A Rising Storm

[Girly_girl]

It was always the same nightmare she awoke to, the police showing up to her door on a rainy night, letting her know that her husband had been in an accident and didn’t make it. Pamela Ryan found herself a widow at the young age of 30, her and her husband Eric had met while on vacation in Miami, it was pretty much love at first sight. She was 25, he was 32. They were married the following year in a beach wedding.

Pamela was one of the top agents in the highest ranked realty office in Seaside Cove, a little beach town, north of Miami. She found them a little bungalow 1 block from the beach, it needed a lot of work, Eric owned his own construction company, so they renovated the whole house and made into their dream house. They found Seaside Cove to be a close tight knit, little town, where everyone was on a first name basis and looked out for their neighbors. When they had learned of Eric’s death, they came together to help Pamela get through her devastating loss.

Pam awoke with a start, her heart racing, a cold sweat and an ache in her chest. She turned her light on and saw that her Irish Setter, Murphy had curled up at the bottom of the bed. It was going to be a long night….

The following morning, Pam was awakened by the rain hitting her skylight, she made her way out to the kitchen and made some coffee. It was approaching hurricane season, what would it bring to Seaside Cove this year?

 

[24M_for_Mature]

Tim Holcomb had moved to Seaside Cove almost a year ago. When he moved in, he started to doubt his decision. Although he really enjoyed being by the beach, he didn't like the storms that came during hurricane season. Even if it wasn't an actual hurricane, the storms coming off the water always did some minor damage that would require him to get his tools out and make some repairs. The rest of the year, however, he loved being in Seaside Cove. It had always been a dream of his to live on the beach, and, when he finally earned enough money to afford a place, he went for it.

He worked as an investment consultant. He started his own business s years ago at the age of 25. After working for a large investment firm, Tim saw an opportunity. He took a chance and when out on his own. He struggled for a little bit, but once his non-compete clause expired after a year, a lot of the clients he had at the firm started calling him and wanted to work with him. It was then that his business took off. So, now he was making great money and he was working from home. He could be anywhere and work, so, why not by the beach. That led him to Seaside Cove.

It wasn't a huge house, but he didn't need huge. What would a 28 year old single guy need a big house for. It was perfect for him, and he really liked the wrap around porch. There were many mornings where he would sit on the porch with his coffee and do his work. In his mind, he was in heaven. It was a nice little community. The people were all friendly, and everyone was willing to help others out if there was a problem. Then, of course, there was the woman a couple doors away. She was friendly enough, but she was quiet and reserved. A neighbor had told Tim that she had lost her husband a couple of years before. Since then she had stayed mostly to herself; only socializing when there was a community get together. Tim found her to be very attractive. Yes, she was several years older than him, but that didn't matter. He still thought she was beautiful and sexy.

Tim took his laptop and started to go out onto the porch to work. He was an early riser and liked the peace and quiet of the early morning. His plans took a hit when he saw that it was raining. The porch would normally provide him with cover, but this morning it was very windy, and it blew the rain across his porch. "Okay then. I guess I am working inside today."

 

[Girly_girl]

Pam had seen her neighbor step out the front door and quickly go back inside, thinking to herself, “He must work from home.” She remembered that he moved in about a year ago, she hadn’t sold him the house, but her office had handled the sale. He seemed like a nice guy, but very quiet and kept to himself mostly. Pam thought he was quite handsome.

“I’ve really never gone over and welcomed him to the neighborhood, I don’t want to seem rude.” Pam went to her wine shelf and pulled off a nice bottle of red wine and decided to run it over, she had to walk Murphy anyway, besides it was only 2 doors down. Quickly grabbing Murphy’s leash and her umbrella, she headed out to welcome…”What was his name?”…She thought for a moment and it came to her, “Tim!” Cmon, Murphy, we’re going for a walk.” They ventured out, thankfully, right now it was only a light rain.

As her and Murphy, walked up the sidewalk and up the porch stairs, she thought to herself, “Boy, I must look like a drowned rat, great first impression, Pam.” Ringing the doorbell, she waited, but no answer. “Hmmm, perhaps I should try another time.” Turning to walk back home.

 

[24M_for_Mature]

Tim sat down at his kitchen table with his coffee and opened his laptop. He started going through some reports when his phone rang. It was one of his better clients and they had a long talk about his portfolio. He wanted to move things around, so, Tim was going through his laptop making changes.

He heard a knock at the door. He wondered who it could be, since it was raining pretty hard now. He couldn't go to the door, however. With the client on the phone and talking about investments that Tim was looking at on the computer, Tim was stuck where he was. he was on the phone for a few more minutes. Once the call was over, he went to the front door, but there was nobody there.

He looked up and down the small street. The only person he saw was the widow who must have been out walking her dog, going back into her house. He wondered if it was her at his door. He would be surprised if it was since they had no contact in the whole time he had lived there.

Tim went back inside, poured more coffee and went back to work.. Whoever it was, would come back another time.

 

[Girly_girl]

Pam and Murphy make it in the door, just as the rain picks up, looking at herself in the mirror in the foyer, she frowned at her reflection, “Yep, a drowned rat.” Grabbing a towel, she dries her hair and gets another cup of coffee. Thinking to herself what a dumb move that was to knock on her neighbor’s door, they had never even spoke to each other, passed each other at community events, but that’s about it.

Turning on the tv, a weather report was stating that tomorrow would be the calm before the storm, beginning sometime tomorrow evening, winds would be picking up, torrential downpours and flooding. She was all prepared, generator, candles, plenty of food and water in the pantry, what could go wrong…right?

Pam had no showings tomorrow and a relatively quiet day, most likely she would be working from home. Maybe before the weather picked up, she would try again and get lucky and catch him on the porch. Starting a hot bubble bath, Pam stripped and sunk down into the hot, bubbly water, warming her chilled body. After soaking for awhile, she stood in front of the mirror, she had what men would consider a desirable body, 36C breasts, curvy hips, tight abs and tight round ass. Smiling to herself, thinking, still looking good.

 

[24M_for_Mature]

While working on several accounts and monitoring the markets on his computer, Tim got an alert about the possibility of a Tropical Storm heading in the direction of Seaside Cove. He wasn't too worried about it, because those storms tended to change course several times and rarely did they go where they were originally projected to go.

After a couple of hours work, he decided he needed a break. He got up from the table and walked out onto the porch. Yes, it was still raining. Actually, it was raining harder now. He started to wonder about the coming storm. He went back inside and turned on the television. What he saw worried him.

All the projections seemed to have Seaside Cove as the location where the storm would make landfall. Even worse, they were expecting the storm to intensify' possibly even becoming a hurricane. He didn't like that. Tim liked his little cottage by the beach. He didn't want to lose it.

He walked around the house and made sure he had supplies. He didn't want to, but if he needed to, he would go to the store. He had 2 flashlights and plenty of batteries for them. Tim always had plenty of bottled water around the house, so he was good with that. He had some canned food, which he never ate, but it was there just in case. He also had a couple boxes of breakfast bars. They would be good if they lost power.

He went back to watching the weather forecast. They were starting to call for evacuations. "Hell with that. I am not leaving."

 

[Girly_girl]

After getting out of the tub, Pam dressed in some sweats and worked on some paperwork the remainder of the day. An alert came on the tv that Hurricane Trevor would be reaching Seaside Cove and the surrounding communities early evening tomorrow, from what the were showing on the radar, Trevor was a beast.

It was recommended that residents evacuate and move to higher ground, Pam decided she was not budging. She had everything she needed to get through. The weather report was saying it would be partly sunny until around 3 and then the winds and rain would be moving in. Thankfully she was working from home tomorrow and decided to call Karla, her assistant and have her close the office.

Pam got up to make some dinner and stretch, sitting at the table all day doing paperwork had her muscles tense. She was also worried about the expected hurricane, her and Eric had experienced a few with only minor damage. Walking over to their wedding picture, she sighed and whispered, “Keep watch over Murphy and I, babe, not gonna lie, this may be the worst I’ve seen in a long time from what they’re saying.”

 

[24M_for_Mature]

The rain stopped, so Tim decided to go out and sit on the porch. He figured it would be a few days before he was able to get back outside if the storm was going to be as bad as they were saying. He looked around and took into account the things he would have to bring in off the porch before the storm hit.

While he was sitting outside, he thought about why he was staying. Did it really make sense for him to stay through the storm? Was this some kind of macho thing trying to be the tough guy that wouldn't leave? He really did not have an answer for it. He shook his head. "Great decision making strategy dickhead."

He watched as some of the neighbors packed items in their cars and headed farther inland. Mrs. Rose from next door stopped on her way out and called to him. Tim got up and walked out to the street to talk to Mrs. Rose. "Tim, you better get a hotel room and get out of here. Hurry up, all of the hotels are selling out. If you don't leave soon you won't find a place to stay." When he told Mrs. Rose he was staying, she said, "Oh no honey. Don't do that. Don't be so stubborn. You remind me of my late husband. You think that leaving is a sign of weakness."

"I am going to be fine Mrs. Rose. You know how these storms are. They change directions multiple times. I will be fine. The storm will probably hit 50 miles from here." He waved to her. "You be safe driving. I will keep an eye on your place for you."

She shook her head and drove off. Tim watched her drive away; wondering if she was right.

 

[Girly_girl]

A few hours had passed and Pam saw Murphy standing by the door, “Time for a walk, boy?” He looked at her and wagged his tail and barked happily. She grabbed his leash and her keys and they ventured out, the rain had stopped and the sun was trying to peek out. They saw Mrs Rose from next door driving away. Saying to no one in particular, “She must be evacuating.”

Right as she was approaching the house she tried earlier, her cell phone rang, it was Karla, letting her know everything was taken care of for tomorrow, all the phone calls were made, emails sent. “Thanks Karla, you’re the best. Stay safe and kiss those precious babies for me, talk soon.” Just as she was hanging up, Murphy’s leash slipped out of her hand and he ran up on the porch of her handsome neighbor. “Murphy! No! Come back!

Pam ran after him, looking very embarrassed. “ I’m so sorry, he never does this. He’s very friendly and wouldn’t hurt a fly.” Come on, boy, let’s leave him alone, not everyone wants to play.” Looking at him and laughing nervously, “ I apologize again, we didn’t mean to bother you.

 

[24M_for_Mature]

Tim watched as the dog ran up onto his porch. He put his hand down for the dog to sniff and get to know him. He knew not to reach toward the dog; it might be perceived as a threat. "So, your name is Murphy. It is nice to meet you Murphy. My name is Tim. I moved in about a year ago." Saying it loud enough for his owner to hear.

Then he looked at the woman who was chasing after Murphy. "I am not worried. I love dogs." Tim rubbed Murphy's neck a little as the dog moved up against him. "Oh, and my name is Tim."

Tim looked up and down the street. "So, are you staying too, or are you just going to be the last one to do the smart thing and evacuate?"

 

[Girly_girl]

Pam watched the man interact with Murphy, he loved attention, but when he got a bad vibe from someone he was a completely different dog, he was very protective. She smiled at how well they seemed to be getting along. “He likes you, he’s very protective of me, so he’s always got his guard up, but he likes you.”

She held out her hand, “Hello, Tim, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Pamela, or Pam is fine too.” She smiled at him and noticed he had kind eyes and a nice smile. “Oh no, I have no intention of leaving, I know that sounds foolish, but I’m kinda stubborn that way. What about you?” Will you be leaving with everyone else or staying?”

 

[24M_for_Mature]

"Hi Pam, it is nice to meet you after a year." He smiled at the woman and carefully let his eyes roam over her. She was very attractive and very sexy. "You have a very nice dog here." H e rubbed Murphy's ears as he talked with Pam.

"I am staying behind. I am not real sure why I am doing it. Maybe it is machismo. Maybe it is just pure stupidity, but I am not planning on leaving, and, I am pretty certain that it is too late to go anywhere now, anyway. I am sure there are no hotel rooms available for hundreds of miles."

Tim looked up and down the street. "It seems as if we are the only ones staying. If you need anything, let me know. I have batteries and flashlights and water and some food. So, if there is anything I can help you with, let me know."

 

[Girly_girl]

“Thank you, he’s a sweet boy. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you have a new friend for life there. It usually takes him awhile to warm up to new people, and he seems to absolutely love you.”

Pam laughed at Tim’s reasons for not evacuating. “Well, if it’s pure stupidity, looks like we will be stupid together. I was talking to Mrs Rose yesterday and she was being the Mother Hen that she is and telling me that I should leave and get a hotel and not and try to be a hero and brave the storm out. I took her hand and told her I would be fine.”

“Yes, it certainly appears that way, everyone on this block seems to have headed elsewhere. Thank you, Tim, that’s very kind of you. I’m hoping my generator will be up and running, it’s got plenty of gas, but you just don’t know. I’m also stocked up, so the offer goes for you as well.”

 

[24M_for_Mature]

"Yea, I have been told that all of the dogs are attracted to me, so, it makes sense that Murphy likes me." He laughed a little while continuing to pet the dog. "Yea, Ms. Rose just stopped as she was leaving and told me that I should get out. She said I was being stubborn the way her husband was when he was alive."

Tim listened as Pam told him that she was well prepared for the storm. "Hmmm, a generator. Now, there is something I didn't think of. Well, if I need electric for anything, I may have to stop up to see you, right now my cell phone is staying on the charger and I am charging my portable power bank, so, hopefully that will get me through."

"Hey, pardon my manners, but would you like to come in for a minute, or sit on the porch here for a while. I don't have much to offer, but I have some bottles of water in the refrigerator. Decided if I was going to stock the refrigerator, I shouldn't take up space with any alcohol. I'll find that after the storm passes." He stepped back and waited for Pam to come up onto the porch.. or decline the offer.

 

[Girly_girl]

Pam stood there listening to him talking about how all the dogs were attracted to him, thinking all the ladies must be attracted to him also. She found him very attractive and seemed to have a wonderful sense of humor, which was a major plus and won him brownie points.

“Please, consider it an open invitation if the electric goes out, I have plenty of room, food and water, batteries and candles. Not to mention some company, who wants to be alone during a nasty storm?” I can’t promise though if it comes to that, that Murphy will want all of your attention.” Pam said with a smile.

When Tim asked her if if she wanted to join him on the porch, she accepted. “I’d love to, the weather seems somewhat calm right now and Murphy is in heaven with all the attention he’s getting.” Walking up the stairs and onto the porch, she made herself comfortable on one of the chairs.

 

[24M_for_Mature]

Tim went inside and grabbed 2 bottles of water out of the refrigerator. Before returning outside, he replaced the 2 with new bottles to make sure he had as many cold as possible. He grabbed a bowl out of the counter and then he walked back out onto the porch. He handed one of the bottles to pam, and placed the bowl on the porch and poured some of his water bottle into the bowl for Murphy.

Sitting into a chair, he looked over at Pam. "Have you been through any hurricanes here? I am not sure what to expect, which makes my decision to stay seem that much dumber. At least if I had some reference, I could say that I was making an educated decision. What I am making is an uneducated decision."

He looked at Murphy drinking water from the bowl. "Well, at least I know that I have somebody nearby who I can go to for help."

 

[Girly_girl]

Watching Tim pour some water in a bowl for Murphy and then handing her a cold bottle, Pam slipped her slides off and tucked her legs beneath her. “Do you have any pets of your own? You’re very good with him.” Pam felt her eyes wander over her handsome neighbor as he talked.

“I have, most of them I’ve been through were nothing but tropical storms and found not much damage, minor flooding, some small trees fell in the yard, but nothing major. My parents, who live in St Augustine, lost their home about 5 years ago in Hurricane Michael, they’ve since moved to South Carolina.” I’m really hoping this storm won’t be as bad as they are thinking, but I guess we will see.”

Smiling at Tim, she replied, “Yes, absolutely.” Murphy finished his water and stood by Tim and nudged him, as if to say “Thank you for the water you gave me.

 

[24M_for_Mature]

Tim rubbed Murphy's neck as he noticed Pam get comfortable in the chair. Nothing wrong with a beautiful and sexy woman getting comfortable around him. Lately, Tim had been spending all of his time on work, and no time on a social life. Dating was something Tim hadn't done since he moved to Seaside Cove. He had moved there after breaking off an engagement, and decided to commit himself to work and let his social life take a back seat.

"I have had dogs all my life, up until moving here. When I broke off the engagement, I let her keep the dog. We had a beautiful German Shepherd. His name is Bear. I miss him, and have recently started thinking about getting a puppy. Hopefully, I will have a house left to bring a puppy into."

"Hurricane Michael must have been really bad to make your parents move away. I wasn't living around here, so, I didn't pay much attention to the storms unless they were coming through our town, and living so far inland we didn't get many bad storms... just remnants. So, hopefully this storm isn't as bad as Michael."

Tim heard his phone ringing inside. "Excuse me, I am going to have to get that. It is probably a work call."

 

[Girly_girl]

Pam listened to Tim tell her that he didn’t have much to to get out, due to focusing on work, also a broken engagement before moving to Seaside Cove. She could relate to throwing herself into work, since Eric’s death 5 years ago, Pam was hesitant to get back out on the dating scene, struggled to let herself get close to someone again.

“Bear sounds like a wonderful boy and German Shepherds are a great breed, not to mention guard dogs.” I think a puppy would be great for you, and…..give Murphy a friend.” If you decide, my best friend does some volunteer work with a local rescue and they often get puppies.”

Pam could feel herself blush, talking about puppies, she tended to ramble when on the subject. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to ramble, I just get so passionate when it comes to animals.” She switched the conversation back to the hurricane. “You do know about the hurricane shutters, don’t you? All the houses in this development were built with them, think of it as a little more protection for your house.”

“Hurricane Michael was brutal, just about every house in my parent’s neighborhood was destroyed. It was devastating, my dad was having some health problems and they were hesitant to rebuild here in Florida, can’t say I blame them.” I hope not either, if so, we are in for a ride.”

“Of course, Murphy and I will be right here.” Pam got up and moved about the porch, the clouds were starting to move in, but they sky still looked good for the most part, the neighborhood was eerily quiet, everyone on the block had left.

 

[24M_for_Mature]

Tim went in and answered the phone. It was a client who was trying to move some money around and had a lot of questions about different investments. Tim wanted to push him off and say he would check some things out and get back to him in a day or two, but with the storm coming Tim wasn't sure he would be able to get back to him, so, he opened up his laptop and started looking at the client's portfolio.

After talking for a while, and exploring different options, the client was having a hard time making a decision what to do. Tim got up and walked out onto the porch and whispered to Pam that he might be a while, and shrugged his shoulders.

Going back inside, he gave the client his full attention, although he would have much rather be spending time with his neighbor and her dog. Well, really with the neighbor.

Once Tim got everything figured out for the client, he hung up the phone, closed his laptop and walked out onto the porch. "I am so sorry. I have had clients calling because they are worried about not being able to get through to me for a while." He sat down next to Pam.

"So, to answer your earlier question, yes I know about the storm shutters. As soon as this storm starts getting close, I am going to button up the house. I really like it here. I hope we don't get too much damage. I think we will be able to get through this; if not alone, we can weather the storm together."

 

[Girly_girl]

Pam waited patiently for Tim to return outside, she looked over at Murphy and noticed he had fallen asleep, from all the excitement, perhaps. He must’ve gotten a call from one of his clients, she thought. Pam’s cell phone was buzzing, it was her dad.”Hi dad, yes I’m fine and yes I’m staying. I’ve got everything I need and then some. I promise, dad, yes, I love you too. Give my love to Mom. Bye.”

Ever since they moved out of state, they were trying to get her to move closer, it made them nervous every time ther was news of a hurricane approaching.

“Oh, no worries, I actually just got off the phone with my dad, ever since they moved, they call and check on me whenever there is a hurricane coming.” She could smell his cologne when he sat down next to her, whatever he was wearing sure smelled good.

“Okay, good. Definitely close those babies as soon as the storm gets nearer. I’m glad, I love it here, it’s a great little community.” I hope not either and yes…. We will get through this.” Pam flashed a big smile at Tim.

 

[24M_for_Mature]

While they sat on the porch talking, the clouds started to move in. There was a swirl to the clouds; almost taking the shape of a hurricane. Tim pointed up. "Well, it looks like the storm is getting closer. I am sure that is the extreme outer edge of the storm, but it looks like we are going to get it, for sure."

Just then Murphy popped his head up. He looked around and then looked at Pam. "What's the matter boy? Did you hear something?" Tim watched as Murphy got up and walked over and sat at Pam's feet.

Tim looked at Pam. "Something really spooked him. I think he heard something, or sensed something. Maybe he is a weather dog and is telling us that the storm is coming and we better be ready for it." He smiled at Pam. "Something tells me that we are going to be the only ones here for quite a while. I think this one is going to be big."

Standing up, Tim went to the windows on the one side of the house and closed the storm shutters and secured them in place. "I am just going to get some of the shutters closed. Just sit and relax. I am really enjoying your company."

 

[Girly_girl]

Pam looked at the sky where Tim was pointing, it was starting to look gray and dismal, not to mention frightening. “You aren’t kidding, there’s definitely something wicked heading our way, that’s for damned sure.”

All of a sudden, Murphy was awake and on his feet, he seemed spooked, could it be the approaching storm. Pam knelt and started rubbing behind his ears to calm him. “You know… Murphy is a trained service dog and he is very protective of me, he does get agitated whenever the weather is bad.” I have a feeling you’re right, this is starting to get bad, really bad.

Pam watched as Tim started to prepare for the incoming storm, still trying to calm Murphy down, he kept pacing between her and Tim. She smiled at him and said, “I’m really enjoying your company too.”

 

[24M_for_Mature]

Once Tim had the shutters closed, he sat back down with Pam. He noticed that Murphy was sitting right in front of Pam, leaning back against the chair she was sitting in. "He certainly is protective of you."

The wind started blowing a little stronger. "Yep, it certainly is coming. I think we need to make sure our homes are ready for this. I am going to make sure everything is set her. If you want, I can come over and help you as soon as I am finished here."

Tim looked out off the porch as sand started to blow from the beach. "Wow, if this is what happens at the beginning of the storm, I would hate to see what this storm is going to be like when it really gets here. So, if you want, I will probably be over in 15 minutes. I just have to make sure this house is ready. If you would rather I didn't come over to help you, just say so. I won't be offended."

 

[Girly_girl]

“Yes he is, always has been from the time he came into my life. In a way, you could say, he saved me. After my husband died, I was so lost and broken, found it too hard to get out of bed. One day, about 6 months after I lost Eric, my best friend Phoebe called about a surrendered Irish Setter, who also happened to be a service dog. She stopped by and showed me his picture and thought he would be perfect for me, needless to say, he needed me as much as I needed him…and the rest is history.”

Looking at the sky, Pam became concerned. The clouds were growing darker and darker by the minute and sand was starting to blow down the block, as they were less than a block from the beach. “Okay, that sounds like a plan. I will put my storm shutters into place and see you shortly.”

Pam listened to Tim show concerns about this early phase of the incoming storm, she had a feeling this was going to be a rough and nasty one. “Tim….yes, I could use some help and also some company, so I will see you soon.” Pam was trying to hide her fear and anxiety, but she knew it showed all over her face. She grabbed Murphy’s leash and they walked briskly 2 doors down.