ALABAMA SUNSET
By
Sandee Watkins
It was a beautiful day in Mobile, Alabama. The mid-day sun was gleaming as the early morning charter boats made their way back into their slips. The gulls and cranes were flying overhead, and the sound of waves crashing to shore was quite relaxing.
“Ocean Gala Charters, this is Jayne how may I help you?” Jayne Ramsey said into the phone.
“Hi Jayne, this is Susie Warren. My family and I have a charter with your company this afternoon, but…” the woman continued.
“I see” Jayne listened. “I’m sorry to hear about Mr. Warren, but yes Ma’am, I’m afraid you will lose your deposit. Yes Ma’am. Thank you for calling,” Jayne said disconnecting the call.
“What was that all about?” asked Sabrina, her assistant and lifetime best friend.
“Cancellation,” Jayne said, rolling her chair away from her desk. “I guess I need to go tell Captain and crew they have a long lunch break today. Without the Warren’s private charter, they’ll have several hours to kill before the Alabama Sunset heads out for her afternoon run. Maybe, if I’m lucky” she winked, “I can wrangle Rick into lunch.”
“Rock Hard Rick?” Sabrina asked, looking up at Jayne, grinning.
Rick Cooper was the most gorgeous piece of man meat Jayne had ever laid eyes on. At 32, he stood 6’5” with rock hard muscles and ever tanned skin. His hair was sun streaked brown, and he had the deepest green eyes she had ever had the privilege of gazing into. He reminded her of a mythological God.
“Bree, I’ve told you time and again, we’re just friends.”
“I’ve known you both since first grade Jayne. You guys are so hot for one another it isn’t funny. You’re both so damned afraid if you ever tried the couple thing, it wouldn’t work. I know you like him Hon. Excuse me - love him,” Sabrina said, playfully batting her long lashes.
“What?”
“Honey, I watch you when he’s around. You light up like a Christmas tree. And…” she continued, “He does the same when he sees you. The only people you’re fooling are yourselves. Jayne, tell him how you feel. If you don’t, I will” Sabrina told her matter of factly; crossing her arms, leaning back in her chair.
“I, really” swallowing hard and fingering the pendant on the silver chain around her neck, she finished “Light up when he’s around?”
“Yes, and so does he. But he knows you want to keep it just friends. And he respects your wishes. Tell him Jayne – please?”
“Okay, okay. I confess… I do love him Bree. I have for a really long time now. I just didn’t want to lose him as a friend, if it - you know, didn’t work out between us. But Bree, what I’m going through now; watching him with other women and hearing him tell me all about his latest exploits. Well… it just hurts.”
“I know Sweetie, that’s why you need to tell him how you feel.”
“You’re right. I have to tell him, and I have to do it today.”
“Good Girl” Bree smiled, giving Jayne a thumbs up. “Now go out there and claim your man.”
Snickering she said “Claim my man? You make it sound so… so barbaric!”
“Go!” Bree pointed towards the door, “And you’d better tell him, because if you don’t…”
“I know… I know. I promise, I’ll tell him,” she said, rolling her eyes. Getting to her feet, she sucked in a breath, held it a moment before exhaling, then opened the office door and walked out.
As she hit the dock she heard a whistle, followed by “Hey Gorgeous” come from the Alabama Sunset; the fishing party boat Rick worked aboard as First Mate to the Captain- her father.
“Hey yourself, Handsome” she yelled back approaching the vessel.
“What a nice welcome” Rick said, kissing her on the cheek. “What’s up Sis, you don’t usually greet us when we come in?”
“Sis?” she cringed. Being so close for most of their lives, he often referred to her as Sis. It had never bothered her before, but now it was like having a knife plunged into her heart.
After explaining, a young deck hand let out a loud “WOO HOO! My girlfriend will be happy to hear that. Maybe I’ll even get lucky at lunch,” he smiled running down the gangplank.
“Rick…” she asked, “Would you, like to have lunch today?”
“Sure Sis, I’d love too,” he said, narrowing his gaze, giving her his mischievous look. The one that made her want to rip her clothes off and say ‘Take me, I’m yours’. “Think maybe… I’ll get lucky too?” he asked winking, draping his muscular arm across her shoulder.
“I certainly hope so” she thought to herself, hoping she hadn’t said it aloud. “Maybe,” she grinned up at him, before suggesting they get carryout from the Marina Café and taking it out on her boat.
“Sounds great Sis. I’ve got my key; I’ll top her off and bring her around. You get the food and I’ll meet you at Café’s dock in fifteen.”
“See ya then” she said turning, and headed off.
Maybell Sanders handed Jayne her change, and asked, “When are you going to tell that young man you’re in love with him?”
Stunned, Jayne quipped “What? In love with… him? Him who? What are you talking about?”
“Why Rick, of course. Why deny it Honey? Just tell him. He doesn’t deny his feelings for you.”
“Oh yeah? And just how would you know that?”
“He told me so,” the old lady grinned. “Said he loves you. But you were the one that wants to keep it just friends. He even told me if he could ever convince you, he’d let me sing at the wedding!” she winked.
“He did no such thing!”
“Did too. Now you’d better run. I see him waiting, and your lunch is getting cold. Have a good time Dear” she waved as Jayne backed out of the restaurant’s heavy glass door.
“He loves me too?” Jayne asked to herself, stopping to stare at the half naked man behind the helm of her boat. “Could he really… love me? Maybe,” she smiled, crossing the dock to join him.
“Anywhere particular you’d like to go for lunch?” he asked, slowly pulling the boat away from the pier.
“No, I just thought it would be nice for us to spend some time alone together. It’s been a while, and I need to talk to you about something.”
“Sure Sis, but I want to show you a nook I found after the storm the other day. I think it will be a great place to take care of some serious business with my ladies.”
“Damn it” she thought, does he really have to give me that damned Casanova look when talks about ‘his ladies’?” she snarled inside.
“And, I really want to know what you think; after all, you’re a girl too,” he winked.
“Oh great” she thought, “I’m about to profess my undying love for you and you want to show me a new place to screw your bimbos.” Giving a faint smile and said, “Sure Rick; sounds good. But I really need to talk to you, it’s kind’ a serious.”
“Can it wait until we get to the nook? It’ll be difficult to talk while we’re riding. I won’t be able to hear you, and since you said it’s serious…”
“That’s fine; it can wait,” she smiled.
Ten minutes later Rick slowed the boat and headed to shore. He hopped out and tied it off to a tree with a rope Jayne tossed to him. He walked to the bow and extended his hand to help her down. Before she hit the sand good, he started walking around and pointing things out for her to look at.
“There’s lots of Spanish moss in the trees… and look!” he said excitedly, “There’s a cave” he continued, pulling her through dense foliage. “I can really get down to business in a…”
“Rick… I need to talk to you - remember?”
“Sure Sis, go ahead. I’m listening,” he said, continuing to play tour guide.
“Rick, it would be nice if you’d stop for just a minute and pay attention to me.”
“Sis” he started.
“DON’T call me Sis anymore” she snapped at him.
Stopping short, he slowly turned to her with hands in the air. “Whoa Si… sorry; Jaynie. What’s up with you?”
“Would it kill you to shut up and pay attention to me for just a minute? Would it? I have something I need to tell you. And… I need to do it now; while I still have the courage to go through with it.”
A bit stunned he said “O… kay. But what’s up? And why can’t I call you Sis anymore? I’ve done it forever and it’s never seemed to bother you before.”
‘Well it does now” she said, placing her hands on her hips, turning away from him and lowering her head.
“Jaynie? Honey what’s going on? Is something wrong? Are you sick or something?” He asked, crossing to her, placing his hands to her shoulders, turning her to face him. “And… are you crying?”
She quickly wiped her cheek and sucked in a breath before saying, “Rick… I’m sorry I snapped at you. But you wouldn’t shut up- and… this is serious.”
“You have my full attention Honey, go ahead” he said, placing his hand to her cheek.
“We’ve been friends forever. And I know I’m the one that’s kept us that way. But, I don’t want to be… Hell, I can’t be your friend anymore.”
“What? Jaynie what the Hell does that mean?”
Biting her lower lip, looking down at the sand, she watched a crab run across and bury itself, before looking back to him.
“Rick, exactly, how do you feel about me?”
Taking her hands into his, he said, “I love you - you’re like my sister.”
“See! I knew Maybell was yanking my chain,” she said, trying to turn away.
“Maybell?” he asked, stopping her. “Honey, what the Hell does Maybell have to do with this conversation?”
“She… she told me you loved me. But the way she put it… you were, in love with me. So which is it Rick? Do you love me, or are you in love with me?”
“Better question Hon, how do you feel about me? Tell the truth now, I’m a big boy; I can take it.”
“Well… I think… No” she shook her head, “I know… I’m in love with you. I have been for some time now. And, it’s never bothered me before, but here lately when you talk about your “ladies”; it hurts Rick. A lot. And, I’ve even had, fantasies about us,” she confessed.
“Fantasies?” he raised a brow and shot her a huge grin. “What kind of fantasies?”
“Oh for crying out loud! I’m trying to be serious here!”
“Sorry; please continue. I’ve had a few of my own fantasies about us,” he said under his breath as his mind wandered. He thought of her all the time. How beautiful she was with that shoulder length auburn hair. Those deep, coffee- colored eyes, and that smile of hers that could light the darkest night, along with the soft curves on that sun-drenched body of hers. Yeah, he’d had fantasies about them; way too many fantasies.
“What? Did you say something?”
“No, nothing, go ahead” he said, snapping out of his current one.
“Well, the truth is out now. And I feel so damned stupid for telling you” she said, wiping a stray tear.
“Hey… hey Jaynie, don’t do that Honey. I love you too.”
“Yeah. So you said; like a sister.”
“No Honey, I really do love you. I’m head over heels in love with you.”
“Really?”
Letting out a chuckle, he shook his head, “Yes! Really! Like you, I have been for quite a while.”
“You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”
“No… Honey I’m not. I’m serious. I love you Jaynie. But you’ve been so damned determined to keep us just friends, that… I’ve left it alone. I want you, Jaynie. Only you.”
Smiling, biting her lower lip, she hung her head before asking, “Oh yeah? What about your ‘ladies’ Rick?”
“I’ll give them all up. Just for the chance, to be with you forever” he said, drawing her into an embrace, kissing the top of her head.
With her head resting against his bare chest; feeling the pulse of his heart beating against her cheek, closing her eyes, she asked “Really? You… would do that? You… could do that?”
Pulling her closer, he said “Jaynie, I’d do anything for you. Anything.”
Dropping down onto the sand, he pulled her down with him, and then, with a very serious look on his face, said “Jayne Ramsey, it would be an honor and my pleasure to take you out on a real date tonight. Will you accept my offer?”
Smiling wide, she said “It would be an honor and my pleasure, to accept your offer Mr. Cooper.”
“Then it’s a date!” he said standing, helping her to feet; before drawing her into the most passionate kiss she ever experienced; one that was quickly turning her insides into liquid.
When Jayne walked back into the office, she was grinning like the Cheshire cat from the Alice in Wonderland storybook.
“I see you told him,” Bree said. “It wasn’t so hard now was it?”
“No…” she said floating to, and then sinking into her chair.
“And he feels the same way. Right?”
“Right!” she beamed, hunching her shoulders.
“Well…”
“We’re going out on our first real date tonight. I’m so nervous Bree, I feel like schoolgirl. Look at my hands, they’re shaking!”
Several hours later when the Sunset came in from her last charter, Rick walked into the office and up to Jayne’s desk. After the other crewmembers exited, he asked Bree if Jayne had filled her in on their lunch date. She of course, told him she had.
“C’mere you” he said, taking Jayne into his arms, kissing her again, then licking his lips, he smiled “I’ve waited all afternoon to do that again.”
“And I’ve waited all afternoon for you to do it.”
“So, I was thinking we could go to my place; throw a couple a’ steaks on the grill and…” narrowing his gaze, he smiled, then whispered into her ear “And really get to know each other a little better.”
“I don’t think so” she shot back, placing a hand to his chest. “I’m not, one of your bimbos. I think we should go on a real date. You know, the kind where you pick me up and take me out to dinner, a movie, and then for a long walk on the beach. We’ll see about the getting to know each other part, a little later” she smiled.
“Yes Ma’am” he pouted. “So, did you walk or drive to work today?”
“I walked, why?”
“Well, we can leave from here for our date.”
“Did you not hear a word I said?”
“Well… yeah, but why not leave from here?”
“Rick, I’m a girl; it’s our first, real date. I have to go home and take a shower and get all dolled up for you. And” she continued, “You have to go home and take a shower too. Though you look good enough to eat right now, you kind’ a smell like fish.”
“Oh yeah… sorry. But you don’t need to do anything, you already look beautiful.”
“Rick, again… I’m a girl, I can always do more.”
He didn’t think there was any more she could do, she was already the most beautiful woman in the world to him, but he dropped her off at her door and told her he’d see her in about an hour.
As soon as the door closed behind her, she rested her back against it and let out a loud “Yes!” followed by the “cha’ ching” sign with her fist. She hurried around the house lighting candles, and then found an easy listening station on the radio, before setting out a bottle of wine and two glasses.
She went into the bathroom and instead of a shower; began filling her oversized tub with Caramel Vanilla scented bubble bath. She wanted to smell good enough to eat when he picked her up; and prayed he’d do just that.
Rick headed home; he didn’t live far from her, only about ten miles. The more he thought about her, the more he wanted to be with her, so he whipped his truck around and headed back to her place. He knew she’d fuss; he needed to shower, but if she insisted, he’d do it there. After all, he kept a duffel bag in the back seat of his truck with clean clothes for those, “just in case” moments when he decided to sleep over with his latest conquest.
Pulling back into her driveway, he grabbed the bag and headed for the door. Being a man, he was sure by now she was done with her shower, and was probably working on hair and makeup. He knocked but got no answer, so he used his key and let himself in. He called to her, but still no answer. Listening, he heard the sound of running water, but it was the tub, not the shower.
“Damn!” he whispered. The two of them had shared an apartment in college to help out with expenses. The unit only had one bathroom and when she decided to take a bath, she could be in there for hours.
He approached the bathroom door and noticed it was slightly ajar, so he peeked in. He stopped muttering about how long it was going to take her, and was quite pleased she was in the tub.
Unaware of his presence, he watched her. She had the tub full of bubbles and the smell was like Heaven. Standing there, he noticed the candles, and then the music. Looking around, he spotted the wine with even more candles. Damn, she really did want him.
Smiling, he returned his gaze to the crack in the doorway. She had turned off the water, and was resting her head against the back of the tub with her eyes closed. She rotated her head from side to side to loosen the muscles in her neck, and then he noticed her fingertips moving through the mixture of water and bubbles.
One hand stopping at her breasts; oh those beautiful breasts, they were there among the bubbles like snow-coved mountains; and as she lightly ran her fingertips over them, he could feel his jeans begin to tighten. As her other hand drifted slowly down to her pelvis and rested there, her knees began rising from the water.
As he watched, he noticed the bubbles on top of the water began to look like white capping waves in the ocean; then it hit him, what she was doing that is. Sucking in a deep breath, he smiled as her body arched and the intensity increased, causing some of the water to splash over the side of the tub, and hit the floor. Oh Sweet Jesus; he’d never seen her like this before! He was fully charged now and didn’t think he could stand it any longer.
With her eyes still closed, she called to him; already naked, he raced into the bathroom.
“How did… you know I was here?”
“It’s more of a,” licking her lips, she said, “Hope he’s here. You see, this is one of my fantasies. The one I have most every night.”
“I like it” he said grinning from ear to ear. “What happens next?”
“You’re a big boy, I think you can take it from here” she winked seductively.
“Oh no! I’m not about to screw this up. This is your fantasy; I want to make it your reality. Tell me, what do I do?”
“Well,” she said, “It starts with you getting in here with me.”
“I can do that,” he said, climbing into the tub with her. “Now what?”
“Now you explore every inch of my body. And I do mean… every inch.”
Using his index finger, he started at her forehead, tracing her delicate features. Making it to her mouth, he gently outlined it as she opened it; deciding it was his favorite part. Leaning down he devoured her mouth with his, as his hand wandered freely over her body; finding its way to her luscious bubble covered pelvis.
He could tell she was ready for him as her mind willed him to take her. Smiling, he decided to make her wait just a little longer.
Whispering into her ear, kissing her neck, he said “Good things come to those who wait Jaynie… and if you wait Honey… I promise I’ll make damned sure you come good, Sweetheart.”
As he continued, her body arched and bucked as he softly asked her “What’s next? Hmm?”
She sucked in a quick breath and said, “Take me Rick; take me now.”
“Uh uh, not just yet. Tell me Jaynie, what’s next…”
Her body reeling with anticipation, she said, “Now you get out of the tub. You take a towel and dry yourself as you watch me stand here and let the bubbles slowly reveal what’s hidden underneath.” He didn’t know how much more of this he could stand, but did as she said. “Now wrap me in your towel, and …”
Before she could finish, his mouth was covering hers and the towel was wrapped around her. Scooping her into his arms, he carried her into the bedroom, where he gently laid her down and just stared at her in wonderment.
“I love you” he smiled. Taking her hand, he brought it to his lips, then kissed the back of it; before turning it over and kissing the inside of her wrist, making her body shiver.
“I love you too” she smiled.
Feeling his weight atop her; damp- moist flesh against damp- moist flesh; she smiled up at him as the two became one. They met and matched each other’s rhythm. They rode the ebb and flow until sweet release rippled through their bodies.
When they finished their lovemaking, Rick noticed a tear escape the corner of her eye. Deeply concerned he asked, “Did I hurt you?”
Rolling over, facing the wall, she quietly said “No.”
Confused he asked, “Jaynie, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing” she whispered.
Rick rolled her onto her back and said, “Honey, if it were nothing, you wouldn’t be crying; now tell me what’s wrong.”
“I was wondering, how… how I com… pared. If, I compared at all, to your other women.”
Rick rolled to his back and laughed “You what?”
“It’s not funny!” she said, looking at him as though she could kill him, the thought crossing her mind.
“Oh, it’s funny Sweetheart! Jaynie, those other women were sex and booze. Honey they don’t hold a candle to you.”
“Really?”
“Really. I love you. And we belong together Honey; we always have” he smiled reassuringly.
“I feel the same way,” she smiled back.
“Jaynie, you are the only woman I want; and will ever need for the rest of my life.” With his palm against her cheek, he brushed his thumb over her lips; kissed her and said, “Marry me Honey.”
Taken aback, she asked “What? Marry you? Rick are… are you sure?”
“I’ve never been surer of anything in my life. We love each other; we’ve wasted too much time apart. What do ya say?
“You’re… serious?”
“Cross my heart” he smiled.
Smiling, shaking her head, she said, “Yes! Yes Rick, I’ll marry you! I love you. There’s just one thing I have to ask,” she said wrapping her arms around his neck.
“What’s that?”
“Do we have to let Maybell sing at the wedding?”
ALABAMA SUNSET
By
Sandee Watkins
It was a beautiful day in Mobile, Alabama. The mid-day sun was gleaming as the early morning charter boats made their way back into their slips. The gulls and cranes were flying overhead, and the sound of waves crashing to shore was quite relaxing.
“Ocean Gala Charters, this is Jayne how may I help you?” Jayne Ramsey said into the phone.
“Hi Jayne, this is Susie Warren. My family and I have a charter with your company this afternoon, but…” the woman continued.
“I see” Jayne listened. “I’m sorry to hear about Mr. Warren, but yes Ma’am, I’m afraid you will lose your deposit. Yes Ma’am. Thank you for calling,” Jayne said disconnecting the call.
“What was that all about?” asked Sabrina, her assistant and lifetime best friend.
“Cancellation,” Jayne said, rolling her chair away from her desk. “I guess I need to go tell Captain and crew they have a long lunch break today. Without the Warren’s private charter, they’ll have several hours to kill before the Alabama Sunset heads out for her afternoon run. Maybe, if I’m lucky” she winked, “I can wrangle Rick into lunch.”
“Rock Hard Rick?” Sabrina asked, looking up at Jayne, grinning.
Rick Cooper was the most gorgeous piece of man meat Jayne had ever laid eyes on. At 32, he stood 6’5” with rock hard muscles and ever tanned skin. His hair was sun streaked brown, and he had the deepest green eyes she had ever had the privilege of gazing into. He reminded her of a mythological God.
“Bree, I’ve told you time and again, we’re just friends.”
“I’ve known you both since first grade Jayne. You guys are so hot for one another it isn’t funny. You’re both so damned afraid if you ever tried the couple thing, it wouldn’t work. I know you like him Hon. Excuse me - love him,” Sabrina said, playfully batting her long lashes.
“What?”
“Honey, I watch you when he’s around. You light up like a Christmas tree. And…” she continued, “He does the same when he sees you. The only people you’re fooling are yourselves. Jayne, tell him how you feel. If you don’t, I will” Sabrina told her matter of factly; crossing her arms, leaning back in her chair.
“I, really” swallowing hard and fingering the pendant on the silver chain around her neck, she finished “Light up when he’s around?”
“Yes, and so does he. But he knows you want to keep it just friends. And he respects your wishes. Tell him Jayne – please?”
“Okay, okay. I confess… I do love him Bree. I have for a really long time now. I just didn’t want to lose him as a friend, if it - you know, didn’t work out between us. But Bree, what I’m going through now; watching him with other women and hearing him tell me all about his latest exploits. Well… it just hurts.”
“I know Sweetie, that’s why you need to tell him how you feel.”
“You’re right. I have to tell him, and I have to do it today.”
“Good Girl” Bree smiled, giving Jayne a thumbs up. “Now go out there and claim your man.”
Snickering she said “Claim my man? You make it sound so… so barbaric!”
“Go!” Bree pointed towards the door, “And you’d better tell him, because if you don’t…”
“I know… I know. I promise, I’ll tell him,” she said, rolling her eyes. Getting to her feet, she sucked in a breath, held it a moment before exhaling, then opened the office door and walked out.
As she hit the dock she heard a whistle, followed by “Hey Gorgeous” come from the Alabama Sunset; the fishing party boat Rick worked aboard as First Mate to the Captain- her father.
“Hey yourself, Handsome” she yelled back approaching the vessel.
“What a nice welcome” Rick said, kissing her on the cheek. “What’s up Sis, you don’t usually greet us when we come in?”
“Sis?” she cringed. Being so close for most of their lives, he often referred to her as Sis. It had never bothered her before, but now it was like having a knife plunged into her heart.
After explaining, a young deck hand let out a loud “WOO HOO! My girlfriend will be happy to hear that. Maybe I’ll even get lucky at lunch,” he smiled running down the gangplank.
“Rick…” she asked, “Would you, like to have lunch today?”
“Sure Sis, I’d love too,” he said, narrowing his gaze, giving her his mischievous look. The one that made her want to rip her clothes off and say ‘Take me, I’m yours’. “Think maybe… I’ll get lucky too?” he asked winking, draping his muscular arm across her shoulder.
“I certainly hope so” she thought to herself, hoping she hadn’t said it aloud. “Maybe,” she grinned up at him, before suggesting they get carryout from the Marina Café and taking it out on her boat.
“Sounds great Sis. I’ve got my key; I’ll top her off and bring her around. You get the food and I’ll meet you at Café’s dock in fifteen.”
“See ya then” she said turning, and headed off.
Maybell Sanders handed Jayne her change, and asked, “When are you going to tell that young man you’re in love with him?”
Stunned, Jayne quipped “What? In love with… him? Him who? What are you talking about?”
“Why Rick, of course. Why deny it Honey? Just tell him. He doesn’t deny his feelings for you.”
“Oh yeah? And just how would you know that?”
“He told me so,” the old lady grinned. “Said he loves you. But you were the one that wants to keep it just friends. He even told me if he could ever convince you, he’d let me sing at the wedding!” she winked.
“He did no such thing!”
“Did too. Now you’d better run. I see him waiting, and your lunch is getting cold. Have a good time Dear” she waved as Jayne backed out of the restaurant’s heavy glass door.
“He loves me too?” Jayne asked to herself, stopping to stare at the half naked man behind the helm of her boat. “Could he really… love me? Maybe,” she smiled, crossing the dock to join him.
“Anywhere particular you’d like to go for lunch?” he asked, slowly pulling the boat away from the pier.
“No, I just thought it would be nice for us to spend some time alone together. It’s been a while, and I need to talk to you about something.”
“Sure Sis, but I want to show you a nook I found after the storm the other day. I think it will be a great place to take care of some serious business with my ladies.”
“Damn it” she thought, does he really have to give me that damned Casanova look when talks about ‘his ladies’?” she snarled inside.
“And, I really want to know what you think; after all, you’re a girl too,” he winked.
“Oh great” she thought, “I’m about to profess my undying love for you and you want to show me a new place to screw your bimbos.” Giving a faint smile and said, “Sure Rick; sounds good. But I really need to talk to you, it’s kind’ a serious.”
“Can it wait until we get to the nook? It’ll be difficult to talk while we’re riding. I won’t be able to hear you, and since you said it’s serious…”
“That’s fine; it can wait,” she smiled.
Ten minutes later Rick slowed the boat and headed to shore. He hopped out and tied it off to a tree with a rope Jayne tossed to him. He walked to the bow and extended his hand to help her down. Before she hit the sand good, he started walking around and pointing things out for her to look at.
“There’s lots of Spanish moss in the trees… and look!” he said excitedly, “There’s a cave” he continued, pulling her through dense foliage. “I can really get down to business in a…”
“Rick… I need to talk to you - remember?”
“Sure Sis, go ahead. I’m listening,” he said, continuing to play tour guide.
“Rick, it would be nice if you’d stop for just a minute and pay attention to me.”
“Sis” he started.
“DON’T call me Sis anymore” she snapped at him.
Stopping short, he slowly turned to her with hands in the air. “Whoa Si… sorry; Jaynie. What’s up with you?”
“Would it kill you to shut up and pay attention to me for just a minute? Would it? I have something I need to tell you. And… I need to do it now; while I still have the courage to go through with it.”
A bit stunned he said “O… kay. But what’s up? And why can’t I call you Sis anymore? I’ve done it forever and it’s never seemed to bother you before.”
‘Well it does now” she said, placing her hands on her hips, turning away from him and lowering her head.
“Jaynie? Honey what’s going on? Is something wrong? Are you sick or something?” He asked, crossing to her, placing his hands to her shoulders, turning her to face him. “And… are you crying?”
She quickly wiped her cheek and sucked in a breath before saying, “Rick… I’m sorry I snapped at you. But you wouldn’t shut up- and… this is serious.”
“You have my full attention Honey, go ahead” he said, placing his hand to her cheek.
“We’ve been friends forever. And I know I’m the one that’s kept us that way. But, I don’t want to be… Hell, I can’t be your friend anymore.”
“What? Jaynie what the Hell does that mean?”
Biting her lower lip, looking down at the sand, she watched a crab run across and bury itself, before looking back to him.
“Rick, exactly, how do you feel about me?”
Taking her hands into his, he said, “I love you - you’re like my sister.”
“See! I knew Maybell was yanking my chain,” she said, trying to turn away.
“Maybell?” he asked, stopping her. “Honey, what the Hell does Maybell have to do with this conversation?”
“She… she told me you loved me. But the way she put it… you were, in love with me. So which is it Rick? Do you love me, or are you in love with me?”
“Better question Hon, how do you feel about me? Tell the truth now, I’m a big boy; I can take it.”
“Well… I think… No” she shook her head, “I know… I’m in love with you. I have been for some time now. And, it’s never bothered me before, but here lately when you talk about your “ladies”; it hurts Rick. A lot. And, I’ve even had, fantasies about us,” she confessed.
“Fantasies?” he raised a brow and shot her a huge grin. “What kind of fantasies?”
“Oh for crying out loud! I’m trying to be serious here!”
“Sorry; please continue. I’ve had a few of my own fantasies about us,” he said under his breath as his mind wandered. He thought of her all the time. How beautiful she was with that shoulder length auburn hair. Those deep, coffee- colored eyes, and that smile of hers that could light the darkest night, along with the soft curves on that sun-drenched body of hers. Yeah, he’d had fantasies about them; way too many fantasies.
“What? Did you say something?”
“No, nothing, go ahead” he said, snapping out of his current one.
“Well, the truth is out now. And I feel so damned stupid for telling you” she said, wiping a stray tear.
“Hey… hey Jaynie, don’t do that Honey. I love you too.”
“Yeah. So you said; like a sister.”
“No Honey, I really do love you. I’m head over heels in love with you.”
“Really?”
Letting out a chuckle, he shook his head, “Yes! Really! Like you, I have been for quite a while.”
“You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”
“No… Honey I’m not. I’m serious. I love you Jaynie. But you’ve been so damned determined to keep us just friends, that… I’ve left it alone. I want you, Jaynie. Only you.”
Smiling, biting her lower lip, she hung her head before asking, “Oh yeah? What about your ‘ladies’ Rick?”
“I’ll give them all up. Just for the chance, to be with you forever” he said, drawing her into an embrace, kissing the top of her head.
With her head resting against his bare chest; feeling the pulse of his heart beating against her cheek, closing her eyes, she asked “Really? You… would do that? You… could do that?”
Pulling her closer, he said “Jaynie, I’d do anything for you. Anything.”
Dropping down onto the sand, he pulled her down with him, and then, with a very serious look on his face, said “Jayne Ramsey, it would be an honor and my pleasure to take you out on a real date tonight. Will you accept my offer?”
Smiling wide, she said “It would be an honor and my pleasure, to accept your offer Mr. Cooper.”
“Then it’s a date!” he said standing, helping her to feet; before drawing her into the most passionate kiss she ever experienced; one that was quickly turning her insides into liquid.
When Jayne walked back into the office, she was grinning like the Cheshire cat from the Alice in Wonderland storybook.
“I see you told him,” Bree said. “It wasn’t so hard now was it?”
“No…” she said floating to, and then sinking into her chair.
“And he feels the same way. Right?”
“Right!” she beamed, hunching her shoulders.
“Well…”
“We’re going out on our first real date tonight. I’m so nervous Bree, I feel like schoolgirl. Look at my hands, they’re shaking!”
Several hours later when the Sunset came in from her last charter, Rick walked into the office and up to Jayne’s desk. After the other crewmembers exited, he asked Bree if Jayne had filled her in on their lunch date. She of course, told him she had.
“C’mere you” he said, taking Jayne into his arms, kissing her again, then licking his lips, he smiled “I’ve waited all afternoon to do that again.”
“And I’ve waited all afternoon for you to do it.”
“So, I was thinking we could go to my place; throw a couple a’ steaks on the grill and…” narrowing his gaze, he smiled, then whispered into her ear “And really get to know each other a little better.”
“I don’t think so” she shot back, placing a hand to his chest. “I’m not, one of your bimbos. I think we should go on a real date. You know, the kind where you pick me up and take me out to dinner, a movie, and then for a long walk on the beach. We’ll see about the getting to know each other part, a little later” she smiled.
“Yes Ma’am” he pouted. “So, did you walk or drive to work today?”
“I walked, why?”
“Well, we can leave from here for our date.”
“Did you not hear a word I said?”
“Well… yeah, but why not leave from here?”
“Rick, I’m a girl; it’s our first, real date. I have to go home and take a shower and get all dolled up for you. And” she continued, “You have to go home and take a shower too. Though you look good enough to eat right now, you kind’ a smell like fish.”
“Oh yeah… sorry. But you don’t need to do anything, you already look beautiful.”
“Rick, again… I’m a girl, I can always do more.”
He didn’t think there was any more she could do, she was already the most beautiful woman in the world to him, but he dropped her off at her door and told her he’d see her in about an hour.
As soon as the door closed behind her, she rested her back against it and let out a loud “Yes!” followed by the “cha’ ching” sign with her fist. She hurried around the house lighting candles, and then found an easy listening station on the radio, before setting out a bottle of wine and two glasses.
She went into the bathroom and instead of a shower; began filling her oversized tub with Caramel Vanilla scented bubble bath. She wanted to smell good enough to eat when he picked her up; and prayed he’d do just that.
Rick headed home; he didn’t live far from her, only about ten miles. The more he thought about her, the more he wanted to be with her, so he whipped his truck around and headed back to her place. He knew she’d fuss; he needed to shower, but if she insisted, he’d do it there. After all, he kept a duffel bag in the back seat of his truck with clean clothes for those, “just in case” moments when he decided to sleep over with his latest conquest.
Pulling back into her driveway, he grabbed the bag and headed for the door. Being a man, he was sure by now she was done with her shower, and was probably working on hair and makeup. He knocked but got no answer, so he used his key and let himself in. He called to her, but still no answer. Listening, he heard the sound of running water, but it was the tub, not the shower.
“Damn!” he whispered. The two of them had shared an apartment in college to help out with expenses. The unit only had one bathroom and when she decided to take a bath, she could be in there for hours.
He approached the bathroom door and noticed it was slightly ajar, so he peeked in. He stopped muttering about how long it was going to take her, and was quite pleased she was in the tub.
Unaware of his presence, he watched her. She had the tub full of bubbles and the smell was like Heaven. Standing there, he noticed the candles, and then the music. Looking around, he spotted the wine with even more candles. Damn, she really did want him.
Smiling, he returned his gaze to the crack in the doorway. She had turned off the water, and was resting her head against the back of the tub with her eyes closed. She rotated her head from side to side to loosen the muscles in her neck, and then he noticed her fingertips moving through the mixture of water and bubbles.
One hand stopping at her breasts; oh those beautiful breasts, they were there among the bubbles like snow-coved mountains; and as she lightly ran her fingertips over them, he could feel his jeans begin to tighten. As her other hand drifted slowly down to her pelvis and rested there, her knees began rising from the water.
As he watched, he noticed the bubbles on top of the water began to look like white capping waves in the ocean; then it hit him, what she was doing that is. Sucking in a deep breath, he smiled as her body arched and the intensity increased, causing some of the water to splash over the side of the tub, and hit the floor. Oh Sweet Jesus; he’d never seen her like this before! He was fully charged now and didn’t think he could stand it any longer.
With her eyes still closed, she called to him; already naked, he raced into the bathroom.
“How did… you know I was here?”
“It’s more of a,” licking her lips, she said, “Hope he’s here. You see, this is one of my fantasies. The one I have most every night.”
“I like it” he said grinning from ear to ear. “What happens next?”
“You’re a big boy, I think you can take it from here” she winked seductively.
“Oh no! I’m not about to screw this up. This is your fantasy; I want to make it your reality. Tell me, what do I do?”
“Well,” she said, “It starts with you getting in here with me.”
“I can do that,” he said, climbing into the tub with her. “Now what?”
“Now you explore every inch of my body. And I do mean… every inch.”
Using his index finger, he started at her forehead, tracing her delicate features. Making it to her mouth, he gently outlined it as she opened it; deciding it was his favorite part. Leaning down he devoured her mouth with his, as his hand wandered freely over her body; finding its way to her luscious bubble covered pelvis.
He could tell she was ready for him as her mind willed him to take her. Smiling, he decided to make her wait just a little longer.
Whispering into her ear, kissing her neck, he said “Good things come to those who wait Jaynie… and if you wait Honey… I promise I’ll make damned sure you come good, Sweetheart.”
As he continued, her body arched and bucked as he softly asked her “What’s next? Hmm?”
She sucked in a quick breath and said, “Take me Rick; take me now.”
“Uh uh, not just yet. Tell me Jaynie, what’s next…”
Her body reeling with anticipation, she said, “Now you get out of the tub. You take a towel and dry yourself as you watch me stand here and let the bubbles slowly reveal what’s hidden underneath.” He didn’t know how much more of this he could stand, but did as she said. “Now wrap me in your towel, and …”
Before she could finish, his mouth was covering hers and the towel was wrapped around her. Scooping her into his arms, he carried her into the bedroom, where he gently laid her down and just stared at her in wonderment.
“I love you” he smiled. Taking her hand, he brought it to his lips, then kissed the back of it; before turning it over and kissing the inside of her wrist, making her body shiver.
“I love you too” she smiled.
Feeling his weight atop her; damp- moist flesh against damp- moist flesh; she smiled up at him as the two became one. They met and matched each other’s rhythm. They rode the ebb and flow until sweet release rippled through their bodies.
When they finished their lovemaking, Rick noticed a tear escape the corner of her eye. Deeply concerned he asked, “Did I hurt you?”
Rolling over, facing the wall, she quietly said “No.”
Confused he asked, “Jaynie, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing” she whispered.
Rick rolled her onto her back and said, “Honey, if it were nothing, you wouldn’t be crying; now tell me what’s wrong.”
“I was wondering, how… how I com… pared. If, I compared at all, to your other women.”
Rick rolled to his back and laughed “You what?”
“It’s not funny!” she said, looking at him as though she could kill him, the thought crossing her mind.
“Oh, it’s funny Sweetheart! Jaynie, those other women were sex and booze. Honey they don’t hold a candle to you.”
“Really?”
“Really. I love you. And we belong together Honey; we always have” he smiled reassuringly.
“I feel the same way,” she smiled back.
“Jaynie, you are the only woman I want; and will ever need for the rest of my life.” With his palm against her cheek, he brushed his thumb over her lips; kissed her and said, “Marry me Honey.”
Taken aback, she asked “What? Marry you? Rick are… are you sure?”
“I’ve never been surer of anything in my life. We love each other; we’ve wasted too much time apart. What do ya say?
“You’re… serious?”
“Cross my heart” he smiled.
Smiling, shaking her head, she said, “Yes! Yes Rick, I’ll marry you! I love you. There’s just one thing I have to ask,” she said wrapping her arms around his neck.
“What’s that?”
“Do we have to let Maybell sing at the wedding?”
