AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I brought some beer and put it in the fridge. So, where do you want to start?” she asked, looking around at the place.
“To be honest? I haven’t a clue. I’m thinking of the kitchen. The coffee pot will be the most important first thing in the morning.”
“Right, okay. The kitchen it is. If it’s okay, I’ll start unloading boxes and putting things where I think they’re practical, while you make some semblance of a bedroom, so you’ll be able to sleep tonight. Sound like a game plan?”
“Sounds perfect. Thanks again for helping.”
“Don’t mention it. Now go,” she demanded as she cranked up the radio and started singing “Last Night” along with the country singer. I could never remember his name.
I smiled and walked to my bedroom to tackle the daunting task of putting all my clothes away. I had two closets and already decidedto use, one for golf clothes and clubs and the other for the rest of my stuff. I could hear the music drift through the hall, reaching my room as the breeze blew through the open windows and I thoughtI’m going to dig this place; I’ll put you beaut’s right here.I put my favorite, and my cheapest, set of clubs up against the wall in the closet I’d chosen for the golf side of things.
It felt like I had only been working for about twenty minutes when Kayla interrupted me by coming into the room and dumping another box. “Last one; the movers are gone. I gave them the tip you left on the counter in the envelope.”
“How did you know it was a tip?” I glanced back at her, and my eyebrows shot up in surprise.
“Are you saying I’m less than smart, Parker? I mean, the envelope clearly read ‘Tip’ in black ink, big letters across it,” she said as she wrote in the air with her finger, her nails long and red.
“No, I guess not. Smarter than the average bird,” I said and winked at her. “I’ve only got about ten more minutes in here–well, fifteen now that you brought another box. It looks like the sun is setting. Want to shower and grab something for dinner?”
“First off, I thought you’d never ask. I can’t wait to jump in and feel suds all over your hot body. Secondly, it’s about time you’re done here–it’s been two hours! I have the kitchen done and the living room set up, minus the television hung on the wall.” She clapped her hands, as if she were finished and proud of herself.
As for me, I stood there with my mouth half open in shock. I'd been in the two rooms, the master and the one down the hall, for almost two hours. I glanced at my watch to be sure she wasn’t joking.
Then I thought about the shower statement as I imagined being in the shower with her, covered in nothing but suds. Kayla was a beautiful lady, no doubt about it. Someone was going to be a damn lucky man. But we both knew we were better together as best friends rather than lovers. I’d been there and done that–well, almost done that–in high school. And I won’t lie, it was tempting.
I walked over to her, bent down as slow as I could, got as close to her mouth as I could without kissing her, then turned on my heels, laughed, and hurried toward the door as I smacked her playfully on the ass.
“You’re so full of yourself, Parker!” she sang as she ran by, pouring cold water down the back of my shirt.
“Shit, that’s fuckin’ cold!” I jumped up and down, trying to get the ice out of my shirt, finally taking the shirt off. “Okay, you win! We’ll shower separately, then do dinner?”
“If that’s a question, then I’ll have to pass. I have a date tonight. But I love ya just the same and will see you tomorrow. Want to go for a run with Simba before I go to work tomorrow?” she asked as she headed towards the door.
“That sounds great. Have fun on your date–and hey, Kayla, thanks a lot. I mean it. I appreciate all your help, really. I’m glad to be in the neighborhood.”
“Welcome home, Parker. Welcome home,” she said as she jogged toward her house.
Olivia
We loved with a love that was more than love. Edgar Allen Poe
The hot water felt good against my cool skin. It was our last week at the cabin and on the island. I had to admit I would miss the place, its serenity, its quaintness, and its people. The days were getting shorter as fall approached, and the nights a bit cooler.
My rehabilitation had taken much longer than the expected six weeks–more like ten weeks. It was needed, and I wasn’t sure, but I believe most of my healing came from removing myself from the familiar. I was no longer angry, though I knew I’d always miss my mom; that was only natural, and I might still get angry occasionally.
I had fallen in love with natural remedies, as well as how they made me look and feel. I had never looked better. I was more toned, and my skin was clearer and more radiant than it had ever been. The healthy lifestyle agreed with me, as well as fresh air and the ocean.
Drying myself off, I slipped out of the bathroom and into my bedroom, where I put on a summer dress that hung loose yet kissed my curves in all the right places. As I swayed my hips in the mirror, I liked what I saw, and I smiled. I ran a brush through my hair, swished it to one side over my left shoulder, put a touch of makeup on, a dab of perfume, and headed down the stairs to join Alex on the deck.
“How was the shower?” he asked as he turned the steaks over.
The aroma was rich from the charbroil and the seasonings from a local market: garlic, herbs, and a butter mixture. My stomach rumbled, telling me it was hungry. “It was nice to get the sand and ocean water off from the beach today. Which–by the way, thank you. I enjoyed that. The steak smells amazing. Is there anything I can do?”
“Nope, everything is done except the steak. I poured you a glass of Chardonnay; it’s on the table there. Just sit and relax. Enjoy the last two nights here. Soon enough, it’ll be back to reality. Are you all set to go home?”
I smiled.Good job. I love the way you snuck that in there; what is this a therapy session? No, I’m not glad to go home. Nor am I all set. I’m terrified, if I’m going to be honest.I took a deep breath and a sip of the wine, which was excellent. “I am all set, thanks,” I said and held up the wine in means of a cheer.
“That’s good. So, what are you going to do first–when you get home, that is?
