Brazen Tricks Read online

  “It’s calling to me, Beck,” I confirm. I know exactly what he’s talking about when he says that. Getting back after inverts was one thing, but a 720 is something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time. “I know it’s not going to be easy. I don’t want easy.”

  Beck studies me. “You’ll wear knee pads, elbow pads, wrist pads.”

  I nod, because he’s not making a request, he’s telling me this is the only way I’m getting his support. “Your helmet’s still new,” he goes on, and I nod again. “You know the ramp here isn’t ideal. A bigger one would make it a lot easier.”

  “It’s big enough,” I tell him. I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and I’d much rather practice this kind of trick in privacy than on a perfectly-sized ramp with an audience. With the exception of that moment after the invert this morning, I’ve never experienced anxiety in this park.

  Beck grabs my hand again and brings it to his lips for a kiss. “Let’s do this then. First lesson, learning to fall.”

  I roll my eyes. “I know how to fall, Beck.”

  “Knowing is one thing, but let’s make it muscle memory so that even if panic sets in, your body does what it needs to do to protect you, yeah?”

  He’s referring to what happened in December on the Riptide half pipe.

  “If it makes you feel better, sure Beck.”

  So the lesson starts with both of us in knee pads sliding down the thirteen-foot half pipe. There’s also the giant bowl in the back yard, but that one’s around eight feet at its highest.

  When we finally get to skateboarding, I’m determined to put Beck at ease. We’ve been laughing and smiling and kissing all morning, so I’m loose when I make my first attempt. Panic and doubt are the furthest things from my mind as I try again and again. Hours pass, and by the time I’m ready to call it a day, I’ve almost got the double spin down. The landing is going to take a long time, but I’m determined. Aerial spins are my thing, and while I want this for the pure fun of it, the joy of the challenge, I also want to stick it for another reason. I need something in my arsenal if I’m ever going to beat Sarah Kase, and this trick might just be what it takes.

  Chapter Four

  Beck

  My girl is covered in bruises and there’s nothing I can do about it. It’s been almost three weeks since her first day attempting a 720, and at least she seems to have perfected the fall technique for this particular trick. Three days a week she’s at Summerside taking classes, and Friday through Monday she’s with me, spending hours on the half pipe in our backyard. I knew Jordan was determined, but damn, she’s relentless.

  “Someone needs to make hip pads that don’t impede your flow.” I take in the purple and blue splotches on her butt and hips before she slips a form-fitting dress over her head.

  “I’m getting closer though,” Jordan says, too focused on the goal to care much about the pain she’s got to be suffering.

  “There’s no deadline, Hotshot,” I remind her as I slip my hands around her waist.

  “Actually, there sort of is.”

  The dress clings to her body and begs my hands to wander, which they do. “No bra?”

  Jordan leans into my touch as my hands move up her stomach to her chest, one part of her body that hasn’t been bruised yet from her 720 attempts.

  “Or undies,” she confirms, making my hands drift back down, until I remember how tender her ass must be.

  “You should take tomorrow off, Jordan. We can go to the beach instead.”

  She turns in my arms, her hands holding my forearms as her eyes take in my semi-formal attire. “I want to get a 720 down before the X Games.”

  Her words pull me away from calculating if we’ve got time for a quickie before the event tonight. “In November?”

  “Yeah, it’ll be my first X Games and I want to do something special.”

  “But even if you land it tomorrow, you know a trick like that doesn’t come together every time. Hell, I’ve only landed a 900 twice and I don’t think I’ll ever try it at a competition again.”

  “I want to beat Sarah Kase. It’s the only thing I can think of that will give me an edge. The kind of edge she can’t call a fluke, like at the Oregon Cup.”

  I’m not sure I’m liking this explanation. Jordan’s been digging the competitions because they’re fun and exciting, not for some personal vendetta. “I know Sarah’s been a bitch to you from day one, and that she was the only one who beat you at vert at Southskate, but is that really what’s driving you?”

  “No, I’m going for it because I can’t stop thinking about it and I want it. I’m getting closer every day. The X Games just gives me a sort of deadline, I guess.”

  “You know you beat her fair and square at the Oregon Cup. And you’ll beat her again.” I want to remind her of all the other tricks she’s good at and ones she can still perfect that aren’t as dangerous, but I know it’s pointless.

  “I probably do need a day off tomorrow though.” She surprises me. “As long as I don’t scare everyone at the beach with my bruises. Come on, we’ll be late to the opening.”

  Brazen’s finally opening its first store after months of online sales only. It’s in downtown Jay Beach, not far from the house. Tonight is the grand opening party, and it’s a good thing the space is a big one because we invited way too many people.

  “I’ve never been to a store grand opening,” Jordan says as we skate along the sidewalk toward downtown. I usually drive but wanted to save the parking spaces tonight.

  “Me neither. It won’t be too different from a regular party.”

  Jordan glances behind her. “What kind of regular party are you talking about, Beck?”

  “I mean, there’s gonna be an open bar and our friends. It’s not like a shopping grand opening where random people come to shop. People will be drinking and hanging, not buying merchandise.”

  “I thought your sisters were working the cash register tonight?”

  “Oh yeah, people can buy stuff, but since it’s a private party by invite only, it’s more about celebrating, getting some photos for the website, media buzz, and then regular customers start coming tomorrow.”

  “So will I know most everyone here then? I thought you said there will be over two hundred.”

  “Oh, yeah I guess there’s also a bunch of skateboarding biz types in addition to our friends and pros you’ve met.”

  I’m right behind Jordan, and watching her skate in that tight dress with Brazen kicks on her feet might be the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. It’s the sexy and sporty contrast. So very Jordan. “You really aren’t going to wear underwear?”

  “The dress goes below my knee, Beck, don’t worry. I picked this dress to strategically cover the worst of my scrapes and bruises. It’s actually super comfortable, but I’m not going to be hitting the park in this.”

  I’m wondering how I’m going to get through a night of catching up with people when I’ve got Jordan looking like this and knowing she’s naked underneath. Jordan slows and comes to a stop as we reach the crosswalk. “Beck, you’re Brazen’s VP. You’re going to have to stop staring at my ass when we get there and look like the professional Griff is counting on you to be.” She puts her hands on my shoulders as she gives this advice.

  I groan as I force myself to resist grabbing said ass right here. Jordan’s eyes twinkle like she knows exactly what I’m thinking. “Just give it one little squeeze and then no touching until we’re home later.”

  My hands don’t hesitate and slide right over the smooth fabric, grabbing on. Just as I do, a familiar car honks and Zora sticks her head out the window with a wolf whistle. Taylor’s driving, with Ellie riding shotgun and it looks like Brie is in the backseat with Zora as they drive by, waving.

  The light changes for us to cross and I grab Jordan’s hand, not wanting to lose the connection just yet. “Taylor’s been happy as hell ever since Ellie got back with him,” I tell Jordan.

  “Ellie too. She made a good effort at fak
e happy for a while there, but it’s the real deal now.”

  “With everyone in the house pairing off, makes me wonder if Griff will find his girl or if he’ll be single forever.”

  “Brie’s not with anyone, is she?”

  “Uh, I’m not sure,” I hedge. Shit. I don’t want to keep a secret from Jordan, but I promised I wouldn’t tell her who Brie’s been seeing just yet.

  Jordan doesn’t seem to notice my vague response. She hops off her board and picks it up as we get closer to the store. “Wow, are those people waiting to come in?”

  I check my watch. We’re twenty minutes before the official start time, just to make sure Griff doesn’t need any last-minute help. We figured it’d be like a normal party, with people flowing in later, not all showing up right on time. But there are at least two dozen people milling about, and I don’t recognize any of them.

  “Some of them have cameras. I know you said there’d be a professional photographer, but…” Her voice drifts off as one of the people in the crowd aims a camera at us.

  I’ve had unexpected cameras on me at skateparks, and with the exception of hidden cameras for Shred Live, this is the first time I’ve experienced an unexpected shot walking down the street.

  My arm moves around Jordan’s waist as I turn us around. “What are you doing?” she asks.

  “Let’s go in the back. The front’s probably locked so these guys can’t get in.”

  “Who are they?”

  “I’m not really sure. Maybe Griff knows.”

  But when we get inside the store, Griff’s the one asking us questions. “Are those paps out there?”

  “Paps as in paparazzi?” Jordan asks.

  “Yeah. I mean not all of them have cameras. Some look like fans who might have heard about this and thought it was open to the public.”

  There’s a knock on the front door and we spot Taylor peering in with Brie, Zora and Ellie behind him.

  Naomi jogs over to open the door and Griff is hot on her heels, grabbing her around the waist. “I told you not to open the front door yet.”

  “Relax Griff, I'm getting it for Taylor, not letting your fangirls in.”

  Griff opens the door for them as Naomi huffs in annoyance before turning to give us smiles. We spent all morning skating together, and I know she’s excited to be included in this party. Technically she and Summer are working, but in their minds they’re getting to be part of something they normally are too young for.

  “Who are all those people out there?” Brie asks the same question we’re all asking once they’ve slipped inside.

  Summer is sitting on the counter and calls out, “Griffin and Beck’s fangirls and some local news stations. I don’t think any of those are like legit paps for celebrity mags. You guys really aren’t in that league, sorry.”

  I hope she’s right. “Besides, we aren’t in LA,” Naomi adds. “Beck, have you even been to LA since Shred Live aired? I wonder if you’re famous enough now for paparazzi to pay attention.”

  My arm tightens around Jordan. “Doubt it. And I’m not planning to go to LA anytime soon.”

  “Well whoever they are, we need to open the doors soon,” Griff points out. “I didn’t think I’d need a bouncer. How are we gonna keep them out?”

  “I can play bouncer,” Taylor offers.

  “Would it be so bad to let them in?” Ellie asks. “More photos on more news outlets is a good thing, right?”

  “It’s the fans I’m not real excited about letting in,” Griff clarifies. “I have a lot of people coming tonight I want to actually take the time to talk to, and if I’m dodging chicks asking for my autograph –”

  “Or asking you for a booty call,” Naomi adds helpfully.

  “You shouldn’t even know what a booty call is,” I grumble.

  “I’ll play bouncer too,” Zora offers. “I know people don’t have tickets and I don’t even know most of the guests but I’ve got a really good crazy radar.”

  “I’ll admit this is true,” Ellie says. “She was always telling us Sydney was bad news and turns out she was right.”

  Summer hops off the counter and pats her brother on the shoulder. “They’re probably all here for Beck and our reality television stars in attendance anyway. Your days of fangirls are going to end soon, Griff, now that you’re not competing. You sure you don’t want to embrace it while you still can?”

  “I’m sure.”

  I hadn’t really thought about the reality that I might be the one dodging fans tonight. “Will you protect me if Summer’s right?” I ask Jordan.

  “Absolutely. I’ve been waiting for this moment forever, Beck. If you thought I was done staking my claim when I mauled you at Southskate, you just wait.”

  Now I’m really looking forward to the night and maybe even hoping a few crazy fangirls will accost me.

  Chapter Five

  Jordan

  Beck had no idea what he was talking about when he said this would be like a regular party. Zora and Taylor play bouncers at the door, so the random people waiting outside who weren’t invited don’t make it inside after all. But it’s not only our friends here, and the other, oh, one hundred and fifty people, aren’t exactly the college party scene types. To start, Beck’s mom Marie and his step-dad Marco are here, along with Griffin’s parents. They’re here to support their sons of course, but I can also tell this is exciting to them, not just an obligation. There are some people here in the big leagues, and even though Beck and Griff might be considered a similar status, it’s still a bit exhilarating to brush elbows with people you’ve seen on television.

  “You could have warned me Eileen Delarosa would be here,” I hiss to Beck.

  “I didn’t know she would be. But that would explain the paparazzi. Her girlfriend, Whitney, is a skateboarder.”

  “She is?” This seems like something even I would have heard about somehow.

  “She’s not a pro, but she started a foundation that helps underprivileged kids learn to skate. Kids from tough neighborhoods.”

  “That’s really cool.”

  “You want to go over there and talk to them, don’t you?”

  I’ve been staring at them ever since they arrived. I might not watch much TV but I adore Eileen. She’s one of the few people I was actually excited to follow when I finally got around to joining social media, and I haven’t been disappointed.

  “No, that’s okay.” I mean, what would I even say?

  “I’ve never seen you go fangirl on anyone, Jordan. Is this what it looks like? You have a crush on Eileen, don’t you?”

  My eyes finally pull away from her to look at him. “I just think she’s awesome.” His eyes are twinkling in amusement.

  Mine dart back to Eileen. “I mean fine, I have a little crush on her but I don’t stalk her or anything. I didn’t even know her girlfriend was a skater. She looks cool.” The woman beside her is maybe early-thirties, and has this forever-young vibe going for her. Sun-bleached blonde braids wrapped in a pile on her head and, I notice, Brazen shoes.

  “She’s sponsored by Brazen? She should be!”

  “You know, that’s a good idea. Maybe we can set up a partnership with her foundation. I’m sure Griff’s already thought of it and that’s why she’s invited tonight.”

  “Maybe we should go over there then to make the connection. There’s no way Griff’s going to get around to talking to all the guests here on his own.”

  “He actually gave me a handful of people I’m supposed to talk to. Sorry Hotshot, Eileen wasn’t on the list, but I’m happy to be an overachiever for your sake.”

  Beck grabs my hand and starts moving toward the biggest celebrity in the room.

  Before we can reach them, we’re intercepted by Donnie Guzman. I remember Griff and Beck talking about inviting him. They didn’t want to, but felt they had to as he has his hands in a lot of Extreme sport pots, with skateboarding his primary passion. The man was big time twenty years ago or so, and now judges for the X Ga
mes and hosts a competition of his own. He was also one of the judges for Shred Live. According to Beck and Griff, he’s got an ego the size of a small planet. Griff said something like, “I don’t plan on making any partnerships with the guy or asking for favors. It’s more about what he can do to Brazen if he’s not on our side, than what we can get from him. We just need to make sure he doesn’t have any reason to put us in the category of ‘okay to screw over.’”

  I recognize him from Shred Live, but then I notice a woman beside him and when I realize who it is, I try not to show a reaction.

  Camila Gonzales.

  What is she doing here?

  Donnie slides a hand around her waist and it clicks. Not only why she’s here tonight, but possibly why she seemed to get better scores than she deserved on the reality television show.

  Donnie greets Beck like they’re old friends, but I’m wary. Beck’s tense beside me, and I haven’t figured out if it’s because of Camila, Donnie, or both.

  Camila’s eyes are devouring Beck and she doesn’t seem to give two shits that I’m holding his hand or that she’s on another man’s arm. As Beck introduces me and the two talk about Beck’s new position with Brazen and how all that is going, I can’t help but return my eyes to scan Camila, while she continues checking out my boyfriend. It’s impossible to ignore that she’s downright stunning. The dress is a bit much with some side boobage and major cleavage, but there’s no denying she’s probably the most gorgeous woman in the room. Which makes me wonder, why is she with a man twenty years her senior? I guess some women like older men, and hey, I’m kind of one of them, though seven years versus twenty is a little different.

  Camila finally acknowledges my presence and I brace myself for a snide comment. “Jordan, what competition do you have next? I heard we might be seeing you at your first X Games soon?”