Wicked Weekend (4 page)

Lauren stood at the top of the Bunny Hill and looked around at the crowd of people also taking advantage of the resort’s ski lessons. A group of teenage girls giggling over their instructor had her rolling her eyes. Lauren hoped she hadn’t been as transparent last night. Oh who was she kidding? She knew she had been. At least in her case it had been worth any amount of embarrassment she felt at the time. The wicked things Jay could do with his hands…

She shivered at the memory. Her nipples still felt sensitive from the clamps. She was aware of them every time she moved and they rasped against her bra. There were no lingering sensations from the spanking though. Was it sick she felt a little sad about that? She had hoped for more tangible evidence from her wild night than just her tingling nipples. Some physical proof that it had happened. She felt so different after all.

A shrill scream drew her attention from her naughty thoughts and back to the crowd surrounding her. Judging by the hilarity of his friends and the snow-covered teen at the bottom of the hill, someone had just bit it. Lauren appraised the rest of the crowd on the Bunny Hill. Aside from the parents watching on the sidelines, she was the oldest person there. God, this was mortifying. Maybe she should just pack it in and have a few drinks at the bar. At least until a sufficient amount of time had passed and she could escape to Jamie’s room. She didn’t want to appear too desperate.

“So are you ready to try again?”

Lauren blinked up at her ski instructor, Barry. Shit, had he been talking to her the whole time she’d been wool gathering?
So much for not looking like a moron today.
Although she had probably accomplished that the third time she rolled down the hill. “Uh, I was actually thinking about calling it a day. Spend some quality time in the spa or something.”

“We’re not giving up now are we?” Barry unleashed his million-watt smile. A few teen girls behind her sighed. Lauren tried to work up a little enthusiasm for the lesson and the hottie in front of her. Unfortunately both were a wash. She was never going to be a skier and Barry… Well, Barry just wasn’t Jamie. He didn’t have that oomph, the physical power Jamie had that drew her in and made her want to do naughty things in the dark.

“…little more practice and you’ll have it.”

“I think we both know that’s a little optimistic.” Lauren might not have heard all of his pep talk, but she knew a lost cause when she saw one. Or was one. “I think it’s time to call it a day.”

“Ah come on. How about one more time for me?” Barry batted his amazingly long eyelashes and grinned again.

Lauren sighed. She must have
sucker
tattooed across her forehead. “Sure. One more. That’s it.” She listened intently as Barry went over the snow plow position with her for the fifth time. It sounded simple enough. She dutifully assumed the position: knees bent, hands just above her thighs and the tips of her skis pointed slightly inward. After a deep breath, she pushed off and began to coast downhill. The farther she went, the more her speed increased. She was certain soon she would be flying past the resort and straight onto the highway. Remembering that the key to speed was the angle of her skis, she pulled her knees together and pushed her heels apart. Her skis pointed inward and she immediately slowed.

Unfortunately, her skis continued to move toward each other. Before she could remember how to maneuver them outward, her skis crossed and tangled. Knowing that she was going to end up on the ground again, Lauren didn’t fight the fall and gave in to gravity. She twisted her body to the side and took the brunt of the impact on her shoulder and hip. Falling seemed to be the only thing she could do well when it came to skiing. It was the next part she hated with a passion—getting up.

She lay in the snow for a few moments, not wanting to move. Maybe if she lay there long enough, winter would be over and no one would want to continue this stupid sport. Watching six-year-olds skiing circles around her really wasn’t her idea of a good time. Why’d she let Crystal talk her into skiing today? It’s not like they were spending quality time together—Crystal was on the real slopes while Lauren was stuck in kiddieville.

Just as her bottom started to numb with the cold, a hand appeared in front of her. Figuring the nearest ski instructor had taken pity on her, Lauren bit back her grumble, placed her hand into the palm and tilted her best game face to the figure standing over her.

“Thought you might need a hand after that spectacular fall.” The deep voice washed over her before he pulled her upward and onto very unsteady legs.

“Ah, thanks, Pierce.” Lauren looked into his tanned, smiling face and felt…nothing. Strange. Even after the engagement announcement, just catching a glimpse of him sent her heart racing. But now? Meh. “I didn’t expect to see you on the bunny slopes.”

“Well, I knew you’d be here.”

“And you thought Crystal wouldn’t be far behind?” She forced out a laugh. “Like she would be anywhere near these slopes. I think you’d have better luck at the other end of the ski lift.”

“I know exactly where Crys is and it’s nowhere near here. No, I came over to see
you.
”

Lauren jerked her hand out of Pierce’s grasp. She didn’t like the tenor of that. “I-I, uh, I should really get inside. I’ve been out here for a while and um, I’m starting to get cold.” She tried to point her skis around him and not get tangled up again. Her legs felt like lead, weighing her down and unresponsive.

“I’ll see you inside. There are a few things I think we should discuss.” He was probably trying for a seductive tone, but all Lauren got from it was a slimy, dirty feeling.

And not the fun kind of dirty.

The marked difference between his and Jamie’s approach made her really see Pierce for the first time. He wasn’t the gorgeous Adonis she’d believed him to be. He was actually kind of…smarmy. Suddenly she was very glad she hadn’t been the one for him. At least he’d given notice about taking a new job a few weeks ago so she would only have to see him at family functions.

“Oh, about the wedding? I’m sure we could find Crystal and go over whatever details together. The three of us.”

“Well, Lauren, I’m shocked! I mean, I always had you pegged as a good girl. The goody-goody brownnoser.” His gaze swept her body before he stepped close to her and ran a hand down her arm. “Who knew all that sheen of perfection hid such a raunchy party girl. First a one-night stand with a stranger you just picked up at the bar last night. And now you’re proposing a threesome with your own sister. That’s kinda hot.” His hand slid under her as he cupped her butt and squeezed. “You think we can convince Crystal?”

Lauren slapped his hand away. She couldn’t keep the revulsion from showing on her face. “You sick fuck. There’s no way in hell that’s going to happen. You couldn’t convince me. And by the time I’m done talking to Crystal you won’t have a fiancée in your bed tonight either. Get the hell away from me.”

She found some dexterity for the first time all day and managed to move around him and down the hill without falling.

The gall of the man. Who did he think he was?
God, she couldn’t believe she’d ever found him attractive. She’d been trying to remind him that he was engaged, not invite some twisted play with her own sister.

Oh crap. Crystal. What was she going to say to her? They weren’t the best of friends by a long shot but she had to tell her something. This wasn’t the time to be a chicken shit! She wouldn’t let a perfect stranger marry that scumbag without saying something. Her own sister deserved to know the truth. Lauren really wasn’t looking forward to the scene. This wasn’t going to be pretty.

* * *

Lauren stared at her sister’s door with trepidation. She didn’t really want to see her again this weekend. After the scene in the bar last night, she could probably happily live the rest of her life without Crystal, Drama Queen Extraordinaire. Unfortunately her wish would never come true. Their mother or their grandmother would find a way to keep throwing them together—they’d done it for the past ten years or so, ever since her little sister had hit puberty, discovered boys and became too cool for her big sis. With a heavy sigh, Lauren knocked on the door and waited.

And waited.

Just when she was ready to give up and leave, the door handle jiggled before the door opened a crack.

“What do you want?” Crystal scowled through the small opening.

Fantastic. Her sister was in one of
those
moods. Lauren was tempted to leave and put this ugly scene off for a few more days but that would just be postponing the inevitable. Probably better to do this quick, like pulling off a Band-Aid. “Uh, can we talk for a minute?”

Crystal sighed heavily and opened the door with a pout. “Fine. But you’ll have to talk while I get ready.” She flounced across the room to stand in front of the mirror.

“What’s on the itinerary for tonight?” Lauren sat on the edge of Crystal’s bed, watching her sister primp. So much for the Band-Aid approach. Now that the moment was here, she didn’t know what to say. She couldn’t even bring herself to look Crystal in the eye. A heavy weight sat in her tummy. Maybe if she dabbled in a little small talk first, she could relax enough to come out with it.

“Well, we’re going to do the naughty scavenger hunt, dinner and then back to the hotel for an adult version of truth or dare.”

Lauren shuddered. She had to come clean with Crystal now. There was no way in hell she would play truth or dare with that jerk. He’d probably dare Crystal to kiss her sister. Repulsive.

“Uh, Crys? There’s something I need to tell you.”

“Is this about your
friend
from last night? Because I got to say—”

“No, it’s not about him. It’s about Pierce.”

Crystal turned away from the mirror and faced Lauren with a set jaw. “What about Pierce?”

“Well, uh, today at the, um… We were—well, I was skiing and he, uh—”

“Just come out with it already! You threw yourself at him didn’t you?”

Lauren stared at her sister in horror. “What? No. I didn’t come on to him.
He
came on to
me.
”

Crystal turned back to the mirror and began to apply her lipstick. “And?”

“And what? Did you not just hear me? Your fiancé wanted to sleep with me.”

“Lauren,” Crystal trilled in laughter. “Sweetheart, don’t you think it’s time you grew up?”

Lauren opened and closed her mouth, stumped for a response.

“No one is faithful anymore. Pierce and I have agreed to have an open marriage. He can sleep with whoever he wants. And frankly, it’s really none of your business what Pierce and I do with our lives.”

“But he accosted me on the slopes and suggested a threesome. You, me and him. How can you marry someone like that?”

“Honey, he was just teasing you. Sure, he was probably serious about sleeping with you, but he knows I wouldn’t be interested in a threesome, especially with another woman. You need to get your head out of the clouds.” She rolled her eyes. “Happily-ever-after is an illusion. It’s time to start living like a grown-up.”

Lauren had no response. There really weren’t any words. She watched silently as her sister continued to primp and apply her makeup. Crystal was serious. She had no problems with Pierce’s actions.

Lauren tried to kick-start her brain. But the only thing she could think was that her sister was fine with her sleeping with Pierce. Why? How had it come to this? What had happened to her?

“Ah, perfect.” Crystal turned from the mirror and walked across the room to collect her purse. “Are you ready for a fun night out?”

The last thing she wanted to do tonight was spend more time with these people. She coughed at the cloud of perfume left in her sister’s wake. “Uh, I don’t think I’ll be coming tonight.”

Crystal rolled her eyes. “Whatever. You do know Prince Charming doesn’t exist, right? You should really get your head out of those books and start living life.”

Lauren pushed off the bed and stomped over to the door.

“And just for your information,” Crystal said as Lauren pulled open the door. “I don’t care if you blab to Mommy. Maybe this’ll finally make her back off.”

“I think you better ask one of your friends to play maid of honor at your
wedding.
I just…I can’t stand up for you two.”

“You’re just jealous, Lauren. Jealous and immature.”

“I’ve always lived by the different strokes for different folks adage. I don’t have to like whatever you’re into but I sure as hell don’t have to stand next to you while you marry the bastard. Call me old-fashioned but sleeping with my sister’s fiancé is wrong in my book. What happened to the loyally possessive Crystal? The girl who stole boyfriends and kept them until she was done with them? You should ask yourself why you’ve decided this is okay.”

“Like I said, grow up. I have.” Crystal smirked.

“Yeah, I guess I should,” Lauren said softly. “Take care of yourself, Crystal.” She pulled the door closed behind her as she left.

Walking down the hallway, Lauren’s eyes filled with tears. Even though they hadn’t gotten along most of their lives, she now felt like she had lost her sister forever. Her heart weighed heavier in her chest now than when she’d sat on her sister’s bed afraid to tell her the news. More than anything, she wished her sister had chosen a different path, a different man. And a large part of her felt guilty at her relief that she’d never dated Pierce.

She thought she knew Crystal. Knew who her baby sister was. Obviously, she didn’t. It wasn’t so much that Crystal and Pierce, the perfect golden couple, had turned out to be kinky. Lord knew she couldn’t be one to judge a person on that front. But how could Crystal settle for a relationship where her own fiancé hit on her sister? Behind her back. And who else would he try to hit on in the future? She shuddered. She didn’t even know who these people were. They lived behind a façade.

Unlike Jamie. A total stranger only twenty-four hours ago was the most open and honest person she had ever met. He didn’t hide his true self. He left it out there in the open for everyone to see. And the time she spent with him. She shivered at the memory. They had done things a lot of people would think depraved. And yet she had felt cleaner and freer with Jamie than after her conversations with Pierce and Crystal.