Page 21 of 7 Miles High
Chapter 8
Natalie
We’ll be landing soon, and I’ll be driving back to Santa Barbara by tomorrow morning. Four hours alone to think about my life. It’s not time that returns me a different person. Only three days have passed. It’s the impact of meeting Parker.
For the first time since it happened, I’m glad I got passed up for the Dubai job. When I was being considered, I thought it was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. A month ago there was a chance I might be moving to the Middle East for a year. The opportunity to sell an entire high rise of multi million dollar condos would be the crown in my career.
I knew it was a long shot, but nevertheless I had been considered. Now it seems like the loss was my destiny. I never would have been able to take the Cancun trip. I wouldn’t have known this lovely feeling of being swept away. It hasn’t happened like this ever. Not even Alex did that to me so thoroughly.
While Jenna and Maggie talk, I think of other more exciting things. My mind lingers on last night.Sigh.What a lovely memory. He showed me another layer. There was a tenderness to his touch. Even when he had a fistful of my hair. The image makes me smile.
I hated our goodbye today. There was this huge disconnect between my thoughts and actions. It felt strained, and that was all me. Did I say everything? Did he? I’m questioning myself. Why I’ve been so intent on discouraging a real connection.
One thing is obvious. The past still holds too much power over me. Since Alex I’m a newfound realist. That’s the voice that keeps contradicting me, pointing out the reasons being swept away is a bad idea.
Sitting here with my friends has been the best chance at distraction. Jenna wanted to hear what she missed, all the details.
“I’m really happy you all found something to occupy your time while I was otherwise engaged,” Jenna chuckles. “Especially our friend Holly. She’s so worn out she’s sleeping in her seat!”
“Anything for you, babe,” Maggie says. Then turning to me, “What about Parker? Are you going to see each other again?”
“I don’t know. He wanted to but I’m not sure it would work.”
“Why? He’s an awesome guy.”
“After Alex I made a vow to figure myself out before jumping into another relationship.”
“Just tell me one thing, was the sex as good as I think it was?” Jenna winks repeatedly.
But I’m not about to tell them. Not about the upside down sixty-nine, or the wall sex atop his shoulders. Not the way he so stunningly ate my pussy, or the size of his beautiful cock. They don’t need to know.
“Hello? Natalie? Yoo-hoo?”
I snap out of my reverie to see the faces of my stunned and amused girlfriends.
“My God! Was it that good?” Jenna says. “I knew it. He’s a stuntman after all.”
“What does that mean? Think he lit himself on fire while he was doing her?” Maggie adds with a straight face.
“No! But he’s probably strong and agile.” Jenna glances at me for confirmation. A sly smile is my only answer.
“Maybe you should give that one a second look,” Maggie says. “Matt’s known him and James for years. Says he’s a good guy. And he’s never seen him act the fool. You know, like Matt does.”
Jenna and I laugh at our friend’s assessment of her new interest.
“I forgive him that because he’s actually a nice, smart, hung guy.”
“Ah, the holy trifecta,” Jenna says nodding.
“Let’s talk about you.” I turn to her. “Are you ready for the wedding?”
Her face lights with the mention.
“I still have thirty-three days to go. But yeah, we’re mostly ready. Jerry hasn’t completed his to-do list yet. He had like four things. Meanwhile I’ve done all the heavy lifting.”
“Men. They can be such pains in the ass,” Maggie says.
Jenna places her hand atop mine. “I didn’t want to tell you while we were in Cancun, but Alex RSVP’d. He’s coming.”
