Opposites Attract (19 page)

‘Oh, I bought some soap from his girlfriend. She makes it herself.’ Alexis reached into the bag. ‘See, isn’t it cute?’

‘Didn’t see any zines you liked?’ he asked, chuckling.

‘Honestly, this might make me sound stupid, but I don’t think I understood what they were written about,’ Alexis answered. ‘The words were all jumbled.’

Ethan laughed, slinging his arm playfully around her shoulders. ‘That’s OK. It’s an acquired taste.’

‘I, um,’ Alexis began to reach back into her bag. ‘Never mind.’

‘What?’ Ethan asked, hugging her closer as they walked. He craned his neck, trying to see into the bag.

‘I bought you a present.’ Alexis reached into the bag and handed him a black T-shirt with the zine shop’s logo on it.

‘Aw, cool, I didn’t see these,’ he said, taking the shirt. He set down his bags. Then, right in the middle of the busy sidewalk, he slipped out of the damp T-shirt he was wearing and stuffed it into a bag. Alexis’s eyes devoured his trim stomach and chest. Silver horseshoe barbells hung from both nipples, causing them both to be erect points. She wondered if he wore them for sexual pleasure. She was almost disappointed when he pulled on the shirt she bought him. ‘Perfect. Thank you. I love getting T-shirts when I go places. They remind me of where I’ve been.’

‘Do you forget easily?’ she teased, bumping into him with her hip. She wished he’d put his arm back around her. He didn’t.

‘There’s supposed to be a great hot dog place a couple blocks this way,’ Ethan said. ‘Hungry?’

‘Hot dogs?’ Alexis asked.

‘Mm, yeah.’ Ethan nodded enthusiastically. ‘Don’t tell me you’ve never had a hot dog.’

Alexis didn’t answer.

‘Holy cow! I was just kidding, but you haven’t, have you?’ Ethan leaned his head back and laughed.

‘It wasn’t exactly on the chef’s menu,’ Alexis answered wryly, feeling a bit defensive.

‘How can you possibly call yourself an American if you’ve never had a hot dog?’ Ethan smiled and it lit up his entire face. Alexis noticed a group of young women walk by carrying book bags. They stared openly at Ethan. He naturally turned to smile at them. Alexis wanted to throw something at the girls, right after she smacked the flirtatious smile off Ethan’s face.

‘Well, have you ever had tandoori lamb or chicken della robbia?’ Alexis asked.

‘I’m almost scared to ask what’s in it,’ Ethan admitted. He led the way to another old building and again took the stairs to the top floor. ‘You people eat raw fish eggs and stuff.’

‘It’s nothing more dangerous than the leftovers they stick into hot dogs, I assure you.’ Alexis watched his butt as he climbed. She really needed to get her head on straight. Ethan was so everything she’d never wanted in a man. So why was she wanting him? It had to be a purely sexual thing. She wanted sex and he oozed sexual charm. Besides, she’d spent the night in his arms, his incredibly built, strong arms, and as she looked at him she was a little surprised to realise she wasn’t noticing his tattoos as much.

Ethan ordered a hot dog smothered in sauerkraut, onions, relish, tomato and hot mustard. Alexis nearly gagged. Then, when she refused to open her mouth, he ordered her a plain. Seconds later the boy behind the counter was handing them their meals.

‘I’ll even pay,’ Ethan said, handing the cashier some money. ‘Ketchup?’

Alexis nodded weakly. ‘Sure, why not.’

Ethan squirted ketchup on the hot dog and carried them to a small booth in the corner. When she didn’t eat, he asked, ‘You’re not scared are you?’

‘No, just wary.’

Ethan took a big bite, making small, almost sexual noises of appreciation as he chewed. Alexis took a small bite, resolving not to think about what was in it. It wasn’t bad, a little salty, but she didn’t see what the big deal was.

‘Want to try mine?’ Ethan held his unbitten end up to her. She watched a piece of sauerkraut and tomato fall off onto the table.

‘Ah, no.’ Alexis firmly shook her head. As she watched him take another bite, all desire she had to lean across the table and kiss him faded away. She was sure it wouldn’t come back until he’d at least brushed his teeth.

Ethan nodded, pleased when she finished most of her meal. ‘See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?’

‘Someday, I’m going to ask you the same thing. I’ll take you to a nice restaurant and order for you and make you eat it,’ Alexis said.

‘Deal. It’s a date,’ Ethan answered. ‘Only, no snails.’

Alexis wondered at the pleasure that curled inside her at the statement.

‘Well, it’s a friend date,’ Ethan amended when she didn’t answer.

Her pleasure lessened some. ‘It’s OK, I knew what you meant.’

Ethan watched Alexis out of the corner of his eye. She seemed like she was having fun, but she didn’t really say as much. He was amazed that he actually got her to eat a hot dog. The look on her face as she bit into it had been priceless.

Susan and Ted had agreed to meet them that evening to go back to the hotel. It was already decided they’d spend another night in Iowa City before heading on. Ethan smiled. That meant he had Alexis all to himself the entire day. So far it had been good. He told himself he was just cementing their friendship. He also told himself he knew that was a lie. There was more between them. He just didn’t want to look into it. Why ruin what they had going?

Taking a handful of mints as they walked out of the restaurant, he popped one in his mouth. The rest he shoved into his pocket for later. The boy at the counter didn’t even look up. When he got outside, Alexis had her camera out. ‘I’m glad to see you taking some pictures. Care if I look?’

She stiffened, instantly changing the subject. ‘Didn’t you say something about a museum?’

Ethan didn’t press the issue. He could well understand being sensitive about art because he used to be the same way when he was younger and just starting out in the tattoo business. The wrong type of criticism could really hurt a budding artist’s career.

Ethan took her to a museum the guy at the zine shop told him about. It had an extensive collection of taxidermy animals, including the model of a giant prehistoric creature. He thought it was cool. Alexis didn’t seem too impressed. She kept saying, ‘Poor little animals.’ By the time they left the museum it was time to meet Susan and Ted by the sidewalk water fountain. They drove back to the hotel.

Alexis leaned her head back on the edge of the hot tub and smiled at Susan. Ted and Ethan had gone to get dinner. It was nice to have some alone time with her friend. ‘This is the life.’

Susan made a choking noise. ‘Excuse me? Did Alexis Grant just call sitting in a cheap hotel’s hot tub “the life”?’

Alexis chuckled. ‘Hard to believe, huh? I hardly believe it myself. But, it’s almost like I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be rich. Don’t give me that look. This isn’t so bad, you know.’

‘This, ah, wouldn’t have anything to do with Ethan, would it?’ Susan asked carefully.

‘No, why?’ Alexis lied, refusing to look Susan in the face. It had a lot to do with Ethan. Today had been nearly perfect. Maybe being middle class wasn’t as bad as her mother made it sound.

‘Well, because you two seem to be getting, you know, cosy.’

‘Cosy? Me and Ethan?’ Alexis forced a laugh. ‘Why? Because we’re getting along? I’m sorry, did you want us to call off the truce and go back to fighting?’

‘Well, no,’ Susan said. ‘I just don’t think it would be a good idea for you to get involved with him. We have a lot of travelling to do and well . . .’

Alexis finally looked at Susan. ‘Well?’

‘He’s not your type, Lexy.’ Susan gave her a look of concern. ‘I’ve known you a long time. And I know everything you’ve had going on in your life recently. You’re confused. You’d have to be after all you’ve been through. It’s a lot of changes in a short time. But, someday soon, you’ll start feeling like your old self again. Ethan James doesn’t fit into the picture of the old Lexy.’

‘Are you saying I’m too shallow to date someone like Ethan?’ Alexis wondered if she should be insulted. Then, knowing it was Susan who spoke, she didn’t take offence.

‘No, I would never say that. But, you are a different breed than he is. You like designer clothing and elegant houses. Ethan is the type of guy who’d be content living in a studio apartment over some restaurant.’

‘He eats hot dogs and I eat caviar,’ Alexis said softly, thinking of the day she’d spent with him. They really were different.

‘Exactly!’ Susan said, seemingly pleased that Alexis understood.

‘And you don’t think I could learn to like hot dogs?’ Alexis dipped her fingers into the water, twirling them around.

‘No, sweetie, not in the long term. I just don’t want to see you getting all confused over a fling.’ Susan edged closer, making her way around the edge of the hot tub so she could sit by Alexis.

‘But I might have to,’ Alexis said, tears welling in her eyes. ‘The caviar’s gone.’

‘Oh, no, don’t cry.’ Susan gave her a hug. ‘Is that why you’ve been nice to Ethan? You think you can’t get anyone else? Oh, Lexy, this thing with your mother will blow over. You’ll find yourself some rich man with influence. You’ll fall in love and have the fairy-tale life all us normal women dream of.’

‘Do you know what us non-normal women dream of?’ Alexis asked, sniffing.

‘Oh, sweetie, I didn’t mean to imply you weren’t normal.’

‘I know, I didn’t take offence. I really wanted to know. Do you know what us non-normal women dream of?’ Alexis pulled back, looking Susan in the eye so she’d know she was serious. ‘We dream of the kind of happiness you and Ted have found together. I want you to know if ever you decide you’re ready to get married and have kids and do all that stuff, I’m happy for you. Ted’s a great guy and he cares for you a lot. I just wanted you to know that.’

Susan’s eyes teared up. ‘Really?’

‘Of course, really,’ Alexis said. Susan hugged her tighter.

‘Now, I don’t mean to be lewd, but this is kind of a turn-on,’ Ted said. ‘Is that what you two do when we’re not around?’

Alexis pulled back, laughing. She wiped the tears from her face under the pretence of being hot. Susan did the same. They smiled at the men.

‘Mm, smells good,’ Susan said, eyeing the takeout bags.

‘Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and brown gravy, corn, biscuits, coleslaw,’ Ted said. ‘Oh, and diet soda as requested.’

‘Perfect. Give us a second and we’ll be in.’ Susan winked at him.

‘Don’t take too long or we’ll eat without you,’ Ted said.

Alexis watched Ethan as he carried in the food bags. He met her eyes, but didn’t say a word.

When they were alone, Susan said, ‘Now, about you and Ethan.’

‘Oh, don’t worry about that,’ Alexis assured her, not wanting her friend to worry. ‘Nothing inappropriate has happened. We’re getting along as friends. That’s it. We both know nothing more would ever work. Besides, neither of us wants more.’

‘Are you sure?’ Susan asked. ‘Because you said he came onto you.’

Alexis laughed. ‘I think I was being a tad dramatic that day.’

Susan giggled. Dryly, she said, ‘You? Dramatic? No way. I don’t believe it.’

‘So, no more worries?’ Alexis asked.

‘No worries, we’re good.’ Susan stood and stepped out of the hot tub. ‘Now, let’s eat. I’m starving.’

Alexis was right behind her.

Ethan closed his eyes. Images of Alexis in the hot tub danced in his head – the steam curling around her body, her chest flushed and wet from the hot water, the little striped bikini she wore. He got hard just thinking about it. Only in his head, he kept the fantasy going. In his head, he was with her, stripping the bikini off her wet breasts, licking her warm nipples.

‘Ethan?’

Ethan jerked, coming back to reality. He looked at Alexis. They’d eaten dinner in Susan and Ted’s room earlier and afterwards she’d gone swimming. He’d spied on her from the hotel window. What could he say? It had been a great show.

‘Did you hear me?’ Alexis asked. She was still wearing her bathing suit and he was hard pressed not to stare at her breasts. ‘I said I have tattoos lined up for you.’

‘What?’ Ethan sat up, finally paying attention.

‘Yeah, I ran into a married couple on their honeymoon. They want matching tattoos of champagne glasses or something on them. And then I ran into a girl who works in the laundry here at the hotel and she thinks she has like ten friends that might come down tonight. And then –’

‘Wait, you lined all this up for tonight?’ Ethan asked.

‘Yeah, I was out recruiting for clients after my swim. Is that a problem?’

Ethan chuckled, not really in the mood to work. If he had his choice, he’d go back to the little hot-tub fantasy he had rolling in his head. People always talked big, but when it came down to getting the tattoo, they usually didn’t show. ‘No, it’s fine.’

He leaned back, not really worried about it.

‘Great, cos the married couple’s waiting outside.’

Ethan watched. He was a little stunned as she showed in the newly-weds. They were young and had never been tattooed before.

When Alexis said she’d been out recruiting for clients, she hadn’t been kidding. He didn’t know how she did it, but there was a large group of Iowa City locals hanging out at the pool waiting for their ink. The laundry girl turned out to be a lesbian with seven roommates. Ethan could just guess the reason she was there as she stared at Alexis in her swimsuit. Alexis didn’t seem to care as she helped people choose designs and laid them out. He couldn’t blame the woman. Alexis was hot.

When the last person left, it was past midnight and he was exhausted. Alexis was still in her swimsuit with a towel wrapped around her waist. She shut the door, nearly jumping in excitement. She clapped her hands. ‘Oh, did you see how good we did? I know we had to have made at least twenty-five hundred dollars tonight.’