Inspire

chapter 7


My parents had resumed their positions the next morning, my dad on his computer at the picnic table and my mom in the chair reading her book. They asked to have a low-key day since we had had such a late night and all of the fresh air was catching up to them. I decided it would be a good time to go work on the dance and hopefully get some moves sent over to Tracey later. I knew Travis was working, and other than my hope for seeing him, I had nothing better to do with my day.

I got dressed in my light pink bikini, put on some jean shorts with a v-neck t-shirt over it, and headed out with a bag of all the gear I needed for my morning. As I walked down the dirt road to reach the lake path, I saw Travis and his dad driving toward me in the golf cart. The back was filled with firewood, so I assumed they were out making their deliveries.

“Good morning Paige!” Barney greeted me, pulling to a stop to say hello.

“Hey!” Travis echoed, seeming happy to see me as well.

“Hi!” I said, unable to help the grin that appeared on my face from the mere sight of him.

I came to stand next to Travis in the cart and admired his rugged good looks. His morning stubble made me swoon, and everything in me wanted to reach out and touch him.

“Where are you headed to?” Barney asked. I popped my head under the top so that I could meet his eyes to answer, and found myself leaning against Travis’s leg.

“I’m going down to the beach for a little bit,” I said and then felt Travis’s hand discreetly brush against my side. The contact sent tingles throughout my body, and I longed for more. It was amazing how after one evening we had reached a new level of flirting and I felt close to him.

“Nice, well, enjoy the beautiful day,” Barney said.

“I’ll see you when I’m done,” Travis added, giving me an adorable smile that held a promise in it. Then they took off in the cart and I crossed the road to the trail while replaying every detail of the interaction in my mind. It was clear that there was a mutual attraction between Travis and I, and I was eager to see where it would lead.

I began practicing the dance moves I had come up with the day before, when I heard a loud sound on the lake coming around the wooded bend. I paused to see what it was, and after a few seconds I saw Travis driving toward the beach on a wave runner. I thought he was working. How did he get down here so fast? I wondered, making my way over to him.

“Hey! You wanna go for a ride?” he asked with excitement gleaming in his eyes.

“Yes! But I thought you were working?” I said, climbing onto the seat behind him.

“My dad told me he could take care of the rest of the deliveries himself so he gave me the morning off. I have to work later this evening though. So, can I take you on a tour of the lake?” It seemed as though Travis had intentionally come down to spend time with me, and I delighted in the fact.

“Absolutely!” I declared, reaching my arms around his waist to hold on. I wasn’t about to be shy, and I definitely wanted to get a feel of his body.

“Don’t let go! Okay?” he said, revving up the engine ready to take off.

“I won’t!” Letting go was actually the last thing I wanted to do.

Travis whipped us all over the water. There were hardly any other boats out, so we practically had the entire lake to ourselves and could go as fast as we wanted. He was completely showing off and I was having so much fun. It was exhilarating zipping around and feeling the air against us; I couldn’t help the goofy grin plastered on my face the entire time. I was also enjoying the feel of Travis in my arms, and didn’t want the moment to end.

Finally, after zooming all around, Travis slowed toward a cove on the north side of the lake, and shut the engine off. The area was quiet and secluded with nothing surrounding us but trees. It was so peaceful and seemed as if no one was around for miles. Travis shifted in front of me and turned so that we were now facing each other on the seat. I was still amazed by how comfortable I felt with him, there was no ball of nerves in my stomach only little butterflies flipping around wondering what would come next.

“So what do you think? Fun?” he asked, giving me such a sexy grin that I almost jumped him on the spot. The boy was HOT and definitely knew what he was doing.

“It was fantastic! So are you going to let me drive now?” I teased, testing to see his reaction.

“Maybe,” he said playfully and gave me a little wink.

“Maybe?” I questioned right back wanting to find out the stipulation.

“You have to tell me more about yourself first and then I’ll let you drive.”

“Oh, I see. What would you like to know?” I grinned, playing right along.

“Tell me everything. I just want to learn more about you Paige,” he said and then leaned forward putting his hands on my knees.

“You’ve put me on the spot, anything specific you want to know?” I was so distracted by his touch that I didn’t know where to begin.

“Tell me what made you start the Pri*Tee Pixies Organization.”

I thought about it for a second before I spoke, because that part of my life has always been so personal. Other than Tracey and my parents I’m not really sure anyone else knows what made me want to start the charity. For some reason I felt I could be honest with Travis and that he wouldn’t judge me. I really did have this fear of being labeled a goody-two-shoes, but for some reason I felt that Travis would just get it.

“It kind of goes back to when I was little. My dad has always wanted to keep me grounded no matter how wealthy we were or where we lived. So, he gave me some different options for how I could volunteer my time on Sunday afternoons. I chose working at the soup kitchen in the city because I thought that it might be the easiest out of all of my options. I was young and naïve at the time,” I added just so Travis wouldn’t judge the reason for my decision.

“Well, after a while, I got to know some of the people and realized what a struggle so many faced. But no matter how hard their lives were, they always managed to say thank you and show their appreciation. Some would even come by and tell me jokes, then say that it was their way of paying me for my kindness. It touched my heart being there and I always looked forward to my Sunday afternoons. Anyway, one Sunday night my friends and I met up at a restaurant after I got back in from the city. It was a pretty pricey place which made me feel guilty, so I ended up just ordering soup. My friends on the other hand ordered filets, tuna, and other expensive dishes.” Travis was watching me closely as I spoke and I could see his eyes shifting between my eyes and my mouth. It made me instinctively run my tongue along my lower lip, which caused him to squeeze my skin under his palms. My desire was getting the best of me, so I needed to stay focused on what I was saying.

“Well, everyone got their food and I’m not kidding, every single one of them had an issue with something about their meal, and complained the entire time. It was amazing watching how one little burnt potato could upset someone or the fact that there were cherry tomatoes instead of heirloom tomatoes in the salad. The whole scene was sickening. Here I had just watched a bunch of people cry out of gratitude for some bland broth, and my friends were nitpicking over tomatoes. Not that my friends were bad people, but it became an eye opening experience for me. So I decided after that night, that although I couldn’t change everybody’s ways or make them see the light, I could get them to donate mega bucks that could then be used to help others that truly needed it. So, Pri*Tee Pixies was born. I combined my passion for dancing with my love of helping people and started hosting ticketed events where all of the proceeds go to the charity. And three years later, we have grown into something amazing. But of course, I couldn’t have done it without my best friend Tracey. She is my partner in crime in all of this.”

Travis had yet to say anything but was still just staring straight into my eyes with a look of awe on his face. “Paige that’s… I don’t even know what to say. You’re just amazing. That’s… incredible,” he said and I felt like he might think I’m Mother Theresa.

“I do have to be honest though, I still like my Gucci, and my Prada and have been known to totally waste money on clothes. So, I’m not all that saintly,” I added just so he would see that I’m not perfect.

“Hey! Everyone is allowed to have their guilty pleasures, so you can’t beat yourself up about that. Besides, I don’t know too many people our age who care about making a difference for others, so I would say you deserve your Prada.” Travis could see how important my work was and appreciated my efforts. My ex-boyfriend had told me that I should stop worrying about others and enjoy being a teenager, so Travis’s response made my heart beat fast.

“So what about you? What was it like growing up in Burlington and spending your summers here?” I asked, deflecting the attention so that it was now on him. I knew my cheeks were burning red, so I wanted to be out of the spotlight.

“It was okay. My dad is THE surgeon of the city, so I’ve always had a lot of attention. I grew up in a big house in an uppity part of town, and everyone seemed to know who we were. The attention kind of got to me after awhile though so I started rebelling, like a typical teenager I guess. That’s when I went out and got my job at the Coffee House instead of interning at my dad’s office. Something in me just needed to break away for a bit. I wanted to find my own identity away from my family. I’m thankful I did, it’s where I met most of my closest friends.” Travis was being so open that I felt comfortable asking him more about his life.

“How did your dad take it?” I asked, curious if his decision had caused a rift in the family at the time.

“My parents weren’t thrilled because shortly after I started working there I began getting my tattoos. I think my mom has finally realized that I never fit the “rich kid” stereotype and have always been a little rougher around the edges. So, she’s cool with it now, but it took her a little while to get used to because when I was younger I was a total prep.”

“Really?” I said, surprised by his admission.

“Oh yeah, I played football and soccer, always had the clean cut look, and hung out with all the other preps in town.” He chuckled at that, and I suddenly felt a little nervous knowing that I completely fell into the preppy category. “The job gave me independence and responsibility, and the body art has allowed me to express myself.”

His candidness was refreshing, and I was thankful that he was being himself and not putting on any airs to impress me. “Anyway, after a while, I took up rowing and joined the crew team, getting heavily into that. So although I wasn’t the star quarterback anymore, my parents were pleased that I was involved in some kind of organized sport again and that I wasn’t spending my days skateboarding or doing drugs.”

“Oh, so are you going to join crew at Columbia? I heard they have an excellent team.” I couldn’t help but interrupt because his comment piqued my interest. I had thought about becoming a coxswain, so I was really curious if he was considering it.

“Yeah, I think so. I’ve looked into it a bit, and probably,” he stated, nodding his head.

Everything that I was learning about Travis was making my crush grow deeper. Although he came from wealth, he was determined to be himself and not let society dictate who he should be. I felt like we had that in common, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“So what do your tattoos mean?” I asked, dying to have a closer look and an understanding behind each symbol. Travis was excited by my question and immediately removed his shirt. Thank you! I silently cheered, unable to help my inappropriate thoughts looking at his gorgeous body. Travis eagerly began his explanation pointing to the different symbols and I could tell that they truly did mean a lot to him.

“So as you can see, this is water and it sweeps up and around these different Chinese symbols. This one,” he said pointing to the symbol by his wrist, “stands for life. This one,” he said, moving up to his forearm, “stands for courage. This one means strength,” he moved up a little further and pointed to the one that cradled his incredible bicep. His finger then slid up to his shoulder and I followed the line of the muscle, craving to trace the path he took with my mouth. “This represents the trees.” He gestured to our surroundings and I could see the beauty in it and understood its importance without needing further explanation. “Basically, it is with strength and courage that I hope to face life and whatever it has to offer me. I’ve had to break away from expectations, so both have helped me find my own way.” I admired his honesty, and found myself brushing my fingers over the two symbols. He looked at me as I did and I felt his body warm to my touch, but I kept my focus on the tattoo studying the details, knowing that my cheeks were giving away my feelings.

“Then, let’s see. This one stands for family,” he said, pointing to the one to the right of his heart and I noted its placement. “Which is an obvious one because my parents mean so much to me and I am grateful for everything they have done and given me. I haven’t always made things easy for them, but they have always stuck by me. So, I hold them close to my heart.” I melted at his comment and let my hand wander over his chest touching the symbol and admiring the meaning of it. This time he moved himself closer and slid his hands up higher to rest on the sides of my thighs. My legs were instantly engulfed with goose pimples, and my insides ignited.

“The one to the left of my heart,” he said, taking my hand and sliding it across to the other symbol, “stands for love, which I hope to find.” I lifted my head, and our eyes locked. Something deep within shouted that I wanted to be his love, and I was shocked by how quickly I could find myself falling for a guy. I quickly brushed away the thought, and broke the stare.

“So, what about the water? What does it mean to you?” I asked, swirling my fingers around the waves encircling all of the other symbols, making my way across his chest and down his arm. His skin was warm, and I felt him squeeze the side of my legs as I brushed lightly over his skin. It took him a second, but then he finally spoke.

“I find myself most at peace when I’m out on the water. It’s so calm out here, so in some way water will always surround my life.”

He finished and I was left speechless. I was mesmerized by it all: Travis’s tattoos, his explanation of what everything meant, the fact that he truly has such a warm heart and wants to find love, and that he isn’t just some rich jock who doesn’t care about the world around him. Instead, he has made family, life, and love a priority.

“So, what do you think?” he asked, interrupting my silent reverie.

“I think they’re beautiful, actually. I hope that doesn’t come across as emasculating, but I think what they represent is truly beautiful,” I said, glancing over all of the symbols again. I slowly brought my eyes back up and met his stare. The energy between us was electrified and I could feel that something deeper was brewing on both ends. I just wasn’t going to be the one to make the first move.

“So would you ever get one?” he asked, giving me an endearing smile.

“Um… I actually have one. But no one knows about it except for Tracey, so you’re not allowed to tell anyone. Okay?”

“What? You do?” he practically shouted out of shock and the look on his face matched his tone.

“Yes,” I quietly said, nodding my head.

“Where?” Once again I found myself wanting to share all of my secrets with Travis, so I told him. “It’s right here,” I said, pointing to my hip.

“Wow, really?” he asked again, sounding like he doubted the fact.

“Yes, really,” I insisted.

“So, is it like a little heart or something? Because I saw you in that bikini yesterday and there wasn’t much being covered up, not that I minded,” he teased, waggling his eyebrows at me.

“Hey,” I shrieked and smacked his chest playfully. “I was covered up. My tattoo may be little, but some of the best things in life come in small packages,” I said, smiling with my chin up in the air feeling proud of my retort.

“That is very true,” he said, giving me a wink.

“So, it’s not a heart?”

“No, it’s a pixie,” I said finally.

“Can I see it?” he immediately asked, looking down longingly toward my clothing covered hip.

“Maybe,” I answered coyly.

“Maybe?” he repeated using my same tone from earlier and wanting to hear the stipulation.

“If you let me drive this, then I will show it to you,” I said sweetly.

“Deal. But there is one last thing I want to learn about you for now,” he said and his tone sounded very serious.

“What is that?” I asked curiously.

“Do you have a boyfriend?” I instantly smiled at his question and then leaned forward to whisper my answer in his ear.

“NO,” I said, brushing my lip against his lobe and then I shifted around him to assume the driving position.

Travis smiled in response and obligingly scooted back in the seat allowing me to have the control. Once I was situated, he wrapped his arms around my waist tightly and leaned into me. I instantly felt that his body had reacted the same as mine, because his heated state was pressing long and hard against my lower back. A shiver went through me, and goose bumps engulfed my arms. It was obvious that the two of us clearly wanted each other, and were resisting the same desires.

I drove around the lake for just a little while then decided Travis had waited long enough and it was time to reveal my tattoo to him. Slowing the wave runner to a stop, I turned it off out in the middle of the water. I stood up carefully and turned around trying to maintain my balance. Travis braced his hands on my hips so that I wouldn’t fall. Without saying a word, I started to unbutton my shorts and then slightly pulled them down at the waist so that I could gain access to the top of my bikini bottoms. Travis was staring at me with a look of lust written on his face and my body burned to the core. I slowly pulled down the top of the material while watching Travis’s expression as I revealed my pixie. He bit his lower lip as he leaned closer to read the letters falling from the wand.

“Inspire,” he whispered and I could see the heat in his eyes. I nodded, unable to speak, and then felt him urging me down to the seat with his hands.

Our eyes met and burned into each other with desire as the current between us charged. I silently beckoned him to kiss me and without hesitation his mouth was pressed to mine. His lips were warm and soft, and we easily fell into a rhythm. There was no awkwardness to the kiss, which caused my nerves to instantly melt away and be replaced by a lustful need. As our tongues began to lightly glide together and explore each other’s senses, I felt his hands sliding up my back. They made their way to the base of my neck, pulling me forward, further deepening the kiss. The intensity of our tongues now thrusting together made him moan which in turn sent electricity sizzling throughout my veins. I found myself needing to be closer, so I gripped the base of his neck making our chests collide. His mouth continued to explore mine for another minute before he pulled away. I internally frowned at the loss of contact, but took the second to catch my breath and calm my heartbeat.

“Wow! You definitely inspire me,” he whispered, resting his forehead on mine. He leaned forward to place another soft kiss on my lips and then pulled back again. “Sorry I’m not being more of a gentleman, but I’ve been wanting to do that since I saw you this morning. Actually, I take that back, since last night.”

I giggled at Travis’s remark and then leaned over to kiss him again. I too had been longing for a kiss since last night.

“Do you want to go on a hike with me?” he asked, pulling back to look into my eyes. His question threw me off guard because my mind was purely elsewhere, but I figured that since the energy between us was too strong to resist it was probably best if we found an actual activity to fill our time. Otherwise, we would probably be finding ourselves lip-locked for the entire afternoon.

“Yes,” I answered.

“Good. Will you drive us over to that side?” he said, pointing to a beach area straight in front of us.

“Sure!” I answered, excited that I was still going to be in the driver’s seat.

I stood to turn around, and got situated back on the seat the right way. As I started up the engine, Travis wrapped his arms around me and this time intentionally pressed his body against mine. I could tell he wanted me to know the effect that I had on him, and I loved knowing it. He kissed my neck, and I melted against him. “Okay, I better stop. Ready when you are!” he said. I took us to the shoreline and parked on the beach.

We spent the rest of the afternoon hiking and talking about everything. It was amazing how easy Travis was to talk to. I found myself telling him every detail about my life: what it was like growing up in East Hampton, who my friends were, all of my favorite things to do. I even shared some embarrassing moments, and talked about my dreams for the future. He was such a good listener and showed interest in all of it.

When Travis was put back in the spotlight, I learned about his friends and how Scott really was like a brother to him. He told me about his favorite places to go, and what it was like spending his summers on the campground. He shared his aspiration of becoming an architect and designing homes on the water. His dream was to encapsulate the environment in his designs, and make each home blend into its surroundings. He also shared his hopes for having a family, and wanting kids to go rafting with. All of his admissions were sweet, and with each one I found myself falling a little harder for him.

We talked the entire time, never once finding ourselves in an awkward silence. Conveniently though, we both left out details about ex-relationships and our love lives over the years. I was thankful being that it was our first date and I didn’t want to scare him off by revealing my two-year crush on Jared. I was worried that Travis might think I was off limits because of that, and at this moment I was surprisingly, definitely, not off limits.

It started to get late and Travis realized he needed to get back for work, so we hiked back to the wave runner and returned to the campground. Travis pulled up into a large boathouse, where the Medlers apparently stored all of their water toys. There were: kayaks, rafts, canoes, another wave runner and what looked to be a motorboat with an inside cabin. “Wow, you really do like the water, huh?” I said, admiring all of the equipment.

“Yeah, I’ll have to take you on that sometime,” he promised, gesturing toward the motorboat. “It’s a lot of fun.”

Travis finished tying up the wave runner, and we made our way out of the boathouse. After he locked the doors, he turned and suddenly pressed me against the side of the building. His mouth claimed mine as he held my hands above my head, pinning me to the wall. Immediately I joined him in the kiss, and let our tongues dance together again. This time they were not shy, and the kiss was intense. After a few minutes, he pulled back releasing me and then bent his head to mine. “You’re incredible,” he whispered and I realized in that moment that I was gone. The afternoon had been perfect, Travis was perfect, and I had fallen hard.