by Bria Marche
“This is a rental,” Mario said as he pulled out his wallet and showed his license and insurance card. “All I have to do is change the tire, and we’ll be on our way, sir.”
“There’s the guardrail damage. I’ll have to call it in. Stay put, but get that tire changed.”
“Mario, will the insurance cover the guardrail?” Karen asked in a whisper. She knelt next to him and watched as he effortlessly jacked up the SUV. Mario gave the lug nuts a twist with the wrench and handed them to her to hold as he pulled the tire off and replaced it with the spare.
“Yeah, probably. Don’t worry about it. It was an accident.” He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. I have a feeling we’ll have plenty of stories to tell once we’re back home.” He laughed.
“Yeah, but I hope they aren’t all about me.”
The officer returned with a warning and an incident report for Mario to file with his insurance company. “You’ll probably get a bill in the mail for the guardrail. Send that in with your insurance claim on the vehicle. They may cover it. Have a nice day, folks, and keep your eyes on the road. I’ll pull into the next lane and stop the traffic so you can get back on the freeway.”
***
“Okay, that wasn’t as horrible as I thought it would be. I’m still going to reimburse you for whatever this costs you.” Karen glanced at Mario and laughed. “You have some black stuff on your cheek—probably tire grease.” She reached up with her fingertip to rub the smudge away.
The state trooper was almost to his car. Mario had a few seconds to act on his instincts. He reached out to Karen and pulled her in, kissing her deeply on those beautiful, full lips. She seemed startled but responded eagerly. The sound of the trooper’s car door slamming brought them back into the moment.
“I think we better go before he actually gives us a ticket,” Mario joked.
Karen got in, and Mario walked around to the driver’s side. With a thank-you wave to the trooper, Mario was able to creep into the backed-up traffic and leave.
Karen fastened her seatbelt and turned the radio on. Her cheeks were cherry red. A half hour went by in silence. The traffic finally eased up, and they were on their way again at full speed.
Mario finally broke the silence. “Should we talk about what happened back there, or should I just apologize?” He grabbed a tissue from the center console and wiped the remaining grease off his cheek.
“Did it seem like I was appalled?” Karen looked toward him and smiled.
“Well, not really, but I don’t want to assume. Here’s the deal, Karen. I really like you and want to see if we can become more. I’m a gentleman, so I won’t push. I just thought this trip would give us the opportunity to find out if there’s actually something between us.”
“I don’t know about you, Mario, but I think we’ve had a connection for a few months already. Obviously, we were too chicken to act on it though.”
They both burst out laughing. Mario took her hand and kissed it. “I told you today would be awesome.”
She smiled.
They arrived in St. Louis at seven o’clock. Mario exited the freeway and took the surface streets to the downtown area.
***
He’d reserved a room at the Hilton. They entered the historic columned building, which had been built as a bank in 1888. The original bank vault was still present just beyond the hotel lobby and held a small gift shop. It was an opulent building yet felt warm and inviting.
“Mario, this looks pricy to me,” Karen said, fearing he was being too indulgent.
He laughed and put his arm around her shoulder. The bellman had already loaded their luggage onto a gleaming brass cart and was waiting for them to check in.
“This was part of the plan. We can stay one night in a really nice place as long as you don’t mind three stars the rest of the way. Plus we can walk over to the Gateway Arch. It’s just a few blocks from here.”
“I don’t mind at all. This place is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see the room.”
They checked in and followed the bellman to the elevator. “Fifth floor, please,” Mario said as the elevator door closed.
Their room faced east toward the park. The Gateway Arch was well lit and looked beautiful at night. Lights danced off the water of the mighty Mississippi just beyond the arch. A king-sized bed sat in the middle of the spacious room with nightstands on either side. The tan corduroy sofa on the opposite wall held four oversized turquoise pillows. An oak coffee table with matching end tables, a desk, and a small dining table with four chairs completed the furnishings in the room. Karen assessed it to be a junior suite and an expensive one at that. The furnishings were chic and luxurious, and the room had plenty of mood lighting.
“It’s so beautiful, Mario. Thank you.” Karen walked to the large window and gazed out. Advertising marquees glowed above the buildings, and people walked the streets below, enjoying the night.
“It is pretty nice—I agree. So I did okay?”
“You did great. Which should we do first, the arch or dinner?”
“Well, the arch is open until ten o’clock. How hungry are you?”
“I’m pretty hungry.”
“I am too, so let’s eat. The map shows a couple of restaurants right on our street. There’s a sports bar with a full menu, or Italian. The Italian is a five-star restaurant, so that might take longer.”
“I’m good with the sports bar. Ready?”
“I’m definitely ready,” Mario said with a wink.
This just might become the best night of my life, Karen thought as they walked out the front door and onto the city streets.
Chapter Nine
“What are you doing up here, honey?” Josh asked when he found Sasha sitting on the balcony. “Is everything okay?”
Josh had just put J. J. to bed and thought Sasha was still in the kitchen.
“I’m fine. I just wanted to change out of my clothes and put on my snuggly robe and slippers. I can’t help myself when I walk past the balcony doors. I just have to go out and sit for a while.”
“It is beautiful out here, and that heater really makes it toasty. Would you like something to drink? I’ll get it for you.”
“Sure. Warm milk?”
“You got it, babe. I’ll be right back.”
Josh went downstairs and detoured to the library. He opened the right bottom cabinet door in the wall of bookshelves. The entire south wall was maple shelving to the ceiling with cabinets below and the fireplace nestled in the center. Sasha’s engagement ring was hidden in the cabinet, waiting for the right moment when Josh would take it out and place it on her ring finger. That time was now. He loved this woman like no other and had wanted to do a big surprise like Aaron’s proposal to Mia. When Josh found out Sasha had already agreed to have a double wedding with Mia, his plan lost that element of surprise.
I’m going to do it right now. She won’t expect it, and what better place to propose than on the balcony? She loves it there more than anywhere else. Josh was excited. He put the small velvet box in his pocket, warmed a cup of milk for her, and poured a glass of wine for himself. With Kismet at his heels, he went back upstairs.
“What’s on your mind, Sasha?” He handed her the cup of warm milk. Josh sat next to her at the small coral-painted table.
“I was just thinking of how blessed I am,” she said. “If you would have known me a year ago… I’m so happy now and content. I love you and J. J. And I love this baby and can’t wait to meet him or her. I love the Victorian and our future plans.”
“On that note, I want to tell you how happy I am to have you in my life, Sasha. You mean the world to me.”
Josh stood and set his wine glass down on the table. He leaned over and kissed Sasha softly on the lips. Bending down on one knee, he reached in his pocket and pulled out a black-velvet box. Sasha gasped and began sobbing.
“Honey, let me get through this before you start bawling,” he laughed.
�
��I’m sorry. It’s the hormones.”
“It’s okay. I’m actually kind of nervous. All right, here goes. Sasha Renaud, aka Martha Destiny, I love you like no other. I wake up thinking of you and fall asleep with your smile on my mind. You’re beautiful, thoughtful, and generous. You have a gracious heart and a loving soul. I can never see myself without you. For that reason, among many others, I’d be honored if you would agree to be my wife. What do you say, honey?”
“I say YES! I love you Josh. Now, hurry and put that ring on my finger so I can see how it looks!”
Josh slipped the engagement ring onto Sasha’s left hand. She held out her hand, letting it twinkle and glimmer as the bedroom lights bounced off the large diamond solitaire.
“It’s so gorgeous,” she said. “I’ve never been happier in my life.”
***
Mario and Karen climbed into the small, oval-shaped tram and rode it to the top of the 630-foot Gateway Arch monument. To the east lay the Mississippi River and Illinois, and to the west was downtown St. Louis, with sparkling city lights illuminating the night sky. The setting was beautiful and romantic. They walked the streets until ten o’clock then slipped into a small, unassuming bar on a quiet, narrow street. They entered the darkened establishment and saw three patrons cozied up to the rail. A solitary, middle-aged woman served them beer from the tap. Music played quietly in the background. A 1970s gritty edge seemed to be the theme for the bar—a forgotten place with a low-key vibe. It was perfect. The woman wiped her hands on the damp, stained bar towel and moseyed over to their booth.
“What can I get you folks?” She looked drained and bored as if she had been there since the morning hours.
Mario ordered a black and tan, and Karen asked for an Irish coffee.
“This is a great night, Mario. I’m really enjoying our road trip so far even though we’ve had a few minor hiccups along the way.”
Mario reached across the table and held Karen’s hand. “I think this is exactly what we both need and want.”
Karen’s mind raced as they walked back to the hotel. She played out the scenario to come in her mind. She was getting nervous. Vic’s advice was her mantra. Just go with the flow. Get out of your own head and enjoy yourself. Get laid. She repeated this command over and over in her mind. Beads of sweat trickled down the back of her neck as they walked even though it was only fifty degrees outside. They were back at the hotel way too soon for her liking. Take a deep breath, and act your age, for crap’s sake. No, don’t act your age.
They entered the elevator. Karen watched as the ascending floor numbers lit up. The ding of the door opening on the fifth floor told her it was time to suck it up and put on her sultry persona, whatever that was.
Put on your big-girl panties, for God’s sake, and act sexy for once in your life. Relax before you break out in hives.
“Karen?”
“What?”
“I asked if you wanted a drink. There are plenty of choices in the minibar.”
“Oh, sure, I guess I spaced out for a second. I’ll have whiskey on the rocks.”
“Really? You never fail to surprise me. I like that about you. I think I’ll have the same.” Mario poured a splash of whiskey over two ice cubes in each rocks glass. He searched the clock-radio stations until he found the perfect blues channel. The lights were dimmed just a little, but he left the curtains open so the beautiful city nightscape could still be seen. He sat next to Karen on the couch and handed her the glass.
“Mario?”
He smiled then kissed her, barely touching her lips. Karen’s heart skipped a beat.
“Why don’t we take this slow?” he said. “I’m not expecting anything. I want you to feel comfortable with me. Are you okay sleeping together? Maybe just lying in each other’s arms tonight?”
“How can you read me so well? That sounds perfect. I want everything we do to feel natural, not expected.”
“I’m on the same page with you, Karen. I don’t want to screw things up. You mean too much to me, and I have a lot of respect for you. I’m hoping whatever we have with each other will last. I’m in this for the long term.”
No guts, no glory. Karen set her drink on the end table and kissed Mario. It wasn’t a light, friendship kind of kiss. It was a hot, sexy, tongue-flicking type of kiss that had them both aching for more. The whiskey calmed Karen’s nerves just enough for her to act on her fantasies about Mario, up to a point. She took him by the hand and led him to the bed. He has to see I’m serious about him. I can’t act like a bashful schoolgirl if I ever want this man to desire me.
They kissed passionately and whispered their desires. They lay in each other’s arms, and it felt right. There would be time for more later. For the moment, this was what they needed: a chance to fall in love naturally.
***
Karen woke to a knock on the door. It was room service. Mario told her he’d called down for breakfast and a carafe of coffee to be delivered at eight o’clock. This would be their first breakfast in bed together.
Karen sat up and bunched three pillows behind her back. “Mario, you’re amazing. What a sweet thing to do, plus I’m starving.”
She laughed and fluffed her hair, hoping it wasn’t matted. Karen looked down at the floor and saw her clothes lying there from last night. She was in her underwear and just a tiny bit embarrassed. She pulled the covers up a little higher to cover her ordinary cotton bra. Mario wore a thick white terrycloth robe, compliments of the hotel. He rolled the cart to the side of the bed and disappeared into the bathroom. He returned with a matching white robe for Karen to slip on.
“Thought you might want to put this on. It’s comfy and warm.”
“Thanks.” What a keeper! “So, what’s for breakfast?”
“I hope you don’t mind the selection I chose. You were sleeping so peacefully I didn’t want to wake you until it arrived. We’re having scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, and English muffins. Does that sound good?”
“It sounds wonderful.”
“So, here’s my plan.” Mario ate and sipped his coffee as he explained the route to Karen. “It looks like we can split up the rest of the trip into almost two equal days on the road. We can make it to the state line tonight and stay in Burlington, Colorado. It’s pretty nondescript as a destination, but there’s a Comfort Inn right off the interstate. It will be about the same distance from there to Telluride. By tomorrow night, if there aren’t any more snafus”—he gave Karen a wink—“we’ll be checking into the Cimarron Lodge for a week. It’s only a half mile from downtown. We’ll get the store back on track and have a great stay in a beautiful resort town.”
“Okay,” Karen said. “Let’s finish eating, shower and hit the road. Telluride sounds awesome. I’ll help drive, and I promise to keep my eyes on the road.”
“Hmmm… sounds intriguing but dangerous.” Mario laughed. “Seriously, what were you looking at anyway?”
“Do you want the truth?”
“Will the truth set you free?”
“Mario, you’re such a dork.” Karen punched him in the arm and laughed. “The truth is I was looking at you sleeping. You’re handsome, rugged, and hot. There, that’s the truth.” Karen was beginning to feel comfortable around Mario. She’d finally let her guard down, and she liked the way it felt.
Mario took her hands in his and pulled her close. He kissed her neck, her cheek, and her lips. Karen moaned with desire. She wanted all of him, and the sooner the better.
Chapter Ten
By early evening, Karen and Mario made it to Salina, Kansas without incident. A two-hour nap held Mario over, so he planned to take on the driving duties after dinner. They stopped at a restaurant just off the freeway.
“My family lives about an hour and a half southwest of here,” Karen said. “We’ll have to figure out what route to take back so we can stop in and visit. It’s going to be fun even if we only stay for a few hours.”
“How do you think they’ll react to my appearan
ce?”
“I don’t think it’s going to be a problem at all. They aren’t judgmental. I actually have a cousin with hair very similar to yours. He always wears a long braid, too.”
“Really, and he’s Amish?” Mario asked.
“No, Mennonite. My family is a mix of both.”
“They sound pretty interesting. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll see another side of your history and life.”
***
They gathered around the dining-room table at the Victorian. Just Sasha, Josh, Mia, and Aaron were there, deciding on which wedding invitations to order. J. J. sat near the fireplace, next to Kismet, as he studied the state capitals for a test at school in the morning.
“Seriously, you guys, I can make all the invitations myself,” Sasha suggested.
“Honey, we know you’re capable, but why bother?” Josh said. “You have enough on your plate already. Your parents will be here before long, and we’ll be starting the wedding garden, too.”
Mia agreed. “Yeah, Sasha, let’s just pick out something between all of us and order them. We still have to finish the stenciling in the library, plus we’re going to make the table decorations and corsages anyway. That’s enough to keep us busy for a month.”
“I guess you’re right. Okay, let’s just find something we all like and get it done.” She felt a movement in her belly bump that made her jump, pause, and break out into a huge smile. Everyone stared at her.
“What’s going on, honey?” Josh asked.
“The baby, I know it’s the baby. You guys, it’s really kicking. It isn’t gas—it’s the baby. Feel it!”
Everyone gathered around Sasha and placed their hands on her baby bump.
“It’s like a slight rumble,” Aaron said. “Are you sure that isn’t your stomach growling?”