Adult
A Red, Red Rain Is Falling Part 5
Vickey Brickle-Macky
Several hours later they arrived at Big Shores Lake and were going down the long gravel and dirt driveway to Nat's friend's cabin. It was as she promised--off the beaten path, in fact it was a good mile from the main road. It was surrounded by heavy forest on both sides and didn't thin noticeably as they neared the cabin. The cabin was built out of logs and creekstone and larger than what Nick had expected. A wide covered porch ran across the front of the structure with a set of five wide stone steps leading up to it. Off to right through the trees he could see a glimmer of silver, the lake, he presumed. Part 6
Inside her bedroom Nat was unpacking her suitcase and finding her nightgown.She stripped off her clothes and put it on. It was a simple, long white cotton gown with eyelet trim. A granny gown, as they used to call them, with very little sex appeal. Most of her wardrobe was like that very unsex, designed to downplay sex apeal either for business or personal purposes. It was also very comfortable and she didn't have to worry about being a 'lady' as her parents used to tease her about. She sighed and turned off the lights and got in bed and under the covers. Part 7
It was midday when she finally awoke alone in the big bed. Light was poking through an opening in the curtains falling across the floor. She could hear water running, Nick taking a shower.
The end
Any comments? Note: this was written before we knew that much about Nick's past, especially that he had been married to a mortal and about his long standing sort of marraige to Janette.
The night was warm and alive with sounds of crickets, and nightbirds as well as the not so distant sound of water lapping on the pebbled beach. The cabin and the surrounding area was dark, and Nick was discovering he no longer had his night vision, in fact his vision was on level with a normal man's. He left the lights of the Caddie on when they parked and they went up the steps to open the door and turn on the lights. Nat found the lightswitch and turned them on and the living room blazed with warm yellow light.
"Very nice," Nick commented as he stepped inside and surveyed the spacious room with it's huge fireplace, rough hewn walls and comfortable looking rustic furniture as well as the promised entertainment center along one wall. The cabin was a little stuffy after being closed up for awhile but they went around opening windows and letting the night air in. Then they went back out to the car and got their belongings and supplies out and Nick turned off his lights and locked it up. Nat showed him the bedrooms. He took one of the smaller ones giving her the largest one.
Next was the kitchen. The refrigator was thankfully frost free, working and clean except for some foil wrapped packages in the freezer and ice cube trays. Nat dumbed the trays and refilled them with fresh ones. There were plenty of pots, pans, dishes and silverware. They had brought extra, just in case. They put the food away except for the instant coffee which Nat put a pan of water on for for both of them figuring after the trip they could use it.
They had eaten on the road, stopping at a resturant for a country style meal. Both had eaten little of their meals, which he put off to a combination of nerves on many different levels. The food helped but there was still a slight tension between them it started easing the nearer they got to their destination. Now it was back, he noted.
"You okay?" he asked solitiously leaning against the doorjam of the kitchen as he watched her put things away.
She shrugged. "I guess. You?"
"I know, it did me too. It just happened and neither of us noticed until now. But I think I've still got a little ways to go before I'm fully mortal. To have come this far is incredible and I have you to thank for it," he said sincerely, wishing he couldreach out and hug her but he didn't dare.
"Nick, . . . I really didn't do that much. Not anything really magical or miracelous. Just made you eat, quit drinking, a few garlic pills, and vitamins. Most of it was psychological. You had to believe it was possible to change back and believe in yourself that you were worthy."
"I still couldn't have done it without you, Nat. Because you believed so did I and I will always be grateful to you for all your patience and support."
"Thanks, Nick," she said and he wasn't sure how to interupt her voice or body language because there was a sadness there he couldn't put his finger on. "Coffee's ready," she announced, changing subjects and busing herself with making them each a cup. "Here," she added handing him mug and then she slipped past him heading for the living roomto sit down, then changed her mind and went out on the porch.
He followed after her unsure whether to join her or not. Curiousity won out and he did trail out on to the porch. He spotted Nat at the far end looking out towards the lake through the trees. He hung back, stopping a ways away from her, trying to give her space if that's what she needed.
"You're not intruding," she said quietly not turning around as she perched on the rail. "I just needed some air. That's why we're here, to get some air?" she asked, with a sigh.
"That, and to relax. So far neither one of us seem to be doing too much of that. You look like you're going to jump out of your skin," he commented. "Is it me?" he asked.
"No," she shook her head. "I . . . had a dream today. A really vivid one. Your being able to be in sunlight was part of it, so was being a forest, outside, water. Seeing you be able to do it--I flashed back on the dream. It's just kind of unnerving," she confessed.
"But that's not all. I take it there was more to the dream than just me outdoors in the sunlight. Were you there as well?"
"Yes, and we were alone. You didn't hurt me and nothing bad happened--just the opposite. I was rather upset when my alarm woke me up. I didn't want it to end,"she sighed.
He was afraid to question her anymore. He had suspicions as to what the dream might have been about and he wasn't sure whether he should pursue it. So he stayed silent and sipped his coffee.
Finally she turned and looked at him but she couldn't tellwhat he was thinking because his features were obscured by the darkness. "No comments?"
He coughed nervously feeling her looking at him. "No, but it does sound interesting. I take it you've got some reservations about if one thing came true then some the other things might as well?"
"Something like that. So what happens now,Nick? Now that you are finally almost mortal."
"I don't know," he said truthfully. "I guess I never really expected it to happen soI never gave it much serious thought. I always had vague hopes and dreams of what I'd like to do but nothing really concrete or planned out."
"No, not to me. I guess I'm being too nosey and butting in where I shouldn't. Sorry." she said turning back to the lake with her back towards him.
On impulse he moved closer and came up behind her. She yipped and jumped a foot when he put his hand on her shoulder and she dropped her coffee cup and it shattered. He hastly removed his hand like he had burned her.
"I'm sorry," he said backing away. "I shouldn't have done that."
She spun around facing him."No, no. It was me, not you. I didn't hear you come up. I shouldn't be this jumpy,"she apologized. "I'll pick it up in the morning when I can see it. It's only a coffee cup."
"I'll get you another one," he offered.
Nat shook her head. "Don't, I think I'm going in and get some rest. I'm no fun like this. You don't have to turn in too.You can stay out here, or come in and watch one of your movies. The noise won't bother me. I can sleep through anything."
"If that's what you want."
"Yeah, I'd better. Good night, Nick,"she said and walked quickly away from him into the brightly lit cabin leaving him alone in the dark. He heard her bedroom door close and he knew he was truly alone now. He sighed deeply and turned back to watching the lake and wondering what was going wrong between himself and Natalie.
She lay there trying to sleep and couldn't she was still thinking about what had just happened. Judging from Nick's behavior she didn't have to worry about him coming on to her. He was as moved by her as a rock would be. He really didn't see her as anything but a buddy or his doctor. And it also seemed like none of his future plans included her except as a friend. She wanted to cry and did finally, curling into a little ball under the covers.
She didn'tknow how long she had been crying before she heard her door open and then Nick's worried voice. "Nat?" he asked coming over and sitting down on bed next to her. He touched her shoulder and she ignored him.
"Go away,"she told him burying her head further into the pillows and covers.
"No," he said firmly. "Nat, there's something seriously wrong with you tonight and I want to help. What is it?" he asked.
"Nick, please go away. I can't tell you," she begged him trying to stifle a sob and couldn't.
"And I can't handle you crying like this. Is it something I've done or not done that's making you upset?"
"Please don't ask me that."
"Then it is me because I've changed?"
She couldn't answer him.
"I thought you'd be happy. I've ruined everything," she heard him say and she froze in disbelief and quit crying. He started to get up from the bed and she grabbed his shoulder stopping him.
"Nick, don't," she told him and he did stop rising and sat back down to look at her very puzzled and confused. "You didn't ruin anything. Don't ever think that."
Then what am I supposed to think, Nat? You're in here crying. You've been miserable all night. I have to figure it has something to do with me and the fact that I've changed. Or is there something that I'm missing?"
"Yes, there is" she said not sure where to start or how to broach the subject, instead she began to cry again.
"Tell me then," he begged confused again, "please, Nat."
"I can't, Nick, I don't know where to begin," she cried, shaking her head and buried her head in her arms.
He gathered her into his arms, and held her feeling her shiver and shudder with each sob and it was tearing at his heart because he didn't know what to do or say any more. He smoothed her hair and kissed the top of her head. She shuddered again and her arms went up around his neck, and he became aware of her body pressed against his as well as of the heat flowing between them.
He held her against him and brushed back her damp hair from her face, daring to kiss her temple and the side of her face and she shivered and her breath caught in her throat.
With feather soft lips he kissed the side of her face, trailing butterfly kisses down her still damp cheek. She turned slowly towards those searching lips half afraid he'd turn away, but he didn't and his lips met hers in a gentle kiss that became more and more urgent and hungry as he deepened it and she responded back. Then he broke it off aburptly and pushed himself away looking at her frightened and afraid.
"Why did you stop?"she asked trying to read him in the dim light filtering in from the hall.
"I almost took advantage of you. I'm sorry, Nat. I apologize,' he said getting up.
"Hold it right there!" she said sprining to her knees. "Don't you dare move."
"Huh?"
"Apologize for what? Kissing me? You finally do kiss me and now you want to apologize? Did I stop you, tell you no, fight you?" she asked seriously.
He shook his head, reeling from the implications of what she was saying if he was hearing her correctly. "No. You're saying you wanted me to kiss you?"
She blushed, and dunked her head as she nodded. "Yes." Then she felt him sit down again on the bed and his eyes upon her.
"I think we need to talk," he said finally and her heart sank.
In resignation that this was the end before any beginning she nodded slightly her head still down, afraid to met his eyes as she chewed on her bottom lip. "Go ahead,"she told him.
"Nat, I didn't mean to do that. I respect you and care about you too much to ever intentionally hurt you. I admit I wanted to kiss you, and have for a very long time, but I also don't want to lose what we have together now either."
"Was it that bad?
"No, ... far from it. It was more than I expected," he admitted, feeling trapped.
"It was for me too, but you don't want to repeat it? Or move beyond?"
"I . . . don't know," he said honestly. "I just don't want to lose you,Nat. You are the most important person in my life."
"And you are in mine, so where's the problem?"
"Changing the way we are. Fears."
"I'm not afraid."
"I am."
"Trust yourself," she told him touching his check, turning his head back to look at her.
"I want to," he agreed, his eyes regarding her in wonder as his own hand came up to cover hers and then he brought it to his lips and kissed her palm, she shivered.
"I need you, Nick. We need each other. There I've said it," she blushed.
"Yes. . . ." He wanted to shout with joy, he wanted to crush her to him and never let go, but he was still afraid to move. "I need you too," he admitted and took both his hands and held her face as he brought his closer and kissed her like she was spun glass. And even that delicate kiss sent electric sparks through both of them and they broke apart tingling.
"Wow," Nat commented with a tinge of awe.
Nick nodded in agreement as he kissed her again, and again sliding his hands down her neck, to her shoulders, and then down her back and drawing her closer until she was sitting on his lap with her arms around his neck. They were both a little breathless when they finally came up for air.
Despite what his body, mind and soul was telling him to do he made himself stop. He had to offer her a choice. He was afraid they were going too far too fast. "Nat, are you sure this is what you want? And you won't hate me in the morning or yourself?"
She looked at him like he had thrown cold water on her which in away he had. But she did understand his caution. This was a big step going from friends to lovers. "No, I've thought about this for a long time and if I wasn't sure I wouldn't be here alone with you. I just hope you won't hate me."
He smiled. "No, but I want you for more than just a one night's fling. I care about you very deeply, Nat. I feel things for you that I have never felt before, and that's what frightens me and why I've held back."
"Are you trying to say you love me, Nick?"
"Yes. "
"I .. . do too. . . . I love you, and have always.
Nat," he said happily crushing her to him and kissing her, letting her feel his absolute joy. "will you marry me?" he asked.
That stopped her dead in her tracks. She couldn't have heard him right. "What did you say?" pushing back to look at him and she saw he was serious.
"Will you marry me?" he repeated his question.
"You're serious? This isn't a joke?" she questioned, and saw in those gray eyes how very serious he really was and she was taken aback.
He shook his head. "No. This is no joke. I mean it. I want to marry you."
She looked at him very stunned and open mouthed. "Just this from one little kiss?"
"It's more than that, Nat and you know it. "
"You've got me really confused, Nick. Telling someone that you love them is not generally a prelude to asking them to marry you. What promoted this impulse?" she questioned.
"It's no impulse. I have thought about from time to time."
"That's a real shocker. I didn't even know you were even interested in me as any thing other than a friend. You hid it very well."
"I was . . . afraid to let you know. You haven't been too big on letting me know either," he reminded her.
"For the same reasons. We're a fine pair," she laughed, becoming very conscious of her position on his lap.
"Yes, we are," he agreed relaxing a little. " But, Nat, I am serious. I do want to marry you."
She shook her curly hair and regarded him justas seriously. "No offense Nick , but I have to think about it. This is really coming out of left field and I never expected it."
"I understand. I want you to think about it. I never asked anyone before.
"Never?" she questioned him amazed.
"No. And I never felt this strongly about another woman either as I do you. You're the first one I've ever considered sharing a life with."
"Because I cured you?"
"No, that has very little to do with it and yet quite a lot. For the first time in almost eight hundred years I can actually think of having a real life, a home, a family. I want you to be the one to share this mortal lifespan with, to have childern with if that is even possible and grow old with because I do love you and I can't foresee a life without you."
She was totally stunned that he wanted to share his life with her even more than his being able to walk in the sunlight. Here their relationship prods on for several years with nothing happening then-- boom! She couldn't foresee a life without him either but she wasn't sure if she wanted to get married or make that heavy of a commitment. She came out of the live together for awhile, try it out school. She had seen too many of her friends get divorces and the hell they went through to think more than a couple times about ever getting married. But she understood Nick's perspective too. Jumping into bed was reserved for casual one night stands or brief loveaffairs, marriage was special, for keeps. He was offerring her the highest compliment, the highest honor and she was flattered but she was scared to make a committment. She wanted to test the waters first.
She loosened her hold on his neck and sat back a little regarding the boyishly handsome face that looked still so innocent. She hoped she wasn't going to hurt him but she had to say what was on her mind. "Nick, I think we better slow down just a little. My own experiences have made me very cautious. Before I make a permanent commitment I would rather try us living together, to see whether we can get along before we get married. I hope this doesn't make me a terrible person. Marriage is a big, big step that I haven't had to chance to think about and I wonder if you really have either," she told him truthfully, seeing the disappointment in his eyes.
"Nat, I asked you to marry me because I didn't want to cheapen what we have."
"I know that. That is the one part I do understand. The real you underneath all those layers. No matter how long you've been kicking around you're still a product of your times--your real times--of knights, Chivalry and the Chruch You bed whores, you marry ladies. I am flattered that you think so highly of me, Nick. But I'm no lady."
"You are to me," he argued.
"Please no pedestals. We've been doing very well along those lines. Don't blow it now. We are equals or no go. "
He grinned. "Yes, I seem to recall some very heated discussions along that line with you. And for my part I have resisted my more chivalrous impulses, but it has been hard when you've been in tight spots. I am as you say a product of my real times, despite the centuries."
"Yeah, that's another thing. There a real large age gap between us. Most of the time I forget about it but it is rather mind boggling. I must seem like a child to you. You have had all these lives and known so much, how can you be satisfied with plain little one life me? she asked.
"Because that is the past and this is now. And I want you, just the way you are, not someone like me. If I am finally mortal then my life is now, this moment, this time, there is no infinite future just a finite one of a normal human lifespan. You are the woman I have spent centuries trying to find. I know you don't believe me but it is true."
"I have a hard time believing that. I am not a prize. I snap, I snarl, I do stupid things, and I feel absolutely unworthy of you," she confessed.
"Ever think I might feel unworthy of you. You know what I am, what terrible things I have done. I'm a killer with blood on my hands that can never be washed off."
"But you are also a lot more than that. You're kind, considerate, compassionate and you care, more than any man I have ever known. You do help people, and protect them. That's what I see when I look at you. The good and honest man that you really are. But I am not blind to the other side of the coin either. You've let me see inside you and I haven't gone running have I?"
"No," he admitted. "And you are the only one besides Janette that does know me. You are the only mortal I've allowed to get this close--ever."
"I am honored, Nick, I really am. But as to marriage, I still want to think about it. Why don't we just take this one step at a time until we're both very sure of what we're doing," she asked him searching his eyes trying to read what he was feeling.
He sighed, and grudging agreed with her. "Okay, we'll try it your way. Maybe I was rushing it a bit because of the heat of the moment. Forgive me?" he asked.
She smiled up at him. "Yes, and I hope you forgive me for having cold feet. Going from just friends to possible lovers to maybe married is a lot of changes."
"Possible lovers?" he questioned with a raised eyebrow at her, slightly amused.
"It hasn't happened yet," she reminded him bluntly, and Nick laughed.
"No, it hasn't," he agreed. "Maybe we should do something about that?" he inquired, waitng to see what she wanted to do.
"Maybe," she agreed becoming serious as she met his eyes which held hidden smoldering fires.
His hand reached up to trace the plains of her face. She shivered expectantly under that gentle hand and her own hand crept up to touch his, feeling his new warmth and aliveness. "You're warm," she breathed in surprise.
"I know. So are you," he smiled. "I want to love you, Natalie," he said askingher permission.
"I want you to love me, Nick," she replied, as he kissed her searching hand.
His other hand trailed to her waist and drew her closer across his lap. "I will . . . ," he promised as he bent his head to kiss her waiting lips and they met shyly, then he brought her closer and deepened their kiss and her hand that had been on his face slid into his curly blonde hair while the other crept up his chest to his shoulder.
He kissed with all his being and it was like lightening shooting through her, as she became alive under his carrasses. She wanted more, she wanted him, and she kissed him back hungry to know all of him and to surrender willing all that she was to him. He rained kisses onher face, and trailed them down her neck to her shoulders. She moaned aloud, stirred by fires she had never known. Everything she had experienced before was a pale imitation of what she was experiencing now. Despite his rising passion, Nick was gentle with her, not rushing or pushing her. He wanted her to feel loved, and not just satisfy animal desires.
Even though her gown Nat could feel his rising interest in her and her hips moved in response firing both their desires. It was his turn to groan. It had been a very long time since he had been with a woman, mortal or otherwise and felt his control slipping. "Easy," he breathed into her ear as he kissed her temple, trembling a little as he tried to gain some measure of control.
"Nat, it's been a while," he confessed.
"For me, too," she admitted, tingling all over but willing to slow down and make this night last.
He laid her back on the bed, stretching out nexttoher and she heard his shoes hitthe floor as he kicked them off. He leaned above her his head resting on one hand. His eyes on her were soft, adoring as he looked down not touching her.
"You are very beautiful," he said, meaning every word. His hand reached out and touched the eyelet lace on her white cotton gown, toying with it, and the ties that held it together then his hand moved to trace across her shoulder blades revealed above the neckline. Laying like he was it was hard not to notice her breasts poking upward under neath the thin material, her hard nipples plainly visible. He ached to touch them and get lost in their softness With that thought, his hand crept slowly downward across the smooth material and Nat froze in anticipation, almost embarrassed as she felt her body involuntarily respond. His long fingered hand brushed lightly across her breasts and he felt them respond eagerly to his touch then his hand traveled downward to her stomach to rest on her hips. She was trembling, her eyes wide, waiting for his next move.
"Touch me,"he requested. And hesistantly her hand rose to touch his chest and slid across to his shirt buttons, one handedly undoing the top one then the next and then sliding her hand underneath across his bare chest, he closed his eyes in pleasure at her touch. "More," he begged, and she did, undoing the next buttons as far as she could reach until his shirt hung open revealing his lightly furred chest. She ran her fingers through it and felt him shiver under her hand amazed that he would react this way. Emboldened her touched his nipples and teased them and he sighed loudly and his head arched upwards while his hand clenched on her stomach.
She stopped so he could get his breath and he was grateful. His hand touched her jaw, tracing it up and down and going upward to her ear and brushing across her springy curly golden brown hair. Her eyes were large and lumnious watching him, nervous this first time. Her hand returned tohis chest traveling upward tohis collar bone and his neck, teasingunder his shirt collar as she sought to pull him closer. Nick read her intent as leaned forward his hand bracing himself as he scooted down a little on the bed to position himself to kiss her eager mouth. She arched upward to met his lips and her hand slid upwards into his hair from his neck as she molded herself to him. He rained kisses on her face and neck and bare shoulders as one arm slid under her while the other slid down her body feeling her curves under the nightgown. Her leg draped over his and her gown rose higher. She felt his hand touch her bare leg and slid down it, then up hiking it higher still to her bare hip. The heat between them was growing exepedentally. He slid his hand under her gown and it traveled upward on her bare skin to her breasts and linged there touching her rounded softness and teasing her nipples to almost painful hardness under his skillful fingers. She squermed and moaned under his touches.
Her own lips were kissinghis face and neck and her hands were traveling down his back and shoulders feeling the muscles underneath his shirt. He stopped for a moment and raised up enough to strip his shirt off and it flew into the darkness of the room. His head bent lower as his lips traveled from Nat's neck to her shoulders while his hands slid her nightgown ever upward, revealing more and more of her shapely body.
"Do you think we can get rid of this?" he asked meaningfully, referring to her nightgown.
Blushing a little she looked up at him. "It almost is."
Nick moved a little so she could get it off as she sat up and pulled it up off over her head and threw it, then she shook out her already tossed curls feeling a little strange sitting there under his appreciative gaze. She cocked an eyebrow and her eyes focusing on his pants. "Fair's fair."
He smiled and stood up and took his pants and underwear off and they dropped to the floor. "Better?" he asked.
"Much," she replied, blushing a little still as she admired his nude muscular body. "Not bad," she arched an eyebrow and rubbed her finger across her lips as she curled back on the bed against the pillows. It was his turn to blush.
"Modern women," was his grumbled comment as he climbed into the big king sized bed.
"What was that?" she asked as he sat down next to her.
"Nothing, I forget how different things are sometimes. The rules kept changing," he said, daring to reach out and tracing a line across her collar bone and she shivered both from his touch and his intense smoldering gaze.
"They do?" she asked innocently, "how?"
"Women are definitely a lot bolder than in my day," he smiled his finger continued its path going down her arm to her wrist and then back up.
"Umm? We are?" she asked throwing her head and shoulders back as she eyed him. "Maybe it's because we know what we want."
"And what do you want?" he asked drawing closer.
"You . . . ," she said softly feeling his hand come up under her hair and pull her towards him and her hands came up to wrap around his neck as he kissed her hungrily.
He held her tight as he lowered her to the bed and began loving her in earnest. Where only his hands had roamed his lips and tongue licked lightly over the soft curves and planes enflaming her entire body, making her feel like she was soaring on high flying wings. Natalie loved him in turn running her hands and lips over those hard muscles she had only touched with impersonal physican hands before. Higher and higher he took her, each time she didn't think she could soar any higher but each time he proved her wrong until she was out of her mind with desire. Her hands gripped the sheets of the bed not trusting herself to hold him least his back be torn to ribbons by her nails, so intense was the pleasure that he gave her. He grinned inwardly that he had not lost his skills.
She moaned his name wanting release from this sweet torment. When he felt that she could take it no more he entered her and she flew higher still as did he losing himself completly in their joining. When they came together it was a supernova like an explosion of white light and they found release in the light and then they began their downward spiral, relaxing in the sweet afterglow.
It was Nat that stirred first feeling Nick's solid weight on her, his mouth nestled next to her ear his warm breath on his skin. She turned her head slightly to see if he was asleep. His eyes were closed, his features at peace. She smiled enjoying the sight and the memories of their lovemaking. Carefully she freed her arm trapped under him and he didn't stir. He was definitely out like a light. She shifted slightly and slid from under him then sat up long enough to grab the bed covers that had been pushed down to the end of the bed and covered them both before she cuddled up next to him and fell asleep herself. 
Nat sighed and lay back against the pillows a smile curving her mouth as she happily remembered the events of the night, still surprised at what had happened between them and not regreting it one moment. Yes, she could definitely spend a lifetime with this man and hoped he hadn't changed his mind.
The water had stopped running, and she heard him fumbling around opening cabinets. Then after a minute or so the door opened and she heard his bare feet padding down the hall to the kitchen. Then there was the soundof something being poured and stirred, then the footsteps came her way. She sat up and waited.
He came throught the door carrying two cups of coffee dressed in a towel around his middle. He looked surprised but pleased to see her awake. "Good morning, I see you're awake. I brought you some coffee," he said coming over to the bed and handing her her cup and then he sat down next to her.
"Thank you," she smiled. "You're up early. Did you sleep?" she asked taking a sip from her cup. It was perfect just the way she liked it. He was learning.
"Like a log I think. Did you cover us up?" he asked, a little nervous.
"Yes, you were sort of out of it," she grinned at him and he did blush.
"Sorry about that. A gentleman should not fall asleep on his lady--it's bad form."
"Well, considering how far off the Richter scale we went . . . I think I can forgive you," she giggled.
He dunked his head and looked at her from under his wet curls. "Really?"
"Really," she agreed with a shy smile. "And before you ask, I have no regrets whatsoever about last night. Do you?"
He shook his head. "No, none," he smiled at her and put his hand on her sheet covered knee touching it affectionately.
"Good," she smiled back at him and put her hand on his. "So what are we up to today?" she asked.
"I'm not sure. Part of me wants to go out and explore while the other wants to stay inside. I think I'm still afraid of seeing how much sun I can take. Afraid that it isn't real and I dreamed it. There's also a part of me that would like to spend the rest of the day in bed with you, . . . loving you, " his voice sultry as he looked at her and she melted under the longing look in those eyes.
"Those are some choices," she replied, "but I think I like the latter one," she added with a toss of her hair smiling at him.
"I was hoping you might," he said capturing her hand and bringing it up to his mouth and kissing it suggestively while he looked up at her his eyes full of dancing fire sending a tingling through her her body. She had never felt so wanted, so desired.
Her mouth rounded in an 'O' from what she was feeling as her eyes invited him to join her, telling him that she wanted him, needed him. He read her message and set his coffee down and took hers and placed it next to his on the nightstand. His arms reached out to her and encircled her waist and the back of her neck as he drew them together and kissed her waiting mouth passionately.
Their lovemaking was even fervid than before as they began to relax with one another and learn what pleased the other. These lessons continued for several hours until hunger and exhaustion called a break.
She looked at him from under her very tossled hair as she lay on her stomach and hugged her pillow giggling uncontrollablly. "You weren't kidding, were you about spending the day in bed?"
"No, did you think I was, my fair lady?" he asked, laying on his side while one of his hands possessively stroked her rounded bottom.
"I'm never sure with you, Nick. And if you keep that up I may never get out of this bed," she warned him, melting under his touch.
He grinned. "I know . . . ." he said leaning over and kissing her bare back. "I wish I could keep you a prisoner here. I confess I cannot get enough of you."
"Well, this prisoner needs food to keep up with you. Neither of us has eaten since last night and I'm famished," she said rolling over out of his reach and getting up before he could grab her again. On her way out of the bedroom she grabbed her robe and headed for the bathroom. She took a quick shower and was soon out, heading for the kitchen to fix them a brunch but Nick was there already in his robe looking through the refrigerator.
"Anything interesting?" she asked from the doorway.
"Toast and eggs?"
"I'm game and then an early supper," she suggested and he nodded in agreement. She stayed out of the way and let him try his hand at cooking while she poured herself another cup of coffee. "You're getting positively domestic," she commented as she perched on the kitchen stool just watching.
"I may have not offically eaten for centuries but I did learn how to cook in self-defense," he explained to her carefully making sure the eggs didn't burn. When they were finished he dished them out on plates and handed her a fork. They adjorned to the dining room and sat down. "Dig in," he told her.
"Not bad," she said, impressed after the first couple of bites. "You are a man of many talents."
"As you will discover," he said mysteriously.
"Is that a threat or a promise?" she inquired, with a uplifted eyebrow, finishing her meal and sitting back.
"I won't tell," he smiled and then looked towards the curtained windows through which he could glimpse a piece of blue sky and green leaves. He looked wishfully at the scene and Nat saw where he was looking and understood.
"If you feel brave enough we can try going out."
"I'd like to . . . but it's hard breaking a lifetime of fears."
"The porch is shaded we can go out and test the waters, so to speak."
"Okay, I'll try it. Should we dress?"
"It might be a good idea," she grinned. "I was going to throw on a T-shirt and a pair of shorts over my swimsuit. And I did want to check out the lake," she added.
"I do too. I looked out the window this morning when I got up and saw it. There was still mist on it and the birds were flying through it. I wanted to go see it but I didn't want to leave you. Am I sounding terribly like a man in love?" he asked.
"Maybe just a little," she grinned at him and came over to him to stand by his chair and he encircled her waist with his arm as she ran her fingers through his hair. Then she kissed the top of his head. "But I don't mind. I love you too. Let's go get dressed before I get. . . distracted again?" she suggested with an upraised eyebrow.
"Alright," he said releasing her after he teasingly kissed her inner arm, she shivered under his touch.
They carried their plates back to the kitchen and rinsed them off. They then went to get dressed with Nick moving his bag into the main bedroom from the other one. Nick put on his swim trunks and a T-shirt. He didn't have any shorts. That was not something he had thought about adding to his wardrobe as that implied sun and fun and that was something he couldn't do--until now. Nat got some big towels from her bags and handed him one and then slung the other one over her shoulders. "Just in case," was her explaination for the towels.
With some nervousness Nick stepped out on the shaded porch. On all sides the sun shown down on in a bright patchwork pattern of light and shade on the rocky ground surrounding the cabin. The air was very warm and dry and heavy with the scent of pine trees and flowers. Five hundred feet from the cabin was the lake shining sparkling silver and blue. From across the lake a loon cried breaking the stillness and was answered by other birds and the chatter of squirrels.
A large patch of sunlight was shining on the porchsteps, he approached it cautiously, tentively sticking out his hand intothe shaft of bright light. He held it there for five minutes before they decided it was safe. Then he stepped fully intothe light. The sun was hot on his skin but it didn't burn, nor did he begin to smoke.
"I see it but I still don't believe it, Nick," Nat said in awe, having a hard time believing that it was finally safe for him to go outside in the daytime. "It's unbelieveable."
"I know. I find it hard to believe myself," he exclaimed as he walked down the steps to the ground. "Shall we go explore, my lady?" he added, offerring his arm which she took.
They walked down the path to the shore of the large lake. He had stood on the shores of many lakes and quite a few oceans and seas but not for centuries had he seen such beauty in the daytime except from a sheltered view from afar. He was like a child again, alive and free. There was a bounce in his step that had not been there for ages. THey walked arm and arm down along the shady banks watching the birds and animals go about their normal activities unafraid of them.
There was a boat dock at the end ofthe path with a rowboat tied up at it. Bravely they walked on the dock and looked down intothe wave patterned waters.
"Can you swim?" Nat asked, surprised she hadn't asked him before.
"Yes. It's been awhile. I learned out necessity when I was a boy. My brothers and I used to fish in the stream by our castle and we would get to rough housing and I would invariably get tossed in by my older brothers. We used to swim alot in the summer to cool down," he answered his memories drifting back to that almost forgotten time. He had not thought about his family for a very longtime and was surprised that the memories had come back.
"I didn't know you had brothers. You never mention your family or what life was like before LaCroix came," she asked sitting down on the rough planks and he joined her.
"I know. I think I've tried to block those memories out because it has been painful remembering what I was before. Almost like a dream, while the rest of my existance has been a nightmare from which I am only now beginning to awaken from. I was one of seven living children,my mother had twelve all together. I was the third son, with two brothers and a sister older and two sisters and a brother younger. My oldest brother was the heir, my next brother his second while I was trained as both a cleric and a knight. When LaCroix crossed my path I belonged to the religious order of knights, the Knight's Templar joining them shortly before my first crusade to the holy land in 1225."
"I can't even begin to imagine what it was like for you, or has been. You're like a walking history book. I love listening to you when you do talk about the past, but I know it makes you uncomfortable so I don't ask," she explained, waiting for his reaction.
He looked out over the peacefulwater, thinking back remembering, fragments of a thousand different lives he'd led coming back to haunt and torment him. There were few things in his past that had been this peaceful, this pleasant."It's not that it makes me uncomfortable . . . I just don't think about it. So much of the past involves LaCroix and Janette or situations I'd rather forget. There is still much I have to atone for."
"You have done a lot of that, Nick. Isn't it time you just lived?" she asked touching his hand and his sad eyes focused on her. She knew it was hard for him to share his feelings, his thoughts. He had been alone inside his head for too long. "You have been granted a repreieve, a miracle --enjoy it."
"I'm trying to. It's like I'm two different people, Nat. This fiend out of nightmares with an endless past and this new me that can walk in the sunshine, know love, peace and what it is to have a normal life."
"I know. Sometimes I don't see the other side of you, butI try and I try to help you--when you let me. You can be very stubborn about having anyone help you. But you're going to have let me help, let me in, if you are still serious about there being a you and me. It's not going to work otherwise," she told him seriously, and he nodded.
"I agree, but bear with me. It's not going to be easy to teach this old dog new tricks . . . but he is willing to learn," Nick smiled at her, clashing her hand and holding it. "I thought we were going to go swimming?"
"Right, you still feeling okay? No pain? No problems?"
"Not so far. The sun actually feels good."
"We won't stay out too long. There's nothing worse than getting a sunburn from swimming. So if you're game so am I," she said kicking off her shoes then stripping off her T-shirt which underneath was a biniki top and then she stood up and took off her shorts to reveal a matching bottoms. "Come on, slow poke," she teased as she helped him up and he took off his jeans and top.
"Race you," she laughed and ran across the dock and dived in. He stood there for a moment then followed and plunged into the coolwater. The water was not terribly deep swimming towards shore he found a place where he could stand up and Nat, her long hair plastered wetly to her head swam up next to him. "It's not bad once you get used to it. It's colder on the bottom, though. What do you think?"
"I like it," he replied, swimming with her. And they did swim and play for over a half-hour until Nat called a halt.
They climbed back on the dock and dried off and Nat looked at her watch and the sun. "I could use a cup of coffee and I don't want you to overdo it. You're getting a little pink."
He sighed. "Yeah. Coffee would be good," he agreed, and put his shirt on and Nat put hers on as well. Gathering the rest of their clothes up they went back to the cabin and to discuss their plans for the future.
Vickey