A Beach encounter

“Great, hmm Alaska I have not been there yet, I’m thinking of moving to Hawaii soon in about six months.” Paxton replies with a grin, exposing his white spotless teeth.

“Do you like cold weather,” asks Gracie.

“I like warm weather, Hawaii is warm, tropical, has mountains and the sea.” Paxton says. A dreamy distant voice, as if he is thinking of being in Hawaii right now.

“Oh, how neat! Gracie says, covering up the disappointment for his lack of desire for cold weather. She steps in her van, her glass of wine in one hand and grabs the salad with the other. Paxton removes the meat from the grill. I guess he could be a temporary romance before I move to Alaska, hmm he does not like cold weather. He is not for long term.

Gracie emerges, Paxton lunges forward and reaches for the large wooded salad bowl and dressing in her hands, “Here ma’am, I will help you with that.” Gracie cheeks redden as she smiles, “Oh, thank you Paxton, that is very helpful.”

Sitting down to eat, in between bites, Paxton asks “what kind of music do you like?”

“All kinds, country, classical, jazz, pop, and some hip hop. What about you?” she replies.

“I like country music, do you mind if I play some? The sound of the ocean waves kissing the shore is pleasant and peaceful, but I would also like some music on.” Paxton asks Gracie respectfully.

“Sure, that will be nice.” The fire Paxton initiated is still burning strong , flames of red and orange reach the edge of the pit, dancing around, whilst the sky darkens over creating a starry moonlit dinner, as waves rush, roar, and splash. The air cooler to about the seventies with a cool breeze. Twang guitar music adds to the tone, creating country vibes.

The meal has subsided, Paxton asks Gracie, “Do you want to make s’mores?”

A smile spreads across her face. Gracie says, “Sure.”

Paxton brings out the ingredients for s’mores then hands Gracie a stick. The bag of marshmallows are opened, creating a swishing sound while leaking the light aroma of powdered sugar and whipped vanilla bean. She places two white fluffy marshmallows on her stick, feeling the squish between her slender fingers, like little pillows. Paxton then punctures his marshmallows to slide on the stick. Concentrating on the marshmallows roasting over the fire pit. The flame burning blueish purple closer to the logs to reddish orange further away. The fire crackles, as ocean waves roar ahead of them. Paxton shifts the wood, red orange amber particles shoot upwards from the logs remaining in the pit. Gracie’s marshmallow catches fire, and she quickly blows it out. “Well, that is nicely charred now.” Paxton chuckles at Gracie, as he continues to slowly roast his, not letting the flame catch it. Gracie makes her s’mores by placing the marshmallow between the chocolate square and graham crackers, then slides the stick out from the marshmallow. She performs this twice, roasting two marshmallows. Gracie sips her wine, then turns her gaze to Paxton silently admiring him, waiting for him to finish. Gracie observes his lightly freckled face, noticing non bushy eyebrows, high narrow cheekbones, his nose medium sized somewhat aquiline, with a curved bridge, and a strong jawline covered by his beard. He is an attractive man. Paxton notices her brief gaze, looks kindly into her eyes and smiles charmingly “You do not have to wait for me, to eat your s’mores.”

Gracie smiles warmly at Paxton, “I just thought I should wait for you.”

“You are a sweet woman for being considerate of me.” The man responds in a deep southern voice causing a jolt to Gracie’s heart.

Gunner is resting next to Paxton’s dog. Also, a German h, Delilah. What a ladylike yet simple name.

“How old is Delilah?” Gracie asks, with a curious expression on her face.

“She just turned two.” He replies while he stares at Delilah.

“Aww, she is so pretty resting next to Gunner. They seem to like each other. Is she fixed or are you going to breed her? Gunner is purebred and I decided not to have him fixed in case I wanted to let him be a stud. He is already six though.” Gracie discusses.

“Oh, I have not fixed her with that in mind. Yes, Delilah is a beauty. She is my sweet girl.” Paxton looks adoringly at his dog, as he puts his s’more together. “My s’mores are ready to be devoured!”

Gracie takes another sip of wine before taking a bite of her s’mores. “Mmm, these are delicious, I have not had s’mores in a while, but I do make them from time to time.”

Paxton’s eyes smile at Gracie following her comment, “They are tasty.”

Gracie mentions to Paxton in calm voice, “It is getting late, I need to go find a spot for Gunner and me to camp for the night. Thank you for dinner, it was wonderful.”

“You’re welcome, so you’ll be around at the beach for the weekend?” Paxton inquires.

“Yes, I plan to.” The woman casually responds to Paxton as she opens the door for the dog to climb in, “let’s go Gunner.”

“Ok, maybe, I’ll see you around then.” The man says, with a hopeful tone.

“Ok, have a good one.” Gracie says with a smile that reaches her eyes.