Man of Mystery

by L. B. Wilde

“Well, my fine lady, you sound like you are hungry?” he chuckles

  “Well, sir you have had me going all morning it is now (glancing at my phone for the time) 1pm, do you think it’s past our mid day meal?” jokingly expressing my needs.

  “You are right my fine lady, may I offer my apology from keeping you from that, shall we partake on getting you a bite to eat?” He says with a funny smile and bows with hand outstretched.

  Laughing so hard, her eyes start to tear and Nathan joins in, that was so playful acting like proper people after such an adrenaline rush. Finally we are catching our breath suggesting the local vendor with hot dogs as a simple solution. He smiles agreeing as we head towards the stand. Not wanting to waste this day on a sit down lunch and obviously neither does he.

  We grab our Texas Long Hot dogs with all the fixings, accompanied with a cool glass of iced tea. Walking out onto the pier they observe the boats in the harbor. There are so many out at this time of year but it is an early spring and people in this area really take in every moment they can.

  Nathan starts to tell her about all the different types of boats that he sees on the water just absorbing every word, her eyes keep wondering over him. He is the picture perfect male, muscular body but not too intense, dark silky hair with penetrating sky blue eyes. His nose is perfect to match his straight jaw line. Her eyes linger on his hands for a second and see they look soft, not overworked like her dad who has rough callused hands from years of hard labor. They are more delicate but strong just the same. Why are you here, she is nothing compared to you? Mesmerized by how he knows so much not completely listening just absorbing as he turns to look into her eyes.

  Realizing she is staring him, blushing she turns her head down, her thoughts have completely wondered. He looks at her quizzically, “Did I bore you, I’m sorry!”

  “No, you haven’t bored me since the first day I saw you, I’m sorry, my mind wondered a little. I do need to know one thing, why are you here with me?” Did she really say that out loud, nothing like speaking her mind. Hoping not to offend him but obviously her subconscious took over her mouth.

  “Brandy, from the first day I saw you, I realized you are different meaning that in a good way. Once I recognized you seeing you at Denny’s place I felt compelled to actually meet you. At the bank your hair was up, that night at Denny’s you let your hair down.” he smirks, “That made me feel like”, he looks up to the sky, “alive for the first time.” I like how you just want to enjoy life for what is given to you. It may sound weird but you appreciate it.”

  “Really..um well thank you I guess, I like to think that of myself but I don’t think anyone else has put it to me that way!” Surprised but exhilarated at the same time.

  Just then both our cell phones ring rolling her eyes, bad timing damn cell phones. He grins at her; she swears he is thinking the same thing. She grabs her phone out of her purse as he grabs his to answer it.

  “Hi Tiffany what’s up?” turning to glance at Nathan as he answers his.

  “Just checking to see if you are still coming out with us, we headed out to lunch already and we are by the mall, do you want to meet us here?

  “Well, let me check, I am at the marina with Nathan right now.” Not wanting this day to ever end I’ll call you back shortly OK?”

  “OK, Cool, I’ll be waiting impatiently to hear how your ‘coffee’ date went!” she giggles, “Talk to you soon!”

  Tiffany hangs up and Nathan is still on his phone with his back to her. Respecting his privacy she looks out towards the incoming boats. When he completes his conversation, he turns but looks irritated. Puzzled by his looks she scowl slightly.

  “Is everything OK?”

  He shakes his head “No, there are things I need to take care of that I’m not happy about. I really hate to cut this day short since I am really enjoying my time with you but I need to get back and make some phone calls. I’m really sorry.”

  “That’s OK, I was supposed to hook up with Tiffany and Mikey anyways she just called.” Also feeling like she doesn’t want this day to.

  He looks relieved but saddened at the same time. We start heading back to the car when suddenly, he brightens up; with a handsome grin he says “What are you doing tomorrow?”

  ”Well, I was planning on finishing my essay by tonight for my final paper on Monday, but I’m sure I can finish it tonight since it’s mostly done.” Being the practical one as Tiffany always says, always getting her work done.

  “Great, can I steal you away for a couple of hours? I have a really nice idea, what time are you free on Sunday?” He has that same boyish face wanting to show me something new. It is absolutely adorable totally irresistible.

  “How about 11am, does that work for you?” she asks

  “Perfect, may I pick you up? I don’t want to upset lud.” We both laugh giving him her address. He is so sweet but tells her he already put her cell number into his phone when she called him this morning so she won’t be shocked if he calls her.

  He drops her off back at her car, but she notices a slight frown of concern, “You seem upset, is there something you want to talk about?”

  He smiles but he shakes his head” No just things I need to take care of, just business, OK? Hey by the way be prepared to go out on a boat tomorrow, it’s still a surprise but I don’t want to leave you unprepared! “Looking into his eyes melting away, she is prepared for anything with you.

  He gently raises his hand stroking her cheek; “Brandy, I can’t believe you are real, I need that and want this so much” He pulls her into him kissing her lips oh so gently but passionately. His lips are so soft; her body instinctively reacts to his warm touch putting her hand into his hair embracing the moment of that long awaited first kiss. Our tongues search each other’s mouth he tastes is divine. We both pull away breathlessly, as she gazes into his eyes; feeling a longing that she has never felt before right down to her inner soul. “Until tomorrow?” he whispers.

  “Yes” trying to catch her breath, “I look forward to that, stay safe.” Instinctive reaction, but he smiles warmly at the nice suggestion.

  “For you, I will be” the smile now reaching his eyes; again mesmerized by his beautiful smile. Stepping out of his fancy car her body glides into her car. She doesn’t think her shoes have touched the pavement or so she thinks.

  Her lud is comfy in a familiar sense of the word but her head is spinning as her fingers run around the steering wheel telling her she just needs to release some unknown pressure before she starts her up. She calls Tiffany to find out where to meet her and Mikey before she heads out.

  Meeting up with Tiffany and Mikey telling them of her wonderful date, they are so excited for her. They can't believe how she has come out of her shell actually “dating” someone so sexy. They make her laugh at herself, telling them that we are going out on a boat tomorrow. He told her it's kind of a surprise but he wanted her to be prepared. Tiffany and Mikey take over; they are the pros when it comes to being prepared on boating excursions more than her. Also they are better at dating issues more than she is too!

  First Tiffany takes Brandy to the local spa, insists it's on her. We get pedicures, manicures and waxing done. Ouch on the waxing, never knowing it hurt so bad, hopefully not too swollen and red in the morning! Mikey got the pedicure and manicure, while he has been planning our shopping. It is spring; the perfect time to buy a new bathing suit along with some spring outfits. We hit so many stores but they find the perfect outfit to wear tomorrow along with a new bathing suit. Spending some of her money in the hopes she can make it up; not liking Tiffany to keep paying for things because she is already so generous. Brandy really owes her big time and someday she'll do something just as special for her, she deserves it for all she has done.

  Tiffany has a dinner date with Denny tonight which Brandy is equally excited for her. She is telling her about their plans and that they will be heading back to his new bar tonight. She wants her to come along but insisting that she needs t
o finish her paper before Monday. She understands, with a slight pout so Mikey says he and Pete will join her later at Denny's Den. She is comforted with having her backups.

  Trying to get into her paper but her mind keeps drifting to the day’s events. Needing to clear her head but wanting to contact Nathan, so she decides to text him. Grabbing her cell, just doing a tm:

  “I had a wonderful day and I really look forward to my surprise tomorrow. See you soon :-)” she puts the phone down trying not to stare at it for a reply but her eyes keep drifting back to it. OK, Brandy, concentrate on your paper, you need a great final grade.

  A few minutes pass when the phone beeps back.

  “Me too, I'm really looking forward to 11am tomorrow! Hey don't you have a paper you need to finish?”

  Smiling while she tm back “Yes I do until tomorrow then:-P”

  She finishes her paper, reviewing it with a bright smile as her exhausted body heads to bed, drifting off with wonderful luscious dreams of Nathan.

  That Brandy is so down to earth! Can there really be someone out there who doesn’t live the life I do? Can life be so less complicated? She really has opened my eyes to how other people live and it was enlightening, is that what I’m looking for, Nathan thinks inwardly. Can he really leave what his family has bestowed upon him or is this simply a quick eye opener to what exists beyond his families reach. Finally he feels alive with a new purpose but how long will it last?

  Chapter 4

  The sun is shining and the birds are chirping it is promising to be another warm sunny spring day and she has a date with Nathan, her mystery man. Brandy can't help but smile and jump into a long hot shower to prepare herself for the day.

  She comes out to Tiffany who is all bubbly and sweet even though she didn't stroll in until about 1am. She tells me of her wonderful date with Denny and she is gushing. It’s so wonderful that we are both so happy. We chit chat and have our cup of coffee. Looking at the time it is now almost 10am. Tiffany exclaims, “OK enough about my night, you have a fun day ahead of you, let’s get you dressed and fix that hair.”

  Brandy gets dressed in her new outfit that looks perfect for a day out on a boat, casual, comfortable yet dries quickly without wrinkles even if it gets damp according to Mikey. He is a great shopper! She packs a small bag with her new bathing suit, touch up makeup and a clip for her hair if needed with a brush. Doing her makeup and as always her BFF comes in to fix her hair.

  The phone buzzes as she gets a tm, “I'll see you in 15min, can't wait to see you, meet you outside OK? “

  Gratefully she replies, “yes and I'll be ready :)”

  As he stated he is outside when she comes out of the apartment standing outside the Jag. His smile broadens as she steps up to him while leaning on the Jag. “You look great!” he takes her hand pulling her close to him in an embrace. She can't help herself but return the warmth, feeling the tingles through her body being so close to him while breathing in spicy mucky scent. He smells divine and heavenly all in one. He breathes in her freshly washed hair and sighs. “And you smell terrific” I'm thinking the same thing; we are off to a nice start!

  He gives her a light kiss on her hand looking right into her eyes then politely opens the car door so she may enter. Gracefully sitting down he gets in to head to wherever he is taking her. They head onto a road that leads into a local dock that normally houses really expensive boats. They park, he grabs her hand giving it a another soft kiss sending more chills down her spine, “Are you ready for your surprise?'” She nods her head with a shy smile.

  Walking the short pier he stops by a huge yacht. Dumbfounded, she has never been anywhere near something this big. It must be 50 ft long with at least 3 stories. Not sure if she is correct on how they call the levels of a boat since this is bigger than anything she has ever been on. Surely her surprise didn't go unnoticed since Nathan turns to with a smile “I take the gapping mouth as a sign that you like it?”

  All she can do is nod again; still taking in the view when a properly dressed gentleman approaches them from the back deck. “Hello, I am Captain Matthew; I welcome you to The Paradise.” Nathan does the formal introduction for both of them to the Captain.

  Trying to compose herself, she asks “Permission to come aboard, Captain Matthew?” His smile broadens and he says “Permission granted Ms. Whine.” He puts his hand out to help her step onto the back deck. Nathan is behind her with his hands around her waist to make sure she doesn't fall into the water. This is luxurious and totally unexpected.

  Captain Matthews takes them on a tour to acquaint Brandy with the yacht. The back where they enter called the stern area usually used for fishing; it has a dual staircase that leads up to the next level. Before they head inside he shows them the aft deck where there is an outside bar and leather bench seating. The tables are polished dark wood with a pleasant view of the open water. The top layer which he points above her head is where Captain Matthews will be drive the boat from called the bridge.

  They walk through the saloon toward the bow of the ship. It is breathtaking with cherry wood, accented with brushed nickel. The décor is simple but elegant. Her eye catches a sculpture of killer whales seemingly circling each other around a coral reef which is elegantly carved out of some kind of wood. It has an entertainment console with a remote controlled pop up TV. Wondering how they get cable channels on something like that. There is a spiral staircase that leads to the bridge. He continues our tour towards the bow and shows us a small wet bar with luxuriously cushioned lounges for sunning yourself. She runs her hands over the soft plush fabric and lazily dreams of lounging on them in a bikini while sipping a daiquiri.

  We head down another staircase which leads into the galley with a wrap around bar. It is a gorgeous black marble top with mahogany wood. The recess lighting gives it a warm touch. The large windows give excellent light into the area. Simple décor of a crystal red bowl with decorative stones sits in the center of the large dining table. The bar has a platter of fresh fruit and different cheeses in a nice arrangement. Captain Matthews leads us down a hallway that enters into the master stateroom, with his and her vanity area. The bed is huge; there is lighting above the headboard with a canvas painting of a red sunset on the open ocean. It is spectacular standing there in awe; Brandy swallows hard, realizing they are both looking at her inquisitively. She blushes “This whole boat, I mean yacht is very overwhelming. I've never been on anything like this before.”

  Captain Matthews smiles “Well, I am heading to the bridge to get ready to pull out of port, if you need anything all the rooms have intercoms that you can call me on.” I'll let you two get familiarized with the yacht.” He leaves and heads back upstairs.

  Nathan turns to her with a dimpled smile that is so adorable “So, what do you think?”

  “It's like nothing I have ever seen. It's so luxurious and spacious. I never knew how much they can put into a boat, or I mean yacht! Is this yours?”

  “No I rented it for the day, I saw the weather was going to be exceptionally warm today and thought a day out on a boat was a glorious way to spend it with you.” He takes her hand and leads her back to the bar for some refreshments. He uses the intercom to let Captain Matthews know we are ready to depart.

  Totally amused but something strange thought starts gnawing in her head. He sees her confused look and his bright smile fades in a hurt expression.

  “Is everything OK, is there something wrong with coming here today?” His expression has turned to a look of concern.

  “Well, nothing is wrong exactly, I’m just a little overwhelmed with everything. First an expensive car now this yacht. It’s beautiful and I am enjoying your company but I feel like you are doing this to impress me. I like you for the person you are, not for what you “rent” surely these rentals are very expensive.” Maybe not as expensive as owning them but still, it’s more than Brandy can ever think of affording to do.

  He starts to laugh and she’s not getting why so she looks at him
with a puzzled expression. “Brandy, you are so sweet and I appreciate your concern about the expense, but you don’t have to worry about that. I have a lot of connections when it comes to expensive hobbies and I like to have fun just like you. Really, I just thought it would be a fun day for you and me. Let’s grab a bite and head out to the deck to enjoy some sunshine. Did you bring a bathing suit to get some sun?”

  His laughter is warming to her soul. He’s right she should enjoy this for what it is. Smiling warmly back and lightening up. “My suit is in my bag, if you will excuse me I’ll go use the “hers” vanity area to change.”

  Thanks to Tiffany and Mikey, she has a great outfit to wear and it shows just enough cleavage to look sensual. The cut in the bikini along the side of the leg makes her legs look longer than they are. She pins up her hair as fashionably as possible to keep the wind from wiping it around, having a light cover up which goes perfectly with the outfit. Stepping out of the room she notices that Nathan has also changed and gets to see his alluring muscles in the flesh. He has just the right amount of chest hair; his muscle tone is perfectly proportioned, not to large but no flab either. Even his calves are strong and well rounded. Feeling like she has been staring for several minutes when he turns from making up a platter to take up to the deck, he eyes start from her feet while they slowly make there up to her face when their eyes lock. Obviously he really likes what he sees and his eyes show the desire as do mine. She takes a deep breath trying to calm her nerves. Although her body is telling her it has a great desire to wrap its arms around his sexy body. Blushing, she turns her eyes down.

  Nathan takes both her hands in his, turns his head slightly to try and see her eyes again. We lock eyes again, with a grin he says, “You have the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen. You look fabulous in your outfit and it really brings out your eyes. I’m really pleased with your choice of color. You have nothing to be ashamed of, you are beautiful women!”

  Really trying hard not to blush more and she squeaks a small “Thank you”. Brandy’s thoughts ramble you’re a gorgeous man and you like my body, this is like a dream come true.