July 20, 2005

Minett, Muskoka

Sweat drips down my back as I restock the shelves in the mechanic's bay. Wiping my forearm over my equally sweaty forehead, I push to finish as quickly as possible. There is absolutely no air back here, even with the small wire fan blowing at full speed.

If it stays this hot, I don't even want to think how gross I'll be after my ride and lesson tomorrow on Kuna, or how sweaty Hudson will be after polo. I make a mental note to pack bathing suits for us, so we can take Kuna and Leo swimming in the gravel pits tomorrow.

As I unpack motor oil, I let my mind wander. I find myself wishing summer would never end. I work, play, ride, compete, hang with the boys, see Greyson, visit Sam and Liam, talk with Vi. It's one of the toughest summers I've ever experienced, but I cherish every moment of it, knowing it could change at the drop of a hat.

The sound of footsteps pulls my focus away from my thoughts and, assuming it's Hunter, I speak before turning around. "Is the big boss coming to give his favorite employee a hand?"

"I'll give you both hands to do whatever you want with, Ellie-bean."

I jerk upright and turn, repulsed immediately by his crude comment, and the use of Hunter's nickname for me in the same sentence.

"That's disgusting, Dan. Come on." Even I understand the explicit suggestion in his words, and it turns my stomach.

He only laughs and moves closer, so I step to the other side of the boxes, making room for him near the shelf if he's actually come to help.

I relax when he starts unloading the oil bottles, and get back to work, but I'm conscious of his gaze constantly moving over me. Of his intimidating, unfamiliar presence. Man, he really gives me the creeps, and I wish it were Hunter or Greyson helping me instead.

But Greyson took an extra day off this week to celebrate his grandfather's birthday. He was disappointed when I didn't join him, but I've already asked Hunter for too many exceptions to the schedule we'd agreed on.

This morning, I'd been on my own with Hunter, and he'd relaxed a bit, turning the music up as I'd cleaned the windows, vacuumed, and he'd done the paperwork and accounting, cursing under his breath the entire time.

The afternoon had been less pleasant. Dan had breezed in around noon, taking every opportunity to pop up wherever I was working. When he'd been called out to tow a boat in, I'd rushed to get the restocking done in here before he came back.

No such luck.

"Where's your golden boy today?"

"He went to his grandpa's birthday."

"And he didn't invite you? What kind of boyfriend does that make him?"

"Not that it's any of your business, but I didn't want to ask Hunter for any more days off. I'm already only working part-time, and he's been so flexible already."

"Not like you and your richy-rich friends need the money, eh?"

I roll my eyes, but don't say anything. It's not about the money, it's about the principal, owning up to your responsibilities, being reliable. Not knowing how to respond, I just shrug and continue unpacking the stock in silence.

Each time he shifts closer, I step farther away, spreading the oil further along the shelves that it's ever reached before. I know I'm going to have to come back and fix it later. "Stop, Dan, you're making me a bit uncomfortable."

"Why's that, Elle? I'm not doing anything, plus, you don't seem to be bothered by Grey, or the boss for that matter. You let them put their hands on you. Why am I so different?"

"It's just different. I know Greyson and Hunter, I've known them as long as I can remember. That's entirely beside the point though. You're making me uncomfortable, it doesn't matter why. Please, just help or leave me alone."

"Well, we've been working together for a few months, I promise, I'm harmless."

His smile says otherwise, so I decide he can finish the stocking himself. Nodding, realizing the best place for me is, well, anywhere else, I stand. "Thanks for your help, Dan. I think you can manage the rest, though. I'm going to see if Hunter needs anything else."

I move to leave, but he blocks me, grabbing my wrist suddenly and tugging me towards him sharply.

For the first time in my life, I feel fear of another human being flash through me.

"Let go of me, Dan. Now." I push my hand hard against his chest but he doesn't let go, his fingers only tighten, squeezing hard.

When the sound of whistling pulls Dan's attention away, he lets go abruptly, sending me stumbling, but I rush past him, nearly slamming into Hunter as he comes around the corner. "What's shakin', you two?"

"Just helping Elle with the restocking." Dan smiles, "Told her I could finish this up, so she could help you with something else. It's too hot for her to spend much time back here, anyway."

My jaw drops, is he serious? When Hunter nods, "Cool, thanks Dan."

I realize I might have missed my chance to tell him what happened, so I glare at Dan. Will Hunter believe me if I tell him? What will Dan do if I do say something about being uncomfortable around him? Uncertain, too nervous, and shaken up by the moment to do anything, I stay silent.

Hunter chucks me lightly under the chin and smiles down at me, "I actually came to cut you loose, Ellie-bean. You can head home, or wherever. Business is pretty slow today."

"Okay, thanks, Hunter. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Later, Elle." Dan's voice carries out after me, but I don't respond. I rush to punch out, then jump in my boat, accelerating quickly across the short distance to the water sports school at Cleve's.

I maneuver my small boat into the only available space between two larger boats and tie off, glad no one was there to see the three attempts it took.

I spot Hudson as I walk down the long stretch of dock underneath Frac's. He's sitting on a ramp with a young girl, maybe seven or eight years old, showing her how to hold the handles, positioning her small body into the ideal skier stance. I pause, staying out of his sight so I can watch him.

He grabs the buddy line, sliding his feet into skis and putting her between his legs, ready to do the first ski together.

The boat accelerates, and Hudson slides easily off the ramp, steady and secure, with the little girl wobbling in front of him. Maintaining his grip on the bar with one hand, he adjusts the young girl's stance with his other, pushing her back straight, lifting her chin to look ahead instead of down at the water.

After one big loop, Hudson lets go, sinking into the water near the ramp, watching his student continue. When she circles back around, her smile is a mile wide. Hudson shouts to tell her to let go, and she coasts a few feet more towards him before he swims the rest of the way to her, high-fiving her.

Her excitement is contagious, I find I'm smiling along as she squeals with laughter and squeezes Hudson around the neck while he swims back to the dock with her.

He winks when he spots me, but keeps his attention on Ava, as he calls her, pulling her feet from the skis, helping her onto the dry dock. Her arms wrap around his legs, so he boosts her up for a proper hug, before handing her over into her dad's waiting arms.

Ava's mother, I presume, offers Hudson a big smile, passing a tip into his hands discreetly before waving him off.

"You're a goner, Hudson. That girl is going to come to hunt you down in ten years to ask you out," I tease.

His big smile tells me he doesn't mind my teasing or the sweet affections of the kids he teaches. Dropping a kiss on my cheek, he boosts himself to sit on the ledge by the service window.

"You're early." Hudson bumps my shoulder gently with his.

"Slow day, Hunter cut me loose." I turn to face him, leaning my elbows on the service window. I want to tell Hudson what happened today at the marina, but not here. I'll talk to him later when it's just the two of us.

"Well, you ready for your lesson now, Elle? I've got a free hour, with no bookings. Adrian, too," Hudson nods in the direction of the driver of the boat he'd just been skiing behind. "Or we can wait, grab Theo after the shift, and try it later."

Biting my lip, I look around. It's not so crowded. "Let's try now, but I'm telling you, I still think it's hopeless."

Laughing, he whistles for Adrian to pull around instead of park. He grabs the gear as I strip to my bathing suit, tossing my clothes behind the desk. He fastens me into a lifejacket, tightening the buckles before pulling his wet one back on.

I'm a bit nervous as I dip my toe in the water, testing it. It's the perfect temperature. Hudson checks the skis, making sure my feet are snugly bracketed by the rubber heel and toe guards.

I stand on the turf-covered ramp, and Hudson steps up behind me, sliding his feet into the larger skis. "Ready, Ellie? Just like I did with Ava." His voice is close to my ear, his arms and legs bracketing me against him.

Here goes nothing. If a child can do it, surely I can too. "Don't drop off until I say, okay?" I look back at him for a minute. I grip the handle tightly in my hands, waiting for his answer.

Once he agrees, he whistles to Adrian, who accelerates. One of Hudson's arms moves to wrap around my waist, keeping my upper body upright, close to his. His other grips the buddy rope tightly, the muscles in his forearm bulging.

The hand at my waist moves up to my chin, pushing my line of sight higher. "Look ahead, Elle, not down at your feet. That's it." Not the first time someone's said that to me this week, and I smile.

With a thrill, I realize I'm managing to ski nearly on my own as Hudson's hand floats just beside me, waiting, letting me get used to the feeling. Starting from the ramp was much more comfortable than starting from the water.

His hand returns to grip my hip, helping to stabilize me as we run over another boat's wake, bumping quickly. My knees wobble a little, and he braces me back against him. We continue like this for two large loops. "What do you think, Ellie? Ready to ski solo?"

Biting my lip, I nod.

Needing no further encouragement, Hudson releases his handle as we drive by the dock. I manage to keep a precarious balance on my own, trying to remember everything he said. Soft knees, hips forward, not backward, back straight, leaning back just slightly, eyes up.

I make it halfway around the loop when we hit some more waves, and the tips of my skis get caught under the water. I go flying, feet popping out of the skis. At least I remember to let go of the rope.

Adrian circles back, laughing. "Not bad, girl. Ten points for style in that fall. You've got a good face-plant form. You want to try a water-start? Ski back to Hud?"

"Thanks, I'm an expert when it comes to crashing and burning in this sport. Um, I've never managed a water-start before, I think I'd like to boat back, try it with Hudson."

Adrian takes the skis I hand up to him, pulls the line into the boat then helps me in from the platform. We circle back around to where Hudson's still waiting in the water.

Adrian shouts to Hudson over the engine's rumble, "We're going to try a water-start, Hud. Let's do it on the boom first," he turns back to me. "Hop back in, Elle, and pop the skis back on."

I climb back onto the stern platform and slide my feet into the skis, dipping them in the water first, so the rubber isn't so hard to slide into.

I slip into the water, letting Hudson position me before him. He grabs the boom, urging me to do the same, then whistles at Adrian.

This time, we make one circle this time before Hudson drops off. Although I feel more secure on the boom, it seems much more physical to maintain long term. I barely make it back to the dock before I let go, coasting in and sinking near Hudson.

"Awesome, Elle! Let's do a quick water-start, this time with the normal rope. I'm going to ski beside you this time, instead of behind you, but I'll still be able to help you."

We continue these loops, and practice starts until the free hour is up, and my arms and legs are shaking. I'd managed two assisted starts from the water with Hudson, then one on my own. I was feeling so good about the progress we'd made.

Jumping into Hudson's arms, I squeal, much like the young Ava had done, but scatter frenzied, smacking kisses all over his face until he laughs and squeezes me back. "Uh oh, now I'd really better watch out, I don't have that ten-year age buffer this time."

I laugh at his silly comment and grin down at him, before letting myself slide out of his hold and dropping to the dock. "Thank you, Hudson. That was so much fun!"

"Wait around for me, yeah? I need a ride home in an hour."

"Can I ride with Adrian while you teach?" I hope he says yes, otherwise I won't have anything to do while waiting.

At his nod, "Yeah, sure. You can help us spot with this next group."

I climb into the boat with Adrian, who gives me a high five and offers me his towel. I climb into the bow seat, sitting quietly while he and Hudson go over the routine with the next set of skiers.

An hour later, I can see why Hudson loves this job. He's turned into the perfect teacher, patient, funny, charming. He'd even managed to convince his group's grandmother to get out with him on the skis, which had her laughing like a kid.

I watch him wrap up his tasks, hanging gear, stowing skis, boards. He hollers back to Adrian that he's heading out before throwing his arm over my shoulders and walking with me to my boat.

I already can't wait to keep practicing with him, maybe try the wakeboard as well, then show off my new skills. It will be nice not to be the butt of everyone's jokes for once.

Pulling my small boat up to his dock, he hops out, then grabs the metal rail. "Come up for a soak in the hot tub with me, hang for a while. Mom and Dad are out, so I'm making pizza. You game?"

Since I have no other plans tonight, aside for a potential midnight visit from Greyson, I happily let Hudson pull the boat in and tie the lines off. "Half veggie toppings?"

"Only for you, Elle. I'm going to change, meet you in the tub."

I wander through the main cottage and grab a couple ginger ales and a bowl of fresh strawberries from the fridge to snack on. Hudson will probably give me grief for not grabbing chips, but I don't care. It's strawberry season, and I take every excuse and opportunity to stuff my face with them all summer long.

As I'm turning to leave, I spot Hudson standing outside his cabin on the phone. His back is to me, but he appears to be totally naked. I stare for a moment, a little shocked. It's nothing I haven't seen before, but we were younger, it's been a couple years since I've seen any of the guys totally in the buff.

I quickly turn my back, walk towards the hot tub, and set the snacks down before climbing in. I snicker a little, my mind replaying the picture he'd made standing in the sunlight on the deck, he's undoubtedly lost that scrawny teenage boy build, that's for sure. I shake off the small flutter in my stomach as awkwardness and close my eyes to soak, waiting for my friend to join me.

A few moments later, I'm screeching when a stream of icy water crashes into my face. Sputtering, I dunk underwater to warm up, then stand. "What the actual hell, Hudson?"

His laughter is contagious, and he's bent double with it, holding his sides as he pinches the garden hose off. "I'm sorry, Elle. I couldn't resist."

I glare at Hudson, pushing my hair back and sinking back down in the water as far away from him as possible.

"Aw, Elle. Don't be like that. I'm sorry, I'm an ass."

Satisfied, I shrug. "Well, now I'm not going to share the strawberries I took from the fridge."

He raises his hands in surrender, "Fair punishment." Then he grins at me and pulls a bag of chips up from the deck floor. I can't help but laugh.

"How was work for you, Ellie? Other than it being quiet, of course." He tips his head back and closes his eyes, waiting.

"It was fine until Dan showed up."

"Dan, is he one of the mechanics? The funny little old guy, or the crazy tatt guy?"

"Crazy tattoo guy."

"Guy creeps me out a bit. I went in for gas with the ski boat last week, and he was hitting on Kelsey, my spotter, when I came back out after paying. She's fourteen. Doesn't really look fourteen, but still. The guy was giving off real creepo vibes."

I bite my lip, "If I tell you something, can you promise not to freak out? Or tell Greyson?"

Hudson's head lifts, and his eyes open slowly. "Depends what you tell me, Elle. I can promise not to tell Grey, but if it's freakout-worthy, I'll freak out."

"Dan was inappropriate today at work, he made me uncomfortable with how he spoke to me, and when I went to leave, he grabbed my wrist. Hunter came around the corner almost immediately, but it scared me a bit."

"Jesus, Elle. Did you tell Hunter?"

When I shake my head, Hudson's jaw drops.

"No, I was thinking about it, but Dan beat me to it and basically shrugged the whole thing off like he was just helping me, looking out for me."

"You have to tell Hunter tomorrow, Elle. Tell him at the start of your shift, it doesn't matter what it is, if you feel uncomfortable, you always tell him. He's your boss, and basically a brother, he'll look out for you. Tell him, because if you don't tell him, I will."

I'm relieved Hudson is so adamant, I'd been worried to take such a small action to Hunter, that maybe he'd laugh at me, or think I'm too sensitive.

Hudson slides over and wraps an arm around my shoulder. "You'll tell me if he's weird again, right?"

I nod. Then he adds, "Good. Maybe don't tell Grey though, he might really freak out."

I laugh as relief floods through me. Dropping my head onto Hudson's shoulder, I cave in and offer him some strawberries after all.

His smug grin makes me regret it almost immediately, though.

- - -

Are you seeing some potential future conflict at work for Elle? How do you think it will be resolved?

Hope you like the chapter! If you do, consider voting and join me in the comments! <3

Xx Toria