Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyers owns Twilight. I do not. I do however, own my 'gang'.
A/N: Also thanks to my awesome Beta, Blueboarderchick.
Thank you to my reviewers.
Chapter 31
I woke up with a curse on my lips having had a messed up nightmare where I was in a hospital. I couldn't remember all the details, but I think I might have been sick or someone I knew was sick. All I could remember was that it was so sad and awful. It was the kind of dream that left you feeling relieved upon waking. Turning my head to the side, I saw Leah was still asleep next to me. The she-wolf actually looked peaceful with her seemingly permanent scowl absent from her face. I remembered she told me one of the best parts about this vacation was her getting to sleep through the night. Even though she worried about Seth, she didn't miss patrolling in the wee hours of the morning. I couldn't say that I blamed her.
Sitting up, I debated whether or not to go back to sleep. The sun wasn't up yet, but the paleness of the sky indicated that sunrise wasn't far away. I decided to go for an early morning run and maybe explore the woods around the house before the others woke up. Rolling off the bed, I grabbed my sneakers and some clothes then went across the hall and into the bathroom to get changed. After using the bathroom and brushing my teeth, I changed into my usual jogging clothes. The floor boards creaked under my feet as I crept down the stairs of the quiet house.
Before leaving the house, I remembered to grab my cell phone and pulled my hair back into a sloppy ponytail. As I let myself out the backdoor and crossed the porch, I saw a figure sitting by the lake. It was Taylor, wearing his grey wife beater and black board shorts. He sat facing the water's edge with his back straight, legs crossed and his hands resting on them. What is he doing?
I crossed the distance between us; stopping a few feet away and greeted him softly. "Hey."
His shoulders jumped slightly as my voice startled him, and I experienced the slight, brief sensation of being pushed backward. It was an odd incident, and if it wasn't for the small ripples on the lake, I would have believed that I imagined the whole thing.
Taylor's head snapped around to look at me. For a second, I thought I saw a bit of fear in his eyes, but then it vanished and he smiled. "Hey, what are you doing up so early?"
"Just about to go on my morning run." I frowned slightly as I looked around for the source of the push. "What are you doing out here?"
His eyes darted away slightly before returning to my face. "I was just meditating."
He didn't lie, but at the same time he wasn't telling me the whole truth. I decided to let the subject of what he was really doing drop. "You meditate?"
"Yeah, I've been doing it for years. It's…helpful." There it was again. He wasn't telling me everything.
Turning to go, I replied, "Well, I'll leave you to it then."
I took two steps before Taylor asked, "Do you want some company?"
"Yeah, okay." I really didn't mind as I'd been kind of distant with him ever since the incident. I missed our walks and odd conversations.
We found a trail in the trees next to the house and followed it. Dried leaves crunched under our sneakers and a comfortable silence fell between us. It was almost as if the noisy world had fallen away and we were the only two people left in it. For a brief moment all of my past misery and angst were swept away, and I was left with a hopeful feeling. A feeling of a fresh, new beginning.
Shoving a hand in my pocket, I spared a glance at Taylor. Black hair fell into his eyes as he stared at the dirt path in front of us, lost in thought. For the first time, I wished I had Edward's mind reading ability. I wouldn't have minded having a small peek into his mind. Taylor was such a mystery to me.
Almost as if he felt my gaze his head shifted to look at me inquiringly. "What?"
"Nothing." Quickly, I averted my eyes. Crap! He caught me staring at him.
"Was there some reason why you were molesting me with your eyes?" He asked while flashing me a teasing smile.
At a loss for words, I sputtered, "M-molesting you?" The sound of his laughter greeted my ears and I blushed. "I was not-"
He cut me off laughingly, "Whatever you say."
Jerk! I huffed silently. I cursed his ability to fluster me so easily. In an attempt to lead the conversation, I asked, "Where did you learn to cook?"
His eyebrows rose slightly in surprise, at the change in topic. "Our housekeeper, Sophia, taught me."
"Really?" As I looked at him, a light breeze ruffled his hair.
"Yeah, when I was a kid my father was very paranoid about my safety, so I ended up spending a lot of time at home." Taylor's face darkened when he mentioned his father until he realized what he'd done. He'd told me more than he meant to. But I wouldn't push him about why his dad was worried about his safety. I wondered if it had anything to do with his ability. Maybe his Dad was worried about people finding out.
When he understood that I wasn't about to press him, he continued, "My father was none too pleased to discover I was spending my free time in Sophia's kitchen. So, he brought in a music tutor to keep me occupied."
"So is the guitar the only instrument you know how to play?" I questioned curiously.
"No, I can also play bass guitar and the piano." A proud grin grew on his face.
Grinning back, I commented, "I bet your Dad was really proud when you told him you were majoring in Music."
An angry scowl marred his face. "You would think so, but no he wasn't. When I told him the news his exact words were 'That's just perfect. You can have a career as a bum living under a freeway.'"
"What's wrong with a music career?" I didn't see what the big deal was. Taylor was clearly talented. He would definitely go places.
"Oh, don't you know? Us Reeds are supposed to be high powered senior executives and work 80 hours a week." Taylor said with sarcasm dripping from his every word. I was grateful for Renee and Charlie at that moment. As long as I wasn't breaking any laws and was happy, they didn't care what I did for a living.
We ambled along the path in silence until I asked him, "Do you know what you want to do after school?"
"Actually, I was thinking about teaching, being a music teacher," Taylor admitted.
"Yeah?" Leaves rustled as a cool morning breeze blew through them.
"Yeah, I think I'd be good at it." Silently, I agreed. Taylor had the skill and patience required to make a great teacher.
"You're sure you don't want to be a rock star with millions of adoring fans?" I teased. I could totally see him up on stage with an endless supply of fans (mostly women) screaming as they threw their underwear at him.
Taylor looked exhausted as he sighed, "My life is hard enough as it is. I don't want to make millions, and I don't want to be famous. I just want a simple, ordinary life. Do you know what I mean?"
"Yeah, I do." I was tired of mythical and magical. Simple and ordinary sounded just fine to me.
I knew exactly how he felt. We smiled at each other in understanding then I had to tear my eyes away because once again, we were having another of our 'I see you' moments.
The dirt path that we were on, led us to a cliff on the other side of the lake. On the other side of the lake, sunrise was slowly unfolding. Together, we watched as the streaks of golden light lit up the sky casting its brilliant rays over the lake. It was a breathtaking scene.
In awe of the picturesque setting before me, I mumbled, "Beautiful."
"Yeah, beautiful." Something in Taylor's voice made me look at him. He wasn't looking at the sunrise; he was looking at… me. And of course, right on cue I blushed. As I looked away in embarrassment, I pushed wisps of hair away from my face.
Taylor's demeanor suddenly changed as he looked down at the lake. "Come on, let's jump."
My head snapped in his direction and I asked in disbelief. "Are you insane?" It was a long way down and it seemed kind of dangerous.
"Oh, come on, Izzy. Where's your sense of adventure, thrill seeker?" Taylor asked while tossing me a playful smirk.
"It's still asleep back at the house." I groused and Taylor laughed. "Have you ever watched a show called river monsters?"
"Yeah, the ones with the giant stingrays and piranhas, right?"
I nodded. "Right. There could be a giant monster lurking in the water, just waiting for some stupid college kids to snack on."
"But this is a lake, not a river." Taylor tried to use reason.
"Lakes and rivers are cousins." I refused to be mollified.
Laughing at my ridiculousness, Taylor prodded, "Are you jumping or not?"
When I woke up this morning, I hadn't planned on jumping off a cliff. The last time I'd done this… No, this time I would be jumping for me. This would be about me and not Edward.
Taylor seemed surprised when I agreed quickly, "Let's do it."
As I began to undress, Taylor asked, "What are you doing?"
"Well, I can't very well swim in my hoodie and sneakers. Can I?" Continuing to undress, I decided to leave my shorts on. I felt goose bumps on my flesh as it was exposed to the crisp morning air. I didn't feel awkward in my blue bra since I'd been wearing a bikini everyday for the past week. I was quite sure that Taylor had seen it all before. "We'll just have to come back for my stuff."
Pulling off his wife beater and sneakers, Taylor replied, "Okay."
As Taylor turned his back to me to place his clothes on the ground, I noticed his tattoo on his back. Before, I'd only been able to look from afar, but up close I was able to see it more clearly. Everyday Leah, Angela and I would gather on the grass by the lake, waiting for the moment when Taylor would take off his shirt so we could ogle him. Leah said his tattoo sent his sex appeal through the roof, and I agreed with her. It made him even more alluring, if it was possible.
Almost as if my hand had a mind of its own, I reached out and traced the intricate design with my fingertips. At my touch, Taylor stilled his movements and allowed me to explore his broad back. I followed the flowing path of the tattoo down his down his spine to where it ended.
"Do you know what your tattoo means?" I asked just for the sake of asking.
"I was just hoping it wasn't a symbol for giant asshole." Taylor laughed lightly.
Leah told me the woman at the parlor explained its meaning to her. "It means incredible strength and power."
Taylor seemed to freeze when I said this. His tone sounded slightly bitter as he mumbled softly, "Well, isn't that fitting."
In a seamless and unexpected move, Taylor spun me around. Our positions were reversed as he stroked the tattoo on my lower back.
In a lowered voice, Taylor inquired, "What does yours mean?"
His fingers were creating tingles on my skin, making it hard to think, "It… um means… change or transformation." Oh hell, what is he doing?
"Really?" The fingers on my back stopped their exploring, and he stepped closer.
My throat went dry and I could feel the heat of his nearness on my back. "Uh huh," I mumbled breathlessly.
He might not have remembered what happened between us the other night but I did. And it confused me, because I didn't know what I really wanted. To be honest, I did think about what it would be like to kiss him. Even though I tried not to let myself get caught up in those kinds of thoughts, every now and again one of them would slip through and… I would wonder what it would feel like.
Aw, hell. Mentally, I kicked myself in head. I couldn't do this, not with Liz's brother. I couldn't believe what I was thinking about. Maybe Zach was right. Maybe I needed to get laid. That could be the reason my body went haywire every time he touched me. I really needed to start dating. Liz sure as hell would not appreciate me using her brother to scratch an ever growing itch. And Taylor seemed to be the commitment type of guy, and I wasn't looking for a serious relationship.
Repeating the words, Liz's brother over and over in my head like a mantra, I stepped away from him and looked down at the lake below. Maybe a cool dip in the lake was exactly what I needed right now. Help get my overheated hormones under control.
"Are you ready?" I didn't need to look at his face to know there would be disappointment on it. It couldn't be helped. Disappointment was better than me breaking his heart when he discovered what I already knew. It wouldn't work out, because it never does. Not for me.
"Yeah, I'm ready." He reached out and held my hand in his. He smiled gently, and I knew he understood without my needing to say the words.
Then hand in hand, we jumped off the cliff and into the cool waters below. There was a loud splash as we hit the water feet first. Then, still holding my hand, Taylor swam us to the surface. As our heads broke the surface, I took a deep breath inhaling the fresh clean air. I felt so exhilarated and purged. This time I jumped off a cliff for me, because I wanted to.
Water sprayed in my direction as Taylor flung his wet hair from his face. For a brief moment I entertained a ridiculous thought. I wondered if Taylor possessed the ability to turn into a merman. It made sense, seeing how much he loved the water and was a strong swimmer. Then I began to wonder what sex would be like with a merman. Did mermen even have penises?
I must have spaced out because Taylor splashed water at me. "Did you hear what I said, Izzy?"
I brought my mind back to the present. "Sorry… what?"
He pointed toward the shore. "Let's head back to shore and grab our clothes."
We swam back to shore and my merman idea was ruined as he stood up and walked out of the water. No tail but he had thighs that could crack walnuts. I thought as I stared at his strong legs. Taylor turned around before I could look away. "Really, if you don't stop staring at my ass, I'll start to feel violated."
Now that he mentioned it, he did have a nice ass. Face flushed, I snapped defensively, "Wipe that smirk off your face. I was not staring at your-"
He cut me off, giving me his all knowing smile that always annoyed the hell out of me. "Whatever you say."
He laughingly dodged the small twig I threw at him.
It was the day before Leah was due to fly back to Washington and we were trying to get a barbeque going out by the lake. Well… Ryan was attempting to barbeque, Zach was showing of his diving skills for Leah, Angela and Liz sat by the picnic table chatting while I assisted Taylor as he tried to start a fire.
I wasn't much help as I was deliberately getting in his way and poking fun at him. He refused to use matches insisting that when he was a boy scout he didn't need them.
As he unsuccessfully rubbed two sticks together, I teased, "Really, Taylor? Sticks? Is that the best you got? Why don't you just use matches?"
"Real men don't need matches to start fires, woman."
"I'll remember you said that the next time I see you lighting the stove with some."
He cursed when the sticks broke and tossed them away in frustration. "Aw, to hell with this." He then dug in his pockets and removed some matches the lit the fire.
"Wow, a real lord of the flames. You're such a mountain man." I reached my hand out and flicked my finger at the stubble on his chin.
"I'll show you mountain man." Taylor quickly grabbed my arm, pulled me onto his lap. He wrapped me in a bear hug then proceeded to rub his stubbly chin all over my face while I giggled and struggled in vain to get away.
Warm breath tickled my neck before I heard Ryan shout, "Hey, you two. Fall in love on your own time. I need some help over here, Taylor."
In all honesty, Ryan did need the help. The last time he barbequed for us we ended up with badly charred and half cooked meat. But he didn't have to yell that love crap. We were just playing around.
We halted in our tussle and red-faced, I removed myself from Taylor's lap. I glared at a grinning Ryan as I made my way over to the picnic table. As I sat next to Liz she eyed me with raised eyebrows. "What?"
"Nothing. I have absolutely nothing to say." Liz said while Angela's body shook with silent laughter. I allowed myself to relax thinking that she would let the subject drop, but I was wrong. "You know Taylor's only like that with you, right?"
"Like what?" I queried. Just where the hell is she going with this?
"I'm talking about the laughing and teasing thing you two do. He's never done that with anyone else." I frowned at her, and she quickly raised her hands defensively. "That's all I'm saying."
What the hell, Liz? Do you want me to ruin your brother? I chose not to comment as I watched him try to help Ryan produce some edible burgers for us to eat. Our attention was drawn by Zach's hollering, "Leah! Come back here!"
We turned our heads in time to see Leah running out of the lake in her daisy dukes and bikini bra, waving Zach's shorts in her right hand. Apparently, in his attempt to impress Leah with his diving prowess, he lost his shorts. Then Leah grabbed them before he had the chance to slip them back on. Leah stood on the shore, dangling his shorts in a teasing manner. She let out an evil cackle, and I couldn't help but smile in return. The sound of her laugh, though it was at Zach's expense, warmed my heart.
"Now let's see. What can you offer me in return for your pants?" Leah tapped her chin in false contemplation.
Zach stood up and the water reached his waist. "Oh? So that's how you wanna play it?" Zach raised an eyebrow. "Listen here, Lee. Here's one important thing you should know about me." He took one step then another. "Nobody and I mean nobody blackmails Zachary Gray."
Zach then sauntered out of the water ass naked. He stood feet planted, hands on his hips with a smug grin on his face. The only thing missing from his Superman pose was the cape and well… the suit.
I heard Angela murmur, "Have mercy." All of our eyes were glued to the reason Zach was so cocky. No pun intended.
"Well, the water is definitely not cold. I'll say that much." Liz snickered softly while I raised a hand to cover my eyes. Subsequently, I peeked around my fingers trying to satisfy my perverted curiosity. Drops of water dripped from his hair then rolled down his pectorals. We watched as the drops continued their journey down his toned torso to his… Oh Lord.
Ryan grumbled, "Motherfuc-" He stomped across to where Leah stood paralyzed and snatched the shorts from her hand, throwing it at Zach. "Not in front of my girl, man. Cover your shit."
Ryan looked over to where we sat gawking and snapped, "Stop looking."
We quickly averted our eyes, and I slapped Angela's hands away when she reached for my cell phone, probably wanting to take a picture of Zach's naked glory. Leah didn't look away though. She and Zach were in some sort of staring contest as they fought their battle of the sexes. They were obviously having some sort of silent exchange. I knew she didn't expect Zach to just show his junk off like that. He'd taken Leah up on her challenge, and I knew she was impressed with his cojones.
"Zach sure has a big-" Ryan cleared his throat loudly then glared, resulting in Liz finishing lamely. "…ego."
We broke into a fit of giggles as Angela softly sang five dollar foot long. Having proven whatever point he was trying to make, Zach slipped on his soaking wet shorts and headed to where his towel lay in the grass. As he passed Leah, he let his fingertips trail along her back, and I thought I detected a shiver in her frame. But it all happened so fast I couldn't be sure what I had just witnessed. Zach looked smugly satisfied as he grabbed his towel and did his I'm so hot strut to the house. From what we just saw, Zach was allowed to gloat.
Leah strolled over to sat we sat and filled the space next to Angela. "Well, you certainly got an eyeful. Huh, Leah?" Liz teased. She was definitely rooting for a Leah/Zach hookup, saying that their vibes screamed that they were hot for each other.
"He thinks he's so irresistible." Leah lamented, but the corners her mouth turned up in a small smile then faded. Leah and Zach were provoking each other, pushing to see where the other's limits were, and she was having the time of her life. Zach's message was clear. The ball or balls were in Leah's court. She would have to decide what to do with them, it… crap, my cheeks are burning again.
My cell phone ring tone, Sex on Fire, played and broke me out of my musings. Upon hearing my ring tone, Leah smirked. Probably remembering why I loved that song so much now. I snatched it up, flipped it open and looked at the screen. My favorite blue eyed guy.
I answered with a smile, "Hi, Dillon." Leah's ears perked up at the mention of Dillon's name. A panoramic scan confirmed that everyone was listening in on my conversation. What the hell?
His deep, eternally jovial voice came through the phone. "Hi, beautiful. How's my girl?"
I smiled and rolled my eyes at his my girl comment. "I'm cool. Are you back in town?" Dillon and some of his friends spent their summer in Vegas. Gambling and high stakes poker was his idea of a relaxing vacation.
"You know it. And I was thinking I'd like to see you tonight." Still angling for that date, Dillon?
"Well… I don't know. We're taking a friend to Jimmy's bar tonight to celebrate her last night in town." I replied, making it clear that I wouldn't be there by myself. If Dillon wanted to see me then he would have to make nice with my friends.
I heard the smile in Dillon's voice. "Jimmy's huh? It's cool, I know where it is. I'll swing by with a few friends. See you in a few hours. Bye."
"Bye." I flipped my phone close, and Liz practically attacked me for information.
"Will Dillon be at the bar tonight?" Her green eyes brimmed with excitement as she tapped her fingers on the table.
"Yeah, looks like it." I muttered and snuck a peek over to where Taylor stood by the grill. His shoulders were tense and movements abrupt as he stabbed at the burgers. I figured he was mad at me for inviting Dillon to the bar tonight.
"So I'll finally get to meet this Dillon character." Leah surmised as she eyed Taylor with a calculating look in her eyes.
I had no idea how the night would turn out. If I'd received any prior warning, I think I might have chosen to stay home instead.
A/N: So we got to learn a bit more about Taylor.
What do you think of Leah and Zach's naked face-off?
The image of Taylor's tattoo is up, so check it out. Remember,it's the one in the middle of his back.
Coming up next: The gang is back for a fun night at the bar.
We'll meet Bella's arch enemy.
Dillon and some friends make an appearance.
Bella gets jealous and someone gets asked out.
I'm thinking about giving you guys an early Monday update.
Let me know if you guys would prefer to wait until Thursday or not.