Neptune's Ring

by Ali Spooner

  When the song ended, Vanessa’s hands pulled Levi’s shirt from her body, soon followed by her sports bra and shorts. Vanessa knelt down in front of Levi and teased her hard nipples as her hands caressed Levi’s body.

  “You are so delicious,” Vanessa purred.

  “Let’s get you undressed then and go to the bed so you can have a feast, my love,” Levi said as she raised Vanessa to her feet.

  Levi undressed Vanessa and led her over to the bed. Vanessa lay beside Levi and covered her body with light kisses as her hands teased her lover. When she moved between Levi’s legs, she tenderly lapped up Levi’s juices, building her arousal to a roaring climax as Levi’s thighs clamped around Vanessa’s head and she released a flood of juices.

  Vanessa moved on top of Levi and kissed her deeply as Levi’s hands pulled Vanessa into her body. Levi rolled Vanessa onto her back as her tongue left a blazing trail of desire on Vanessa’s skin as she moved lower down her body. Levi’s teeth nibbled the soft skin of Vanessa’s inner thighs as her fingers parted her soaked lips. Levi entered Vanessa with the tips of her fingers while her tongue glided up to trace circles around her clit. Vanessa’s body trembled with anticipation as Levi’s mouth covered her wetness and her tongue probed deeply into her body. Levi’s fingers stroked across Vanessa’s clit until Vanessa arched her back and released her orgasm, soaking Levi’s face and hand with her sweetness.

  Vanessa took Levi in her arms and held her close as tremors passed through her body in waves as Levi’s hands softly stroked her stomach. Levi placed her head on Vanessa’s chest to listen to the pounding of her heart and when her pulse finally slowed the lull of the strong beat coaxed Levi into sleep.

  The next morning Levi woke early and showered quietly. She wrote a note to Vanessa explaining that she had gone to the hospital and would be back soon to take her to breakfast. Then she would spend the day on the beach with her. Levi signed the note then slipped quietly from the room. Levi dropped the money bag off to Liz and asked to borrow her bike to go to the hospital.

  Levi enjoyed the feel of the morning air rushing through her hair and she remembered standing at the bow of the ship with Vanessa during an evening and feeling the same joy. Levi was so lost in the memory she did not see the truck pull out in front of her.

  PART FOURTEEN

  Vanessa stretched her body as her eyes slowly opened to find she was alone in the bed. She looked over to find Levi’s note on the bedside table and smiled as she read her sweet words. She climbed from the bed and stretched again before walking into the bathroom to shower.

  Levi had hung her clothes up in the closet. Vanessa stepped into a bathing suit and then added shorts and a shirt as a cover up. She ordered a pot of coffee from room service and scanned the television stations while she waited for Levi’s return.

  When Levi’s eyes focused back on the road ahead of her she saw the rear end of the truck nearing quickly. Instinctively she hit the brakes, as her eyes searched for a means of avoiding the truck. It was still early morning, so the island’s inhabitants were not awake and mobile, making traffic light on the narrow roads. Levi steered the bike hard to the left and felt the bike wobble as she cleared the rear bumper of the truck by several inches and she twisted hard on the throttle to accelerate around the truck to avoid possible oncoming traffic. Her heart was about to explode from her chest as she carefully turned into the drive to the hospital and sat still trembling with fright on the bike.

  One of the hospital staff had pulled into the parking lot behind Levi and rushed over to her.

  “Are you alright?” he asked. “I saw that truck pull out in front of you without looking,” the man said.

  “I am fine, it just gave me one hell of a scare,” Levi said.

  “Would you like me to walk in with you?” the man asked kindly.

  “Thanks, but I am going to take another minute or two and catch my breath,” Levi said.

  “I will wait,” the man insisted and waited patiently for Levi.

  After he walked her into the emergency room, he smiled and said, “Have a great day and be safe on that bike.”

  “Thanks,” Levi said, giving the man a warm smile.

  She walked up to the counter in the emergency room and explained who she was and that she was there to have her cast removed. The nurse asked her to take a seat and she would be called back shortly.

  Levi sat in the waiting room and felt her body still trembling from her scare. She would have to be more alert if she was going to ride Liz’s bike and she silently chastised herself for her inattention. She jumped, startled out of her reverie when the nurse called her name and asked her to come back to exam room one.

  Levi was examined by a young doctor she had not seen before and he gently removed the cast and observed her range of motion.

  “Are you feeling any pain?” he asked, as he carefully removed the dead skin on her wrist.

  “No pain, just some stiffness,” Levi answered.

  “That is to be expected. I want you to wear this elastic support for at least another week and take it easy on that wrist,” he said.

  “No cartwheels?” Levi teased.

  “Definitely no cartwheels,” he added with a smile. “Don’t hesitate to come back in if you feel pain or if the stiffness lingers beyond the next few days,” he instructed.

  “Thanks, I will,” Levi said, as he walked her back out to the waiting area.

  Levi left the emergency room and carefully drove the bike back to the resort, hypersensitive to any other traffic around her. She was relieved to pull into the garage safely and park the bike. She returned the keys back to Liz and went back to find Vanessa.

  “That looks much more comfortable,” Vanessa said, as she noted the elastic support.

  “It is much more comfortable,” Levi said. “A week of this and I should be free.”

  “Excellent news Baby,” Vanessa said.

  “Are you hungry?” Levi asked.

  “Starving,” Vanessa said with a smile.

  They walked into the dining room and were waved over to join Killian and NeNe for breakfast.

  “You two are up early,” Levi said.

  “We haven’t been to sleep yet,” NeNe said.

  “What?” Levi smirked.

  “Just kidding, we didn’t want to miss out on any fun today,” NeNe said.

  “Are you two ready to hit the beach?” Vanessa asked.

  “We will be very shortly after breakfast,” Killian said.

  “I already called down to reserve four lounge chairs for us,” Vanessa said.

  “You are so smart, My Baby,” Levi said with a grin.

  “I had to do something to kill the time when you were at the hospital.”

  “Oh, you did get your cast off today,” NeNe said. “How does it feel?”

  “Still a bit stiff, but that is to be expected. I have to wear this brace for a week and then I should be back to normal.”

  “That is good news,” NeNe said.

  The four women finished breakfast and were walking back to the bungalows when they met Nat and Liz.

  “Are we still on for lunch today?” Nat asked.

  “Sure, what time?” Levi said.

  “Let’s meet about one,” Liz said.

  “That will give us plenty of time for some beach fun and a shower,” Levi said with a grin.

  “We shall see you later then,” Vanessa said, as she took Levi’s hand and they returned to the room to brush their teeth and pick up their beach bag.

  Vanessa and Levi made it down to the beach first and located their lounges. They were lying in the sun talking when Killian and NeNe arrived.

  “What took you two so long?” Vanessa teased.

  “We had to change into swim suits, silly,” NeNe said, but the blush on Killian’s face told Vanessa there was more to the story.

  “Let’s take a swim before we lay out,” Killian said, as she took NeNe’s hand and ran with her into the water.

  She an
d Vanessa watched NeNe and Killian romp in the water, splashing and dunking each other until they ended up in a tight embrace.

  “Foreplay,” Vanessa chuckled.

  NeNe squealed and they looked back out at the water just in time to see NeNe breaking the surface after Killian had dunked her yet again. Killian walked through the water away from NeNe, but was quickly overtaken by the smaller, quicker NeNe who rode her body underneath a crashing wave.

  Vanessa and Levi enjoyed the sun until noon and then said goodbye to Killian and NeNe to prepare for their lunch meeting. Levi dressed in her uniform in case the meeting ran longer than expected and Vanessa dressed in shorts and a pullover. They were excited to discuss more about the new resort and arrived at the office ahead of schedule.

  Liz, Nat and Cass were already sitting around the table discussing issues when Levi and Vanessa arrived.

  “Hey ladies,” Nat said when they approached the table.

  “Good afternoon,” Levi said.

  “Have a seat,” Liz said. “We are developing a list of questions and items to review tomorrow when we are on the island.”

  “How far have you gotten so far?” Vanessa asked.

  “Just general information,” Nat said. “Check the condition of the construction, equipment, water and power supplies and taking a look at the house and night club.”

  “Should we tackle this as a group or break into groups?” Levi asked.

  “I thought originally that we would split up, but I think we will have plenty of time to review everything together,” Nat said. “You three may see something that Liz and I have missed and vice versa.”

  “This is so exciting,” Cass said.

  “There are a few things I would like for you and Levi to spend particular attention on and be able to report back on,” Liz said.

  “Which would be what, Liz?” Levi asked.

  “I would like you take pictures of the night club and get basic measurements so we can plan for the completion of the construction.”

  “Great, I have a brand new digital that I can use for that,” Levi said.

  “I think Killian has one as well that I can borrow,” Vanessa said.

  “That would be great,” Nat said with a grin.

  “Vanessa, since you have the most knowledge of boats and water activities, we would like you to focus on the condition of the small harbor on the island. We need to know if it will support a small fleet of boats for transport to and from the island and water activities.”

  “Would you like me to bring some diving equipment so I can check out the reefs surrounding the island?” Vanessa asked.

  “No, I think we should be able to get a good view of those from the air as we fly in and if time permits we can take the boat around the island as well,” Liz said.

  “We thought that after we all did a walkthrough of the resort, then you and Levi could check out your projects while Liz, Cass and I check out the equipment and utilities. Afterward, we would meet again to walk up to the house together.”

  “That sounds like a good plan,” Cass said. “I can’t wait to get on the island.”

  “If we have some extra time I think we should survey the local economy to ensure it could accommodate the needs of the resort. Most importantly food supply, transportation and laborers.”

  “Cat is bringing the contractor to meet with us and get some ideas for finishing the construction and provide timelines and general costs,” Nat said. “We should have a rough estimate of what it would cost by the time we leave the island to fly home.”

  “I think we can make a decision and propose an offer by the end of the weekend if all are in agreement,” Liz said.

  “Sounds wonderful,” Vanessa said.

  “Enough business for now, let’s eat,” Nat suggested.

  “I am starving,” Cass said.

  “Liz has cooked chicken Alfredo for us and we got wine and crusty bread from the kitchen,” Nat said.

  “The smell is heavenly,” Levi said then stood to help Liz in the kitchen.

  Vanessa and Nat cleared the table as Cass poured the wine. Levi set the table as Liz brought out a large container of the pasta dish and slices of the bread.

  “Let’s eat,” Nat said once they were all seated around the table again. “Baby, this looks delicious.”

  “Thanks, I hope everyone enjoys it, I haven’t had the opportunity to cook in a while,” Liz said.

  “Very tasty,” Vanessa said when she had finished a bite of the creamy pasta.

  “You can cook for us anytime,” Levi added and watched Liz beam with a smile.

  The five of them ate a hearty meal and sat drinking wine until it was time for Levi to go open the club. Levi and Vanessa left the office together with an agreement to see the others later.

  “I am going to track down Killian to see if I can borrow her camera,” Vanessa said.

  “Ok Baby, see you at the club later,” Levi said.

  Vanessa walked toward NeNe’s bungalow and met her on the sidewalk as she was leaving to meet Levi.

  “Hi, NeNe is Killian with you?” she asked.

  “No, Vanessa she went back to the ship about a half hour ago,” NeNe said. “Is everything alright?”

  “Yes, it is NeNe, I just wanted to see if I could borrow her camera,” Vanessa said.

  “You can find her on the ship then,” NeNe said. “See you later.”

  “Thanks,” Vanessa said then she walked to the trolley stop.

  Vanessa took the trolley back to the harbor and found Killian in the control room.

  “Everything is in good order I trust,” she said as she walked up to Killian.

  “Ship shape as usual, Captain,” Killian said.

  “That is always good to hear. Is the re-stocking on schedule?” she asked.

  “Actually it is ahead of schedule,” Killian answered.

  “Good.”

  “What brings you back to the ship?” Killian asked.

  “I wanted to see if I can borrow your camera,” Vanessa said.

  “Of course you can,” Killian said. “Come with me and I will show you how to operate it.”

  “Thanks,” Vanessa said and followed Killian down to her cabin.

  Killian went over the basic functions of the camera with Vanessa as they sat at her breakfast area.

  Vanessa told Killian of the plans regarding the trip to the island the following morning. “I don’t anticipate any problems, but I will have my cell if anything comes up,” she said.

  “I will stay on board tomorrow and make sure things run smoothly,” Killian said.

  Killian had secretly worried about Vanessa leaving ever since the talk about the island resort began and she took a deep breath. “Are you thinking of leaving the ship, Captain?” she boldly asked.

  “I don’t know Killian, but I do want to ask you to consider signing up for your tests early so you will be certified if I do,” Vanessa said. “I just am not certain am I am ready to have my feet on dry land yet,” she said.

  “I can fully understand that,” Killian said with a warm smile.

  “Even if the deal doesn’t work out, I would still like to see you certified,” Vanessa said.

  “I will contact the board when we return to Miami,” Killian promised.

  “Thank you, Killian.”

  “Thank you for allowing me to learn so much from you,” Killian said.

  “You have been a good student and will make a fantastic Captain,” Vanessa said.

  “I know you will make the choice that is right for you, but I would hate to see you leave,” Killian said.

  “Thanks, Killian, that means a lot to me,” Vanessa said. “What plans have you for the rest of the day?” she asked.

  “Just to relax until it is time to go to the club,” Killian said.

  “Would you like to join me on a walk of the ship?” she asked.

  “It would be my pleasure, Captain,” Killian said.

  Vanessa and Killian walked each deck of
the ship, speaking to staff and admiring their hard work. Vanessa was so proud of the ship and her staff of nearly three years and she doubted that she was ready to leave her at this time. Though Levi may be disappointed, Vanessa felt sure they could still make their relationship thrive if they worked together. Her thoughts became more conflicted with each staff that looked up at her on the tour of the ship with a smile and admiration for the Captain they loved.

  She and Killian finished the tour and parted for the afternoon with an agreement to meet back at seven for dinner on the island before they went to the club. Vanessa took the elevator to her cabin and kicked off her shoes before lying down for a short nap.

  Levi’s afternoon turned busy quickly and she and Karen served drink after drink to the women who had spent the day basking in the sun. Nat dropped in several times to check on business and to show Levi pictures of flooring and furniture that she had located on the internet. Liz had indeed put her to work to keep her busy until the time arrived to fly to the island. Nat had located some beautiful items and Levi’s excitement grew with each new photograph Nat showed her.

  Later in the evening, Killian and Vanessa dined on the island together.

  “If looks could kill you would be dead several times over, Captain,” Killian said.

  “What are you talking about?” Vanessa asked.

  “Simone is dining with her cronies a few tables over and she is boring daggers into the back of your head with her eyes,” Killian teased.

  “I am so over Simone and her childish antics,” Vanessa said.

  “So that means we can’t take her outside and rough her up a bit?” Killian asked.

  Vanessa chuckled. “I am afraid not, even though I would love to tell her a few things,” Vanessa said.

  “Well you might just get the chance, since she is walking this way,” Killian said.

  “Good evening ladies,” Simone said sweetly.

  “Hello Simone,” Vanessa said.

  “Hello Ms. Taylor,” Killian said.