Breathlessly they moved together becoming one.
Pure ecstasy.
“You are incredible,” Cody said, lying next to Dana, feeling things in his heart he’d never experienced before. He softly brushed a stray hair from Dana’s eyes.
Dana curled closer into Cody. “And you.”
Cody pulled her into him, squeezing her hand. Dana responded in kind, lost in bliss. The silence was comfortable. Each basked in the glow of each other.
Outside the azure sky became tinged with purple - evening had begun to fall.
“Are you hungry?” Cody asked, sorry to interrupt their reverie.
“Famished,” Dana replied sitting up and eyeing Cody’s firm chest, broad shoulders and piercing blue eyes. Her mind and heart at last were in agreement…Cody was everything she’d hoped for and more.
“Do you feel like…?”
“You? Yes.” Dana leaned into Cody kissing him warm on the mouth.
Cody ran his fingers through her hair, pulling her body closer to his. They melted into each other again, taking things slower this time. They caressed and kissed, exploring each other’s body with gentle whispers. It was a most intimate dance with a finish that left them breathless.
“Amazing,” Cody fell back on the bed pulling her soft body beside his.
“Beyond.” She grinned at him sheepishly. “Hey…not to change the subject, but I’m starving.”
“What do you say we go for dinner and…”
“I like dinner and…” Dana said.
“Mexican?” he said punctuating his sentence with a kiss.
“I’d like that.” Dana responded in kind, kissing him softly.
“We’re never gonna make it to dinner at this rate.”
Dana sat up straight. “You’re right. And I have to get dressed!” She pulled the sheet around her in mock modesty. “You better go change.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean to drive you away.” Cody reached his arm out to her.
“You didn’t. I’m just speeding up the process for us to get back to the room.”
“Good point.” Cody raised his lean, tan, muscular frame from the bed. He slipped into his clothes and ran his fingers through his hair. “I’ll wait for you on the balcony.”
“Wonderful,” Dana said rising from the bed to walk him to the bedroom door.
Cody leaned in and kissed her. “See you soon.”
Dana floated back to the bed. She fell onto the mattress alive with excitement. She was scared of what she was feeling. Nervous butterflies in her stomach, a racing heart and yet, a calmness in her mind. It was all happening so fast, but an overwhelming sense of peace had taken over. Dana was sure of herself and the decisions she was making with Cody. Part of her still nagged…you felt excitement over Sam, too. But it wasn’t like this, she argued the devil in her mind.
She remembered very clearly, it was never like this.
She got dressed quickly…anxious to be with Cody. They had such limited time together, she didn’t want to waste a second.
Dana opened the bedroom door and walked out onto the balcony. Cody silently gasped. She looked amazing in white Capri pants and a short white top that seemed to rise and fall with her breath revealing her tanned flat stomach. A thin silver chain belt hugged her hips. Her black hair was tied back loosely, soft wisps fell softly around her face.
“Hola.”
“Hola.”
“I missed you.”
“Me too.”
“Shall we go?” Cody ran his hand down her arm, taking her hand in his. He wore dark tan khaki pants and an azure collared shirt. Tan and muscular with his angular face, Cody looked more like a model than a rock star.
They strolled down to The Mexican Cantina and went inside. The restaurant transported them south of the border without the flight. The ceiling was painted the color of sunset. Small paper lanterns were strung across the realistic “sky.” Cream stucco walls were accented with adobe red tiles and carefully placed sombreros. In the corner of the restaurant a Mariachi band played lively Mexican songs. Dana and Cody had stepped into a fiesta.
They were seated next to a three-tiered fountain in the center of the restaurant. On the table was a bottle of Corona filled with salt, a clever idea for a condiment shaker.
“Cute,” Dana said picking it up.
“Thanks.” Cody looked up, “Oh, you mean the salt shaker.”
Dana laughed. “You look cute, too.” Damn good is more like it.
Within seconds a waitress appeared with a basket of hot, salty tortilla chips.
“Bienvenidos a la Cantina de Mexico. My name is Rosa.” She wore an embroidered blue off the shoulder dress. Her dark hair was gathered in a loose bun with a large red flower tucked into it. “Can I get you something to drink?”
Dana, taking in her surroundings, ordered. “I’ll have a margarita.”
“And for you, señor?” Rosa addressed Cody.
“Just some water for now.”
“I’ll be back to take your order.” Rosa left to get Dana’s drink.
“Hey, if I knew you weren’t drinking I wouldn’t have gotten anything.”
“No, that’s fine, maybe I’ll take a taste.”
“You’re not a big drinker are you? I’m not either…I just want you to know. It’s just that I’m on vacation and I don’t know…the place put me in the mood.”
Cody debated whether or not to tell Dana the truth of why he didn’t drink. He didn’t want her to feel bad about doing something she enjoyed just because of his past. He decided quickly. If this relationship was going to really be something the truth was the only place for it to start, but maybe, a cleaned up truth. He didn’t want to scare her off.
“Let me tell you why I don’t like to drink,” he paused. “My father was an alcoholic.”
Dana’s eyes grew wide.
Cody continued. “Not just an alcoholic, but an angry drunk. He was in his own miserable world most the time.”
Dana reached out and took his hands in hers. “How awful.”
Her sympathy was comforting. “It was. Since then I’ve never had a real taste for alcohol. I don’t know if it’s because I’m afraid I’d turn into my dad – though I know I’d never let that happen, or if it’s just that the desire to drink, socially I mean, was killed by seeing what it did to him.” Cody purposely left out his one drunken experience that found him in bed with a one night stand…the one night stand that ended his relationship with Laura.
“Drinking’s not that important to me, I don’t have to have a drink.” Dana raised her hand to motion to the waitress to cancel her order. The last thing she wanted to do was make Cody feel bad.
He brought her hand down back to the table. “No, no, no…my issues shouldn’t keep you from what you enjoy. I’m not an alcoholic…I sometimes have a drink, but my decision shouldn’t affect you.”
“I understand, but I don’t want to do anything to make you feel uncomfortable.”
“You won’t.”
Her eyes softened. “I’m so sorry for your childhood. It must have been so hard for you.”
“It was.”
“Do you still see your dad?”
“No.” Cody paused and took a deep breath. “I kicked him out when I was fifteen. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do, but there was no other option. My mother and I needed to be safe.” Select memories of his childhood tumbled from his mouth. It was odd hearing his voice speak his secret past.
“So what happened with your mom?”
“Not much. She and I are not close at all. I resented…resent her still really, for letting my dad stay around as long as he did. I wished she was stronger, no that’s not the right word…” He pursed his lips together in thought. “I wish she was smarter. The verbal abuse…” He omitted the physical abuse, not wanting to speak those memories, “Letting your child get verbally abused, there’s no excuse for staying in that kind of situation.”
“Did she not have anywhere else to go?”
“I know what you’re thinking…that she felt trapped like she couldn’t escape. But Dana, when you are getting abused the way my dad was abusing her and me, something in you has to overcome the fear and get the hell out of that situation. If not for herself, then for the safety of her son.”
In Cody’s eyes Dana could see the soul of a scared child. She tightened her grasp of his hands. “You had a really hard life. I can’t imagine.” She really couldn’t. Cody’s childhood was entirely different from hers. Dana’s family was close and loving. The world Cody spoke of was completely foreign to her.
“I was glad to get out. It’s not anyplace I ever want to think about or go back to.” Cody exhaled slowly. He could feel a weight lift off his shoulders. It was freeing to confess the sins of his father. He held those memories inside for so long they had become a permanent wound, an ache that never left him. This moment of lightness was something he’d never experienced or knew existed. He spent a lifetime hiding: under his bed, behind a gun, as a cocky singer in a rock band. True happiness had eluded him. He looked at Dana with new eyes. Maybe she could help him heal. Cody never thought that was even possible. He only hoped it wasn’t at the expense of losing her.
Rosa reappeared with Dana’s margarita, “Are you ready to order?”
Dana and Cody pulled back from each other and their serious conversation. They barely had time to look at their menus, but each was starving. Quickly they perused the menu.
“Wanna share fajitas?”
Dana nodded.
“For two,” he ordered.
They handed Rosa their menus and went back to each other.
“Enough about my childhood…let me hear more about you.”
“Cody, if you want to talk more…”
“Actually I don’t.” He meant it. “My past has taken too much from me already. I want to live my life.” He looked around at the beautiful surroundings and the amazing woman who looked at him with such concern. “I want to see your eyes smiling again.”
Dana tipped her head to the side, “You sure?”
“One hundred percent.”
“Ok…” she smiled, “what do you want to know?”
Cody thoughtfully tapped his head. “Your turn for serious stuff,” he paused. “So you’re stranded on a deserted island, what CD do you take with you?”
She crossed her arms across her chest. “Oh, you’re really delving.” She smiled. “Elton John, Madman Across the Water.”
Cody raised his eyebrows in respect. “Unexpected…good one.” He sang a few bars of Tiny Dancer.
“My favorite one. And you?”
“Zeppelin, but it’d have to be a greatest hits. No way could I choose.”
“Classic.”
“Inspired,” he smiled. “Okay, your turn, you ask.”
“Okay, favorite meal of all time to have on this deserted island that just happens to have the greatest music of all time.”
“Beef Wellington.”
Dana cracked up. “Are you serious?”
“What’s wrong with Beef Wellington?” Cody asked smiling, “Why can’t a man like a nice piece of steak wrapped in puff pastry?”
“No…there’s nothing wrong with that…or the fact that you would specifically mention the puff pastry,” Dana said, laughing so hard that tears fell down her cheeks.
“Well, what’s your selection, Miss Food Expert?”
“I have a bit more simple taste buds…I’d pick pizza and chocolate cake.”
“Um…I believe you said only one item. Pizza and cake?”
“Well you got beef and puff pastry.”
“Touché.”
Their food arrived as if on cue.
“Careful, this is hot,” Rosa said, putting down the sizzling hot black fajita skillet overflowing with green peppers and onions.
They dove into their dishes still talking, laughing…connecting.
Dana pushed her plate away. “I am so stuffed.”
“That was great. I’m ready to walk this off. You?”
“I’d love to.” Dana got up from the table.
“Do you feel lucky tonight?” he asked, pushing his chair in.
Dana looked at him quizzically. “I thought we already got lucky.”
“No, silly, lucky as in lady luck. You have such a dirty mind.” Cody smiled.
“Ha, ha.”
Cody shook imaginary dice in his hands. “Wanna go play a little in the casino?”
“Sure.”
Arm in arm they left the restaurant and hit the hotel casino. The Paradise Island Resort spared no expense on their biggest attraction – a full Las Vegas-style Casino. Bright white running lights framed the entrance. Around them every game of chance sparkled with the temptation of a big win. The room was alive with the sounds of ringing machines, spinning slots and the oohs and aahs of great wins and losses.
“So what do you like?” Cody asked, surveying the field.
“I like to play the change machine…I break even every time.”
He laughed. “Very clever.”
They hit the blackjack table and within twenty minutes had lost all their chips.
“Now that was entertaining,” Cody joked.
“Yeah.” Dana looked at her watch. “I hate to say this, but it’s late and I have to be up really early…”
“I understand.”
“I hope you do…I don’t want to end your time in the casino…this vacation is really a work thing.” Dana silently cursed her sense of responsibility.
“Silly girl…I’m here for you, not the casino.” He brushed a strand of hair from her face. “Just because our fun in the casino is over doesn’t mean the night is over, does it?”
“No, it doesn’t,” Dana whispered, her heart racing. He kissed her gently. The noise of the casino muted around her. She could only hear the beating of her heart.
He pulled back. “Let’s go.”
They went back up to her room barley able to control themselves. The door hadn’t yet closed as Cody pulled Dana into to him. He wanted to be as close to her as he felt in his heart. He slowly traced her curves, starting at her shoulders, working his way down her body. Dana felt every touch of his fingertips. Her body hungered for him.
“Cody…”
He cut her off. “Dana, I’m falling in love with you.” He gazed adoringly at her, cupped her head in his hands and kissed her softly on the mouth. She started to speak, but he put his finger over her lips, afraid of what she might say.
“Dana, you don’t have to say anything.”
“Then I’ll show you.”
Chapter 57
Jonny walked into a trap.
He stepped into the doorframe of the Program Director’s office and immediately felt a chilly reception.
“Hey man, what’s going on?”
Stone-faced, the now traffic light green tipped haired Ted Reed responded, “Sit down Jonny.” He pushed his matching green framed glasses up the bridge of his nose.
Jonny walked in and instantly understood why Ted was behaving the way he was.
Sitting across from Ted was Heather.
Today there were no short skirts and flirty looks, instead Heather was dressed in tailored gray pants and a cream silk button down shirt. The picture of professionalism, Heather looked innocent and like she meant business. She shot Jonny a look of hate, then folded her arms across her chest and turned her attention back to Ted.
Jonny took a seat across from Ted.
“So what’s going on?” he repeated.
“Jonny, why don’t you tell me about the nature of your relationship with Heather.”
“She’s been an intern for our department.”
“I know that. I’m not asking about that. I’m asking about your personal relationship with Heather.” Ted grabbed a pen from his desk and began chewing the tip.
Jonny shot a quick look at Heather. Oh, crap, she told. He couldn’t believe she actually told. He gulped and thought quickly. Deny, he said to
himself, it’s your word against hers. He was the star disc jockey at the station. She was just a young intern who dressed like a slut. Just deny. Deny, deny, deny.
“We don’t have a relationship other than our one at work.” Jonny spoke simply and honestly.
Heather let out an exaggerated gasp. “That’s not true.” She edged forward in her seat, her arms flying forward in protest.
Ted turned to Jonny. “Heather has given me a lot of details about this alleged affair.”
“Ted…I don’t know what to tell you. Heather was upset at me for not giving her an on air shift. I think she’s trying to get back at me.” Jonny’s voice was laced with outrage.
“Oh, gimme a break!” Heather yelled, “We’ve been sleeping together for months and you know it!”
Ted looked at Heather. “Do you have proof?”
“Proof of what?”
“Proof of the affair.” He pulled the pen tip from his mouth. It was now a mangled mass of plastic.
Heather looked puzzled. “I’m telling the truth…we’ve been sleeping together for months! We’d go to the Sunshine Motel during his shift. Jonny’d voice track. I know the desk clerk saw us and I’m sure other people here saw him gone. I’m sure people saw us come in late.”
Jonny grew hot under his collar. She was right, there was proof if Heather pushed it, which obviously she was intent on doing.
“Look,” Jonny said in as calm a voice as he could muster, “I think this is becoming very hostile.” His eyes met Ted’s. “Ted, we’ve worked together for years. I think we should discuss this alone.”
Ted folded his hands in front of him. “Heather, I did hear your side of the story without Jonny. I think it is appropriate for me to talk to him in private as well.”
“But…”
“Why don’t you wait outside or, better yet, in the jock lounge and I’ll come get you when I’m done talking with Jonny.”
“I don’t have a choice, do I?”
“Heather these are very serious allegations, I need to handle this in an appropriate manner. Now, if you would just wait for me, I would appreciate that. I would also appreciate you not discussing this with anyone while you’re waiting for me.” Ted was extremely serious.
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