She's like the wind 12

12

 

Lena pulled the roasting pan out of the oven when she heard a familiar sound of a motorbike in front of the house. She turned off the oven and moved to the hall to answer the door.

 

Standing in the doorway she felt her heart beating as she saw him come to her and yet it seemed kind of natural that he was back in her life. She felt like he belonged there. As if he's been somewhere far away and now returned back to her. Of course she didn't want to show him. So far...

 

„Aren't you afraid of riding bike again?“ she turned to him as she led him to the kitchen.

 

„You mean after my accident? No, I'm not. Although when I got on the motorbike for the first time after that, I was afraid a bit but I got over it. It will be worse in the rain,“ he shrugged.

 

„I see. Perhaps you shouldn't ride in the rain,“ she put the meal on two plates and placed them on the table.

 

„Perhaps. But it's better not to think about it. I don't want to give up riding, I still love it,“ he handed her a bunch of freesias.

 

„Oh... thank you,“ she gushed, a wide smile on her face. „We're really starting over again,“ she whispered, closing her eyes, breathing in a wonderful scent of the flowers.

 

„Yes. But I can give you flowers every day. I like it,“ he watched her face, his eyes shining.

 

„And I like getting them,“ she briefly looked in his eyes and put the flowers into the vaze, placing it on the kitchen table. „What about your plans for today? You can tell me,“ she glanced at him as they started eating.

 

„Well, I thought we could spend a nice afternoon in my garden, you know, a swimming pool, a gazebo... and in the evening we could go to our bar, to play bowling, do some talking, dancing, drinking... just having a fun. I hope you're not disappointed. We can change it if you wish.“

 

„No... it sounds amazing, really,“ she claimed, looking delighted. „It sounds... romantic,“ she gave him a long gaze before she digged into her meal again.

 

*

 

„Do you have the flash disc?“ she asked, putting the dishes in the dishwasher.

 

„Sure,“ he went to the hall and pulled the flash disc out of his jacket's pocket.

 

„Good,“ she took it from him. „Give me a minute. I'm going to change my clothes.“ She retreated to her bedroom.

 

„I'll wait outside,“ he called after her.

 

„OK,“ she responded.

 

She was wondering if she should wear a dress but considering they would ride the motorbike, she chose a tank top and shorts.

 

He handed her a helmet and she ran her eyes over the machine that had caused his ordeal. She shook her head, frowning.

 

„What is it?“ he asked, straddling his motorbike, ready to go.

 

„Nothing... just this motorbike could have killed you,“ she put the helmet on. „But if you're OK with it,“ she shrugged and got on the bike behind him.

 

„Lena, it happened by mischance. It was raining and I was distracted by desire to get to you as soon as possible. It was my fault, not my motorbike's,“ he said before he started the machine.

 

She wrapped her arms around his waist. „If you're not afraid, I'm not either. I trust you,“ she said in his ear so he could hear her over a roar of the motor.

 

„Shall we?“ he started off and turned on the main road.

 

She held on him tight and yet she felt a hint of fear as they headed for the road in direction of Hagerstown. But the more she felt his steady moves as he drove the machine where he wanted, the more his confidence and calmness were transmitted in her body and she started enjoying the ride.

 

She released her hold on him unwillingly as they arrived into the garage.

 

„It wasn't so bad, right?“ he watched her as she handed him the helmet.

 

„No, it wasn't,“ she smiled faintly. „In the beginning I was afraid a little though,“ she admitted.

 

„But it got better, I felt the same the first time after... that,“ he smirked and led her inside the house. „What would you like to drink?“ he opened the fridge. „Coke, lemonade, wine or beer? I could offer you a cup of coffee as well but considering the hot weather... It's not a good idea I think.“

 

„What about a ginger ale, if you have any?“

 

„Good choice,“ he laughed and pulled two bottles out of it. „Do you want a glass?“

 

„It's unnecessary,“ she smiled and took one from his hand, taking a long gulp. „Mmmm, amazing. Today it's really hot.“

 

„It is. That's why I said to my gardener to get ready the swimming pool,“ he pointed at it as they walked on the terrace.

 

„Your offer is really very tempting,“ she put the bottle on the table, suddenly unsure what she should do. Swimming in clothes is nonsense but... can I undress just like that in front of him? Even though she had her bikini under the clothes yet she felt embarrassed.

 

Seeing her hesitation he took off his clothes and jumped in the water with a big splash.

 

She turned around when his head appeared on the surface. „It's really good,“ he waved, gesturing for her to follow him. She laughed. She lost her inhibitions, quickly peeled her clothes off and took a run-up to jump in the water. She made several strokes to the edge of the swimming pool. She leaned her back against its wall, finding the bottom under her feet. He was doing the same on the other side. The water was just right and she felt refreshed.

 

She started swimming towards him when he suddenly disappeared under the surface. Reaching the opposite edge she pulled herself out of the water and sat down on the edge of the pool.

 

„Time to go for a walk?“ he asked as he surfaced beneath her.

 

„Why not?“ she smiled.

 

He got out of the water. She watched him walk inside. In no time he was back, a tray full of fruit in his hand, two towels in the other. He handed her one towel as she walked on the terrace. She noticed waterdrops on his body, realizing she saw his bare skin for the first time in her life. He was standing in front of her almost naked, just in his swimming trunks.

 

She shivered and started drying her hair.

 

He glanced at her, very similar thoughts on his mind. She was beautiful, her smooth wet skin was shining in the sun and waterdrops glittering like tiny diamonds on her body. He swallowed and averted his eyes, feeling almost ashamed of his thoughts. He felt irresistible desire to touch her.

 

She noticed him averting his eyes a second before she finished drying her hair. She shook her head and ran her hand through her hair.

 

He peeled an orange and put a wedge in his mouth, taking another between his fingertips. He lifted it to her mouth without a word. She looked in his eyes before she opened her mouth slightly, taking the orange in it, her lips brushing against his fingers. It was so erotic that she felt tingles throughout her body.

 

„Mmm, delicious,“ she felt the urge to lighten the atmosphere. Her head was spinning as he gave her his charming smile.

 

The sun was shining above their heads as they walked over the garden to the lake. They ended up in the gazebo.

 

„Are you tired?“ he asked as she took a seat.

 

„Not at all. It's so beautiful here. I'm wondering if your garden is also beautiful in winter.“

 

„It is. I missed a chance to show you but I hope I'll get it,“ he sat down next to her. „Lena, can I ask you something?“

 

„Shoot,“ she looked at him questioningly.

 

„You know... I was just wondering...,“ suddenly he looked nervous.

 

„Tell me,“ she encouraged him.

 

„... if Danny knows you're here... with me...,“ he shrugged, pretending he didn't care as much as he did.

 

„No, Eric, he doesn't.“

 

Her answer surprised him. „Well, why didn't you tell him?“

 

She got up and rested her hands on the banister. „I haven't seen him since last month. I broke up with him,“ she whispered, her back to him.

 

„I'm sorry,“ he came to stand behind her.

 

„Me too. I couldn't lie to him anymore,“ she sighed. „He's a good guy and I liked him very much. But I realized... it wasn't a real love that I felt. I had to tell him even though it hurt me... and him of course.“

 

„He really loved you, right?“ he said in a low voice, wanting to touch her but he couldn't. He stepped to the banister next to her.

 

„He did. It was really painful to tell him good bye,“ she glanced at him. He was staring straight ahead, looking a bit sad. „It's always hard to say good bye, I know,“ she covered his hand with hers.

 

He slowly turned her head to look at her. „You're telling me,“ he whispered.

 

She looked in his eyes, seeing pain in them. She realized that she brought back his memories. „I'm sorry... but you asked... and I gave you the answer. Don't feel guilty. What happened, happened. We can't take it back,“ she gave him a small smile.

 

„How do you know what I'm thinking about?“ he lifted his eyebrow and his face melted in a gentle smile. „You're amazing.“

 

She shrugged. „I could read it in your eyes. Maybe I'm kind of... tuned to you,“ she laughed lightly.

 

„Maybe...,“ he took her hand hesitantly. „We should return if we want to go to the bar.“

 

„You're right,“ she left her hand in his as they walked over the garden back to his house.

 

*

 

After two bowling matches they ordered dinner. They finished eating and Eric retreated to use the restroom. Lena noticed Eva and Joel walking in and waved at them. That was when someone stepped to the table and sat down opposite her. She turned to him seeing it was Kol. She straightened, not sure what to expect.

 

„Hi Lena, I'd like to apologize for my inappropriate behavior last time,“ he said, looking in her eyes. „I was very drunk. I'm usually not like that. I'm really sorry.“

 

„It's OK, Kol. Don't worry. I think I did repay you for it,“ she winked. „Joel and Eva are coming here,“ she lowered her voice. „Joel doesn't know about it,“ she smiled faintly. She was amused, seeing Kol's surprise in his face.

 

„Thanks for your understanding, Lena, you're an amazing woman. Did you know I've liked you since the first time I saw you at the hospital?“ his brown eyes brightened up.

 

„Thanks,“ she glanced at Joel, who was holding Eva's hand, pushing their way to their table. „I like you, too,“ she looked at Kol. „But I'm with someone here.“

 

„The same guy who's been lying on my ward?“ he gave her a small smile.

 

„There was a little pause, but yes, the same one,“ she shrugged lightly, sipping from her glass.

 

„Well, then I should go,“ he got up, making a small bow, taking her hand, lifting it to his lips. „It was nice to see you again. Have a nice evening, young lady.“

 

Eric walked out of the restroom and noticed someone sitting on his place. It was Kol but he didn't seem to want to harm Lena. He slowly made his way over the room when he saw Joel and Eva. He recalled as Lena'd asked him not to tell Joel about Kol. He patted Joel's back as he got to him.

 

„Hi, what are you two doing here? Do you want to join us? We're sitting over there,“ he pointed at Lena, seeing Kol leaving her. As Eric led them to the table, his eyes met Kol's. Kol lightly bowed his head in greeting. Eric did the same, winking.

 

„Hi Lena, how are you?“ Eva took a seat. „You two disappeared unexpectedly last time,“ she smiled impishly.

 

„I'm fine, thanks. Yes, we did. Eric took me home. Actually, he took himself home and then I drove home myself,“ she chuckled.

 

„And what about today? Are you two together again? He looks... happy,“ Eva glanced at the bar where the guys ordered drinks and were on their way to them.

 

„He does. He called me yesterday and today we had lunch at my place and then we spent the afternoon at his, swimming and going for a walk...,“ she answered, smiling, feeling her cheeks redden.

 

„Sounds good. So you forgave him,“ Eva observed, smiling.

 

„Yes,“ Lena whispered, finishing her drink.

 

„Here we are,“ Eric put a glass in front of Lena.

 

„Thanks,“ she shifted to make him space to sit down.

 

Eva did the same and Joel took a seat next to her.

 

„Nice to see you, Lena,“ Joel nodded at her, sparks in his eyes. „I noticed Kol, sitting here.“

 

„Yeah, he came to say hi. He remembered me as I'd been visiting Eric at the hospital,“ Lena responded casually. „He's a nice guy.“

 

„He is. I know him very well. But beware... he's dangerous to women... so to speak,“ Joel answered, glancing at Eric.

 

„Don't worry. I told him I was here with someone,“ Lena grimaced.

 

„Good,“ Joel chuckled and gave her a thumb up, winking.

 

Eric shook his head and leaned to Lena. „May I ask you for a dance?“ he whispered. He got up as she nodded. She followed him on the dance floor.

 

A song in mid tempo was followed by a slow one. Eric extended his arms to her and she took his hands. They swayed in the rhythm of music like that for several minutes before he slowly pulled her closer. She looked up at him, placing her hands on his shoulders, his hands came on her waist.

 

„What did Kol say if I can ask?“ Eric asked, curious. „I noticed he didn't want to hurt you.“

 

„I was pleasantly surprised because he came to apologize for his behaviour.“

 

„It's good. I've never taken him for a bad guy. Even though I knew he liked you,“ he nodded lightly.

 

„Yes, he told me about it. I'd say he was honest with me,“ she averted her eyes. „Eric, why did you ask me about Danny today?“

 

„Why? Don't you know?“ he lifted his eyebrow, lifting her chin with his fingers to make her look at him.

 

She parted her lips to speak, shaking her head 'no' eventually, looking in his eyes.

 

„I needed to know if you're with him. I needed to be sure that I have at least a little chance...,“ he trailed off. „Besides I couldn't touch you knowing you belong to another man.“

 

„But... yet you wanted to spend a day with me,“ she objected.

 

„Yes. I'd like to spend the rest of my life with you, Lena,“ he pulled her closer, his arms wrapped around her waist, his eyes locked with hers intently. „I've never told you... how much I love you. You entered my life and it was like a soothing rain,“ he sighed and closed his eyes for a second. „I know I ruined everything before... But you stayed in my heart, believe me or not.“

 

„First I felt hurt. Then I was very angry with you,“ she was drowning in his eyes. „But I didn't want to admit it even to myself... but now I can say it aloud,“ she put her hand on his cheek. „You also stayed deep in my heart, Eric.“

 

She felt his heart beating in his chest as he turned his head slightly to brush his lips against her palm. She smiled and her heart fluttered at his affectionate and soft gesture. Sneaking her arms around his neck, she got on her tip toes and touched her lips to his.

 

„You make me feel dizzy,“ he breathed out. „You're like a wind, refreshing and life-giving.“

 

They were standing there as the music stopped playing, looking in each other's eyes. She smiled gently before they separated. He took her hand and led her back to their table.

 

An hour later which they spent talking, laughing and having fun, Joel and Eva left to dance. Eric let go of Lena's hand that he held the whole time in his and put his arm around her shoulders. She leaned against him, closing her eyes. Feeling his lips on the crown of her head she opened them again and looked up. He stroked her cheek and caught her lips in a gentle kiss. She felt his kiss lingering on her lips as she looked in his eyes, her mouth slightly open. He stole another kiss, sucking on her lower lip. She moaned into his mouth, shivering.

 

He got up and held out his hand, a question in his eyes. She nodded lightly, standing up, putting her hand in his. They didn't care that Joel and Eva would be surprised by their departure and left the bar hand in hand.

 

„Where are we going?“ he asked in a low voice as he handed her the helmet.

 

„I leave it up to you. Take me where you want,“ she got on his motorbike, squeezing it with her thighs, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.

 

*

 

They walked through the garage to his kitchen and he pulled a bottle of champagne out of his fridge.

 

„Something for a special occasion,“ he winked as he took two glasses in the other hand.

 

She stroked him with her eyes and followed him upstairs. He stopped at the door to a room she's never been before and opened it with his elbow. He put everything he had in his hands on the table next to the window and stepped to her as she stopped on the threshold.

 

„I hope you don't mind I took you here,“ he took her hands in his, lifting them to his lips, kissing them on their back one after another. He closed the door behind her as she walked inside, looking around.

 

She couldn't believe she was standing in his bedroom. It was large with a king-sized bed. It was a light room with big windows from the floor up to the ceiling. She could see the bathroom through the slightly open door on the right.

 

A sound of a stopper flying out of the bottle broke her reverie. He handed her a glass and clinked it with his. They took a sip.

 

„Delicious,“ she appreciated an amazing taste of champagne, lingering in her mouth. She took another sip and another and then she realized that she finished her glass almost in one go. She giggled, feeling a bit light-headed.

 

„Glad you like it,“ he took her glass to refill it. She stepped to the window. It was dark outside, just stars were glistening on the dark blue sky. Feeling his hands on her shoulders she leaned her back against his chest.

 

„Can you see the stars? It's a beautiful view.“

 

„Yes, I can. I love the sight. Especially when I can look at it with someone.“

 

She turned to him. „As far as I'm concerned, you'll never be alone, Eric,“ she placed her hand on his cheek. Touching him was something new for her and she liked it. His beard tickled her palm as she stroked his cheek and his lips... She kind of stopped thinking as he kissed her, slipping his hand in her hair. She tilted her head, partying her lips as his tongue demanded invitation. She wrapped her arms around his neck, stroking his hair.

 

When they separated in need of air, he started slowly showering her arm with kisses from her wrist to her shoulder. Brushing her hair aside he buried his lips on her neck, nibbling gently on her skin while his hands slid the straps of her top down her shoulders.

 

She sighed, melting under his touches and her hands slipped under his T-shirt, rolling it up and over his head. He did the same with her top. She placed her hands on his chest, stroking it. Touching his bare skin gave her goosebumps. She closed her eyes and hugged him, pressing her body to his. She felt his hands caressing her back up and down, then he unclasped her bra and took her in his arms.

 

He carried her to the bed and she shook off her bra on the way. Unbuttoning her shorts he pulled it down her legs together with her panties and quickly got rid of the rest of his own clothes.

 

They couldn't get enough of touching each other. Their hands and lips tried to get to know each other's body and their sighs and moans filled the room.

 

She pulled his head closer searching for his lips and her body was playing as a well tuned guitar. She moaned into his mouth, feeling his body on top of her and parted her legs to make him space. Squeezing his forearms she bit her lips as he slowly entered her. She opened her eyes to look in his, darkened with desire. He pushed further inside as she wrapped her legs around his waist, moaning loudly, experiencing the sensation of him filling her. She felt his breath and his hair on her face, her arousal growing.

 

Enjoying their connection with his every thrust he looked at her face, radiating pleasure even though her eyes were closed. Her moans sounded like music to his ears.

 

She arched her body towards his as he hit her spot. He felt her inner walls squeezing him as she was close. He quickened his pace, chasing his own release.

 

Falling over the edge together she cried out, her hands sneaking around his neck, holding him tight. Tears were flowing down from the corners of her eyes.

 

He buried his face on her neck, smelling her scent, panting.

 

When their hearts slowed down, he slipped out of her, rolling himself on his back and pulled her closer. She hid her face on his chest. Feeling moisture he stroked her hair.

 

„Are you crying?“ he whispered and she slowly raised her head to look at him.

 

„I can't help myself,“ she smiled in tears. „Sorry,“ she wiped his wet chest, blushing. „I love you,“ she breathed out, overwhelmed by emotions, struggling to stop the tears still flowing down her cheeks.

 

„I love you, too,“ he stroked her cheek, wiping her tears. „No need to be sorry.“

 

„I'm not able to describe with words what I feel,“ she shook her head and kissed him on the chest. „I've never felt like this before.“

 

„I feel the same,“ he gave her his charming smile. „Having you in my arms is the best feeling in the world.“

 

„Same here,“ she shifted closer and pecked him on the chin.

 

A few minutes later they fell asleep in each other's arms, happy beyond belief.

 

*

 

The sun rays were sneaking through the curtains and tickled Lena's face before she slowly opened her eyes. She felt the warmth of Eric's body as she woke up in his arms. She stroke his hairy forearm and intertwined her fingers with his.

 

Feeling his lips on her shoulder she smiled. „Are you awake?“

 

„Mmmhmm,“ he responded, turning her to him. He caught her lips in a gentle kiss. „Are you in hurry to go home?“ he whispered, brushing his lips along her jawline.

 

She purred, stroking his cheek with her nose. „Considering it's Sunday,“ she tucked a strand of his hair behind his ear, „I think I'm not.“

 

„Sounds good,“ he smiled. „Does it mean that you could spent another day with me?“

 

„Absolutely,“ she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a long hungry kiss.

 

He slid his hand down her back to her bottom, squeezing it, pulling her closer. She moaned, closing her eyes and he took her high once again.

 

*

 

Getting out of her car Lena felt snow crunching under her feet. Eric's house decorated with lights reminded her of Christmas that she'd spent with him here. The day after Christmas she visited her family in New York and took him with her to meet them. Her mother fell in love with him at the first sight as he enchanted her with his charm. Lena smiled to herself at the memory as she stepped inside.

 

Three weeks ago he'd left on his new book tour and today he should be back. Even though they've been together for six months, she still kept her small house not wanting to hurry and he's never pushed her to change it.

 

She pulled two boxes out of her bag and put it on the kitchen unit when she heard his car stop in front of the house. He called her almost every day yet she was excited to see him again after such a long time.

 

She was standing in the middle of the room, waiting, giving him time to take off his jacket and boots. Watching him coming to her she couldn't resist to run towards him, right into his spread arms.

 

„I missed you like hell,“ he gave her a long deep kiss before he looked in her eyes.

 

„I missed you more,“ she smiled, stroking his cheek. She was drowning in his eyes, her own shining.

 

„Really? Not more than I did,“ he chuckled, wrapping his arms around her waist, holding her tightly as she was about to get out of his hold.

 

„Wait, I want to put our dinner into the microwave,“ she laughed lightly.

 

„Hmmm, I haven't seen you for three weeks and you think about meal. You disappointed me,“ he frowned a bit, teasing her.

 

She put the meal in the microwave and turned it on. „Did I? Oh, I'm sorry,“ she turned to him. „Then I should rectify my reputation,“ she winked. „But dinner first,“ she smiled as the microwave beeped.

 

After finishing the dinner they collected the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. He took his suitcase that he'd left in the hall and made his way upstairs.

 

„I have something for you,“ he said over his shoulder as she followed him.

 

„Your book?“ she tried to guess.

 

„Plus something else,“ he winked, putting it on the table in the bedroom. He opened it and handed her his brand new book.

 

Opening it she buried her nose in it, closing her eyes. Then she browsed through it when she noticed the dedication on the first page. She read:

 

„To Lena Gray, the best editor in the world, my companion, my support, my amazing friend and love of my life, from the bottom of my heart. Eric“

 

„Thank you, Eric, those are so beautiful words,“ she looked up at him, her eyes glistening.

 

„You're welcome. Every word is true,“ he put his arm around her shoulders and handed her a big bar of chocolate. He knew how much she loved chocolate.

 

„Wow, thank you. You're the best,“ she put the book and chocolate on the table and threw her arms around his neck, tears flowing down her cheeks.

 

„Hey, why these tears?“ he pulled her back to look at her. „I wanted to make you happy, not cry,“ he kissed her gently and wiped her tears with his thumb.

 

„I also have something for you, my love,“ she whispered, smiling in tears. She pulled a picture out of her pocket, stepped back and handed it to him. „Look...“

 

He stared at a sonograph picture, totally blown away. „What...? Does it mean...?“ he couldn't find words.

 

She put her hand on his forearm, caressing it. „You're going to be a father, Eric Corbett,“ she whispered, a hint of pride in her voice.

 

„When?“ he got down on his knees, wrapping his arms around her waist, burying his face in her belly.

 

She was standing still, caressing his hair, leaving him time to process. „In the end of July. I haven't told you because I wanted to be sure, you know?“ She pulled him up slowly and cupped his face.

 

„Are you OK?“ she watched him closely, seeing moisture in his eyes. „I thought you might be happy about it.“

 

„I am,“ he nodded, swallowing. „You and our baby...,“ he cleared his throat, „you're my dreams come true. Thank you,“ he hugged her, hiding his face in her hair.

 

She stroked his back, holding him tight, smiling to herself. She's been looking forward to this moment and now she was enjoying it, happy as much as he was.

 

„But...,“ he raised his head and looked in her eyes, „... I'd like to make love to you now... and I'm not sure if I can without hurting him or her... or you...“

 

„Of course you can,“ she narrowed her eyes as his words turned her on. „Don't worry about us. I still need to feel your love,“ she sighed quietly, running her hands over his chest. „Do it... please,“ she breathed out, pressing her lips to his.

 

„Yeah...,“ he took her in his arms, turning off the light with his elbow as he carried her to bed.