Magnetic, page 7
“What about Stacy?”
Ronnie didn’t immediately meet Layne’s stare. “She’s strong, too,” she said with a grin.
“That’s not what I’m talking about.”
“You don’t understand, Layne. That’s all I’m talking about, and Stacy knows it. We’re having a good time, and when the party’s over, then it’s all said and done.” Ronnie walked off before Layne could say anything else.
Stacy watched Ronnie walk briskly away from Layne toward the bathroom. Stick moved in quickly and handed Layne a bottle of water. Layne watched the dance floor, and Stick watched her. Stacy didn’t like Stick. She recognized the lingering stares, the innuendo in the things Stick said, because she’d used the same tactics with women, with Layne. There was a time she would’ve applauded Stick’s smooth style, but when it came to Layne, the game wasn’t cool, it was repugnant. She didn’t want to see Layne in her arms or know they were next door doing the things that they’d done. It struck her then that she was genuinely jealous, and that was one emotion Stacy hadn’t felt in a very long time.
She’d hoped to see the materialistic side of Layne that Ronnie spoke of that Stacy had always equated with shallowness. But what she found in Layne was a warmhearted, self-made woman who stood on her own two feet. She’d been physically attracted to Layne the night they met, but she’d found new reasons to be drawn to Ronnie’s best friend.
Stacy looked away when Stick led Layne onto the dance floor and met twin stares from the women sitting across the table from her. Molly’s expression showed concern, Jenny’s amusement.
“Thanks for taking care of our friend today,” Jenny said.
“I didn’t do anything but bring her some soup.”
Jenny’s smile faded as one brow rose. “Good.”
“Hey, sexy, you wanna dance?”
Stacy looked up at Ronnie, eager to escape the table. “Absolutely.”
“This is a problem,” Molly said as she watched them go. “Ronnie’s acting weird, and that woman can’t take her eyes off of Layne.”
Jenny leaned in close to Molly. “Layne’s looking, too. Did you see her at dinner? I was watching her the whole time, and when Ronnie kissed Stacy, Layne closed her eyes and turned her head. Houston, we most certainly do have a problem, but there’s nothing we can do but watch.”
“I can’t sit back and watch a longtime friendship be ruined. Layne and Ronnie are going to get hurt. I think you should talk to her.”
“And what am I going to say? ‘Layne, stop looking at Stacy?”’
“I don’t mean Layne.” Molly nodded toward Stacy. “Tell her to get lost.”
“I can’t do that. What if we’re wrong and ruin whatever is happening between her and Ronnie?” Jenny pointed at Molly. “Don’t you say anything, either.”
Molly folded her arms and bit her lip.
“Baby, please,” Jenny pinched the bridge of her nose, “promise me you won’t try to intervene.
*******
Stick held Layne tightly and brushed her neck with a kiss. Layne looked over her shoulder and caught Stacy’s eye. “Stick, I need to be honest with you.” Layne put a little distance between them. “I just recently got out of a six-year relationship, and I’m not ready for…anything at the moment.”
“You live too far away for there to be anything, but what’s wrong with enjoying my company?” Stick replied with a smile.
“I can dance with you, and we can be friends, but that’s all I can do right now.”
Stick pulled her close again, molding their bodies together. “Can I still try to change your mind?”
Layne smiled and looked away. “As long as you know your chances are very slim. You’re extremely attractive, and if I was in a better place, things would be different.”
“Well, minus a day or two, I’ve got time to charm your socks off.” Stick spun Layne around when the band began a fast song and pulled her close again. “I can be very persuasive.”
Layne glanced at Ronnie and Stacy. Even though the tempo had changed, they were still dancing slowly. She watched as Ronnie’s hand slid down Stacy’s back and turned before she watched it descend any farther.
“What’s your favorite color?”
“I don’t really prefer one over another,” Layne said as she ran her palm over a firm back moist with sweat. “What’s yours?”
Stacy smiled and kissed her. “What did you see when you closed your eyes?”
“Red.”
“Let’s try that again.” Stacy kissed her slowly, her lips soft as a feather, the tip of her tongue barely touching Layne’s. “What color did you see?” Stacy asked against Layne’s ear when she pulled away.
“Blue.”
Stacy rose up and looked down at Layne. “Very good. Now I’ll show you burgundy.”
Layne realized that she’d fisted her hand in the back of Stick’s shirt. Stick looked at her questioningly with a slight smile. “I…uh…got a cramp in the back of my calf, maybe I’m a little dehydrated from this morning.”
“Why don’t you go back to the table and I’ll get you another bottle of water?”
“Good idea, thanks.”
“Layne, what’re you doing?” Molly asked when she sat down.
Layne watched Jenny tap Molly on the shoulder. She looked at both of them before saying, “About what?” Molly opened her mouth, then looked up as Ronnie and Stacy joined them.
“It’s raining.” Ronnie fanned herself with a napkin. “It was so hot and muggy, that breeze feels wonderful.”
Layne noticed the flush on Ronnie’s neck and knew it wasn’t the weather that was making her hot. Layne had seen it many times when Ronnie was aroused, then slipped away with a woman in tow. And Stacy, Layne noticed, looked at anything but her.
“Here ya go.” Stick set a bottle in front of Layne and took the seat next to her. “So what do y’all have planned for tomorrow?”
“Jenny and I were talking about horseback riding,” Molly said.
“Excellent.” Stick draped an arm over the back of Layne’s chair. “I’d love to show you the trails.”
“They must work you to death,” Stacy said, looking at Stick. “You’re driving one day, then on the trails the next.”
“I’ve been here a long time. Joy pretty much lets me do what I enjoy unless she needs me.”
“That’s really nice,” Stacy said with a smile. “I’m sure all the guests enjoy the special attention. You must stay busy year-round.”
“Yes, I do,” Stick smiled at Layne, “but it isn’t always this much fun.”
Ronnie grinned and winked at Layne before saying, “What did we do to earn your favor?”
Stick glanced at Stacy before she leaned closer to Ronnie. “You’re all very beautiful.”
“Oh, Stick,” Jenny said, fanning her face with both hands like a beauty queen who’d just been crowned. “And you haven’t even seen me in my ball gown.”
The group laughed at Jenny’s antics with the exception of Stacy, who eyed Stick. “How many clients would you say you service in a year?” Stick’s smile vaporized as she turned to Stacy, who shrugged. “I was just curious how lucrative this place is, but you probably don’t want to talk shop on your time off.”
Stick and Stacy locked gazes, neither of them smiling anymore. Molly felt the tension at the table was thick enough to cut with a knife. Under the table, she squeezed Jenny’s leg. “I’m pooped,” Molly said, looking at Layne. “I bet you are, too.”
“Yes, I am,” Layne replied with a relieved smile.
Ronnie looked over her shoulder at the door. “It’s pouring outside.”
“No problem.” Molly stood and pulled Jenny up with her. “I could use a shower, and the walk back will be cooler.”
“Good point,” Stacy added as she stood, as well.
When Layne stood, Stick joined her. “Wait right here, Layne. I’ll find an umbrella.”
Ronnie stayed seated. “Are y’all nuts? It’s a frog choker out there.”
Jenny looked at the door. “Oh, come on, titmouse, a little rain never hurt anyone.”
Ronnie reluctantly joined the group as they headed for the door but grabbed an empty beer bottle box and held it over her head as she stepped out of the barn. Stick had asked Layne to wait, but she followed closely behind Molly and Jenny, eager to be alone in her cabin so she could mentally sort out everything that had been said and decipher the odd behavior of her friends. But they’d barely gotten away when Stick arrived with another box and held it over Layne’s head while wrapping an arm around her waist. Layne had no choice but to slow her stride.
“I think Stacy thought I was flirting with Ronnie,” Stick said as the others moved on ahead. “She seemed a little pissed.”
“I didn’t get that impression at all,” Layne said nonchalantly. In truth, she wasn’t really sure why Stacy looked so put off, but she didn’t want to stoke any drama that appeared to be smoldering. Layne laughed when Jenny stomped in a puddle, sending muddy water up the side of Ronnie’s legs.
Ronnie threw her box down and yelled, “You little shit,” as she sprinted after Jenny.
Stacy picked it up but made no attempt to use it against the rain that pelted them. Layne noticed how Stacy’s shirt and shorts clung to her body, revealing every curve. She wasn’t as muscular as Stick, but she was lithe and well-toned, and Layne found herself unable to tear her gaze away from what her hands already knew.
“Children, stay on the trail,” Molly chided when Jenny cut into the brush to avoid being caught by Ronnie. She slowed her step and waited for Layne and Stick to catch up. “I’m willing to bet they’ll both be full of mud and thorns by the time we get back to the cabins. If that’s the case, Jen will be bunking with you, Layne.”
“For better or for worse, Jenny is yours, Mol. You’ll have to contend with her nasty butt.”
“And Stacy with Ronnie’s.” Molly looked at Layne. “This is the closest I’ve ever seen Ronnie get to anyone despite her bravado, don’t you agree?” Layne nodded and looked away, and Molly focused her attention on Stick. “I enjoyed your sightseeing tour today. I know Layne is sorry she missed out.”
“I’ll make it up to her. I have a day off every now and then.” Stick squeezed Layne’s waist.
Layne felt she was being bulldozed into Stick’s arms by everyone. She resented being talked about as though she weren’t there or didn’t have an opinion of her own. Irritation crept up her spine as she recalled how Molly had regarded her when she returned from the dance floor to the table. “Stick, do you mind if I have a few minutes alone with Molly?” Stick came to an abrupt halt, and Layne almost felt sorry for the disappointed expression she saw on her face.
“Sure, would you like to keep the box?”
“No, but thank you very much for trying to keep me dry. I had a nice time.”
“Me too, good night.”
Molly stood at Layne’s side as they watched Stick walk away. “I think you hurt her feelings.”
“I had just told her on the dance floor that I wasn’t interested in anything more than friendship. You knew I was going to do that, but you and Ronnie seem determined to jam us together. Why?”
Rivulets of water streamed down Molly’s face as she regarded Layne. “I know you better than anyone aside from Jenny. You’re paying too much attention to Stacy. You stared at her the whole time you were on the dance floor. Ronnie isn’t blind. She’s going to notice.”
“I’m attracted to her, that’s why I slept with her. Can you honestly expect me to not even look?”
“It’s the way you look at her, Layne, and what makes it worse is she looks at you the same way. I think Ronnie has feelings for her.”
“And mine don’t count?”
“You know what? No, not at this point,” Molly countered with a shake of her head. “You did what you did with Stacy, and you walked away, never expecting to see her again. Now this sucks, I know that, but she’s with Ronnie. Whatever you’re feeling, you need to shut it down before it gets stronger, or you’re going to screw up a deep friendship over this.”
Layne closed her eyes and leaned her head back. Rain soaked her face and cooled her ire. “You’re right. I’m just so out of my element. I don’t want to like her, but the more I get to know her, I do.”
Molly touched Layne’s face. “I’m sorry to be so brutally honest. I just wanted to wake you up. I don’t want our family to break apart.”
“It won’t,” Layne said with a sad smile. “I promise.”
They found Stacy standing on the trail with a hand on her hip. Dim light from a small lamp hanging from a post illuminated two writhing bodies in the mud. “In your face,” Jenny said with a laugh as she rolled astride Ronnie and slicked back her hair with mud.
Stacy looked at Molly. “Which one is yours?”
“I can’t really be certain at the moment,” Molly said with a laugh.
“Which one is yours?” The question meant in jest hit Layne hard. “Well, you two are more than capable of sorting this out yourselves. Good night,” she said as she walked away without looking back. “Good night, mudbugs.”
Chapter 11
“Why are you wearing clothes?” Ronnie asked Stacy as she climbed into the bed fresh from her shower.
“I drank too much beer. I feel bloated.”
Ronnie ran her hand under Stacy’s T-shirt and over her stomach. “It’s still nice and flat.” She kissed Stacy, then plunged her tongue deep into her mouth, moaning as her hand moved beneath the waistband of Stacy’s shorts.
Give in and enjoy it, Stacy thought as Ronnie broke the kiss and began nibbling the side of her neck. Forget Layne. You will never have her again.
Ronnie moved on top of Stacy, teasing her nipple with her teeth through the material of the shirt. Stacy’s body started to respond as she tried to force her mind to disengage.
“Have you ever had a threesome?”
Stacy’s eyes flew open. “A what?”
“A ménage à trois.” Ronnie pulled Stacy’s shirt up and put her mouth on her skin.
“Ah, no.”
Ronnie kissed her way down Stacy’s stomach. “Would you be opposed to it?”
“That would depend on who it was with.”
Ronnie paused and looked up at Stacy. “Most certainly me.” Her tongue resumed its pleasurable route.
“Who else?”
“I could see myself between you and Stick.”
Stacy grabbed Ronnie by the shoulder. “Stick. Are you telling me you want to fuck her? Because you don’t have to ask my permission. Layne’s maybe since those two seem to be hitting it off.”
Ronnie rested her chin on Stacy’s abdomen. “I think it would be totally hot to see you two go at it. All of that muscle, all of that strength.”
“Stick does nothing for me.” Stacy scooted from beneath Ronnie and put her back against the headboard. “But if you’re not worried about pissing off your best friend, then go ahead and do her.”
“Are you pissed?” Ronnie asked with a smile as she rose up on all fours. “You are. It’s written all over your face.”
Stacy waved a hand. “Do what you want to do.”
“Right now, I want to do you.”
“That’s not going to happen,” Stacy said with a sigh. “I know we have no commitments and that’s fine, but it’s a real buzz killer when I’m in bed with a woman and she’s talking about someone else.”
Ronnie sat back. “I’m adventurous. I thought we both were.”
“Stick is a big turnoff for me. I think she’s all talk, and between the sheets, she’s probably a limp noodle.” Stacy debated telling Ronnie about Layne. At dinner the other night, she knew Layne was on the verge. She’d even tried to help her by continuing the conversation, but it was obvious by then Layne had lost her nerve.
Ronnie sighed deeply. “I’m afraid you’re getting bored. Since we’ve been here, you seem uninterested. I’m trying to spice things up. There’s nothing I won’t do to please you sexually.” Ronnie looked more vulnerable at that moment than Stacy had ever seen her. She moved up and wrapped her arms around Stacy’s waist as she laid her head on her chest. “I don’t want Stick.”
“I’m tired, that’s all.” Stacy kissed the top of her head and closed her eyes, feeling guilty for lying and, like Layne, losing her nerve when the opportunity presented itself to be honest.
*******
Layne had risen early and was one of the first to arrive at the mess hall. She ate quickly, hoping not to run into Stick. Afterward, she started down the trail to her cabin and diverted when she saw Molly and Ronnie headed her way. She wanted time alone outside of her cabin. “Okay, if there are any creatures hiding in the brush around here, I’d greatly appreciate it if you didn’t make your presence known,” she whispered as she walked along briskly.
She was still stinging from Molly’s rebuke, even though Molly was right. There was no use risking a longtime friendship over a woman she barely knew. It would be easier for her to forget Stacy if she didn’t have to look at her every single day. What made it worse was Stacy was looking back. It’s the way you look at her, Layne, and what makes it worse is she looks at you the same way. Molly’s words had burned in her mind for a long time the previous night as Layne hoped for sleep. And they were the first to cross her mind when she woke up that morning.
Layne came to a fork in the trail and took the right, wondering if it would lead around to her cabin. She felt a little less intimidated by the wildlife as she noticed other cabins surrounding her in the woods. As she studied them, she suddenly became aware of someone running up on her fast. Layne whirled and came face-to-face with Stacy. “What’re you doing?”
Stacy’s face and hair were soaked with sweat. “Running.”
“Oh, God, from what?” Layne said in horror as she took off.
Stacy caught up with her quickly and pulled her to a stop. “Layne, I was exercising. There’s nothing behind me.”
“Oh.” Layne felt stupid as she put a hand to her chest. “I’m a little edgy being out here,” she said as she looked around. “I don’t do nature.”
