Sorry! I've been away for a while. Events and such, aka - life, took an unexpected turn. Fortunately, in a nice way.
*****
Events that seemed out of my control compelled me to deeper analysis. Starring out over the winter scene from my snow covered deck made me realize that if I didn't take an action, I'd get swept up with the gathering storm.
The neighborhood is secluded, heavily wooded properties, and most are 25 acre lots. That means at least a quarter mile between my wooded bungalow and next door. The separation from the nearest neighbor is perfect for one such as myself. I am not antisocial; I'm moderately introverted and like to protect my space.
After more than 40 years as someone exposed to the public, I was happily retired from the "rat race" and wanted peace and tranquility. I'm on the younger side of mid-sixties, still have a full head of light brown hair with just a few strands of grey, and mostly fit.
Please don't misunderstand, I do enjoy small gatherings with close friends with whom I can break through the shell of introversion to delight in a good afternoon or evening of fun and frivolity. Such was the case a few days ago.
We are very much in the middle of winter, a time when we pick a Saturday for a winter bonfire. We stack our leaves, twigs, small branches, and larger cut wood in the middle of a community owned clearing. On the agreed Saturday, despite the weather, we gather around with drinks and food for a pot luck. The fire is hot enough to warm the circle of people around it.
A new neighbor joined us last weekend. All the round of introductions were made and the new neighbor was quickly assimilated. We stood around talking about the usual this-and-that wearing our parkas, artic pants, and mukluks. The fire was going to its full roaring glory yet.
The new neighbor is single as am I. Other neighbors are married, hence we became willing or maybe unwilling partners. It wasn't a bad situation for this social event; we both went with it.
The weather forecaster was a cooperative person and predicted temperatures in the upper teens to low twenties with calm breezes. Heavier coats and parkas began opening as the fire grew in intensity. Our new neighbor cautiously opened her jacket making sure the fire was warm enough.
She commented about being unfamiliar with the cold of winter. "I grew up on the islands in the Caribbean. I can do white sand. Snow is another story."
"How does an island dweller end up in the frozen north?" I was smiling as I asked.
I saw her tense a bit and quickly added, "Don't answer if it is uncomfortable."
She edged to about elbow distance away. "You saw my reaction. It is personal, a little uncomfortable."
"Sable, it is one of those question one asks when thinking about warmer places. I have a cousin who lives down in Cabo and this time of year I envy him. It more like a rhetorical question than one of prying. I don't mean to get personal."
Under the hood, muffler, parka, heavy sweater, Sable is deep tanned skinned. It was obvious she was a mix of African, Spanish, and native islander. She is probably mid-thirties, about five feet, five inches tall, and neither slender nor heavy. Who could really tell with all the layers of clothing?
Sable relaxed and a hint of smile shown on her lips. "Let's check out what the bar has to offer," she suggested.
I threw in a couple lyrics about mixing the lime in the coconut as we walked toward the booze.
"Seth, I like that song. Down on the islands we drink lime in the coconut milk with a strong splash of island rum. The doctor is in."
I guess it isn't too surprising that lime juice, coconut milk, and 151 proof rum appeared. What she called a splash or rum I call a heavy pour.
"Woah! That'll put a fire in my belly!"
Her first laugh was equally intoxicating as the drink. "Don't breathe too close to the fire."
We need to back up just a little. Sable is darker skinned than those in the neighborhood. You probably figured that out. We are a very Caucasian neighborhood though it is only because this far north there are very few people who aren't.
It surprised me, and likely her too, that she was so openly welcomed.
"Ha! One of these is about all I need. More and I'll have to crawl back home."
"Not like that hasn't happened before."
Did she just wink?
We ate from the pot luck offerings and moved around talking to neighbors. Sable mixed another of her specialty and the fire burned down. The evening was upon us and the cold returned. Neighbors began bundling up again, picking up belongings, and heading home.
The clearing was such that it was not a long walk to home site. I began gathering things I brought for my trek home. Sable did the same and the final neighbors yelled good night and turned for their homes.
"Would it be out of place for me to invite you to my place, Sable? I can drive you home rather than you walking." Where did that come from, I quizzed myself. I just invited someone I hardly know to come in with me.
Sable gave a quick nod. "Lime in the coconut and drink it all down."
Two of those specialty drinks made the snow covered path tricky. I trudged ahead of Sable mostly shuffling so she had a better path to walk.
"Aren't you being chivalrous? Are your feet cold?"
"Yes I am and yes they are. I'll prop them up by the fire."
I couldn't see her behind me although the tone of her voice gave me a warm surge. "I'll warm them for you when we get inside."
"I won't deny, that sounds very pleasant. Are you cold as well?"
"I won't be after we're sitting by your fire. Plus, I'll be glad to get some of these layers off. I feel like I'm walking around in one of those huge sumo wrestling gag suits."
We reached the lower level door to my bungalow. It isn't a below ground entry, more of a door to the garage. It did allow me to a chance to turn to see Sable coming up behind me.
I smiled seeing her approach. "What's the smile?"
"You. Believe it or not, you have some rosy cheeks after the walk. Get in here and we'll both start warming up."
"Just the thought of getting side is warming."
We took of the outer layer of our parkas and arctic pants to hang. I noticed very quickly that Sable has an attractive figure.
I escorted through another door where the heat of the house struck us. We moved up the living level where we took off our snow boots.
"Sable, I need to strip off some more layers and I'm guessing you might want to use the bathroom. The bathroom is just over there. I'll go to the bedroom to get out of all the excess clothes. You can hang anything you want to in the bathroom."
Relief flashed across her face. "Oh, yes! Thank you. I do need to use the bathroom."
"I have a small bath in the bedroom and I'll take of things there. Take your time if you need."
"Thank you for being such a gentleman and very pleasant new neighbor, Seth." Sable disappeared into the bathroom and I into the bedroom.
I took off everything because the smoke smell from the bonfire was in each piece. I had to pee and took advantage of the shower stall to quickly shower. I found some comfortable jeans and a warm wool plaid shirt to wear. Was I trying to get ready for something more than a visit with a new friend?
I went to the kitchen to begin putting away things and wait for Sable. I heard the bathroom shower running only to think that maybe she had thoughts, too. There were snacks that didn't need putting away and those I placed out on plates. Sable was taking her time.
Another 15 minutes passed before Sable came out. "Seth, where are you?"
"Here, in the kitchen, follow my voice."
"I hope you don't mind, I felt and smelled kind of sooty. I used the shower." I could hear some apprehension in her voice. But when she came into the kitchen I saw her in all her charming glory. She had stashed a lot of clothes and was standing before me in almost the same attire.
"I guess we got the dress code memo. No, absolutely not upset. I showered too for the same reason. Let me shake your hand properly rather than through heavy gloves." I moved toward her as she stepped closer.
I reached out my right hand to shake and was surprised to feel her left hand taking mine and twining her fingers in mine. "Very pleased to meet, Seth."
We kept our fingers locked in the others hand and turned out bodies to face each other. It didn't take more than a moment before we joined in a kiss. It wasn't a kiss of passion, yet it was a kiss of knowing. Sable broke the kiss and rested her head against my chest.
"Meeting you is a pleasure for me also, Sable."
"Thank you, Seth." Her fingers squeezed on mine and I wrapped my free arm around her back drawing her closer.
Sable's body felt firm against me. I figured she must be athletic. Her breasts were firm and full and she had no bra on. Her waist narrow and shapely but not small. What I'd noticed of her hips and legs affirmed that she is athletic.
"There is that fire I talked about. It may need a little stirring and another log." I didn't think we could fit more closely together; however, she pulled tighter.
"Yes, Seth. Stir the fire." I am sure she knew that a fire was already stirring in us both.
The fireplace wasn't much more than warm embers when we went to the living room. I bent over the hearth to throw on some small pieces to get the fire going before putting on another log. Sable sat on the edge of the hearth watching me work up a flame.
"How long will a log burn before you tend it again?" Her voice had clear innuendo suggestions.
I was excited by her presence and noticing that her nipples were poking out against her shirt, I knew she was feeling it too. "Probably not long if the fire is really hot. Not to worry though, it can be stirred up again and another log added."
"Seth, the fire is burning."
"It is a very lovely fire."
I cupped her face in my palms and pulled her head toward mine. The kiss that followed was full of passion and unrestricted lust. The crackling log sparked as the flame intensified. I had floor cushions on to which we fell. Arms and legs twisted and curled as our bodies melded into one.