Chapter 7
"I think the trick will be to approach him together," Payson whispered as she, Kelly, and Austin gathered around the water cooler on Tuesday morning.
"Won't he feel, I don't know, ambushed?" Kelly asked. Payson looked to Austin and shrugged.
"Maybe, but do you want to talk to him alone?" Payson asked. Kelly's eyes went wide and she shook her head.
"Pay, maybe you should talk to him. He likes you," Austin suggested. Payson huffed and rolled her eyes, hoping she didn't blush.
"He likes all of us," she said.
"Yeah, but you're allowed to say things we're not. He never gets mad at you. Come on, PK, please?" Kelly begged. Payson's shoulders slumped and Kelly cheered, knowing her friend was giving in.
"Great. He's in the office. Go," Austin insisted, giving Payson a little push. She glared over her shoulder at them and then took the stairs two at a time.
Her mother was nowhere to be found and Payson breathed a sigh of relief. At least she would get a few seconds alone with Sasha, even if he was going to spend it yelling at her.
"Hey," he said, looking up in surprise.
"Hey," Payson said, biting her lip against a smile and looking at the floor.
"You okay?" He asked, his eyes narrowed shrewdly. Payson laughed, shaking her head.
"I'm fine. Listen, MJ had an idea this weekend…"
"Oh bloody hell," Sasha groaned, reaching up to massage his forehead. "I'm not going to like this am I?"
"No. You know the event at the OTC that's coming up?" Payson asked. Sasha nodded. "Well apparently the Sports Illustrated people want to come here the day before we leave and do a "day in the life" piece on Austin, Kelly, and me."
Sasha shook his head, releasing a slow breath. Payson saw the muscles in his jaw twitch and braced herself for the yelling she knew was coming.
It didn't.
"Fine," he grumbled.
"What?" Payson asked, taking a few steps closer to him. Sasha laughed, a low, gruff sound that sent thrills down her spine. She wished there weren't a gym full of teenagers outside the office.
"I don't really have a choice, do I? Besides, between you and MJ, I have no chance of winning the argument. What day is it and how much time is it going to take out of your training?" Sasha asked, grabbing a pen and clearing a stack of papers off his desk calendar.
Payson was speechless. Sasha never conceded to anything that easily. Did she really wield that much power?
"Payson?" Sasha prompted. Payson shook herself out of her stupor and moved closer so that she could see the calendar.
Standing behind him, she put a hand on his shoulder for balance and leaned forward, pointing to the day of the photo shoot. She felt his muscles bunch under her fingers and smiled while he quickly scrawled the information in the little box.
"I wish we were alone right now," Sasha said, so quietly Payson almost didn't hear him. Glancing at the door, Payson leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to the line of his jaw, smiling as his scruff tickled her lips.
"Me too," she whispered. "I'll be out on the floor."
#
"Sasha! Didn't we learn our lesson the last time?" Payson asked in a harsh whisper as Sasha's lips trailed down her neck. If anyone were to walk into the office, there would be no question what they were up to; Payson was perched on Sasha's desk, he was standing between her legs with his hand up her shirt and his face buried in her neck.
Payson squirmed away from his mouth.
"Don't leave a mark!" she hissed. Sasha chuckled, his hot breath puffing across her skin.
"I'm not," he said, pulling back and sticking his lower lip out in a pout. Payson couldn't help but laugh; he looked ridiculous, like a little boy being chastised for stealing the last cookie.
"Sasha, Austin, Kaylie, and Kelly are going to be here any minute, and the Sports Illustrated people shortly after that. We have to stop right now or we're going to get caught," Payson said. She hated to be the one to put the brakes on, more than anyone would ever know, but the last thing she wanted was to get caught and ruin Sasha's career. Again.
"I hate this," Sasha grumbled. Payson smiled, running her fingers through his hair.
"Me too," she whispered. Sasha wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tight against his chest. Payson snuggled into the embrace, pressing her face into his chest, right above his heart. The rhythmic thumping matched her own pulse.
"Come over tonight?" Sasha asked. Payson nodded. She needed to be with him, to be held by him, without fear of being caught.
"Of course."
Payson disentangled herself from his arms and ran her fingers through her hair. She'd left it down since they were doing a photo shoot first and working out later. Sasha loved her hair down.
"Hello? Anybody home?" Kelly called out. Payson peeked out at the floor and saw Kelly dropping her back by the observation room windows.
"Hey," Payson said, jogging down the stairs to meet her friend.
"Hey. Coach helping you add more insane elements to your routine so your DOD will be even higher than mine?" Kelly asked, jerking her chin towards the office. Payson laughed.
"Maybe," she teased. "So, ready to be painted and posed like little dolls?"
"Oh Payson," Kelly sighed, shaking her head. "When are you going to learn to enjoy all of this? We're elite athletes who practically live at the gym, how often do we get to actually feel like girls? This is Heaven!"
"Kelly Parker, you are so shallow," Payson said, only half meaning it. Kelly just waved her away.
#
"Ladies, can we get Kelly on Austin's left arm and Payson on Austin's right, please?" The photographer asked. Payson and Kelly moved where they were told and the photographer's assistant finished posing them just the way he wanted. Payson grimaced. Kelly was sort of right, the clothes and the pampering were nice, but she hated being posed like Gumby.
"A guy could get used to this," Austin joked, looking down at Payson and Kelly. "Two of the gymnastics world's most beautiful women hanging all over me? Pinch me, I'm dreaming."
Payson obliged, maybe a little harder than was necessary.
"Ow! That better not leave a mark Keeler," he growled. Payson laughed.
"Or what?" she challenged. Austin's eyes narrowed. He let go of Kelly and attacked, tickling Payson mercilessly.
"Or this!"
Payson shrieked and tried to dance away, but Austin had a firm grip and kept on tickling her. Payson squirmed, slapping at Austin's arms, even as she laughed so hard she could barely breathe. The photographer went nuts, snapping picture after picture.
"Payson's laughter died when she noticed Sasha standing at the top of the stairs, his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes narrowed. Austin must have noticed too, because he set her down and switched to torturing Kelly. Though maybe not, because he did it all without missing a beat.
Soon enough the three of them were chasing each other around the gym. The photographer stopped shouting directions and just let them play, snapping a million shots of the three in their natural habitat.
"That's enough," Sasha's voice echoed through the gym. Everyone stopped in their tracks, silenced by his tone, the one that still intimidated even Payson. "They need to get to work. You can do your interviews and do whatever else you need to do while they're on breaks, but if you distract my gymnasts for even one moment, you're out."
"Yes, Sasha," Kelly, Austin, and Payson chorused before scampering off to the locker room to change.
#
That night, Payson told her parents she was going to Kelly's house. Kelly agreed to cover for her without asking why and Payson drove over to Sasha's apartment. He'd been surly all day, even after he kicked the Sports Illustrated people out and Payson wondered if they would spend a pleasant evening together or if he was going to be difficult.
She knocked on the door and waited. It was silent beyond the door, she couldn't even hear him moving around. Then the door opened to reveal a shirtless Sasha and a dim living room, candles spread all around and filling the room with a gentle glow. Payson's breath hitched in her throat.
"Hey," he said, his voice a low purr. Payson's knees nearly buckled as her insides turned to mush. She couldn't help but stare at the smooth, well defined planes of his chest and stomach.
"H-hi," she stammered. A small smile played across Sasha's face as he stood aside and let her in. Payson shook her head clear of the lusty thoughts flashing through her mind. "Don't think for a second that being half naked is going to get you off the hook."
"Off the hook?" Sasha asked, shoving his hands in his pockets and staring at her, his eyes glinting. Payson took a breath, steeling her resolve.
"You were jealous this morning, and you were a rude jerk all day because of it," Payson accused. Sasha's face hardened and a strange thrill raced through Payson, settling low in her stomach. Sasha took a step towards her.
"You're right, I was jealous. Watching Austin put his hands all over you, have fun with you without worrying what it looked like…I wanted to hit him," Sasha said, his voice soft but his words clear. He took another step forward, and another, until he was standing so close that Payson had to tilt her head back to see his face. He didn't touch her though, his hands stayed in his pockets.
"Well…that's stupid," Payson said. She was having a hard time concentrating with Sasha so close and so shirtless.
One of Sasha's hands came up to brush the hair away from her face, trailing down her cheek before sliding around to grasp the back of her neck. He leaned forward, his lips hovering just a breath away from Payson's.
"I'm sorry, love," he whispered. Payson felt his breath ghosting across her lips and she swayed forward. "I'll never behave that badly again."
And then he kissed her. Unlike that morning in the office, there was no rush, no urgency in his kiss. He teased her, his tongue darting out to flick against hers before pulling back, brushing his lips against hers, never fully committing. Payson whimpered, her hands came up to run over her chest and stomach, scratching lightly against his skin.
"Sasha," she begged. He was still holding himself away from her, torturing her. She felt him smile against her lips and then he reached for her, closing the distance between them and slanting his lips over hers. His hand left her neck, smoothing down her shoulder and then over her back before she felt the warmth of his fingers against her surgery scars. He traced them briefly and then his hand flattened against her back, drifting up until he hit the clasp of her bra.
Payson's breath hitched as she wondered what he would do. Despite their frenzied make out sessions in the gym, and the night on his couch after she'd found out Lauren leaked the video, he had never exposed her like that, never touched her without the barrier of her bra. Payson shivered, wondering what it would feel like when he did.
"Take it off," she whispered, worrying his earlobe between her teeth. He shivered violently. Then, pulling back he lifted her shirt over her head, pausing a moment to admire her, before reaching back and unclasping her bra.
Payson sucked in a breath when they were pressed chest to chest with nothing separating their skin. Sasha kissed her, hard, and suddenly it was like they were in the gym and would never have enough time together. His arms were like steel bands around her waist and after a moment he listed her up, urging her to wrap her legs around his waist, settling his hands over her bum as he carried her into the bedroom.
#
"Whoa," Kaylie breathed as she, Kelly, and Payson stood in the middle of the floor at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
"Right?" Kelly said. It wouldn't be for long, but at that moment the gymnasium was empty, like a sanctuary. Payson breathed it in. She couldn't wait to actually be training there after she made the Olympic Team.
"Ladies," Sasha's voice echoed through the cavernous space, even though he kept it low. "You'll need to change soon. Warm ups are in twenty."
"Yes Sasha," they chorused breathlessly. His footsteps echoed as he left the gym, probably to some coach's meeting.
A few moments later noise exploded through the gym as the rest of the gymnasts arrived. Payson sighed and turned towards the locker room.
She ran straight into Lauren Tanner.
"Well, well, look who's here," Lauren said, like Payson was the last person she expected to be. Behind Payson, Kaylie squealed and lunged forward to hug Lauren and Kelly moved up to Payson's right, flanking her, giving her support.
"Lauren," Payson greeted tersely.
"Where's your boyfriend? Off scamming on other impressionable sixteen year-olds?" Lauren asked, cocking one hip and arching an eyebrow, giving Payson her best challenging look. Payson felt Kelly tense beside her.
"You are such a bitch, Lauren," Kelly snapped. She started forward, ready to pound on the bottle blonde, but Payson grabbed her by the arm, forcing her to stop.
"She's not worth it, Kelly," Payson hissed.
"I don't know, it would make me feel so much better," Kelly said, sneering at Lauren. Lauren just shrugged and examined her fingernails, but Payson could see the slight shake in her hand. She was scared of Kelly Parker.
"Come on. She'll get what's coming to her," Payson said, pulling Kelly away towards the locker room so they could change. Kaylie frowned after them, sticking by Lauren's side. It didn't bother Payson, not really, she had known all along where Kaylie's loyalties lay.
"Good luck today. I hope you don't fall and break your back…again," Lauren called out. Payson just shook her head.
Lauren Tanner wasn't worth her time.
#
"Payson, we were all so impressed with your routines today, Kelly's too. They were simply breathtaking," one journalist told Payson as the post exhibition reception. Everyone, athletes from every discipline and reporters from all sorts of media outlets, were dressed to the nines, schmoozing each other.
"Thank you," Payson said politely, catching Sasha's eye across the room. He made her heart race in his black dress slacks and crisp white dress shirt. "But you haven't seen anything yet. Those weren't the routines we're taking to the Olympics."
"No? How much harder can they get?" the woman asked. Payson smiled.
"My DOD will rise by a full point on each event, and Kelly's will raise at least half a point, a full point in some cases."
"Oh my. Well you've certainly given us something to look forward too. I'll stop monopolizing your time," she said, slipping back into the crowd. Payson breathed a sigh of relief.
There was a DJ playing music, trying to get people to take advantage of the dance floor. Austin and Kaylie were already there, holding each other tightly and looking like the world's most perfect couple. Kelly was flirting with a waiter, Payson could hear it in her laugh, and Sasha…he was just leaning against the wall, watching her. His eyes burned a hole through form fitting, black lace dress Kelly had practically forced her to wear.
"Care to dance?" He asked, offering his hand as she drew closer. Payson looked around the room.
"Do you think that's a good idea?" Payson asked, shifting from foot to foot in her nude heels. She knew they made her legs look miles long, and smiled as Sasha's eyes took a moment to travel the length of her body.
"I don't bloody well care," he answered, taking her hand without waiting for her answer and leading her to the floor. It wasn't necessarily a bad idea; coaches were dancing with their athletes, even reporters were dancing with the athletes while they tried to get a quote. But for Sasha and Payson, with so much controversy just barely behind them, it was like walking into the lion's den.
Sasha gave her a little spin as they walked onto the dance floor and then pulled her close. Maybe not as close as he would have if they were alone, but close enough. Payson resisted the urge to lean her head against his chest.
"You looked great out there today," Sasha said quietly. Payson felt heat rising in her cheeks and smiled.
"Thanks. I think Kelly and I are going to rock it in London."
"Good. Then I'll expect my gold medal back," Sasha teased, his fingers tightening on her waist. It tickled, and she fought a giggle. Payson wished she could kiss him, and the look in his eyes said he was thinking the same thing. He swayed towards her and Payson's eyes fluttered closed as she tilted her head up to meet his lips.
And then Payson was being shifted around, landing in arms that weren't Sasha's. She opened her eyes to see Austin's broad frame spinning her around the floor. Kelly had taken her place with Sasha.
"You two were attracting attention," Austin said softly before he spun her beneath his arm. Only her skills as a gymnast kept her from stumbling.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Payson said. The song changed, becoming more upbeat and Austin guided her into a dance she didn't know the name of, but was certainly showy enough to make everyone forget about her and Sasha.
"Pay…"
"I don't know what you're talking about, Austin," Payson growled. He gave her an exasperated look, but dropped the subject. He twirled her out and then back in, dipping her low to the ground. Payson laughed, holding tightly to him so she didn't hit the floor.
"Where did you learn how to dance?" Payson asked, delighted. Austin winked.
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
#
Payson was lounging on her bed in the hotel room, flipping through a book her mom had recommended to her. She couldn't concentrate though; her mind kept wandering. Mostly it went to Sasha, dancing with him, falling into his arms, the night before on his bed…she blushed. They hadn't pushed many boundaries, but Payson had wanted him so badly she scared herself.
Kelly was in the shower when there was a knock on the door. Payson got up to answer it, figure it was either Kaylie or Austin, or both.
It was Sasha. Payson felt her eyes bug out and Sasha chuckled, looking down at the floor.
"Bed check," he said, by way of explanation.
"Oh, right. Kelly's in the shower."
They went quiet. Sasha took half a step inside the room and started to reach out for her hand, but dropped his arm again.
"I'm sorry about the reception. I shouldn't have gotten lost in the moment like that," Sasha said. Payson shook her head.
"We both did. It's fine. But we really need to be more careful."
"We do. Payson, I…goodnight. Sleep well." Payson frowned, wondering what he wanted to say. He leaned forward and kissed her cheek, quick as lightening, and then he was gone. She stared down the hallway after him.
"I love you too, Sasha," she whispered.
A/N: Thanks as always to all you wonderful reviewers! LauraW89, Cynthia, Katherine temperance, Ida-cullen, and lilli. You guys are awesome!
Cynthia suggested some Austin and Kaylie drama…well trust me, it's coming. Just not yet. There's a lot of drama for everyone coming up so be prepared. I mean, you did know it couldn't be this easy, right? ;)
Review please!
