“Not really. I like you, though. You’re fun, different. How can two totally different people live in the same womb together for nine months?”
“I ignored him and stuck to my side of the womb. We had different embryonic sacs.”
“Too much info, Derrick!”
“Just kidding. He’s a great brother, though I’m older by eight minutes. He’d never do the threesome thing, anyway; too private for that.”
What a thought. One on each side, taking turns with me, filling me with joy and surrender that only belonged in romance novels. I could never do that to Darrius, though, so get your mind back on track, girl! You’re losing it out here. Think fast. “What’s the grass dance all about?”
“The Ponca say it originated on the plains. People went to an isolated spot on the prairie to give thanks. It’s a pretty simple story, actually, but very important to our culture.”
“What I saw of it was engaging; wild, vivid. Does Darrius participate in any of the dancing?” she asked, hoping to find out if Darrius danced at all.
“Not really. He used to.”
“Why did he stop?”
“He just stopped is all. His soul is as deep and raging as a flowing stream. Maybe deeper. He keeps a lot of things to himself—other than talking about you. The minute he stepped into the store, he couldn’t wait to tell me he had seen you again. You two developed pictures and went to the day parade, huh?”
“Is that all he told you?”
“Basically. Why?”
“No reason.” Don’t divulge a thing, sister! “You must have just gotten here, because it seems I left Darrius only a little while ago.”
“We caught each other in passing; he was coming into the store as I was leaving it. He knew I needed to be here by a certain time to practice with my troupe, so I left Joe in charge for a while.”
She looked into Derrick’s face, seeing shadows from nearby flames from pits, from trees and the looming rock wall behind him. His features were crisp and angled, square-jawed, beautiful, just like Darrius’s, and could possibly stir her body in much the same way. This twin may have had the same face, but his spirit seemed different, swifter, more commonplace. He was kind, funny, and seemingly just as knowledgeable. Something told her to leave, just leave and find Darrius, make up for shying away from his affections, because from what she was feeling, apparently they were meant to share more than a darkroom.
Justine said her goodbyes and headed to her car. It was getting dark, and it had been a long day. She was ready to sleep, be fresh and ready for more work and exciting scenes the next day. Wednesday was to be very busy for her, returning to Red Rock for more of the pre-festivities. Her laptop sat next to her on the bed and she was happy that she had the chance to send more photos to her editor. The issue would be a late September release, and she and her photos were always ready weeks in advance. This time would be no different.
After showering and relaxing on her bed, she thought back on the day’s events and realized she had not made contact with Darrius. They were supposed to meet at Red Rock earlier that day. Maybe he had gotten too busy with inventory or store hours. Before long, fatigue took over and Justine fell into a restless sleep. Even then, Darrius invaded her dreams.
7
MOONLIGHT SERENADE
Darrius’s message machine at home and work came on, so Justine was reduced to leaving a mechanized version of herself. She hoped he would get it. Wednesday had been a long day, and maybe a nice refreshing shower was what she needed more than a face-to-face with Darrius.
The shower jets pounded her body, relaxing her, clearing her mind. The trail leading to the upper hills came to mind. Going up there and photographing whatever was there challenged her. But, would she be brave enough? She needed an off-road vehicle. Darrius had one. He had two, in fact, but she didn’t want to dismiss his warning, despite how photogenic the other side of the mountain probably was.
It seemed that no matter where her thoughts wandered, they eventually came back to Darrius. He filled her mind as her soapy hands traveled over her body—to her breasts, pinching the heightened buds, wishing her fingers were his. She remembered how she felt pressed against him in the darkroom, how tight his body was, how warm, smooth. She had sensed his blood rushing, his fire starting. Remembering the length and thickness of his erection as it pressed firmly against her consumed her. Her hand moved past her stomach and into warmer territories.
Water and flesh joined, making her sex tingle and rush with thoughts of Darrius touching her there. His nimble fingers moved like a swift wind inside her, thrashing against her clit, massaging the soft outer folds of her womanhood—making her peak. Her eyes closed as the pounding within stampeded over her. She held her breath as her stomach contracted and her back arched. Her body constricted around her fingers, and in the distance, she heard herself calling his name.
After the hurricane that swallowed her body ceased, her eyes slowly opened. There she was leaning against the shower wall, hair dripping across her shoulders and breasts, her heart racing, her mind on the man who had taken over her body. Weak!
How could I let the mere thought of him invade me like that?
Easy. It was Darrius Red Sky, and he had conquered, claimed his territory—at least until yesterday in his dark room. Before then, she could practically see him willing her into a storm of an orgasm, smiling at her rush as she delivered to him. Hell, his smile was on everything she saw. Who was to say he couldn’t actually see her in his thoughts? He had apparently done so before.
Hearing the room phone, she ran back into the bedroom just in time to pick it up before it stopped ringing. The display read: Red Sky Jewelers. Thank God. Then she wondered: Does he know what I just did in the shower? “Darrius?”
“Hi, beautiful. How was your shower?”
Christ! “It was relaxing. How did you know I was taking a shower?”
“I’m sure you had a long and tiring day at Red Rock, and that’s why I didn’t disturb you. Isn’t a nice, long shower the next logical step?”
“Usually.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t make it last night. How did things go? Take any good pictures?”
“Everything I photographed was beautiful, of course, and I did take some great shots. I ran into your brother last night. Almost thought he was you, but then I remembered you were at the store all day yesterday.”
“Just remember this, his eyes are darker. That’s the only difference.”
The only one? “Is that all?” The tightness of his crotch came screaming back into her mind.
“Well, he’s taller by half an inch. How were the events there today?”
“Fabulous; wish you had been able to make it.”
“I got really busy with inventory. Sorry.”
“That’s okay. We can get together another time.” Then she thought about the main reason he may not have been there. The darkroom affair! “Darrius, about yesterday in your lab—”
“I know what you’re about to say, and I’m really sorry.”
