Ending the call, Chuck shook his head, "When it rains it pours," he said staring at the phone. He didn’t think his bright idea of hitching a ride to Jacksonville would happen so soon. Opening his wallet, he pulled out the slip of paper with Marti’s number and dialed.
"Hello, this is Marti."
"Marti, hi, this is Chuck."
"Hi, Chuck, is Shirley OK?"
"Yeah, sure, I’m calling for a different reason. One of my clients is flying to Jacksonville and I’m tagging along. I wondered if you had any time this weekend while I’m in town."
"Oh, you’re flying to Jacksonville. When?"
"Friday night. He has a conference at the Marriott near the airport."
"Wow. What a surprise. Friday night’s good. I’d love to see you. Should I pick you up at the airport?"
"Yeah, we’ll probably arrive around 6pm."
"Great. We can make dinner here. I’ll get something to grill."
"I’ll pack my aprons."
"No, no-no, my house, my rules."
"I’m just teasing you, Marti."
"Ok. Thanks by the way for talking to Aunt Shirley. She called me yesterday about her MS. She told me you’d asked her to share her condition with me."
"Yeah, I didn’t want to betray her trust, or lie to you, either. It was a tough spot."
"I understand. I’ve been reading about MS so I’ll know what to expect."
"Good for you. Shirley did the same thing."
"Why don’t you plan on staying here with me? I don’t have a backyard, but I’ve got the beach."
"A weekend at the beach with a hot chick - life doesn’t get any better."
"Right, I’ll see you Friday, Rocketman."
"Come to the FBO. I’ll call you once we land."
Hanging up the phone, Marti smiled. She sure hadn’t expected that one. A call from Chuck right out of the blue.
Walking to her bedroom, she reached for the wrap he’d given her. She’d thrown it across her chair by the bed. Lifting it to her face, she sniffed picking up a light scent of his smell. Undressing quickly, she tied the wrap across her breasts. Um-m, he’s right. I can feel his energy wrapping around me.
Turning to her mirror, she noticed that her nipples had pebbled from thinking about him. Yes, I know you liked his attention. Just behave yourself this weekend. No screaming.
Keeping the wrap on she wandered back out to the living room to work on the story she was researching for tomorrow’s broadcast. But, her mind was restless. She could feel the tug of the wrap. Just wearing the damn thing was making her think about him. A familiar throb resonated through her body. No. This is not high school. You will not long for him.
Untying the knot, she flung it back on the chair. "Maybe I’ll wear it for him Friday night while we cook, and make him wear one of mine," she muttered pulling on her old terrycloth robe. I like that. A little tit for tat. My house, my rules.
By Friday, Marti had a plan: Tom’s garlic shrimp with veggies and rice for dinner. Shirley had emailed her the recipe. She was determined to get to know Chuck, and not just fall into the sexual fantasy he had created in his backyard. "We’ll walk the beach on Saturday and have lunch at the Riverside Arts Market," she chatted to herself. "Then he’ll go home on Sunday."
Pulling up to the FBO, Marti walked inside just as the 414 came in for a landing. She stood in the air-conditioned terminal watching the men cross the tarmac. He looks like he was made for this place. Like Top Gun ten years later. Marti’s heartbeat picked up when he walked through the door and smiled at her behind his aviator shades. She couldn’t resist a hug and quick kiss as a greeting.
Chuck was polite and introduced her to Dave before parting ways. Carrying his bag in his hand, he captured Marti’s hand in the other.
"It’s good to see you, Marti. Thanks for picking me up."
"Welcome to Jacksonville," she replied. "Let’s head for the beach."
He sat comfortably watching her drive through Friday evening traffic. As they approached Jacksonville Beach where she lived, Chuck could see the sun setting just behind the pier.
"It’s good to get away. I can become a hermit in my little place."
"I feel the same way about my condo. It’s my escape from the world."
Pulling into her garage, Marti grabbed her briefcase as Chuck got his bag from the back. "I’m sure you’d like a cold beer. I remembered to get a German Pilsner for you."
"A woman after my heart," Chuck smiled following her up the steps into the condo. Marti stopped in front of her picture window looking out on the dusk that settled over the water, "This is my backyard."
"And your front yard, too, but I understand your meaning. Maybe we can take a walk after dinner."
"Oh, I’ve got the shrimp marinating in Tom’s garlic sauce. Let’s put your bag away." Entering the bedroom, Chuck noticed his wrap thrown across the chair.
"Looks like you’ve used my wrap."
"I did pull it on a time or two," Marti smiled, "And I have one for you to wear while we cook." She handed him a blue wrap with stark white hibiscus contrasting the color.
Laughing Chuck took the wrap in his hands, "I’d love to wear your clothes. I’ll have you on my skin and under my skin." He kissed her lightly while he unbuttoned his shirt. "And will you wear mine? I’d love to see you in it."
"That’s the plan, Rocketman. I’ll get us a drink while you settle in." She left just as he unzipped his pants.
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