Return to Gray Harbor

by Bryant, J. J.

  She couldn’t believe the bicycle tour was finally over, thank God. Hosting the touring company was a great business opportunity, but she was also dead tired because of it. All she wanted to do was sleep. But she couldn’t sleep, she was too excited about seeing Michael later. She didn’t know where he was taking her, but she was pretty sure it was actually a date and that the business lunch was just pretense. Or at least she hoped it was. She remembered their brief kiss yesterday and smiled; yeah, this was definitely no business lunch. It was strange to think she had seen Michael almost every day the entire week. Bumping into him in town, at the Inn, and even on her run. Maybe it was kismet. Maybe they were meant to meet up again now at this time in their life. Whoa, she thought to herself. Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves here. They had shared two kisses...okay, one intense kiss that lasted several hours and then a casual one.

  She finished her shower and then got dressed with care, selecting a sexy red thong and matching bra. Just in case. She put on some skinny jeans and then a belted silk navy t-shirt and strappy sandals. She carefully applied light makeup and then looked at her reflection to admire the finished product. She was usually a pretty modest person, but even she had to admit she had a glow about her that day. Her hair looked great and her outfit was nice but not too nice. It was just right for dining anywhere, really.

  She packed her handbag up with all she’d need for the day and then left her cottage to head towards the Inn. By the time she arrived, she saw Michael already waiting outside, leaned up against his car. He had not seen her yet so she enjoyed this moment of observing him undetected. As she looked him over, she admired the manliness he exuded. With his arms crossed she could see the muscles in his deeply tanned arms. He looked less like a Wall Street guy today, and more like a guy who got his muscles from a hard day of work outdoors. She noticed he had shaved and that the clean-cut look worked for him as well as the more rough and tumble look he had been sporting the past few days. After a few more moments, she decided to make her presence known.

  She walked towards Michael and waved to get his attention. He flashed a lopsided grin that was both sexy and genuine all at once. It lit up his whole face. She bit her lip, trying to hold back from saying something she shouldn’t.

  “Hi Beth! You look great,” he said, as he smiled appreciatively and went around to open the car door for her. After she stepped in, he gently closed the door and walked back around to the driver seat. As he was starting the car, he looked at her and said, “Ready for our date — I mean ‘business lunch.’” He smiled at her again, this time more sheepishly.

  “Why, Mr. Malone, I’d like to remind you this is strictly business, “ Beth attempted to say in her most professional voice.

  He smiled at her and they drove in silence for a few moments, before Beth asked, “So, where exactly are we going?”

  “You’ll see,” he said cheerfully. They pulled into Malone’s Market parking lot shortly after that.

  “So here we are ... at the market?”

  “Yes, I know, probably not what you’re thinking, but you’ll see.” He exited the car and went around to help her out and then went to the trunk and pulled out what looked like a fully-stocked picnic basket.

  Now this seemed more like it. She loved picnics, one thing she could appreciate about Michael is he certainly made an effort to do something she would like. She was excited to find out what lunch was!

  They walked around to the side of the market, to a picnic area that she was sure was new. It was cute. There were natural wood picnic tables and benches, nice planters with beautiful flowers, and the beginnings of a mural. It would make for a really pleasant lunch spot, especially on such a beautiful day. He led her to a table and he began to unpack the basket.

  “So, what would you like to talk about, on our ‘business lunch’ Michael?” She couldn’t help gesturing with quote marks to tease him.

  “Okay, I cannot tell a lie. Although I do value your opinion as a business owner here in Gray Harbor ... I invited you to lunch today under false pretenses. I’d rather just learn more about you, and get to know you. BUT I also wouldn’t mind hearing your opinion on what it takes to be successful in Gray Harbor ... with you ... I mean, business.” He smiled sheepishly as he stole a grape from the basket and popped it into his mouth.

  “Michael, I just don’t know if I can stay here under these false pretenses. I’m not sure there’s anything you can do to convince me otherwise ...” She gave him a devilish grin and pretended to get up.

  He placed his hands on hers and said, “Well, what if I tell you what I made today, could that maybe convince you to stay?”

  “Perhaps.”

  He smiled as he unloaded the grapes, cheese, honey for the cheese, white wine, and then finally two packages wrapped in wax paper. He handed her one and then opened and poured some wine for them.

  They clinked their wine glasses and sipped. She was charmed by his efforts.

  “What’s this?” she asked setting down her wine glass and opening the white package.

  “It’s a lobster roll, but you’ll see it’s not exactly your traditional roll. It has its own special twist.”

  Beth loved a lobster roll just as much as the next person. She bit into it and her eyes opened wide. This roll was different — it was served on a top-split brioche and the lobster was served true-Maine style. Beth could taste some light mayonnaise, lemon, salt, and green pepper. It was perfectly done. She usually opted for the simple butter-only recipe, but she had to admit this was quite good. She took another bite and moaned in appreciation.

  “Michael, this is delicious! Did you make this?”

  Michael grinned from ear to ear. “Why, yes, I did make it, and coming from you I’ll take that as a huge compliment. I do promise though …” he paused for effect, “ … not to let it go to my head.”

  They ate in silence for a few moments and just enjoyed being outside.

  “This is really nice, just being out here on a nice day, enjoying the food. There really aren’t many places to go in town if you just want a casual meal. And even the Tavern isn’t open for lunch.”

  “Yeah, I was thinking that just now, too. Not to get all ‘businessy’ but now that you mention it, I had put the picnic tables here so people who buy snacks can enjoy them before they hit the road again, but you may be onto something. But how would I go about serving food here at the market?”

  Beth smiled and looked like she was thinking this through as she bit into her lobster roll. She explained the different approaches. Prepared foods versus made-to-order. She explained the health code restrictions for each and the pros and cons. She explained the permits, the types of refrigeration cases they should purchase. She felt like she was rambling and being boring, but Michael was taking it all in and really paying attention.

  Before she knew it they had finished all of the food. They sat there and chatted a bit more about riding bicycles and where to get bikes for her business, then they both started to clean up the remnants of their lunch.

  “So, I know I just said we would have lunch, but I also had something else in mind,” Michael said. “Wait here and I’ll be right back.”

  He left with the basket in hand and headed back towards the parking lot. She heard the car door slam in the distance and then listened for Michael to return. She was feeling impatient and curious when Michael came back wheeling two old cruiser bicycles. One even had a banana seat.

  “Oh, my God, Michael, where did you get those ridiculous bicycles?” Beth covered her mouth and laughed out loud.

  “You mean these nineteen eighties classics?” he responded. “From my parent’s garage. It’s hard to get bicycle rentals in this neighborhood on short notice. But what could be more fun than watching a grown man ride around on a banana-seat bicycle for the rest of the afternoon?” He looked at her and laughed a little, and she literally felt her knees get weak.

  “Don’t you laugh at me, Michael. I can ride a banana seat bicycle wit
h the best of them, so I call that one. Where are we headed?” she asked.

  “Oh, you know, around,” he said, smiling again.

  She noticed that there was a small backpack in one of the bicycle baskets. She was intrigued.

  “All right Malone, we’ll do it your way,” she said, as she placed her purse in the empty basket. “Lead the way!”

  They rode around for hours, laughing and talking all along the way. They rode to the lighthouse and parked their bikes outside and got the tour so they could look at the view from the top. As they were standing there, Michael said, “Gosh I hope no one steals our bikes ...”

  “That would be a shame, then I’d be stuck walking back with you,” she said, her eyes darkening.

  He stepped closer to her, his body pressing against hers. She sucked in her breath; they were pressed against each other and he was looking into her eyes searchingly. She inched closer, and so did he. Just before he was about to kiss her, she heard a voice from behind.

  “Eh, hem. This is a family place,” one of the lighthouse tour volunteers croaked at them. He was a salty-looking old man who probably spent most of his life out on the water as opposed to inside a lighthouse.

  “We’re closing up in just a few, so you best be going elsewhere.” He looked at them with a spark in his eyes before he added, “My wife and I used to come here back in my day. A long time ago.” He shuffled away and made his way to the steps.

  Michael was trying to hide his excitement. Beth really got to him. But maybe it was best they were interrupted? He let out a breath and said, “So, maybe it’s time to take this adventure back on the road?”

  Beth nodded in agreement and they headed down the stairs and back to their bikes. Then they rode into town and got ice cream, walking their bicycles around. They stopped by a wine shop and bought a bottle of white wine for later that night. She hadn’t planned on a marathon date but that’s what the day appeared to be turning into. At around six they decided to go to Nick’s pizza and get a slice.

  “So, Michael,” she said. “I still don’t know exactly what you do for a living?”

  He laughed. “Sometimes I don’t know either. But in all seriousness, what I do is I help companies and people grow. Sometimes we also help them make difficult decisions. It gets complicated and sometimes it even feels a little clandestine. It can be really exciting, but I really do feel like it’s time for a change for me. I’ve made a lot of money doing this; I’ve invested most of it in long term investments, but now I want out so I can invest in my own future and do something that makes me happy ... something more meaningful.”

  She looked pensive and then said, “Okay, so I still have no idea what that means, but it sounds like you’re on to the next thing.”

  They discussed what that next thing could be as they left Nick’s pizza with their purchases and rode their bikes back over to the inn. It was getting chilly, but the briskness gave Beth something else to focus on besides her growing attraction to Michael. They parked their bikes in the large garage structure just behind the parking lot. It looked like an old carriage house that had been modernized a bit.

  They walked out of the garage hand in hand, Michael grabbing his backpack and slinging it over his shoulder. Beth turned to Michael and said, “This was by far the best business lunch I’ve ever had.”

  He turned to her and said, “Oh, was it now?”

  He came closer and she slowly dragged her hands up his arms and then linked them around his neck, looking at him. She desperately wanted to kiss him but began to doubt herself, what if it really was just a friendly business lunch? It couldn’t be, she reassured herself.

  Just then he lifted his head and looked searchingly into her eyes. He must have found what he was looking for because his lips pressed softly against hers. At first he gently nibbled her lips, and then he began kissing her more deeply and aggressively. She was enjoying the kiss but she began to get very warm. The truth was she wanted him to touch her. When he looked at her and kissed her with such hunger and heat, how could she think of anything else?

  She slid her hands up to his shoulders as the two of them edged their way to the carriage house. Once they reached it, he dropped his bag and roughly backed her up against the wall. He pressed the hard length of his body against her, holding her hips firmly as he kissed her more deeply. He then began to kiss her throat down to her collarbone. She threw her head back in desire and tried to move his hands down her body. But he fought her and instead said, “Sometimes I like to move slowly, but first, why don’t we move this inside.” He picked up his bag, waiting for her to lead the way.

  She led him into the dark carriage house. Once inside, his hands moved up the sides of her hips, up to her ribs, and then she slowly brushed his thumbs against the side of her breasts.

  She felt like the whole world was hushed. He continued to kiss her lightly up her neck, his teeth scraping lightly over her earlobes. He slowly undid her belt buckle, which was preventing him from touching her, and threw it to the floor in one swift motion. He moved back to her mouth now and parted her lips in a deep kiss before returning his attention back to her shirt. His hands were underneath her shirt and she was in ecstasy and in hell, all at once. He pulled away and watching her face, he lifted up her shirt while still pressing against her and rolled one nipple between his fingers through the lace of her bra. She moaned with pleasure. She pressed her hips against him, indicating she wanted much, much more than just this. She needed a release from the ache inside her. She reached down and pressed her palm against the hardness just underneath his zipper. She unzipped him and slipped her hand inside.

  He let out a low growl and looked at her searchingly. “Are you sure about this?”

  She nodded and he moved to get something on the floor. That’s right, he had a backpack. He opened it and removed a blanket, spreading it on the floor.

  She arched an eyebrow and looked at him questioningly.

  “I had packed this cause I thought we might do some stargazing tonight, there are some great constellations out there. But now I’m glad I have it since I’d rather look at you,” he said, as he pulled her gently to the ground with him.

  As they moved to the blanket, she tugged his shirt free and she skimmed her fingers over his taut stomach. He let out a gasp. He pushed her hands away and returned to kissing her neck and whispered huskily, “I just want to concentrate on you.”

  While kissing her, he made quick work of her jeans, unbuttoning them and pulling them off and then he removed her shirt. He paused and smiled, looking down at her red panties and bra. He reached around her and released her breasts from the fabric. He then lowered himself and sucked gently, his tongue darting across her now very hard nipples.

  He thought to himself, God, Beth was sexy. She was soft, but well-toned, and her creamy, yet slightly tanned, skin perfectly complemented her masses of red hair.

  He moved his hands across her thighs, then smoothed his hands over her hips and over her stomach as he looked at her intensely. His fingers then dipped underneath the elastic edges of her panties. She sucked in her breath and pushed her hips back.

  She gasped. “Michael, please ...”

  He touched her, his fingers seeking her heat. He slipped his fingers inside her softness and used the other hand to cup her breast. He gently bit her nipples.

  The sensations built up inside her and she didn’t know if she could hold out any longer. She held onto him tightly as she began to lose control. Her body moved in a rhythmic motion against his hands, against his body. Pleasure rushed through her until she was gasping for air. She stared blindly at the ceiling as Michael held her in his arms after her orgasm. He then began to kiss her softly.

  He held her there for a long time. Beth couldn’t help herself, she was feeling vulnerable and raw. She had to say it. “Now what? What does this mean, Michael?” She looked at him searchingly, hoping that he would give her the answer she wanted.

  Michael looked at her. He had no idea
what to say, so he tried to speak what he was feeling. “What happens next,” he repeated slowly, “is that we see each other again and again. And I kiss you again and again.”

  He began to kiss her neck, moving his way down her stomach.

  “But what happens when you have to leave, Michael? To go back to New York in two weeks?”

  He sighed and looked up. He was afraid of this moment. “I will have to leave, but not for good. I just need to settle things in New York before I can move forward. But Beth, this is good and I want to see more of you, I don’t want this to end.”

  So many thoughts were going through Beth’s head ... but one thing was for sure: she didn’t want this night to end, either. They looked at each other with a mix of desire and questioning. Beth decided then it was time to trust herself and stop always searching for answers. She reached for him and whispered, “I want you now.”

  A groan escaped from Michael and he kissed her, gently at first and then more aggressively. He whispered, “You’re amazing,” pushing her red panties down.

  She wrapped her arms around him, pressing her bare breasts against his smooth chest. She decided it was time for her to take the lead ... she kissed his chest, tasting the salt of his skin. Her hands roamed and worked their way down his body. At first she was nervous but her confidence grew as she followed the contours of his hard planes. His strong shoulders, muscled arms, the indent of his navel — and lower still.

  He sucked in a breath and stopped her. “Hey, I wasn’t finished,” she said breathlessly.

  He looked her. ”Oh, we aren’t finished ... but you’re driving me crazy.”

  He took charge and turned Beth on to her back. He held her hands over her head. And teased her with his tongue starting at her ear and then he went for her neck. She wanted him badly and was lifting her hips and pressing against him seductively. He let go of her hands and worked his way down her body. He sucked each nipple slowly. She pressed his head against her and he began kissing his way down to her waist.

  “Michael, you’re driving me crazy, please,” she said breathlessly, “I want you inside me!”