Kiss & Cry, Where Passion Awaits Page 4

  Family is prohibited from visiting the Olympic Village at any time but will be permitted to attend all competitions. Each skater will have his own room for all competitions. Should you choose to decline the invitation to the camp you will still be eligible to compete on behalf of Canada, however, please note, if one of the aforementioned coaches is yours you will be expected to find a suitable replacement with whom to train. You must accept or decline this offer by mail or phone before February 2, 2014.*

  Your main contacts while you are in Calgary will be Ryan Kennedy and Dhalia Kennedy, both of whom represent the Canadian Skating Association. They will be your go-to people should you have any special requests or problems while at the camp.

  We look forward to the skating year of 2014. We wish you luck and look forward to hearing from you.

  Sincerely,

  Bradley Hotman

  President, Canadian Skating Association

  * SHOULD YOU NOT MAKE TOP 10 AT CANADIANS PRIOR TO CAMP THE INVITATION CAN BE REVOKED.

  November 14, 2013

  Canadian Skating Association

  1234 Yonge Street

  Toronto, Ontario

  M2M 2M2

  Dear [insert coach's name],

  It is our great pleasure to announce that you have been chosen as one of the top four coaches in all of Canada. For this we would like to congratulate you! Universal Television and the Canadian Skating Association would like to extend to you a special invitation to coach in Calgary, Alberta for the period of one year starting in March 2014 to March 2015. All living expenses, including a salary of $175K, will be covered by the CSA.

  You will room with the athletes in the former 1988 Olympic Village in Calgary, Alberta. Training will take place at the Olympic Ice Facility to which you will have 24 hour access. You will also have 24 hour access to the gym facilities for off-ice training.

  You will be flown out to teach levels of competitions. At the divisional level, the camp will drop the skater who performs worst in his category. That individual will be asked to leave the camp. The same will happen at Canadians level until the camp is left with three top male and three top female skaters who will progress to Worlds. Divisionals, Canadians, and Worlds will be held at the Olympic Ice Facility in Alberta, so essentially the competitions will be brought to you and your skaters.

  Universal Television will be recording everything at all times. This new reality show is expected to bring the viewers into the athletes' world, the highs, the lows, and finally we would hope the podiums.

  Athletes' families are prohibited from visiting the Olympic Village or communicating with you at any time. A new coach will be provided for your skaters at the arena where you coach for the year you are gone. This will come at no cost to you. A response to this invitation must be received by December 1, 2013.

  Your main contacts while you are in Calgary will be Ryan Kennedy and Dhalia Kennedy, both of whom represent the Canadian Skating Association. They will be your go-to people should you have any special requests or problems while at the camp.

  We look forward to watching you coach in 2014 and wish your competitors good luck.

  Sincerely,

  Bradley Hotman

  President, Skating Association Canada

  The Date

  Dhalia sent the letters to Bradley for approval by way of interoffice envelope and worked on making the arrangements for the competition. They would call everyone before sending out the letters, letting them know what to expect. The coaches' letters would be mailed first. Two weeks later, they would send the invitations to the skaters.

  Dhalia pulled her cell phone out of her pocket to text Ryan. It was easier to text rather than say anything to his face. There was no emotion in texting.

  Dhalia: Before Bradley said yes to you coming to Alberta he asked me if we were still together.

  I waited for him to text back. His response was almost immediate.

  Ryan: Why? Our relationship is none of his business.

  Dhalia: I think he likes me.

  Ryan: You can’t be serious! Dhalia, he’s twenty years older than you, not to mention your boss.

  Dhalia: Yes, but he’s sweet :-)

  Ryan: What did you say to him?

  Dhalia: I told him we aren’t together anymore.

  Ryan: So last night meant nothing?

  Dhalia: Last night was nice, but it wasn’t about last night. Ryan, you said you wanted to go to Calgary, I had to say our relationship was finished, so Bradley would approve you for the trip.

  Dhalia needed Ryan to understand.

  Dhalia: It was the only way he was going to approve you for the trip.

  Ryan: I want to see you tonight.

  Dhalia: Can’t.

  Ryan: Why not?

  Dhalia: I’m seeing Bradley.

  Ryan: You’re dating our boss? I’m not giving you a choice. I’m seeing you tonight.

  Dhalia got her letters back by way of interoffice envelope around 2:30. It was the second to last mail run of the day. Bradley posted a note to the letters. The yellow Post-it note said: Good to go. I’ll have a car pick you up tonight, 7:00.

  Dhalia was lost in thought about Ryan all afternoon but she tried focusing on her date with Bradley to get her mind off him. Bradley never told her what they were doing that evening so she had a hard time figuring out what to wear. Dhalia decided to take a long bath when she got home, and for the date she chose a pair of black jeans with a white yoga sweater and her black Nikes. She wasn’t in the mood to dress up, and with Bradley not having shared his plans, he would have to deal with the attire of her choice.

  Her phone chirped.

  Ryan: I want to see you after your date.

  Dhalia: I don’t know when it’s going to finish.

  Ryan: I’ll be waiting for you.

  Dhalia: Let's just see each other tomorrow.

  Ryan: You said you only had one dinner together.

  Dhalia: Yes, that’s true. Where are you going to be waiting for me?

  Ryan: In your bed.

  Dhalia: Do you really feel that threatened? Don’t let Bradley see you.

  Ryan: Should I be okay with this? Do you want me to call Bradley and say "sure take her, I don’t mind. She’s only the love of my life."

  She closed her eyes and tried to picture him saying that. She wanted to hear it.

  Dhalia: I’m what?

  Ryan: Scroll up and reread it.

  Dhalia: Rude, call me and say it to me on the phone. I want to hear you say it.

  Ryan: I’ll do one better, I’ll say it to your face. I am not rude.

  Dhalia: Bradley’s my boss, so stop worrying.

  Ryan: A boss you’re having dinner with. Doesn’t sound appropriate or professional to me.

  Bradley’s driver buzzed up to her condo, so she went downstairs to the waiting car. It was a terrible way to start a date; Ryan’s words choked her. It felt like all the air was taken from her lungs and she couldn’t breathe. He had his chance when she tried saving their marriage. Now he was acting like he wanted her more now than he ever did when they were together. Dhalia wished he tried harder ages ago. She was determined to put Ryan out of her mind and have a great time with Bradley.

  The car pulled up to a Graceland styled white house with a black iron gate. The home was gorgeous. The front property was at least an acre, maybe two. The driveway was long and lined with oak trees and one weeping willow. The weeping willow was Dhalia’s favorite. The house portrayed prosperity. When she got to the door she knocked using the door knocker which was a lion's mouth crafted of wrought iron. Bradley took at least a minute to answer. He was dressed casually in faded jeans and a navy Armani shirt.

  “I take it we’re staying in?” Dhalia quickly scanned her surroundings. When she entered his house the first thing she noticed was a sweeping mahogany wood staircase. The walls were adorned with crown molding and family portraits. The ceilings were punched out and the carpets were European and very lush.

  “Ye
s, we are staying in if you don’t mind.” Bradley led her to a room on their right. It had white leather couches and a gray shag rug. His couches centered on a fireplace with an understated fifty inch LED TV overtop. With the press of a button on his remote control the gas fireplace flared up. Dhalia took a seat. Bradley remained standing.

  “It’s so good to see you again,” he commented.

  “For me too. I like your place.”

  Bradley offered a nonchalant shrug before inviting, “Would you like a tour?”

  She smiled at him. “Would love one.”

  The grand tour commenced on the lower level before Bradley escorted her upstairs to see the rest of the house. Dhalia was on high alert when she assumed they were nearing the master bedroom. Bradley took her hand before opening the door. She entered first. He stood exceptionally close to her like when they were in the elevator at Universal which immediately aroused her. With a quiet voice he declared, “This is the master’s room. Here is where I shall claim you.”

  She smiled back at him sweetly and corrected, “You mean the master bedroom, and don’t be so sure about that.”

  Dhalia knew Brad's arrogance and cockiness would get him everywhere with her.

  With confidence he answered, “I’m sure.” Goose bumps erupted all over Dhalia's body. She loved the salacious insinuation. Masculine pheromones and testosterone emanated from him. No matter how badly she wanted to be claimed by this man, she had to be somewhat of a challenge, or like all the others, she knew he would lose interest. Dhalia didn’t want that to happen. He was a man she knew was going to be thrilled by the chase.

  “I take it you approve of the decor?”

  “I so do, and I don’t mind the room either.”

  “I’m glad you approve.” His arm intentionally caressed the side of her body before finding the small of her back. He guided her out of his room.

  Bradley took Dhalia back down to the main living room and suggested she make herself comfortable.

  “I’d rather watch you cook,” she commented.

  “As you wish,” he agreed. With that, he led her to the kitchen and she sat on one of his island stools. Several dishes were simultaneously cooking. They chose to remain informal and ate their dinner at the island. They hardly conversed as they stared into each other’s eyes while eating. It was strangely sexy the way they felt with each other.

  When they finished their main course, Bradley offered Dhalia a drink.

  “Sure," she said, "I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

  He grabbed a glass for her and filled it a quarter of the way up with whiskey. She took a sip. It was hot and burned all the way down.

  “I don’t usually drink the hard stuff,” Dhalia commented with a bit of a grimace.

  “Would you like something different?”

  “No, this is fine.” She finished her drink slowly and noticed it getting smoother the more she consumed.

  She took the bottle and topped her drink to where Bradley originally filled it. She drank the second drink faster than her first.

  “Do I make you nervous?” Bradley asked.

  “Should I be?” she grinned flirtatiously. It didn’t take her long to start feeling the effects of the alcohol. She was never much of a drinker.

  “Not at all.”

  Bradley got up from his stool and took her hand. He walked her to his room where the white couches were and he turned on the television. He took his remote control and found last year's Worlds competition on his personal video recorder and offered her another drink of whiskey. She took him up on his offer. She genuinely enjoyed his company. He came back with another drink and handed it to her. “You look beautiful tonight, Dhalia.” He moved a wisp of her hair that was hanging in front of her eyes. His compliment made her blush.

  Dhalia wanted him to bring his face to her and kiss him. Instead, to Dhalia's dismay, he placed his arm around her and he directed all his attention to the skating on the screen. Her anticipation of doing anything physical with Bradley was making her crazy, horny. She felt like a teenager sitting next to a cute guy, hoping to get a first kiss. She scolded herself for her slutty thinking and focused on the big screen.

  Sheena Smythe was on the ice, and if Dhalia wasn’t mistaken, it was her long program.

  “Do you miss it?” Bradley asked.

  “Every day,” she confessed. His hand played with the sensitive baby hairs at the nape of her neck and it made her shiver. She was waiting for him to make his move. He made none. He simply kept playing with her baby hairs. She was becoming desperate, her desire for him was intensifying.

  “Have you dated anyone since Ryan?” he probed.

  Dhalia was getting tired of both men thinking they had a right to inquire about each other. Neither had recently placed a ring on her finger, and the one who did, didn’t work hard enough to keep it on. In her opinion, it wasn’t any of their business.

  “No. You’re the first.” She gazed directly into his eyes.

  “Have you kissed anyone since Ryan?” He returned her stare and moved in closer.

  “Just you,” Dhalia admitted.

  “Only me,” he confirmed possessively.

  “Are you still in love with him?” he interrogated.

  “Bradley, we discussed this before. No, I’m not.” Dhalia said it without conviction. She noticed she couldn’t maintain eye contact with him either. His questions were starting to ruin her evening.

  “I don’t believe you,” he challenged. “When I watched you skating in Ryan’s arms the emotion between the two of you was palpable. Now you’re denying having any feelings for him. You’ve got to start being more honest with yourself before you can start being honest with me. You openly admitted to not having been with anyone other than him.

  “I’ve waited a long time to pursue you, and I want to make sure there are no residual feelings for him, and that our relationship won’t get in the way of our work. I need reassurance from you that the two of you are finished, for good.”

  Dhalia didn’t know how to react. The night was quickly turning into a huge disappointment. Deep down, she knew Bradley was right. He took her hand. “Let me drive you home, please?”

  “Sure.” If Dhalia wasn’t miserable a few seconds ago, she definitely was now.

  He led her out the door and locked it behind them. She waited on the front step as he pulled up in his Corvette. Bradley was all testosterone in that gorgeous car. They drove back to the condo in silence. His hand was on hers between shifting gears.

  He stopped in front of her condo and leaned across her to open the car door. He looked at her for what felt like ages while the car continued to idle. Dhalia gave his hand a squeeze and exited, after she thanked him for the evening. Bradley’s insight had sadly enough put the brakes on their relationship. She needed for him to believe her love for Ryan was over, if she ever wanted to acquire him in a relationship. He was becoming a personal conquest for her.

  When she unlocked the door to her condo it was still dark inside, just as she had left it. She didn’t see Ryan and she had to admit she was relieved. She knew he would have grilled her endlessly about how her date went. Dhalia wasn’t in the mood. She undressed and headed for the shower, walking naked around the condo. She needed a cold one after such a disappointing night. She stepped in the shower and closed her eyes as the hot water caressed her face and neck.

  Suddenly, Ryan’s strong and familiar hands cupped her breasts. “You're back early,” he stated the obvious as his lips closed in on her neck. Her nipples went hard instantly.

  “Stop,” she breathed. “You really need to leave,” she said unconvincingly. Dhalia didn’t want Ryan to go at all, she wanted him to make love to her. She leaned into his kisses and guided his hand to the part of her body that was aching all night. She turned to face him. His fingers danced magically inside of her. She wanted this more than ever, but with Bradley more so than Ryan. She was ready for new, and exciting.

  Ryan looked genuinely upset
and asked, “Were you with him tonight?” His fingers were kneading her out of habit, knowing how to stimulate her without even concentrating on what he was doing. She could hardly contain herself any longer. She wanted to beg Ryan to take her already before it was too late. Dhalia was about to orgasm just with his manual stimulation alone.

  “No,” she admitted breathlessly.

  “Did you want to?” His fingers paused and he looked into her eyes. Now she felt like he was torturing her. She couldn’t bear to be honest with him, she wanted to protect his feelings, and she didn’t want what she was feeling in that moment to stop. “No, it just wasn’t the right time.”

  Ryan stopped moving. “I don’t believe you.” His eyes deadened then went black with anger. He stepped out of the shower, toweled himself off and left the bathroom. Dhalia knew that was going to anger Ryan. She got out of the shower, barely wrapping a towel around herself to go after him. Ryan was in her room putting on his clothes as quickly as he could.

  “Why did you ask me, if you weren’t going to believe me? I went out with him because I liked him.”

  “He's old enough to be your father!” Ryan yelled.

  “He's not my father.”

  “After our history and everything we’ve been through, you’re telling me you want him over me?” He clutched his head in despair. “You’re giving me mixed signals, kitten. First, you tell me to go and then you let me touch you like that.” He demanded, “Were you pretending I was him? Who do you want to be with, me or him? You’re messed up!”

  “First, don’t call me kitten. My father was the only person to ever call me kitten. I don’t want you to act or sound like my father. To answer your question, I want Bradley,” she said. "I want him, but he won’t even touch me because he thinks I’m still in love with you!” Dhalia lost control of her emotions and spoke the truth. If Ryan realized they were finished, then she and Bradley could be together. It was so messed up. She was attracted to Bradley but promised herself she would find her way back to Ryan. She didn’t know which direction was up. What the hell was wrong with her?