It was a beautiful sunny spring day! She liked to sit out on her side deck which was completely private to the outside world. Except for squirrels, chipmunks, jays, and hummingbirds… she was alone. Alone to think and bask in the sun.
She whipped off her top and laid down on the lounge chair. She craved the rays of this early spring. The bays, redwoods, and hazelnut trees surrounding her property waved in the breeze imparting a sweet smell. It was hot enough for a tan and cool enough to stand it for an hour or so.
She was careful to apply sunscreen to the potential damage areas: face, neck. forearms, and hands. The breeze kept the yellow jackets and flies from bothering her. By August she wouldn’t have this luxury, as every bug that bites or stings would be attacking her sweet vulnerable flesh for a meal. But for now she could luxuriate.
Ahhh, she sighed to be alone without pretense or the games people had to play. She opened the latest vampire romance book she was reading and before she could read even one paragraph, a butterfly caught her eye and she followed him as he visited the Pansies and the Sweet Williams they had thought to plant in containers around the deck last fall…. Jack. She smiled to herself.
Jack would be home soon and she could fall into his arms surrounded by the reliable love he offered. They enjoyed gardening together. With a minimal amount of effort a couple of times per year, they could maintain a nice looking garden they both enjoyed. The outdoor season lasted for at least eight or even nine months on a given year in Northern California.
She had planned an easy dinner of sauteed chicken paprika with green chile gravy, rice and a side salad, and a bottle of Pinot. Neither one of them really cared for dessert and besides, the dessert she had planned would be eaten before dinner. She smiled to herself with anticipation and hopped into the shower. She wanted to be ready when Jack got home.
Although she said they were “married”, they had really been living together for four years and he still hadn’t pulled the trigger. People assumed that she was a QVC addict, but every year she demanded a deposit on her affection… like an intent to register fee when you apply for college. So far Jack had given her
- a gold topaz embossed with two leaves on either side of the golden stone
- an amethyst nestled between two Chatham emeralds
- a large pink tourmaline in a sweeping dramatic gold setting
- a deep ruby red Spinel solitaire flanked by two diamond chips
She also had a beautiful strand of pink tinged pearls which he gave her on her birthday one year. He liked to see her wear those au natural at the end of the summer when she had a good tan.
After her shower, she toweled off and applied various creams, lotions, and magic spells, threw on a green caftan, a touch of lipstick, and a little mascara. She really didn’t need make-up, her skin was flawless. She lit a candle and a stick of incense and opened the bottle of Pinot. As she heard Jack park and start up the stairs, she poured two glasses and set them on the side table in the bedroom. “Hello, Honey… I’m home!” she called out to him.
The sun wouldn’t set for an hour or so, but this was their favorite time to make love… just as dusk was settling. He was quick to get the clue. “I’ll just hop in the shower,” he said as he met her warm embrace with a quick kiss.
Making love was always an act of worship between them. They prepared to receive each other with the necessary ablutions of showering, tooth brushing, deodorant, perfume, etc. They each offered the other the purest essence of themselves and they never took it for granted. The candle, the incense, the wine… was all part of the ritual. It was after all, a religious experience.
This time was no different. He came out of the bathroom with his wet hair combed back, a sparkly smile, and a visible rise in the front of the towel he had wrapped around his waist. Standing there facing her, he took a sip of wine. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, sans caftan, revealing the pearls nestled between her breasts. “Thank you for wearing those,” he said as the towel dropped.
He barely had time to set his wine glass down before dessert was in her mouth and finished in less than five minutes. She licked her lips as he laid her back onto the bed, “Now it’s time for the main course,” he said. It was dark when they sat up and finished their wine. They talked quietly for awhile enjoying the glow of the candle light and the warm comfort of each other’s company.
She got up to use the bathroom and said, “Always pee before, during, and after sex.” He chuckled at this old joke of hers and he knew what was coming next. She brought him a hot wash cloth when she returned. He thought this was the best part of sex with Kristie – the hot wet wash cloth as she gently cleaned him….
“Ready for dinner?” she asked.
“I just ate,” he said as he threw on his red kimono. “But I could eat again.” He took her in his arms and held her close.
(First published August 29, 2011)
