June 5th, 1990- Evening
Dean took me by the hand, and we stumbled out of the brightly-lit bar and onto the sidewalk. I knew that the other girls would wonder about where I went, but I didn't care. I could feel the whiskey and beer buzzing through my system, making me giddy. We were outside before I realized that Dean hadn't let go of my hand. I could feel his heat seeping into my skin, sending little tendrils of electricity up my spine. I was lightheaded, and I knew it wasn't just from the alcohol.
Since I'd seen the house while out on the beach with Jenny and Kimberly, I already knew the way to the house. I half-consciously started to lead the way. "What's your hurry?" he asked. "That eager to get me to my house?"
I stuck my tongue out at him. "All right, big guy, what else do you have in mind?"
He shrugged his shoulders. I couldn't help but notice the strength in them whenever he did that. "Have you ever checked out the shops in Old Town?"
I smiled. "Yes, we went there earlier today, as a matter of fact."
"Did you check out the surf shop? There was some surfboards with some fantastic designs on them," he said.
I shook my head. If I had seen it, I had probably just walked right past it. I had never been surfing in my life.
He grabbed my hand and smiled. "Come on!" he said, sounding like an excited five-year-old. I couldn't help but come along.
When we got to the store, it was already closed for the evening. Still, Dean pressed his face to the glass and looked at them. Even in the dim light from the street, I could see a whole wall full of surfboards. Dean pointed out a few that he liked. The ones he picked tended to be simple and super masculine. The rest were mostly beach scenery, but one in particular caught my eye. It reminded me of a watercolor painting, something that Kim would have painted.
"I love surfing," Dean said, still peering into the store. "One day, when I retire, I'm going to live on some resort island and just surf every day." He turned toward me, smiling. "How about you?" he asked.
I laughed. "I have no idea where I'll retire. I have to actually get a job to retire someday."
He laughed back at me. "I didn't mean that. I meant surfing! Do you like it?"
I crossed my arms. "I've never been."
"Never been!" he shouted, as if he had never heard something so ridiculous. "I'd love to give you a lesson sometime."
I smiled. "I'd like that."
Our eyes were locked. Dean's crystal blue eyes seemed to gleam as he delved into mine, and I just wanted to melt right into them. "For now, though, you wanted to see the house."
I fell out of the trance for a moment. "Right. The house," I said. He held my hand again and began to lead the way. Suddenly, he seemed to be walking a little faster, as if he had a purpose now.
It was a short walk to the big, blue house. As Dean stepped onto the Southern-style porch, I was just tipsy enough that I missed the last step and tripped. Dean caught me effortlessly, wrapping his strong arms around me and making sure I never hit the ground.
This close, I could smell his cologne. It was clean and fresh, like soap but with a super masculine undertone. His heat was wonderful against my skin, sending little pangs of hot desire deep into my core. His face came close to mine as he made sure I was steady on my feet. For half a heartbeat, I was sure he was going to kiss me. I wanted him to kiss me more than anything. Our lips were so close that I could feel his breath, and I leaned forward, silently begging him to kiss me.
But he simply gave me that infuriating smile and pulled away.
He didn't let me go until he was sure I was relatively stable, but I shot him an evil glare. I had wanted that kiss. He simply continued to give me that impish grin as he grabbed my hand and led me inside the giant house.
The inside was just as beautiful as the outside. The wooden floors creaked as we crept past heavy white wooden furniture with comfortable-looking cushions and giant painted seascapes to a big open kitchen. Dean let go of my hand for a moment. The disconnection almost seemed to cause me physical pain, even though he only did it to open the fridge and get us drinks. I wandered across the wooden floor until I came to a couch facing the large window overlooking the beach. The moon was starting to rise, casting a magical glow across the white sand.
I flinched as a purple and gold top went flying past my head, followed by a giggle. Looking down over the couch, I could see arms and legs of two people, along with the tattoo that we had heard Jenny admire. Color rushed into my cheeks. I backed away slowly, and Jenny and Matt never even noticed me, but I still couldn't get the blush off my face. I made my way into the kitchen where Dean grabbed my hand and hurried me to the foot the stairs. Moans of pleasure started to come from the couch, and the two of us giggled as we sneaked up the stairs. The dark seemed warm and inviting, caressing the two of us like clandestine lovers.
Dean guided me carefully down a hallway and into a room. He hit the light switch, and I instinctively closed my eyes as the light blinded me. When I opened them up again, I surveyed the room. The king-sized bed dominated the space, but the wicker furniture was comfortable-looking and reflected the easy style of the beach outside. Dean held up a bottle of champagne with two champagne flutes in one hand, condensation already collecting on the cold glass. He headed toward two big French doors.
He threw them open, the sea air filling the room as it came in off the ocean. I turned off the light, letting the soft glow of the moon transform the room into something romantic and wonderful. Dean set the glasses on a dresser near the doors, pointing the champagne cork out toward the water. The pop as he released it made me jump, the satisfying rush of endorphins making the night that much better.
With a delightful flair, Dean handed me a glass of the bubbling golden liquid. I bit my lip with anticipation as he raised his glass in a toast, his voice warm and seductive in the moonlight.
"To meeting new friends."
"To meeting new friends," I echoed, my own voice somehow more sensual in the moonlight. The bubbles tickled my nose as I took a sip. The ocean air blew softly through my hair. Dean stepped closer, our bodies inches apart and yearning with need. He set his glass on the balcony, his hand then finding its way to the small of my back so that he could draw me in to him.
His eyes shone as if the stars themselves burned within. He leaned forward and brushed his lips across mine. The sensation made my spine feel like it was made of champagne, bubbly and ready to float away. I pressed my lips against his, begging for a better taste. He opened his mouth, the effervescence of champagne permeating my senses. I smiled as I moaned softly. All I wanted was to drink his champagne kisses.
Dean's hands flew all over me, touching me in places I hadn't been touched in quite a while. I felt the lust coursing through his body as he tugged at my shirt, and I wanted more. I wanted it so badly that I found myself jumping up and wrapping my legs around him before he even had the chance to remove my shirt. His hands grabbed me around the waist and held me up as we passionately kissed each other. My fingers went to the bottom of his ripped t-shirt, pulling it over his head.
There was that chiseled form that I had admired at the beach. He was muscular but not overly so. "Strong" was the word that I was searching for. He held me up with ease, his strong arms supporting me with no problem whatsoever. I reveled in the feeling of his chest, feeling those strong muscles. My fingers went to my own shirt, pulling that over my head as well. It wasn't long before I had my bra off as well.
Dean lifted me even higher. I ran my nails across his upper back and shoulders as his mouth went to my breasts, kissing them hungrily. He began to walk over to the bed, which required quite a bit of talent, since he had been drinking and he couldn't see where he was going. I squealed with laughter as his legs bumped into the bed and he slowly let me down. As I hit the sheets, I unwrapped my legs from around him.
I didn't waste a moment. I leaned up, undoing the belt on his jeans immediately. As I unbuttoned his pants and pulled them down, I saw the bulge in his briefs. I froze up while looking at it, and he chuckled and pulled his pants the rest of the way off.
He knelt in front of me, grabbing my leg in his hand. As his kissed traveled upward, I lay back down on the bed.
"I think I've died and gone to heaven," I said.
"Not yet," he said, kissing even further up my leg. When he reached the bottom of my skirt, he slowly hiked it up, bringing it up past my underwear. I had worn a thong, the first I had ever owned, and I already felt naked as soon as he could see it. He continued nibbling his way, tasting me, his lips touching every spot where the fabric ended and my skin began.
His tongue found my nub, and he began to lick over my panties. The alcohol still in my system made me lose control quick, and I found myself writhing underneath his touches immediately. I thought that this was as good as it got in life. That was before he pulled the fabric of my thong to the side, licking directly on my sensitive sex.
My world seemed to fall away from underneath me, and I found myself quickly rising toward an orgasm. The way his stubble rubbed against me, the cool air of the night, and the steady and rhythmic pressure against my body drove me to the brink quickly. I grabbed onto Dean's head as I found myself falling off the edge, moaning as my orgasm took over my muscles, making them twitch with delight.
Dean continued to lick me, but then he stood up. The last piece of his clothes, his briefs, were off of him, and I marveled at his naked body in front of me. The V-line of his muscles headed toward his groin was simply spectacular. Truly, an Adonis stood before me.
He quickly pulled my skirt and thong off, then slowly moved on top of me, kissing me deeply. I could feel his manhood pressing against my inner thigh. He pulled the hair from my ear. "I want you," he said.
I shuddered with pleasure at his breath in my ear, and my eyes closed. "I want you too. Take me," I said. I felt him shift, felt him approach my opening.
"Wait!" I cried out, my eyes shooting back open. He looked at me with barely-contained lust. "Don't you have a condom?"
He hesitated. "Aren't you on the pill?" he asked.
I nodded quickly, and he seemed to take that as permission to continue. He moved even closer. I closed my eyes, and in my inebriated state, I almost let him...
"Stop, Dean. Put on a condom," I said.
He frowned, then smiled. "You're right, of course. I got a little carried away. Thanks." He immediately got up. I watched his muscular body walk across the room and root around in a nearby duffel bag. I definitely checked out his ass as he bent over to search. Finally, he pulled out a square package.
I smiled as I watched him unroll the condom onto his fully erect penis. As he crawled back onto my body, I let him know just how I felt about his responsibility by spreading my legs even wider. I knew I was extremely wet; I had wanted this all night.
He entered my temple slowly, and I wrapped my arms around him as he filled me. He slowly pumped into me as he looked in my eyes, obviously searching for a sign that I was enjoying myself. I searched his face, biting my lip and writhing under his solid body.
I watched his biceps flex as he moved his body back and forth. His pecs hardened as he positioned himself for maximum pleasure. I even stole a glance behind him, watching that ass of his as he moved up and down, undulating like a snake. Everything about Dean turned me on, and when those piercing blue eyes met mine, I felt like I could melt there in his arms.
Suddenly, he grabbed my hips in his hands and rolled to one side. The bed was big enough that there was no way we could fall off, but I still screamed as I felt the butterflies in my stomach. Dean stayed within me as he rolled, and soon I was on top of him. I leaned up, intending to give him a show, but his strong hands went to my shoulders, pulling me back down on top of him.
He began to thrust upwards into me, and I was trapped against his muscular chest. He moved into me quickly, a grimace forming on his face. He started slowing down, as if he didn't want this to be over yet. He seemed to relax a little bit, as if he was backing away from his orgasm, and he let go of me so that I could take charge. I arched my back, grinding against him, giving him the most pleasure that I could.
The grimace returned, but he didn't try to stop me. Instead, he grabbed my hips and moved at my tempo. I watched as a light sheen of sweat formed on his skin. He locked eyes with me, and then he squeezed his eyes tightly shut. His strong hands gripped me even harder, and I knew I'd have a couple of bruises. I didn't care. I cried out louder than ever as I felt him jerk under me, finally finding release.
A few moments later, I stopped grinding. I felt myself falling onto his sweaty chest, putting my ear against it and listening to his racing heartbeat. His breathing returned to normal, and soon his heart rate slowed as well. I laid there, enjoying the feeling of this strong man underneath me. He pulled out of me, quickly tying the condom up and throwing it to the floor. His hands immediately returned to my back, his fingernails rubbing up and down my spine. Every touch from him sent tingles through me.
I raised my head from its place on his chest, and looked him in the eye. I had been in this position before, and I'd always felt embarrassed, like I should get dressed quickly. Not this time, though. This time, I felt like this was where I belonged. I felt like it was right.
Dean must have felt right too. "Hey, Rachel."
"Hey, Dean," I quickly said back to him.
"Would you go surfing with me tomorrow morning? The swells are supposed to be amazing on this coast," he said, sounding a little sheepish.
I smiled at him. "You mean you don't want this to be a one-night stand?" I asked.
He shrugged, then threw on a cocky grin. "I mean, I'm here for another few days, and I like you just fine."
I rolled my eyes. "I guess I'm around for a few days as well, and I like you just fine too."
He smiled and closed his eyes. "Good." Like tons of other men, it seemed like he was about to roll over and fall asleep.
I rolled off of his muscular body and snuggled up next to him, using his arm as a pillow. "Since I'm going to be surfing so early in the morning, I might as well spend the night here," I said.
"Might as well," he said. Then, he really surprised me. He turned toward me and gave me a kiss on the top of my head. A man had never done that to me.
We were both completely spent, totally sweaty, and closer than either of us had ever been with another person.
Emma smiles at me. She fixes my veil one last time, making sure it is still on straight, then smooths the hair curling gently around my shoulders. She says something about weddings, and I smile automatically. My mind isn't on her. It's on the person waiting for me at the end of the stone pathway. Dean is waiting for me. She fusses with Jack's tie, making sure that it, too, is on straight. He gives her a warm smile and shoos her out of the house. I can hear her heels clicking on the steps as she hurries to the garden to tell them we're ready to begin. I feel like I'm going to float away I'm so happy. I wonder how it is possible for any one person to brim with so much joy to the point of overflowing, yet here I am, barely able to contain myself. Dean is waiting for me. Jack takes my hand, placing it in the crook of his arm as we start to walk out the main doors. I remember my flowers at the last moment and I pull myself free to grab them. I grasp them tightly as I give my hand back t
Present Day The afternoon sun transformed the world into a kaleidoscope of orange and red as it filtered through the autumn leaves. Dean sat in the garden on a wrought iron bench, his eyes closed as he looked toward the sun. He reminded me of a cat, sitting there soaking up the last rays of warmth before winter. I stood for a moment under the rustling leaves, just admiring him. He was so handsome. His dark hair ruffled in the fall breeze, the wind mussing it like a lover's caress. His jaw was strong and smooth, his back tall and straight. Even after all this time, he still made my heart pound in my chest like a nervous school girl's. He was everything I could ever ask for; everything I could ever want. The leaves crackled under my feet as I followed the stone pathway to the bench. Dean opened one eye just enough for a sliver of blue to peek out, but then he closed it. His face remained impassive. I smiled at him, even though he couldn't see it. I felt like I might vibrate out of my
Present Day The Saunders clan sat quietly in the parlor. Emma and Jack were on an old-fashioned love seat, Emma's head resting on Jack's shoulder. Robbie stood beside them, staring out the window, his hands behind his back. Several employees and close staff huddled in a group by the corner, solemn and quiet like a silent flock of black birds. I stood next to Bianca, who sat stiffly in a blue wing-backed chair. Her hair was perfect, her makeup unsmudged, but I knew inside she was screaming with loss. A lawyer fumbled with long sheets of paper at the head of the room, preparing to read the will. Daniel had only been dead for less than a day, but it was per his wishes that the will be read now. I swallowed my tears down. Now that I was here, Daniel's death was real again. For a few blessed moments with Dean, my heart forgot to hurt. Now it just ached as though it were making up for the missed time. Bianca's brown eyes stared blankly at the room. I knew she didn't see the people there,
Present Day The rest of the day was a blur. All I felt was pain, the gray shadows of memory taunting me with Daniel's life. He had been my friend, my father, and my employer. Despite months of preparation, it had come too soon. His absence left a hole in my heart that could never be filled. The doctor entered the room, checking Daniel's limp wrist for a pulse. Bianca clung to him, her eyes shut as she willed him to still be alive. The doctor carefully worked around her, performing the necessary checks before quietly leaving the room. He put his hand on Jack's shoulder as he left, murmuring the words, "I'm sorry," he said, and Jack nodded, but I don't think he actually heard him. His eyes were glued to the bedroom, tears silently running down his face. Upon the doctor's apology, Robbie stood. He stared at those of us in the doorway for a moment before taking off down the stairs. I heard the front door slam, but I let him go. A minute later, I could hear the roar of an engine as he d
Present Day I pulled my hair up into a bun as Dean parked the car in front of the Saunders' mansion. Even from here I could tell something was wrong. The feeling of a string about to be cut vibrated out of the house. Dark shadows cast up onto the porch, the autumn morning sun still cold. I shivered and pulled a sweater up around my shoulders. I stepped out of the car, making sure my shirt hung straight. I always carried a change of clothes in my car. In my line of work, you never knew when you would be stuck at the office overnight. Or sleeping at your boyfriend's place for the first time. Emma hurried out to greet us. She ran barefoot across the wet grass, the hem on her pants growing darker with every step. She hugged her arms around her, keeping herself warm as well as from falling apart. Tear stains already streaked her face. She didn't even bat an eyelash at the fact that we had arrived together, instead grabbing my hand and hurrying me toward the house. "What happened, Emma?
Present Day I woke up the next morning to find that Dean was already out of bed. The room seemed empty without him. I glanced at the painting on the nightstand, the woman still defiant against the storm after all these years. It made me smile that he had kept it. The floor was cold to my bare feet as I stumbled into the bathroom. Sitting on the toilet seat was a clean pair of sweats and a plain gray t-shirt. I slid the comfortable clothing on, rolling the waist band to keep the pants up. The shirt smelled like Dean, and I breathed it in, enjoying the scent. I giggled as I realized there was no way he was going to get this t-shirt back. Well, maybe, when it lost that wonderful smell and needed refreshing. The rest of the apartment was quiet, but I found a pot of coffee ready with a note in Dean's messy handwriting. Good morning Beautiful, I didn't want to wake you, but I'm getting breakfast. Creamer's in the fridge. I love you. I folded the note and stuck it in my pocket. Even t