Realizing what was going on, I stopped and turned back to Joan, “You packed everything I need?” Emphasizing the “everything” part.
“Like everything, everything?”
I knew she would know what I meant without saying it out loud. Razor, good underwear, clothes, good underwear, shoes, good underwear.
She nodded her head and shooed me toward the door. “Yes, now go enjoy yourself. You deserve a break!”
She didn’t have to tell me twice. I squeezed Miguel’s hand and started pulling him out the door this time.
Laughing at my eagerness, he hurried to the car and opened the door for me, before walking around to his side to get in. Once we were both inside the car, he instructed me to put a blindfold on and not to peak.
“You know, usually people use blindfolds in the bedroom.” I teased him.
“Well, I’m always open to trying new things with you, but this is a must. No peaking until we get there.”
I agreed, both giddy and excited about my surprise, and slid the fabric over my eyes as I sat back. I tried to keep my curiosity to a minimum, but failed miserably. With every turn I asked if we were there yet and with each of my questions, he’d laugh and say no.
Nearly an hour later, he parked the car and asked me to wait while he retrieved our things from the trunk. Listening to the clicks and thumps, I was growing anxious. Never before had I anticipated something so much. It took a great deal of self-control not to peek while he wasn’t looking. Thinking we might be at a new restaurant or intriguing destination, I racked my brain thinking of any and everything that was within a one hour radius. Interrupting my thoughts, I heard the trunk slam a few seconds before my door was opened and a light breeze rushed in. Of course, the scent was all Miguel, the sexy aroma he carried with him always. It both calmed and excited me simultaneously. Reaching inside my door, he took my hands in his and helped me out, giving me a sweet kiss on the nose as I stood up.
While balancing both of our bags on one arm and directing me with his other, he led me toward our destination. Even though I trusted him, I was fearful I’d trip due to my clumsiness and being blindfolded. He reassured me as we went, his body compensating and directing mine when I’d begin to lean or step the wrong way. Allowing my senses to take over, I focused on each sound and smell, as we continued walking. Miguel had grown quiet and I was desperately trying to use the clues to figure out where we were headed – without asking him 100 questions! The light crunch of gravel crackled beneath our feet. In the distance I could hear voices, but they were too far away to make out the words. The further we went, the breeze grew stronger, blowing my hair haphazardly. One second it would blow north, then it would switch and blow south. Suddenly, the smell of the lakefront filled my senses, reminding me of our first date, I couldn’t help but smile. The beach? But there’s gravel. It wasn’t the same place we went before, that’s for sure. My mind was racing with possibilities, my excitement growing astronomically.
“What are you smiling about?” He asked, obviously watching my reactions as we walked.
“Our first date on the beach. I loved it.”
“Hmm, I did too. I think you’ll enjoy this even more though.”
My curiosity was getting the better of me. I reached up to the blindfold attempting to take a little peak, but he stopped walking and grabbed my hands.
“Oh, no you don’t. No cheating.” He kissed my forehead, lowered our hands, and started walking again. “Besides, we’re almost there.”
He directed me up a few steps, my feet blindly searching for landing. I sensed we were walking along a deck, the hard ridges pressing beneath my feet and the echo below sounding hollow with each step. Walking a little further, I heard the waves breaking against the rocks beneath us and felt a slight mist when the wind blew. The seagulls began squawking above and around us, most likely laughing at the crazy human covering her eyes and walking blindly over the water.
“Are we on a pier?”
“Mmm, hmm.” He answered.
“Are you going to push me in?”
“Mel! Don’t say that!” He tried to sound upset, but his laughter still came out.
After walking another fifty feet or so we came to a stop. I heard him set the bags down, before turning me to face him.
“Okay, we can take this off now.” He said softly.
His hands tenderly slid the blindfold up over my forehead while he simultaneously latched his mouth to mine. I wanted to keep my eyes open and look around us, but I couldn’t. I was entirely focused on his kiss. We hadn’t had the opportunity to spend much time together lately and I missed kissing him more than anything. The man could seriously bring me to my knees by the touch of his lips alone.
Just as I began to lean into him, deepening our kiss and releasing a small moan, he slowly pulled back. With a lustful look clouding his eyes, making it obvious that it was difficult for him to stop, his grin slowly appeared, telling me it was finally time to see my surprise. Without any further words, he stepped to the side, his arm still wrapped behind my back, and allowed me to see where we were. Sweeping his free arm toward the lake, he directed my attention toward the end of the dock.
I gasped.
A sailboat. A beautiful, beautiful sailboat. It was neither overly large, nor small in any way. Trying to take it all in at once, my eyes scanned the top to the bottom, from side to side. The sails were a violet-purple with teal blue stripes. The mast was at least fifty feet high. But the glittering white paint, with a horizontal purple and blue stripe that wrapped around the length of the boat, was simply gorgeous. The sunlight hit different areas as the water shifted gently below, producing a dazzling display that rippled across the length of the boat. Following the rope that led from the deck down toward the water, I realized it was tied to a post with the steps centered off the pier for easy access.
“A sailboat?” I asked excitedly.
Was he really taking me on a sailboat ride? I’d always wanted to go sailing and here he was smiling and nodding his head, telling me I’d get my wish. I didn’t wait for any further confirmation. I took off running to the end of the pier and jumped on board.
Immediately moving below deck, I found the bedroom and eating area. The hard wood floor from up above and on the steps led into a plush white carpet that felt like waking on clouds. The galley was huge. Far larger than I ever thought possible on a sailboat. An extremely large bed was the focal point, covered with a red satin comforter and at least twenty pillows. It was one big invitation begging me to melt inside it. Pulling my eyes from the bed, I looked at the other end of the room which was separated by a stained glass wall made from thousands of colors. Sunlight was streaming in through a small window on the other side, making prisms of colors dance across the room. I took a few steps inside and marveled at the appliances and counter space that the kitchen provided. There was even a small table tucked into the corner that pulled down from the wall with two bar stools sitting beside it. It was amazing! I could live in a place like this. In fact, this was far nicer than my own house! Returning my gaze to the bed, which I noticed must be at least three feet high, I felt the urge to run and jump head first, squealing in delight. The desire to wrap myself in its succulent indulgence was almost too much to pass up.
Before losing all self-control, I decided to go find Miguel and tell him how wonderful this was and to thank him. Biting my lip, I didn’t know how to even begin to express my gratitude and excitement adequately. Slowly climbing the few steps out of the cabin, I did my best to formulate a few words in my head. As I reached the top, I found him setting our bags on the boat deck, his head turned toward me, watching my expression closely. His trepidation was evident, ever the one to fear doing something wrong, but as my smile grew larger I witnessed his fears fading quickly.
He released the bags and stood tall, his shirt billowing slightly in the wind. Without warning, I ran and jumped into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist.
“Thank you, thank you,
thank you!” I said between hugging and kissing him.
“You like it then?” He breathed a happy sigh.
“I love it! This will be the best date ever!”
He gently eased me to my feet and placed his hands on my shoulders. His expression turned serious as he looked from my eyes to the side of the boat and back to me.
“Mel, this isn’t a date,” he said, his voice hinting at humor, yet concern.
If it wasn’t a date what was it? Just a tour of a boat? Boy would I feel stupid if it were.
“This is yours Mel. Well, mine and yours. You took off so fast you didn’t even give me a chance to show you the name of the boat.”
Mine? Name? He bought us a boat? A real boat? Us? This wasn’t a date. This was far more than a date. Oh my God, he bought us a boat!
I walked to the side and leaned over to read the name. “MIGUELIANNA” in bold blue letters appeared on the bow of the boat.
Miguelianna, how perfect.
I turned and found him waiting apprehensively, nervous what my reaction might be. Slowly walking back to him, I kept my eyes locked on his, hoping he’d see the joy in mine.
“This is amazing, Miguel. I don’t even have the words to tell you how much this means to me, but I love it. Thank you.” I spoke softly, quietly, but with all sincerity.
He bent down and kissed my forehead. “You are very welcome.” He pulled back, his eyes full of ornery mischief. “Only one thing though.”
“Yes?”
“You have to share it with me.”
“Oh, I think we can work something out.”
********
Joan was right. She did pack everything I needed. She was also in so much trouble for keeping this secret from me for the past week. Miguel admitted that he needed her help and she had been in on it since the night she returned from her trip. I was shocked that she could keep the secret. More than that, I was overwhelmed by how much he cared about me and wished I had the ability to do such nice things for him as well. He assured me that loving him was all he wanted, that it was his job to take care of me, but I wanted to do something to show him how I felt. Unable to think of anything, I decided to wait until we were home.
We spent all day Friday and Saturday out on the Lake. We made love in and on the boat in every spot and position we could and decided that we would have to repeat the procedure every time we came out on it, just in case we missed a spot.
On Sunday afternoon we began sailing back from Upper Lake Michigan. Miguel had taken the sails down and decided to use the motor for the last couple hours so that he could spend the rest of the evening holding me while we watched the sunset. We had eaten a large lunch and opted for wine and fruit with crackers for dinner. We fed each other and laughed when our aim was off. It seemed his aim was purposely awful just so that he’d have and excuse to touch, kiss, or lick me.
After finishing our fun dinner snack, we took our drinks to the back of the boat and relaxed. We sat staggered, my body between his legs, my back against his chest, as we reclined on the built in seats.
We watched over the water as the sun began to set. Its final rays were dancing and spreading a rainbow of color across the lake.
“Mel?” Miguel nuzzled his mouth against my neck.
“Hmm?” I closed my eyes, savoring the feel of him surrounding me.
The water lapping gently against the boat and the light whirl of the engine were the only sounds I could hear. When he didn’t answer, I turned my head to see if he was thinking or why he paused. His eyebrows were drawn together, as his eyes stared absently across the water.
“What’s wrong, Miguel?”
“I decided to go home, to go see my family for a few days.”
I was not expecting that. When I had asked him about going to see his dad before, he’d practically yelled at me. When I suggested that he should go and see his mom and sisters, he acted like it was impossible. Yet, here he was telling me that he was going after all.
“You were right and my brothers won’t leave me alone. They’ve been leaving endless messages on my voicemail all week.” He paused and searched my face for some clue as to what to say.
I didn’t know how to respond. I’m pretty sure I had a blank look across my face. Unsure of what to say, I rolled over and lowered my head to his chest, my arms wrapping behind his back.
Taking a deep breath, he continued, “I had already planned this trip with you so I wanted to do this first and then I’m going to go see them.”
“As long as you’re okay with that, then I think it’s a good thing. At least this way you’ll have some closure and know you made the right choices.”
I tried to encourage him, but my words brought forth that seed of doubt again. What if he started to regret his choices? Regret me? I forgot he was lying beneath me and became lost in my thoughts. I didn’t even notice that I had been looking down at the floorboards until he took his hand and lifted my chin to meet his gaze.
“You are my everything, Mel. I will be gone for one week, but when I come home, you are my home.” He lifted my body and brought my lips to his, trying to kiss away my fears. It was uncanny how he could always read my mind without me saying a word.
I did my best to clear my thoughts and be supportive. Besides, I’d have seven days to sit and worry about everything. I needed to enjoy this time with him now while we were together. More importantly, I needed to be strong for him when I knew how hard this entire situation was for him.
“Thank you, I love you.” As I said the words, I was hit with the realization of just how much I really did love him. Not just some infatuation that hit me, but true, deep, all-encompassing love.
“I love you too,” he whispered.
Tightening his arms around me, he held me close to him, as we snuggled and watched the sun finish its decent.
********
It was nearly midnight when we arrived at my house. Miguel had to go home and pack for an early morning flight to Peru, so our weekend together was coming to an end. He walked me inside and put all my things on the bed. My favorite item, a picture of us on board the Miguelianna, he placed on the nightstand beside my bed.
I stood in the living room waiting for him to come back out and say goodbye. My arms were wrapped around myself, trying to keep the fear out of my mind. I wanted to focus on him, give him what he needed emotionally to prepare for his trip, but I was failing miserably. The horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach would not subside. All I could think about was that this was the end somehow.
Entering the room, Miguel did what he does best. He read my mind, wrapped his arms around me, and pulled me into him. Laying my head on his chest, I took a deep, long breath, inhaling the sand and water scent that was mixed with his fresh, clean cologne.
“Can I take you to the airport in the morning?” My voice was small, the fear sneaking out despite my effort to hide it.
“Mel.” He said my name as a statement, getting my attention.
Looking up at him, I saw sadness mixed with concern. I wanted to kick myself for adding to his stress.
“I would love that. But you have to promise me one thing.”
“Okay.” I replied somewhat feebly.
“You have to stop worrying. You’re the one who gave me the strength to face this. You’re the one who made me believe in myself. And, most importantly, you’re the one I’m returning home to in a week. I need to know you’re okay while I’m gone. I know you’re always the strong one. The one who takes care of the business, takes care of your sister and her kids, but I need you to take care of you while I’m away so that I can come home to my beautiful woman. To my world.”
Watching him as he said such loving words broke my heart. Of course I’d be here waiting for him. It wasn’t the amount of time or even what he was doing. It was that uneasy feeling I had inside. Using all the strength I’d acquired over the years, I put my emotions completely aside, ensuring I was everything he needed right now.
“I will,
just please hurry home.”
“Nobody could ever keep me away.”
I made plans to pick him up at eight in the morning and teased him about waking him up naked before he left. We both knew I wouldn’t after such a long weekend and knowing he’d be up half the night preparing, but it was nice to clear the air with some laughter. We hugged and kissed and said goodbye. Watching as he drove away, I waved into the air, waiting for his car lights to disappear.
Sighing, I went back inside to unpack and get ready for bed. I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep much, but I didn’t want to look like the creatures from the night of the living dead in the morning. If it weren’t so late, I’d call Joan and have her talk me out of my funk. But it was almost one and this wasn’t important enough to wake her.
Instead, I decided to write Miguel a letter. I planned to sneak it into his luggage so he would find it and read it while he was in Peru. With that thought, my spirits were lifted and I had a purpose. It was like sending a piece of me with him.
After getting ready for bed, I propped myself against the headboard on my bed with a pen and paper and began writing.
Dear Miguel,
I’m not sure when you’ll find this. It may be day 1 or day 7, but
whenever you read this, know that I’m sitting here in Illinois
thinking about you and missing you like crazy!
You’ve become such a big part of my life during the past four
months. You’ve given me something I never dreamt of
having. Sometimes I wonder if you’re real…you seem almost too
good to be true. But when I hold you, I know you are. I’m just the
lucky woman who found you and kept you for myself.
You have taken me places, shared so many precious moments with
me, and given me the most priceless gifts. Yet, none of those are
Twisted Truths & Leveled Lies Page 10
