."

"Just. Go."

Violet bangs her small fists on the bed. "Fuck you," she says, climbing off the bed and pulling her dress down. She heads downstairs and I follow. She curses a few times and says some things that I could not remotely care to pay attention to. She puts on her shoes and grabs her purse before storming out. I close the door and head to bed, angry with nearly every little girl that does such bullshit, but looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

The next day, I am in the grill when I notice jeans and boots. I see you from the moment you walk into the door and definitely notice the jeans and boots. It's one of my favorite looks that all the little college girls wear these days. I catch your eyes midway across the room.

"Hey," I say, as you sit down. I'm glad you look better than the battered girl I saw the night before. "How are you feeling?" I ask. I order us a bottle of wine and request the waiter to start the nearby fireplace. "You look great," I tell you, holding my wine up for you to clink your glass. "You sort of had a rough evening," I sip my wine.

 

[prettyserpentine]

"As evenings go, it definitely wasn't in my top five list of favourites, that's for sure," I say, chuckling as I clink my glass to yours and sip the wine. "Mmmm, Pinot Noir, if I'm not mistaken?" I raise my eyebrows and notice you're smiling, apparently impressed by my knowledge of wine. I feel I should explain. "My mother has quite a palette for good wine." I take another drink. "That is definitely good wine."

We talk for a moment about our favourite wines, what kind of cheeses go well with them, which types of meat go better. You pretend to be shocked when I tell you I used to be a vegetarian back in my undergrad days. We laugh about it.

The fireplace warms the room quickly and I slip off my cardigan, my red silk shirt catching the firelight, the diamond necklace I am wearing twinkles like a little Christmas light. I notice how handsome you look, with your winning smile, your stubbled jawline. I blush slightly, raising my glass and taking another sip.

God, this wine is beautiful.

"I should apologise in person for last night. My little sister has appalling taste in men. Will is a grade-A ass. We had a one night thing about five years ago and he thinks I still jones after him. Sometimes he has a little problem understanding the words 'no' and 'go to hell'." I shift in my seat a little, glancing over the menu the waiter hands to us. I look up at him, smiling. "I'd like the lamb, please." I hand my menu back.

After you have ordered, I toy a little with my glass of wine. "I'll admit, Will was a drunken mistake all those years ago. Besides, it's not like you have great taste in women. You could have had the delightful Violet, instead of being downgraded to me." I smirk at you teasingly.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

I order salmon and grin, running my finger along the edge of my own glass. "Well you're certainly an upgrade," I say, declining to reveal any effort to take out my frustrations on Violet the night before. "And you're cuter than she is."

I glance at the menu. "What are your plans for the next couple of weeks while you're here?" I ask, making a decision to simply be direct and gauge your interest. "We could have a fun vacation," I smile as my eyes catch yours once more. "I typically ski most afternoons, and you're welcome to join me. But my nights and mornings will be pretty open. And there's plenty for us to do," I tell you, meaning both in the village and at my place.

Snow begins falling heavily outside and the sky grows gray. I ask when your friends will all be leaving, as I have no interest in any additional drama from Will or Violet, though I do have a lingering curiosity about what she sounds like when she is penetrated. Nevertheless, the girl that I really want is here, and I wonder about you with equal force and desire.

 

[prettyserpentine]

"Emma will be leaving tomorrow, Christmas Eve. She's flying down to Atlanta to spend Christmas with our mom and stepdad. Violet leaves in the morning," I say, crossing my legs. "So if you want a poke at her you'd better do it tonight." My remark is pointed and I am interested to see how you react.

I echo your words. "I typically study most afternoons, I run in the mornings. Other than that, I'm good. I wouldn't object if you decide against screwing the brainless Violet." I smile at the waiter as he returns with our dishes, wishing us 'Bon apetit'. "I know there's plenty to do, I've spent the last four Christmases here."

I decide to test the water and see how much of a fight you're willing to put up. "But like I said, I have studying to do. My MFA is important to me, I can't screw up my chances of getting on the PhD program next year. It sounds to me like you're trying to distract me, Davis," I say as I take a little mouthful of lamb, my eyes never leaving yours, a cheeky half-smile on my lips.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"I would never try to distract you," I say. "But I would offer you any number of suggestions for study breaks," I tell you, not even acknowledging any mention of Violet.

"Where do you like to run around here?" I ask, my interest piqued. I imagine that not only do you have the nice figure I saw when you walked in, but that your thighs are the perfect combination of firm and soft that comes anytime a girl runs for any period of time. "You should come ski with me one day," I mention.

I order us more wine and wonder what your plan for tomorrow evening is, but hesitate yet to ask. However, knowing your party would be gone makes me wonder if I could get you alone.

 

[prettyserpentine]

"I usually just do a lap or three of the village. It keeps me in shape and I find it's always a good way to get your brain going for the day." I take another mouthful of my lamb and wash it down with the wine, closing my eyes and savouring the taste. I find myself wondering what you taste like and I almost choke. I cough, tapping my chest. "Excuse me," I blush.

We eat in silence and you order more wine. I smile at you as you fill my glass up.

"I've never skied before in my life. I'd need a tutor, and you being a professional and all... I'd show you up terribly. You'd be embarrassed to be seen with me." I wink. "But I'd consider it... If you're gentle with me." I smirk. "So tell me... What do you do here at Christmas?"

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"Well, you'd look cute on the bunny slopes," I tell you. "And I'd be gentle at first," I say, fully meaning what I say. I fill your glass as I explain my usual routine.

"I come up here because I'm at home on a mountain, and generally there is anything I could want to do here. There are some fast runs that I can't find most places, and the village typically has some of the cutest girls around each year, and I'm a fan of girls." I grin at you. "You usually see them running a lap or three in the mornings, or maybe battling an ex fling at the Taxi stand." I explain that I generally relax in the village in the middle of the competition season just before traveling to whatever tour stop there is when the season resumes in mid-January.

"So, I guess, to answer your question, I just rest and recharge myself while I am here."

 

[prettyserpentine]

I nod, smiling warmly at your words about cute girls doing laps and battling exes. I scowl at you playfully.

"Did it never occur to you to maybe concentrate on skiing instead of asking girls who like to fight with their exes out on dates?" I finish my meal, pushing my plate back. "I guess I'm the same really. I work my ass off at college all year round, and usually January is a pretty chilled month after the December exams. The most strenuous thing I have to do is wait on my results." I shrug a little. "I'm not nervous though. I put in hard work, I think I did pretty good," I say with confidence.

The waiter brings over dessert, and I shake my head. You insist I try the cherry torte with ice cream, but I say I couldn't eat a whole one.

So you order one. With two spoons.

I blush.

"So, I know the reason I stay here at Christmas is because my family are split up and equally annoying. Why do you stay here? No kids, no family?"

 

[CarnivalBarker]

I laugh a little bit. "I'm a professional snowboarder. I have skiing down. I'll never master college girls," I say. "I have an ex wife that kept my dog and married another guy on the tour. She stays in our hometown over the holidays, and I'd as soon not be around her. And my parents both are no longer around, so I usually visit my sister before Christmas, and then spend two or three weeks here."

I lift a spoon. "Like I said," I say, as I feed you a bite from the torte, "I'm at home here." I pull back and glance at you. "You know, you're beautiful." I smile.

 

[prettyserpentine]

"Yeah... I am," I say with a giggle as I purse my lips over the spoon, closing my eyes as the spoon leaves my mouth and I savour the delicious torte. "Mmmm... but that is far more beautiful."

I open my blue eyes, and they look at you, clear and innocent from within my blushing face. "You aren't too bad on the eyes yourself. I'm sorry to hear it didn't work out with your ex wife. But I know what you mean. This place is more of a home to me than anywhere. I spend most holidays here. Maybe I shouldn't tell you that or you'll be knocking down my door picking fights with me..."

I smirked, my mouth slightly open, waiting for the torte. I look at your lips and they're a little parted too. I bite my lip and feel my heart rate increase. I'm smiling.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

We finish dessert, and our drinks. It's only mid afternoon, but I've seen what I want and suddenly order two Irish Coffees to go and a check. "Let's get out of here," I say, as the waiter brings our drinks. We step outside into the gray day, as the snow falls around us. I grip your hand in mine and we set out up an inclined path surrounded by shops and coffee stands. I take every chance to sneak a look at your body, eager to find out what it looks like away from your clothes.

"So," I say, "what do you think about Christmas Eve with me tomorrow night? My place? I'll cook and we can open presents," I say, being perfectly serious. "And we can find a club to go to after that."