Strangers

by A. L. Parks

  "Wow, feel free to do that every morning for the rest of our lives," Abby commented as she ran her nails over his back, lightly scratching him. Bryce snickered, and lay back down next to her.

  "How did you sleep?" Bryce asked, as he twirled a piece of her hair in his fingers.

  "Well, when I was finally able to go to sleep," she winked

  at him, "I slept great. There must be something about the salt air, the sound of the ocean, and lying naked next to you, that completely relaxes me," she joked.

  "Yeah, well, lying naked next to you does the exact opposite of relaxing me," Bryce responded as he rolled on top of her, and kissed her more deeply. His lips moved along her jaw and down her neck. Abby felt fingers of heat move over her skin and settle low in her belly. Bryce trailed kisses over her breasts, and drew her nipple into his mouth. She gasped, as her hands clenched into his hair, and she arched her back against him. His tongue swirled around the puckered skin. He pulled the hard nipple into his mouth, and sucked it until a sexy whimper came from her. He moved to the other nipple as his hand massaged the one he had just left. Abby moaned, and felt her body heat rising. He had that ability, to bring her to the brink, without ever entering her. And she reveled in his mastery of her body.

  Releasing her, his tongue licked down her body, over her abdomen, and along her thigh. Spreading her legs apart, he kissed and nipped along her inner thigh, until he reached the apex. Offering only hot breaths on her sensitive skin, he moved his lips over to the other thigh, and slowly moved back up. Abby writhed under him, desperate to have his lips on her sex. Her fingers flexed into his hair, as she arched her back, enticing his mouth towards her center.

  "Bryce," she called out. "Stop teasing me."

  His tongue licked down her wet center. His thumb circled and rubbed her clit. He thrust his tongue into her, hard, deep. Moving slowly in and out of her, she pushed her hips against his mouth. She needed him faster, and deeper. Pulling his tongue from inside her, he dragged it up her silky sex. He licked her clit, back and forth, several times. His fingers slid inside her, and pushed as far as he could go. He stroked inside her, pushing as she bucked against his hand. He suckled her clit, pulling it into his mouth, and teasing it with the tip of his tongue. Her muscles clenched tightly

  around his fingers. Her body shuddered against him. The waves continued as he moved his body over her. She screamed his name again as he thrust into her. Their movements were frantic, out of control. With a final thrust, he exploded inside her. His body convulsed against hers. She clenched tightly around him, and then spasms overtook her body. Bryce's weight was on top of her; his head resting on her shoulder as he tried to slow his breathing. Abby still had her legs wrapped loosely around him, unable to release him. Small spasms still ran through her, prolonging her pleasure. Every time with Bryce was amazing, left her completely satisfied, but still wanting more.

  Wrapped in a fluffy white bathrobe, Abby sat on the couch and watched as Bryce poured himself a cup of coffee, and sat next to her. He looked almost too good, the black robe and his black hair contrasting sexily with his already golden tan. Abby was unable to take her eyes off him, and for a brief moment almost suggested they stay in bed all day, and continue the escapades from the morning. Bryce was not only sexy, but an excellent lover. Abby had never experienced intimacy with another man that came close to the level she had reached with Bryce. He knew his body, knew her body, and knew what aroused her and took her to extreme heights in their lovemaking.

  "And what do we have on the agenda today?" she inquired, taking another sip of coffee.

  "Well, I thought we would head to the beach this morning, if you like, and then see if anything interesting comes up this afternoon."

  Abby looked at him curiously, "see if anything comes up? Meaning what?"

  Bryce smiled, "I just don't want to over-schedule us. This is a vacation, so we can relax, and rejuvenate - not get stressed about keeping to a schedule." He leaned over and kissed her, "We're on island time, baby."

  Abby caressed his face, and rubbed her nose against his, "the beach sounds great."

  After a long morning of lying on the beach, interspersed with playing in the ocean, Abby rinsed the shampoo out of her hair in the glass-enclosed shower off the bedroom. Bryce poked his head into the bathroom, "I'm going to run up to the front desk and see if I can get a reservation for the mountain bikes later in the week. Be back in a few."

  "Okay," Abby called, as she worked conditioner through her hair. So far, the vacation had been perfect . No stress, just total relaxation. Abby knew she was going to have to confront her fears regarding the wedding when she returned home, but had pushed those thoughts to the recesses of her mind. That could be dealt with later. Right now, she was consumed by thoughts of experiencing as much of the island as they could in the week they had left. Too soon, Saturday morning would roll around, and they would board a plane back to New York.

  Abby turned off the hair blow dryer and brushed out her long auburn hair. She opened the closet doors, and pulled a brightly colored dress with a v-neck and a ruched waist. Standing in front of the mirror, putting the matching red poppy earrings in, she heard the sliding glass door open.

  "Hey, I was getting worried about you. Did you get lost, or did they rope you into buying a timeshare here?" she asked sarcastically, as he came up behind her, and pulled the zipper up on her dress without her asking. She wrapped her arms around his waist, "because if you got a timeshare here, I would totally support the inexcusable waste of money."

  Bryce chuckled, and kissed her forehead. "Are you ready to go, smartass?" and took her hand, leading her to the glass doors. They stepped off the deck in front of the bungalow, and were met at the sidewalk by Chet. He escorted them away from the main

  hotel, and towards the beach. Abby shot Bryce a questioning glance, but he simply smiled in return. It was clear he had another surprise in store for dinner. Crossing the soft sand, the threesome made their way to a raised covered platform not far from the water's edge.

  Abby stepped onto the platform, and gasped at the setting. A table was set with white linens, white and gold plates, and a glass candlelight lantern in the center. White gauzy material hung from the wood frame that housed the private dining room. Twinkling white lights were wrapped around the frame. Pulling out her chair, Bryce picked up the long stem red rose from the table, and offered it to Abby. She breathed in the sweet aroma, as she soaked up the atmosphere. The pop of a cork being released from a bottle of champagne grabbed her attention. Chet filled the two crystal flutes on the table, and turned to Bryce, "Tomas will be your server tonight. He will be with you shortly." Bryce thanked Chet, and the man bowed and made his way back across the sand.

  "You look beautiful tonight, Abby," Bryce remarked as he lifted his champagne glass. They clinked their glasses together, and each took a sip. Bryce gazed at her, the firelight from the candle dancing in his eyes. "Are you happy, baby?"

  "I'm overwhelmed," Abby answered honestly. "We've only been here two days, and every day there is something new and amazing that you surprise me with. Happy does not come close to explaining how I am feeling, Bryce. Ecstatic, lucky...loved. I don't feel like I deserve all this."

  "You deserve all this and more, Abby. This is nothing compared to what you have given me, what you give me every single day." Bryce took her hand and kissed it.

  "Except a wedding," Abby reminded him. "You know I want to marry you more than anything, right? I want to spend the rest of my life being your wife."

  "Let's not stress about the wedding...it will take care of itself at the right time. We are here to get away from that craziness; relax and just enjoy each other, remember? So, no more talk of weddings." He kissed her hand once more, as two men stepped up on the platform and placed plates in front of them. One man introduced himself as Tomas, and explained the appetizers on the plates. Asking if they would like anything other than water and champagne to drink, he and his young shadow left the couple to
enjoy the food, and the romantic ambiance.

  By the time Abby finally put her spoon down, she sat back and exhaled, and rubbed her full belly. "Oh, I ate way too much, but that was so good that I don't even care," she directed at Bryce.

  "Well, shall we take a walk along the beach and try to burn some calories?" He suggested, holding her hand. She nodded, rose, and turned to thank Tomas. They walked along the beach, and stopped as they heard music playing from the pool area. Bryce swung Abby around, and pulled her into an embrace. They swayed to the soft melody, losing themselves in the moment. Bryce rested his cheek against hers and whispered in her ear, "You make me smile, Abigail."

  ***

  They ordered room service for breakfast, sat on the wraparound deck, and watched the waves lap against the shore. By mid-morning, Bryce suggested they get dressed, and wander around the resort. Pulling on her white shorts and pink sleeveless top, Abby worked her feet into her white Sperry's and made her way to the living room. Grabbing her purse, she rummaged through for the pink lip-gloss, and ran it over her lips. Bryce followed her out of the bedroom, placing his sunglasses on the top of his head.

  Abby allowed Bryce to lead her without a care of where they went or what they did, as long as they did it together. She had totally integrated into the slow island pace, with its lack of

  responsibilities, and stress-free environment. She had been away from all contact with the real world, and had no desire to reach out and touch anyone until she absolutely had to. She had not missed the emails, text messages, or ease of information that came with having an iPhone. During this time, she had everything she needed, and longed for nothing else. They made their way through the lobby, and down a hallway, as Abby let her mind drift back to their walk along the beach the night before. Bryce knocked on a door, as Abby realized for the first time they were in front of one of the hotel rooms. She opened her mouth to query him as the door opened, and a familiar face greeted her - her older brother, Jim.

  "Oh my God! What are you doing here?" Abby screamed, as Jim moved out of the way and let her enter. He hugged his sister as she continued her questions, not giving him an opportunity to answer, "Is Courtney with you?"

  "Damn right Courtney's with him," a voice called from just behind her. Abby turned as Courtney came out of the bedroom and the two embraced, swinging each other so fiercely they seemed to be dancing.

  "What are you guys doing here?" Abby asked again, this time waiting for a response.

  "Well, Bryce called to let us know he was bringing you here for some R&R, so I decided I better get Courtney down here before she started nagging about how I never take her anywhere romantic. So here we are," Jim responded, pouring rum into glasses on the small kitchen bar.

  "Fuck off, dear, or I will cut you off for the remainder of the vacation - and you know I will," Courtney responded, never one to have a problem discussing their sex life in front of others. Jim would just chuckle and offer a "yes, dear," in response. Abby glanced over at Bryce, and just shook her head. Pouring Coke over the rum, Jim handed out the drinks, before offering a toast. "To us," he stated simply, tipping his drink back.

  "Beautiful sentiment, Ira," Abby quipped.

  "Why, thank you, Winni-fred," Jim smiled at her, and Bryce chuckled, mouthing the name at her. Abby responded with a mouthed, "fuck off, dear."

  A knock at the door captured their attention. Courtney crossed behind Abby to answer it. "Are they here?" a voice asked. Moving into the room past Courtney was Clara and Davis, followed closely by Becca and Rob.

  "Holy shit!" Abby yelled, nearly dumping her drink on the floor. Bryce grabbed the glass from her hand, as Abby hugged Clara and Davis. Rob gave Abby a kiss, and moved towards Bryce and shook his hand. The two men had become good friends over the months, which made Abby happy. She had worried that Bryce would always feel they were her friends. Now it seemed assured they were all good friends - the best of friends.

  Becca wrapped her arm around Abby's waist, "Surprised?"

  "Floored," Abby responded. "I cannot believe you guys all came down here. This is going to be so much fun. Are you staying all week?"

  Becca glanced at Courtney, who emptied her drink, "Yep," she responded for the group. Handing her empty glass to her husband, he winked at her, as he prepared drinks for the latest arrivals, and a fresh one for his wife.

  The group took advantage of the shuttle into town. The women split off from the men, and hit every boutique along the main street. They met the guys at a little cafe for lunch, where they spent the afternoon eating, drinking, and laughing. They finally returned to the hotel, and decided to meet for a late dinner. Abby dropped the bags with her purchases on the bed, and then joined Bryce in the living room.

  "I love that everyone decided to join us down here in paradise," Abby said happily, "but I really need to unwind."

  Bryce sat down next to her, and pulled her legs across his, massaging her feet. A low, satisfied groan came from Abby. She laid her head back against the couch.

  "So, what would you like to do to unwind?"

  "Hmm, I can't decide," she murmured, "bath or shower? Which would you prefer?" She opened one eye and peered at him.

  He looked over at her, still working on her foot, "I'm joining you?"

  "Yes, please."

  "Bubble bath?" Bryce asked, and Abby moaned her approval while he continued rubbing the days walk from her feet.

  Lowering herself into the bathtub overflowing with bubbles, she nestled in front of Bryce. She lifted her arms and giggled as bubbles clung to them. Bryce ran his hands from her shoulders down to her hands, and entwined his fingers with hers. She laid her head back against his chest, and let out a satisfied sigh.

  "What are you thinking about?" Bryce whispered into her hair.

  Abby's eyes were closed, and a smile was on her lips. "How perfect this is. How I never want to leave. Let's just quit our jobs, and live here forever."

  Bryce laughed, rocking Abby's head as it lay against his chest. "And how exactly are we going to pay for this piece of paradise? While our money does go farther here than in New York, I don't think it would sustain us for as long as we would need."

  Abby let out a long, indulgent sigh. "We'd figure it out. Something would come up, I'm sure."

  "This from the woman who religiously puts a quarter of her pay into safe investments 'in case of emergency'?" Bryce let out a guttural laugh. "Somehow, I don't see you 'devil may caring' it, sleeping on the beach, relying on the kindness of others for our daily food intake, and potentially going days without a shower and clean clothes."

  "Don't bog me down with common sense and reality," Abby admonished him, a huge grin across her face. "It’s my fantasy, and I think we could make it work."

  "You're right, baby. How silly of me to argue with you. Of course we could make it work." He laughed again, kissed her hair, and wrapped his arms around her.

  Abby snuggled into Bryce, feeling secure in his arms, knowing that this was just one of many days that would define forever. A lifetime of sharing, and laughing, and loving. Forever. But she also knew that forever would not really begin until they were married. A deep sense of guilt pervaded Abby's body. She was holding them back from their forever; from them moving forward. She had begged Bryce not to dangle forever in front of her, just to take it all away. Was she doing to him?

  He had proposed. They had begun planning their wedding; had set a date. And then she let her fears get the better of her. She was dangling their lives, the promise of a deep commitment, in front of Bryce and had yet to provide any indication of when they would be married. It was not fair to Bryce. He was making concessions, and allowing her to delay the one event that would solidify their love and their lives. And it was time for her to let go of the fears and move past them. It was time to wrap her head around the idea that the wedding was going to take place.

  She closed her eyes tightly, and prayed that this time nothing bad would happen. This time, the events that took place in that c
hurch would result in happiness, not loss and devastation. She knew the likelihood of anything happening again was nearly nonexistent; but fear is not often rational, but very persuasive.

  "So," she started, as she felt her heart rate ramp up significantly. "I guess I will call my mother when we get back, and tell her the wedding is," she forced herself to swallow over the large lump that had formed in her throat, "back on." Flashes of the mangled car, the blood all over her 'perfect' wedding dress, and Trevor's casket lowering into the cold ground on that gray February day hit her as soon as the words left her mouth. She tensed, and she tried to force the visions away. It would not happen again, she told herself. But her heart was not buying what her head was trying to sell.

  "Abby," Bryce murmured. "We are not talking about the wedding. Please stop worrying about it. I promise it will all work out just as it's supposed to, okay?"

  "I want to marry you, Bryce. And I am holding us back from our happily ever after because of my stupid, unrealistic fears." Abby felt tears move to the corners of her eyes.

  "Nothing about your fears are stupid, or unrealistic. No one has a right to tell you how to handle this. Not me - certainly not Charlotte. No one can understand exactly what you went through, or what you are going through now. I may have the best insight, but even I don't fully comprehend how you're feeling. Trevor's death would have been horrible on any day; but the fact that it occurred on your wedding day - that's a hell no one should have to go through. The fact that you fear that exact thing happening again, only proves how deeply it affected you."

  Bryce moved his hand to her chin, and forced her to look at him, as he moved his head around. "Baby, I'm okay. I'm not going anywhere. Please, stop worrying about the wedding, and let's just enjoy our vacation. Everything will work out, and we will be married before you know it."

  Abby opened her mouth to speak, but Bryce cut her off. "Not another word, Abby." He kissed her on the head, and wrapped his arms tightly around her, as she let his love engulf her, and carry away her worries. She knew it was temporary, and that the fears and insecurities would return the next day. But her world was complete, in this moment, with Bryce holding her, and lifting her burdens.