Sweet Chemistry

by September Roberts

  “There are about a dozen wineries around here, and the inn has bikes we can borrow if you want to explore the coast. There are also tide pools all around here.” James pulled out his phone and did a quick search. “Low tide will be just before one this afternoon.”

  “Let’s go for a ride, explore a bit, find the best beach for tide pools and have a picnic.” Kate stood and packed up the leftovers from their basket while James gathered the towels.

  After dropping off the towels and basket at their bungalow, they walked hand in hand back to the main house. “We’d like to borrow two bikes.” James handed over his car keys as collateral. “Oh and do you have any suggestions for good tide pools?”

  The woman behind the desk pulled out a map of the area. “Bates beach is really close and great, especially this time of year.”

  “More wildlife?” Kate suggested.

  She shook her head. “No, it’s too cold for the nudists, so you should have the place to yourself.”

  Kate laughed and thanked her for her help.

  After a few minutes, he and Kate both found bikes that fit them.

  “Remember. I don’t ride a bike often, so you have to promise not to dust me.” Kate straddled the bike and stared at him.

  James smiled. “I promise. I’m not going anywhere without you.”

  They followed the boulevard for the better part of four hours. As they rode past a bakery, the smell of freshly baked bread was more than either of them could resist.

  “Why don’t we buy a loaf of bread and then make turkey sandwiches for a picnic on the beach?” Kate got off her bike and rubbed her ass.

  James nodded and waited for her while she went into the bakery.

  “I had them slice it for us.” Kate held up a brown paper sack.

  At their bungalow, Kate assembled sandwiches and James folded the towels and emptied his backpack so they would have a way to carry everything.

  “Okay, we’re all ready.” She handed him a stack of containers.

  Bates beach was deserted, except for a family who had come out for low tide. James handed Kate the pile of food while he spread the towels on the sand. She opened the container and handed him a sandwich. Sweet and savory flavors filled his mouth. “What’s on this?”

  “Turkey, cranberry relish, and gravy. The bread is awesome.”

  “Yeah, almost as good as yours. This sandwich is amazing.” He took another bite. “This needs to go on your menu too.”

  “Oh, am I serving sandwiches at my hypothetical bakery?” Her eyes danced.

  “You have to. It could be a bakery café couldn’t it?”

  “I suppose.” Kate looked out at the soft receding waves. “I’m glad you like it. I made you two.”

  James rubbed his hands together and dug into the container for his second sandwich. Just when he thought he couldn’t eat any more, Kate pulled out two pieces of apple pie.

  He groaned. “I didn’t know you brought pie. I’m stuffed.”

  “We could always eat it after we explore the tide pools. Let it warm up in the sun a little.”

  James nodded and stood, offering a hand to pull her up. Kate kicked her shoes and socks off and rolled up her pants. He followed her lead and when they were finished, she wound her fingers through his. When they approached the tide pools, the family nodded and James started to pull away from her until he remembered where they were. It was going to take some getting used to. He and Kate laughed and held onto each other tighter.

  They walked around the perimeter of the pools, balancing carefully on the slippery rocks. The air was filled with the smell of kelp warmed by the sun

  “Ooo, an anemone!” Kate grinned at him as she brushed the silky tentacles with a piece of driftwood. Suddenly, her head snapped to the other side of the pool and she was up and running. “Come back here.”

  “Kate? What are you doing?”

  She crouched by a crevice and carefully moved her hands until she was holding a crab barely bigger than a quarter. “Isn’t it beautiful?” She was pinching it gently by the back of its body. It’s claws flailed for a moment, and then it relaxed. “I learned not to get near the claws, even on little guys like him, and if you hold still after you catch them, they calm down.” She brought the crab over to James and let him inspect it. “Do you want to hold it?”

  James shook his head. “I’ve been pinched by one before. It’s not fun.”

  Kate bent over and gently put the crab in the same crevice where she found it. She picked up a variety of algae and named them all. “If I had come to UC Santa Barbara, I probably would’ve been a marine biologist. I love the ocean.”

  James chuckled. “You mentioned.”

  By the time they were done exploring, the sun had warmed their towels and the pie. They sat, facing each other, and ate in silence. Everything was perfect. The pie was just as delicious as it was yesterday, and James told Kate again how much he enjoyed it. He loved the way she blushed when he complimented her. They had the beach to themselves now, and when James pulled Kate into his arms, she snuggled against his body.

  He sighed and smiled as he stroked her hair.

  “Thank you for this weekend.”

  “I was just thinking that. It’s so wonderful to be here with you.” James squeezed her tighter against him.

  The silence between them filled with the soft sound of crashing waves and sea birds squawking. As the sun started to set, Kate shivered.

  “Come on, let’s go. I believe a winery is waiting for us.”

  They packed up their things and went back to their bungalow. He couldn’t help but noticed Kate rubbing her ass when she got off her bike. He would have to help massage it later. “Saddle sore?”

  She eyed the bike warily. “Yeah, I think I better stick to walking or driving for a while.”

  “Why don’t we walk tonight? I’ll take the bikes back.” James kissed her before he left to return the bikes. When he came back, Kate was wearing a dress. She looked amazing. “Should I change too?”

  “Nope. You look great. I just wanted to change out of my pants since they were crusty with sea water.” She smoothed out her dress. “Is it too much?”

  “You look perfect.” He offered his arm.

  As they walked, James could feel the heat from her body against his. After a few minutes, they came to a short white brick wall. “This is it.”

  The tables outside were filled with people chatting and drinking wine. Kate leaned closer to him and whispered, “I’ve never been to a winery before.”

  “Don’t worry. All you have to do is drink.” James winked.

  “Welcome to the Santa Barbara Winery. Here is a menu, I’ll give you a moment to look it over.” The hostess smiled at them and disappeared behind a tall counter.

  They decided on a few wines to try, and after the third one, Kate’s eyes lit up. “Ooo, I like this one.”

  “Would you like a bottle?” The hostess offered, holding up a bottle of Riesling.

  Kate sipped again and licked her lips. “Mm. Do you like it James?”

  “Yes, we’ll take a bottle. And I’d also like a bottle of this Syrah.”

  By the time they left, Kate’s cheeks were a lovely shade of pink, and she was leaning heavily on him. “Are you hungry?”

  Kate shook her head, smiling. “Nope.”

  Once they were back in the bungalow, he started the fire and opened the bottle of Riesling. He sat on the couch next to her, and as they drank, they talked.

  “Do you like your job?”

  James smiled. “Most of the time. I really enjoy teaching, and I’m getting better at keeping up with grading.”

  Kate giggled. “You’re a really good teacher.”

  He put a finger to her lips. He didn’t want the reminder.

  She pried her lips away. “I mean it.”

  “Well, you’re a really good cook.”

  “I guess we’re both good at something.”

  He sighed and thought about his job. “It’s ge
tting a little easier. The first few weeks were rough.”

  Kate shook her head. “I can’t imagine.”

  “The worst part is, here I am, trying to keep my head above water, and Lloyd is going on about getting on the right track for tenure.”

  “Without tenure, you have no job security, right?”

  “Right. But, come on. Give me a chance to get settled.”

  Kate frowned and took another drink. “He’s right though. You’ve been working so hard for this position, what’s a little more work?”

  “Shush, you’re not allowed to be a voice of reason.”

  “No?”

  James shook his head. “You’re supposed to offer your sympathy.”

  “No sympathy here. I believe that you can have what you want if you work for it. If you want tenure, you have to work for it.”

  “Believe me, I want tenure. I want to be one of those professors who’s been there so long they don’t give a shit anymore.”

  Kate laughed. “You’ll always give a shit, but you’ll get tenure. It’ll take a lot of hard work and a lot of sacrifice, but it’ll happen. I can see it in your eyes. You’re driven.”

  James scoffed. “Look who’s talking. I’ve never met anyone so motivated and determined before.”

  “I guess that’s why I feel so comfortable around you. Because we’re the same person.” Kate finished her glass and filled it again.

  “I think that might be the wine talking. I’m cutting you off.” James reached for her glass but she smacked his hand away.

  “Don’t take my wine. It’s delicious.” She took another sip and closed her eyes.

  James got up and went to the kitchen. He filled a plate with leftovers from Thanksgiving and brought it back to her. “Eat something so you don’t get sick.”

  “Mm, turkey.” Kate finished her second glass as she ate. Before too much longer, she leaned over, resting her head on his lap.

  He brushed her hair out of her face and drew lazy circles on her neck. Her breathing started to even out.

  “I’m so glad you got to come with me this weekend.”

  “Mm.” She smiled slightly.

  “You are so beautiful.”

  This time, she didn’t say anything and her smile was frozen on her peaceful face.

  "I love spending time with you.” He lifted her limp hand to his lips and kissed it. “Actually, it’s not just spending time with you.” He took a deep breath. “I love you.”

  Chapter 21

  The sun was pouring through the windows next to the bed, making Kate’s eyes ache. She was still wearing the dress she changed into last night. James was sleeping next to her in bed. He was also dressed in the clothes he’d worn yesterday. The longer her eyes were open, the longer she wished they weren’t.

  Kate stumbled into the bathroom and filled the tub. She opened the medicine cabinet and sighed when she discovered a small bottle of ibuprofen. Once the tub was filled most of the way, she dropped her clothes on the floor and stepped in. With her eyes closed, the throbbing in her head subsided. A while later the bathroom door opened. She smiled at James and then promptly shut her eyes again.

  “Headache?” James sat on the edge of the tub.

  “You could say that.” She rubbed her temples. “Sorry I fell asleep last night. One moment we were talking, and the next I was waking up in bed.”

  “What do you remember?” James touched her hands and took over massaging.

  “We were talking about your job, and tenure, and I don’t remember anything else.” Kate shook her head. “Why’d you let me drink so much wine?”

  “I didn’t let you do anything. I tried to cut you off and you smacked me.” He was pouting.

  Kate grimaced. “Sorry. I don’t remember hitting you.”

  James smiled. “It’s okay, it was just a tap.”

  “Do you want to join me?”

  James shifted away from her slightly. “I’d love to, but I need to use the toilet first.” His face flushed.

  “I’ll turn the water on, and you close the curtain. I can also hum if that would make you feel more comfortable.”

  James chuckled as he closed the curtain. “Thanks, but I think I’ll be okay with the curtain closed and the water running.”

  A minute later, James opened the curtain, turned the water off, and turned on the jets. Kate sat up and scooted forward, making room behind her in the tub. The water swirled around her legs and splashed against her ribs. As James stepped in, the water rose to her breasts.

  Once his legs were stretched out, Kate snuggled back against him. “I want one of these.” James put his hands back on her temples and began to rub again. “That feels so good. Between you and the pain killers I took, my headache is all but gone.”

  “Good. Can I take you out for breakfast?”

  “That sounds great. Can we go somewhere that serves waffles?”

  “I’ll take you to my favorite café. They have waffles.”

  Eventually, Kate’s stomach growled, which was, along with her pruny fingers, enough motivation to leave the tub and get dressed.

  “I used to come here all the time when I lived here.” James held the door for her, escorting her into the café. They sat across from each other at a booth in the corner.

  “How long did you live here?”

  “Five years.”

  Kate’s mouth hung open. “In all that time, you only went to tide pools a few times?”

  James laughed. “I was getting my PhD and teaching labs. I didn’t have time to go to the beach.” He handed her a menu. “Hey look! Waffles.”

  After they ordered, Kate turned her attention back to him. “I just don’t understand how you could live so close to the ocean but never go.”

  James shrugged. “I was driven. That’s what you said last night. You can’t fault me for something you were claiming was a virtue a few hours ago.”

  “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with being driven, but you’ve got to stop and smell the roses every now and then. Or in this case, stop and chase crabs.” She laughed and scrunched up her nose. “Nope, that doesn’t sound as good. No wonder it’s not a saying.”

  “Maybe I should’ve stopped and smelled the crabs?”

  Kate burst out laughing. “That’s even worse. You should quit while you’re ahead.”

  Suddenly their conversation halted as a man walked up to the table. Kate’s stomach growled again at the thought of a steaming waffle covered in strawberries and cream, but when she looked at the man’s hands, they were empty. She frowned and then looked at James.

  “Dr. Baker.”

  Kate’s heart raced and she pulled her hand out of James’. Although she didn’t recognize him, he must’ve been someone from the university, and now they were both finished. Why wasn’t James panicking?

  The man smiled and shook James’ hand.

  “Frank, it’s so good to see you.” James was smiling.

  “How long has it been? A year?”

  “Yeah, about that.” James looked at Kate. “Sorry. Frank this is my…Kate.”

  Kate let out the breath she had been holding and willed her heart to stop pounding. She pushed her hand toward him. “Hi.”

  “Frank and I were teaching assistants together at UC Santa Barbara,” James added.

  Frank shook her hand and grinned. “Now I see why you didn’t look me up when you got into town. You’ve been busy.” He nudged James in the shoulder. “So, are you here for the holidays? Last I heard you got a job at Bowman State.”

  James nodded. “Yes, we came up for the break.”

  “Oh? Do you work for the university too?” Frank looked at Kate again.

  Kate smiled. “Yes, but not for much longer. I’m going to open a bakery.” It was the closest she had come to telling James about her bakery. She imagined the look on his face after she signed the contract and told him all about it for real. He was going to be excited. She hoped.

  “She makes the most amazing lemon bars.” He g
rinned at her and then turned his attention to the server who was coming toward them with a platter of food.

  Frank glanced over his shoulder. “I’ll get out of your hair so you can enjoy breakfast. It was great running into you.”

  “Thanks for stopping to say hi.” James smiled.

  “It was so good to see you again James, and it was really nice to meet you Kate.” Frank shook her hand again.

  “It was nice to meet you too, Frank.” Kate waved to him as he left.

  The server filled the table with plates and left them to eat in peace.

  “How’s your waffle?”

  Kate took a bite. “Heavenly.”

  “I bet you make good waffles. Perhaps you should add them to your menu.”

  Kate laughed.

  “Right along with French toast.” James grinned.

  * * * *

  Full from breakfast, Kate lounged on the couch in front of the fire. She was tired again. “Do we have to go anywhere today?”

  James turned on the fire and then sat down next to her and pulled her head into his lap. “We can do whatever you want.”

  “I vote for staying here all day.” She closed her eyes. When she opened them again, the sun had moved. James smiled at her. “Did I fall asleep?”

  “For about an hour. I didn’t want to wake you.”

  Kate sat up and stretched. “Thanks for that. I feel much better. You’re so good to me.”

  James shrugged, but before he could protest, Kate crawled onto his lap and kissed him. Their tongues pushed against each other as Kate rubbed against him. She reached between their bodies and caressed the bulge in his jeans. James moaned as her fingers worked inside the zipper.

  Kate slid off his lap and stood between his legs and then pulled his jeans and boxers off. She shucked her clothes as he pulled his shirt over his head. Kneeling on the soft rug, she gripped his cock and kissed the head. His head fell onto the back of the couch as she wrapped her lips around his shaft, engulfing him in her mouth. She flicked her tongue and twisted her head.

  “Fuck.” James was watching her now.

  She repeated the movement and smiled when his eyes crossed. After another minute, he dug his fingers into her hair.