Getaway

Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. It is intended for mature audiences only. Any similarities to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. All players are over the age of eighteen unless otherwise stated. Although this story does contain some adult themes, including bondage, it is primarily a romance. Romance tales are and will always be my first love in terms of writing. If you do have a problem with bondage, please stop here! For my regular readers and any new fans, I hope you enjoy it and get nice and hot in the process!

-BBD

Tagline: An actress retreats to the mountains for the weekend.

"Help me! Someone help me!" My hand barely clutches the tree root that is standing between me and certain death.

"Well, well, well, Angela, so it has come down to this."

"Help me! Please don't let me fall!"

"So, you'll consider my offer to sign your father's company over to me?"

"No! No, no, no! Never, never, never!"

"Then perhaps I should let you descend into the chasm below. I wonder how long it will be before anybody finds you. A month? Maybe two? By then the animals will have scattered what is left of your remains."

"You bastard!"

"I've been called worse, my dear."

Benjamin leans down and begins to pry my fingers from the branch.

"What are you doing? Stop it! No!"

"Just speeding up the inevitable. It was nice knowing you, Angela. Say hello to your father in Heaven."

"Noooooooo!"

"Angela!"

"Ben!"

"What the fuck?"

I hear the sound of Ben's fist connecting with Eric's jaw. Then I hear more grunting and mumbled curses. Suddenly, there's a blood curdling scream. A shadow plunges past me. Someone grabs my hand.

"No!"

"Angela, it's me! I've got you baby!" Ben's strong arm begins to pull me up the side of the cliff. When my stomach touches the grass, I'm able to kick my legs and pull myself up and away from danger. Ben helps me to my feet. I throw my arms around his neck.

"Ben! Oh my God, he was going to kill me! He was going to watch me die!"

"Shh, shh, it's all over. You're safe now. He can't hurt you any more."

"Is he?" I look back over my shoulder.

"Yeah."

"Oh no! You're gonna be arrested!"

"No, I won't. It's clearly a case of self defense. You'll testify to that, won't you?"

"Yes! Yes, you know I will!"

I hug him again.

"Ben, I love you so much! You saved my family's company!"

He pulls me back and cups the back of my neck, pulling me in for a kiss.

"Cut!" the director yells. "Beautiful! That's a print!"

"Nice work, Taylor."

"Thank you, Jay. You always put so much into the heroes you portray."

"Can you blame me when I'm saving a such a beautiful lady?" He waggles his eyebrows at me.

"Alright now cowboy, you'd better slow your roll, or I'm gonna have to tell your wife that you're getting fresh with your leading lady."

"You wouldn't!" He grabs his chest like he's in pain.

"I won't, if you behave yourself."

He chuckles.

"So, any plans for the weekend?"

"Yeah, I think I'm gonna go up to Grammy's cabin, just relax, enjoy the peace and quiet for a couple of days."

"You deserve it, little lady. Go get some rest and be ready to go again Tuesday morning."

"Oh believe me, I will!"

I stretch up to kiss Jay on the cheek, since he's six feet and I'm only five feet four inches in height. "Give my best to Amy and the kids."

"I will! You be safe driving up there!"

"Will do!"

I wave to him as I go into my trailer to scrub off my stage makeup. When I'm not working, I never wear makeup except for a little eyeliner, rouge, and lip gloss. Once my face is clean, I change out of the dress and shoes that's a part of my character and change into more comfortable clothes, a T shirt, jeans, hiking boots and a red and black flannel shirt tied around my waist. I leave the trailer and head towards the parking lot.

Several minutes later, I'm pulling into the lot of a convenience store. As I get out of my car I hear,

"Miss Thomas! Miss Thomas!"

A couple of young female voices make me turn around. A couple of girls, who can't be more than thirteen, come scurrying over to me with little autograph books. I didn't think they made those anymore!

"Can we have your autograph?" they say in unison. That's when I notice, they're twins! They have on the same dress in different colors. They are cute though, with silver braces on their teeth and brown hair falling around their shoulders.

"Of course, girls. Who would like to go first?"

"I would." The girl in the yellow dress hands me her little book.

"Alright. Who should I make this out to?"

"Miranda."

I write, "To Miranda, good luck in school and thanks for being a fan. Taylor Thomas."

"Thank you, Miss Thomas!"

"You're welcome. And you?" I turn to her sister.

"Can you make it out to Monica?"

"Sure!"

"I want to be an actor when I grow up, Miss Thomas."

"Really? Have you been in any school plays?"

"Um, I played the part of Nancy when our school did "Oliver Twist.""

"Really? Ah, so you were the female of Fagin's gang and the doomed lover of Sikes?"

"You know the story?"

"Quite well. I must've read it a hundred times when I was your age."

I write, "To Monica, good luck in school and on the stage! Thanks for being a fan, Taylor Thomas."

"Can we get a selfie?" Miranda asks.

"Oh please?" Monica chimes in.

I smile.

"Sure."

I stand in the middle and put my arms around them while Miranda snaps the picture.

"Thank you, Miss Thomas!" they say in unison, again. I smile as they leave. It's nice to be admired and loved, most of the time. When I go into the store, it's quiet, only the cashier is in there. I just buy a couple of things, sweet tea, chips, one of my favorite chocolate bars.

"This all for you, Miss?" the young guy behind the counter asks me.

"Yes, thank you."

He rings me up, and I hand him my debit card.

"Are you the Taylor Thomas? The actress?"

"Yes, I am."

The young man blushes slightly.

"Uh, could I...I mean, if it wouldn't be too much, would you um...sign something for my girlfriend? She's a huge fan of yours, Miss Thomas." He sounds so sincere. How could I say no?

"Got something for me to sign?"

He looks around and pulls a DVD from his backpack. It's my last movie, Trapped, a thriller about a young woman who has to solve the mystery of her father's death. He hands me a permanent marker. I flip the case over.

"What's your girlfriend's name?"

"Regina," he says with obvious love in his voice.

"To Regina, lots of love, Taylor Thomas," I write. I hand him the case back.

"Oh Miss Thomas, thank you. She's gonna be falling all over me when she sees this! I just wanna say, you seem like a nice lady. Some of the celebs that come around here are so, uh..."

"Stuck on themselves?" I ask. I chuckle when I see him blushing.

"My dad always told me that you're only as good as your last production. If the people don't love you, then your career is over, so always treat everyone with kindness and respect. I'll be back through here before the holiday weekend is over. You be safe and don't work too hard."

He grins.

"Thank you, Miss Thomas! Thanks so much! You have a good evening!"

He was a nice kid. I'm sure he'll score major points with his girl for getting my autograph. I am smiling until I get to my car, and I see the rose and the note taped to my windshield. I sigh and tear off the flower. I already know who the note is from. Why won't this guy just take no for an answer?

"Taylor! Taylor!"

I close my eyes in annoyance. I start to open my car door, but he's on me before I can get in.

"Taylor, please, just five minutes of your time, is all I'm asking!"

"Kevin, I told you before that I don't want to go out with you!"

I open my car door, but he slams it and leans on it.

"Kevin, please. I have somewhere I need to be in an hour. Can you please move?" In reality, I am not on any time schedule except my own. I just want to get away from him! He looks at me with his creepy dark eyes. He's not a bad looking man, he's tall, slender, and he's got a touch of gray in his hair. I can tell that he tans from the sun kissed hue he has to his skin, but past that, he makes me very uncomfortable.

"Where are you going, Taylor?"

"Miss Thomas! You know, I met three fans today, and they all had the courtesy to address me properly."

"Come on Gorgeous. Are you really going to treat your biggest fan that way?" He smiles. He has a perfect smile and a dimple in his cheek, but that smile makes my blood run cold. He looks me over like I'm a filet mignon served with garlic mashed potatoes and portobello mushrooms.

"Kevin, I don't want to be rude, but I really do have to go. I have people waiting for me! Please move."

"No, you don't. I know you're driving up to your grandmother's cabin for the weekend."

Shit!

"I...I...um...changed my mind. Jay is having a party, and I need to go home and change into something more presentable."

He sucks his teeth.

"Why are you lying to me, Taylor? I know your costar and his family are going out of town this weekend, to the beach."

"How did you..." My throat tightens so hard I can hardly speak.

"I have my resources. So, let's say you and me go up to that cabin, just the two of us?" He opens my car door and gestures for me to get in.

Don't do it, Taylor. If he gets you alone, you might never be heard from again. There are too many places up here where a girl could go missing and not be found for twenty years!

I shake my head. "I'm not going anywhere with you!"

"Oh yes, you are."

Kevin surprises me by roughly grabbing my arm.

"Excuse me," says a deep male voice, "I believe the young lady asked you to leave her alone."

I turn and see a man with skin the color of fine dark chocolate, a goatee and his jet black hair cut close to his head coming towards us. He's dressed similarly to me, flannel shirt, jeans, and boots.

"Stay out of this, pal," Kevin snaps, "this is a private discussion."

"Oh really? A private conversation in a public parking lot? How convenient. Why don't I invite the sheriff to join this little conversation, hmm?"

Kevin glares at the stranger, but he does let me go. He hurries to his car, jumps in and hightails it out of the parking lot.

I fall back against my door frame.

"Are you alright, Miss? Did he hurt you?"

"I'm fine," I shake my head, trying not to cry. "He just...he scared me so badly this time!"

"This time? You mean this creep has come after you before?"

I cover my mouth with my hand and nod. I can feel the tears starting.

"Hey, come on over here, sit down."

He leads me over to a fallen log at the edge of the parking lot and sits me down. He squats in front of me. "Hey, don't cry. You're safe now. I scared him off." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a handkerchief. I take it and wipe my eyes.

"I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what?"

I shake my head.

The stranger doesn't touch me. He just waits quietly.

"Are you okay now? Should I take you to the clinic?"

"Oh no! No! I'm, I'm sorry, I'm not hurt. Thank you for offering, but I'm alright." I wipe my eyes and nose again.

"Who was that guy?"

"His name is Kevin Thornton. He's a man that calls himself my biggest fan."

"Your biggest fan?" The stranger sits beside me.

"You don't know who I am?"

He shakes his head.

"No offense, Miss, but I'm sorry."

"It's okay. It's um," I swallow, "kind of refreshing not to be recognized for a change."

"You're either a singer, a model, or an actress."

"I am an actress. I'm Taylor Thomas."

"I'm sorry, but I don't really do the whole streaming apps thing. I'm much more into books and my art than I am the movies, but you might make me change my mind. I'm Paul, by the way, Paul Friedman."

"Paul, my favorite apostle," I say as I shake his hand. "Thank you for helping me. He's never come on this strong before."

"How long has he been bothering you?"

"About a year."

"Do the police know?"

I nod.

"Yeah. They said unless he threatens me, they really can't do anything. The restraining order I have means nothing. I've called twice on him, and he just gets a slap on the wrist, and then he's back to roam the streets."

Paul shakes his head.

"I'm so sorry. You shouldn't have to put up with some creep like that bothering you."

"Well, it's the price I'm paying for becoming a famous actress."

"No," Paul gently touches my hand. "It's not right. You have the right to be safe, and to your privacy."

"You're right."

I stand up. "Well, I think I've taken up enough of your time, Mr. Friedman. I should get going. Thank you for the use of your hanky and for saving me."

"It was my pleasure. You be safe."

I get back in the car and start back on the road towards the cabin. I turn on my radio and let the classical station blast in my ears. I'm glad that Paul intervened when he did. Kevin had been annoying, but never had he ever frightened me that way. What if he'd forced me into my car and made me drive up here with him? I shake my head, trying to push away those ugly thoughts.

I stop once more before dark to pick up enough groceries for the weekend. I make sure to park in a well lit spot near the entrance. Thankfully, Kevin doesn't show his face. I make it to the cabin, a beautiful A frame house overlooking the lake. As I'm carrying the bags in, I see a man stacking firewood in the shelter against the house. I'm not worried. I'm sure that it's just the caretaker. As I get closer, I look again. I blink. No! It couldn't be!

"Mr. Friedman?"

He stops and turns around.

"We meet again. I didn't know this was your place."

"Well, um, my grandmother willed it to me when she passed. I...I'm just surprised to see you. Where is Mr. Wilson?"

"Gramps had to retire last month for his health. He had a mild stroke, and the doctor felt it best if he stop working for good."

"Your grandfather?"

He keeps stacking.

"Mom's father. Her maiden name is Wilson."

"Wow! What a small world!" I chuckle.

Paul turns to me.

"Can I help you with your bags, Miss Thomas? I didn't want to invade your space, especially after..."

"Yes, that would be nice. Thank you. And, it's okay if you want to call me Taylor."

"Then I want you to call me Paul. Mr. Friedman is my father."

He takes the bags and carries them inside. The place looks very clean, considering I haven't been up here in about six months. Paul sets the bags on the counter.

"Do you have a suitcase or a travel bag?"

"Yes, a couple."

"I'll get them."

He brings in my suitcase and my little travel bag into the house. He turns to me and says,

"Well, I'm sure you had a long day. I'll leave you to rest. Oh, can you take down my cell number? I want you to have it in case you need anything."

"Sure." I unlock my phone and hand it to him. He programs his number in. I call him so that he locks my number in as well.

"Even though I have a key, I won't bother you, unless you need something. I know you came up here to just get away from it all. You call me anytime, day or night. I'm just down the path at the caretaker's cottage."

Paul heads for the door.

"Paul?"

"Yes?"

I go up to him, and I hug him. "Thank you again, for what you did earlier. Things could've gone the wrong way so quickly had you not intervened. I owe you one."

Paul hugs me back. He smells good, like burning wood. He gently releases me.

"You don't owe me anything, Taylor. Right now, why don't you just lock up behind me and get some sleep?"

"Can I eat dinner first?"

He laughs. "You better. You need to be healthy and safe. Remember, I'm only a phone call away."

"I will. Goodnight, Paul."

"Goodnight, Taylor." He waves as I close the door behind him and bolt it. I pull the drapes in front of the big downstairs windows. Now, time to eat and get me a hot bath!

Dinner is simple, grilled cheese and tomato soup. After I eat I take a nice long bath, slip into an old T shirt and biking shorts and slide into bed. I turn on the radio. It's still on the same station as it was when I left the last time.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen," the DJ croons, "You're listening to The Cool Out Corner on the station that caters to the very best of R&B, KYBZ. We're slowing it down for all the lovers in the house. Nearing the hour of ten p.m, and I hope the one you love is right next to you. We're gonna have some more sexy music for you coming up after these important messages."

I don't even stay awake long enough to hear the next song. I'm asleep before the first ad finishes.

The next day when I open my eyes, the sunlight is softly drifting up over the mountains. I get up, brush my teeth and change into some leggings, a big t-shirt, some running shoes and a nylon jacket. I make sure that the house is locked and stretch before I break into a run. The air is cool, but there is no humidity and it smells so fresh up here. Ah, I forgot how good it felt to be up here amongst the trees and flowers. I can hear the river rushing in the distance. I run past the caretaker's cottage. I wonder if Paul is up yet. Should I knock on his door? Nah, it's still early. I don't really need anything right now.

When I get back to the cabin, I see him at the door about to knock.

"Good morning!" I call out. "I just ran past your place and wondered if you were up yet."

"Well, you might have missed me, because I just came to check on you, see if you needed anything."

He looks extra handsome in the burgeoning sunlight. He's wearing a denim jacket with matching distressed jeans and a dark top.

"I'm doing fine, but thanks for coming by."

"Sleep well?" he asks me while I do some cool down stretches.

"Yes, I did. I went out like a light as soon as my head hit the pillow."

"No unwelcome strangers snooping around?"

I chuckle. "No. I think you gave him a decent scare. Which reminds me, I need to do something to thank you."

He shakes his head.

"I told you that you don't owe me anything. I did it because I don't like seeing anyone being mistreated or scared."

"But I want to. Can I at least offer you breakfast?" I pause. "I mean, I...I'm sorry. You probably have someone waiting for you at the cottage."

"Yeah, Sally."

"Your wife?"

He chuckles.

"The white tailed doe who comes around and brings her friends to mooch for peanuts."

I laugh. "Are you serious?"

"I am. We have a deal. I give them peanuts and bits of fruit, and they leave my garden alone."

"You have a garden?"

He smiles. "What, did you think I was just a rough neck who scares away stalkers?"

"Oh no, I didn't think you were a rough neck at all!"

"Taylor, it was a joke. Relax. I like to joke and have fun. To answer your question, I'm not married. I haven't had a girlfriend in over a year."

"Oh, so you are truly single then."

"Yes. I promise, you're not trampling on another woman's territory."

"Oh. Well in that case, why don't you come back in about an hour? That will give me time to clean up and cook. Any food allergies I need to know about?"

"None. I can and do eat everything.

I'll see you in an hour. Make sure you lock up behind me."

"An hour, then."

He tips up my chin, and looks at me.

"I'll be back. Call me if you need me before."

I feel like my legs are jelly.

"Sure."

I watch him go down the path. From that second on, I channel my inner Olympic track star as I rush around the house to take a shower, put on clean clothes, tie my hair up into a ponytail and cook. I keep breakfast relatively simple, pancakes, sausage, fruit, and coffee. By the time I am putting the coffee on the table, I hear someone knocking. I take off my apron and make sure that I didn't get anything on my new T-shirt and jeans.

I check through the curtain before I open the door. Paul is holding a bunch of wildflowers.