Aidan made her way outside to the balcony, craving the fresh, sweet air of her beloved Colorado, and instead was smothered by the thick, jasmine perfumed air of Atlanta.  Inside the hotel lobby the rehearsal party raged on, cousins and friends getting drunk. Some, like her uncle Hershey, were drunk before the wedding party got there.

 

Leaning against the balcony, she tried not to suffocate on the heavy floral scents that were blanketing the city. Since leaving Atlanta seven years before she had made no trips back. This one was reluctant, only because Marie, the golden girl daughter was marrying her perfect prince.

 

Sipping her malt whiskey, Aidan wished the wedding would hurry up and be done so she could flee back to Colorado, to her mountains and crisp, clean air, ski resorts and generally wonderful life.

 

Being in Atlanta brought nothing but misery and bad memories. Tomorrow she would be tormented by the damn magnolias her sister insisted on having as her flowers choice, and Aidan would be forced to carry a bouquet of against her pale blue dress. At least the dress wasn’t hideous, Aidan thought with relief. But there was going to be hell when her sister and mother discovered her tattoo, which be shown prominently. The dress was strapless  and as Marie planned to have the girls hair swept up into painful and complicated ‘dos, there would be no hiding the symbol. The full moon, sandwiched between two crescents moons, both facing outward and decorated with roses. Her mother would have a fit, there was no denying that.

 

Aidan almost cherished the expression on her stuck up mother’s face. Gleefully she could imagine the proper southern lady’s horrified expression, her sister would go into a swoon and the doomed wedding would be blamed on Aidan. That was certainly nothing new. Everything that plagued this family was laid at Aidan’s feet for blame. A disgraced wedding would be nothing new.

 

“Whiskey for your thoughts?” a gentle, tenor male voice interrupted her thoughts. Annoyed at the intrusion, she turned. It was one of the grooms friends, Luke or something. She hadn’t paid attention to names earlier, not planning on having anything to do with them. Partying with a a bunch of drunk, ivy league graduates was not her idea of fun. He held out a fresh drink of what she had been sipping on all night.

 

“How do you know what I drink?” she asked rudely. He raised one eyebrow.

 

“I was standing next to you when you ordered it. The last three,” he answered in amusement. In his hand was a clear bottle of one of those new malt drinks.

 

“Oh. Right,”without thinking Aidan took it. If he drugged it and she was raped and murdered that very night, no one would care. Though he didn’t look like the murderous type. More like the adventurous type. Aidan wondered if he was any good in bed. She hadn’t been with a man in a long time, and she had recently broken up with her sometimes girlfriend. A companion for the night would be nice. This one was very nice looking, nice body.

 

 

Her height, around six feet tall, slender but she could see well developed muscles under his t shirt. Short, cropped, silvery blonde hair. Nice face, smooth, fair skin. Little definition to his chin, dark eyes she couldn’t quite distinguish the color of.

 

Lex had watched the stunning redhead all night, the first approach to the bar and had ordered a double, tossed it back without hesitation and then ordered another, tossed it back too. Her third drink she sipped on, as she seemed to relax a little bit. But she didn’t socialize, especially not with the other girls who giggled and flirted and cajoled the other guys into dancing. Politely he declined an offer earlier, his eyes followed the sulky redhead. Her tapping foot as they went through the rehearsal and popping of her gum told him exactly how thrilled she was to be here.

 

His eyes kept straying to her full hips, clad in snug, low rider jeans. Most women of her solid stature wouldn’t have looked good in them but the way she swung her hips, ever so slightly as she walked was hypnotic. She definitely had some meat on her, and Lex was sure her skin would be as soft as silk. When the lights caught on her hair, it burst into a thousand different lights around her, creating a reddish gold halo. Her heart shaped face contained two light blue eyes that didn’t seem to miss much. They moved quickly around the room, studying, sizing up, marking, targeting.

 

Finally, when she slipped outside as her sister prattled on happily about something, he saw his opportunity to talk to her. The other men had noticed her too, but her cold demeanor was enough to stay them off. To Lex, it was a challenge.

 

The pale eyes studied him as she sipped her drink. Definitely a good looking guy, she thought, sizing him up. Slender, muscular frame. The eyes. Intense eyes. She still couldn’t quite see the color but they were fixed on her and radiating. . .intrigue.

 

“So how did you meet him?” she asked.

 

“Who?”

 

“The groom. His name escapes me,” she said without embarrassment. Lex smiled. Cute, she thought.

 

“Brian. They met online,” he sipped his drink. The girl was so out of place. While her family and the guests were dressed properly in suits and semi-formal dresses, her jeans were faded and she wore a teal floral print tank top that hugged ample cleavage, and displayed a lush, curvaceous figure, just the way he liked his women. No bony girl here.

 

“Hope he’s not a porn addict.”

 

Lex choked on his drink. “Not to my knowledge.”

 

“That’s a bonus,” her eyes drifted past him, staring through the glass door, into the ballroom where everyone was laughing, drinking and eating merrily. “I’ve known more than one guy who had a secret internet porn fetish. Wrecked two marriages that I know of.”

 

“I’ve known the guy for years. I don’t think he’s into that stuff.”

“What about you?” the glass hid her half smile.

 

“I’ve watched a few. I don’t collect them or have a secret room with piles of magazines if that’s what you’re asking,” he chuckled. Aidan smiled.

 

“Well, good. Though you know, some sexual fantasies are healthy.”

 

“I agree. But why go for the women who don’t exist when there’s plenty of real women waiting to be romanced?” his eyes were intense on her.

 

Romanced, not seduced, she thought. Interesting choice of words. She took a sip of her whiskey. This one had charm. Too much of it for his own good.

 

“And how many are you romancing?” she asked with a laugh.

 

“Right now, none, but there’s one I’m considering,” his eyes lingered on her, delivering the silent message. Aidan digested for it a few seconds.

 

“Don’t get burned,” she tossed back the last of her scotch and set the glass down on the railing. “Excuse me, I’m being summoned.”

 

Her father was waving to her, signaling to come in. Lex’s eyes stayed on her, particularly the movement of her hips as she returned inside.

 

***

 

Later that evening, the bachelor party was in full swing. Lex hadn’t seen his redhead since she left the balcony, she had been swept into the maze of family obligations. The party finally broke up as everyone split for the bachelor and bachelorette parties. Lex  allowed himself to be taken to the guys suite, where the best man had the music up and the party was starting. Two of the guys were in the hot tub, discussing women, a brother or cousin – Lex lost track early on – was roaming around drinking anything he could get his underage hands on.

 

“Hey someone’s at the door!”

 

Lex, nearest to the door, opened it to find an attractive blonde in a hotel uniform.

 

“Mr Oyce?”

 

“Nope. That guy over there,” Lex pointed her towards the groom, who was half drunk already. Something told him this was the stripper. As she approached, one made cat calls and backed away. Sure enough, she stepped in front Brian, asked his name and pushed him onto the chair. Someone turned the music on and she began to gyrate.

 

Somewhat annoyed, he wandered outside to the balcony. Inside the men were all  calling and whooping it up. Bored, Lex slipped out of the suite and wandered the hall to the elevator. They were on the outskirts of Atlanta, some place he couldn’t really remember the name of, but he knew they weren’t out in the country. He’d find something to occupy him.

 

***

 

Aidan slipped out the door without being seen. Her sister, friends and cousin were all getting drunk and swapping sex stories, two things that didn’t really interest her. If she shared her sex stories they’d all faint dead away, rather die than admit they had experienced or thought anything of that kind. Some of the girls were playing with makeup and doing each other’s hair, an activity that made her want to run for the nearest forest.

 

Practically skipping down the grand staircase of the hotel, she flipped her hair back as she felt better already, away form the girls and their perfume and …girly stuff.  At twenty six she had partied enough for two lifetimes, graduated college and was successfully running a large ski resort in the heart of Aspen, Colorado. Not bad for the high school misfit her family never talked about. Braiding hair and expirimenting with makeup was not her cup of tea. Racing down the mountain with icy air slapping her face as she cut through the snow on her long skis.

 

Throwing open the door she took a deep breath of the jasmine air and almost gagged.

 

“That’s about how I reacted.”

 

She turned to see the young man from earlier, standing a few feet away.

 

“The air is too thick here. I live in Colorado, and it’s so thin...pure…this just kills me.”

 

“Where in Colorado?” he asked.

 

“Aspen. I own a café  that’s part of a ski resort.”

 

“Colorado’s beautiful.”

 

“Yeah, I love it.”

 

“I’m Lex, by the way,” he stepped closer and offered his hand. She shook it, surprising him by her firm grip.

 

“As in Lex Luthor?”

 

“It’s short for Alex,” he grinned.

 

“I like my explanation better,” she grinned back. “Something tells me  it suits you.”

 

“So what brings you out here tonight? Shouldn’t you be upstairs giggling with everyone?”

 

“Hell no. I was ready to scream if I had to listen to their crap any longer. What about you? Aren’t you supposed to be shoving dollar bills down a strippers g-string right about now?”

 

Lex chuckled. “Nah. Not really into that. And how did you know about the stripper?”

 

“Oh please. It’s tradition.”

 

Lex grinned again. “Yea, I suppose so.”

 

“Do you play golf?” she asked.

 

“No, you?”

 

“Hell no. It’s for old men. I was just wondering since this hotel has a golf course.”

 

“Nah, but I do like to swim.”

 

A flash of the two of them swimming naked popped through her head and she grinned.

 

“Forgot my suit.”

 

“Who needs a suit?” his eyes, so intense, challenged her.

 

“Let’s go,” she accepted with a laugh.

 

***

 

The pool was empty, the clear aqua water still.

 

“Well, here we are,” Lex said cheerfully, waiting for her to back out.

 

“Excellent,” without warning she kicked off her sandals and unbuttoned her jeans. To his amazement she slid out of them and tossed them aside, revealing low cut purple cotton underwear that struck Lex as incredibly sexy. Her skin was pale, setting off the red hair.

 

“You coming?” she asked, diving in, giving him a full backside view. Without further hesitation he stripped to his boxers and dove in.

 

She was waiting when he came up for air, the long red hair clinging to her shoulders.

 

“Water feels good,” she was standing so it hit her in the shoulders, around the middle of the pool. He swam to her and touched down, inches from her.

 

“Yeah it does. You want to swim or try the hot tub?” he forced the note of casualty into his voice.

 

“Oh, let’s swim a bit. I’ll race you to the deep end!” she took off with a splash and he was hard pressed to catch up. She beat him by several seconds.

 

With a grin, she pushed her bangs back. “I bet I can beat you even if I give you a head start.”

 

“Really,” he smirked. Summers of  California sun had left him with the ability to tear through he water. “you’re on.”

 

She gave him a brief head start then pushed off from the wall, her long legs propelling her. With the grace of Esther Williams she cut through the water cleanly, and quickly overtook him, beating him by an arms length.

 

“How did you do that?” he demanded. “I always win!”

 

“State championship distance swimming,” she smirked. “High school and college. I’ve been swimming since I was two.”

 

“Wow. That explains it.”

 

“Explains what?” she asked, with a puzzled smile. He hesitated only a second.

 

“Your form.”

 

Seduction poured from her smile and Lex was grateful they were underwater so she wouldn’t see his body’s reaction

 

“Thanks.”

 

Perfect moment for a kiss and Lex started to move but suddenly she flipped water at him and dove away.

 

“Catch me if you can!” she called.

 

With a grin he dove after her, following her lithe form through the water. Laughing she came up for air and dove in again, forcing Lex to chase her. Finally, pleading fatigue, he stood up, the water lapping at his chest.

 

“Enough.” He groaned. Laughing she came near, standing in front of him. She was almost his height. Water streamed down her body, her hair clinging to her. Lex could see her rising from a river to enchant an innocent young man to his death trying to reach her.

 

“Aw, poor baby’s out of shape,” she smirked, though his toned body gave no indication of being the slightest out of shape. Tiredly he nodded then moved and grabbed her, locking his arms around her.

 

“And you’re a sucker,” he laughed. Grinning, she sighed.

 

“Ok, you got me.”

 

“So what’s my prize?” he asked, barely moving forward to kiss her.

 

“I let you live,” she murmured, her eyes closing as their started to come together. Their lips were just about to touch when a loud noise interrupted them, shattering the moment and she slipped out of his embrace. Yelling children ran by the entrance but didn’t come in.

 

“They close the pool at one,” she said awkwardly. He nodded. Both swam for the pool edge and climbed out.

 

“Well, thank you for the swim,” she smiled at him as they picked up their clothes.

 

“Yeah it was fun,” he watched remorsefully as she slid her jeans on and quickly threw his t-shirt on. “can I walk you to your room?”

 

“Sure. Luckily mine is the furthest away from the party.”

 

“That’s good. We’re all sharing one big suite.”

 

“So you have no choice but to go back to it?” she asked.

 

“Yeah. It’s ok. They’re all probably passed out anyway. Or they will be eventually.”

 

“Listen, I have two beds in my room. You’re more than welcome to sleep in my room tonight,” she offered, thrilled warmly by the thought of him sleeping so close to her. How close could she get him, she wondered.

 

“No, I wouldn’t want to impose.” Besides, he wanted to sleep in her bed with her, not six feet away where he could smell and hear her.

 

“Its ok, really. I have to be up early anyhow to go get hair and makeup done,” she made a face.

 

“Are you sure you wouldn’t mind?” he asked, hesitating.

 

“Yeah, its cool. Come on.”

 

***

 

He followed her to thirteenth floor. The door buzzed and she opened it.

 

“Excuse the mess, I wasn’t expecting to…entertain,” she smiled over her shoulder. A suitcase was open on one bed, a laptop plugged in. A couple pairs of jean were laid out and in the closet he could see a clear plastic dress bag with something light blue in it.

 

She began clearing off the second bed.

 

“You sure you don’t mind this?” he asked.

 

“Not at all. Just don’t tell the others. The girls would be horrified, the guys would call you a stud and me a slut.”

 

“Your honor is safe with me, milady,” he bowed slightly. In the doorway to the bathroom she paused, looked at him and said, “How disappointing.” Before disappearing inside. Lex was frozen in shock then grinned to himself. He debated whether or not to follow her to the shower.

 

Aidan rubbed her botanical shampoo into her thick hair, wondering if he’d take the hint and follow her inside. Her blood was running hot, mostly from him, not the water. If he suddenly appeared in her shower and took her right there she’d happily give in to her urges to wrap her long legs around him and ride him for everything she could. He had a beautiful, sensuous mouth she had gotten a close look at in the pool. His eyes were dark blue, sapphire blue and so intense they made her shiver. They revealed little to nothing about him, except that he would prove an exciting lover.

 

She was rinsing the conditioner from her hair when she sensed him enter the bathroom. The light in the bathroom went off but he had apparently seen the candle next to her bed and lit it. Smiling to herself she closed her eyes as she felt him pull the curtain aside.

 

She felt his hands slide around her waist and opened her eyes to find him smiling at her.

 

“I hate to disappoint a lady,” he murmured. With a seductive smile she wrapped her arms around his neck as he kissed her, sending her heart into a drove of butterflies. Fires ignited quickly between them as his mouth explored her neck, down to her breasts, which he teased for several moments before continuing further down. As his tongue began to explore inside of her, Aidan felt hr knees go weak. Easily he maneuvered her against the wall, helping to steady her. The sensations rocketed through her and she was bordering on passing out. Even her female lovers hadn’t caused her to shake like this, her cries growing louder until she climaxed. Quickly he rose and caught her as her body relaxed. Laughing, she leaned against him for a moment to steady herself. When she looked up at him he was smiling, water running down over his hair and face.

 

“Enjoy that?” he asked. Tossing her head back she smirked and replied, “It was nice.”

 

Lex burst out laughing. Pulling her close he kissed her several times. “I have plenty more where that came from.”

 

“Really,” she began to kiss his neck, her hands running down his body.

 

“The water is getting cold,” he was kissing her ear.

 

“Pity. I guess we’ll have to continue this on dry land, hmm?”

 

“Let’s hope,” he chuckled, turning around  shutting off the valves. She was wrapping a towel around her lovely body. His eyes watched her as she took another towel and wrapped it around her thick hair.

 

Stepping out of the shower, he reached for her.

 

“Let me,” he said softly. Surprised, and a little tense, she moved her arms. Stepping closer, he took the towel around her and undid it, gently drying her shoulders. Lightly he kissed her shoulder as he finished, then moved the towel down over her full breasts.

 

“Are you scared?” he whispered.

 

“No,” she answered truthfully.

 

“Then why are you shaking?”

 

“Anticipation,” she murmured back. He chuckled.

 

“Good things come to those who wait.”

 

“I’m not very patient,” she shivered happily as he teased her nipple with a light bite.

 

“So you need some patience lessons, do you?”

 

Aidan laughed and he kissed her bellybutton, his tongue playing with her navel ring.

 

“Would you like a repeat of the shower?” his lips were tickling against her, making it impossible to speak. Smiling, he led her out to the bedroom, bringing the candle with him in his other hand. Gently he pushed her back on the bed, kneeling over her.

 

“Now, where were we?” he murmured, kissing his bellybutton button ring. Closing her eyes as he began to tease her again Aidan let herself be carried away on the waves of passion, feeling herself building higher. Before she could climax this time though, he stopped, and a few seconds later, she felt him enter her. Gasping with pleasure at the feel of man, after so long without, she moaned happily as he began to move inside her. Lex kissed his way back up her stomach, stopping to work thoroughly on each breast before her neck, then her lips. She kissed him hungrily, pulling him close. There was no rush as he slowed his rhythm to tease her. When her eyes fluttered open she laughed to see he was staring down at her, those dark  blue eyes full of heat and amusement.

 

Without warning she moved swiftly and rolled them both so he was on his back.

 

“Wha-“ he was caught off guard but she easily pinned his wrists down.

 

“I can’t let you have all the fun,” she purred as she began to lick his chest. It was his turn to moan in pleasure as she teased his body, he arched to meet her, sucking her breasts when she teased him with it.

 

Lex couldn’t believe he had found such an assertive woman. He felt his orgasm building but knew from experience most women hit climax on bottom. With a grin to her he rolled her back and pinned her down as he neared orgasm.

 

Slowly he began pushing into her again, this time making her moan louder as he went slower and slower.

 

“Tease,” she moaned.

 

“Are you complaining?” he was kissing her neck.

 

“Just this once because its been so long since I’ve been with a man,” she murmured.

 

“Well, then, I definetly can’t disappoint,” he pushed into her suddenly, making her cry out in pleasure.

 

“Harder,” she whispered. That was all he needed as he sped up, pushing harder every time. Finally he exploded, and seconds later her body tightened as she cried out his name, her nails digging into his back as she climaxed.

 

When their senses returned, seconds later, Aidan opened her eyes to find him staring at her, an unreadable expression on his face. Gently, delicately, he kissed her but she slid her hand around his neck and kissed him more intensely. 

 

They lay silent for several moments, kissing and touching, bodies entwined. Finally he withdrew and moved from where he had been pinning here against the sheets, which were now soaked with sweat from their bodies.

 

Lex lay back, trying to focus his mind. He had never lost it like that. Aidan turned towards him and curled up against his side. Automatically he laid his arm around her shoulders. She kissed his chest.

 

“Thank you,” she said softly. “That was the most enjoyable experience I’ve had in. . .quite a while.”

 

“Me too. And you’re welcome,” he kissed her forehead. After a moment she started laughing. “what’s so funny?”

 

“I can just see my family’s expression. Oh my god!” she mockingly imitated her mothers prim voice, “my daughter is a harlot! Jumping in the sack with a man she barely knows! Oh the horrors! I feel the vapors coming on!”

 

Lex laughed at her imitation. “Yeah I kind of got that impression off of her.”

 

“That’s what she’s like.” Aidan replied in amusement.  “They forget I’m an adult. It’s because I’m the black sheep.”

 

“I like black sheep,” he kissed her again. “Are you hungry?”

 

“Yeah, some,” she admitted. It was almost 1:45 in the morning.

 

“Let’s order something.”

 

Twenty minutes later, Lex answered the door , wearing only his boxers. Giggling, Aidan stayed in bed, hiding from the sight of whoever delivered. He brought her a glass of wine as well as cheese and crackers.

 

***

 

Aidan lay half on her side, half on her stomach, one leg thrown out, red hair tangled around her, sound asleep. Lex lay on his side, curled up behind her, one leg thrown over her, one arms wrapped tightly around her. After feeding other both were so turned on they gave into their bodies again twice more before finally sleeping.

 

Both jumped when the phone rang and Aidan answered sleepily.

 

“What,” she growled.

 

“I can’t believe you’re still asleep!” her mother shrieked. “You were supposed to be down here ten minutes ago!”

 

“All right, I’m on my way. Give me ten minutes.”

 

“I’m coming up to get you young lady and you better be ready!”

 

“Shit,” Aidan hung up. Lex was already moving to find his clothes.

 

“I heard,” he smiled. “I’ll see you at the wedding yes?”

 

“Of course,” she smiled at him. He fastened his belt and slid on his shoes. Grabbing his shirt he kissed her twice, quickly and slipped out the door. Grinning, Aidan got up and grabbed her comb. If she could comb her hair and rinse off she’d be fine for the day.

 

When she was done with the shower, her mother was pounding on the door. Swearing under her breath Aidan let her in, wrapped in her towel.

 

“My God, Aidan it’s your sister’s wedding day! Can’t you be on time for once?” Pearl Chambers stormed into the room, followed by Aidan’s sisters and the other bridesmaids, all glaring at her for holding up their morning of luxury.

 

“Shit mom, relax. I could have met you somewhere.”

 

“Just get yourself dressed missy and be down in that lobby! You should have known better than to be boozing up the night before your sister’s wedding! You’re such a selfish child, I swear, I don’t know what to do with you.”

 

“Nothing, seeing as how I’m twenty six and independent from you.” Aidan snapped. Without any embarrassment she dropped her towel and slid on a pair of clean panties. Horrified at her brashness, the other girls glanced away. Marie, the sister getting married, was red in the face from anger.

 

“Keep your panties on,” Aidan smirked as she pulled on her low riders and an old, plaid shirt that was soft and worn. No need to reveal the tattoo just yet. Sandals and another quick swipe to her hair, ponytail, brush her teeth, she was ready.

 

***

 

An hour later, Aidan’s head was ready to explode. Alcohol had nothing to do with it, the giggles and high pitched voices of her sisters and friends were driving her nails. As she sat with her hair being pulled, teased, sprayed, moussed and everything else done to it, Aidan tried to block them out, remembering her night of passion with Lex. She’d never see him after this weekend, so she might as well have all the fun she could. Of course it had dawned on her they had used no form of protection but she wasn’t worried. She knew her cycle and she was nowhere near conception time.

 

After the seven girls were made up and puffed and sprayed and curled, they headed to the country club where they would dress and the make up girls would arrive.

 

Aidan slid into her dress and silently turned to the sister next to her, Carla to be zipped. She waited and then the inevitable “Oh dear god! Mother!”  

 

Quietly she waited for the screaming and hysterics to stop. Marie was in tears, insisting her wedding was ruined and how could Aidan. Carla and Diane, the other sister were berating her. The other three girls whom Aidan couldn’t remember the names of  just glared and shook their heads and crossed their arms, muttering about how selfish Aidan was.

 

“If you’re quite done I believe your face is now red and splotchy and you’ll need extra make up,” Aidan spoke in her soft voice. Marie burst into tears. Finally she was led away by their mother.

 

“Hey, I didn’t tell her to pick this dress,” Aidan shrugged. “I’ve had it for years.”

 

She went first for make up, since she was the only one whose face wasn’t a mask of rage or disgust. The makeup girl was silent, applying it quickly and professionally, commenting only on Aidan’s lovely face and gorgeous hair.

 

“Pity they did all that work to it. I bet it’s stunning down,” he murmured, eyeing Aidan. Aidan knew the look. The girl was a lesbian. She leaned close enough that Aidan could get a glimpse of her breasts. If she hadn’t met Lex and spent the previous night working out her sexual tensions and planning on more, she would have gladly given the girl her hotel room number.

 

“I’m with someone currently otherwise I wouldn’t hesitate to make you tremble tonight,” she whispered, barely audible so only the girl could hear, though they were alone at the moment, as the other girls were calming Marie in the next room.

 

“Double pity. If you want some extra company tonight, here’s my card,” The pretty blonde slid her card in the bustier of Aidan’s dress, her hand lingering on Aidan’s breast. With a wicked smile, Aidan reached up and caressed the girl, kissing her lightly. The girl inhaled sharply and started to press closer. Teasingly, Aidan kissed her deeper, their tongue touching before she pulled away.

 

“I can’t beautiful girl,” Aidan murmured. “I’ve caused enough ruckus to last a year.”

 

“If you change your mind, call me. I’ve got a few things in mind I’d like to do with you,” the girl whispered hoarsely. Aidan nodded. The girl began to apply her lipstick as Pearl came in.

 

“I hope you’re happy. Your sister is overcome with vapors,” she snapped.

 

“Tell her to try eating. Mother, go yell at someone else. I’ve had the tattoo for years, you just never noticed.”

 

“Maybe if you came home once in while to see your family-“

 

“Don’t start that crap again. You couldn’t care less about me or my place in the family. Just leave me alone and go take care of your precious Marie,” Aidan snapped. Pearl spun on  her heel and left. The girl finished.

 

“I’d like to say I’m done with you. . .but I hope tonight I get some more time,” she caressed Aidan’s cheek lightly. “I’d love to strip you down.”

 

“If I didn’t have plans. . .” Aidan sighed, stood up and undressed the girl mentally. “I hope she pays you well for putting up with her.”

 

“Marie? Oh I’ve known her for years,” the girl laughed. Aidan raised one eyebrow. The girl nodded. “Your sister isn’t so proper.” She leaned closer. “In college, one night, we fooled around. . .she begged me for more.”

 

Aidan’s mouth dropped open. She knew it!

 

“This is a favor  to her. In fact, we had our last rendezvous the other night but I must say, you are the true beauty in this family and I wish it was your legs I was between that night,” the girl stared right into Aidan’s eyes and ran her tongue over her lips before slipping into the other room.

 

Aidan’s heart raced. Holy shit. Her sister was bi too. Dear Gods, that was enough information to make her mother have a coronary. Not one, but two of her daughters enjoyed an alternative lifestyle!

 

Too hot in the room she stepped out and walked down the hallway. The men were gathering for their pictures, before the ceremony. Lex, so handsome in his black tuxedo looked up and stared. The other guys turned to see what had his attention and a few whistled in a low turn. Aidan turned and sashayed off, making sure she had a little extra swing to her hips.

 

Out on the balcony, in the sticky heat she took a deep breath. A minute later, Lx was behind her.

 

“You walk off like that and I want to run after you and throw you to the ground.”

 

“That could prove fun,” she smirked. He chuckled. “We’ll have to try it later?”

 

“Absolutely,” she purred. “If I wasn’t caked  in makeup and my hair teased so stiff it would repel bullets I’d be game right now.”

 

Lex just grinned, silently conveying his thoughts to her before he slipped back inside. If he kept standing next to her he’d be so tempted to touch her and if he touched that beautiful skin, so exposed and tantalizing right now he’d take her on the spot, people around be damned.

 

“So that’s where you snuck off to last night,” One of the other groomsmen chuckled. Lex ignored him. The guy was an ass to begun with, and had been the one to buy last nights stripper. “I wouldn’t have come back either. You know, put her and her sister into my bed and god, I could die a happy man.”

 

Alex focused on a painting, blocking the guy’s words. How dare this sleazy bastard compare his fiery Aidan to her ice princess sister who looked down on everyone.  Lex walked away before he threw a swing that would knock the guy on his butt.

 

Aidan was smiling to herself on the balcony, the sun casting a fiery halo around her red hair, which had been braided and curled and pinned up off her shoulders. Her shoulders had been dusted in a shimmery powder and a little bit of gold hairspray glittered off her russet hair.

 

Hopefully the wedding would be over quickly and she could slip off with Lex for another night of  intense pleasure. There was such passion behind his kisses, his thrusts almost violent, she loved  it. He had a tendency to growl, which turned her on even more. She only had one more night and she wanted him for all he was worth. After tonight shed’ never see him again so it needed to be a weekend to remember.

 

“You’re even sexier than your sister,” A dry voice said quietly in her ear. Startled, she turned to see one  of the groomsmen at her side. Earl? Evan? No one of importance. With a cold eye she looked him up and down and let her disappointment show. He was too close, right against her.

 

“Old Alex disappeared on us last night but I bet he was with you,” the guy leered. Aidan turned to him.

 

“Can I help you?”

 

“You sure can, honey.” The guy ran one finger down her arm, making her flesh crawl. “I think you need to have some fun time with me tonight. I can fuck you like you’ve never had before.”

 

Aidan’s temper popped. The guy leaned in closer.

 

“I can make you beg for more and take you to a new world. Once you’ve had me, you’ll never-”

 

Aidan saw Lex appear behind the man. Without thinking twice she made a fist and swung. Earl or Evan flew  backwards, landing on his butt as Brian, the groom appeared at Alex’s side.

 

“You come near me again buddy and you won’t have a dick left to piss out of, let alone violate another woman,” she snarled. Brian and Lex hurried forward.

 

“You all right?” Lex asked in a low voice.  She nodded.

 

“I don’t know where you found this guy Brian but he needs a few lessons in manners.”

 

“I’m so sorry Aidan. He had too much to drink last night and I guess it just carried over. I’m so sorry.”

 

“Hope his black eyes doesn’t show in the pictures,” she smirked, lifting her skirt slightly to step over him as she swept past.

 

Lex grinned to himself. Delicate southern belle she may not be but the princess attitude shone through at that moment and he wanted her more than ever. Returning to the dressing room, she was amused to find the maid of honor glaring at her.

 

“We finally got your sister calm,” she snapped in a heavy, southern syrup coated voice.

 

“That’s good. Wouldn’t want her to pass out at the altar,” Aidan replied sarcastically.

 

Pearl, her mother appeared in the doorway.

 

“You, young lady!”

 

“Shove it, Mom,” Aidan sneered, knowing how her mother hated that title. “The photographer is ready for us.”

 

Pearl just made a noise and continued to glare at her daughter until Aidan left the room. The guys had disappeared into their dressing room as the photographer reloaded with film. A nice looking man in his thirties, his eyes lingered on Aidan’s breasts in the low cut strapless gown she was wearing.

 

“I don’t know when they’ll be out. The bride has the vapors,” her words dripped sarcasm over her soft voice.

 

“Would you mind if I took a few of you? You have exceptional cheekbones,” the photographer replied. Aidan shrugged.

 

“Sure.”

 

“You don’t seem to fit in with the rest of them,” he answered, taking her by the hand and leading her to a chair. Aidan sat, next to the window, turning her head in the direction he moved his finger.

 

“You could say I’m the black sheep of the family,” she smiled, more to herself than him but he snapped off several pictures.

 

“Mysterious lady,” he murmured, moving around her. She spent the next fifteen minutes posing for him, deliberately turning on some seduction. His face had reddened and she knew he was sweating. At one point he stood directly behind her, rearranging a stray curl. His fingers lingered over tattoo and he took more than one of her shoulder and the tattoo, a couple with her glancing over her shoulder.

 

“Here we come!” Pearl’s voice echoed down the hall.  He inhaled sharply and moved away.

 

“I’m taken,” she murmured, “else I would happily join you tonight.”

 

“I’m married but  you are a goddess compared to my wife,” he whispered before stepping away.  The wedding party, all seven bridesmaids trooped in, headed by Pearl.

 

Aidan took her place in the line up as the photographer snapped away, but she wondered if he wasn’t taking extra pictures. . .sometimes the camera seemed to be focused in her direction specifically. What a riot it would be if her sister got the pictures back  and they were all of Aidan. That would be grist for the mill for years to come.

 

Someone was complaining of heat, the makeup girl was there to whisk powder over their faces and fan them. Aidan stood silently, moving to where she was told to.

 

Finally it was time to start the ceremony. People were gathered out on the spacious verandah, too many people for Aidan’s liking.  People she didn’t know, hadn’t seen in years, some she’d rather not see ever again, like Clayton Farlow, a guy she had dated in high school. Terrible in bed, not overly bright, he was the football star everyone adored.

 

To her immense delight, Lex switched places in the lineup and ended up being her escort. With a quick wink, he offered his arm. Smiling she took it and they stood in line to move down the aisle.

 

As they walked, Aidan recognized old family doctors, her parents friends, high school chums of Marie. Clayton Farlow. Aidan held back her pleasure at seeing him. The football lean form was gone. He had gone to seed, large belly hanging over his belt, receding hairline, big bushy mustache. More than one girl in the crowd was eyeing Lex, but his eyes remained firmly on Aidan.

 

As they stood through the ceremony, Aidan thought about Colorado. Right now she could buried under the covers with some hot ski instructor in front of a roaring fire. Or even better, she could be upstairs taking a shower with Lex, exploring that very well toned body.

 

Her blue eyes strayed over in his direction and he was staring intently at her. Instantly she knew he was thinking the same thing. As discreetly as possible she ran the tip of her tongue over her lips. A well hidden smile played at his lips. He understood.

 

The ceremony dragged on and on and Aidan could feel her hair beginning to droop in the summer humidity.  All the churches had been booked for this weekend and Marie insisted it be this day, it was their anniversary. Aidan wanted to vomit at the thought of it.

 

Finally they were done and started down the aisle, to their friends applause. Walking with Lex, Aidan was aware of the eyes on her. Going up the aisle her tattoo had been prominently displayed, now everyone was whispering. Aidan wondered how many secretly wanted a tattoo and how many had indulged in the practices they so publicly condemned.

 

More pictures, Aidan groaned at the announcement. Lex’s arms stayed firmly around her waist and she didn’t mind at all. At least she was in good company. If Clayton would just stop staring she might even enjoy herself.

 

 The photographer snapped a picture of her and Lex when she wasn’t looking but she didn’t mind. He was easily the best looking guy there and he seemed perfectly content to spend it with her.

 

The reception eventually started and she danced with Lex, unaware of much other than being in his arms as they danced without stopping. Her drinks were kept full and at one point Clayton tried to interrupt but Lex politely refused and whisked her away.

 

“Come on girls, time to catch the bouquet!” Marie called gleefully. Aidan rolled her eyes.

 

“No way,” she muttered. Lex grinned at her. As all the single girls came forward and the crowd gathered to watch, Aidan turned to Lex.

 

“C’mon. Time to go,” her lips tickled his ear. Without a word he winked and they slipped out past the people.

 

“Oh, I though we’d never get out,” she laughed as they ran for the elevator.

 

“Me too,” he kissed her neck lightly. Laughing, happily drunk, she pressed up against him.

 

“Ever done it in an elevator?” she whispered as she began to unbutton his shirt.

 

“Not enough time and too risky to sound the alarm,” his fingers found the zipper on the back of her dress.

 

They reached her floor before he could undo it and they quickly left the elevator. Slipping the key into the door, it took only an instant to slide inside before he shut it with his foot and crushed her against the wall.

 

Trembling, her fingers tore at his shirt buttons as he eagerly unzipped her dress. It fell to the floor , followed by her bra and his shirt. She tugged his  pants off and boxers as he peeled back her hose and panties. With a slight growl that heightened her excitement, he half threw her on the bed. Her moan excited him more as he began to kiss her legs, working his way up her thighs. This was the last night he had with her and he planned to make every moment count before she disappeared out of his life.

 

Her moans grew louder as he teased her with her tongue, her cried exciting him. Her nails scratched his back and tugged his hair as small orgasms swept over her. He loved the way her body felt under his control, that he was causing this reaction had him on the edge. As he slowly kissed his way up her stomach she laughed softly.

 

“What’s so amusing?” he asked. Her answer was a quick movement that found him on his back, hands pinned down.

 

“That,” she breathed, kissing his chest. Unused to role reversal Lex found himself aching for her as she teased him with her tongue, biting his nipples lightly and running her fingers over him so lightly, everywhere.

 

“There's no rush,” she purred. “we have all night.”

 

He answered with a groan of pleasure as she slid herself against him. Something soft and cool touched his wrists and he realized with a start she was tying his wrists.

 

“Relax,” she purred. “I promise you’ll enjoy every minute.”

 

It was even more unnerving to Lex that he found this predicament  highly erotic. Something light touched his chest and he realized she had unbound her hair and  was running it over his chest.

 

“Hope you have some energy,” she purred in his ear.

 

***

 

Lex woke the next morning to fine himself wrapped around her. The long red hair was still damp from their shower session at two am, when he pinned  her against the wall roughly and they almost fell as she wrapped her legs around him.

 

As soon as he moved she stretched, rubbing her warmed flesh against his and Lex almost laughed to realize he wanted her again. Reaching over he gently pinched her nipple. A soft moan and she opened one dark blue eyes and smiled. His knee softly moved her legs and he slipped into her from behind. Happily she moved closer against him and they rocked together in rhythm, hitting mutual climax together. For several minutes they lay spooned together, drifting into sleep.

 

Pounding on the door woke them. Aidan sat bolt upright.

 

“Aidan! Aidan you better not be hung over in there!” her mother was calling.

 

“Shit,” she groaned.

 

“The wedding is over babe, you have nothing to lose now.”

 

“True,” she smirked. Getting up she wrapped the comforter around her and headed for the door.

 

“Do you mind?” she snapped, opening the door. Pearl swept into the room.

 

“For gods sake, did you have to run out on oh!” Pearl stared at Lex laying in the bed, watching her with an amused smile on his face. Glancing around at the strewn clothes she covered her mouth with her hand and turned to her daughter.

 

“You harlot!”

 

“Yeah I figured. We had sex, mom. All night. And it was damn good. Night before last too,” she smirked.

 

“You sicken me. I-I have to leave.” Pearl was turning green.

 

Turning, the older woman left. Once she was gone, Aidan burst into laughter, turning to the bed. Lex lay there with his arms behind his head grinning.

 

“Oh my god, I’ve wanted to shock her for years!” Aidan leapt on the bed and into Lex’s arms as he rolled her over and kissed her roughly. “That was so. . .liberating!”

 

“Nothing like giving your mother a heart attack,” he said dryly.

 

Aidan just grinned.

 

An hour later, Lex kissed her good bye for the final time. The shuttle to take people to the airport had arrived.

 

“If you’re ever in Aspen, look me up. I run the Triple Moon Café and Resort,” she grinned, knowing he never would.

 

“Will do. I may be vacationing up there soon.” Lex knew damn well he’d be moving near Aspen within the next month or so, once his new assignment was finalized. He wasn’t done with Aidan just yet.

 

“Behave yourself,” he said sternly. She flashed her thousand dollar grin.

 

“You too.” A flash of sorrow crossed her lovely features as they kissed for the last time. Lex touched her face lightly, then he was gone.

 

With a contented sigh, Aidan hopped in the shower. Her plane didn't leave for a few more hours. As she washed she thought about her handsome pilot. Maybe someday he’d be landing near Aspen. A girl could hope.