Another birthday is fast approaching and I'm kind of dreading it. Reason, because I feel like I haven't done anything new and fun. I'm getting up there in age and I want to do something before I'm too old to try it. I'm at work on my computer searching for something I haven't done yet. I tried skydiving, but chicken out before I got on the plane. I thought about bungee jumping, but my fat ass might pop the rope and fall to my death. No, thank you! I thought about going to visit South Africa again to go on a safari drive until I seen community sailing. Wow, I never thought about going sailing on my own. I been on many cruise ship, but having an opportunity to operate a boat by myself sounds exciting. I decide to sign up for orientation since I'm a beginner. My heart is racing. This is the new and fun thing I'm talking about. I can't wait!
Later in the day after I went home to shower and change clothes, I'm at the Hudson River Community Sailing in Inwood, New York. I head to the Dyckman Marina inside the Inwood Hill Park. Today is a slow day for them and I was immediately accepted. I head to the pier to meet my sailing educator. His back is towards me as he stands near the edge of the dock. A strong muscular back too, I think.
"Good afternoon, sir," I call out.
He turns around. He sees me and smiles as he waves. Oh, my hot damn! He's so handsome. The way the t-shirt is hugging his body is making my temperature rise. My palms start sweating as I walk closer.
"Good afternoon, you must be Yolanda. Pleasure meeting you. I'm Arron and I'll be your teacher today?" he tells me as he has his hand out for a handshake.
I wipe my sweaty palm onto my jeans before accepting his handshake. My goodness such a large hand he has. A firm grip in his handshake too. I'm getting turn on more. It's crazy! I guess because I haven't had sex in months. Well, it's that, but I'm also attracted to him. I want him! It would be nice if he wants me too. Let me not get my hopes up.
"Pleasure to meet you as well Arron. Thank you for taking the time to teach me how to sail," I say.
"But, of course. That's what I'm here for," he smiles.
Then he just stares at me. It's awkward because I'm not sure the reason why. It's a blank stare like he's thinking about something. He blinks a couple of times and smiles again.
"Before we get in the boat, you have to wear a life vest. It's for precautionary reason. Better to be safe than sorry," he tells me.
I nod my head in agreement. He helps me put the vest on. As he fastens it, he stares into my eyes. This time his stares is different. What could it be? He quickly cuts his eyes to the ground.
"There you go. I'll put mines on and then we can go," he says as he puts his vest on.
"Come, lest get into the boat," he says as he gets in first.
Once the boat is steady, he reaches out for my hand. I place my hand in his as he grips it tightly. He helps me get in the boat. As the boat rocks, I stumble backwards. With quick thinking, he grabs me and pulls me to him. My face resting on his chest. His arms around me holding me close to him. His body muscular and strong. I inhale his scent. He uses Irish Spring soap.
"Are you alright?" he asks.
I stare up at him as he stares down at me. His dark brown eyes staring into mines as his grip tightens. He bites his bottom lip and quickly releases me. He clears his throat.
"You should sit down. The waves are not gentle today," he tells me.
He unties the rope from the dock. As the boat begins to sail, he starts teaching. I watch and listen to everything he says. My adreline level is high right now. I feel like a student that has a crush on their teacher. And I do!
"How long how you been teaching?" I ask.
"Only a year. I'm a United States Coast Guard. I teach boating part time. Saving lives is my calling and I love what I do," he answers.
"Wow, that's amazing. Thank you for your services," I say.
He stares at me and smile.
"Thank you, Yolanda. That means a lot. Not many people give coast guards credit for the work we do," he says.
"Well, forget them. People are going to hate no matter what. I appreciate all military people. It's a true honor," I tell him.
"You are very sweet. Thank you," he smiles.
The boat goes further out into the river. It's fun until the waves and winds start getting stronger. It's getting rough out here and I'm concern about this.
"Arron, maybe we should turn back," I tell him as fear consumes me.
Before he could say something, the boat bucks hard. The impact knocks me out of the boat.
"Yolanda!" I hear him call.
In a panic, I flare my arms and kick my legs. Forgetting everything I knew about swimming. I try to scream for help, but water is choking me. I start coughing and panic more. My chest is burning from the coughing. I'm terrify! Suddenly, I feel an arm wrapping around me. I'm being pull, but who could it be? I don't remember what happens after. I guess I fainted.
I wake up and everything is a blinding white. I rub my eyes to get them to focus. After several blinks, I can see better. It looks like I'm in a hospital. I turn my head to see if anyone is in here. There is someone, Arron. He's sitting in a chair with his face in his palms as his shoulders are slump down towards his lap. I slowly try to sit up and start coughing. Arron looks up and almost runs to me.
"Oh, my God, Yolanda! Are you alright? You scare the shit out of me," he says as he holds my left hand.
I try to sit up again, but he stops me holding my shoulders in his hands gently.
"Please don't move. Doctor," he calls.
The doctor enters the room within seconds. He sees me and walks towards me. He uses his light as it flashes in my eyes. I react to the brightness.
"Hello Yolanda, I'm Dr. Neff. You were in a boating accident. This gentleman saved your life. He said you fell into the water. He rescue you and brought you here," the doctor says.
I cut my eyes between the doctor and Arron. Arron is standing behind the doctor biting his nails as he stares at me. The doctor looks at my chart.
"Everything looks good. You can go home, but take it easy. I'll get your discharge papers ready," he says as he leaves the room.
I sit up and stare at Arron.
"Thank you so much for saving my life. You're my hero," I tell him.
"I'm no hero. You fell into the water. I was careless," he stares at the floor.
I reach for him and grab his hands in mines.
"You saved me. It wasn't your fault that I fell into the water. Thank God for the life vest. Plus, you jump into the water and saved me. That makes you a hero and I must repay you," I say.
He blushes.
"I would be honor to take you home and buy you dinner," he says with a smile on his face.