We head outside, ready to go. I give Shaun a kiss and tell him I love him while he straddles the bike before I get into the Jeep. Oh, right, yeah, so Shaun sold his car and bought a Jeep Rubicon, saying it’d serve us better for our adventures.
And I know what you’re thinking—love him? It’s true. He actually said it to me first, the night he asked me to move in with him, and I knew it was right. Nothing feels as right as it does to be with Shaun. And I told him so. And although I wasn’t near ready to move to the next step of planning a wedding, here we are, living together, taking it day by day, week by week.
So, back to Sylvia. The plan was for me to arrive ahead of Shaun and get her and her last-minute items down to Richard’s car. And although her new home was only a few blocks away from her condo, Shaun planned a circuitous route, ensuring she’d get the most out of the ride.
I arrive at Sylvia’s and am greeted by Richard. Shaun was right about the real estate in the area. Richard’s agent already sold the condo and moving day for the buyers would be the middle of September. Richard had everything that needed taking care of wrapped up, so he was heading home to Sacramento this afternoon.
“Hello Abby, where’s Shaun?” Sylvia asks, making her way into the living room with the aid of a cane.
I walk to her, giving her a hug. “He’s downstairs,” is all I supply.
“I can get the last of your things, Mom,” Richard says, helping me with my plan.
“Oh, all right.” Sylvia takes a look around her nearly empty living room, sighing.
“No regrets?” I ask.
“None. On to the next stage,” she says with bravado. “And thank you again, Abby, for all you’ve done for me.”
“Pssh, whatever. You’re not through with me yet, young lady,” I tease.
“I should hope not,” she teases right back. “Okay, let’s go.”
With that, the three of us walk out of her condo for the last time. I am very proud of how well we ladies were holding it together, not getting all teary-eyed or mushy or anything. Because we have been known to do that from time to time.
Richard went ahead of us, placing his mom’s bag in his car. Just as she and I get to the Jeep, Shaun comes roaring up on the bike and parks it.
“What on earth?” Sylvia manages.
I can’t help but grin as we watch Shaun remove his helmet and call out a hello to Sylvia.
She walks up to him, clearly surprised and a little baffled. “What are you doing on that thing?” She eyes it up and down. “Is that yours?”
Shaun rises off the bike, sweeping his hand in front of it like a show girl on the Price is Right. “Your chariot, m’lady.” He proceeds to remove a helmet and goggles from the side car.
Sylvia looks at me, her son, then back to Shaun, unsure as to what she should do. “My chariot? What do you mean?”
I walk to her and whisper, “It’s time for your rush of excitement.”
She looks at me with wonder, raising her eyebrows.
“It may not be skydiving,” Shaun says. “But maybe it’s the next best thing.”
“Richard, did you know about this?”
“I did. Are you ready?”
Her smile says it all. She hands over her cane to me as Shaun helps her into the side car. Once settled, she secures the goggles and helmet. Shaun hands her a pair of gloves and then wraps a scarf around her.
She giggles. “Oh my.”
I give her a kiss on the cheek and say, “Enjoy. I’ll see you at your new home.”
Shaun fires up the bike, and with each rev of the engine, Sylvia’s delight grows.
I step back, joining Richard on the sidewalk. Shaun signals, eases into traffic, and we immediately hear Sylvia’s laughter as they speed away.
I can’t wait to see them arrive at the home. No doubt with perm-a-grin etched on Sylvia’s face.
“Thank you, Abby,” Richard says. “You’ve been so good for her.”
“You’re most welcome. I love that lady.”
“And she loves you.”
“Thanks, Richard. See you at the home.”
He nods and we each make our way to our own vehicles. After a brief stop, my trip is a short one to Sylvia’s new residence, and I join Richard to visit with Millie in the garden, awaiting Shaun and Sylvia’s arrival.
I estimate about thirty minutes later we hear the roar of the motorcycle, so we make our way to the round-a-bout entry. And sure enough, Sylvia’s face is lit up with the most glorious smile I’ve ever seen her display. Shaun completes a few extra circles around the entry before he brings them to a stop.
“That was wonderful!” Sylvia shouts. She removes the helmet and goggles, laughing as she does while trying to finger-comb her hair back into place.
Richard, Millie, and I approach the bike as Shaun grins and winks at me. “I guess I don’t have to ask if you enjoyed that. Your smile says it all,” I say to Sylvia.
“Oh, it was more than enjoyable—it was thrilling!” She looks to Shaun. “When can we do it again?”
Shaun chuckles and says he’ll have to see what he can arrange with Drake.
“My word, nothing I’ve ever done compares to that.”
“I’m so glad, Sylvia,” I say.
“Thank you, Abby, for arranging this.” Turning back to Shaun, she thanks him too. “And if I ever get the chance to meet Drake, I’ll thank him as well.”
“I think we could make that work,” Shaun says.
“Oh, Millie, you must try it.”
“No, thank you, Sylvia. I’m not inclined to take a ride in that. But I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
Richard and I begin to help Sylvia out of the side car as she continues to talk to herself about her little adventure. Once out, she embraces me, saying, “Thank you, dear.”
All I do is nod as I squeeze her tight.
“Let’s go sit and rest a bit,” Richard says. “I want to be sure you’re settled before I head home.”
“Oh, I’m fine, Richard. And thank you for taking time out of your schedule to be here, taking care of this old lady.”
“Oh, stop. Of course I’m going to take care of my mother.”
“Well, many wouldn’t. Not only do I have a wonderful son, but wonderful friends as well.” One by one she hugs her son, Shaun, me, and Millie.
“Now, I think I could use some tea.”
“I’ve got everything waiting in your room,” Millie says.
“And I’ve got just the thing to accompany it,” I add. On the way over, I stopped by her favorite bakery to pick up the raspberry strudel she enjoys so much and arranged for a weekly delivery to be made to her and Millie.
Once inside relaxing, the five of us are savoring our various drinks and sharing the strudel. And as I look from Sylvia to Shaun, I can’t help but think of the amazing changes that have taken place in our lives in less than a month’s time.
Sylvia catches my eye again as she raises her teacup. “This sappy lady would like to thank you all again, for making my life extraordinary. Now, I’ll keep this short and sweet, as I’m sure you’d like to get on to other things.” She looks me in the eye and says, “To new adventures around every corner. May each turn be better than the last.”
“Hear, hear,” everyone says.
We finish our drinks, and Shaun and I make a move to stand. “Sylvia, Millie, let us know if there’s anything you need,” I say. “I’ll come by Saturday morning to see you.”
They each say their thanks, and one by one, Richard, Shaun, and I say our goodbyes and depart.
Outside, Shaun is getting back on the bike, and before I have a chance to tell him I’ll meet him at Drake and Rachel’s, he pulls me in, kissing me. Thoroughly. Of course I don’t mind in the least, so I return the gesture with enthusiasm.
Reluctantly, Shaun pulls back, saying, “Unless we want to have the cops called on us for public indecency, I say we take this party some place more private.”
“I love that idea. And I love you.” Anoth
er quick kiss and I sprint to the Jeep. “Race you home!”
No, we didn’t race. We were perfectly law-abiding citizens who happened to change lanes quite often to better facilitate our way around slow-pokes.
I arrive seconds ahead of Shaun who quickly catches up to me just as I get the front door open. After kicking it shut, he’s backing me down the hallway while frantically removing my clothes. As we cross the threshold into the bedroom, I am completely naked.
“My turn,” I say, tugging at his apparel and quickly making it disappear. We fall on the bed, our hands all over one another and our mouths fusing together. We’re so worked up, each so caught up in pleasuring the other, Shaun barely has the presence of mind to get a condom on. Once he does, he’s crawling on top of me.
“Abby, you drive me wild.” He bends forward, kissing me. “I can’t get enough of you,” he says, rising up again to look at me.
“The feeling is mutual.” I wrap my legs around his waist as he enters me. I thrust up, making our connection as close as it can possibly be, and soon, we’re soaring.
Our eyes never leave one another’s as we move together, faster and faster. But before we leap off that cliff, Shaun rolls us over so I’m straddling him. One hand is resting on my hip while the other finds that sweet spot that’s eagerly awaiting his attention.
We each give as good as we get, and it pays off. We both ride that high into sexual oblivion. I collapse on top of him, our breathing ragged, our skin slick and hot. Reluctantly, I roll off of him and onto my back, giving myself some air. My hand finds its way to Shaun’s thigh, still needing contact with him as I gently stroke his skin.
I roll my head to look at his profile, only he rolls his to look at me. “I love you,” he says.
“I love you too.” I grin as he takes ahold of my hand that was caressing him and gives it a squeeze.
“So, guess we need to get going so we can get Drake’s motorcycle back to him,” I say.
“I guess we do.”
Yep, here we go, moving right along. Look at us go. I chuckle as those thoughts run around in my head, because we’re both content to just lie here and not move another muscle for a while.
“What’s so funny?” Shaun asks.
“Us. Rarin’ to go, aren’t we?”
Shaun chuckles as well. “I’ll jump in the shower while you take another moment.” He moves to sit up, and I follow him.
“I have a better idea. Let’s conserve water.” I wiggle my eyebrows at him.
“You keep doing that, and we won’t make it to Drake’s tonight.”
“Oh, yes we will. Because there’s someplace else I’d like to make it to tonight.”
Chapter Eighteen
I’m hesitant about what I’m about to say, but I get it out. “I’d like you to come with me to a tattoo studio.”
Shawn stops his progress to the bathroom to look at me. “A tattoo studio?”
“Yeah, you know, a place to get tattoos. I guess I should ask how you feel about tattoos, because I’m thinking of getting one. No, I know I’m getting one, and well, I guess I just want you to be okay with that.”
“Abby, breathe.” He chuckles. “If a tattoo is something you want, well then do it. You don’t need my permission.”
“Well, I’d hate to get something that would repulse you and make you never want to look at me again.” I laugh.
“Not possible.”
“Rachel suggested this artist I’m going to see.”
“Well then, I know you’ll be in good hands. She and Drake have some great ones. So, getting one tonight, are you?”
“No, I’m just going for a consult. Talk to her about what I want and where I want it.”
We resume our walk into the bathroom, and he turns on the water before finally disposing of the condom. “Sounds good. Before or after we eat? Because I’m starving.”
“Aren’t you always?” I tease. We enter the shower together, and although more fooling around would be wonderful, we quickly get ourselves clean and dry. As we’re dressing, he asks if I’ll provide him with any hints on my tattoo idea.
“It symbolizes something I love and enjoy, and also my ability to open myself up.”
“That could be any number of things. Any other hints?”
He finishes dressing and watches me dry my hair. He’s lost in thought, still unable to come up with any guesses.
I grin at him. “We’ve done it together, actually.”
“Well that really narrows it down, now doesn’t it?” He grins also. “Let’s see, that leaves sex, singing, more sex, stargazing, followed by more sex.” He’s counting off the activities on his fingers. “Oh, and let’s not forget paragliding. Seeing as the stargazing and paragliding were first time experiences, and the sex, well, I’ve already lost count…”
I toss a towel at him as he laughs, and I can’t help but blush. “Well I’m certainly not getting anything dealing with sex tattooed on my body.”
“Why would you, when you’ve got me, the real deal, to cover your body whenever you desire?” He snuggles up behind me, wrapping his arms around me.
“Mmm, that I do.”
“So, that leaves something to do with singing.” He watches my grin in the mirror. “Or music, which I know you love. And since we’ve sung together…”
“Let me show you,” I eagerly say. I break away from him to grab my purse. I pull out a piece of paper, unfold it, and turn it toward him. “I had thoughts about this, looked up some pix, and kind of put this together.”
Shaun takes the paper in his hand and studies it before looking back at me. “It’s beautiful, Abby. It’s perfect.”
I’m absolutely delighted when I hear him say so, smiling like a loon.
“Where are you having it placed?”
“I’ve been debating on that—whether to have it across my shoulders, on my arm, or on my ribs.”
“Ooh, the ribs, I hear, are one of the most sensitive spots. Maybe not the best place for your first one.”
He hands the paper back to me, which I take and look longingly at. The picture is a wavy musical staff with a few musical notes. The end of the staff opens and the notes and lines become birds, flowers, and stars. There were several pictures I came across with a similar theme, so I tweaked and added and made it my own.
“That’s what I’ve heard also. What do you think? Where should I have it put?”
“Hmm, not easy to say, since it’ll be on your body, and you need to be happy with it.”
“Well, you’re a lot of help, aren’t you?” I tease.
“See what the artist suggests and then decide.”
“Good idea.”
We finish getting ready and head out to return the bike to Drake. During our visit with him and Rachel, telling them I’ll be meeting with the tattoo artist, they ask about getting together for dinner, and we all agree on a place.
“Abby, you’re going to love Jade’s work. She’s the best I’ve had,” Rachel says.
“That’s not what you said this morning,” Drake teases as he nuzzles his wife’s neck.
“Drake!”
Shaun and I can’t help but laugh at their antics. Their affection for one another is refreshing, fun, and beautiful. Kinda how I feel about me and Shaun. And as much as we’ve been hanging out together, I’m getting used to Drake’s roguish sense of humor.
“All right, Drake, enough embarrassing your wife. We know you’re a stud-muffin,” Shaun quips.
“You got that right,” he boasts.
“So,” Rachel says, gathering herself after playfully shoving Drake toward the door. “We have an errand to run. We’ll see you two in an hour or so.”
“Sounds good,” I reply.
Two hours later, Shaun and I are experiencing scrumptious German cuisine with Rachel and Drake as we talk about my tattoo appointment.
“So you’re really going back to have it done tonight?” Drake asks.
“Sure am,” I reply excitedly. “Jade said she
had a last-minute cancellation, and my design was easy enough for her to do. She’s working on drawing it up as we eat, and I’ll return at eight.”
“I’m glad you like her,” Rachel says. “Where did you decide on the placement?”
Shaun and Drake are scarfing down the food while Rachel and I chat. We’re all sharing each other’s plates, taking a little bit of everything ordered. There’s sautéed pork loin, braised trout, stuffed ravioli, and of course, German sausage, red cabbage, and plenty of potatoes. The food is amazing, and a little bit of wine tops it off perfectly. Can’t consume alcohol prior to getting a tattoo—studio policy, as it should be—so I’ve limited myself to just a sip or two out of Shaun’s glass.
“Shoulder. She’s going to start the staff just left of center below my neck and have it open near my right shoulder. Some of it will actually flow over the shoulder.”
“I won’t lie,” Rachel starts, “close to the bone hurts. And if she goes onto the collarbone, better have Shaun’s hand to squeeze.”
“My appendages are at your service.” He grins.
Rachel laughs. “Oh, you’ve been hanging out with Drake too much. Careful, Abby. Next thing you know, you two will be the proud owners of your own motorcycle.”
“Speaking of…” Shaun starts hesitantly.
“Oh, no. No, no, no,” I say. “One thing at a time. First parasailing, now a tattoo. Let me take my baby steps at my pace.”
“All I was going to say was I’ve been eyeing a two-seater for us. All you have to do is hang on tight and enjoy the ride.”
Drake roars with laughter, and Rachel tries unsuccessfully to hide her smile.
“Don’t fight it, little lady,” Drake says. “Besides, you’ll love it, just like you did with parasailing.”
As our conversation continues, talk of my work comes up. I tell them, as I’ve discussed with Shaun, I’m contemplating a change. I already decided as much as I loved the pooches, I’ve dropped the dog-sitting gig, and Heather, my supervisor has already been advised about the probability of me moving on to something else.
“I’m actually taking some advice from Sylvia, and I’ve applied for positions at the YMCA. They’re looking for counselors and coordinators for some of their youth programs.”
Unexpected Adventures (New Adventures Book 1) Page 16