(12) Poolside

They were the only two people in the pool area of the Penthouse. Shawn stood on one end of the pool, Belle on the other. Shawn nodded to her and counted backwards from 3. They dove in at the same time, swimming towards each other eagerly, smiling to one another in the clear blue silence…

Lover’s hands reaching, lacing, bodies entwined as they floated to the surface

(together)

Belle sucked in a breath of air and wrapped her arms around Shawn’s neck as he embraced her. “Did I ever tell you what great company you are?” she asked affectionately.

Shawn guided her legs around his waist, “In so many words, yes. Words of appreciation are welcome. But I was thinking…”

“Uh oh…”

“Sssh. Since you think I’m such a swell guy and all, that you could maybe bump up my…exploration allowance.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah.”

“What do you suggest I allow for you Shawn?”

“Oh… I think we can negotiate as we go along.”

“I see-flexibility, adapting to the situation, etc etc.”

“I think it’s a pretty fair proposal don’t you?”

“Hmmm, let me think about it” Belle swam to pool ledge and rest her elbows on it. Shawn followed her, trapping her within his own arms, “This doesn’t just have to be MY allowance either. I’d totally support your exploration of me as well -whatever makes you content.”

Belle smiled and turned around, “What if I told you the mere sight of your face is all I need to be content.”

Shawn blushed, “Then I say you’re sweet. In fact, beyond sweet.”

“Well you do have a pretty nice face Shawn. It goes without saying.”

“And you have a great…everything! I couldn’t even begin to compliment you.”

“Ass kisser.”

“I’m SERIOUS! I could look at you all day Belle, for real. But it would drive me crazy. My hands, my...”

“Your what?” she asked coyly.

“Belle, there are other parts of my body that want to admire you besides my eyes.”

“So wear a blind fold and listen to me...”

“Ahhh, don’t say that! Please don’t provoke any images of playful dominance.”

“Who says it would be playful?”

Shawn let out a scream and bit his wrist. Belle covered his mouth and laughed, “ Shawn! Be quiet! You’re going to make the guard come in here.”

“A guard?” he asked, clearly surprised.

“Yes Shawn. Look up at the camera behind the mirror.” Belle pointed inconspicuously beyond her shoulder, “We’re being watched. There are certain rules of decorum at the Penthouse Shawn.”

Shawn stepped away from her, “Damn…”

Suddenly, the door to the pool area crept open. To their surprise, it was Philip. “Hey, what are you doing here?” Shawn and Belle chimed at the same time. Philip cleared his throat and smiled at the soaking couple. “Just stopping by. Your mom said you two would be down here.”

Philip gave Shawn a chin up, “What’s up?”

“Nothing,” Shawn muttered. “Just trying to go where no other man has gone.”

Belle smacked him, appalled, “Ignore him Philip.”

Philip cracked up, knowing fully well what Shawn meant, “Good luck Brady.”

“Thanks, I need it.”

“I can’t believe you two!” Belle yelled irritably.

Philip regarded her solemnly, “Actually I’m here cuz I need to talk to you about something important.”

Shawn and Belle both pointed to themselves, “Me?” Philip looked at Belle, “I mean Belle.” Shawn raised his eyebrow, “Ok…”

“Sorry Shawn. But I need a girl’s perspective.”

“Oh, well in that case, I can’t help you there.”

“Exactly…”

Shawn pulled himself out of the pool, “I’ll leave you two alone then. I’ll just go to the sauna.” He reached down to help Belle out of the pool. He handed her a towel, insisting kindly that she conceal her bodily goods. Philip sat in down in a nearby chair, “Thanks Shawn, I won’t take too long, I promise.”

“No problem man.”

Belle sat in the chair next to Philip and smiled sweetly at Shawn, “I’ll join you in a few. We’ll, a-hem, finish what we were discussing later…”

“Looking forward to it.”

“Hopefully not too much.”

“Ha ha, very funny.”

Belle waited until Shawn was out of earshot within the sauna before speaking up. “What’s up Philip?”

Philip cracked his knuckles, considering his delivery. “Is it just me, or is Chloe acting…distant?”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know. She just doesn’t seem to be the Chloe I know. At least the one I’ve been with since we started going out. She’s just… different. Have you noticed it or not?”

Belle pointed her toes in front of her, “Not really. Chloe’s always been kind of quiet for the most part. Unless she’s around her good friends, then she opens up.”

“Right! I’m her boyfriend, which is all the reason for her to feel comfortable.”

“You don’t think she does?”

“Well yeah, of course. At least I think so. But now it’s like I can’t get my pulse on the problem. I try to ask her, but she insists it’s nothing.”

“What do you think it is then?”

“I have no clue, which is exactly why I am here. I was kind of hoping that you would talk to her to find out what’s wrong, but in a subtle way. I don’t want her to think I’m paranoid or anything. Especially if I have no real reason to be.”

“I think I can pull that off for ya Phil.”

“Thanks Belle, you have no idea how much I appreciate that.”

“Got it Phil, subtle.”

“Very subtle.”

“I’ll bring it up tomorrow.”

“It doesn’t have to be tomorrow.”

Belle leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs, “It’s no big deal Phil. I’m sure the sooner the better.”

The sauna door cracked open and Shawn yelled an “ISABELLA!” Belle sat up, “I’m COMING! Just give me a second!”

“I know that Belle. I just wanted to make sure you bring the bottled water. I’m totally parched!”

“All right Shawn! Now go!”

“Fine!” Shawn slammed the door behind him.

Philip stood up, “Hey, I’m gonna run. I just wanted to stop by real quick for that reason.”

Belle grabbed the bottled water and walked Philip to the door, “Well I’m glad you did Philip. Personally, I haven’t seen any change in her behavior. But then again, maybe I wasn’t paying too close attention.”

Philip stopped at the door, “Maybe she’s just acting that way around me then.”

Belle shrugged sadly, not really knowing what to say, “Could be.”

“I swear Belle, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say she’s losing interest in me.” That said, Philip exited.

*************************************

Shawn was lying on the lower bench when Belle entered the sauna. She climbed over him to the upper bench. She spread her towel beneath her and laid on her side. She handed him his bottled water as requested. Shawn sat up, gulping loudly. He set the bottle behind him and laid back. “So what’s Philip’s problem these days?”

“I think he wanted me to keep it private, Shawn. No offense or anything.”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s about Chloe isn’t it?”

Belle remained quiet, but her eyes confirmed his suspicions. She reached down to trace his love trail absentmindedly. Shawn chewed his gum as he watched her curious, roaming hand. “I’ve never seen Philip look worried before. You know how he is. She’s like the only person who’s been able to soften him up. So I’m figuring something’s wrong in that department.”

“Hopefully not,” Belle whispered gently. Shawn’s body fascinated her- not just because of its visual appeal, but more for the way her own seem to fit to his so perfectly. Like a glove…on the outside at least. That much she knew for sure, and it gave her great joy to cuddle, spoon, hug him because it felt so right. But lately, her mind has wandered to the possibility of how well they fit…on the inside. The wondering was becoming a near obsession. She knew she had done a good job of keeping her curiosity under wraps, but…

“Ever wonder how many people have screwed in here?” Shawn asked suddenly as he grabbed her hand. Belle blushed in embarrassment, feeling as if caught. Could he read her mind? Belle pulled her hand away and ran it through his hair. “You should dye your hair back to brown.”

“Why?”

“Not that I don’t like you with blond hair, or red hair. You look great either way, but it isn’t you. I like your dark brown hair. It matches you eyes and makes you look sexy.”

“Sexy,” he slurred in a seductive tone. “I’ll get right on that then. Just so you know, I like this honey thing you got going on with your hair.”

“Thanks. I like it too.”

Shawn stood up with the bottle. He poured some water on the coals, watching as they sizzled. He polished off the remaining contents of water and regarded Belle. She sat up suddenly and leaned forward on the bench. Black bikini, hair slicked back, body and face flushed. Intoxicating… He didn’t know what turned him on more: seeing her wet, or seeing her flushed with sweat.

He climbed up to the bench and sat next to her. He leaned in towards her neck and paused. He looked away, licking his lips. “What?” she asked, curious by his gesture.

“Belle Black…you’re a sweet girl, but I got to be honest. I don’t always have such sweet thoughts about you.”

Belle met his eyes filled with sincerity. Not only were their bodies “in tune” with each other, but their minds as well. Belle’s heart did a nervous flip in anticipation of his next move. She sat still as he ran his eyes slowly over the rest of her body. To her surprise, she liked it, almost a little too much. This wasn’t nice guy Shawn Brady before her. Nor was this the rebel “Tough Guy” persona she liked to tease. This was a young man with honest to God physical desires that he struggled to suppress.

Shawn reached out for her hands, pulling her towards him gently, “Come here and be my little lotus.”

“You’re what?” she asked, genuinely confused.

Shawn smiled and licked his lips, “Just come here.” Belle allowed him to guide her into the erotic “lotus” position. “This is just an inkling of what I’d like to do with you.”

“Oh my God, Shawn! This is soooo gentlemanly of you.”

“I’m not a saint Belle.”

“Sure you are,” she replied sarcastically.

“No I’m not, and neither are you.”

“One could strive,” she breathed.

“Strive is a good word. But you know you love it.”

Belle nodded in agreement, “Can’t say I hate it,” she said huskily, turning Shawn on even more. She released her ankles from his shoulders and crawled off his lap. She stood on the lower bench, facing him as she unlaced her bikini top. Shawn groveled happily before sucking on her nipples, “Oh hell yeah!” Belle massaged his shoulders vigorously as she allowed him his favorite treat. Shawn grabbed her hips firmly.

Shawn flinched when he heard Belle yelp unexpectedly. He looked up, “What?” A cool draft blew into the sauna . Belle fumbled to re-tie her bikini top as the security guard mumbled apologetically. “Sorry Miss Black, I just wanted to inform you that the pool area will be closing in ten minutes.” Nearly dying of embarrassment, Belle nodded, avoiding eye contact as she whimpered a humiliated “Thanks you.” The guard shut the door behind him.

Shawn wiped the sweat off his face and gulped, heart pounding. “ Belle, that was freaking embarrassing. Thank GOD it was him instead of your mom or dad. Or BRADY!” Shawn wiggled at the thought. Belle grabbed her towel, wrapping it around her tightly. “Shawn, what am I going to do??? What if he tells my parents?”

“He won’t Belle. He’s probably more embarrassed than you are.”

“I don’t think that’s possible Shawn.”

Shawn pulled her onto his lap and smiled, still in the mood, “Hey, we still got ten minutes.”

Belle gaped in amazement, “Absolutely NOT!”

“Why not?” he asked enthusiastically.

“Are you out of your mind? We just got caught with my NIPPLE in your mouth by a security guard Shawn. We are not going to sit in here and get it on! Do you think we’re in the movies or something?”

“We should be!” he yelled back laughing.

Belle wrestled herself free from his embrace, “We are SOOOOOOO not coming in here anymore.”

“Belle!”

“NEVER!”

“How about tomorrow night?”

“NO. From now on, we hang out in the cold, OUTSIDE, with our CLOTHES ON!”

Shawn followed her as she left the sauna. “Fine, but if you get cold, I’ll just have to warm you up and you know that.”

Belle whipped around, “You never stop, do you?”

Shawn walked over to the shower faucet and turned on a cool stream, “Nope. Better get used to it Belle. Things are different now. You’re not a little girl anymore.”

“That is NOT the point Shawn,” she yelled defensively.

“Then what is?” he asked casually as he rinsed himself off.

“Arghhhh,” Belle groaned. She threw on her robe quickly, “You can see your way out Shawn. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“You didn’t answer my question,” he yelled after her.

Unfortunately, his answer was a slammed door. Shawn smiled at her little tantrum as he turned off the shower. “You can run, but you can’t hide,” he sang to himself…