AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I need distance.
She’s too tempting.
I need to step away before I give in to this insatiable desire to explore more of her body. Show her how I could make the rest of her sing.
Her hooded eyes track my every move, and she blinks several times before her expression slides into neutral. “That was great. Thank you.”
“Good. Okay, since we’re here for the day, I thought I’d go look around some more. What are your plans?”
“I don’t have any. I just didn’t want to hop back in the car, not after Felix and all that.”
“That’s okay. We have time. Nearly a week until TIFF.”
Nodding, she gets to her feet. “If you don’t mind waiting while I shower and get dressed, I could show you around. I know this place pretty well.”
“Uh, sure. That sounds good.”
Leighton returns a little over an hour later in a long, red, summer dress, simple and flowy, though I’ve no doubt it costs at least six months’ rent. She’s gorgeous, and I swallow any quips about how long it took her to get ready.
We walk around Vail’s European style village with its pedestrian-friendly streets, old-world Bavarian architecture, and unencumbered views of the wilderness in every direction.
Then we take a gondola ride up Vail Mountain to Eagle’s Nest where there are not only spectacular views, but an abundance of activities available from ziplining to tubing to mini golf and many restaurants.
After meandering around, we decide to head back down to the town, and she grabs my arm while we walk.
“Tom, I don’t feel so well.” She sways, her skin pallid and eyes hazy. “I see black spots in front of my eyes.”
“Let’s get you to…” My words die on my tongue.
She faints. Fortunately, I’ve got a grip on her elbow and catch her before she falls. I lay her down on a nearby bench and crouch next to her, gently patting her cheek. Tilting my head in close, I check that she’s breathing. She is. Thank fuck.
“Leighton?” My knuckles brush her cool cheek, and her eyelashes flutter.
Within seconds, a few people gather around us and someone asks, “Is she okay?” While another says, “Someone should call nine-one-one.”
“I’m okay,” she rasps, eyes opening as she attempts to sit up.
I gently press her back onto the bench. “Hey, take it easy. Lie down for a little longer.”
“It must be the high altitude,” a woman says from somewhere behind me.
I glance over my shoulder at the small crowd behind us. “She’s okay. You can move along. Thanks.”
Some grumble and trudge away, while others linger and stare. I don’t care about the audience and turn back to Leighton. “Have you eaten today?”
“Um.” She closes her eyes as if trying to process my question. “No. I guess that might be it.” She tries to get up again, and though she shouldn’t, I help her to sit upright.
“Wait here. Do not move.”
“Sure. I’m not going anywhere.” Her motions are slow and hesitant, and I dash into the nearest store to get her a juice.
When I return, I hand her a small bottle. “Drink this. It’ll help get your blood sugar up.”
The juice is gone in seconds, and within a few minutes, color slowly seeps back into her cheeks.
“Why don’t we go back to your place and I’ll make you something to eat.” I help her to her feet. “It’s well past three. You need something in your stomach. Or if you can’t wait or aren’t able to go all that way, we can eat up here.”
The kitchen is fully stocked at her place, and I wonder if it’s always like that or if it was filled in advance of her arrival. It’s a shame to let all that food waste, especially since we’re leaving tomorrow, but if the trek is too much, I understand.
