by Brooke Moss
“Did you see that kid, Jamie?”
“What kid?”
She laughed and pushed playfully at my shoulder. “Leave Planet Romance for a minute and come back to earth. There was kid, darting between houses over there. Teenager.”
A shake of my head cleared my thoughts. “Could be any number of reasons. It’s summer time. Kids are out enjoying the fresh air. Maybe he was just walking home from a friend’s house and taking a shortcut.”
“Or maybe he’s a peeping Tom,” she giggled.
“Or an international spy, trying to find the recipe for the perfect margarita.”
“Or he’s hoping Uncle Jake didn’t finish all those beers in that old washtub and left some out for an adventurous lad.”
I noticed about half the houses on the street were dark. Probably belonged to summer people. Not everyone could afford the properties that offered a view of the lake. Many of these homes would be ideal for a family vacation. Depending on their proximity to South Haven, they could see frequent use. Reluctantly, I pushed thoughts of Randy to the back of my mind.
“We should go exploring tomorrow, Linda.”
“One day in the sand and you’re already bored?”
“Hardly. But I’ve never been here before. I noticed on the main drag a shop which rented bicycles and scooters. There’s a lot more to see than just the marina and the beach. We could cruise around in the morning, then hit the beach in the afternoon.”
Logan guided us into the driveway at Jake’s house. “It does sound like fun. But that means we need to get moving early. No lounging in bed until noon,” Linda said.
“That’s fine with me.”
Jake was still at his neighbors. We sat for a few minutes in the screened in porch. Darkness had taken over. The stars had begun to show. If you listened closely, you heard the sound of the waves and above that, the light buzz of mosquitos as they came out to play. We sprawled at opposite ends of a rattan sofa as we enjoyed the night air. Linda adjusted the thick cushion beneath her and lightly kicked my leg.
“He’s a nice guy. Good looking, too.”
I smiled. No argument from me. “Yeah.”
“You seemed to enjoy his attention.”
“Yeah.”
“Smooth moves, too. Those kisses were getting pretty intense.”
“Yeah.”
She smacked me with a pillow. “There’s no reason in the world you shouldn’t have some fun. We’re only here for the week. Enjoy it.”
“It just surprised me. I wasn’t expecting to meet anybody.”
“That’s the beauty of it. Your magnetic charms drew him in at lunchtime. Poor guy never had a chance.”
I laughed. “My magnetic charms?”
“I’ve known you since the first grade. Some guys take one look at you and fall under your spell. Those inquisitive green eyes. The dark red hair. One good look and they never have a chance. They’re magnetically drawn in. You just don’t realize it.”
“From now on, you’d better point those guys out. I must have been missing the signals.” I bit back a yawn and threw my pillow at her. “Time for bed.”
***
Tuesday morning was another picture perfect day. At the rental place, we opted for small scooters. Together, we zoomed around the area, drove beyond the marina, and explored the northern part of the city, where a number of million-dollar homes faced the water. Some looked like palaces, others more laid back. We discovered rows of shops and even more white sandy beaches. Dressed in tank tops and shorts, we garnered more than a few waves from people as we cruised along.
We stopped at a coffee bar for a jolt of caffeine. Linda was examining the menu board when a deep voice sounded behind me.
“Think I’ll let you two off with a warning this time. There has been half a dozen near-miss accidents caused by guys watching you instead of the road.”
I turned around, laughing. “Some things are beyond our control, officer.”
Jared chuckled. “Actually, it’s sergeant. Having a good time?”
“The best. How bad was the school bus?”
He waved a stubby finger at me. “Almost forgot you’re a reporter.”
Linda pushed playfully at my shoulder. “She does not have a tape recorder or note pad tucked into her clothing. But I’d understand if you had to search her, just to be certain.”
He chuckled again and threw a broad wink at her. “Why do I get the feeling you expect me to search her?”
“Well, if you’re reluctant to do it, perhaps you could recommend someone who would. In the name of public safety and all.”
I felt the flush of embarrassment start at my toes and rocket through my body. Subtlety was not her style. I gestured at the menu board. “So what do you recommend?”
“I’m an old fashioned guy. Just coffee. But I take mine with a short blast of caramel. My daughters got me hooked on it.” Jared grinned. I was happy to move on to safer ground and avoid Linda’s hints at searching me.
Coffees in hand, we walked outside to one of the patio tables with Jared taking a chair where he could watch the traffic going by, both vehicular and pedestrian. Maybe cops were always on alert. Linda and Jared were chatting about the area. I let me guard down for a minute and relaxed, soaked up the sunshine.
“Bumped into Randy this morning by the office. Said he had a great time on the lake last night.” Jared’s eyes bored into me. I choked on my coffee.
Linda nodded sweetly. “Yes, it was a great time. Don’t you agree, Jamie?”
“Absolutely.” The warmth had returned in full force.
Jared’s phone beeped. He apologized, then checked a text message. “Gotta run. Hey, if you’re in town Wednesday night, there’s a great band concert in the park. Starts about 7:00. Lots of good music.”
“We’ll check it out,” Linda said.
Jared saluted with his coffee cup. “Have fun. Maybe we’ll bump into each other again.”
“I wouldn’t be a bit surprised.”
We watched him move quickly to an older sedan and drive away. Linda had a devilish expression on her face.
“You do realize you were as red as your hair. And, don’t tell me its sunburn.”
“No, it’s windburn. From riding around on the scooters.”
She shook her head. “Jamie, you are so full of shit.”
“I can’t believe you were encouraging him to frisk me. And suggesting someone else should do it!”
“He’d already talked to Randy. Maybe, he mentioned getting to second base last night.”
I wanted to smack her. “He did not. Randy was a perfect gentleman.”
“Well, you got the perfect part right,” she said with a laugh.
***
After dropping the scooters off, we opted for salads at a small café. It was early afternoon when we found a nice spot on the beach. We went for a swim, reveling in the lake. Back on the sand, sprawled on our towels, I dozed off. The warmth of the sun, the gentle sound of the waves breaking on the shore and the overall sense of relaxation combined to lull me to sleep. Later we went for another swim, going parallel to our spot on the beach for a hundred yards or more, then swimming back and forth twice more. I was wide-awake from all the exercise. My muscles tingled from the cold lake water. We packed up and leisurely walked home.
“Don’t be nervous,” Linda said as we neared the house.
“I wasn’t until you said it.”
“Relax and be yourself. That’s who Randy is interested in.”
“What are you going to do tonight?”
Linda smiled and shook back her hair. “I’m going to spend a relaxing evening with Jake and Logan. Maybe read a little. Watch the stars come out. Nothing stressful.”
“Sounds nice.” My voice sounded a little jittery.
She linked her arm through mine. “Breathe. Just breathe.”
“I’ll try.”
Linda offered to drive me to the marina but I opted to walk. The stroll gave me a chance to mingle
with the other vacationers who wandered the streets of this beautiful little city. After two days in the sunshine, I was more than a little pink. Not expecting to go on a date, I hadn’t packed anything other than shorts and tops. I was wearing a pair of navy-blue shorts and a sleeveless white blouse. Tennis shoes completed my ensemble.
Randy stood on the dock and watched me approach. I sensed he’d been waiting for a little bit. Maybe he had been checking out the other women walking by. But his gaze remained fixed on me as I drew closer.
“Hi,” I said nervously.
“Hey.” He reached out and took my hand. As he slowly pulled me closer, he turned me around, like a spin on the dance floor. Fortunately, I didn’t stumble over my own feet. The next thing I knew, he was kissing me. Or maybe I was kissing him. Did it matter who started it?
Reluctantly, we separated. Randy guided me aboard. On the little table at the stern were dishes, silverware, napkins and two carryout containers. There was a bottle of red wine and two plastic cups.
“I promised you dinner.”
“What are we having?”
“Chinese. Beef with broccoli or shrimp with snow peas.” He flashed me his crooked smile and shrugged. “I’m not much of a cook.”
“Neither am I.”
We settled on the couch and dug into the food, sharing both entrees. The wine was very smooth. During the meal, the conversation was light, little bits about the day, the area and some spots in metro Detroit we were both familiar with. Randy got up to clean up the food containers then returned.
“Linda and I enjoyed seeing more of the town. Oh I almost forgot, we ran into Jared earlier today.”
Randy’s grin widened. “I heard something about that.”
“Oh shit.”
“The police station is in the same building as the city offices. It’s not uncommon for Jared and me to cross paths several times during the day. So late this afternoon he told me about the coffee bar. And Linda’s comments about searching you.”
My reaction surprised me. Maybe it was the wine. Or the combination of the fresh air, the gently rocking boat and the handsome guy sitting close to me. But instead of blushing, I leaned in and kissed him, very lightly.
“Want to search me?” I whispered.
“Oh yeah.”
Randy got to his feet and took my hand. He led me to the cabin. Once we were down below, he turned and slid the overhead hatch in place and closed the door. Hopefully, it would keep away any prying eyes.
I trembled with anticipation. It had been a while since my last romantic overture. When Randy drew me to him, I couldn’t tell if it was me shaking or the boat rocking. Somehow, I managed to get my arms around his neck. When he kissed me, my instincts kicked in. Our clothes were slowly removed until we were standing there, naked, pressed tightly together.
The bunk was wide and comfortable, although I wouldn’t have noticed if we were on burlap or sandpaper. My focus was on Randy as his was on me. Together, we added our own efforts to keep the boat rocking. Afterward, we lay curled on our sides, facing each other, and catching our breath. Our fingers gently caressed, seeking each other out.
“Did you discover anything while searching me?”
He flashed his crooked smile. “Jared would remind me to be thorough. You never know what I might find hidden somewhere.” His hand slid down my back and cupped my ass, drawing me even closer.
I reached back and slapped his hand. “Trust me, there is nothing hidden back there.”
“Well, maybe I should check this side.” His hands slid over my skin, touching some very sensitive areas. My fingers were busy as well.
“You gonna search me again?”
“Oh yeah.”
***
It was almost sunset. We were out on the lake, enjoying the cool air, and guiding the boat north, about half a mile from the shore. The moon was rising. I had reclaimed my bra and panties. I felt decadent wearing only my underwear, but out on the lake, no one could really see me. Randy was wearing a pair of shorts. He sat in the captain’s chair, legs dangling while I stood in front of him, and held the steering wheel with both hands. I finally was driving his boat. The feel of the wheel between my hands and the soft sway of the boat under my feet was exhilarating. Another check mark off my bucket list. When he leaned forward and nuzzled my neck, a gasp of surprise escaped me. He moved from holding my waist to keep me steady to running his hands up and down my meager curves, sending shivers through my body.
“Still searching me?”
“No, just enjoying the warmth of you.”
I let go of the wheel and spun around to face him. There was still enough light to see his features clearly. One kiss led to another. Thankfully, there were no boats within a mile of us. If there was a club like the “Mile High Club”, we became members. Soon, Randy reclaimed the wheel and his shorts and steered us back to the marina. At the dock, I went below and quickly dressed.
“You could stay the night.”
I shook my head, sending my red locks dancing. “Thanks, but I’d rather go home. Besides, you’ll need to get some sleep before work in the morning.”
“I could sleep with you in my arms.” Randy drew me close.
“That’s cute.”
“At least, let me drive you.”
I shrugged. “What the hell. Okay, but don’t expect to be making out in the driveway. Linda will probably be spying out the windows.”
“All right.”
We locked up the boat and strolled to the marina’s parking lot. Randy had a medium size SUV, something that was probably a requirement in the winter, considering how much snow blasted the area around the lake. With the windows down, the night air felt invigorating. Or maybe it was the result of multiple rounds of sex. Randy followed my directions as we moved slowly through the residential streets.
“What was that?”
He turned toward me. “What was what?”
“Over there, by that house with the blue trim. Something ran across the yard.”
“Probably a dog.”
“You grow dogs that are six feet tall over here?”
Randy stopped. After checking his mirror, he put the truck in reverse and rolled backward. When we were in front of the house in question, he swung into the driveway. The place was dark. There was no evidence anyone was home. Probably a vacation home, like so many others in the area.
“I still don’t see anything,” Randy said.
“Got a flashlight?”
“Seriously? You want to check out a stranger’s house?”
“Yep.”
He dug a small flashlight out of the center console. Randy shut down the truck and left the headlights on. Together we got out and walked up the driveway. I sensed he was just humoring me. When he stopped, I took the light and kept moving. Randy followed. The grass in the yard was thick, as if it hadn’t been cut in a couple of weeks. You could see footprints in it, running across the yard diagonally. I motioned my find to him.
“Probably kids, taking a shortcut to get home before curfew.”
“You really think so?” I asked.
“Yeah. Look, they don’t even go close to the building.” Randy’s arm was around my waist now, drawing me close. If he was trying to distract me with his physicality, he was doing a damn fine job of it. I gave up and let him turn me around. We stopped alongside the truck and shared a few more kisses.
“Neighbors will complain if we don’t move along,” I whispered in his ear.
“They might be enjoying the show. Or getting inspired.”
His comment had me smiling. “Let them write their own ending.” I pushed him away and climbed back into the truck.
***
It didn’t surprise me to find Linda on the screened in porch, curled up on one end of the rattan sofa. Logan was sprawled by her feet. The loyal dog always stayed close when she was around. There was one lamp on behind her, throwing just enough light to read by. She was in the middle of the latest John Sandford mystery. L
inda glanced up, a gentle smile on her face.
“You’re glowing.”
I waved the comment aside and sank to the cushions on the opposite end of the sofa. “It was a lovely evening.”
“I want details.”
“Go away!”
She shook her head, the smile growing wider. “Details. Was there wine? Dinner? Dancing? And then romancing? Or did you skip the preliminaries and foreplay and just shred each other’s clothes?”
“Seriously? You think I’ll tell you everything?”
“You know you will. Besides, you smell a little sweaty, your blouse isn’t buttoned right and you have this very pleased expression on your face. So, yes, I believe you had sex. And you’re going to tell me all about it.”
Stifling my laughter so we wouldn’t wake up Jake, I told her about the evening. Hey, she’s my best friend. We knew everything about each other. There were no secrets.
“Are you going to see him again?”
We hadn’t talked about it but I sensed it would happen. This had turned out to be a great vacation so far. The fact I’d connected with a guy before she did was still a bit of a surprise. I mentioned the detour we made, which turned out to be just two blocks away. Linda shook her head, her eyes twinkling in the soft light.
“Jamie, only you would go looking for a story instead of paying attention to the guy beside you.”
“I wasn’t looking for a story. I just noticed something odd.”
“Want to do some more exploring in the morning?”
“Sure. Think I’ll go take a shower and head off to bed.”
She sniffed and pulled her head back a little. “A shower would be a good idea.”
I threw a pillow at her and left the room.