Stardust Desert Lust

[Wild_Oats]

(OOC: closed for cbelle02 and myself)

Mosquero, New Mexico. It was just another dot on the highway, a small desert town between the dry hillsides of sage brush and cacti, and the farmland and cattle ranches of the valleys. I wasn't sure how the agriculture survived in this place. Didn't crops and livestock require water?

The job took me to some far flung places but this leg of the road had to be the farthest flung. I'd been through here a couple of times before but since my last stop was three hours back, just outside of Albuquerque, and my next was just across the border into Texas I always cruised on through. This particular day as I slowed for the right hand bend through the Main Street of town, cruised down the four block strip and accelerated away as the highway opened up at the other end something was wrong. My Porsche felt sluggish, as if misfiring and I looked down at the dashboard at the little orange alternator light. I needed to get back to town before it died completely and so I slowed near an approach and made a u-turn to head back to the service station that I had passed on the east edge of town.

"Yup, alternator," confirmed the mechanic as he stuck his head under the boot (the engine of a Porsche is in the back, of course). Closing the red cover and latching it shut he said, "I can order the part but it aint gonna git here for another two or three days."

"Two or three days?" I asked.

"It come in from Albuquerque," he explained. "I can phone it in now but it's Monday afternoon."

"Can't they FedEx it here by morning?"

"I'm closed Tuesday mornin's," he said gesturing his thumb to a grease stained card in the window stating the hours of business. "Not much open around here on Tuesdays. Just the diner, the bar, the drug store," then he pointed across the street, "and that there motel."

None of my blonde-haired blue-eyed charm was going to speed up the process. I was stuck.

The sun was so bright that without my Ray-Bans I would have gone blind, and without the air conditioning of my Porsche my navy blue golf shirt was beginning to stick to me. So handing over the keys to my sixty-thousand dollar German engineered sports car to this small town grease monkey, I walked across the highway to the Stardust Motor Inn. This may have been the middle of the desert but it sure wasn't Vegas. The place couldn't have had more than a dozen rooms but the parking lot only had five cars in it, three of them dingy pickup trucks. There was an office to the right, detached from the row of rooms with a small swimming pool tucked mostly under a covered area connecting the two buildings. A small bell tinkled as I pushed the door open and I approached the counter and got my credit card out of my wallet: American Express - Oates, William Douglas.

 

[cbelle02]

"Stacia!" I called out to my main receptionist when I heard the jangle of the door opening, followed by the ringing of the bell on the front desk. When I got no response, I sighed and threw my rag down. The girl was probably on another bathroom break or who knew where. I couldn't exactly blame her. Business wasn't what you would call booming lately at the Stardust.

My husband and I had owned the Inn for over a decade. It was small but we usually kept a steady business, often of regular or returning customers. My husband, Thomas, mainly took care of the financial side of things, and small repairs. He was usually away at another job while I ran the hotel from the inside. We had a small staff, meaning I tended to do a little of everything as well, from checking customers in and out to cleaning rooms. I was in the middle of the latter when the bell rang.

The front desk bell rang a second time as I hurried down the hallway to the lobby area. A tall gentleman stood, leaning against the counter, flipping through one of the old magazines we keep stacked nearby.

"I'm so sorry for your wait, Sir." I stammer, politely. "How can I help you?" I took a moment to look him over. He was tall, handsome, with striking blue eyes and from the way he was dressed and put together, I could tell he wasn't from around here. I became suddenly aware of my disheveled look. My long dark hair was pulled back in a messy bun. Since I'd been cleaning, I work old jeans and a loose long sleeved top. Not the most presentable outfit. My name tag pinned to the front of my shirt was askew. It read Samantha Hawkins in bold black print. Hopefully, he wouldn't judge too harshly.

"Can I get you a room?"

 

[Wild_Oats]

A voice called out in the distance, a lady's voice. It sounded like she was in a bit of a frenzy. Then she came in through the side door, loose strands of dark hair escaping her pinned-up do as if she were in a whirlwind, which was actually quite becoming. I could tell by her attire that she did a lot around here. Her diligent air was sweet and charming. I noted her name tag as I removed my shades and folded them on the counter next to my credit card.

"Can I get you a room?"

"Please," I smiled warmly. "Two nights. Sounds like your friend across the street won't be able to get my car running until Wednesday."

I could hear the hum of the pool pump in the shack behind the office.

"Get much use out of that pool?" I asked her. "Half the water must evaporate out of it every day in this climate. Isn't it expensive to maintain?" I was careful to keep looking her in the eye but I couldn't help notice the comfy looking loose top and my imagination took liberties with the shape of her figure hidden beneath it. Then I saw her wedding ring.

 

[cbelle02]

"Two nights." The man said. "Sounds like your friend across the street won't be able to get my car running until Wednesday."

I glanced out the window at George's Auto Care. It was a small shop but George was dependable and always did good work.

"Well, I can assure you that you're vehicle will be in good hands with George." I told the man as I tapped his info into the computer. "His shop may not look like much, but he's the best. My husband and I go there for all our repair and maintenance work. Plus, he brings us a lot of business." I glanced up at him. "Two nights will be $100." I said, swiping his card.

"Get much use out of that pool?" He asked. "Half the water must evaporate out of it every day in this climate. Isn't it expensive to maintain?"

I shook my head. "It's a small pool, mostly in the shade. It can be a bit expensive but it keeps our guests happy. And when the guests are happy, everyone's happy." I laugh. "Corny I know, but it's our motto."

I pull out the key to his room and hand it to him along with his credit card and receipt. "Room 23. It's right around the corner there. Should be fully stocked but if you need anything don't hesitate to ring the front desk." I allowed myself one brief glance as he took his key. Nothing wrong with looking, I surmised. Long as you don't touch, girl.

"I hope you enjoy your stay."

 

[Wild_Oats]

Something about Samantha Hawkins wasn't totally happy. Her cheerfulness only masked her inner conflict. When she handed me the key we touched. I let the touch linger and read her face some more. Then I smiled and backed out the door into the sunshine.

Room 23. Were there really that many rooms in this place? I walked around the corner that she had indicated and past the pool. There was a backside of the building with another twelve rooms. The first one was 24. The next one was mine. I turned the key and entered. The bed was on the left, the TV on the right. The bathroom was in the back next to an open clothes closet. Everything was neat and tidy. Setting my bag on the floor, I sat back on the bed, grabbed the remote control and found a baseball game. There was a small counter with a microwave and a minifridge. Two whole days in this town was going to be boring. I decided to get something to fill the fridge before Mosquero closed itself up for the night.

Walking down the street made my clothes stick to me. The sun was so hot and the heat radiated up from the pavement like the updraft of an inferno. Growing up in California, I was no stranger to warm weather and sunshine but this was ridiculous. There was no escape. I'd probably have to take a dip in that pool when I got back. I found the grocery store at the other end of town, all of four blocks away. I picked up a case of beer and a couple of microwave burritos. On my way back to the cashier I spotted a bottle of cognac and figured what the heck. I picked that up too.

Back out on the sidewalk the heat hit me again. On the return walk I kept thinking of Samantha Hawkins - married, overworked, pleasant, pretty. I thought about the fleshy curves that might be hidden under that loose t-shirt. Mr Hawkins, wherever he was had scored well. I wondered if he knew how well.

I cracked a beer, put the rest of them in the fridge, sat on the bed, took out my phone and dialed my boss. I had to tell Mike about the delay. Then I'd have to call ahead to my clients to inform them as well.

 

[cbelle02]

Stacia returned as the man walked out the door. She approached the front desk, grinning, and turning back to look as he walked out of sight. "Wow, how long is he staying for?" She asked playfully.

I shook my head. "Well, if you'd been up here to check him in you'd know that."

Stacia moved to take her spot behind the desk. "Why check him in when I've already checked him out? Admit it. You did too."

"I just did my job." I said, ignoring her comment. "You should try it sometime!" I added as I walked out of the lobby to finish cleaning. Despite my teasing, I loved Stacia. The girl was dependable, a hard worker, and willing to put in plenty of overtime. A real lifesaver. The occasional break was well justified.

I resumed my cleaning. I had opened the shades to allow the bright sunlight to illuminate the entire room. It was something I found added at least a little cheer to an otherwise menial task. As I was making the beds, I glanced out the window. The man I'd checked in earlier was walking by. It appeared he was headed toward town, probably to get a few things for his two day stay. I watched him for a moment, not envying his walk in this heat. He didn't appear to be used to it.

Finally, I realized I'd been staring until he was out of sight. Something about the man intrigued me. Sure, he was attractive and seemingly out of his element, but it wouldn't be the first time someone like that stayed here. He shouldn't be more than a passing thought, but I found myself wanting to know more about him.

I sighed and went back to the task at hand. It was really none of my business. He'd be gone in a couple days anyway.

 

[Wild_Oats]

It was hot inside, even with the shade of the room and the window facing north. I found the air conditioner and turned it on. It whooshed cool air into the room. I cracked a beer and sat to watch TV while I kept tabs on my messages. Everything seemed to be in order. The baseball game was boring. I didn't mind the sport but it didn't hold my interest like basketball or football. When I finished my beer a started another. Flicking the channels there was a cheesy movie, some terrible cooking show, an even worse renovation show, some crap on CNN. Then I heard the pump turn on for the swimming pool and thought I'd go for a swim.

I changed into my black beach shorts and grabbed a towel from the bathroom. My physique had always been lean and still was, even if it wasn't so sculpted as it had when I was with the police department. I wasn't working out regularly like I did back then but I was still in good shape. Walking barefoot, the sidewalk was warm even in the shade of the building. As I approached I could smell the chlorine. The pool wasn't large but it was a clean gleaming light turquoise. There was a small springboard but I just tossed the towel onto the bench and stood at the edge of the deep end. Taking in a breath, I dove in with a tidy sploosh. The water was cool and refreshing. I resurfaced and breast stroked out to the sunny shallow end and back to the shade of the deep end.

 

[cbelle02]

I finished up my housekeeping duties for that afternoon and headed back to my office to do a bit of paperwork. There was no connection from the backside to the front other than a sidewalk that wrapped around the building. As I headed out, it occurred to me that I hadn't been able to shake thoughts of the stranger that I'd recently checked in.

I made my way around the side of the building when something caught my eye at the pool. It took a second glance to realize that the man in the pool was the same man that had been invading my thoughts over the last few hours. From my vantage point, I could clearly see him, but he would have to make extra efforts to see me. I found myself watching him, admiring his form as he swam, the way his chest and back muscles moved as he glided through the water.

Usually, I didn't bother my guests, except to offer more towels or coffee. I knew that I should walk right past and go back to work, but instead I took a detour and headed toward the pool. Just checking to make sure our guest is happy, I told myself. That's my job, isn't it?

I watched him as I approached the pool, smiling when he finally looked up to see me. "Hi." I said. "I apologize for interrupting. You look like you're enjoying your dip. Just wanted to make sure you have everything you need and you're satisfied with your stay so far."

 

[Wild_Oats]

"Just wanted to make sure you have everything you need and you're satisfied with your stay so far."

How long had she been there? It couldn't have been too long since she wasn't there before I had turned around and swam away from where she was then standing.

"Unless you can change the alternator on my Porsche before Wednesday everything's peachy," I joked as I stretched out onto my back, exposing the slight swath of dark gold hair in the middle of my chest.

Just then one of the other guests arrived to use the pool. A heavy set woman in a pink one piece placed her towel on the bench and approached the shallow end. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail exposing her dark roots.

"Come on, love," she coaxed her daughter. The child was about a year old with wispy gold curls and beheld the swimming pool in silence, unsure of what to make of it as she held her mother's hand. The mother sat on the edge and eased herself in tummy deep, then wrapped her arms around the little girl and held her against her chest as she began wading around. She smiled at me, then at Samantha Hawkins standing at the edge of the pool forming a triangle between the three of us. The mother made playful swishing sounds as she dipped her daughter's feet into the water here and there. I glided back towards the corner and watched Samantha as the mother played with her child.

 

[cbelle02]

"Unless you can change the alternator on my Porsche before Wednesday everything's peachy," the man quipped gliding elegantly onto his back. I laughed, my eyes caught by the bare broad chest exposed before me. I could tell he was in shape even fully clothed and this confirmed my previous assessment. I was about to reply with a snarky comment of my own when my attention was captured by the mother and daughter that entered the pool.

I watched them for a moment. The little girl was tentative at first and clung to her mother as she walked around the pool. I smiled at her and stepped away for a moment, returning with an inflatable toy ball. I approached the edge of the pool and held the ball out toward the little girl.

"Would you like to play?" I asked. She eyed me dubiously at first, but then cautiously reached for the ball. It just fit in her small hand. "What's your name?" I asked.

Her mother smiled gratefully and turned to her daughter. "Can you tell her your name? Say, it's Rosie." Rosie turned her face shyly into her mother's chest. I laughed softly.

"Someone's shy, I guess. Well you have fun, Rosie." I straightened and looked back toward the man, biting my lip.

"I guess I'll leave you all to your fun." I continued. "You're all first time guests so I'll just let you know, every evening we host refreshments and snacks in the front lobby around 8. You are welcome to come, meet some of the other guests, or just get a free drink and cookie. I bet you like cookies don't you Rosie?"

The little girl smiled and nodded. "Alright. We'll hopefully I'll see you there." I said as my eyes flickered back to the man, briefly meeting his own. Then I waved at Rosie and turned, heading back inside.

The rest of day went smoothly. I didn't see anymore of the man, but as the evening approached, I couldn't help but hope he'd make the refreshment hour.

 

[Wild_Oats]

Samantha seemed to light up when playing with the child, but I still hadn't seen any children of her own, nor any sign of Mr Hawkins. It wasn't yet dinner time though. Her husband could have been at another job, or perhaps even estranged, but it was July so any kids would not have been in school. They could have been with their father however, or maybe they had none at all. There were a million possibilities.

She invited us all for refreshments at eight and glanced my way for the briefest of moments before leaving. In that split second her expression changed. There was something more in her eyes, something deep and distant. Then she was gone.

I floated around and relaxed in the pool for another half hour or so, before leaving Mom and baby Rosie to themselves. Back in my room I showered off the chlorine and found a Clint Eastwood western on the classic movie channel. I nuked one of those burritos in the microwave, cracked a beer and watched Clint shoot up the bad guys out in the middle of some desert much resembling the one that I was currently in myself.

At eight o'clock the movie ended. Outside the sky was turning dark orange to the west. I finished off my second beer and resolved to take up my host's invitation, although I knew that I would from the moment that she had extended it. It was still quite warm bit a slight evening breeze made it cool enough for jeans and a maroon long sleeve cotton t-shirt. Of course I had to brush my teeth after that burrito. At twenty after, I was ready.

The little bell chimed as I opened the door into the little office lobby. There was one other guy there, an older fellow who must have been technologically challenged as he was studying a paper road map spread out on the front desk. He was so absorbed in the lines and numbers that he didn't budge at my presence. The room smelled of fresh coffee as a new pot had just dripped full in the machine on the side table. There were also jugs of juice and iced tea next to a plate of cookies and some sort of lemon loaf slices. I poured myself a cup of tea and took a seat next to the window to see who else might arrive. Outside the shadows were long and dark. The sunlight would not last much longer.

 

[cbelle02]

The rest of the day went on as usual. Typically, I left around 830, after setting up the refreshments and greeting the few guests that came down early. The night crew handled the rest. I wasn't in any particular hurry tonight however, as my husband was not due back in town for a couple more days. Nights like these, when he was away, my evenings consisted of grabbing a burger and calling it an early night.

Stacia was patiently trying to help an older gentleman at the front desk read a map and figure out the best route to his destination. I was wrapping up and getting ready to go when I saw him. The man that had caught my eye previously walked into the lobby. I realized that I had checked him in and still didn't even know his name. I watched him for a moment as he poured himself a cup of tea and sat near the window.

I contemplated approaching him for a moment until Stacia called me over to help her. Both she and the older man seemed a little frazzled. I did my best to help until the man, though still a little frustrated, seemed satisfied. I finished up a bit of paperwork and clocked out. I was about to leave when I looked up and caught the eye of the man near the window.

I hesitated only a moment before smiling and walking over toward him. "Hi again." I greeted, brushing stray hairs from my face. "Glad you could make it down. Are you enjoying your stay so far? And your tea?" I tried to keep my comments professional. There was nothing wrong with me being friendly to just another guest, right?

"I'm about to head out and just wanted to see if you, or anyone, needed anything before I leave."

 

[Wild_Oats]

The old man thanked the girl behind the desk for directions and for the coffee but I was till not certain if he knew where he was going. He folded up his map and stepped gingerly out the door, jingling the bell again.

Samantha Hawkins meanwhile busied herself, head down behind the counter shuffling papers and seemingly tidying up. To and fro she went, flicking back the stray hairs that kept falling in her face. She was an almost nervous type of busy as she went about her routine. Then she stopped and smiled my way. I smiled back and she approached.

"I'm about to head out and just wanted to see if you, or anyone, needed anything before I leave."

I was the only one left so anyone else meant me. The comment confirmed her nerves. She was adorable the way she kept fixing her hair. The bright eyes didn't hurt either. What sweet service. She was so diligent in everything she did. I just wanted to calm her with a warm snuggle and feel her warm curves next to me. I took another sip of tea.

"The Stardust Motor Inn," I said. "I've seen a lot of dust around here. Do the stars come out soon?" I hinted a wink and grinned.

 

[cbelle02]

His smile was warm and friendly as I greeted him. He sipped his tea and looked up at me, meeting my eyes. I felt a slight shiver at his gaze.

"The Stardust Motor Inn," He said. "I've seen a lot of dust around here. Do the stars come out soon?" The grin that followed was utterly adorable. His eyes sparkled and his cheeks dimpled and the playful wink he gave me sent another thrill of...something...down my spine.

I laughed and poured myself a cup of tea as well. I didn't usually drink it myself, typically being in a hurry to get home. But tonight I found that I really wanted that cup.

"Well," I said as I stirred some sugar into my tea. "I guess you'll just have to wait to find out, Mr. Oates." I gave him a wink of my own as I moved back toward him and leaned my shoulder against the wall next to where he was seated, tucking another loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"And if you're wondering about motors, there are plenty across the street." I added with a smirk and a nod toward George's.

 

[Wild_Oats]

"I guess you'll just have to wait to find out, Mr. Oates. And if you're wondering about motors, there are plenty across the street."

I had an in.

"Call me Doug," I said. I had to keep looking her in the eye. It shouldn't have been so hard. She had such pretty eyes, but she had more than that too. Neat enough but still dressed down in work clothes and with her hair so delightfully refusing to stay in place, she was adorably appealing. Her smile was half shy, half inquisitive and thoroughly inviting. There was a wavelength in the air that we were both tuned into. Would it have been so presumptuous of me to just ask her back to my room? Would it be tacky? No matter, it was totally too early for that.

"The days are hellish hot around here," I said and sipped my tea again. "I guess it's worth it with evenings like this." I leaned back in my chair and looked out the window, then back at Samantha Hawkins leaning against the wall, trying to be casual as she retucked the same loose strand behind her ear. Reaching my free hand back behind my head I arched back and stretched myself out. "Are all the nights like this?" I asked.

 

[cbelle02]

I watched Doug as he stretched out, his body elongating almost gracefully. As much as I tried to make sure to keep my eyes on his face, the action invoked a natural response to glance over the length of his body. I wasn't sure if my eyes betrayed my appreciation but I had a feeling he wouldn't have minded.

"Are all the nights like this?" He asked me.

"One good thing about the West, our heat is dry. So, unlike the muggy heat of other regions, nights are generally much cooler than during the day. A lot of our visitors stay inside all day and only come out after the sun sets where they can appreciate the open air." I paused and met his eyes once more. "Around here, the nights can bring a lot of relief after a long, hot day, Doug."

I looked out the window as well. "It is a particularly nice night. Plenty of stars out. Would you like to join me for a walk and take a look?"

 

[Wild_Oats]

Suddenly she was taking the initiative. I was not expecting such a tantalizing surprise as she had been quite shy - and quite married (at least married enough to not remove her ring) - up to that point. Her offer was a green light that I could not pass up.

"I'd love to," I said. Finishing off the last of my iced tea I rose from my seat and put the cup back on the table where I had found it. I wasn't sure if she wanted to use the front or the back door, but while waiting for her cue a truck's engine drew near and slowed and the shadow of a pickup entered the parking lot and passed by the office. I watched it roll slowly down the front of the building, stop and back into a space. The engine cut, the door opened and shut and there were faint voices. It was one of the other hotel guests. All was quiet again. I really wasn't sure how secret we were supposed to be and I looked to her eyes for a hint. All I knew was that she had a diamond on her finger and although what we were about to do could have been platonic enough, it certainly had romantic tendencies. I let her lead the way.

 

[cbelle02]

I had surprised myself with the suggestion. But I told myself it was innocent, just showing a guest the benefits of Arizona nights. Nothing more. Just doing my job. I didn't take into account the fact that I'd already clocked out. Nor the fact that I led him out the back entrance.

We walked out into the night. There were very few streetlights in this area and not much else for miles in any direction. So the darkness gave way to a huge expanse of night sky, lit up my seemingly millions of twinkling stars.

"A lot of guests are always surprised at how many more stars can be seen out here, in the flat desert with very little light pollution. It's beautiful." I said as we walked. I made sure to keep at least a little distance between us, though that gap seemed to be filled with some sort of unspoken tension.

I led the way past the small employee lot, tapping my car as we passed. Other than distant voices of the guests outside the inn, the night was quiet. Nothing stirred in the back lot as we walked down a narrow path that led away from the motel.

"So, what do you think? Beautiful huh?" I asked, tucking my hair behind my ear again, trying to ignore the thoughts that suddenly invaded my mind.

 

[Wild_Oats]

Out across the back lot the air was much cooler than in the day but I could still feel the warmth drafting upwards from the pavement to the great sky above. There were a couple of garage buildings and then an empty lot and beyond that an open field stretched into black, northward to the horizon. The sky was vivid blue to the west but everywhere else the dark was smeared with stars. I looked straight up.

"So, what do you think? Beautiful huh?"

"It's been a while since I've seen stars like this," I said with my head still tilted back. "Too many desk jobs." Taking another step I bumped into her shoulder. I looked back down at her but she was nothing but a black silhouette in the night.

"Oh, sorry," I said. "I guess I should watch where I'm going." I reached out to her as if to find her in the dark but really I just wanted to touch her. My palm rested gently on her back.

 

[cbelle02]

We had walked a good bit away from the hotel, enough that the glow from the surrounding lights no longer reached us. We were shrouded in darkness, but having walked these paths often (mostly alone), I wasn't worried about getting lost. Not that you really could in such a big open field. There were a few scattered trees here and there, but nothing too dangerous.

I gave a slightly startled yelp when Doug bumped into me. He immediately apologized.

"I guess I should watch where I'm going." He said softly. Then I felt him reach out, as though to keep track of me, pressing his palm against my back.

"It's ok." I said, with a light laugh. "Give it a few moments, your eyes will adjust to the darkness. It doesn't really get this dark in the city, does it?" I turned my head and smiled at him, unsure if he could even tell.

I stopped briefly, feeling every inch of his hand, even leaning into it a little, hoping he'd keep it there. And suddenly I knew I wanted that hand touching me elsewhere. In that short moment, I imagined his hand sliding down, over the curve of my hip around to my stomach to pull me back flush against him, before sliding upward to... I cleared my throat.

"There's actually a small little stream up ahead, if it hasn't completely dried up yet. We can turn back once we reach it." I started walking again, though with an imperceptible tremble in my legs. "I know you're probably tired after your travels."

 

[Wild_Oats]

There was no recoil from my touch, in fact it was as if she was about to lean back into it. I thought I'd give her a caress or even put my arm around her but then she suddenly walked on, apparently leading me to some stream that I wouldn't be able to see in the dark. I listened for the water but couldn't hear any so perhaps it was too dry. The only sound was the tires of a car passing on the highway in the distance which reinforced the safety of our isolation.

I lost her for a moment ahead of me in the dark but then I heard one of her footfalls in the dirt and then her breath. She was stopped right in front of me. I took her warmly by the shoulders and pulled her against me. The stream didn't matter but I had to admit that the stars were incredible. There were millions of tiny sparkles, some bigger than others. Some were slightly pink, some were yellowish, some were a hint of blue, but most were white. There were masses of them. Some blinked and I wondered if they were satellites. Some moved in a line across the sky. They definitely were satellites. I leaned my mouth down to her ear.

"Thank you for bringing me here, Samantha" I whispered.

 

[cbelle02]

We reached the dry stream bed and I stopped. I knew it would be dry but it seemed to be enough of a point of interest to use as an excuse for walking this far in the middle of nowhere. I turned around and Doug was standing right in front of me. For a moment, neither of us spoke. He wasn't touching me but I could swear I felt the heat radiating from his body.

He looked up at the stars and I followed his gaze. Sometimes, I took the sight of the twinkling fireballs for granted. But tonight felt like I was looking at them through new eyes. After a few moments, I felt his large hands on my shoulders and he pulled me into him. I gave in and allowed myself to move in to him.

"Thank you for bringing me here, Samantha." He leaned down and whispered in my ear. His warm breath flowed over my skin and I couldn't repress a shudder.

I didn't know this man at all. I knew nothing about him. Perhaps we had nothing in common. Perhaps we would hate each other. But right then, I knew I wanted him. I glanced down and the moonlight caught my wedding ring in a glimmer of light. I felt a pang of guilt as I backed away.

"We should get you back to the hotel." I said, pulling back slightly and looking up into his eyes. Even in the darkness, they were piercing. My hands rested on his forearms lightly. "You must be exhausted."

 

[Wild_Oats]

The crush of her breasts against my chest was more than arousing. I was beginning to think that perhaps asking her back to my room wasn't so early as I thought, but then Samantha drew back. She probably remembered that she was still Mrs Hawkins. I had a decision to make. Should I accelerate things and fan the flames of her desire, or should I give her space and earn her trust? If she had pulled away completely the choice would have been simple but she was still maintaining physical contact. She was leaving the next step to me. She wanted a leading man.

"It's okay," I said and wrapped my arms around her extremely gently, barely touching her, and rested her cheek to my chest. "I understand if you're not comfortable. Would you like to head back now?" I asked, releasing the embrace.

 

[cbelle02]

"It's okay." He said, and gently pulled me close again. "I understand if you're not comfortable. Would you like to head back now?" He wasn't going to push, but he wasn't exactly backing away either. I could feel his heart pounding in his chest, as hard as mine felt. So I knew he must be feeling the same thing.

Yet he was being a gentleman. That might have actually made it harder to say no. "I think the problem is...that I am comfortable." I whispered as he pulled back. I ran a hand through my hair and leaned against a nearby tree. "I'm too comfortable and I shouldn't be. I shouldn't be feeling the things I'm feeling and yet...here I am..."

I should be turning around, walking back to the hotel, letting Doug go back to his room and then going straight home. But I had yet to move in that direction.

 

[Wild_Oats]

"I'm too comfortable and I shouldn't be. I shouldn't be feeling the things I'm feeling and yet...here I am..."

She was just a silhouette in the dark, leaning back against a narrow tree trunk. The loose edges of her hair were caught in the dim light. Samantha Hawkins was a sexy thing. Her suppressed lust was wafting in the night, enticing me, calling me. She wanted me but needed me to make the first move. She would probably feel less guilty that way. I wanted to give her something that she couldn't resist, that she didn't want to resist. The trouble was that I couldn't resist her.

Slowly, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around the tree behind her, pressing my body to hers. I could feel her soft tits beneath her loose shirt against me. Moistening my lips I leaned down to kiss her on the mouth and my tongue found it's way in to caress her palate and gums with carnal passion.