She went down the stairs and into the farmhouse kitchen. Warm, cozy and filled with century-old wood cabinetry, the kitchen was Mariah’s retreat. Dried herbs and flowers hung upside down from the large wooden beams, usually a copper kettle kept water warm for her multiple cups of tea. Marsh, the family’s dog, snored under the spacious oak dining table.
Jerry came in, stamping the mud onto the wooden grate by the back door. He sat down on the nearby parson’s bench, bent over and began unlacing the work boots. He pulled them off and reached under the bench for his leather mocs.
“Are they settled in? Did you take them up to their rooms?”
Mariah smiled impishly, raised her dreamy eyes from a cup of tea. “Room.”
Jerry’s eyebrows shot up.
Mariah chuckled. “Well; she’s allowed.”
“Hey,” he said, his hands defensively in the air. “I say ‘Go for it.’ What’s he like? Bookworm?”
“Not exactly,” Mariah said, arching her eyebrows suggestively.
Upstairs, Erin held her breath until her chest hurt and sanity returned. She tried to pull away, but the window blocked her escape to the front and Spence’s chest, warm and intoxicating against her bare shoulders, eliminated that route. She stepped to the right, but his arms tightened around her rib cage.
“Where are you going?” he said, his breath soft and moist against her neck. His lips caressed her earlobe and she shivered.
“We agreed we wouldn’t do this here,” she said.
“Don’t worry, She’s gone.”
“That’s not the point. You know …”
“I can’t stop, either,” he said, finishing her sentence.
Spence stepped back towards the bed and sat, pulling her onto his lap. Antique metal springs squeaked as he swung both of their legs up and onto the bed. Erin closed her eyes and sighed, warmth spreading as she pressed close to him. He muffled her lips with his, cutting off a throaty gasp.
“Spence. You’re not being fair.”
He pushed up on one elbow and caressed her heaving breasts.
“I know. I’m sorry. I said I’d behave, but I don’t think I can.”
Erin sat up and looked out the window.
“What’s Mariah going to think? She doesn’t know about us, about you, except that you’re my job. We’re here to work.”
Erin frowned and continued. “I can’t help the way I react to you. It’s just a natural response because I’m a healthy female and you’re a … ah …”
He smiled and waited. “What am I?” he prompted, stroking her hip.
“You’re a sexy man and you know it. So quit using it against me. You know I’m vulnerable and when you get me started I can’t stop. Right in front of my sister, too!”
Spence lightly kissed her. “I apologize. How can I make it up to you?” he whispered, his lips against her cheek. Then he grabbed her head and noisily smacked in her ear.
She laughed and shoved him off of the bed. “A wet Willie. That’s all I need,” she said, wiping her ear.
Downstairs, in the kitchen, Mariah and Jerry heard the thump. A body hitting the floor? The walls of the old farmhouse were too thick to eavesdrop, but they recognized Erin’s giggle. They smiled at each other.
“Hey, as long as she likes him, it’s okay with me,” Jerry said.
“I know. It’s her life. But this thing with Aidan … they still live together.”
“They live in the same apartment. It’s not the same thing,” Jerry said.
“Yes, but it’s still complicated.”
“Like I said, as long as she likes him and he likes her.” Jerry looked up at the ceiling. “It’s their business. I don’t like to get involved in other people’s business.”
“You said that already. But she’s not ‘other people.’ She’s my sister!”
“And she’s an adult. She’s taken care of herself for the past ten years; she can take care of herself now. No meddling. Leave them alone,” he warned.
Mariah rolled her eyes at her husband.
“I’m not a meddler. But I’m not going to let some playboy artist use my little sister.”
“I don’t think he’s using her.”
“How do you know?”
“Knowing your sister, I’m sure she’s got him wrapped around her little finger.”
Mariah chuckled at her husband’s opinion. Hopefully, she thought, he’s right.
* * *
An hour later, Erin and Spence rounded the corner of the barn. Ducks and chickens waddled about the yard, scratching and pecking the ground. Marsh, the Australian Shepherd, walked behind them, occasionally pushing Erin’s legs with his nose.
“It’s his job,” Erin said at Spence’s quizzical expression. “He thinks I’m one of the sheep and he’s trying to tell me where to go. He’s not just a sheepdog, he’s also a good babysitter. He always kept Mariah’s kids in the yard and out of trouble.”
“How many children do they have?”
“They have three. They’re almost grown up now. Mariah’s a bit older than I am, and she’s been married for more than twenty years. Their oldest is Tom. He’s nineteen and at college. Samantha, their second, is seventeen and she’s a camp counselor during the summer. She’s been working at the camp across the lake for three years. When she goes to college she’ll probably study sports recreation. She’s the tomboy. Then there’s Benjamin. He’s twelve. He’s here somewhere. I guess he has a lot of chores to do during the summer and when he’s finished, he probably jets out. I know I did.”
“You grew up on this farm?”
“Yes, it’s been in my family for more than a century. When our parents retired, they moved to Florida. It is the law, you know.”
“Seems to be.”
“Well, I was in college in D.C. and I wasn’t interested in the farm, so I sold my half to Mariah and Jerry. That’s how I could afford to go to such an expensive university. I had enough left over to stay in D.C. and establish myself as a freelance writer. Eventually, I became an editor with steady jobs.”
“Do you like it?”
“Yes indeed. I love editing. I’m a fair writer, but I’m afraid I’m not the creative type. I admire creativity in others and wish I had their talent, but I’ve become accustomed to the fact that I’m a left-brainer -- logical and analytical. You’re a right-brain thinker. You’re intuitive and artistic.”
“Does that mean you’re smarter than me?”
“No! I think you’re wonderful.” She blushed. “I mean, I think your work is wonderful.”
Spence smiled at her embarrassment and said nothing.
“Don’t torment me.”
“Me? I’m innocent. You’re the one who’s doing all the talking.”
“Right, I’ll shut up. It’s only getting me in trouble.”
Spence captured her hand and squeezed it gently. “I like listening to you.”
Erin stumbled and Marsh, ever faithful, bumped her behind her knee. Move along. “Alright,” she said, laughing. She reached down and brushed the dog’s soft, furry ears. “I’m going.”
They walked, hand-in-hand, to the top of the hill and stopped. Sunlight sparked off of Breakthrough Lake and, in the distance, small boats sporting white sails dotted the far shore.
“That’s the camp where Samantha is. I worked there a couple of years,” Erin said. She tugged at his hand, “Come on.”
They walked down the hill towards a small, rustic cabin. Erin stepped up onto the porch.
“This is our cabin. Daddy and Mom always brought us here on the weekends during the summer. It was like taking a vacation from the farm, although Daddy could still walk home and take care of the animals. This is where Mariah taught me how to swim and how to sail.”
“What did your parents do here?”
“Oh, they relaxed. They fished. Mom read a lot. She never went anywhere without a book.”
“What did your Dad like to do?”
“Well, he had to go home every day to feed
the livestock, so that took a few hours. He loved to nap in his hammock. He also cooked. Mom would catch fish all day, then he would fry it. He makes the best hush puppies I’ve ever tasted.”
“Sounds like a nice life.”
“It was. I had a good childhood and a great family. No hidden demons.”
“You’re very lucky.”
“I know. I don’t take it for granted. I wish everyone could have had the same kind of childhood. At night Mariah and I would climb out on the roof and watch the stars. They’re so bright and so close here. Wait until you see them.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
* * *
Back at the farmhouse, the kitchen screen door slammed shut.
“Ben! Don’t let the door slam,” Mariah yelled at her youngest son. “And wipe your feet.”
Ben Chappell enjoyed being the only teen at home. Well, almost a teenager. With Sammy at camp, he had exclusive rights to the Xbox. Sure, he had a few extra chores to do, but he was enjoying his summer of freedom.
“Ben, come here,” Mariah called to her youngest, who had already sat down in front of the television and was turning on his video game. Sighing, he tossed the game controls aside and struggled to his feet. “I’m coming.”
“What?” He slouched into a chair at the kitchen table. Mariah gave him the “evil eye,” her right eyebrow shooting up and her lips a grim line.
“Okay, stop,” Ben said, crossing his fingers at his mother and sitting up straight in the chair. “Yes, Mother dearest?”
“Your Aunt Erin is here and she’s brought a friend. I want you to be on your best behavior. She’s working on a book and they need a quiet place. They’re going to be using the cabin at the lake while they’re here, so you stay out of there. You understand?”
“Sure. I’m not going to bother them. I don’t care what they do.”
“Just make sure you stay out of their way. They’re staying here tonight so be polite at the table. Keep your clothes off the bathroom floor, and don’t leave the television on too loud or too late.”
Great, Ben thought, a perfectly good summer without Sammy and Tom and now Aunt Erin had to ruin it. “I’m not eating dinner here tonight,” he said. “Remember? Me and Tommy are going to Peachy’s Arcade and then having pizza.”
“Tommy and I,” Mariah corrected, then continued, “And another thing -- I think they like each other.”
“So?”
“Okay, more than like. I think he’s her boyfriend, too.”
“What about Aidan?”
“They’ve been divorced for more than a year.”
“Yeah, but don’t they still live together?”
“Yes. Not like that, though. Wait a minute…how old are you? What do you know about people living together?”
“Mom, give me a break. I’m not an idiot. Can I go now?”
“Just do what I say. You’re not too old for a whipping.”
“Mom.”
“There’s always a first time. Now go. Leave me alone. And leave them alone.”
Ben went back into the darkened living room and shoved his new Halo game into the Xbox. Erin and her new “boyfriend” were already forgotten.
* * *
While Spence walked the lakeshore, Erin opened the cabin windows letting in the fresh air. She peeked in all of the cabinets, checking out the food situation. She found a few staples, such as flour and sugar, in plastic containers, and a few bottles of wine. Over the sink, brightly colored fiesta ware lined the wall. The cabin’s furnishings were so old, they were back in style.
“Wow. This is Retro,” Erin said aloud.
The counter sported a chrome toaster from the 1950s, a blender (Mom’s penchant for Margaritas), and a waffle iron. All were old and heavy.
The aqua refrigerator hummed, still running smoothly. The only thing inside was an open box of baking soda. Going to need some supplies, she thought.
The cabin’s floor plan was simple. It had one bedroom, one bathroom, and a great room that served as a kitchen, dining and living room. When they were young, Mariah and Erin had slept on cots on the screened porch. All of the furniture was the same as she remembered except for the new sleep sofa. Mariah and Jerry had purchased it for Tom when, as he grew older, he refused to spend summer nights on the porch with Sammy and Ben.
“So is it livable?” Spence asked, stepping through the open door.
“Sure. Mariah’s family uses it during the summer, so everything works and is fairly clean. This is the first time it’s been opened this year, so it’s a bit musty.”
“What’s next?”
“I’ve got to go to the store and get some supplies. I guess I should make a shopping list. We should get a coffee pot, too.”
She pulled a reporter’s notebook from her back pocket and slid an ink pen out of its wire coils. She sat down on the sofa and patted the cushion next to her.
“Here, sit down. Tell me what you want.”
Spence didn’t hesitate. He dived onto the couch and laid his head on her lap, curling an arm around her neck.
“Baby, you know what I want.”
“No, silly,” Erin said bending closer to his face. She closed her eyes anticipating the touch of his lips. “I mean from the store,” she whispered.
“I know what you mean. Kiss me.”
“One kiss. Then help me make a list,” Erin conceded.
“One kiss it is,” Spence said. His right arm pinned against the sofa, he grabbed a handful of her soft hair and pulled her head back, baring her creamy throat. With his left hand, he began unbuttoning her shirt.
“Hey, I said one kiss.”
“Give me a minute. I’m getting there.”
Erin turned her head and kissed his wrist, her lips against his pulse. She closed her eyes as he unclasped her bra (darn those front enclosures! Okay, maybe not) and softly stroked her breasts.
“Is it a kiss if it’s here?” Spence asked.
“Mmmmmmaybe.”
He nuzzled the cleft between her ribs and then traced a path back to her breast, his tongue hot and wet.
“Make up your mind. Quick.”
“Umm, no.”
“No what? No, it’s not kiss, or no, you won’t make up your mind?” he murmured.
“No, it’s not a kiss.”
Erin grabbed his ears and pulled his mouth onto her breast. She could feel the heat building between her legs. “Better stop.”
“You said one kiss. I haven’t kissed you yet.”
Erin tried to capture his lips, but he turned his head.
“You’re so smart,” she whispered into his ear, then softly biting it in spite. Spence retaliated, biting her nipple.
“Ow! Meanie.”
Spence murmured against her skin, “Let me make it better.”
Her shirt swung open, her breasts free from the silky, skimpy bra. What a dilemma, she thought. Then, she stopped thinking. “You’re good.”
“What can I say? You bring out the best in me.”
“Kiss me. Please.”
* * *
That evening, Mariah watched as her sister and the artist strolled through the pasture towards the house. The sun bathed them in glorious shades of blue, mauve, and orange.
They were holding hands and laughing as they made their way through thigh-high wildflowers. Spence stopped, picked a purple coneflower and tucked it in Erin’s hair.
“Work, my ass,” Mariah said to Marsh. “Wish I had a job like him.”
The dog’s tail thumped twice against the wood floor. He was used to Mariah talking aloud. It was a comforting sound and often meant she would toss him a treat. Jerry, who had caught his wife’s words as he passed the hallway, followed her gaze out the window.
He smiled, and then quietly came up behind Mariah. He slipped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her neck. Sex certainly is infectious, she thought, and she turned in his arms and kissed him deeply.
“You want your dinner?” she asked.
&
nbsp; “What’s behind Door Number Two?”
She smiled at her husband. Taking his strong, calloused hand in hers, she led him out of the kitchen.
* * *
After dinner, Erin opened a bedroom door, flicked on the light switch and stood aside.
“This is your room. I’ll be in Sammy’s room. It used to be mine, and since she’s at camp I’ll be using it again.”
Mournfully, Spence glanced at the bed, then at Erin. Then back to the bed.
“Baby, aren’t you sleeping with me?”
“Calm down, tiger. Today was an exception. You’re back on rations. We’ve got work to do.”
“I’ll go on strike.”
“You can’t do that. This isn’t a democracy. You’ve signed a contract and already spent your deposit. We are going to turn out ten pages a day, regardless. We came here to clear our heads and quit acting like rabbits.”
Spence sat on the bed, dejected. “I can’t believe you’re cutting me off.”
“It’s a distraction and it’s impeding your progress,” Erin said.
Spence, pretending to be hurt, looked away.
“Now stop that. The bathroom is down the hall, first door on the right. If you need anything, my room is next to it.”
“Where do your sister and her husband sleep?”
They have the north wing. They’ve taken down several walls and created a master bedroom and bath. It’s very luxurious. Do you want to see it?”
“No thanks. I don’t intrude in other people’s private space.”
“You intrude in mine whenever you want.”
“Your space is mine.”
He pulled her between his knees, wrapping his arms around her hips.
“You’re not the boss of me,” she said, melting against him as he caressed her, sliding his fingers under her shirt and up her back. She leaned forward and pulled his head to her breasts. He nuzzled her nipples through the fabric, grabbing her shirt in his teeth and pulling a button open.
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