EXcapades (10 page)

Leaning in closer, Blake said, “Tell me more about Jenny.”

Before I spoke, I wondered if my life seemed small to him in comparison. “Well—“

“Lila,” he said, as if reading my mind, “I think being a parent is the most important job a person can have. I admire the effort you’ve put into Jenny’s upbringing. You, no doubt, did a great job raising her.” His face had never seemed so endearing. “Tell me about her.”

“Where do I start? She’s her own person. She’s picky about the boys she dates and hasn’t really had a serious boyfriend. Over the years she has put academics, her community service, and athletics first. And she excelled at everything she put her energy into. She was on the swim team since middle school and usually placed in the 100-meter freestyle.” Even I noticed the uplifting musical lilt in my voice describing being a mother.

“She has a lot going for her, like her mother.”

“I’m lucky because Jenny is an incredible, thoughtful person. She was even an easy teenager.”

“Is she an artist like you?”

“Yes. She loves to help me with my projects. And boy do we have fun. There are times we laugh so hard we nearly fall over.” I had to shake myself a little to stop. “Sorry. Proud mom. You asked. But really, I feel grateful that I got to raise her.”

“I love hearing about her and hope I get to meet her one day.”

“She’s about the same age we were when we first started dating. And she thinks she can take on the world and win. Just like we did.”

Blake listened intently with his head leaned in, his chin resting on his fist. “That’s an interesting way to put our youthful exuberance, that nothing-can-stop-me attitude,” he said, looking at me thoughtfully. “I’m still trying to win. I haven’t completely lost that attitude and hope I never do.”

“The two of you would get along just fine.”

“Great. And I think a parent’s influence goes a long way in raising a child, and no doubt you did a terrific job.”

“Thank you.”

I needed to remind myself this was a vacation—time to have some fun and relax. I glanced around this spectacular house in admiration. The home had quite a setup for any place, especially a beach house. The kitchen was new and spacious. We had plenty of room to maneuver while we prepared the meal.

Blake clapped his hands together. “I’m starving. I hope you’ll like my specialty, shrimp wrapped in bacon with a sweet barbeque sauce,” he said. And following that declaration, Blake went to the refrigerator and began rummaging through the shelves. He pulled out the shrimp, bacon, onion, and lettuce.

In the cabinets, he found a large skillet and placed it on the stove. Meanwhile, I turned on the radio. Instantly, the sound of “Beautiful Day” by U2 carried through the house and the deck speakers.

Blake cheerfully whistled in tune with the melody while he diced an onion and tossed the small pieces into a saucepan next to the bacon. A few minutes later, the house was filled with the smell of bacon frying and the tangy aroma of onion.

The song faded and a new song began—“Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen. Blake surprised me when he started to dance. “I can’t believe this song is on now,” he said. His voice was almost inaudible with the loud music. He snapped his fingers in tune, walked over to the bar stool I sat on, and began stroking my hair. I was chopping vegetables for the salad but stopped.

“Remember when we used lie in the warm sun, studying and listening to this song?” he asked.

“Like it was yesterday. Funny how a song can transport a person back in time.”

Blake grinned. “I know what you mean. Sounds and
smells
are gateways through time. Does that seem odd, or do you know what I mean?” he asked.

“I think I do.”

“Let me test out that theory. Stand up and let me take in your scent,” he said.

Not wanting to argue with his request, I stood next to him while he draped his arms across my shoulders. Blake leaned his head down next to the nape of my neck and drew in a deep breath.

And I followed suit with his experiment. I inhaled his essence and at once his inimitable scent took me back.

I gave him a startled gaze. “That was exhilarating. Just one sniff of your scent and my mind raced back to the first time we kissed.”

“Shouldn’t we re-create that scene?” he questioned.

“I thought you would never ask,” I teased.

“Honestly, I wanted to kiss you again from the first second I saw you.” He reached both hands across my temples, slid his hands down my cheeks, and held my face between his strong hands.

His lips touched mine slowly; his delicious kiss was soft, tender, and loving, with his warm breath against my mouth. He ran the tip of his tongue across my lips. And I whimpered a soft sigh as his tongue began exploring my mouth.

Then, suddenly, we were interrupted by the pungent smell of burning bacon.

“Good grief, I burned it,” Blake cried out, pulling away. “I forgot my kitchen responsibilities. You seem to have that effect on me.”

Blake began scurrying around, taking the pan off the hot stove. I opened a window to let the smoke clear out. When I turned back around, the crispy bacon was on a plate. Blake was straining the boiling shrimp. And now steam filled the kitchen.

Relieved the crisis was over, I washed the fresh blueberries and placed them in a serving bowl and then followed the same routine with the strawberries.

Next, I helped Blake cut the French bread into sections, and we slid them onto the serving plate. He swirled the olive oil and herbs. He began tearing his bread and sopping it in the mixture. “Yummy. You need to try a bite of this bread. The fresh herbs we mixed in with the oil are scrumptious,” he said.

While he spoke, I leaned forward on the bar, propping my chin between my hands. I watched him dice a cucumber. “Imagine this, a gorgeous man who is comfortable in the kitchen and likes to cook. That’s sexy.”

He paused, looked up at me, and smiled warmly. “Spend Thanksgiving with me and you’ll really be turned on.”

I laughed. “Now you’re talking, a day in paradise. You and me rolling in mashed potatoes and dripping butter.”

“Should I start licking at the top or at the bottom?” he asked. He laughed and I joined in, feeling jovial and content. “How about I start with your white meat and then finish with your dark?” He flashed a naughty grin. “But I like my meat a little on the pink side,” he continued, chuckling.

“Should we wait until Thanksgiving?”

He stirred the barbeque sauce and licked the spoon. “Better not wait. I’m hungry.”

I pushed the shredded lettuce into a bowl. “
Yes. Very
hung . . . ry, as I recall.” My eyes focused on him intensely.

I realized that we just got each other’s humor.
No matter how silly.
He had been the first and only man to make me feel so comfortable just being myself—where I felt as if I could let my hair down and say my goofy jokes.

Years ago, he had been the first man to make me feel at ease naked. And just thinking about those hot summer days lying together undressed made a warm tingle spread across my abdomen.
I shook myself out of my reverie. And to my delight, my reality was nearly as evocative as my daydream.

My eyes followed Blake as he walked across the kitchen to the sink. I admired how fit he had remained, his bottom tight like I remembered. My focus also fastened on his broad shoulders and toned muscular arms. He must have cast a spell on me. Or better yet, he tossed out a fishing line and I was hooked.
Release me, please.

My eyes were fixed steadily on him when he handed me a crystal wine glass. “I mixed a drink for you. I hope you like it. It’s my summertime favorite, Chardonnay with a twist of lime mixed together with a splash of citrus soda,” he said.

I beamed. “Wine mixed with caffeine; I love it.”

Using his strong hands, he crushed the lime into the glass to make himself a drink. He cupped his hand around the lime and squeezed. At that moment, I wanted to curve my hands around his firm rear end and squeeze.

After drying his hands on the dishtowel, he turned back around and looked at me. I couldn’t take my eyes off his rippling arms, but I tried not to be too obvious. I suddenly realized how long it had been since I’d had sex. And my desire to see him naked continued to stir something deep inside me that had been dormant for much too long. This awakening felt like the roar of a lion.
I wonder if he can hear that roar. I hope not; it might scare him away.

Blake added a little more wine to our glasses. We carried the drinks and food onto the deck, setting them down on the small metal table. We were just in time to see the last sliver of glowing yellow lowering on the horizon.

I walked to the edge of the deck. And for just a moment, I was a silhouette against the orange-tinged sky. Blake joined me, stretching his arm across my shoulders. His hand brushed against my breast, warming my skin. And when he wrapped his arms around me in a firm embrace, I had a sudden surge of happiness that nearly lit my internal fire.
Are you relighting my fun flame? I hope it still works.

Being in Blake’s arms again while sharing this spectacular sunset might just be a glimpse of paradise. In the fading light, we turned toward each other. Blake leaned his face close, his eyes seeking mine. His piercing gaze held fixed for an extended period.
If only it could always be this perfect.

As the sun slipped beneath the horizon, a prism of shadowy colors erupted across the twilight. And then slowly, the last trace of red and orange faded into darkness.
The sky seemed to blacken in a just a couple of minutes.
As the darkness enveloped us, we sat down across from each other at the small table. I turned on a small light.

“I feel so lucky to be here with you,” Blake said, his deep voice conveying emotion. “It’s amazing to reconnect with you after all of these years.”

I moistened my lips. “I feel grateful we found each other again.”

“You know I do.”

A little while later, I pushed my empty plate aside. I could see the moonlight reflecting in Blake’s eyes, making them gleam. And behind those sparkling eyes, I knew there was a clever and sensitive man.

He shot me that radiant smile, took my hand in his, and led me to the chaise. After we stretched out, he squeezed my shoulders and started to rub my back. My body jerked in a slight shaking motion; I was both shivering from the cold and the excitement.

Blake took off his jacket, wrapping it around my shoulders. He used the weight of his arm to cradle me. Nestled in his embrace, I rested my head against him and closed my eyes briefly. I had not been happy for months, but one embrace with Blake and all of that anger and frustration melted away.

We sat wordless, listening to the crashing waves. He stroked my smooth hair over and over, as if in tune with the pulses of the sea.

After a few minutes, we looked at the rising full moon that cast a beam of light across the ocean. The water below glistened, twinkling in the darkness from the reflecting stream of light.

I turned toward Blake. Our eyes met and held a steady gaze. He slid his hand from the back of my head toward my chin, cupped it, and looked at me longingly. I froze in fear. Was he about to go further than the kiss we shared earlier?

My mind whirled with emotions.
I knew your touch years ago. I was terrified when you took my virginity back then, but you were so gentle.
And now it was like being a virgin all over again.

I leaped to my feet and walked in a nonchalant manner across the deck as if looking for something. But in reality, I was searching my mind. I needed an answer. Should I have a romantic night with him? But I did not have romantic encounters with men on the first date. Okay, if I count the coffee shop, this was our second date.

But did that make it any better? Maybe I could look at this evening as a continuation from where we left off years ago. Now that made sense. Besides, look at the man he had become: an honorable, dedicated officer. And although it had been years, I always loved his touch.
Enjoy it again.

I glanced in Blake’s direction and saw him drape his legs over one side of the chaise, rocking it back and forth at a steady pace. The uneven chair legs created a rhythmic noise that mimicked the sound of a heartbeat. He continued rocking. And then he stopped.

Without looking at me, he leaned back in his chair, staring up, with his fingers knit together on top of his head. The chair creaked under the weight of his brawny, sturdy frame. He was quite a man—powerful—physically and in character. I rejoiced in being with him again.

Yes, I missed you. I would like to start over.
It was time to put the ghosts of our past to rest.

Chapter 7

Blake’s voice broke our silence. “The beach looks deserted tonight.”

“It’s peaceful,” I said, fidgeting with my necklace.

“Do you remember the time we lit a bonfire?” While he spoke, I studied his face in the moonlight.

“
I remember like it was yesterday.”

“Would you like to go for a walk on the beach now?” he asked.

I felt giddy with excitement.
“Yes.”
Oh, wait, all alone?

“What’s stopping us from lighting a bonfire now?”

My eyes consulted his. “Sounds . . . ummmm . . . wonderful. Let me set the plates in the kitchen and grab my sweater.” I carried the dishes into the house and quickly put them in the dishwasher.

Trying to release my nervous tension, I paused and took a deep breath before stepping onto the deck. The glass door slammed shut behind me with a thud.

Blake stood by the railing, looking in the direction of the sparkling water. He turned to me, excused himself, and vanished into the house, only to reemerge a few minutes later carrying two blankets.

With his free hand, he reached for mine. Just holding his warm, strong hand sent radiating heat up my arm and into my body. Together we climbed down the stairs and onto the soft ground. We had the beach to ourselves. There were only a few porch lights from the nearby houses, but most seemed empty this weekend.

The night air felt crisp, and the wind intensified the farther we stepped away from the protective barrier created by our house and the other scattered homes. As we approached the water’s edge, the air seemed colder with the gusty breeze lifting strands of my hair, whipping them across my face. Even the sky seemed to hang lower. The stars twinkled bright above our heads—it was like Christmas in the sky.
Time to unwrap some presents.

The unforgiving night air blew through my light sweater. I let go of his hand. Blake saw me wrap my arms together and shiver. “I prepared for this chill,” he said. “I have the matches in my pocket to start that bonfire.”

“I like hanging out with a military man, so prepared for action.”

He smiled at me, and I watched his expressions, intently memorizing the details of his face. Deep inside me, I felt worried that soon I would have only memories from this night. I just had this strong feeling that this was all too good to be true.

And there was just something about him that made me want more. Not just physically, but emotionally. This one could get into my heart. Could these feelings really be real? Or was this just lust?

“You seem lost in your thoughts,” he said.

“Oh, do I? It just seems so relaxing out here.”

We strolled across the soft sand inches away from the surf. We were surrounded by darkness except for shining points of light that dotted the sky and the moonlight that sliced through the blackness. The nearby pier was only a shadow. Even though we couldn’t see far ahead, I felt protected when Blake wrapped his arm around me. He seemed to have a destination in mind as he led me along the moist sand.

He guided me toward the secluded dunes. We stepped lightly through the tangle of briers and sea grass as we climbed the sandy crest. Our feet slipped in the sand when we descended into the valley of the dunes, a secluded enclave that offered protection from the cool breeze.

After finding the perfect spot to build our fire, Blake began searching for wood. My eyes trailed him while he navigated the dunes, gathering twigs for kindling. Each step he took in the shifting sand made his bottom muscles tighten. I stared, captivated. When he bent over, I admired his broad back and toned shoulders. And when he reached for the wood, goose bumps speckled my skin while I watched, enthralled. His triceps sprang to life with each fluid stretch.

When he knelt and prepared the kindling, I forced myself to look away long enough to spread the blanket out a few feet from his rudimentary fire pit. And to my amazement, he had a crackling fire started in a matter of minutes. I felt hypnotized by the play of light that cast a warm
yellow glow, illuminating his raw masculinity. As he stood among the waving shadows and the flickering light, I could see his golden eyes staring intently at me.

“Good-looking and handy. You’re a keeper,” I said.

“You are, too.”

“Blake, your eyes seem majestic in the firelight.”

He flashed his disarming smile. “They’re just happy because they’re looking at you.” And he grinned wider when I motioned for him to join me on the blanket. He sat down beside me, so close I could feel his body heat.

We sat in quiet observation of our surroundings. The rhythmic sounds of the waves, crashing into the sand on the other side of the dunes,
mixed in with the popping of the dry wood from the crackling fire. Together they created a soothing blend of sounds. Blake and I were being entertained by nature’s music.

The flickering flame warmed the air around us, making our secluded nook feel cozy and safe. We could hear the gusts whipping overhead, but we were shielded, wrapped in our blankets, and nestled in the middle of the dunes.

Blake reached his hand across my shoulder, wrapped his other arm around me, and pulled me close. With the warm comfort of Blake’s strong arms encircling me, I let out a contented sigh.
What else did I need?
Those arms became my sanctuary, my escape from the world, even if it was temporary.

With our bodies pressed together, we stared into flames that swayed in the breeze. The soft firelight cast shadows across his face and created an aura of mystery. Even through the shadowy light, I could see Blake still smiling. I wanted to spend every night with him.

And as if my thoughts were spoken aloud, Blake turned to me. “I’ve been enjoying a single life, yet I always knew something was missing. Now I can’t help wonder if it was someone. I mean you, Lila. There’s just something about you that makes me want more in life—like a partner.”

“I was just thinking that sitting with you is about as good as it gets.”

He brushed a long strand of hair from my eyes. “Then you forgot how exciting it was for us to touch.”

“I would like for you to . . . remind me,” I said, surprising myself with my boldness. My hunger for him came with surprising force.

He gazed deep into my eyes. “I want to make you as excited as I am and show you pleasure, just like we did years ago.” Clearing his throat, he added, “Trust me when I tell you
I am as healthy as the day we lost our virginity together.”

“Me, too,” I said nervously. “And I know that we can trust each other’s word.” I wondered if he noticed my shocked expression.

But I also questioned if he could see the yearning in my eyes. Had my face given away my growing desire for him? Ripples of longing flowed through me, making me want to kiss him. And suddenly I felt as if I had been starving for his touch. I had an uncontrollable urge for Blake to caress me with those luscious lips.
Kiss me now,
my mind started to shout, but I had no time to finish that thought. As if reading my conscious yearnings, he cupped my chin and lifted it toward his face. I inhaled sharply and then released a slight moan.

He leaned in closer and closer until our lips met. The kiss was slow, tender, and warm. Our lips pulsed together from the surge of excitement that engorged them. I enthusiastically kissed him back, my mouth welcoming his gentle touch. Then Blake pulled his mouth away and glanced at my fire-lit face.

“Is there something wrong?” I whispered.

His eyebrows shot up. He turned his head and met my eyes. “I just had the strongest feeling of déjà vu. My present and past, for an instant, felt as if they merged when I kissed your lips.”

I nodded. My eyes fastened on his mouth while he talked. His lips were soft and full. They fit perfectly to mine. And even after all these years they felt like a match. A moment later, he let out a heartfelt sigh, gently pulled me back onto the blanket, and leaned on top of me. He gave me a deep, sensuous kiss, using his full lips to devour me as if he were starving.

Maybe he was as famished to feel my touch as I was to feel his. He gently slid his tongue between my parted lips, and used his moist mouth to make love to mine. I released soft moans, and my eyes popped open only to find him excitedly watching me.

“I really like your sweet kisses, Blake,” I found myself saying. “They make me melt.” How wonderful to lie in those familiar arms.
And to have this second chance to get it right.

He traced my mouth with his fingertip. “Your lips are so soft.”

I parted my lips. He pressed his finger gently into my mouth. I sucked, pulling his finger all the way in, and tickled him with my tongue. He eased back out. I sucked him back in. He stared at my lips and gave a tantalizing smile.

We could hear the distant sound of the waves crashing on the other side of the dunes. The full moon glowed as it traveled high across the darkened sky, illuminating its path.

“The moon is spectacular,” I said.

“It’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen,” Blake said, when he turned and looked at me. And I quickly realized he might not be talking about the moon.

As he touched my cheek and looked into my eyes, I knew that nothing ever would be quite the same. And I sensed he shared that sentiment.

“Lila,” he whispered in my ear in a warm breath. “I fantasized about one day being with you again.”

I smiled. It felt so good to be back with him. And it took all my control not to shout, “I want you, Blake.” 

I was coming alive again, and felt emotions I hadn’t experienced in years. I did not realize how much was missing from my life until today. Maybe a wiser woman would have figured it out more quickly, but none of that mattered at this instant—it was perfect. I wanted more from him, needed more, now. The kiss, so delicious, but I wanted his touch.

“Do you have any idea how much I want you again, Lila?”

“Show me.”

Glancing down, he slowly unbuttoned my shirt, slipped it off, and exposed my swelling breasts that were covered only by my lacy bra. He brushed his fingertip across each erect nipple that tried to poke through the transparent lace.

In the next instant, he reached around and unhooked my bra. He squeezed my breasts gently. I silently wondered if I might pass out from sensory overload because it had been so long since I enjoyed a man’s touch. Meanwhile, he traced around the outside of my hardening areolas and then tweaked my taut nipples with the tip of his thumb and fingers.

“You’re stunning,” he said.

I sighed. “I missed your touch.”

“This is only the beginning,” he said, cupping my breasts in his hands. He leaned down and kissed my throat. I inhaled his familiar scent. Blake’s mouth descended to my right nipple while his fingers moved in circles over the left. He spread his warm lips across my puckered skin and sucked, pulling a soft moan from my body.

“That feels amazing. The other one, too,” I said, begging him to suck my other exposed nipple.

“I thought you’d never ask.” And he moved from one hardened nipple to the other. He ran his tongue slowly from my breasts to my stomach. My deprived body sprang back to life from the attention. He slid his fingertips down my body.

At this point, my bright pink satin panties were the only barrier from his warm hands. I smiled as his skilled hands eased my panties slowly down my legs. He moved the delicate fabric, side to side until he slid the elastic waistband past my matching pink toenails.

I curled my toes in the sand while the cool night air chilled my exposed skin. The wind sent a tremor up my spine. Instantly, my body filled with sensations I had only once imagined or dreamed. My heart started pounding. Heat flushed across my face. All of my senses were ignited; even my sixth sense screamed that this was right—
relax and enjoy him.
Live for the moment.

His warm hands went gliding up the insides of my thighs, caressing me softly. Within seconds, I could hear the excitement in his voice. “Touching you again is like a dream come true.”

He traced his thick fingers around the outsides of my pink folds. I did not stop him, but secretly begged him to continue. He began to swirl his fingertip in a circular motion on my most sensitive area. He gently kissed the inside of my thighs. From the glow of the moonlight, I could see his soft kisses and tongue slide across my thigh toward my yearning. His mouth formed a trail of tickles along my flesh. But he deliberately moved slowly. Slow. Steady.

Blake’s butterfly kisses were drawn out in an exaggerated reduced pace toward my excited, swollen clit. He teased me, making me beg in excitement.

“What do you want me to do next, Lila?”

I moaned. “Don’t stop.” He used his tongue skillfully to apply pressure to my most tender, sensitive skin that throbbed for his touch. At the same time, he glided his fingertip along the outermost fold before inserting his thick fingers.

In a slow slide, he thrust his thick fingers inside me. “Relax, Lila.” In the next instant, he flicked his tongue expertly, tickling me with an increasing intensity. He began to suck and knew how to put pressure on just the right place. I touched the sides of his head, softly moaning his name. He sucked. He tickled. Faster. Harder. I felt the excitement growing inside me.