(22) Heat

(A few nights later…an early evening away game)

They were deep in the midst of warm-up drills when Jason scanned the audience thoroughly. He looked to the spot where she normally sat. Now, it was empty. It was weird not having Jan there. They ALWAYS made it to each other’s games. No matter what. Even through their worse fights, they made silent amends for in support of each other’s game.

This time was different. This time, she meant business. He was still in shock. For the first time in four years, he became genuinely distracted. And she made a quick break, completely unwaivering. Her sincerity amazed him. After much reflection, he tried to talk to her the other night. She made it clear that she wanted to have nothing to do with him.

He spent the last couple of days adjusting to the reality. Her women’s intuition was so strong it was almost frightening. He knew he couldn’t hide his attraction to Chloe. He also knew he couldn’t sneak behind Janice’s back much longer before she eventually found out. He knew it was coming, but he didn’t think it would happen this soon. He sure as hell didn’t anticipate her reaction. Because he never even thought about it, his voice within admitted.

Jason froze in his tracks when he seen HER.

Chloe sat halfway up the bleachers, alone. She was looking around as if lost. She met his eyes and smiled. She waved at him. His heart did a flip at this gesture. He smiled and pursed his lips at her. She laughed at him, relaying a clumsy air kiss of her own.

He returned to his drill with fresh enthusiasm. This was a most pleasant surprise. Above and beyond what he ever expected. She was there for him, showing her love, her support. He played a remarkable game, marveling her with his viciousness on the court. Animal magnetism.

After their win, Jason returned with his team to the locker room for the coach’s lecture. Jason pulled off his jersey as he stood at his locker. It occurred to him suddenly that she might leave without saying goodbye. He slammed his locker shut and walked out of the locker room. He stood between the door of the locker room and the side of the bleachers, out of the crowd’s view.

He found her passing by the bleachers. He called out to her a few times before she recognized where he was coming from. He stood still, not wanting to draw anymore attention to himself. She waved through the small crowd. He reached out for her hand and let her beneath the bleachers.

Chloe leaned up against the wall, eyeing his strong bare chest.

He gave her a chin up, “What are you doing here?”

“I heard about your game from Belle. I rode with her.”

“Thanks for coming. It really means a lot to me.”

Chloe blushed and gave a slight smile, “You’re welcome. I really wanted to come. But I got to admit, I thought twice about it.”

“Why?”

“I figured a certain someone might be here. And it may have made things really uncomfortable…”

“Trust me, she won’t come.”

Chloe crinkled her forehead in confusion.

Jason scratched between his nose and lip before explaining. “She and I are…done.”

“Oh,” Chloe said, genuinely surprised.

“Yeah.”

“When did this happen?”

“A couple nights ago.” He replied softly

Chloe stared at him, thinking he would explain more. His awkwardness was evident, and she felt a twinge of sadness. Guilt. The same way she felt when she broke up from Philip. She looked down to the floor, a small sigh escaping her. They stood silently for awhile, considering those they left behind.

Chloe met Jason’s eyes reluctantly. He was still staring at her intently. She felt a rush when he suddenly winked at her, a small smile forming on his face. She pressed her shoulders against the wall and thrust her hips in front of her. She returned his wink.

“So, now, here we are,” he said demurely.

“Yes, here we are,” she said lightly.

“No longer forbidden fruit.”

“Nope.”

“Free to…you know.”

“And this is good right?”

“Oh yeah.”

“And you feel…” she raised her eyebrow.

“Like we’re two dogs that have just been let off their leash in a public park,” Jason answered quickly.

Chloe smiled, “What kind of dog am I?”

“A poodle…no, a cocker spaniel. In heat.”

“And you are a?”

“PIT BULL.”

Chloe covered her mouth as she laughed. “A pit bull, huh? So, what, you gonna mount me?”

Jason nodded, “Eventually.”

Chloe reached up to give him two quick kisses of approval.

Jason touched her cheekbones. “Hopefully sooner than later.”

Chloe rested her fingertips gingerly on his pectorals.

Kiss, kiss.

Jason enclosed her in his arms, pressing his chest against her own.

She stiffed and sang an “Ewwww,” of disgust. “You’re all sticky.”

Jason pulled back to look at her, hands resting on her hips. “What, you don’t like my hot, sweaty body up against yours?”

His suggestion provoked a sudden image to her. BOTH of their bodies, locked together in the heat of ecstasy, dripping with sweat. With this in mind, Chloe pulled him to her, arms laced behind his back, clutching his shoulders. She led him into their most passionate kiss ever. Jason responded by gripping her hips tighter, pulling her towards him. Chloe ran the pad of her fingertips down his back, a small moan escaping her.

Jason broke the kiss. “Oh my God, I love it when you make that sound. You’re going to kill me. Look what you did,” he said, lowering his eyes to his stiffened member.

“I see what I did.”

“You like that don’t you?”

“Yeah, I do,” she whispered.

“You are nothing but trouble, girl. How am I supposed to go into the locker room like this?”

Kiss, kiss.

Chloe shrugged and stood on his feet. She gripped his neck as he walked her in circles.

“Wanna dance?” he asked playfully.

Chloe nodded and began to hum them some music.

Jason laughed at her and stopped.

Chloe stepped off his feet and laced her fingers into his. “What are you doing tonight?” she asked excitedly.

Jason tilted his head, “After this, my parents, brother and I are going out for dessert.”

“Oh,” Chloe mumbled feebly.

“I’m sorry. But I promised them. It’s kind of a tradition when we come to this town. Why don’t you come too?”

Chloe shook her head, “No, no. I don’t want to interfere with the time you spend with your family.”

“It’s ok Chloe. I know they wouldn’t mind.”

“We can get together some other time.”

“This weekend?” he asked hopefully.

Chloe shook her head sadly. “Ehhh, this weekend isn’t good. I’m actually spending time with my mom. We haven’t talked for awhile. We need to mend a few issues. She’s agreed to come with me to Chicago this weekend. I’m getting my head-shots done, and some other classes. How to walk, stand, pose, talk, whatever. Something YOUR mother lined me up with.”

“You’re a working girl now, huh?”

“I better be. I got a rent portion to pay.”

“I forgot about that…Sounds fun. When you going to have me over for ramen noodles?”

“Whenever you want.”

“Whenever I want...” Jason grunted as he hoisted her up, her thighs locking around his hips. “I’ll give you a noodle all right.”

They gave each other a devilish smile.

Kiss, kiss.

“THERE YOU ARE!!” Belle yelled from the side of the bleachers. “I’ve been looking all over for you!”

Jason set Chloe down and mumbled, “Hey Belle.”

Chloe blushed as she freed herself from Jason, “Sorry Belle. We were just talking.”

“Uh huh,” Belle said sarcastically. “Are you ready to go now?”

Chloe walked towards her, nodding. She glanced over her shoulder one last time, uttering a quick, “Don’t be a stranger.”

***********

Later that night, Mimi drove to Java Café to meet Belle. In her new (old) Volkswagon Bug. She and Chloe ended up buying the 63’ earlier that week for $600 even. Chloe gave Mimi her portion and allowed Mimi to have the title and insurance placed in her name. It was light blue, with the back end coated with primer. It was noisy as hell, but it was paid for, and it ran.

Claiming slightly embarrassed proud ownership, Mimi showed off her latest purchase to her best friend. Belle hugged her with pride, “You go girl!” The two girls drank their mochas outside the cafe, catching up with the latest gossip. Belle suggested Mimi spend the night with her at the Penthouse. Mimi agreed, thrilled that she didn’t have to ask for permission like she normally had to.

They returned to the apartment for Mimi to pack. Chloe and Mimi gave Belle a thorough tour. To their surprise, Belle was highly impressed. She commended their independence. Chloe gave Mimi a knowing wink as they headed out the door. Belle came around, just as they knew she would.

They returned to the Penthouse to continue their catch up for lost gossip over the past few months. Their lives had changed immensely, especially Mimi’s, but they were still able to connect. Exhausted from the long day at school, they finally went to bed around midnight.

Mimi lay restless, mind drifting to another member of the household. She knew he was absent all night due to work…Around 3:00 am, she heard him come up the stairs. She saw the light from the bathroom filter through the crack of the door. He was taking a shower. Mimi waited a bit longer, considering her sudden urges within.

After nearly a half-hour of pondering, she reached a “Fuck it” conclusion. She glanced over to Belle. Confident that she was fast asleep, and wouldn’t miss her absence, Mimi slid out of the bed and left the bedroom. She tiptoed down the hallway to Brady’s room. She entered in carefully, surprised to find him in bed already.

Mimi crawled straight into his bed.

Brady nudged slightly, rolling onto his back. Mimi turned onto her side to face him.

“Lockhart,” he whispered sleepily.

“Hey,” she whispered back.

There was a long pause before Brady turned his head away, “What the hell are you doing?” he said in a low voice.

“Who the hell knows,” she answered.

“Get out of here Mimi, go back to bed.”

“Aren’t we chipper?”

“I was asleep.”

“Are you drunk?”

“Sorta…Go.”

“What is your problem?”

“You Mimi. You’re too confused.”

“Is this about Pam?”

Brady shook his head.

“Then what is it?”

He shook his head again.

Mimi crawled on top of him, her breasts smashing against his pecs. “Pssst”

“What?”

“D’you guys hang out and drink some beers?”

Brady nodded gently, keeping his hands to himself despite the temptation before him.

Mimi concentrated the sensation of Brady’s firm chest beneath her. “Brady?”

“What?”

“How many pull ups do you do in a day anyway?”

“Ssssh” Brady rose his hips slightly to reposition himself.

Mimi felt a sudden rush to her groin. She lowered her lips until they hovered just above his…teasing, not only him, but herself as well. “Hi.”

“You’re confused.”

“Uh huh.”

“Go away Mimi…”

Mimi froze before continuing. How could he? Mr. Flirtatious could dish it out, but he couldn’t take it.

Mimi started to crawl off him. As she did, Brady’s hand brushed her hips slightly. As if wanting her to stay. His gesture caught her off guard. She lay collapsed onto her side, eyeing the outline of his face from the alarm clock. “What? You….”

“Nothing Mimi, nothing.”

“Brady?”

“You’re feeling needy.”

Mimi considered his claim. This recent bout of feelings for him, a newfound “crush” or whatever it was. Before, he was always the big brother type. Now he was…what? She had no idea. He was right. She was confused, needy-and more importantly, turning her away.

Deciding not to bury herself any further, Mimi flipped up the covers and slid out the bed. She shut the door behind her quietly and returned to Belle’s room, completely humiliated.

Brady opened his eyes. She was strong. Stronger than she knew…