by Harmon, AJ
“Was that you?” Katy gasped.
“Yeah. I didn’t think I was going to be leaving the hotel in such a hurry.”
“Well, seeing as though I rushed you, I’ll buy you an Egg McMuffin,” she grinned.
“No thanks. I’ll wait for lunch,” he smirked.
“Fine,” she grinned and watched them whiz through traffic, making their way out of the city and onto the highway that would take them to the ocean.
Every year for the last twenty or so, Katy and Janie had taken three days in the summer and the two of them had gone to the beach for a few days. Just the two of them. No men, no children. But last year, with Janie’s wedding, they had missed out on their annual holiday. Katy had completely understood and wasn’t angry at all. But she had missed the opportunity of quality time with her friend, and the calming, soothing effects the ocean had on her. And if there was ever a time that she needed calm, it was now.
The sudden plea agreement had meant there would not be a three-day trial to sit through. However, the request from Sarah to prepare a statement for the judge at the sentencing hearing tomorrow had her all tied up in knots. As strange as it was, she thought it would be easier just to answer questions than to have to decide what to say. She had tried to prepare something the evening before, but had given up after a few hours. The first thing she had thought of when she had awoken that morning was to head to the beach. She was more than capable of going alone, but she wanted Mark to come with her. She wanted to experience it with him, to share it with him. She smiled as she gazed out the window.
“You have a beautiful smile,” Mark said.
Katy didn’t respond. Yes, she wanted to share it with Mark.
*****
Mark had visited beaches all over the world. He had surfed, bodysurfed, windsurfed, kayaked, jet-skied, swam, and every other conceivable water activity under the sun in all the world-renowned locations. But walking along the beach with the chilled breeze in their faces and the sun in their eyes was one of the highlights of his life. It was cold and the wind was blowing ocean spray onto those brave souls out on the beach, but he could tell that Katy’s mood immediately changed once they were on the sand.
Katy’s eyes were closed and her head tilted to the sun. She was breathing in the salty air and calming her soul.
Mark took her hand in his as they walked. Katy flinched at his touch but Mark didn’t let go.
“If you’re going to walk with your eyes closed at least let me guide you,” he chuckled.
He saw her smile and relax. They continued to walk, neither one speaking. After several minutes Katy stopped and turned to him.
“Thank you for bringing me. I really needed this.”
“You’re welcome,” he smiled. “I’ll do anything you need.”
“I need to prepare my statement for tomorrow,” she frowned. “And I don’t know what to say.”
“Unfortunately, I can’t help you with that. That has to come from you.”
“I know.”
They began walking again, still hand in hand.
“I never thanked you,” Katy said.
“For what?” Mark was curious.
“For coming for me.”
It took Mark a second to realize what she was talking about.
“You risked your life to save me,” she continued. “And you didn’t even know me.”
“You don’t need to thank me. I only did what anyone would have done. And you know that I will always come for you, right? All you need to do is say the word and I’m here.”
Katy smiled a sort of sad smile and Mark wondered what she was thinking but didn’t ask.
“I do believe we have a lunch date,” he smiled.
*****
They found a small café on the main drag to escape the breeze and satisfy Mark’s appetite. They ordered bowls of clam chowder and sandwiches and fries. Mark sipped on coffee and Katy on a soda while they waited for their food to arrive.
“So how’s your son?” Mark asked.
“Derek’s doing great,” she smiled. “It was hard having Christmas without him this year but his dad actually wanted him to spend the holidays with him this year, which rarely happens, so it all worked out well. But he’s back at school now and I try to see him on the weekends. He could live at home if he wanted to, but who wants to live with their mom when they’re a junior in college?” she laughed.
“What does he want to do after school?”
“He’s majoring in engineering. I’m not sure he knows what he wants to do with that but he has some time.”
“Well your degree doesn’t necessarily decide what you’re going to be. Just look at me?” Mark laughed.
“Why? What is your degree in?” Katy was curious.
“Basketball?” he chuckled. “No. I have a B.S. in Mathematics. But I run a real estate company with Matt. At least his degree was in business.”
“What did you think you wanted to do?”
“I thought I wanted to teach. But I realized I didn’t really like kids.”
Katy’s mouth dropped open. “You don’t like kids?”
“Well, not enough to be around them ALL the time.”
“Don’t you want children of your own?”
“Never saw it for me. And the older I get, I still don’t see it in my future. I mean, I’m not like Matt who absolutely does not want children. I guess with the opportunity not presenting itself I just don’t ever think about it,” he shrugged. “I like other people’s kids,” he smiled. “But you’re a great mom. Why only one kid?”
“Thanks. I got divorced before any more came along. In fact, Derek was an accident, a wonderful accident,” she clarified, “but Brett and I were not looking to having any children right away. But I’m thrilled that we did, and for as much as I have despised Brett over the years, we have this amazing child together and for that I’m grateful.”
“Did you ever think about having more?” Mark asked.
“A few years ago I did, but not anymore. My pregnant days are over. I’ll just wait for grandchildren, thank you!”
The waitress arrived and delivered the steaming bowls of clam chowder and homemade bread rolls right out of the oven.
“Mmmm,” Mark inhaled the smell of the bread. “Let’s eat!”
*****
It started to get dark around four o’clock so Mark and Katy decided to head back home. It had been a beautiful day at the beach and Mark had thoroughly enjoyed himself. But the realization came that after tomorrow, he wouldn’t be in Portland again for a very long time. The thought was not a pleasant one.
They drove in companionable silence most of the way back to Portland. Katy looked lost in thought so Mark didn’t disturb her with small talk. The weather remained dry and it was an uneventful trip back to the city. They caught up with rush-hour traffic coming in on Highway 26 and Mark was a little irritated.
Katy frowned. “It’ll be like this for most of the way. Sorry.”
Mark punched something into the GPS and aggressively changed lanes.
“But now we’re in the wrong lane?” Katy snarled.
“We’ll go get a drink and then with this shit has cleared out, I’ll take you home. I HATE sitting in traffic.”
Mark pulled off the highway and headed into downtown Portland. He navigated his way through the streets and pulled up in front of the Monaco. He jumped out and opened the door for Katy and the valet jumped in and the car disappeared.
He started to lead her into the bar of the restaurant but Katy stopped.
“Let’s just go to your room. I don’t want to be around a whole bunch of people.”
“Okay,” he said and turned and headed for the elevators.
Once in his room, Katy took off her jacket and slipped out of her shoes.
“Mind if I use your bathroom?” she asked.
“Of course not,” he replied.
Katy slipped past him and closed the door behind her. Mark wasn’t sure what was going on here. He t
ook of his jacket and hung it in the closet. He pulled his sweater over his head and threw it on the chair and slipped off his shoes and pushed them aside. Opening the minibar he pulled out two beers.
“Beer okay?” he yelled through the door.
“Sure,” came the reply.
Mark popped the tops off the bottles and took a big swig. Katy joined him and he handed her the other bottle. She took a long drink and then put it down on the coffee table.
“I want to have sex with you,” she stated matter-of-factly.
“Huh?” Mark choked on his beer.
“I trust you and I want to have sex and I think it should be with you.”
Mark wiped the beer from his mouth, dumbfounded.
“Look, I understand that it may not be pleasant for you, but I need to have sex. I haven’t since, you know, since August, and I think if I do then that’s one more hurdle I can get over, one more demon I can put to rest.”
Mark studied her expression. She was totally serious.
“Why do you think it wouldn’t be pleasant for me?” he asked.
“Well, I know you don’t think of me in that way, but we’re friends, right?”
Mark nodded.
“So let’s have sex as friends.”
Mark’s eyes were open wide and his jaw dropped. He couldn’t have been any more surprised if she had sprouted horns and grown a tail.
“Why do you need to have sex?” he finally asked.
Katy sighed and sat down on the sofa. “I was hoping you’d just say yes and we wouldn’t have to talk about it.”
Mark shook his head. “You can’t just drop that bomb and not expect me to ask any questions,” he said.
“The last person who touched me was him,” she spat. “I don’t want it to be that way. I need to have someone else rid him off that honor.”
“But you want it to be more than ‘Hey, let’s have sex?’ don’t you?”
“Why?” she asked.
“Because it should mean something.”
But it does, she thought. “Always a gentleman,” she smiled.
“Hey, I like sex as much as the next guy. But you need to be sure that this is really what you want.”
“You said you’d do anything for me. All I have to do is ask, right?”
Mark nodded, knowing it was true. He would do anything for her.
Katy stood and closed the gap between them and put her arms around his neck and pulled him to her lips. She tasted like beer and salt. He hesitated for just a moment and then responded to her. He fumbled with the bottle in his hand and managed to put it on the table without breaking the kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. He took charge and pressed his tongue into her mouth, tasting every inch of her. Their tongues danced and twisted and tasted and the excitement built.
Mark pulled back and opened his eyes.
“Are you sure about this?” he whispered.
“Yes, very sure. I need this. Please?”
Mark gazed into her eyes and saw the pleading there. He didn’t want anything more than to make love to her but was this the way he wanted it? In that split second he realized that this may be his only chance so he lowered his head and kissed her softly. Her lips were warm and wet and inviting.
“Ok,” he said. “I will do anything for you.”
Katy sighed and pulled her t-shirt over her head, revealing her perfect round breasts in her plain white bra.
“Sorry it’s not fancy lingerie,” she frowned. “I really hadn’t planned this.”
Mark smiled and took her face gently in his hands and kissed her. His thumbs caressed her cheeks and his fingers entwined themselves into her long blonde hair. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever met and he had dreamed of this moment. Now he would fulfill the fantasy. He knew he would only have one shot at it so he was determined to make it perfect. He wasn’t just going to have sex with her. He was going to make love to her and hopefully wipe the memory of Danny into the far corners of her mind. He would try to rid her of the demons, because he loved her.
*****
Katy shocked even herself. She couldn’t believe that she had asked him. She couldn’t believe that he had agreed. She hadn’t planned this but she’d thought about it for a long time. She didn’t know if she would ever find a man to have sex with again. Her opinion of men had changed. Her standards had altered dramatically. Her trust in men in general had been shattered and she was now wary of their motives. But she didn’t want her last sexual experience to be an assault. She needed it to be with Mark. She trusted him.
His hands were gentle and tender and his lips were soft and sweet. Yes, this was what she had dreamed of. His fingers were gripping her hair and forcing her head up to him. She placed the palms of her hands on his chest and could feel his heart beating through his shirt. She could feel his lean muscles and in her mind she could see his chest, a memory from their trip to Hood River. When he had stood over her and removed his wetsuit, she’d almost drooled at the sight. Now she was touching him and all she could think about was wanting more. She wanted it all.
*****
Mark kissed her over and over and over again. He couldn’t get enough of her. He placed small dainty kisses down her chin and her neck and nipped at her shoulders. He pushed down her bra straps allowing his tongue to explore the small indent below her shoulder blade. He kissed and licked and sucked and tasted every inch of her skin, his mouth exploring every little freckle and mole. Katy’s head was tilted back, her eyes shut and her breathing shallow. Her hands moved from his front to his back and she pulled him close to her, her breasts pushing into his chest. Mark’s hands flicked open the two little hooks of her bra. His hands splayed over her back and he kneaded and caressed her wonderfully soft skin. He kissed and sucked on her neck, careful not to mark her, and then moved his hands lower over her jeans to her hips and pulled her to him, his erection pushing into her belly.
Katy pulled the soft cotton shirt from the waistband of his jeans and Mark stepped back, out of the embrace and lifted his arms high above his head as Katy removed the fabric to reveal his chiseled frame. He was god-like with each muscle well-defined and no fat to be seen or felt. Mark threw his shirt on the floor and then pulled the straps away from Katy’s body, her bra now in his hands. He looked down at her. Her big brown eyes looked back at him and the corners of his mouth lifted into a smile.
“You’re beautiful, Katy Miles.” His head lowered and he kissed her again, her eyes slowly closing. Mark tossed her bra aside and pulled her to him, their skin rubbing together, warmth against warmth, heart to heart. Their hands caressed each other until they were looking for more skin to explore. Mark stepped back and took her by the hand and walked through to the bedroom, stopping at the end of the bed. He reached for the button on her jeans and flicked it open, his eyes never leaving hers. His fingers found the zipper and slowly pulled it down and pushed the denim down her legs until it was wadded at her ankles.
“Sit,” he said.
Mark kneeled in front of her. He lifted one foot and then the other, removing the jeans over her feet and then her socks. He stood up and undid the button on his jeans and the zipper and pushed the denim down as Katy watched his legs slowly appearing before her. They were strong and muscled and covered in soft dark hair and she reached to touch him as he pulled his legs out of his jeans. He flicked off each sock and stood in front of her in black briefs, his erection bulging right before her.
She moved her hand up his leg to his penis. She ran the back of her hand gently up its length. It was rock hard and pulsed at her touch. Her eyes looked up at Mark’s. They were hooded and she thought that she saw desire there. She wriggled out of her white cotton panties and then hooked her thumbs in his briefs and slid them down his legs to his ankles.
He pushed her shoulders down to the bed. She scooted herself up so that she was lying down, her head on the pillow. Mark stood and looked at her. Her brown eyes studied him as she bit her bottom lip. H
er hands were at her sides and her fingers played with the duvet. Her perfect pale round breasts looked like pillows on which her pale pink rosebud nipples floated. His eyes continued downward to her slim waist and he could see her bottom rib as she breathed in an out. Down lower to the bushy hair at the apex of her thighs, light in color, then down her thighs all the way to her feet with toes painted blue. He smiled as his eyes traveled back up to her face. She would be his, if only for a little while.
He climbed onto the bed, his knees on either side of her and crawled ‘til he was directly above her. He kissed her and her hands immediately wrapped around his neck and held him to her. She responded to his tongue and kissed him back, their bodies not touching. He broke the kiss and his mouth moved down her neck and over her perfectly round breasts to her nipples. He took each one in his mouth, rolling over them with his tongue and gently pulling with his teeth. Katy arched her back and offered herself to him and he feasted on her ‘til he could hear her moaning. He smiled and moved lower over her belly to the blonde hair that covered her sex. He caressed the soft skin over her each hip. His lips kissed their way down to her hair and he licked her, parting her with his tongue and tasting her. She was sweet and a little salty and he pushed apart her legs to give him access to her. His tongue traveled lower and he found her opening and pushed in as far as he could. She was wet and ready. He had never wanted any woman as much as he wanted her. And even though he couldn’t see a future for them, he wanted to have her more than anything.
His tongue teased her and she bucked her hips to him and moaned. He sat up and wiped her nectar from his lips and then lowered himself down onto her until he covered her body completely. Then he rolled them over so that she was on top.
“Sit on me,” he said as he pushed her up.
Katy pulled her knees up and sat back, his erection under her, pulsing at her clitoris. She pressed down onto him and rubbed back and forth, panting as her orgasm was just moments away. Mark grabbed her hips and lifted her and she whipped her head to look at him. He had a wicked grin on his face.
