“Three in a row. This is amazing!”
“There’s much more to come. Abby, haven’t you heard about the Perseid Meteor shower?”
“No. Should I have?”
He chuckles. “I guess if you don’t watch TV or read the newspaper. Although it’s been all over social media as well. Tony nearly gave it away earlier, hence the coughing fit to interrupt him.”
“Ah. Sorry,” I say sheepishly. “Guess I’ve been keeping to my own little world lately. What’s this meteor shower?”
“It happens every year around the same time, and it’s supposed to peak tonight. August twelfth. Conditions make it possible to see endless shooting stars associated with a certain comet.”
“Oh, yes, now I remember! When I was younger, Dad gathered us out in the yard one summer night to lie on blankets and look at the stars. We didn’t think it was a big deal, until all the shooting stars put on quite the show for us. I remember thinking how awesome it was!”
I nuzzle into the warmth of Shaun’s body and his arms tighten around me as he kisses the top of my head. We lie there for what seems like hours as the show continued to delight us from above. Before I could stifle it, a yawn escapes and another shudder runs through me.
“It’s getting colder. We should probably head back.” He stays rubbing his hands along my arms, warming me.
I turn my face up to his, kissing him gently. “Thank you for this wonderful night.”
“You’re welcome. It was my pleasure.”
Shaun is first to move, taking me into a sitting position with him. Then he rises on his feet, drawing me up. “Are you sure you’re okay to drive?” I ask. “You’re not too tired?”
“I’m fine. Unless you’d rather we spend the night in the back of the Cruiser and wait until daylight.”
“Not really. I’m just glad you’re the one driving. My nighttime driving skills really suck.”
Shaun laughs. “Well, that’s telling it like it is.”
“No sense in lying.”
He folds me into his arms and it just feels so natural. “I really like that about you, Abby. There’s nothing false or deceptive about you. I like your honesty.”
“Thanks. I can’t bluff to save my life, so you’ll never catch me at a poker game.”
“Good, because I don’t play cards.”
“Good to know.” We continue to stare at one another for a moment when he leans down for another kiss. It’s sweet and simple, yet very stirring.
Shaun breaks away, saying we’d better get going.
“Okay,” I sigh. “Thank you again.”
“You’re very welcome, again.” He gathers the blanket and leads me to the passenger side, opening the door for me. Once we’re both settled, we head back down toward Mountain View.
Only question is, am I’m headed back to Sherri’s with Shaun, or do I play it safe and have him drop me off at Denise’s? No sooner did I think that when my phone chimes with a text from my sis. I open it up and read that she’s staying at Jim’s, winking smiley emoji added, and that she’ll see me in the morning.
I only respond with ‘K’ … keeping it short and sweet.
“Everything okay?” Shaun asks.
“Sure. That was just Denise telling me her plans for the night.”
“Is she expecting you back at her place?”
“Um, not really…” I hesitate, not sure if I want to say more.
“Uh, oh. Decision time, ladies and gentlemen,” Shaun teases.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means you’re putting too much pressure on yourself, wondering where the night’s going to lead.”
“Can you blame me? You’ve made it clear you’d like it to go further, and––”
“And you’re not sure if you’re ready? Abby, there’s no pressure. I can drop you off at your sister’s or I can take you back to get your car. Although it’ll be really late, and I’d hate for you to drive down from Sherri’s, seeing as you’re not familiar with the roads.”
“Mr. Chivalrous.”
He chuckles. “Yep, that’s me.”
“Thank you, Shaun.”
“For what?”
“For being a great guy.”
“Is that what I am?”
“Yes, I think so. Aren’t you?”
“If you think so, then I am.”
We continue along, winding down the mountain road, telling each other little things about our lives, our jobs, family and friends. I learn his parents are happily retired and travelling the world.
“Wait, did you say Drake has a motorcycle with a side car?”
Drake, I was informed, is a co-worker of Shaun’s who’s a motorcycle enthusiast, and happens to have a hog with a side car.
“Yes, for times when his wife just feels like kicking back and being his passenger.”
I’m silent, thoughtful. More conversation with Sylvia filters through my mind including her exclamation about skydiving. A rush of excitement like no other, she told me.
I realize Shaun is asking me a question.
“I’m sorry, what did you ask?”
“What’s got you so excited about a motorcycle with a side car? Wanting to ask him for a ride?” He chuckles.
“Not exactly. Well, yes, in fact, but not for me.”
“Okay, care to elaborate?”
“Sylvia. She said she thought she’d love to experience skydiving. A feeling of exhilaration. And while I don’t think at her age, sky diving is the answer—experienced instructor or not—don’t you think she’d love a ride in his motorcycle?”
“The way you describe Sylvia, I think it’d be perfect.”
“Me too.” I grin, very pleased with myself.
“You’re a sweet person, Abby Carter,” Shaun says.
“Thank you. Now, to make arrangements for the ride. Think Drake would be open to that?”
“Drake’s a good guy. You’d like him and his wife, Rachel. They’re a few years older than I am, no kids, as they’re still big kids themselves. They love travelling, taking road trips on their bikes.”
“What does Rachel do?”
“She’s a freelance graphic artist. Gets to work from home most of the time.”
“That’s really nice: being your own boss, setting your own hours.”
“It can be, if you’re disciplined, which she most certainly is.”
“And what about you and your free time? Have you done much travelling?” I ask him, wondering what kind of adventurer he is.
“Only a little. It’s kind of lonely by myself, and with other couples, I’m kind of odd man out.”
“I can’t picture you as an odd man out, and certainly not someone who isn’t comfortable with being who he is.”
“I wear my masks well,” he jokes. “No, seriously, I do enjoy certain things alone, but it’d definitely be a better time if I had someone to enjoy it all with.”
I watch him as he looks over at me, such intensity in his eyes. He looks back at the road, thankfully, because there’s a curve coming up that would’ve been ugly if he wasn’t paying attention.
After negotiating the curve, I notice that we’re nearly back to the 101 as city lights are thicker, along with the traffic. My thoughts linger on what a wonderful time I had with Shaun before nerves take over, and I contemplate where my final destination will be for the evening.
I’m brought out of my thoughts again as Shaun asks, “Where to, Abby?”
The million-dollar question…
Chapter Ten
The thought of being alone at Denise’s isn’t very appealing. And although the thought of being alone with Shaun at his sister’s is a bit frightening, it’s far more appealing… and exciting, and nerve-wracking. And I suppose we won’t be completely alone, as Sarah will be there. At least I think she will, to take care of the dogs, see to the house… I distinctly remember Sherri saying Shaun needn’t worry about that.
“Remember,” Shaun says. “No pressure.”
>
“Easy for you to say,” I mumble, to which Shaun gives me a hearty laugh, in turn, causing me to laugh. I turn in my seat as much as the seatbelt will allow, trying to face Shaun.
“Listen, you have been wonderful, and this evening was great. And all these thoughts are going through my mind as to what I want and what I don’t and how nervous I am, and how I don’t want to make a fool of myself despite knowing you for less than two days…”
“Abby, relax.” He puts his hand on my thigh and gives it a little squeeze before returning it to the steering wheel. “I’ll drive us to Sherri’s, we’ll have a drink if you’d like, talk some more. Or, you can just go straight to bed and get some rest. It is getting pretty late, and I don’t like the idea of you alone at Denise’s. Well, unless she’s there, but I’m guessing she’s with Jim.”
“And you’d be correct, sir,” I say. “I don’t like the idea of being there alone either. So, on to Sherri’s.”
“Sounds good.”
He expertly makes his way through town, climbing the hills back to Sherri’s. Once inside the garage, we gather the blanket and picnic supplies, making our way into the kitchen. Dim lighting ensures we can see our way around. It’s just after one in the morning and the house is quiet. Sarah and the dogs are surely down for the night.
“I think this is the quietest I’ve ever seen it at Sherri’s,” Shaun says.
“Is there always a party with as much activity as yesterday?”
“Well, I wouldn’t say there’s a party every time I come around, but close enough. This is the first time I’ve been here without my sister home.”
“Like being home alone when your parents go out on a date night.” I chuckle. “You want to crank the music up loud and dance like nobody’s watching.”
“Is that what you’d do?”
“Something like that. Although I was never alone, having had Denise, Claire, and Beckham there too.”
“So, it’d be one big dance party.” He finishes putting away the potato salad and turns to me, grinning.
“Actually, yes. Claire and Beckham loved to dance. They loved to be the center of attention, and still do, seeing as they’re performers. They’d raid our mom and dad’s closet, make up costumes, put on little shows. It was great.” I smile at the memories, thinking of all the fun we’d had as kids.
“But not you.”
“What do you mean?”
I watch Shaun as he slowly approaches me, a gleam in his eyes. His sexy, mesmerizing eyes. My back is against the counter so I have no room to move. Not that I really want to.
He puts his arms around my waist before saying, “You were the sibling who liked to be in the background, giving the others the spotlight.”
“I suppose,” I manage to say, not able to take my eyes off his.
“I noticed how hesitant you were to get on stage, and the way you tried to sneak off only to have Denise put a stop to that. Are you always so accommodating? You didn’t put up much of a struggle.” He lightly kisses my right ear before nibbling on the lobe. His lips make their way down my jaw, my neck. I can barely utter a response to his question, only a soft sigh escapes my mouth. I instinctively wrap my arms around his neck.
“Abby?” he says while making his way to my left side, causing me to practically melt into him.
“Hmm.”
“You’re a pleaser, aren’t you?” he says while having my ear for a late-night dessert. “You never want to hurt anyone’s feelings, even if it may cost you your own.”
With that said, he straightens, studying me. I see this when I finally open my droopy eyelids to look at him, wondering why he’s stopped. “Is that question rhetorical, or are you really waiting on an answer?”
He smiles. “Rhetorical. An observation, I guess. Tell me, have you ever done anything purely selfish? Something just for you because you wanted it?”
My mind goes blank because I have no clue how to answer that. Do I even have an answer? I scrunch my face, furrow my brows. Nope, no answer.
He chuckles. “I’ll take that as a no.”
“I’m not a pushover, just so ya know.”
“I never thought you were.” He places a light kiss on my lips. “Let me make you a deal. I’m sure Drake would have no problem with giving Sylvia that ride in his motorcycle, as long as he’s available. If not, maybe he’d let me drive.”
“You can drive his motorcycle?”
“I can drive a motorcycle. As to whether I can drive his remains to be seen. But if so, you promise to let me take you up with me paragliding. No charge, of course. I want you to experience a thrill of your own.”
I can’t help but laugh nervously. Not only at his words, but the meaning behind them. Does that apply to just paragliding?
He moves his hands to frame my face, looking into my eyes. “It’ll be completely safe and I’ll take good care of you and you will love it.”
I raise my eyebrows and grin. “You’re really trying hard to convince me.”
“I’d really like you to trust me.” His hands move to my shoulders.
“I already do,” I reply. This time, it’s me who initiates the next kiss. I stand on my tip-toes while gently pulling his head down to mine. Our lips meet with mutual need. No rushing, not frenzied, just heated wanting. I take my time savoring his lips, his tongue, thoroughly enjoying the feel of him pressed against me.
I feel his hands move down my back then up again to caress my ribs. One hand presses into my lower back while the other touches my abdomen. He slowly moves up to brush my breast, testing my response. This time, I don’t pull away. I arch up, pressing into him more so his hand is trapped between our bodies. He manages a light squeeze that sends a thrill through me, causing me to moan.
I know we’ve taken a turn from playful to serious. No more hints and teases and wise-cracks to feel at ease. This was getting right down to it: an all-consuming hunger I knew wouldn’t just go away. It had to be fed.
Shaun breaks away from my mouth to once again work on my ear while both of his hands are now doing something quite exhilarating to my breasts. “Damn, Abby, I want you so badly. You feel so sweet. You taste so sweet.”
I have no words, only sighs as my own hands are learning all the details of his shoulders and arms as best they can through the fabric of his shirt. Oh, how I wish this damn garment was off of him…
Before I realize it, I’m talking out loud. Murmuring, really. “I want to feel you,” I say, trying to slip my hands under his shirt.
In a flash, he steps back to pull it over his head then dives back in to ravish my mouth. His hands tangle in my hair as I try to explore his back, his arms, his chest. My nails lightly scrape his skin, which elicits a hiss from him. He pulls back once again, still holding my face in his hands. “Tell me now how far this is going to go, because I don’t know how much more I can do this without taking you right here, right now.”
My eyes widen as they dart right and left, realizing we’re still in the kitchen, and the only choices are the counter or the floor. “Here?” I squeak.
“Tell me, Abby. I’m ready to throw you over my shoulder and haul you upstairs.”
“You wouldn’t!” Immediately I know it’s the wrong thing to say.
Shaun’s eyes glint while the corner of his mouth curves up. Before I can react, he bends down and drapes me over his shoulder. I yelp as he holds fast to my legs, turns, and makes his way to the stairs.
“Shaun!” I half laugh, half yell. A lame attempt, because one, this is thrilling, and two, I don’t want to chance waking Sarah or the dogs and have chaos ensue. Shaun must be thinking the same as he playfully swats my bottom and tells me to shush.
He oh so quickly and efficiently makes his way into his own room, kicks the door closed with his foot then swings around to lock it, all while still carrying me. So much for being quiet. After turning back around and heading towards what I would assume to be the bed, he stops and lowers me down to the floor. Holding fast to my waist, he takes m
y lips, not giving me a chance to say a thing.
While my mind is trying to process all the pro’s and con’s, the ramifications of what I’m about to do, my body takes over. I shut down all thought processes and just feel what he’s doing to me. I give him every indication I’m on board with the direction he’s taking as I easily and willingly allow him to take charge.
Shaun finds the buttons of my shirt and begins unfastening them. He then lifts my tank out of the waist of my shorts, giving him access to my heated skin, which seems to intensify about a hundred degrees at his touch.
I continue to run my hands and nails over him, skimming the waist of his shorts, wondering what lay beneath. I wrap my arms around him, molding my hands to his bottom, squeezing. He’s moaning, nearly growling as he sucks my tongue harder before breaking away once again.
“Abby,” is all he says, eyes intense as they’re looking at me, almost pleading with me. The question still lingers. How far am I willing to go?
“Shaun, I want you, but I’m, nervous.”
“I won’t hurt you.”
“Yes, you will, and you won’t even mean to…” I say quietly.
“What does that mean, Abby?”
How could I say it? Would he turn me away? Would he hesitate and truly not want to hurt me? Would he not want to be my first?
“Abby, talk to me,” Shaun pleads.
His hands hold my shoulders while mine rest on his hips. I dip my head, embarrassed to look at him, knowing I am blushing. He puts his hand under my chin, raising my head, giving me no choice. His eyes question, but he doesn’t say a thing, allowing me time to answer.
I slowly close my eyes and whisper, “I’m a virgin.” I keep my eyes closed and listen. I hear no gasp, no swearing. I don’t feel him pull away. He moves his hands into my hair, cups my head, and I feel his lips on my forehead.
“Oh, Abby, you sweet, sweet thing.” He pulls back, keeping his hands in place. “Open your eyes.”
Reluctantly, I do. The softness I see in his eyes has my own watering, threatening to spill over. “You can tell me if you don’t want me,” I say.
Unexpected Adventures Page 9
