by Freda Ann
They washed each other one more time and walked to the bed climbing under the covers together. Brandon pulled Mindy up against his side and wrapped his arms firmly around her. He loved the happy tingly feeling he got holding her close, especially when she put her arm around his waist and laid her head on his chest like she belonged to him. And he knew deep down he wanted just that. He had to figure out a way to show her how good they could be together. It wouldn’t be easy since they lived on opposite sides of the country but he knew he had a real shot at happiness if they could overcome the odds against them.
* * * * *
Mindy woke up in the arms of a sweet, thoughtful, sexy man she hoped to get to know a lot better - somehow. She acknowledged a bit of anxiety she felt at the thought of never seeing him again. Brandon has brought her a lot of joy since she arrived on the island. Thinking of what they’ve experienced together, she knew they would be memories she’d cherish forever.
She had no idea when she won this trip that being here in Hawaii would change her in so many ways. After experiencing some of the pleasures in Maui and enjoying a relaxing trip, Mindy decided to make a yearly vacation part of her future. And if she felt the need to decompress more often, she might even take more than one vacation a year. She has no feelings of stress and can’t believe how clear her head is since she came here.
She couldn’t help thinking how much better she felt after clearing the air with Chase. He was the last person on her mind when she flew here but if she hadn’t seen him, she wouldn’t have confronted her past and finally let go of the pain that has held her back from any relationship.
Mindy finally felt hopeful about her future and the thought made her happy. Happier than she’s felt in a very long time. And the thought of being in Brandon’s arms made her dream of possibilities. Without thinking, she started rubbing his chest. She loved touching him and that made her smile again.
“Good morning beautiful.” He leaned over to kiss her head as he tightened his grip on her then started rubbing her waist and hip.
“I didn't mean to wake you. My hand seems to have a mind of its own and can’t stay away from your body.” She let out a coy laugh.
“Baby - you can touch me anywhere, anytime. Sleep is the last thing I want to do when you’re with me.” He pulled her up and over his side so she was on top of him to show her just how serious he was about his words.
They started the day out just how they wanted to - making love. They weren’t sure how soon they’d be able to see each other with work schedules and their kids activities so they were determined to squeeze in as much intimacy as they could before they went to breakfast then the airport.
* * * * *
After a quickie in the shower with Brandon before cleaning up, Mindy went to her room to meet up with Faith and finish packing before heading to their last breakfast with the guys. Their last few hours together came way too quickly. They talked more about their adventures together and everyone vowed again to plan more trips and keep in touch weekly so they can get to know each other better.
It didn’t seem like a week had already passed. Mindy and Faith were kicking themselves for not extending the trip when they thought about it before flying here. As much as she wanted to stay, Mindy wanted to get home to her children. She’s missed them so much and they’re not used to mommy being gone this many days in a row. When she takes business trips, she tries to keep them to four days or less and has seemed to make it work so far.
Mindy was jolted from her thoughts of the kids when Brandon reached under the table rubbing her leg. She instantly smiled at him, feeling sensations run through her body from his touch. Are things too good to be true, she couldn’t help but wonder? It amazed her how easy it seemed when they’re together and how they have an inner connection she’s never experienced with a man. She so looks forward to getting to know him better.
As Stephen signed the bill for their breakfast, Brandon asked if they wanted to take one last walk on the beach since they have an hour before they have to leave for the airport. Mindy and Faith loved the idea and quickly accepted since the beach is their happy place.
They made their way down the tree lined pathway through the resort and out to the beach. Everyone paused at the end of the sidewalk to take their shoes off before walking out on the sand. Brandon looked over, grabbed Mindy’s hand and pulled her into him hugging her tightly to his side. She put her left arm around his back and her right arm across his abdomen lightly squeezing him as a smile lit up her face.
Stephen reached out for Faith’s hand, which she gladly gave him. She looked up with a coy smile as they walked faster to get in front of Brandon and Mindy. They didn’t want to watch them making out up and down the beach so they made sure they stayed in front. They enjoyed each others company while strolling along the beach.
“This is where it all started - along this gorgeous beach.”
Mindy looked up at him puzzled by his comment. “Excuse me?”
Laughing, - “I saw you riding the horse - I saw your beautiful hair blowing in the wind - I saw you get off the horse splashing your bare feet in the water - I saw your amazing smile when you were laughing - and I watched you walk down this beach until you were completely out of view. - I blinked my eyes several times wondering if I only dreamt about you, afraid you weren’t real.”
“Yes, you did tell me about that. - I’m glad you wanted to meet me - annnd I’m even glad you pretended to be the Chef. I must say it was pretty creative.” Mindy laughed tightening her arm around his back leaning into him affectionately.
The walk on the beach was relaxing but was even more special enjoying it with Brandon. Mindy was going to miss him as crazy as it sounds, having only known him for a week.
Stephen drove them to the airport so Brandon and Mindy could cuddle some more. After all, he wouldn’t have met Faith if Brandon hadn’t needed this vacation and wanted to play Chef for Mindy. But he was thankful how it turned out.
He parked the car and they all walked inside. They waited with the girls as long as they could before they had to go through security. Saying their goodbyes they all reaffirmed they would stay in touch and will make a point of visiting each other. The guys stood there looking out the window until they saw the plane leave.
Sitting near the window with Faith next to her, Mindy looked where Brandon was standing. He had his arms crossed watching the plane with Stephen right next to him. She watched them with Faith until the plane taxied down the runway and they couldn’t see them any more.
“This trip has been like a fairytale come true - but kind of in a way that scares me.” Mindy looked at Faith with a forced grin.
Faith reached over and grabbed her friend’s hand. “Why would you say that Min?”
“Fairytales don’t always have happy endings. There’s so many variables now that we’re going back to the reality of everyday life and living so far apart. - But I’ve made up my mind that I’m going to have faith in what’s meant to be will be. I’ve always believed in fate and time will tell what my fate will be.” She squeezed Faith’s hand as they’re forced back against the seats when their plane took off.
Chapter 12
After an afternoon of windsurfing and relaxing on Brandon’s lanai, him and Stephen had dinner with Jacques filling him in on the fun they’ve had with the new ladies in their lives. Jacques was not the least bit surprised and said he could see the relationships blossoming before his eyes, especially Brandon and Mindy’s. He told Brandon that anyone within ten feet of them could feel the chemistry. They all laughed as Brandon shook his head blushing.
Brandon and Stephen headed back to his room to watch the football game on T.V. and drink some beer he still had in the fridge. Stephen would look over at him every so often and could tell his head was not fully into the game and he knew exactly why.
“Got something on your mind?”
Brandon turned to Stephen. “Why do you ask that?”
Shaking his head a few times, h
e was about to prove his point. “Who just got penalized for being off-sides?” He waited for an answer but could tell his friend had no clue.
“My point exactly!” Stephen chuckled waiting for him to answer the question.
“OK, fine. - I was thinking about how different it seems without the girls here.”
He sat up on the edge of the chair to mute the T.V. “I have to agree. They did bring a breath of fresh air to our vacation. It would’ve been even better if they stayed here another week. It’s been a nice change getting to know them. - They’re a lot different than the women around us.”
“Agreed. And - and I keep wondering if I should just cut this vacation short and get back to work earlier than planned so I can get it done sooner. That way I can take another vacation to go see Mindy in Florida soon.” He looked sideways at Stephen, half waiting for an objection.
“I’ve been waiting for you to tell me you’re ready because I sure as hell knew it was coming!” He laughed out loud and Brandon couldn’t help but laugh with him.
Grabbing his phone off the coffee table Brandon text Jane, his personal assistant, telling her to book the two of them on a flight home tomorrow if possible. He told her he’d have Stephen forward a copy of his itinerary so she could cancel his original return flight. After relaying the info to Stephen, he sent it right away then un-muted the game. They watched it together with Brandon looking much happier than he did five minutes ago. That put a smile on Stephen’s face.
Within thirty minutes, Jane text them both telling them to check their email for the new flight information. Brandon smiled knowing he could count on Jane. She always seems to pull a rabbit out of a hat when he needs one. The best thing he did as an up and coming producer years ago was talk her into working for him after she retired from thirty years with the President of a well known record company. He’d met her through mutual friends several times and when he mentioned needing a good assistant, one of them gave him her phone number. She’s worked for him ever since.
When they finished watching the game and enjoying a few beers, they agreed they should pack up, get a shower and try getting a good nights sleep since they leave tomorrow on the same flight the girls took home. Interesting enough, Mindy and Faith flew from Maui to Oahu for a stopover before changing planes in L.A. then continuing on to Orlando. If he’d thought about it sooner, they all could’ve been on the same plane for the first leg of the return trip.
* * * * *
“Two for breakfast?” The hostess asked.
“Yes, please. On the lanai if it’s available.” Stephen told her.
Brandon looked around for Jacques. He told them last night he’d be working early this morning. As they pass the far end of the buffet line, Jacques pops out of the entry to the kitchen with a pan of food he carried to the buffet table. Brandon leaned in and told him to join them when he gets a chance and he nodded.
The hostess seated them not far from the buffet on the left side of the lanai. She placed their menus on the table in front of both chairs. “Enjoy.” She smiled at each of them and nodded before walking back inside. There wasn’t many people in the restaurant yet. Most of them usually arrived closer to 9:00.
Brandon sat back in his chair with the menu in hand. But his thoughts weren’t on the menu or the food. He couldn’t help but wish Mindy was sitting at the table with them. Her smile had a way of letting him know his day would be a good one. Once the waitress stopped by to see what they wanted to drink, they ordered coffee and let her know they’re having the buffet before heading that way.
They sat down with their plates and started eating. They were half done when Jacques walked over and pulled up a chair from the empty table next to them. Brandon looked over at him. “We decided to fly home today. We’ll be going to the airport in a few hours.”
Looking at each of them. “I thought you were staying until the end of the week? Did something happen back home?” Jacques sat up straight with his arms leaning on the table.
Stephen chuckled a bit. “It’s what happened here that made us decide to leave early.” Jacques wrinkled his eyebrows at him waiting to hear more. “We both agreed the sooner we get back and get some work done, the sooner we can plan a trip to go see the girls in Florida.”
“Ahhh - well I’m happy for you. I mean that. You both deserve some happiness - you’re long overdue for it. But you have to keep me posted on how it’s going.”
“That we will my friend.” Brandon looked at Jacques with a heartfelt smile.
They sat talking and reminiscing as they finished their breakfast. Jacques picked at Brandon again for his bright idea to play Chef so he could get to know Mindy a little better. They laughed about it.
Of course Brandon brought up the time Jacques made dinner for a woman he’d been wanting to date for several months but was afraid to ask her out. When she agreed to meet him for dinner he wanted to make for her, he was so dumbfounded that he transposed the numerics on the address he gave her so she never showed up at his apartment. He didn’t find out until a few days later when he saw her at a function they both attended. Luckily, she believed him and let him make it up to her with a second chance.
Jacques insisted on taking care of their breakfast bill despite their objections. Brandon wanted to at least leave the tip which he agreed to let him do. They got up from the table and Jacques walked with them to the entrance of the restaurant to say their goodbyes. After hand shakes followed by bro-hugs, they went back to their rooms to get their luggage and took a shuttle to the airport.
The airport was a bit more crowded than it was the day before but they arrived earlier than required to so they still had plenty of time to get through security and to their gate. While they waited to board, Brandon had to text Mindy to let her know about their change in plans.
‘Heading back to Cali today. Feeling totally refreshed after spending a relaxing week with a beautiful woman I can’t seem to quit thinking about! Planning to jump back into work so I can get a lot done and plan my next vacation soon - - to FLORIDA.’ He hit the send button and waited a few seconds to make sure it went through, smiling after the word delivered showed below his text.
He sat there waiting to board while looking out the window as the planes taxied by wondering what Mindy would think of his text. He was feeling pretty confident she’d like the idea. I mean - she said she also wanted to find a way for them to spend time together and this was the first step to make it happen. His smile grew when he remembered their last night together and how natural things were when they were together. They seemed to feed off of each other and the chemistry was off the charts.
“Earth to Brandon. Hey! - They’re calling our row. Let’s go.” Stephen turned and walked to the line to board as Brandon followed close behind.
Brandon sat by the window with Stephen in the seat next to him. He put his seat belt on, put his computer bag under the seat and reached for his cell phone to put it on airplane mode when he heard a text come in.
He felt the sides of his mouth curl up when he saw it was from Mindy. ’Funny you say that . . . there’s a gorgeous hunk of a man with stunning chestnut brown eyes that I can’t seem to forget even if I wanted to. - Which I don’t! I had a feeling you’d cut your trip short to get back to work. I hope your mind is as clear as mine has been since I got back. Have a safe flight and hope to talk to you soon.’
His face was beginning to hurt from the big smile covering it as he looked out the window feeling elated. He had to wonder why this woman seemed so perfect to him. She seemed to say and do all the right things and it calmed him in a lot of ways. She was a breath of fresh air and he couldn’t wait to get to know more about her and spend more time together. - So she thought he was gorgeous, huh? As he put his phone on airplane mode, he felt a laugh come on which he did his best to muffle.
“Hey buddy, your face is going to get stuck like that if you don’t relax those muscles.” Stephen chuckled when he nudged Brandon’s arm with his.
He let out a subtle laugh looking in Stephen’s direction. “It’s Mindy. She’s not even here and she has that affect on me. - I was reading a text from her and couldn’t help but wonder if she’s just too good to be true, you know?” He looked out the window again pausing before he finished. “She has this way of relaxing me . . . making me feel calm . . . like about life. And let me tell you, it’s so refreshing. I’ve never met anyone like her.”
When he realized Brandon was done, he put his two cents in. “Oh, you’re right about that. She definitely brings out the best in you. - Since you met her you’ve been more chilled, smiling a lot and work has not even entered your mind. This is exactly what you needed man. Hell, I can’t even remember the last time you went a week without work stress and headaches it caused.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. It’s really kinda funny. - Work didn’t even enter my mind until the day after she left. I was reliving over and over in my mind all the fun we had together and the memories we all made.”
“Well I’ve never seen you like this in all the years we’ve been friends and I have to say, I like it. - What a difference from your other relationships, especially your last! You don’t need that kind of drama in your busy life. I always thought you and Tabu were the odd couple.”
Shaking his head, Brandon gave Stephen a sideways glance. “I guess that’s what I get for listening to other people’s opinion and letting my so called friends set me up. Not to mention my own father jumping on the Tabu bandwagon. He made it quite clear that we’d be the envied power couple and how she would bring so much to the relationship. - Honestly, I have to wonder if he was thinking more about what her bank account brought to the relationship. Since more people have come to know my name he’s afraid most of the women will only date me for my money. - Hell, I guess he thinks I can’t see the truth on my own. And dad likes a strong woman who fights for what she wants, no matter who gets hurt - and that’s what he sees in Tabu.” Brandon looked out the window as the plane took off.