UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 17

 

          They really should have just taken their dinner into the bedroom. Adam hadn’t made anything fancy. The table held a tray with a variety of crackers and from the fridge, he pulled a couple of more trays. One held a variety of cheeses, hard and soft as well as sliced fruit and the other held smoked oysters and giant prawns with a bowl of red sauce adjacent and a bowl of mixed cut vegetables.

“I figured, actually hoped, that when we decided to eat, we could just nosh on a variety of cold foods. Go ahead, dig in.” Adam said as he placed the platters on the table.

Charlie didn’t waste any time, filling her waiting plate with a bit of everything on the table. Adam did the same thing and sat down beside Charlie. He proffered a fork with several small smoked oysters on it. “Try these. They are scrumptious.”

They talked and laughed while eating and feeding each other small morsels in between kisses and touches. By the time they finished, the trays had been totally ransacked and they were no longer hungry, at least for food. Charlie stood up and dropped her sweatpants, throwing a leg over both of Adam’s.

“What do we have here?” She inquired, pulling the waistband of his boxers lower and allowing his erection to spring free. “Is this dessert?”

Charlie’s hand caressed Adam’s cock while exchanging long and wet kisses until he was moaning and then she stood on her tiptoes and allowed it to graze her very wet opening. She slowly sank down until she was impaled on his penis. Adam’s hands went to her ass and squeezed the soft mounds. He tried to raise Charlie up, but she wasn’t ready to go any further just yet. She turned and found the red sauce and put a finger full on each nipple. “May not be prawns, but I bet you’ll like this even better.” Charlie coaxed, pushing her breasts toward Adam’s mouth.

While Adam licked and sucked, Charlie slowly moved about on his penis, not exactly rising up, but causing a pleasurable friction for both of them. It wasn’t long before that contact had them both wanting more, much more. Slowly Charlie rose up to the point Adam was barely inside and then slowly lowered herself back, rubbing herself against him when he was fully encased.

Adam’s hands returned to Charlie’s bottom and this time he grasped her cheeks so he could manipulate her rise and fall. His clenching her bottom was almost painful, but added to her pleasure as he pushed her up and brought her back down. Once again, their mouths met and as the pace increased and Adam’s hands tightened even further, Charlie could feel herself rising toward a climax. She murmured against Adam’s mouth, “Soon, coming soon. Need more.” As Adam pushed himself against her as he brought her back down, Charlie added, “Yes, yes, that, just that.”

Adam pulled his mouth from Charlie’s. He wanted to watch her come impaled on his cock, sitting on his lap. Her head went back and her spine straightened as though she was going to get up and leave. Once again, Adam brought her back down and watched as Charlie orgasmed. It appeared as though she were in pain and had stopped breathing for a bit of time. Then, her body seemed to shrink down until she was nestled against Adam’s chest. She began to giggle and in between each giggle, she heaved a huge breath. “Ah, it just gets better and better, doesn’t it?”

When the giggles stopped and her breathing eased, Adam raised her up again. “Oh my,” Charlie smiled at him, “you need a little release do you?” Adam’s answer was to pull her down by her ass and push her back up without a pause. Charlie was amazed to feel her clit begin to throb as Adam increased the timing of his push and pull. This time it was Charlie who watched Adam, her eyes on his as he prepared to erupt and he didn’t have to do it alone because Charlie was ready again. They stared into each other’s eyes as they both began to orgasm and kept their eyes open until it was no longer possible and their eyelids fell over their eyes, covering the look of pleasure and bliss.

Both slumped on the chair for a bit and then Adam stood. Charlie’s legs went around him and still inside her, Adam carried them off to the bedroom. Once there, he slipped out and they spooned, falling asleep almost instantly.

During the night, Adam woke Charlie once and in the dark, barely moving and barely awake, they once again shared their pleasure with the other. Adam woke first in the morning and looked over at Charlie. She was on her back, the sheet down around her waist, her small perky breasts pointed toward the ceiling. She looked as though she were about ten years old, providing he kept his eyes above her neck. He couldn’t believe how wonderful the last 12 or so hours had been. He’d never had sex with a woman as responsive and enthusiastic as Charlie. Just thinking about what they’d done made his cock twitch and begin to grow. And, it wasn’t a pee hard-on, but one that wanted to be satisfied.

Adam carefully raised himself so he could blow on Charlie’s nipples. He’d found they were so sensitive the slightest touch, even the warm air of his breath made them tighten into little rosy buds. Once they were small and all wrinkled up, Adam put his mouth on one and sucked hard. It woke Charlie up instantly and he couldn’t believe she was immediately ready for sex. She sat up and pushed Adam back. Before he could do anything else, she’d climbed on him and sat down on his penis. What followed wasn’t early morning lazy sex, but the I want it now, need it now, don’t wait a second sex. Charlie started to orgasm almost immediately and Adam couldn’t hold back.

Charlie fell back on the bed on her tummy. They were both breathing hard and for once Charlie didn’t get the giggles. Instead, she murmured, so soft Adam almost didn’t hear what she said, “I can’t believe this. I can’t believe it just gets better and better. I think I have to keep this one.”

When their breathing returned to normal, Adam said, “Charlie, why don’t you have the shower first while I go make coffee and prepare breakfast.”

“Mmmmm hmmmm.” Charlie muttered into her pillow.

When Adam checked back a short time later, Charlie was still in bed, sound asleep. So, he took the coffee he’d brought her into the bathroom and had his own shower. He’d just let her sleep until she was ready to get up.

Showered, dressed, another cup of coffee and some toast in hand, Adam moved to the front porch. It was going to be another lovely day. Not too hot, but not frosty cold either. He was grateful for the jeans, wool socks and flannel shirt because it kept him just right temperature wise. Later on, the shirt would probably have to come off, but for now it felt good. When he finished his toast, he took up the I-pad on the table, pulled the pen free and began revising the outline he’d been working on for his new book. He knew when Charlie finally got up because he heard the shower come on. It wasn’t long before she joined him on the porch, her own coffee cup in hand.

“You let me sleep.” She said, dropping a kiss on top of Adam’s head. “That was wonderful. I really needed it I think. I hope, no I know you had as good a time last night and this morning as I did. You are without a doubt, the best sex partner I’ve ever had.”

“Maybe that has something to do with your feelings for me and mine for you.”

“Um, uh, no. Well, maybe, but I’m not ready to go there yet. This is all so new, not even a day old.”

“Well Charlie, I definitely know how I feel about you. I love you. I want to marry you. I want you to be the center of my life. I want to take you up north to meet my family. I want to give you a dozen kids.”

“Oh, holy fuck, that’s an awful lot of wants. I don’t know if I have the same wants.  Jesus, a dozen kids. Oh my God, you’re scaring the crap out of me.” Charlie got up from her chair and began to pace back and forth.

“Hey, Charlie, I’m not suggesting we run away and get married today or immediately fulfill any of the wants I just expressed. I’m simply saying that for me, you’re it, the woman of my dreams and desires. So, take your time. I know without a single doubt that you already want me like I want you or if you haven’t realized it yet, you will.”

“Yeah, well. Well, I think I have to go.”

“Nope, not happening. We’re both going and we’re going into town for a late breakfast or brunch or lunch. I still haven’t heard how your Texas interview went and I am seriously interested. So, put your shoes on and I’ll meet you at my truck.”

Charlie hadn’t given a single thought to Ms. Flanagan and the Texas projects since Adam’s lips had met hers the night before. She pushed her discomfort over Adam’s declarations into a box in the back of her mind and brought the trip and interview to the forefront. She couldn’t wait to tell Adam all about what she thought was a definite potential success.

In town, Adam helped Charlie out of the truck and held her hand while they walked to the diner. He didn’t necessarily perform any public displays of affection, but Charlie thought it was undoubtedly obvious they had become a couple. She found she was okay with that idea.

Food ordered, Adam said, “So, tell me all about it.”

Charlie did so, sometimes forgetting her manners and talking with her mouth full she was so excited. They were on their second cups of coffee when she finished by saying, “I really liked Jessie Flanagan and the site she’s picked for the factory/office building is perfect for all the LEED platinum requirements. She doesn’t yet have a site for her house, but is looking and hopes to have one chosen in the next month or so. And, money isn’t an object. She’s very successful and very wealthy and wants everything to meet exacting environmental standards.

“So, you think you’ll get the job?”

“I think so. At least that’s the feeling I had when we left. I know she’s interviewing a couple of other firms, or has already interviewed them. She told us she’d be making a decision by the end of the month.”

“Well, if you have to go live in Texas for a time, I can certainly go with you. I’m able to write anywhere, so my work isn’t an issue.”

 Once again, Charlie’s heart sort of stuttered. Wow, she thought, he’s really serious about a genuine lasting relationship. I’m not sure how I feel about that. The sex is great. I like Adam, but do I like him enough to actually join him in a long-term relationship that includes marriage and children? She was really going to have think hard about what he wanted and try to figure out what she wanted besides a lot more sex with him.

When they left the diner, there was Sandi and Les walking down the sidewalk toward her shop. They stopped and as usual, Sandi and Charlie hugged as did Les and Charlie. “Sandi and Les, this is Adam Foster, but I believe you know him better as A. M. Foster.”

“Hello,” Sandi said, extending her hand. “I’m very happy to meet you….”

“As am I,” Les broke in. "Thanks to your books, I’ve had some extremely delightful evenings with my lovely wife. Not that we wouldn’t have had those evenings anyway, but her reading your prose certainly didn’t hurt a dang thing.”

“Now you just stop that Les. This man doesn’t need to be all in our business the first time we meet him. As I was saying, it’s a pleasure to meet you Adam.”

“It’s extremely nice to meet you both. Charlie has talked about the two of you a bit here and there. It’s nice to have faces to put with the names. And, thank you sir, for the compliment about my prose.”

“I guess you guys just finished lunch?” Sandi inquired.

“More like brunch. I slept in this morning, so it was too late for breakfast.”

“How’d the interview go?”

“I think it went very well. I’ll know more by the end of the month. We really need to get together for a girls’ dinner…and soon.” Charlie responded.

Sandi opened her bag and pulled out her phone. “Okay, how about Tuesday evening?”

“That works. I’ll pick you up after work. Think about where you’d like to have dinner.”

“I don’t really care if we eat or not as long as we have wine and catch up Charlie.” Sandi responded with a raised eyebrow.

“Works for me,” Charlie responded with a wink and very small nod.

It was their old way of communicating. Sandi was asking if Charlie and Adam had had sex and Charlie’s wink and small nod was an affirmative response.

“Great, can’t wait Charlie. I’ll see you about 5:30 unless you call to say you’re going to be late and I just might kill you if you do.”

While this had been going on, Les and Adam had been talking about something. Charlie and Sandi hadn’t paid enough attention to really know if it was sports, women or the weather and they didn’t really care. With farewells and more glads we met, the couple went their separate ways.

“So that’s Sandi, you’re best friend since diapers huh?” Adam asked as they walked toward his truck. “She and her husband seem like really nice folks. We should double date or something, or do people do that anymore? Maybe we could invite them for dinner and I’ll expose them to my cooking skills?”

“That would be fun, but we’ll have to plan ahead. Sandi works some evenings at her bookstore and Les does parent duty. We’d need to find a night they’d both be free to get a sitter and come. I’ll work on that, shall I?”

“Yes, you shall,” Adam responded as he opened the truck door. As Charlie climbed inside, Adam caressed her ass and when she turned to look at him, he looked back with a very innocent face.

“Guess we’re headed right back to your place?” Charlie asked with a smile.

“Yep, unless you can think of a better way to spend the afternoon.” Adam responded with a smile.

They spent the rest of the weekend more or less in bed. By Monday, Charlie found she was just a tad bit sore as she got ready for work. But it didn’t matter because she had a huge smile on her face. In her opinion, it had been the best sex ever, the best weekend ever and only slightly marred by Adam’s declarations. Charlie shrugged her shoulders as she climbed into her truck. She knew sooner or later, Adam would make her choose, but until then she was determined to enjoy every single minute she could spare with him.   

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 16

 

           When Charlie arrived home after being gone for five days instead of three, Adam couldn’t wait to see her. He was amazed at how much he’d missed seeing her each day. True, they’d talked at least once and sometimes more than that every day, but it wasn’t the same as seeing her in person, being able to breath the faint gardenia scent that seemed to always accompany her, to touch the soft creamy scent, to pull her body against his. He felt as thought he could toss her on his bed and ravish her for hours, maybe even days.

Charlie had also missed Adam, the feel of his hard body against hers, his lips in the best kisses she’d ever had, the comradery they shared when together, the food Adam so painstakingly prepared. She hadn’t had a really decent meal since she’d left.

Charlie was also excited to tell Adam about the interview and her expectations from it. Adam knew he was going to have to be careful when she talked about the project to not say something that would make her think he didn’t want her to accept the job. They came together in the late afternoon after Charlie had checked in at the office, found everything just fine, and walked from her place to Adam’s cabin for dinner.

Fortunately, Adam had prepared something that wouldn’t be hurt by them waiting to eat. When Charlie arrived, clad in a pair of sweats and a tank top covered by a heavy sweatshirt, Adam swept her into his arms and smothered her with long deliberate kisses that left them gasping and Charlie’s legs barely able to support her. Without stopping the kisses that had gone from their mouths to their ears and neck, Adam scooped Charlie up in his arms and walked through to his bedroom.

He knelt on his bed, which he’d made fresh that day with clean sheets and a clean duvet cover. He’d even gone so far as to turn the covers down to the bottom of the bed. He laid Charlie gently down, never breaking their kiss and joined her, laying his body on top of hers.

Charlie’s arms went around Adam and pulled him as close to her as she could. She hoped like hell he didn’t plan to get her all aroused and then get up to finish making dinner. She thought she just might commit her first homicide if he did that. But no, one of Adam’s hands was on her hip and then sliding up beneath her sweatshirt and tank top to gently fill his hand with her breast. Her nipple was already a very tight bud and as he pinched it gently between his thumb and finger, Charlie thought she might very well orgasm, the feelings between her thighs so strong.

Adam straightened up, his knees on each side of her and yanked off his t-shirt. Then he took the bottoms of Charlie’s shirts and pulled them up over her head. Both bare from the waist up, Adam returned his body to rub against Charlie’s. His matt of chest hair provided a thousand tiny stimulations to Charlie’s nipples. She moaned and tried to writhe beneath him, but he wouldn’t allow her any freedom to move her own body. His lips left her mouth and slowly traveled back to her ear and neck, then so slowly, she wanted to take his head and vigorously move it so his mouth was on top of her nipple he moved toward her breasts. He kissed all around them before finally licking the nipple and then blowing on it.

The only thing Charlie was aware of was Adam’s mouth and hands. As he laved her breasts, his hands moved downward, pushing her sweatpants and undies down her belly. She could feel his cock beneath his jeans pressed against her tummy and wanted to touch it, hold it, rub it, but again, Adam held her prisoner on the bed, taking his time, driving her crazy with desire. All she could do was to rub and scratch his back or hold his head against her breast.

Charlie surrendered. She let Adam have his way, let him direct their sexual experience. She laid there and let Adam kiss her with an open or closed mouth wherever he chose. When he straightened up to remove her pants, she didn’t resist, didn’t try to participate, just waited to see what he’d do to her next. When Adam had her totally naked, he knelt to the side and slowly worked his way down her torso to her center. Even then, he didn’t try to reach the area where Charlie wanted him to be the most. He kissed and nibbled his way down her thighs, calves, feet, sucked and licked her toes before he began to work his way back up.

Charlie had had no idea there were sensitive areas below the juncture of her thighs, especially her toes, but she was slowly finding that with Adam she might not have a single cell that wouldn’t respond to his touch. When Adam reached the top of her thighs, he moved and pushed her legs apart to kneel between them. Again, he returned to her mouth and kissed her slowly and completely, as if he had all the time in the world. Then, once again, he traversed the area between her mouth and her center. His fingers spread her vulva, exposing the erect little bud that had desired his attention and ministrations for what seemed like decades.

Still, Adam made Charlie wait. He blew on her clit, then licked it and blew some more. Charlie’s hands tried to reach his head, her hips tried to rise to meet his mouth, but Adam kept control. Charlie’s head moved to and fro on the pillow, she moaned and gasped and begged, “Adam, please, please suck me. Please. I want you. I need you. I want you now. Please Adam, please.”

Adam chuckled deep in his throat, the huffs of warm breath floating over her clit. “Be patient Charlie. I want this to be the absolute best sex ever for both of us. Just be patient.”

He returned to licking and blowing and then inserted one finger into her. She was so wet, she could barely feel it and she moaned, murmuring, “More, more.” Adam acquiesced and inserted another and then a third finger, gently moving them first in and then back out. Charlie was on the verge of orgasm, but every time she thought she was going over the crest, Adam would back off and leave her panting and wanting and crying out for more.

Finally, when Charlie felt she’d simply pass out from desire, Adam shoved his fingers into her and his mouth found her clit. While he sucked hard, his tongue flicked over her clit again and again and Charlie felt her orgasm taking hold. Adam didn’t retreat this time, but continued his ministrations until Charlie stopped quaking and was lying completely still.

It was then he stood up and removed his jeans and returned to the bed. He moved between her thighs and placed first one leg and then the other over his shoulders. That left her wide open and Charlie gasped with pleasure as he rammed his rock-hard cock into her vagina. For a few thrusts, Adam moved slowly, but then as Charlie’s response increased and Adam was positive she was moving toward another orgasm, he increased the timing of his thrusts until he was moving fast and slamming himself into her. He was desperately trying to stave off his own orgasm when he felt Charlie begin to quiver, to moan and say, “Now, now, come now.” And, so he did.

Charlie’s legs felt boneless as they slipped off Adam’s shoulders and he collapsed on to her. He didn’t feel heavy and his cock remained inside. She thought she wouldn’t mind actually dying right that very second just so they could stay like that forever. They were both sweaty and breathing like they’d run a 100-yard dash in mere seconds but they both also felt as though they’d just had the best experience of their lives.

It seemed like hours but was probably only minutes before Adam’s semi-flaccid cock escaped its velvety surroundings and he rolled to the side and brought Charlie with him. Still, they didn’t speak but just held on to each other while their hearts and lungs began to function normally again. Suddenly, Charlie began to giggle. “What the hell?” asked Adam, angling his head so he could look down at her.

Charlie looked up, a huge smile on her face as another giggle escaped. “When I’ve had an earth-shaking orgasm, I always end up laughing. I guess because it feels so good and, Adam, this wasn’t earth-shaking, it was universe-shattering. My God, but you practice what you write don’t you?” She snuggled back against him, putting one leg over his legs. Her hand went to his now flaccid cock, touching and caressing. “It’s so hard to believe that something so tender and soft can grow and bring such pleasure to a woman.” Charlie said meditatively. “I’ve always been fascinated by the penis. And when I got older and discovered what it could do, I found it even more interesting. I swear it’s a good thing I don’t have my very own, because I’d be so mesmerized, I’d probably do nothing but play with it all the time.” Charlie gave it a little squeeze and asked, “How come men aren’t enticed to jack off all the time, or at least play with it all the time?”

          Adam laughed and shook his head. “Are you fascinated by your own sexuality or is it just part of you as it’s always been? I’ll admit I was fascinated for a while after I discovered what it was to jack myself off, how it felt to have an orgasm, but once the actual novelty wore off, I never felt like I needed to do it every day all day. I’m sure it’s that way for most guys. What about you? Do you have sex with yourself every single day or more than once a day?”

          Charlie kind of shrugged her shoulders. “Well, it seems like I’ve always known what an orgasm was, that it was something that felt really good. I don’t remember ever getting in trouble for making myself feel good, but I think I also somehow knew it was a private thing. And I didn’t do it all the time, just every now and then until I entered puberty. Then it was like every single cell in my body wanted, demanded sex and orgasms. Of course, me and my best friend talked about it all the time and wondered how it would be to do it with a guy.”

          “How old were you when you found out?”

          “My best friend, Sandi, didn’t find out until she married Les. I was braver or possibly more stupid because I couldn’t wait and didn’t wait. I was just past 16 and what a disappointment. I somehow thought having sex with my high school sweetie would be like the books Sandi and I sneaked when we were younger and figuring things out.”

          “Disappointed, were you?”

          “Hell yeah. I was all hot and bothered and expecting to have the best orgasm I’d ever had in my life. My boyfriend barely got it inserted and came. Then, he was like done. I had to give myself my own orgasm once I got home.”

          “Sounds pretty much like my own first experience. Of course, I didn’t know my girl was disappointed and hopefully she wasn’t, but I really have no idea because we never talked about it. She didn’t want to do it after that…might get pregnant you know…so that was that.”

          “So, how did you learn such fantastic control? How did you learn to do what you did to me this afternoon? How did you learn everything you know and use when you write?”

          “That’s a secret I may share with you one of these days. Now, let’s get up and have something to eat. I’m starving and if you keep handling Tally, he’s going to grow up and take notice and we’ll be even more hungry.”

          “Your penis has a name? Tally?” Charlie let go of his penis and sat up laughing. “What’s it mean? Is it short for Tally Ho? Do all guys name their penises?”

          Adam sat up as well and put his legs over the side of the bed. “I don’t know about all guys, but me and some of my friends did. My mother always referred to it, when she had to refer to it, as my tallywhacker. So, I just shortened it to Tally. One of my friends had the biggest penis I’ve ever seen outside porno movies and he referred to his as the Big Guy.”

          “Fascinating,” Charlie responded, pulling on her sweatpants and tank top. “You’ll have to share some other penile names with me. If I ever meet any of your friends, I want to be able to shake Tommy’s hand and say nice to meet you as I think ooooh, it’s the Big Guy.”

          Laughing, they headed for kitchen and dinner, but once there, Adam pulled Charlie in for a long and deep kiss. When he let her go, he said, “Let’s have dinner and replenish our energy.”

          “Replenish, whatever for?” Charlie responded, dipping her hand to the base of his tummy and rubbing.

          Adam pulled her back for another kiss, his own hand reaching down to cup her mons. “I think we’re going to need a lot of energy before this night, or hell, this weekend is over.”

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 15

           As it turned out, Charlie didn’t have time to have a talk with Adam. The very next morning, a new client in another state reached out and wanted to talk to Charlie or someone in the firm about the construction of an office building and home that would meet LEED requirements for a Platinum award. The design and construction of such buildings would bring additional recognition to the firm.

The only problem was the client didn’t want to get in line and wait for her firm’s attention. It also meant millions and millions of dollars in earnings as well as taking the company from being sought after within her own state to being pursued elsewhere if they landed the contract and did the work. Charlie told the client she would get back to her by the end of the day.

First, she called Terrance to establish his availability. She would need him there as well to provide input on the design. After talking to Terrance, she called Justin in to her office and asked if he would be available to travel out of state for a few days and explained why. He told her he’d be happy to join her and Terrance for the interview stage with the client.

All her ducks in a row, so to speak, Charlie asked Stephanie to make travel arrangements for the three of them. Once the arrangements were confirmed, Charlie shared the information with Terrance and Justin and asked them both to join her that afternoon to talk about the presentation they’d be making. Then, just after noon, Charlie called and told the client, a Jessie Flanagan, that she and her team would be there the following day and ready with a presentation the day after that. Ms. Flanagan seemed impressed by the immediacy of Charlie’s response.

The three of them met and talked about what each of them would say and present to Ms. Flanagan. Terrance would go first and talk about his ideas for a multi-story office building as well as the home. His presentation would include slides of homes and office buildings that were based on his architectural renderings. Justin would go next and talk about LEED certification, what was required and how Terrance and the Ridgeway Company would implement all the requirements to achieve the award once the buildings were completed. Justin indicated he had a presentation he’d prepared for one of his school projects and could update and make it useable for the interview. Charlie would make the final presentation, discuss how her company would come into Ms. Flanagan’s territory, hire local craftsmen and union workers to do the building. In the beginning, the three of them would be on hand, but once the projects were well underway, there was the potential of handing off the day-to-day supervision to a local company or expert. She would include some photos of the largest projects the Ridgeway Company had completed, especially the few that had received LEED gold awards. If they landed this contract, it would be the first Platinum award.

It was after 5:00 pm by the time the three of them had completed their discussions and plans. Charlie was so excited by the prospect she could hardly sit still. She spent some time sending emails and instructions to the various foremen for the jobs currently underway. She also made sure Stephanie had all the information she would need in her boss’ absence. It was going on 8:00 pm by the time she picked up her cell phone and checked for messages.

There were seven just from Adam. Charlie realized she hadn’t given Adam a single thought since she received Ms. Flanagan’s phone call that morning. She waited to feel bad about ignoring him, but there was no discomfort or guilt waiting to rise into her consciousness. So, before she headed home to pack, she called him back.

He answered on the first ring. “Hi Adam, it’s me. Sorry to have ignored you all day, but I’ve been so busy and I’m so excited I can hardly sit still.”

“What’s going on? I’d hoped we could have lunch or dinner for sure, but I got hungry and ate without you.”

“That’s okay. I had Stephanie order in for Terrance, Justin and me. Once we finished planning, I had to make sure everything would move along smoothly while I’m gone.”

“Gone? Where you going.”

Charlie laughed delightedly. “This morning I received a phone call from a Ms. Jessie Flanagan. She wanted the Ridgeway Company to make a presentation about the design and construction of a six-story building as well as her personal home. Both projects are to be designed and built to meet and earn a LEED Platinum award.”

“So, where is this woman located and what’s a LEED building?”

“She lives in Texas and started a company years ago that specializes in personal care products that are made from organic plant products. Not only that, but the production of these products is friendly to the environment. It’s her goal to be completely carbon-neutral by 2030, if not before.”

“So, what does that have to do with you and your company?”

“Ms. Flanagan went on the hunt for companies that are led by women as well as taking the environment into consideration. She wants a six-story building that will house all her company’s offices as well as the production side of the products. And, as long as she’s having that done, she wants a new home that follows all the LEED requirements.”

“I still don’t know what a LEED is. I’m not even sure if it’s spelled LEAD or LEED.”

“LEED is spelled with two e’s and stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a certification program for green buildings created by the U.S. Green Building Council. There are four categories of award, LEED Certified is the lowest, followed by LEED Gold and LEED Silver. The highest award is Platinum and that’s what Ms. Flanagan wants for her buildings. The building must meet certain criteria with regard to energy and water efficiency, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, the quality of the indoor environment, thoughtful selection of building materials and the building site must be sustainable. Under each of those additional criteria are lists of requirements which apply to each one. A truly LEED building will meet every single one of the lengthy list of standards.”

“Wow, that sounds quite demanding and you’re going to do a presentation with only one day of preparation?”

“Yes, but the company has slowly been adopting the various principles of LEED building and Dennis just graduated from school and his final project was the design of a building which met each and every single one of the requirements. He’s going to sell this deal for us.”

“You sound pretty positive about landing the contract.”

“I am. Between Terrance, Dennis and myself, we’ll be unstoppable no matter who else is interviewed.”

“So, if you get the contract, what will that mean for your company and for you?”

“Well, it’ll mean I’ll have to live in Texas for a while, or at least until the project is well underway and I’ve learned the local folks are completely trustworthy and knowledgeable about what we’ll be doing.”

“I really hate the thought of you being so far away, but I’m excited for you and the recognition you’re receiving for the work you’ve already done. Will I see you tonight?”

“No, Adam, I’m sorry. I’m still at the office and have to go home to pack. We’ll be picked up at 5:00 am at the office tomorrow morning and I seriously hope I’ll be tired enough after packing that I can go right to sleep. I’ll miss you though and hope we can have dinner the evening of my return. I’ll be back on Thursday afternoon, or at least that’s the plan now.”

“Well, good luck with Ms. Flanagan. Maybe I’ll get some research done on the novel for which I’ve been drafting an outline the last couple of weeks.”

“Good luck with that Adam. I’ll miss seeing you. I don’t think we’ve missed a day in the last couple of weeks. Maybe the time apart will allow us to think about the relationship we now have and what we might want in the future.”

“That sounds a bit ominous Charlie. You planning to send me on my way? I don’t think I’d like that idea very much.”

“No, not exactly, but I do think we need to talk about our relationship and what we each want and expect. I’ve pretty much followed your lead since you sort of told me off. It’s not something I’m used to and I don’t like it very much. So, we do need to talk. Anyway, don’t worry Adam. I really like you a lot and do want to see what the future might hold for us.”

“Hmmmm. Guess that will have to do until you get back.”

“Good night Adam. I’ll text or call while I’m gone. Take care and be good.”

Adam chucked a bit and responded with, “You know I am a very caring person and always good. Good night Charlie and best of luck.”

As Adam hit the off button on his cell, he heaved a huge sigh. Crap, he thought. Just when things seemed to be going well, she’s off to another state with the possibility of having to live there for who knows how long. I don’t like that idea at all. On the other hand, if she gets the contract, I cannot very well demand she turn it down just to stay next door. Hell, even if we were a genuine couple as in engaged or married, I’d still have to stand back and let her move forward. Knowing Charlie as I do now, there’s no way she’d choose to stay here and let another company have the job.

Adam got ready for bed, but his thoughts were a bit tumultuous. There you were, you fool, he told himself, acting like the yankee prude. Telling her you didn’t want to have a sexual relationship without some kind of a relationship based on getting to know each other. He turned over and hit his pillow a couple of times. What happens if she gets this job and decides she just doesn’t have time for a relationship with me. Or, what happens if she decides it’s sex or nothing. Well, you’d be a real fool if she said that and you walked away. Although, face it, you’ve already pretty much done that already. He soon came to the conclusion he wasn’t going to get much sleep that night as he turned over and hit his pillow again.

Meanwhile, Charlie had arrived home, pulled her carry-on suitcase from the closet and began to pack the various items she’d need. The carry-on and her briefcase would be all she was taking, so it didn’t take too long to fold and pack the items. She’d toss in her toiletries after her shower in the morning. She told herself she couldn’t wait for her dad to come back home. She didn’t want to jinx the potential contract, so even though she wanted to call him and rave about the phone call and the potential for a LEED Platinum job, she wouldn’t let herself do that. She’d tell him once she got the contract or if she didn’t, she could tell him about the possibility then.

           Charlie didn’t think she’d get much sleep that night either, but it had nothing to do with Adam. Her head was filled with ideas about what could be done and accomplished on this project. One idea was followed by another and finally, she sat up, turned on the light and began to make notes. If Adam had known what was keeping Charlie awake was diametrically opposed to what was keeping him awake, he’d have felt very let-down and perhaps a trifle hopeless. 

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 14

 

          Over the next couple of weeks, Adam and Charlie were together for at least some time each day. Sometimes they met up for coffee in the morning or afternoon and shared stories about their lives before they’d met. Other days, they had dinner together, usually at Adam’s house or in a restaurant because Charlie didn’t cook. She did make her curried chicken and broccoli and Adam did like it, but unless they wanted sandwiches or snacks for dinner, it was take-out, eat-out or Adam cooked.

During all this time, their physical relationship wasn’t moving forward. There was hand-holding, kisses and hugs, but that was it. Charlie thought it was a bit like being in high school where a relationship had been identified by baseball terminology. So far Adam hadn’t even tried to get to second base and seemed content to hold at first. Charlie had never been so sexually frustrated in her life and wondered if Adam did what she did for relief. Her wonderful toy was seeing almost nightly use these days.

Charlie decided she really needed to talk to someone about this relationship, so she called her best friend Sandi and proposed they get together for lunch or dinner or just drinks. She didn’t care. She needed to talk and she needed advice.  Sandi was available for dinner the following day and Charlie hoped Adam was just a bit disappointed when she told him she was eating out with a friend. She couldn’t tell though since Adam dropped a peck on her forehead and told her he’d make something special for dinner the day after if she wanted to come by.

The women decided they’d have dinner at Sophia’s not because it was expensive and good, but because of the huge booths that allowed pretty much total privacy so they could talk, laugh and cry without being overheard. Settled into the comfy banquettes, they ordered drinks and a couple of starters and told their waitress they’d not be ordering for some time. That was the other thing about Sophia’s…the staff was always patient and as long as you tipped well when you left, you could come for dinner and practically stay for breakfast.

“So, Charlie,” Sandi said after taking a sip of her Cosmo, “What’s going on. You sounded a bit sad and plaintive when you called.”

“You’ve known me since we were in diapers, right?” Charlie responded and Sandi nodded, helping herself to the small brie baked in filo dough. “You’ve also always known I go after what I want and I’ve always achieved the goal set whether it had to do with my business or my personal life. I’ve dated a lot and had probably more than my share of sexual experiences with a wide variety of men.”

“Oh. My. God.” Sandi laughed after she’d swallowed. “You were a very naughty girl in school and I envied your ability to do what you wanted and get away with it. I was sure if I let one of those boys have their way, I’d end up pregnant and shamed for the rest of my life. But you, you just went your merry way and never got caught.”

“Are you kidding me. What about the time my folks came home early and I had to hide Brian Sutherland beneath my bed? I couldn’t think of a reason why I was in bed and all flushed except for feeling sick. I thought my mamma would never stop fussing over me and go away. Then Brian had to climb out my window and almost fell and broke his leg.”

Both women laughed and Sandi added, “Poor Brian, he limped around for a couple of weeks with a bad sprain. Good thing it wasn’t football or basketball season or he’d have had to sit on the sidelines.”

Charlie swallowed the last of her drink and signaled for another. “Ah such good times I had, right Sandi?” she asked wistfully. “But maybe I should have been more like you. Maybe I should have saved myself for a husband and kids. Look at you and Les, married since you graduated college with two lovely children.”

“What’s going on here Charlie? This isn’t like you. You’ve always been eager to go ahead and see what would happen. I never thought you had regrets about  any of the relationships or experiences you’ve had. What’s made you have doubts about yourself or at least that seems to be what I’m getting from you.”

Charlie waited until the waitress put her drink on the table. “Okay, you remember months ago I came into the shop looking for books by that Foster author?”

“Do I? Les would probably remember as well because I read each and every one of them too. He thought he'd died and gone to heaven and  I’m lucky I didn’t end up pregnant.”

“Okay, I think I told you then that whenever Adam was around or we touched, even if it was just our hands, that every hair on my body stood at attention. There was or is this electricity between the two of us. Adam has admitted as much.”

“So, what’s the problem if you both feel the sizzle? Are you seeing this Adam?”

“Yes. I did what I’ve always done and tried very hard to get Adam to go to bed with me. I pretty much put myself out there, expecting he would reciprocate….”

“You can’t be saying he turned your down?” Sandi interrupted.

“Well, yes and no. He sort of told me off about being so forward and then kinda told me his expectations with regard to us having a relationship. I want the sex now and he doesn’t.”

          “He doesn’t? He writes all those erotic passages in his books. I’d think he’d be more eager than you. I’d also think he’d be one hell of a lover and more than willing to share his prowess.”

“I guess that’s why they call it fiction, Sandi. When he told me what he wants, the first item mentioned was not sex. He wants to get to know me and for me to know him. He wants to hear all about my growing up, my interests, my past and future desires and he wants to share all of his own past and future with me as well.”

“Doesn’t sound too difficult. So, are you seeing him? Are you sharing with him and he with you?”

“Yes, we’ve been together almost every day for the last couple of weeks. He’s a fabulous cook, so he’s made most of the dinners unless we go out or bring food in. We talk and talk and talk and there’s usually some time toward the end of the evening when we cuddle and kiss and, to use an old high school word, pet a bit.”

“He hasn’t tried to rip your clothes off? You haven’t had sex yet?”

Charlie looked down at the table and shook her head.

“Holy Fuck, but I never thought I’d ever hear something like that from you Charlie. What’s holding him back? Is he gay and not sharing that information?”

“Oh no, he’s not gay, far from it. I’ve had the uncomfortable pleasure of feeling a gigantic penis pressed against my belly or thigh, but Adam hasn’t even gone so far as to touch a bare breast. Lots of kissing and nibbling and heavy breathing, but nothing skin to skin beyond lips on my face and neck.”

“What happens? I mean, does he just push you away and act as though nothing’s happening? If Les tried that with me, I’d find a way to tie him to the bed and have my way.”

“Adam doesn’t exactly push me away, but he seems to reach a point and then it’s time for the evening to end. He walks me to my house or car or whatever, but he doesn’t suggest I stay over or he stay over. It’s just kinda see you tomorrow, followed by a soul-searing kiss and then he walks away.”

Sandi drained her glass and waved it at the waitress. “Good heavens, I can’t believe he has the self-control to do that. Sheesh, what is his problem?”

“I honestly don’t know. I’ve been trying to be patient, to let Adam lead the way, but he’s driving me crazy and my personal toy is getting one hell of a workout every single night. I don’t know what to do to make him try for a home-run.”
          “Okay, he said he wanted you guys to get to know each other. Is that happening? Is he sharing his past life and what he wants from the future with you? Are you sharing the same with him?”

“Yes, yes, yes. We talk and talk and talk and some times I feel as if I’ll scream if I have to come up with another endearing and funny story about my childhood. I’ve heard lots of stories about his life and what he wants going forward. He wants a wife and kids, quite possibly six which scares the absolute crap out of me. He wants to enlarge his cabin and live there with his family. He wants to keep writing but would like to try another venue that doesn’t include a whole lot of sex.”

“Okay, and what have you said about what you want from the future?”

“That’s just it. I haven’t said a lot beyond wanting the company to grow and expand and end up building only environmentally sound projects. I haven’t talked about wanting to be married or having kids because I honestly don’t know if I do.”

“What about the sizzle? Now that you’ve gotten to know each other better, is it still there? Is it stronger now or weaker?”

“That’s the biggest problem for me. As far as I go, the sizzle isn’t just a sizzle any longer; it’s become a raging fire. I can’t tell if it’s changed for Adam because he’s so reticent. I’m trying to be patient. I’m trying to let him be the aggressor, but there’s nothing I want more at this point than to have mad, wild, passionate sex with Adam. I don’t know what to do.”

“Have you tried talking to Adam about how you feel? Maybe if he knew just how much you wanted to jump his bones, he’d be more forthcoming with his affections?”

“That’s how we ended up where we are. I made it perfectly clear I was ready, more than willing, and able to consummate our relationship even though we barely knew each other. He wasn’t. He’s like some virgin who has to get to know his partner before getting laid. Fuck, but it’s really really annoying.”

“Well, maybe you need to revisit his idea about your relationship. It seems like he’s having it all his way and your wants and needs aren’t being considered one little teeny weeny bit. I actually can’t believe you’ve gone along with this. It’s so not you Charlie girl.”

“Yeah, well, it’s just that there’s this voltage between us and I really want to see what happens if we ever come together. If sex has been good before, sex with Adam ought to be mind-bending. If it weren’t for the feelings I get every time we’re together, I’d just walk away.”

          “I think you should talk to Adam and tell him how you feel. If he isn’t interested, then you can give it up and move on. Now, I’m beginning to really feel the booze, so how about ordering some dinner?”

          Charlie and Sandi consulted the menus and ordered. By unacknowledged agreement, they didn’t spend any more time talking about Adam. It was Sandi’s turn to talk about Les and her kids and her bookstore. Charlie listened and asked questions. Once their food arrived, they continued to talk between bites and since Sandi saw far more of the people they both knew because of her bookstore, she kept Charlie laughing when it came to a couple of teachers they’d both had and a few girlfriends and their husbands or significant others.

          As they were settling up their bills, Charlie said, “You know we really are quite catty when it comes to some of the people we know.”

          Sandi laughed and agreed, saying, “That may be so, but you have to admit every single thing we said about each one of them was factual, factual, but funnier than hell. Wonder what they have to say about us when they get together.”

          “I know. Don’t you wish you could be a little bug in the corner when Samantha, Gloria and Tiffany all get together? Compared to what we say about them, I’m sure the acid spoken would definitely cause us to become deaf.”

          Outside the restaurant, the women hugged farewell and Sandi started for her car. She turned back to give Charlie another hug and said, “Now, be sure and call or come see me once you talk to Adam. I’ll either celebrate with you or wipe away your tears.

          Charlie agreed and got into her truck. She wasn’t going to go by Adam’s on the way home. She’d wanted to think about what Sandi had said as well as how she was going to approach Adam about their relationship. She didn’t exactly want to say give me sex or go away, but she didn’t want continue the dance Adam had been leading for the last little while. If it were anyone but Adam, she thought, she’d probably tell him to fuck me or else. But, there was something sweet about Adam and his approach to their relationship, so she was going to have to find a way to ask nice and politely. Damnit, if I only didn’t think I was falling in love with him, but I just may be. As she pulled into her parking place beside her house, she shrugged her shoulders and told herself that tomorrow was a new day and at its end, she’d know if time with Adam would continue.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 13

 

         Now, it was Charlie’s turn to think about a relationship with Adam. She hesitated at her driveway, tempted to follow him to his cabin and jump his bones whether it wanted it or not, but instead, she turned into her own driveway. She sat in her truck for a while wondering whether or not she wanted to pursue any kind of a relationship with Adam.

Ever since high school, she’d stayed independent and any kind of a liaison she developed, whether it was with the high school football star or like the one she’d just ended with Bradley had been loose and free and fun. She’d known at the beginning and tried very hard to make sure the boy/man she’d been involved with knew she didn’t want any kind of a long-term commitment. Adam was the first man she’d encountered who wasn’t interested in just jumping into bed and having sex.

Charlie got out of the truck and went inside. She poured herself a shot of her favorite bourbon and went to the porch swing. Nestled in her pillows with a soft blanket on her legs, she sipped and enjoyed the quiet. Someone, maybe across the lake had a fire and it smelled like burning leaves. Autumn was definitely replacing summer.

Charlie made an admission to herself. Yes, she was lonely. She missed her parents and all her friends, especially the closest ones had husbands and children. She thought about how happy Sandi was with Les and how adorable their little ones were and wondered if she actually wanted that for herself. She’d always thought she didn’t and wouldn’t, but maybe if the right man came along, she’d change her mind.

Adam could quite possibly be the right man. She’d never experiences the sensations she got when he took her hand, touched her or was even just nearby. And, he felt something too because he’d admitted that. He’d even admitted, more or less, that he wanted a relationship otherwise why would he want to talk about their histories or their futures.

Damnit, this was all so annoying. Charlie tipped her glass, only to find it was empty. She was so annoyed, she almost heaved it out into the yard, but didn’t. Another thought had popped into her head and she didn’t like it one little bit. Could it be she was afraid to commit to a relationship with Adam, or anyone for that matter, that was about more than just enjoying the pleasures of sex and not much else. She shook her head. She couldn’t possibly be afraid. She wasn’t afraid of anything. Look how she’d managed school and then taken on the company and made it even more successful.

Charlie began making a list of all her accomplishments and how fear would have made it impossible to achieve everything she’d done. Still, list finished, back patted, there was still a little wiggle of fear when she thought about Adam and making an effort to engage in the kind of relationship he’d told her he wanted. She tried to envision what it would be like to see him every single day, to share her innermost secrets, both old and new, with him. What if she fell in love with him and he didn’t fall in love with her? That would absolutely suck and the only way to make sure it didn’t happen was to avoid Adam altogether.

Charlie fell asleep on the porch swing and it was late and chilly when she woke and stumbled into her bed. She didn’t remember reaching a decision about Adam before she fell asleep, but when she woke up, apparently her inner self had decided because after she showered and dressed, she called Adam.

“Hi Adam. It’s Charlie. I’ve thought about what you had to say last night, about us getting to know each other better.”

“Hi Charlie. Yeah?”

“Maybe it’s not such a bad idea, but I want you to know I’ve never had a commitment that lasted longer than a few months. I don’t know if I’m capable of sustaining one.”

“You won’t know until you try Charlie,” was Adam’s response.

“I know, so why don’t you come to dinner tonight at my place. I’ll whip up the one thing I’m capable of making that’s edible….”

“Don’t you remember I told you how much I like to cook?” Adam interrupted. “If you don’t, it’s a fact I love cooking and it’s not much fun just for myself. So, instead of my going to your place, why don’t you walk on over here at dinnertime? You can save your masterpiece for another occasion.”

“Well, if you’re sure. What time do you consider dinnertime?”

“We’ll eat around 7:00, but you can arrive anytime after 5:00. How’s that?”

“Just fine. Can I bring anything, wine, beer, flowers?”

“Nope, I’ve got it all handled. Just bring your appetite.”

“Okay, see you then Adam. Bye.”

“Bye Charlie.”

As she disconnected, Charlie realized she had butterflies in her tummy. She’d never ever had butterflies about a date with anyone in her life…until now. Part of her wanted to call Adam back and cancel the dinner, but she forced herself to put the phone down and get busy. She needed to do some laundry, look at some plans she’d brought home with her and make a grocery list because her freezer was almost empty and she hadn’t had any cheese, crackers or yogurt to take for lunch the day before.

Charlie hadn’t walked the pathway between the cabins for years. She knew various animals used it and kept it from being overgrown by weeds. Adam had used it, but not all that much. She took her time, the bottles of wine she’d decided to bring in a shoulder bag. You just didn’t go someplace for dinner and not bring a hostess, or in this case, host gift. The bottles clinked softly when she’d stop to admire a particular shrub or tree or colorful leaf. The butterflies were back in her tummy because this was totally unexperienced territory, but she told herself she’d be just fine.

Charlie stepped out of the woods to find Adam on his cabin’s porch, smoke drifting lazily from a Weber grill. “Hey Adam,” Charlie called. “Something smells delicious.”

Adam pulled her in for a hug when she climbed the two steps to the porch. He heard the bottles clink and asked, “What’s this?” and took the bag from her shoulder.

“You know no self-respecting person goes to dinner at someone’s home without bringing something. Surely, you’ve noticed that during your time down here?”

“Yep,” he responded, pulling the bottles from the bag. “I think this red is going to go perfectly with the pork butt I’ve been cooking all day long. I’m so glad you called early enough for me to get it going. It’s not a large one, but it still takes some time for it to come out perfect. That’s unless you want beer with your pulled pork sandwiches.”

“I think I wouldn’t mind the beer. It’s still a little warm, so a cold one would be tasty.”

While Adam took the wine inside, Charlie sat down on the top step. When he returned and handed her a beer, he joined her. She wasn’t exactly sure how to begin the conversation or what to talk about. She figured she’d let Adam lead the way, throw out a topic or something. She’d never felt this uncomfortable with a man in her life.

“So, you don’t cook all that much I take it?” Adam more or less asked.

“Nope. My mamma’s a wonderful cook, but no matter how hard she tried to teach me how to make food that tasted absolutely yummy, whatever I made always fell far short of what she produced, even if I followed the recipe perfectly or she stood at my shoulder telling me exactly what to do.” Charlie laughed. “I think in some ways she was relieved when I declared I wasn’t going to have another lesson. What about you? I sort of had the idea you had a cook or chef growing up.”

“My family did have a cook and my, oh my, what a wonderful cook she was too. It wasn’t that my mother couldn’t find her way around the kitchen, because she could and did at times, especially when we went to the cape in the summer. The thing was she was far too busy with teaching and the various organizations for which she volunteered.”

“So, did you just take up cooking when you left home then?”

“No, I wasn’t into sports like my brother and sister. I didn’t care about a single professional team and the idea of playing football or soccer, getting knocked around and filthy dirty wasn’t my idea of fun. Basketball wasn’t much better because everyone got all hot and sweaty and I just found exchanging sweat to be quite disagreeable.”

Charlie laughed, “I bet that went over real well. What happened? Did everyone assume you were gay?”

Adam chuckled and responded, “Some folks took exception to my likes and dislikes, but I was a quick and dirty fighter. Call me a faggot at your own peril. It only took a few fights during middle and high school to convince my schoolmates I was just as virile and manly as they were.

“Our cook’s name was Gladys, or Ms. Gladys to me. I think my mom hired her when I began kindergarten because she was able to return to teaching with all her kids in school. When I’d come home, Ms. Gladys would always have milk and fresh cookies waiting. It didn’t take long before I hung around the kitchen and asked questions and offered to help. Usually, once she realized I was truly interested, she would allow me to help and eventually to take over the making of an entire recipe. By the time I left home, I was capable of making a five-course meal for the entire family. Of course, living alone since then, I haven’t made many meals that require that kind of attention and detail.”

“I’m impressed. My mamma would probably love you to bits if she knew all that.”

“Anyway, what’s the only edible dish you’re capable of making?”

“Curried chicken and broccoli. Fresh broccoli in the bottom of a casserole topped by cooked shredded chicken…and I cheat on the chicken because I buy it at the deli…covered by a cheesy curry sauce, topped with croutons and baked in the oven. I can also throw together a salad to go with that, but I think anyone can make a salad unless they are totally hopeless.”

“We didn’t have much in the way of curry dishes back home, but I look forward to trying yours. I’ve eaten Indian and Thai food with curry and liked it a lot. Now, excuse me for a few minutes while I work on our dinner.”

While Adam was busy on the porch and probably in the kitchen, Charlie got up and wandered around his cabin, noting what needed repair and making a mental list. She didn’t think he could really make it through another winter without replacing his roof. It looked pretty sad. Eventually, she wandered down to the dock and sat on the edge, letting her feet dip into the water. She loved this time of day when everything seemed to be winding down. It always seemed like the breeze became warmer and gentler, the call of the birds and other animals softer and longer.

“Charlie, c’mon up. It’s ready and I really hope you’re hungry.”

She put her sandals back on, picked up her empty bottle and moved quickly toward the cabin. She was definitely hungry and the smoke that had been lingering ever since her arrival had only whetted her appetite.

“I thought we’d eat inside and that way those pesky bugs will stay out of our food.” Adam told her, holding the door open.

Charlie was surprised to see how beautifully Adam had set the table. It was covered by a red cloth and large white plates rested on black place mats. There were two lit candles in glass candle holders, red napkins and a small spray of flowers in a black vase. There was also a small tray that held what had to be pickled onions, butter and a variety of barbeque sauces.

“Wow, pretty fancy for a bachelor boy. I think I should wash my hands before I sit though.”

Adam directed her to the sink and held her chair when she came back to the table. “Now, this isn’t a fancy meal, but it’s something I absolutely love and figured you would too because you like Ebenezer’s so much.”

Adam brought her another beer only this time he poured it carefully into a beer glass. Then, he returned from the counter with smaller black plates on which he’d placed huge buns, one half covered by the best looking and smelling pork Charlie had ever seen. It was accompanied by baked beans and cornbread.

“Oh, my goodness,” Charlie breathed, “this all looks delicious and if it’s as good as it smells, well, I may think I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

Over the next little while, they ate and drank and murmured to each other about what they were eating. More than once, Charlie closed her eyes and a small moan escaped as she swallowed another bite of the pulled pork. When she’d finished the first plate, Adam made her a second sandwich and brought another beer.

“Oh my God,” Charlie exclaimed, “and please excuse my burp, but I think I may explode. I really should not have had seconds, but Adam, it was so damn good I just couldn’t say no. Well, actually, I didn’t say yes either since you just put it in front of me.”

“Well, Charlie, I do love a woman who loves to eat. I liked watching you eat what I made. One of these times, once we know each other better, I’ll have to suck the sauce from your fingers and lick it from your chin.”

“Does that mean I’ll be dessert?” Charlie asked flirtatiously.

“I hope so, eventually. Meanwhile, lets move to the couch. It’s too buggy and cold to sit on the porch. I laid a fire earlier and I’m sure it will feel good.”

Adam joined Charlie on the couch once the fire was lit. It felt comfortable to sit there side by side until Adam said, “Why don’t you turn and lean against that pillow and put your legs over mine. I’ll give you a nice foot rub while we talk.”

Charlie loved the way his hands, neither soft nor hard with callouses rubbed her feet and moved up her calves. She really wanted his hands to move higher, but he always stopped just below her knee. She hoped she’d have the patience Adam seemed to want or need.

“I gather you’re the baby of the family from what you said earlier? How much younger are you and what are your sibling’s names?”

Adam had been rubbing her feet and legs while staring into the fire and started a bit at her question. “My parents were careful to have their three children each three years apart. My brother, Ben, is six years older than me and Susan is three years older. They were horrible influences on me and did everything they possibly could to get me in trouble.”

“Like what?”

“It was never anything major. For instance, Ben put a snake in Susan’s bed and blamed me. Susan let all the air out of Ben’s bike tires and blamed me. They got into Christmas presents, and lots of other stuff for which I was always blamed. They could both lie with completely straight faces while even when I was telling the truth, I somehow looked guilty. I don’t think I ever got the opportunity to actually get even with either of them for the crappy stuff like that.

“You never got away with anything?”

“Of course, I did. I had my own band of miscreants and we did lots of stupid stuff for which we should have been beaten or that could have resulted in one or all of us dying. But you know when you’re young, there is no death concept.”

“What did you do that was so bad?”

“Every single one of us had a BB gun. We discovered we could drop stick matches into the barrel and fire them. If you held a war in a pitch-dark basement, when the matches hit the concrete wall or floor, it would light and you could see your enemies and quick, shoot off another one. Looking back, it’s amazing no one lost an eye. And, oh yeah, you had to go to war bare-chested. Some of those matches did hurt.

“Then there was the time, about five of us managed to sneak quite a few bullets from our fathers’ stash. We managed to open them up and pour all the gun powder into something…maybe a prescription bottle. I don’t really remember now. Anyway, we then wrapped the bottle with duck-tape until it was the size of a softball. Oh, I forgot, we included a fuse and I don’t remember what we used for that either.”

Adam was so caught up in his story, he’d stopped rubbing her feet and was gesturing with his arms and hands. “Anyway, we took it quite a few blocks away from our houses and put it under a shrub on someone’s parking strip. Then we lit the fuse and ran and hid where we could watch what happened.”

“Did it blow up?”

Adam snorted and shook his head, “Did it blow up. You bet it did and we were so lucky there weren’t any cars nearby or that we’d stayed in the vicinity. It blew that shrub to pieces and left a hole in the parking strip that was about a foot deep. We thought it was the best thing we’d ever done but heard later the police came out and maybe even the FBI.”

Charlie laughed. “I’ll bet if your parents knew about that you wouldn’t have been able to sit for a month.”

“You know it. Now, scootch over and let me lean on the pillow too.”

Charlie scootched and Adam laid down on his side facing her. His hands, those wonderful hands began to rub her head beneath her hair. His lips kissed her forehead, down her cheek to her ear and back up the other side. Charlie wanted to grab him and pull him in for a kiss that would surely leave them both breathless, but forced herself to stay still, to let Adam lead the way.

Eventually, but not soon enough for Charlie, Adam asked her to raise her head and he put his arm beneath her neck. Charlie turned toward him so they were pressed against each other on the couch. While Adam continued to tease her with little kisses and licks, none of them below her shoulders, Charlie put her one free arm around Adam’s chest and rubbed his back.

Finally, Adam’s mouth found Charlie’s, but he didn’t give her the soul-searing kiss for which she’d been waiting. He nibbled and kissed and licked at her mouth until she thought she would go crazy with wanting him to kiss her. Then, his mouth covered hers and his tongue entered to twine around hers. She tried to suck on his tongue, but he was too quick, but did suck hers when she pushed it into his mouth.

This lip interplay seemed to go on forever and Charlie found herself thinking she could manage to participate in this way for a very long time. It felt wonderful. She felt treasured and wanted and special in a way she’d never felt before. Maybe taking their time wouldn’t be such a bad thing after all.

Just as she reached that conclusion, Adam gave her one last kiss, turned and sat up. “It’s getting kinda late. Let me get you the container of pork I set aside and my flash. I’ll walk you home.”

Charlie couldn’t believe what she’d just heard. Sheesh, how in the hell did he just turn it on and off? One minute she was being kissed senseless and the next it seemed like she’d been doused with cold water. She huffed and sat up when Adam went to the kitchen. Fine, just fine. She’d never ever wanted sex as much as she wanted it right now, but she’d be fine, just fine.

They didn’t talk much as Adam walked Charlie home through the woods. At her door, he handed her the container of pork, only to lean in and give her another soul-searing kiss. It was only her mamma’s training that kept Charlie from pouring the pork over Adam’s head.

He stepped back, saying, “Thanks for coming to dinner Charlie. I really enjoyed the evening. Good night.”

“Thank you for dinner Adam. I enjoyed hearing about your childhood exploits. See you later.”

Charlie watched as Adam and his flash disappeared into the woods. She wondered how long this sexually charged dance they were doing would last. She sincerely hoped it would be worth it when it came to an end or she was afraid she might have to murder Adam. Her defense would be long-term frustration.