The Swear Jar

by Osorio, Audra

  She handed the tube of sunscreen to him. He raised his eyebrows. She couldn’t see behind his sunglasses, but she was sure his eyes were twinkling.

  He rubbed his hands in delight. “Let’s do it then!”

  She took off her t-shirt to reveal her swimsuit. He started with her exposed back. Then he ran cream up and down her arms. She worked on the front of her legs and feet. He rubbed cream on her chest and neck. He made sure to get the back of her neck. He carefully rubbed cream onto her face and ears.

  “You should lie down on the blanket, so I can get the back of your legs,” he said quietly.

  He was having fun and hoped no one noticed he was a little aroused. Flopping onto her stomach, she held still while he smeared cream on her legs. He worked his way up, dangerously close to her buttocks. She giggled.

  “It’s your turn,” she said, rolling onto her side and reaching out for the sunscreen.

  Her eyes were inadvertently drawn to the front of his swimsuit. She inhaled. Uncomfortable, he sat down on the blanket and crossed his legs. She knelt behind him. She squeezed some cream into his hand.

  “Do the front of your legs and feet. I’ll take care of the rest.” She purred into his ear.

  He rolled his eyes. “You’re killing me.”

  “At least you’ll die happy.” She breathed as she massaged the cream onto his neck and shoulders.

  “Is this supposed to be relaxing me?” He was cranky.

  “Yes. Think calming thoughts. Listen to the waves, the seagulls, and the happy people. Relax.”

  She rubbed cream onto his back. She found a few tense spots and worked them out. She came around to his chest.

  “Are you going to be all right if I do this? If I miss a spot, you’ll burn red like a lobster.” She smirked.

  “No, go ahead. I’m fine now.”

  She rubbed cream over his chest and arms. He watched her, but she was careful not to make eye contact. She blushed and he pulled her close, kissing her dimple.

  “I knew that dimple was going to be trouble the first time I saw you.”

  She sat back. “The first time?”

  “Yes, I saw the mischief in your eyes. That dimple showed me you smiled and laughed a great deal. I wanted to make you smile and laugh.”

  “You’ve managed more than that. You’ve made me happy.” She reached out and touched his cheek. “I love you.”

  “I love you, Meara. You’ve made me happier than I’ve ever been.” He took her hand and kissed it.

  “Good. Now lie down on your belly so I can get those last spots on the back of your legs. I’m not going to let you fry.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He flopped onto his belly. “What do we do after we’re covered in sunscreen?”

  “The sky’s the limit! We can sit, go down to the water, go in the water, build a sandcastle, or nap. You’re only limited by your imagination.”

  “Let’s go down to the water and take a walk.” He took her hand.

  They walked along the shore, playing in the surf and splashing each other. They watched kids running in and out of the waves. He managed to get her into the water despite her protests. She didn’t like the waves, so he held her tight and told her when to duck. Soon they were beyond the waves and bobbing in the water. She relaxed and treaded water around him.

  “How is it you swim, but you don’t like the ocean?” he asked.

  “As a kid, I was battered by waves so I avoided it. I don’t like being tossed around and choking on seawater.”

  “I can understand. I’ll try not to let the waves hit you when we go back.”

  “I’m not going back. I’m staying right here. No way am I going to get hit by a wave. You can go back in if you want, I’ll be right here.” She was nervously teasing him.

  He swam to her. She wrapped her legs around his waist. They treaded water together. He kissed her, pulling her buttocks closer to him.

  “If we aren’t going in soon, I’m going to take advantage of being so close to you.” Using his hips, he bobbed her up and down until her face turned red.

  “Duncan! Not fair,” she laughed breathlessly. “Now we can’t go in unless you want everyone to see that you have an…you know…”

  He moved her around so her back was to the beach. No one could see him as he buried his face in her cleavage.

  “DUNCAN!” She giggled hysterically.

  “Are you over your fear of waves yet?”

  “No. But I trust you to get me in safely.”

  “Good enough. Let’s take a nap on the blanket.”

  They enjoyed a short nap on their blanket despite all the people around them. They were in their own little world. They faced each other on the blanket, but they kept a distance between them. They held hands. She opened her eyes, smiled and sat up. It was a little after noon and many of the families around them were having lunch. He stirred and touched her side.

  “What time is it?” he asked.

  “Lunch time!” she said. “Are you hungry?”

  He sat up and stretched. He wiggled his toes in the sand. “I could go for a snack, but I don’t think our fellow beachgoers would appreciate me nibbling on you.”

  “You’re so funny,” she laughed. “How about helping me serve lunch?”

  “That cooler was heavy. I’m afraid to ask what’s inside.”

  “I packed as much as I could. I don’t want your stomach to rumble anymore.”

  “Good point. How can I help?”

  They were soon feasting on turkey sandwiches, potato and noodle salad, and some of the goodies from the sweet shop. She had made lemonade and he had two glasses. He made a mental note to keep track of the chocolate-covered cherries for his surprise this afternoon.

  “Is there a kitchen sink in that cooler?”

  “Very funny. It should be lighter for the trip home later. Want to make a sandcastle?”

  “Yes! Let me throw out our trash and I’ll be right back.”

  He disappeared and returned about ten minutes later carrying two buckets. He had stopped at the gift shop and bought them for the sandcastle building.

  “You’re just a big kid, aren’t you?” she asked.

  “Yes. You have to have the right tools for the job, don’t you? Do you want the red or blue bucket? Let me guess, blue?”

  “Correct, sir!”

  They held hands and walked to the water. They chose a spot where the waves couldn’t reach. They decided how they wanted to build the sandcastle. Two young boys stood watching them. The boys held their own buckets and shovels. She had noticed the boys earlier. The younger boy was about three and the older boy was about seven. They watched Duncan create the outer wall.

  “Do you guys need help?” asked the older boy.

  The younger boy nodded and smiled at her. Duncan and Meara looked at each other. Duncan shrugged and tilted his head to her. She turned to the boys.

  “Is it okay with your parents?” she asked.

  The mother was watching Meara. The mother waved and pointed to the boys. Meara nodded her head, smiled and waved to say the boys were welcome. The mother nodded.

  “Well, gentlemen, this is how we see our castle,” Duncan explained. “What do you think?”

  “I think we’re going to need some water and some wet sand,” the older boy said.

  “I’ll take my bucket and go get some. I saw some sand pebbles we could use for decorations later,” said Meara.

  Duncan and the two boys watched as Meara went to the waterline. She was trying to time the waves so she could pick up some of the sand pebbles. Duncan and the boys worked on the outer wall.

  “Is she your mommy?” asked the younger boy.

  “No, she’s not my mommy,” Duncan chuckled.

  “You don’t mean mommy, you mean wife,” said the older boy, rolling his eyes.

  “Mommy and Daddy are wife and husband. I know that. Is she your wife?” asked the younger boy.

  “No, she’s not my wife. She’s my girlfriend. I have a gra
ndson about your age. He likes building things too.”

  The three of them stopped to watch Meara darting in and out of the waves. She didn’t want to get hit, but she was determined to get sand pebbles for the castle. She was laughing.

  “You have a grandson?” asked the younger boy. “So if you married her, she would be your grandma?”

  “You are so stupid sometimes. No, she would be his wife, not his mommy or his grandma,” said the older boy.

  “I’m not stupid. I like her,” the younger boy grinned. “I would want her to be my grandma, if I could pick. I think you should marry her. She would make a good mommy or grandma. I’m not sure what a good wife is supposed to be, but I’m sure she would be good at that too.”

  Meara had a handful of pebbles and a bucketful of water and sand. Duncan watched her approach. The two boys looked from Duncan to Meara and back again.

  Duncan turned to the younger boy. “You know what? You’re right. I should marry her.”

  The younger boy grinned. “Your grandson will be happy. She smiles a lot. If you don’t marry her, I’ll ask her to be my grandma.”

  “I promise to ask her, but not right now. Let’s keep it a surprise? Sometimes grownups have to plan things a little. But I will ask her. If she says no, I’ll send her to you. Okay?”

  “Okay.”

  Meara came back to the sandcastle and put down her bucket and pebbles. “What are you three smiling about? Did I look crazy down by the water?”

  “No. Not at all. The boys and I decided you look like you’re having a lot of fun.”

  “I am. Let’s see what we can do with this castle. Will there be a dragon?”

  “Of course, Lady Meara. Every good castle has a dragon!”

  “I hope you’ll protect me from the dragon, Sir Duncan.”

  Duncan bowed to her. “Of course, my dear lady. I’ll slay the dragon with my mighty sword.”

  Duncan waved his shovel in the air. Meara giggled. The two boys rolled their eyes.

  “She’s fun, but he’s a little crazy,” said the older boy to the younger boy.

  Duncan and Meara spent a wonderful afternoon with the boys building the sandcastle. Before long, the boys’ parents came over to admire their work and take the boys home. They all shook hands. The younger boy hugged Meara and winked at Duncan. He winked back. Meara sat down on the sand next to the castle. He sat next to her.

  “You do realize you’ll get sand in your suit?” he asked.

  “I already do. It’s a hazard of the job. I’ll live,” she said.

  “Are you ready to call it a day too?”

  “Let me get a few pictures of our castle. It won’t be here tomorrow.”

  “Speaking of tomorrow, we’ll need to call everyone and let them know our plans.”

  They packed up their beach gear and walked the two blocks back to the house. As soon as they got home, he acted strangely.

  “Can you handle the cooler? I should put away the chairs and umbrella. I don’t want to leave them out. I’ll be right back.” He swiped the chocolate-covered cherries and the buckets when her back was turned.

  He darted out the back door. She wondered what mischief he was planning. She noticed the cherries and buckets were gone. After she unpacked the cooler, she called Diana. Meara closed her eyes and explained the change of plans. Diana thought it was fine. Meara hung up and looked around for Duncan. With no sign of him, she decided to change out of her swimsuit. He was right. She had sand in places that were very uncomfortable. She headed upstairs to their bedroom. She heard him in the kitchen.

  “Meara?” He called up the stairs.

  “I’m up here,” she answered. “I’m going to change out of my suit.”

  “NO!” he yelled. “I mean, no, not yet. Can you come down here?”

  She came downstairs, laughing. “Okay, sweetie, what are you planning? You’ve been acting squirrelly. Tell me right now.”

  “Is it that obvious?”

  “Yes. You don’t hide surprises very well. Spill.”

  Wrapping his arms around her waist, he kissed her neck. “I found the key to the cottage. I’ve set up a little romantic hideaway.”

  She put her arms around his neck. “I have to leave my sand-filled suit on for it?”

  “Temporarily,” he whispered. “Do you want to go with me?”

  “I love looking into your eyes. Yes, I want to go with you. Lead the way, Sir Duncan.”

  Chapter Thirty

  Duncan led Meara across the path to the cottage. He opened the door and she stepped inside. On the living room wall were photographs of family and beach landscapes. She became engrossed in the photos while he locked the door behind them. She heard the lock snap shut and jumped.

  He held her from behind. “Relax. I don’t want us to be disturbed.”

  “Am I that easy to read?”

  “I’m not going to hurt you or cut you up into little pieces. This time.” He grabbed her waist.

  She squirmed. “You’re joking, right?”

  He held her tight. “Yes, I’m joking. Do you trust me?”

  She stopped squirming. “Yes.”

  He stroked her neck. “Do you trust me enough to let me do what I want to you?”

  She gasped, arching her back against his chest. Her mind screamed for her to run, but she stayed rooted to the spot. The butterflies in her stomach were rioting.

  “What do you mean?” she asked.

  “Let’s have some fun. If it gets to be too much, we’ll stop. We could use a safe word.”

  Her heart was pounding. “If things get too crazy, we won’t need a safe word. You’ll know it. What are we talking about here?”

  He whispered in her ear. “I owe you a spanking. We’ll have a bath and a snack. Then we’ll make love.”

  She relaxed. “That doesn’t sound so bad. I had visions of an S&M dungeon. A spanking?”

  “A little role-playing? Nothing harmful, I promise.”

  Sitting on the loveseat, he pulled her down next to him. Cupping her cheek, he ran his fingers through her hair while he kissing her. He snaked his arm around her waist and kissed her deeply.

  “You taste like the ocean.” He ran his hand down to her buttocks. “Meara! You have sand in your swimsuit. You’re going to get sand all over. Take it off right now. NOW.”

  Clenching her jaw, her eyes narrowed. “You’re the one who pulled me onto the couch.”

  “Are you being defiant?” he smirked and then his voice changed. “This would work better if you were defiant. Refuse to take it off. I like that smoldering hate look in your eyes.”

  She laughed. “I get it. Bad girl. I’ll try bad girl. You want me to take it off? No, I won’t. I like having sand between my cheeks. It’s nice and itchy.”

  He rolled his eyes.

  She giggled. “Sorry. What are you going to do about it, big guy? I refuse to take it off. I’m going to get sand everywhere.”

  He pulled her across his legs. Her knees were on the cushions and her hands were on the armrests. Her buttocks were right above his lap. He pulled a wooden paddle from the night stand.

  “What’s that?” she asked, eyes widening.

  “It’s the paddle from a paddle ball set. You’re long overdue for a spanking.”

  He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled up the skirt to her swimsuit. He slapped her buttocks carefully with the paddle. She gave a little squeak. He slapped her again, a little harder. She gave a breathy gasp.

  “Will you take your swimsuit off?” His voice was deep.

  “No.” She gave a low moan. “Is that all you’ve got?”

  He raised his eyebrows. He slapped her lower on her buttocks. She gasped, lowering her head and moving her buttocks higher in the air. She took a few ragged breaths.

  “Again,” she said.

  He slapped her harder. She rocked back and forth, breathing heavily. He wasn’t interested in hurting her, but her reactions were arousing him.

  “Don’t stop. I
’ve been bad. Show me how bad I’ve been,” she whispered.

  He slapped her four more times. He slapped the spot where she had had the best reaction, increasing the strength of his slap each time. She was gasping and moaning.

  “Are you going to take it off now?” he demanded huskily.

  “Yes. I’ll take it off. Where?”

  “In the bathroom.”

  Her eyes were smoldering. She wanted him. He pulled her into the bathroom. The room was illuminated by candles. The large garden tub was filled with bubbles. Candles, sand pebbles and chocolate kisses lined the rim of the tub. A sand bucket held a bottle of champagne on ice. Two fluted glasses stood ready. It was a romantic scene and she had a dreamy look on her face. She pressed close to him, finding out she wasn’t the only one aroused.

  He slipped his fingers under her swimsuit straps. He roughly pushed them down to her hips. He slipped his hands inside, working it past her hips and to the floor. She was naked and vulnerable. He stepped back to look at her. She had never been confident about her body. He didn’t touch her and she began to tremble. She dipped her head and covered her breasts.

  “No. Don’t. You’re beautiful. Don’t hide.” He slipped off his swimsuit.

  She couldn’t help looking at him. She smiled shyly when she saw he was aroused. She ached to touch him. She reached out for him. He grabbed her wrists.

  He laughed. “Into the bathtub, you dirty girl.”

  “I’m not a bad girl anymore? I’m a dirty girl? How dirty am I?”

  They climbed into the deep tub. Her breasts bobbed in the water, making the bubbles swirl.

  “You’re a VERY dirty girl. It’ll take a lot of hard work to get you clean.” He reached for the champagne.

  One last turn of the corkscrew made the bottle pop, spilling a little into the bathwater. He poured the glasses while she held them. He put the bottle back and she handed him a glass.

  “Nice use of a sand bucket,” she giggled.

  “It was a nice touch,” he grinned. “A toast. To us.”

  “To us. I should warn you, it doesn’t take much alcohol to get me silly.”

  “Then I’ll make you finish that glass and have another. To my silly Meara.”