by Kay, Debra
I watched him intently as if understanding his mannerisms could help me read his thoughts. It appeared that he didn’t want to take his eyes off of me. Could he be thinking the same as me—that I wanted to kiss, now?
Once again, he had charmed me; I was falling under his spell.
From across the coffee shop, we heard a female voice. We both turned and looked toward the source. “No way! Great seeing you here, Lila,” shrieked an exuberant voice. It was Jane. I waved her closer.
I looked from Jane to Blake and then back again. Blake was cordial to Jane. He stood to greet her and offered his hand. He looked so professional in his introduction.
Jane glanced at me out of the corner of her eye. She tilted toward him as if saying, where have you been hiding this one? Her eyes prodded me.
“Jane,” I explained, “Blake and I were friends in college.” After I said those words, I lifted my left hand behind Blake’s shoulder, out of his sight line, but for Jane to see. I crossed my middle finger over my index finger. Jane looked up at my crossed fingers curiously and gave me a puzzled glance.
“Close friends,” Blake chimed in, elbowing me teasingly, totally unaware of the gesture behind him.
“I see,” said Jane, with a face distorted as if full of questions.
His eyes moved from me to Jane, from Jane to me. “Ladies, if you’ll excuse me. I have a matter to address. I’ll be right back.”
After he excused himself, Jane pulled me toward her. “I should’ve worn my sexy miniskirt here. You know I’m joking, right? I know he’s your man, but what in the world are you crossing your fingers for?”
I giggled. “You’re right, girlfriend, this one’s for me. The gesture I made behind his back was an “X.” Blake is my ex-boyfriend from years ago. My first love,” I said. Her eyes flickered in delight.
Before we could discuss the topic further, Blake returned. “Did I miss anything juicy?” he asked. We turned and smiled innocently and shook our heads.
“I hate to have to dash, but obligation is calling,” Jane said, in her usual excitable manner. “My little boy, Thomas, is sick and begged for these muffins.” She paused, lifted her pastry bag, and held it up for us to see. “I need to hurry home.”
“Give him a hug for me,” I said.
“I will. He was probably ready to go back to school yesterday, but I’m one big softie. And I must say, if you haven’t tried the raspberry muffins, you need to.” And with that comment, she waved the wax paper bag in the air and excused herself. “Nice meeting you, Blake,” she exclaimed, gathering her purse.
“You, too, Jane. Any friend of Lila’s must be a great gal. Hopefully we can all hang out soon. I’d like to go out with Lila again, if I can get her to agree.”
Jane stood next to us, looking into our faces. “I’ll leave you two alone to work on that one. I’ll call you soon, Lila,” she said, smiling at us. She waved good-bye and zipped across the coffee shop.
After I explained that Jane was my dear friend and neighbor, I told him how she had been my savior during this past year.
Ever so briefly, I explained my recent divorce. But I was much more excited to tell him about Jenny. I mentioned the career as an art teacher I sacrificed after giving birth and my indecision about what job steps to take next, now that she had started college. And then I asked Blake about his career.
He told me how he chose a life in the military. Blake’s eyes were warm when he looked at me, like we had remained best friends all these years. “I live about two hours from here, near the Marine base, Camp Lejeune, where I work now. I’ve devoted my life to serving our country.”
A forlorn expression took shape on his face and then disappeared. “I tried to finish college, but it just felt like something was missing in my life. After our breakup, I felt troubled. And I had lingering guilt about your scholarship,” he said.
“Really?” I asked. “I didn’t know it bothered you.”
“And besides, I didn’t have money to see the world, but felt like it was calling me. I answered that call by enlisting in the military. It was a win-win deal. I was proud to serve my country. I moved up in the ranks, and at the same time, I traveled often.”
I looked at Blake curiously. I was not used to seeing him in that light. “Your life sounds so fascinating,” I said. His dedication to our country and preserving our freedom impressed me more than I showed. I had traveled on a limited basis, but Blake had taken on the world.
“My military career brought me back to life and became my existence. And I feel like I am serving something beyond myself. And over time, my upsetting memories no longer ruled me.”
I cradled my coffee mug and looked at his face through the floating steam. “You must be very proud of your accomplishments,” I said.
He shrugged. “Yes. I work hard at all of my assignments. They moved me, quite frequently. Eventually, I was able to work my way back home to North Carolina. I was disciplined with my duties, learned quickly, and soon became invaluable to them. I advanced rapidly through the ranks.”
“That’s impressive. And you still find time for other activities?” I asked.
“It’s a busy, hectic life, but I still try to stay social with friends. And when I’m not working, I write short stories from my experiences, as a creative outlet. My goal is eventually to compile the stories into a book.”
I listened intently, captivated by this worldly man. He was full of surprises. Excitedly, I said, “It also looks like you immersed yourself in fitness. You look fabulous.” I leaned back, looked at my cup, and took a sip from my coffee that I had been lingering over because I didn’t want to say good-bye and part ways.
He pushed a stray hair out of his eyes with his long fingers. “My fitness routine keeps me distracted. Plus, as part of my job I need to remain in shape, and I take pride in staying active and healthy.”
A moment later, I looked into his kind eyes and wondered what they had really seen during his years in the service. There was a long silence while I studied Blake, in admiration but also trying to figure out the person he had become. Although he was a man now, something in his face reminded me of our youth.
Looking at his beautiful face again took me back to college when I would sneak him in the dorm at night. “Blake, you always could talk me into anything. Because of you, I caught a few glimpses of the wild side.”
He smiled. “We did know how to have fun.”
I wondered if he still had the power to ignite my senses. What would it be like to touch him again? After my imagination explored his body, I shook my head, trying to keep my mind in the present. But everything about him took my thoughts back to those carefree days.
While my mind was trying to stay focused, my body was losing control. I was starting to feel a warmth creep across my body. My nipples grew hard. I started to feel a yearning and aching between my legs. It was as if my body screamed at me to touch him again. I wondered if he shared some of those same feelings.
Our eyes locked, and looking deep into his, I thought I saw his answer. Was it mutual attraction? Maybe he, too, grew in excitement just sitting close to me. Perhaps he imagined what it would be like to take me into his arms again.
He was attractive, no doubt, but I had met many handsome men in my life. Yet there was always something about him that went straight to my libido, putting my desire on high alert. I used to think it was just my youthful urges that drove me wild; however, sitting next to Blake now, I knew it was him. He made me hot from head to toe. Other men did not have that same effect.
He glanced down, took my hand, and lifted my arm to his face for closer examination. He focused on the round scar on my forearm. A moment later, he raised my arm to his lips and kissed it.
Using his other hand, he stroked across my nubby scar and looked at me knowingly. When he looked deep into my eyes, his body tensed. It was as if a flash of memories shot through him.
His words confirmed my suspicions that he, too, saw glimpses of that day. He leane
d close. His breath was hot on my face. “Seeing this scar is like looking through a window of time. That memory of us making love on the ledge began to seem so distant. It’s almost as if it happened to someone else, but seeing you next to me brings that image crashing to the surface. It feels like time is unraveling.”
“And what an adventure it was. We really knew how to live,” I said.
“I’m sorry I gave you a scar,” he said in a breathy whisper.
“Yes, you left me with a party favor.”
“That was a loaded comment, Lila. Left you? You mean you left me for good when you broke up with me,” he said, with frustration in his voice. “But that was then. This is now.”
I shook my head. “I don’t know what to say. We can’t change what happened when we were younger, but we’re sitting together now.”
He smiled. And then he lifted my arm and pressed the scar to his lips again. In a husky voice, he asked, “Maybe we can re-create some of our playful times?”
“I like the sound of that.”
I tried to look away when Blake repositioned his burgeoning crotch, which I surmised, had begun to awaken and stir. He tried discreetly to shift his bulge; however, my eyes followed his hand with keen interest. Hello, long-ago friend.
He leaned forward. “You may not believe this, but I must tell you, on dark nights in the service, alone in my bed, you were there in my mind.” He looked into the distance as if watching his memories on a movie screen. “I’ve lived our escapades over and over in my mind.”
I sighed. I wanted to reclaim all those lost years. “You have no idea, Blake, how many times I replayed our adventures, too. Even to this day, our trysts stay in my mind.” I lowered my head and softly whispered, “If you look closely at the scar, you can still see faint teeth marks.”
He leaned in closer to get a better look. As he eased his hand across my skin and rubbed it gently, my arm quivered beneath his touch.
Maybe this time Blake and I could skip the relationship part and just have fun. Is that really possible? And how could Blake get past the reality that I left him years ago?
And Blake seemed to answer my questions when he said, “You can’t believe how excited I am to see you again.” His face lit up when he spoke, his youthful energy infectious. You better be careful with this one.
“I feel that way, too.”
“Lila, it’s your turn now that your daughter is grown. What do you want from life?”
I want to live pain-free, both physically and emotionally. I need to make whatever is causing this stabbing pain that comes and goes to disappear magically from my body.
But instead of speaking my inner truth, I bent my head toward Blake as if to confide something important. It was at that exact instant that I knew what I needed to do next.
Suddenly, the words flew out of me. “I’m going to share my secret desires with you. I made a list of goals.” Immediately, I could see the question in his golden eyes.
I paused. Should I really be discussing my fantasy life with him? I inhaled a deep breath, taking in the savory coffee aroma, and took a small sip, letting the warm liquid fill me with warmth. Without looking directly at him, I revealed how I had some unfulfilled dreams and a long list of things I wanted to see and do in life.
“I need a traveling companion.” My voice suddenly filled with excitement. I paused and met his gaze. And my eyes widened as if an idea struck me. “I would like you to be my travel companion. Do you have any interest in sharing this adventure with me?” I shot him a quick smile. And silence followed.
“Ummm . . .”
Questioning my candor with someone I haven’t talked to in years, I quickly back-pedaled. “After the first trip, if you don’t want to continue, I’ll understand. And don’t feel like you have to agree to anything,” I said.
Blake beamed. “You’re making a tempting offer. I’m flattered, but don’t you want to take a girlfriend?”
“You might want to see my list.” I opened my purse and pulled out a pink sheet of paper. We leaned our heads together to review the list.
The top of my list revealed wish number one: Romantic Beach Getaway.
Blake gaped at me in stunned silence. “Oh, I think I get it now.” Much to my relief, his face lit up. He grinned from ear to ear. “I’d be honored to be your travel partner, and you never know, maybe it could evolve into something more . . . meaningful. You were always a very exciting woman to me,” he said, stroking my arm.
I laughed, again second-guessing my offer; maybe this was a crazy idea. “You know, it doesn’t have to be romantic, but let’s try for enjoyable.”
“Is that open for interpretation?” he asked. His question caused me to give a modest shrug and giggle. “Your laugh,” he interjected. “I forgot how much I liked your laugh.”
“You’re making me happy.”
Blake did not hesitate. He did not even pause to think about my offer. “Well, with all of this in mind, I better start planning,” he announced. “Perhaps now you are the one who can talk me into anything.” We looked at each other and shared smiles.
In that interval of time, I just started to recognize how much I missed his friendship. I had no comprehension of the impact he would have on my life in the future. I happily pretended to strike the first item off of my list. At that instant, I was beginning to like my new life after all.
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“When can we get started? I’m available next weekend,” he blurted out.
I searched his eyes for any hint of hesitation but found none. They looked delighted, full of adventure and twinkled with excitement. It was as if I could see a bolt of energy shoot through Blake—rejuvenation. Maybe he, too, was in desperate need of a new adventure and had not realized it—yet.
Blake offered to take the lead in the planning since he lived closest to the coast. He called the next day to say that his friend, on several occasions, had offered his beach house. And this time he decided to take his pal up on the invitation. Luckily for us, it was available this upcoming weekend. Skip and his wife couldn’t join us but offered their house anyway. Nervously, I prepared for our private getaway.
Chapter 6
For once in my life, I was ready ahead of schedule. With my bag near my feet, I sat on the front porch, fidgeting and squeezing my phone as if it could speed Blake’s arrival. As soon as I saw his car winding along the driveway, I raced down the steps and stood on the walkway. He pulled up next to me, rolled down the window, and shouted, “Are you ready for some fun?”
“I’ve been ready all week,” I said, hopping in the car.
“Fantastic. I just left my parents’ house, and they’re doing fine. Maybe I’ll pop in again after I drop you off on Sunday.”
After driving a couple hours, we arrived at the small coastal town that afternoon, garbed in our end-of-the-summer beachwear. He was dressed casually in his khaki shorts, navy button-down short-sleeved shirt, and ball cap. I wore a form-fitting red sleeveless blouse with an eye-catching low-cut neckline, white pants, and flat sandals.
We sauntered down the sidewalks through the peaceful town and spent the afternoon shopping in the quaint beachside gift shops. It was a magnificent day with the sunny, bright blue sky and the warm sea breeze. I breathed in deeply, picking up the scent of the salty ocean air mixed with the aroma of fresh bread wafting from the nearby bakery. A perfect day. I looked up at Blake, and his smile beamed down at me.
An instant later, he slid his protective arm around my waist, pulling me close as I strolled by his side. We couldn’t resist the delicious aroma and stepped inside the bakery. My eyes lingered on the glass case filled with pies, cupcakes, and cookies. Blake laughed. “I think your eyes are salivating more than your mouth. What should I get us for this weekend?” he asked.
I smiled and pointed to the homemade milk chocolates molded in the form of miniature seashells. Gesturing to the woman behind the counter, Blake said, “We’ll take a pound of those milk chocolates,
another pound of dark chocolate truffles, and a loaf of your French bread.”
“You really know how to take care of a lady.” I teased.
With our arms full of shopping bags, we ambled along until we reached the outskirts of town. I glanced around but saw no one. I felt this sudden burst of energy, dropped my things, and climbed onto the elevated brick wall. Much to Blake’s surprise and maybe my own, I did a quick cartwheel, turned, and smiled at Blake.
“You can still do that trick after all these years?”
“Once a gymnast, always a gymnast.” I laughed. “Okay, that’s not true at all, but I can try.”
He chuckled. “I like your unbridled enthusiasm. You’re forty-one going on twenty-one.”
“And that’s how I want to live.”
He cracked his knuckles. “Okay, I’ll take you on later. You just wait until I get my hands on you.” When he looked at me with his ball cap blocking the intense sun from his face, I gasped. Something about that ball cap and the way he looked at me made my mind confused between then and now. It was as if we had lived that exact scene years ago.
We arrived at the house late that afternoon. As we gathered our bags and entered the ocean-front cottage, my thoughts swirled in fear about spending the night with him—alone in the darkness. I heard the sound of the front door shutting and the bolt locking. Blake leaned against the door with that hungry look in his eyes. “I have you all to myself,” he said.
“What do you have planned?” I asked. But I already knew the answer. His naughty grin that followed spoke a thousand words, all words I longed to hear again.
Sliding his hand from the latch, he took mine and led me through the open, sun-filled home. The beach house was mostly one large living area with high, vaulted ceilings. The kitchen and family room were connected, and there appeared to be a few bedrooms down a hall. The back wall was made almost entirely of glass, with French doors leading to a deck. Against the side wall, there was an oversized denim sectional and a floor-to-ceiling bookcase. The coffee table displayed back issues of Southern Living and Coastal Living magazines.