The sun was hot for a mid-September day so I took off my shirt as I hiked down the long path to the beach. The Pacific Northwest is not known for hot weather this late in the summer so I was happy to have the opportunity to take advantage of this rare treat. I'd finished my work for the day so I was looking forward to some time alone on the beach just soaking up this final shot of summer.
As I reached the end of the trail where the path opens up to the beach I could see that I was alone. There were no other footprints in the sand. This was working out perfectly.
I walked a mile or so down the beach and threw my towel down on a sandy spot between some large boulders. This was my favorite place, far enough down the beach that few people ever came here and shielded from view for privacy in case some lost soul actually made it this far...
I spread my towel, kicked off my sandals and dropped my shorts.
"Ahhhhhh. Naked in the sunshine. Ain't life grand!" I thought to myself.
Laying on my stomach I closed my eyes and took in the sensations of sunbeams tickling my bare bottom. God I love this feeling. My back, bottom and the backs of my legs were all soaking in the warmth as I closed my eyes and drifted off to my dreamland in paradise. I felt all of my worldly cares melting away as I rested. My mind went blank as I fell into a deep slumber.
"Bryan. You need lotion or you'll get terribly sunburnt."
It was a familiar voice. Soft, calming and carrying a mild Russian accent.
I should have been startled and panicked. I should have instinctively covered up...
But I didn't. I didn't even move or respond.
I recognized the voice. It belonged to my friend Irina, a waitress from my favorite casino.