After thirty more minutes of "training" Maria and Raul left Cal and me on the dance floor, to try and dance together.
"I'll try not to hurt you," Cal said softly. His face was red, and the sweat was causing his hair to curl up at his neck.
"I'll try not to hurt you too," I replied. "It's really hard."
Cal smiled at my words, and the pleasure on his face caused my stomach to flutter. I suddenly became aware of his hands on my hip and shoulder, skin to skin. It suddenly felt twenty degrees hotter, and when our bodies began to move together, I thought I might spontaneously combust.
I wouldn't say that we danced the Salsa well, but what we lacked in skill, we made up for in pure heat.
By the time our song ended, I saw Maria fanning herself on the sidelines. It could have just been from dancing, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was from the way Cal had watched me as we danced.
I dropped my arms and averted my eyes, afraid of the emotion that was running between the two of us. I turned on my heel and walked over to the bar to grab a glass of water.
"You okay?" Cal asked, coming up behind me.
"Yeah," I responded. "I feel like I lost a few gallons in sweat though. You want one?" I asked, indicating the bottle of water in front of me.
"Please."
I watched Maria on Raul on the dance floor as we drank. They looked absolutely amazing together.
"Wow," Cal said.
"I know, right. They're spectacular."
We watched them dance for a while longer, then Cal asked if I was ready to go.
I nodded and said, "Thanks for this, Cal. I had a lot of fun."
"Me too."
When we were on the road back to my place, I turned to him and said, "You did really well. I'm proud of you for getting out there."
Cal chuckled at that.
"It didn't start out so well, but Maria has a gift. I felt pretty good by the time we danced together. I'm glad we did it."
We sat and listened to the radio for the rest of the way. There was no awkward silence, or need to fill space with idle chatter. It felt comfortable, and I knew we were both reflecting on our date.
When he pulled up to my condo, I went to get out, but he said, "I got it," and jumped out of the car.
One of the sweetest qualities in Cal was that he was an utter gentleman. I guess I'd always taken it for granted.
I let him help me out of the car and walk me to the door. When I turned to thank him again, I was surprised to see him walking purposefully toward me.
One second, I was standing on the step, the next I was up against the door in Cal's arms.
His hands were on my face, and his body was pressed fully against mine, I barely had time to gasp in surprise, when his mouth was on mine.
The kiss was frantic and full of need, and without a thought, I matched his need with my own. His mouth slanted over mine and our tongues met, causing a moan to escape my lips. He brought one hand around my lower back and pulled me closer to him. I lifted my leg up and assisted him as he cupped my bottom and brought me fully against him. I fisted his shirt in my hand, needing to grab on, eager to pull him closer. I nipped his bottom lip lightly, and felt a rush of cool air as he pulled his mouth away from mine.
He lowered my leg and took a step back, leaving me standing there scattered and full of need.
"I'm sorry, Shel." He leaned in and kissed my forehead lightly. "I got carried away."
Cal turned and jogged down the steps back to his car, as if he needed to get away as fast as he could.
I watched him leave with a mixture of relief and regret before slowly turning and letting myself in.
It looked like a cold shower and a lot of soul searching was in order.
Chapter 19 - Cal
Leaving Shelly the other night had been one of the hardest things I'd ever done. The image of her flushed cheeks, and the look on her face when I'd thrust her up against the door, had made the last few nights unbearable.
I hadn't seen her since, but she didn’t seemed pissed when I left, so I hoped that she was still feeling positive about us and was as eager for Saturday's date as I was.
I was waiting at a local bar and grill for TJ and Scott. We'd made plans to grab some dinner and catch half a game before Scott had to meet up with Victoria to go over wedding stuff, and TJ had to meet up with his flavor of the week to hook up.
I had no plans after dinner.
This was the highlight of my day.
How different my life had gotten in a matter of weeks. Usually, they guys were hounding me to come out and hang, and I was blowing them off to spend time at home with Shelly. Now ... I was the one who was eager for a night out, and off of Scott's couch.
This was why I was at the bar an hour earlier than our scheduled meet time, nursing a seasonal beer and munching on some chips and salsa.
I'd become a fucking loser.
"Hey, Cal," a high-pitched voice called from over my shoulder.
Shit, I thought as I recognized Melody Cannon's squeal. Why won’t this chick just leave me alone?
"Melody," I said rather harshly, hoping she'd take a hint.
She didn't.
"You here all by your lonesome?" she asked, lifting herself onto the barstool next to mine, uninvited.
"For now," I said vaguely, turning back to my beer.
"That's a shame. You shouldn't be alone at a time like this."
I didn't take the bait; I ignored her and pretended to be caught up in the act of dipping my chip in the salsa.
"I mean," she went on as if we were having a conversation. "What with Shelly upset with you about your ... indiscretion." She leaned over to me, whispering the last word, and it took every ounce of control for me not to shove her off of the stool.
I guess word had gotten out about the reason why Shelly and I were separated. I'd known it was bound to happen sooner or later, but now that Melody knew about it, it wouldn't be long before the whole town did as well.
Just what I needed.
I tried to turn farther away from her, hoping she would eventually shut up, otherwise I was going to have to walk out.
"Anyway," she continued. "I just want you to know that I'm here for you, Cal. I understand that men have needs, and I won't hold your mistakes against you."
Melody ran a finger along my arm, and I felt my body shiver in disgust. I heard her hop off of the stool and giggle.
"See you around," she said before she walked away.
I don't know how long I sat there, scowling at my beer after she left, but was startled when a strong hand clapped on my back.
"What'd that beer do to you, man?" TJ asked with a chuckle. "How long have you been here?"
I shook my head, eager to forget Melody and spend time with my buddies.
"Not that long," I answered as I stood. "Let's go grab a table."
TJ walked up to the hostess, leaned in and said something, then gave her a wink and headed back to a table in the corner with a good view of the big screen.
"You make plans with her later?" I asked with a chuckle as we sat.
"Jealousy doesn't suit you," TJ said wryly, causing me to laugh.
It was a good laugh too, the kind that starts deep in your belly. It felt really good.
We watched the TV in silence, so caught up in the game neither of us noticed when Scott walked up to the table.
"Is someone gonna move over, or am I sitting at the bar?"
I looked up sharply, surprised at Scott's tone, and then the look on his face.
He looked pissed.
I scooted over to give him some room, watching his expression as he told the waitress to grab him a whiskey on the rocks.
"Everything alright, brother?" I asked, seriously concerned. Scott didn't get ruffled very often, and he only drank whiskey when he was really pissed.
Scott just grunted and shook his head.
"Something at work?" TJ prodded.
Scott looked up at TJ, then over at me. "Nah, nothin
g at work."
"What is it?" I asked again.
Scott looked at me and his face lightened up a bit. He rubbed his hand across his face before replying, "It's not that big of a deal, and I hate to complain and sound like a pussy, especially with everything that you're going through right now, Cal ... But, fuck ... Victoria is driving me insane."
TJ and I shared a moment while Scott's head was down, and I knew my eyes were as wide as his were. Scott had never said anything negative to us about Victoria before. It was hard to believe, but it was the truth.
"What's going on?" I asked him, trying not to sound too excited that Victoria may finally get what she deserves.
The boot.
The waitress brought Scott's whiskey, and I motioned to her to bring me another beer, and he took a long sip before saying, "It's all of this wedding stuff. We had agreed to have a medium-sized ceremony, so that we could invite friends and family, and now she's trying to change everything. She says that she wants it to be smaller and more intimate, which is fine, but then ... “He paused and looked at us both again quickly before downing the rest of his drink.
"Then ..." TJ prodded.
"Then she said that she wants it to just be family. She doesn't want our friends to attend."
"What the fuck?" TJ asked.
"Hell, no," I said as well. "We're your boys, you can't get married without us."
"I know," Scott said, his face tightening up again. "And that's what I told her, but she threw Vegas in my face, and said that when we are all together, bad shit happens, and she wants her wedding to be perfect."
Fuck, I thought. Now my bullshit is interfering with Scott's life.
"Scott, man ... I'm so sorry," I stuttered, the shame burning my throat. "I understand if you need to do this without me."
Scott turned and put his hand at the back of my neck, holding me still so that I had to look directly into his very angry eyes.
"Never gonna happen, Cal," he said pointedly.
Scott let me go and stood up at the edge of the table.
"I just came by to tell you guys what was going on. Face to face. Now I have to go meet Victoria and deal with this." With that said, Scott turned and walked out the door.
"I guess I've got his drink," TJ said wryly.
I chuckled.
"It's on me, since I'm the one fucking up his life."
"Don't pull that bullshit on me, Cal. Victoria is a bitch from way back. She would have found a way to pull this shit one way or another, you're just a convenient scapegoat."
I nodded at TJ, but watched the condensation drip down my glass as I wondered if that damn night in Vegas was going to keep finding ways to fuck with me.
Chapter 20 - Shelly
I found myself looking forward to my date with Cal more and more as Saturday got closer. When Saturday finally came, I was dressed and waiting for him to ring my bell.
When it rang, signaling his arrival, I felt my belly flutter and tried to hide my grin as I opened the door.
"Hey," I said as I saw him standing before me. He looked me up and down, taking in my workout pants, shirt, and shoes with a smile.
"Ready?" he asked.
"I think so," I replied, unsure of what was to come, but excited at the possibilities.
We rode out together, and I tried to get him to say where we were going, but he kept his lips sealed, forcing me to speculate all the way there.
When we pulled into a zip-line course, I was shocked and totally taken aback.
"Seriously?" I asked when he parked by the little wooden shack.
"Yeah," Cal said, turning to me. "It'll be a blast. You'll see, Shel."
I nodded, but my stomach turned with dread, as I thought about the fact that Cal fully expected me to jump off of a platform suspended only by rope.
Oh. My. God.
I got out of the car slowly, taking in my surroundings and choking back bile as my heart beat rapidly.
I stood outside while he went inside, and followed numbly as he led me to the platform. Once there, we were corralled into a line and placed into protective gear. I winced as someone took my picture. Before I knew it I had full gear and a helmet, and I was shaking in my boots.
Literally.
We followed a group to the first platform, where I vaguely heard the guide tell us that there would be six zip-lines in all. When we got to the top, I stood and watched the others go as I waited until my turn.
It was like an out-of-body experience, and I couldn't believe that it was actually happening.
"Shelly," Cal said from the left of me, his voice traced with worry. "Are you okay, babe? We can leave if you don't want to do this."
He put his arm on my shoulder and exclaimed, "Shit! You're shaking like a leaf."I watched as a six-year-old jumped off the platform and rode the rope with a shout of glee.
"No, I'm good," I responded, trying to control my body and put my brave face on. "I can do this."
When they called for the next person, I walked to the head of the line, wanting to go before Cal, if for no other reason than I didn't want to be the last person left behind.
When I walked to the front, the guide told me to clasp my rope to the zip-line, and showed me where to keep my hands. After he checked to make everything was secure, he told me to sit down and remain seated, with my hands in place, and that they would catch me on the other end.
I sat in my holster and closed my eyes as he pushed me off the platform and I felt myself become suspended in the air. I opened my eyes and looked around, momentarily spooked by the fact that I was hanging by only ropes ... But once I realized that I was safe, I allowed myself to revel in the excitement that was coursing through my body. When I saw that I was approaching the end of the line, I placed my hand where the guide had told me I needed to in order to slow my descent. When the big guy waiting at the platform caught me, I laughed out loud.
That hadn’t been so bad after all.
I turned to watch as Cal came flying down the zip-line, laughing at the look of pure glee and shout of excitement that preceded him.
My bravado wore off when I reached the next platform.
“This time, we want each of you to run and jump off,” the guide explained when we were all gathered around.
I looked at Cal, my eyes big, and scowled at his grin.
“You just did this, Shel,” he said encouragingly. “No worries.”
“But last time they pushed me, I don’t know if I can jump,” I replied, explaining my fear.
“Just remember how awesome it felt when you were soaring through the air. Don’t be afraid, the line will hold you.”
I nodded and tried to calm my breathing as I walked to the edge.
“Ready?” the guide asked.
“Umm, hmmm,” I mumbled.
“Okay, jump when you’re ready.”
I walked away from the edge, then turned. I ran toward the edge, but when I saw the drop off of the platform, I stopped.
“I don’t think I can do this,” I said softly to the guide.
“Sure you can,” he replied. “Just close your eyes and jump.”
I looked at him doubtfully, then turned to give it another try.
When I got to the edge, I stopped again.
“I can’t,” I pleaded. “Can’t you just throw me again?”
The guide chuckled and shook his head.
“What if you just stand at the edge and jump off, rather than running?” he suggested.
I turned to look at Cal, who was watching me, his face etched with worry.
I didn’t want to be a chicken, and I tried to convince myself that I wouldn’t plunge to my death.
So I walked to the edge, closed my eyes, and jumped with a loud squeal.
Once I was airborne, and felt the security of the wire, I opened my eyes and relaxed, allowing myself to enjoy the ride.
I waited for Cal, and as we walked to the next platform, he took my hand in his.
“I’m proud of you, Shelly,?
?? Cal said as we began to climb the stairs. “You’re conquering your fears. Is it horrible, or are you having a little fun? Any time you want to leave, just say the word.”
I turned to him with a smile.
“It is scary, but it’s also amazing. I don’t want to leave.”
He rewarded me with a huge smile, and when we got to the top, we found out it was a tandem jump. At least I wouldn’t have to run or jump off on my own this time. I could leave the hard work to Cal.
“Can you be the one to get us off the platform?” I asked him as we waited.
“You bet,” he responded, squeezing my hand.
When it was our turn to go, I eagerly wrapped my legs around Cal’s, and prepared myself for the jump.
"You ready, Shel?" Cal asked with a grin of excitement.
I barely said, "Yes!" before we were flying through the air, wrapped up in each other’s arms.
I took in the tree tops and expanse of land around us, then smiled broadly at Cal and said, "Thanks!"
"I knew you'd love it," Cal said, then he leaned in and nuzzled my ear.
I spent the rest of the trip down burning with the thrill of the ride and the feel of my body and Cal's tangled in each other.
I reigned in my hormones for the rest of the ride, and was excited when at the last zip-line they told us it would be a race between two lines.
“You’re going down,” I yelled to Cal gleefully.
“You wish,” Cal responded with a laugh.
They told us that at the count of three, we were to run and jump off of the platform, then lean back to try and gain speed. The first one to the end was the winner.
I beat Cal to the finish.
We were laughing when we turned in our gear. Our adrenaline was pumping and we were both starving, so we decided to eat at the little roadside stand on the way out of the course.
Our bellies full of hot dogs, chips, and a drink, we drove the whole way back to my house talking about the different zip-line courses, and the challenges that we'd faced.
It was the most fun I'd had in weeks, and when we pulled into my driveway, I still felt the adrenaline pumping through my veins.
When Cal walked me to my door, I turned to him and asked, “Would you like to come in for a beer?”