“I hadn’t really thought past the sunrise, to be honest. So, I guess I’ve no plans to do anything other than be here with you.”
“I hoped you say that. Let’s get your equipment and your car, and you can drive us back to my house.”
“Do you drive?”
“Of course, but only when I have to. You know, to get groceries and supplies for my art. I much prefer riding horses or walking. You were right. I do wish my parents’ house wasn’t so modern, but I am grateful that I have it to live in. Most people prefer modern amenities to primitive living, and as you so aptly stated, I do crave social interaction. No one in their right mind would dare to come back to the house if I didn’t keep it amenable to all. Mind you, I am in the process of making it totally green. I just hired a company to remodel using all green construction products and to replace energy systems with solar and wind energy. So, in time, it will at least feel like the home I’d like to live in. Shall we go, then?”
“Absolutely!”
The walk back took on a completely different feel than before. Arm in arm this time, she felt his hardened body with her palm, along her arm, against her side. A rush of lust consumed her body while a million thoughts swirled in her mind. This guy is for real, and he’s genuinely interested in me. He seems just the sort to accept all of me. Can I really be this lucky?
She could tell he sensed something unspoken about her without nailing it on the head. That there was something she kept hidden from the world that was an integral part of who she was. So, he was miles ahead of Rick in that department. She bet that Star wouldn’t bat an eye if she told him about who and what she really was going to become, but she’d wait as long as she could to share that morsel. Her birthday was over a month away. She had plenty of time to share, barring any more incidents requiring heroics on her part, and if they were still together. She could disregard her hearing and sight issues easily enough, now that she knew what to expect.
The drive to his house took only a few minutes by a dirt road she’d never known existed. He asked about her family. She told him about her parents, minus the immortal part, and her twin brother and sister, minus the immortal part. Not telling the whole truth isn’t exactly lying. Better to get it out of the way now before she found herself not being able to tell a lie at all!
She pulled up to a garage door and parked. “So, here we are.” She turned off the car and turned in her seat to face Star. “Now what?”
“Now, we go inside to grab a tall glass of iced tea. I’ll show you around the place, we’ll head out to the porch swing for a bit, and maybe take a horseback ride. How does that sound?”
“Divine!”
“All of it? Even the horseback ride?”
“I haven’t been on a horse in years. I used to go riding all the time. I’d love to.”
“Excellent. Come, I’ll get you that glass of iced tea.”
The outside of the house itself did not impress, with faded paint on worn stucco. It looked run down, probably intentional due to the impending remodeling, but the landscape was exceptional with all manner of desert bushes, plants, and trees strewn between artistically placed rocks.
Inside told a completely different story. Vibrant colors bathed her eyes from all angles—floor, walls, furniture. Comfortable-looking sofas and chairs filled a living room, family pictures lined a fireplace mantle in the dining room, and the expansive kitchen boasted professional line appliances and custom cabinetry.
Star offered her a tall glass of sun-brewed iced tea and took her hand to lead her out to the back porch swing. “Oh, this is lovely! The breeze is perfect. The drink is perfect.”
He put his arm around her and brought her to rest against to him once they settled. She snuggled in, and he rested a cheek against her head. “And this is perfect.”
She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply the heady mix of land and man. “My thoughts exactly.”
It didn’t take long for drowsiness to set in and for her eyes to droop. Between the gentle swing and Star caressing her arm, she dozed off. When next she awoke, she found herself exactly in the same position, being held in the same, tender way. She turned in his arms and yawned. “Wow, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you. I feel terrible!”
“No worries. I’m not offended. I could tell you needed it. Feel better?”
“Loads better. Thank you. What happened to the glass I was holding? I hope I didn’t drop it and break it.”
“No, no. I noticed your breathing changed, figured you’d fallen asleep, and took it from you. It’s on the table in the kitchen. I rather enjoyed you next to me, so I snuck back in.”
“I’m glad you did.” She stretched her arms and back, and yawned once more. “I’m ready for that horseback ride now, if you are.”
“Awesome. Let’s do it. I’ve got two of the best Arabian horses in town. They’ve been retired from the equestrian life for quite a few years now. They’re easy to communicate with and never spook. The black one is Harley and the white one is Davidson.”
“Cute.” She rolled her eyes.
“My parents loved three things—planes, motorcycles, and horses. They combined two of the three with these big boys.”
“They had a good sense of humor, I take it.”
“Yes, they kept me in stitches anyway. Are you going to be all right riding in that skirt?”
“No problem. It’s wide enough. I used to ride in skirts as a child. Loved to feel the horse with my bare legs. In fact, my mother doesn’t know this, but a few times, I left the saddle and rode bareback! I’ll never forget the power thrumming underneath me as Freedom galloped across the fields.”
“If you care to, you can do it again, here. My horses would love it.”
“Really?” She clapped her hands and rested them in her lap for fear she’d get up and do a cheer. “That would just be the icing on the cake today.”
“Well then, let’s go make it happen.”
As they walked over to the stable, she removed the ponytail holder and wrapped it back around her wrist, letting her long curls form a curtain down to her waist. “If I’m gonna do this right, I’m going all the way. No restraints on anything.”
“I love your attitude.” He then pulled out his ponytail holder and tossed it. “Two free spirits, ready to chase the wind!”
When they reached the stable, he introduced her to both of the horses, and she got to choose which to ride. She chose Davidson, the white one. They walked the horses out, no saddles, only bridles, and once in the pen, Star helped hoist her up as she mounted. Davidson didn’t buck, or whinny.
Star mounted Harley like he’d ridden bareback all his life, all in one fluid motion. It wouldn’t surprise her a bit if that were true. He shucked his shirt, verifying for her that what she’d felt underneath it was one of the finest bodies she’d ever laid eyes or hands upon. He led them out and onto a path skirting the mountains. They were able to ride side by side, and vacillated between a walk and a trot. He pointed out the various trees, shrubs, and critters as they came to them. Approaching a wide expanse of land, he stopped them for a moment.
“Why don’t we let the horses run? They’ve been so good this whole time.”
“Fine by me. I’d love to feel the wind rush around me.”
“All right then. To that Mesquite tree, way down by the foothill jutting out and back around again. Okay?” He’d pointed to a lone tree way off in the distance. Could she hold on for that long a time? Absolutely!
“On your mark. Get set. Go!”
She and her horse stormed off like a flash flood. Grasping his mane tightly, she cried out from the sheer joy of her recklessness. The wind whipped her hair about like a cape, and it slapped at her back, urging her on. Vaguely, she heard the footfalls of Star’s horse charging up behind her. Harley whinnied and took her lead away. She’d have none of that, so she yelled, giving Davidson a light kick with her heals and he took off.
Secure in her seat at first, she found herself slipping and hanging on for her life as she turned the horse to finish the race. No matter how tightly she squeezed her legs together, she continued to slide down the horse’s flank.
“Whoa! Whoa!”
He wouldn’t slow its gallop.
“Davidson, whoa!” She slid a little further, and couldn’t get herself back atop the damned horse. I plucked a man out of the air and saved his life not a couple days ago, and now I can’t hoist myself onto the damned animal? What gives? About a yard separated her ass from the ground. If he didn’t slow down, she’d be desert toast at best, or trampled to death.
A thunderous rumble rolled up from behind. “Davidson, whoa there big fella. Hang on, Hannah! You got this.”
“No, I don’t! I’m falling!”
The horse eased off his furious pace, slowing down considerably, and reduced the incessant jostling, enabling her to right herself once again.
“You did it! Great job! I knew the warrior was inside you.” He reached over and rubbed her thigh, offering her a beaming smile. Did she see pride in his eyes? That would be something. A whole lot different from Rick’s admonishing response from saving his God-damned life.
They fell into an easy trot, side by side again, in silence. And as she sat, she stewed and grumbled at her stupidity and ineptitude. She had to apologize to Star. She could have been gravely injured and the horse could have been, too.
“Sorry about that. I shouldn’t have pushed him so hard. It was irresponsible of me to do such a thing without thinking of the consequences first.”
“It’s all right. You’re as spirited as the horse and needed to let it out.”
“No, I’m competitive,” she professed ruefully, “and wanted to beat you.” They’d reached the pen and stable and she swung her leg over to slide down to the ground. “One thing you didn’t know about me yet—my fighting spirit gives me a competitive streak, and I usually wind up tackling adventures, even risky activities, for the sake of testing my limits and the limits of others.”
“I see.”
He dropped down to the ground, as well, walked both horses over to the water trough, and picked up a couple sponges, tossing one to her. He turned on the hose and started washing down his horse’s legs and hooves. He offered it to her, and she did the same. The steps to care for a horse had been instilled in her a long time ago, and it all came flooding back. One by one she completed her tasks for Davidson. Star’s clipped response to her admission raised little hope that they could return to the magic of earlier. She’d gone and ruined what could have been an amazing rebound romance.
“So, now are you just as passionate about watching the sun rise with me?”
He sauntered over from his horse, and as she watched him approach, his hardened muscles and abs, covered with a thin layer of sheen, undulated with every step. “More than ever.” He moved in close, breaking through her personal space, and as he corralled her against Davidson’s broad side, her heart flip-flopped. “And now, I’m passionate about watching it set in your eyes, too.”
He leaned in and touched his lips to hers. Warm, soft, moist lips exposed his desire but expected nothing in return. Closing her eyes, time spun backward to when, as a young girl, she received her very first kiss. Her hands belied the tentative nature of her heart as they journeyed over his taut skin from waist to shoulders, memorizing every hill and valley. This kiss could go on forever and she wouldn’t mind.
The way his fingers trembled as he caressed her cheek and cupped the nape of her neck caused her soul to weep. This man, so strong and yet so vulnerable, had chosen her to kiss. He’d chosen her to be with today. She hoped he’d want even more from her. She’d give it gladly. He slowly released her from his spell, and she wavered where she stood. Had the horse not been behind her, she’d have fallen on her ass for sure.
“Hannah?”
“Hmm…?” She opened her eyes to find his gleaming.
“You’re one incredible woman. Never forget that. I could kiss your lips forever and still not be sated.”
“Well, I don’t think you can wear them down, so I think you should try your very best.” She bit her bottom lip and fluttered her eye lashes.
He seized her hips and pulled her close to him, where his body told her just how much he desired her. “I plan on doing just that…with some lunch as a side dish. Are you hungry? I’ve got the fixings for a great brunch salad.”
“I am ravenous, and I’d love to help you with brunch.” What she really wanted was to feast on him, but didn’t want to appear too eager or slutty.
“Excellent. I have a small vegetable patch that’s ready for picking.”
“Hey, do me a favor, would you?”
“Anything.”
“Put your shirt back on. You’re too much of a distraction as it is. You keep that shirt off, and I’m liable to pull a rabbit out of your garden instead of a carrot.”
He chuckled and complied. “As you wish, my lady.”
“Don’t worry, though. If you feel like taking it off again later, I’m not adverse to that.”
“I’ll take that under advisement.”
He led her to the garden, brimming with all sorts of vegetables and herbs. Once they gathered all the fixings and washed them off in the outside sink, they brought them inside to the kitchen. “If you do the cutting, I’ll get the protein ready. I think you’re going to love it.”
“Are you a vegetarian?”
“No, I’m very much an omnivore. I went hunting the other day and nabbed a rattler instead. It’s all ready for cooking. I think it’ll be the perfect accompaniment to the salad.”
“Oh, for sure. I’ve actually eaten rattlesnake a few different ways. All very delicious.”
“Really? Then maybe you should help me over here.”
“I’d be glad to.” She finished chopping up the onion, wiped her hands on a dish towel, and headed over to the stove.
He dropped everything and hugged her close. She melted into him, even though she’d no idea what caused him to react that way.
“It’s all right. Please, don’t cry. You’ll make me cry.” He pulled away from her, just far enough so she could see his concern. With the pads of his thumbs, he swiped away tears streaming down her cheeks.
She rested her hands against his, charmed by his sensitivity and giggled. “That’s such a lovely thing to say, but I… I just finished cutting the onions.”
“Oh!” He leaned his forehead against hers. “All right, then. That’s good. I’m glad you’re not sad or anything.” And then he busted out laughing. She joined him and tears trailed down all over again.
All throughout cooking and eating, Star never had a hand or a leg or a foot or something not touching a part of her. No matter what, a piece of him touched a piece of her. Over the course of the hours, they’d formed a tangible, undeniable connection. She refused to question its validity, its sensibility. All she needed to know was that he genuinely cared for her and supported her independence and strength.
With brunch eaten and cleaned up, they headed, hand in hand for the pond. She imagined herself in an amusement park here. So many things to see and do!
“I know you’ll love this. My father and I spent a summer digging out this pond. We stocked it with koi and now it’s got generations living in it. I’ve been digging another pond for swimming in since the spring. It should be ready for filling by the end of this month.”
“That’s incredible. You’re incredible.”
He blushed a little and brought her close to him for a sumptuous embrace. There she remained, in his arms, for a good long time. Not caring that she couldn’t see any actual koi in the pond. Not caring about much of anything at all. When he touched her, everything disappeared and only the two of them existed in the world. How did he make that happen? Did he feel the same way, too?
“I’d like to paint you.”
“What?”
“I said I’d like to paint you. How does that sit with you?”
“I’ve never had that done before, so it feels strange.” Absently she swiped a stray hair that tickled her cheek. “What do I have to do in order for you to paint me?”
“I’ll take a picture of you in a pose and then translate that into a painting. When I know your body better, then I’d like to sculpt you, as well.”
Instant flush swept up her chest to her throat and cheeks.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for that to sound exactly that way. I mean, when I talk body, it’s all work. Not that I didn’t mean it, though, because I’d really love to get to know your body a whole lot better. Ahh!” He pinched the bridge of his nose and scrunched his eyes closed. “What a mess! Scratch everything I’ve just said. Please! Let’s just go to my studio where I can show you some of my work. It’ll give me time to pull the foot out of my mouth.”
“You’re so funny. Whatever you’d like. I’m game.”
His studio was a huge converted barn with a couple of loft areas and a mixture of lighting equipment, sculpting and painting equipment, and work that he’d already completed. Astounded by the sheer size of the space, she whirled around to get a better look at everything. His paintings, set on easels, spoke of depression, angst, frustration, and hopelessness, while his sculptures captured the fluidity of life. His photographs captured nature’s fury unbound. Each piece of his art was remarkably different from the others, yet the common thread still held them together—life has ups and downs.
“Star, these pieces are fascinating, disturbing, and beautiful all at the same time. How do you do it?”
He shrugged and shuffled his feet, like a boy who was told his book report was the best in class. “I don’t really know. Images just come to me as I sleep, so I wake up and paint them. What I make with you will be the first piece done based on a living person, not an image created in my mind. I’m looking forward to capturing your humanity.”
“I’d like to see it when it’s done.”
“By all means. Come up to the loft and I’ll get you all set for your photo shoot.”
“All right, but I’m not making any promises. I may suck at this.”
“That would be impossible.” He grasped her hand and helped her up the steep stairs. “Have a seat on the couch while I get set up.”
She sat, twiddled her thumbs, fumbled with the hem of her shirt, flounced the skirt about her legs, but nothing would ease her inner trepidation, and by the time he was ready, she was ready to fly the coup. He sat beside her and held a hand in his two, treating it like a wounded bird.
“I promise no harm, no disrespect. We will only do what’s in your realm of comfort. I’m not going to ask you to settle on one pose and hold it for hours. That would be torture, and I’m not about that. I just want to take pictures of you being… you. Okay?”
“Yes, that sounds good to me. Thanks for caring so much about my needs.” Her skirt danced on the floor as her knee bobbed up and down.
“It’s my pleasure to make sure you’re comfortable, relaxed, and happy. But whatever the pictures capture, that’s what I want to relate in my painting of you. So don’t hold back. Don’t think about how to smile or how to sit. Think about your heart, your soul, your passion. What’s inside that I haven’t seen yet? That’s what I’m after.”
“Okay.”
“So, you can calm your knees now.” He put a steadying hand on her thigh and winked. “Maybe this will help.” He leaned in and touched his lips to her forehead, then her temple, her cheek, and as her eyelids shuttered closed, he kissed her lips. Once, twice, and the third time, he lingered, threading his fingers through her hair to then rest at the nape of her neck. He increased the pressure and she softened under him, her frazzled nerves suppressed. If they continued on much longer, she’d turn into a pile of hormonal mush on the sofa. He released her just in time.
“That’s better.” He reached for his camera and began taking pictures. All was silent but for the furious clicking of the shutter as he moved fluidly across the floor, kneeling and standing, holding the camera horizontal, then vertical. Every now and then, she heard him moan and sigh.
What is he seeing through there? I can’t imagine there being anything extraordinary to keep him going on like that.
“Think about a time when things were at their lowest. When all hope seemed lost. When, no matter what you did or said, it was of no consequence. Don’t say anything. Just think about it.”
She thought about the year of her sixth birthday. Images of Agremon, Satan’s henchman, flashed through her mind and raised goose bumps on her skin. She recalled being held in Satan’s arms as he proclaimed her to be his daughter, and an icy thread wove its way up her spine. Finding her mother near death in a pit crushed her heart anew, as even the mere thought of living without her was unfathomable.
“We’re done. That was amazing.” His voice snapped her back to the present. She noticed her fists were clenched and she’d hunched over. She shook her hands out and straightened up. “I don’t know what you were thinking about, but your expression and the way you held your body changed dramatically. You’ve experienced much pain. I can tell, and I’m so very sorry to have brought that back to the forefront for you.”
“Yes, well, you don’t have to be sorry. I live with it every day of my life. It is my shield and armor.”
“Spoken like the warrior I know you are. You’ve made it difficult to choose which photo to use. There are so many excellent ones. You seem a bit out of sorts still to me. We must remove that negative energy before it consumes you for the remainder of the day, and we still have a sunset to share together.”
“I’m okay, really. Just need a few minutes to put it all back in its place.”
“I believe a little meditation session would help.” He put his camera down on a coffee table next to a worn out cigar box. He took a cassette tape from it and popped it into an ancient stereo. “I made this awesome relaxation tape that’s perfect for this. Come sit on the floor with me and we’ll get back to balance.” He folded his legs as he sat down and waved her over. “Come on.”
At first, she resisted, but what harm could it do? “I do meditate. Just not consistently.” She sat down on the floor before him and crossed her legs so their knees touched.
“Now, hold my hands and close your eyes. Think of a peaceful place, calming energy, fluidity. You are one with the earth and sky.”
She acquiesced, and once relaxed enough, found herself on a lovely, deserted beach, wearing absolutely nothing. Seagulls cried, waves crashed against the shore, and the sun bathed her skin in warmth. A wisp of a breeze wafted over her and she raised her chin and arms in reverence. A light tap on her shoulder surprised her and she peered to her left. There was no one beside her. Another light tap, but on her other shoulder, and she twirled around in the sand, but again, no one was there.
She trudged through the white, silky sand to where the water kissed the land and knelt down to touch the foam before it disintegrated. As she stood, a hand reached out to help. She peered up and found Star standing before her, strong, virile, and very naked.
“You are the perfect addition to my real oasis. Welcome. You’ve come at an auspicious time.”
“I am? I have?”
“Yes. I am having a celebration.”
“What are you celebrating?”
“You’re existence.”
“And just how are you celebrating?”
“Like this.” He stepped toward her and swept her off her feet. Never taking his eyes off of hers, he walked them into the sea. As he lowered her to stand in the waist-deep water, he kissed each shoulder and doused them with the cool liquid.
She leaned in, intoxicated by the scent of man and ocean. She blazed a trail of kisses across his chest, licked his raised nipples, and trailed eager hands down his taut ass. He hardened against her stomach, and assaulted her lips with insistent kisses. He journeyed down her throat and raised her body up just enough for him to grab a breast with his mouth and flicked his tongue, creating a frenzied explosion of sensations low in her belly. He moved from one to the other, never letting up.
Wrapping her legs around his waist, she purred at his attentiveness. If he didn’t stop, she’d climax without him ever doing anything more.
“I want to feel you all around me, Hannah. Become one with me. Let me in.”
“Yes. Oh, God, yes.” He hoisted her up and eased her back down on him slowly. Inch by inch, he filled her. “Oh, God, Star. Yes!” She raked her hands through his hair and grabbed him close to lay feverish kisses upon his lips.
Up and down, he pumped. Slowly at first, grinning wickedly each time he entered her. As he increased the speed and intensity, she lost all control, and bucked wildly in his arms. He sped up even more and climaxed. “Ah! Mine! You’re mine!”
She cried out his name and shrieked as frissons of electricity pulsed through her body over and over. As they came down, they stood together, embracing so tightly, as though afraid one would disappear. The slightest movement sent dizzying aftershocks throughout her system.
“I can’t take anymore, Star. I…I can’t breathe.”
“I can’t either. I never imagined…I just never imagined.” His voice trailed off and he pulled out, leaving her feeling empty inside.
She leaned back and floated on her back, breathing deeply to slow her racing heart. He held her ever so gently so she wouldn’t go under. How perfect can this man be? “Can we celebrate your existence next?”