Jeff sighed and leaned back in his chair, full and satisfied from the delicious dinner Laurel had made. She’d baked chicken breasts and thighs in peach salsa and served it with white rice, sweet cornbread, and a garden salad. “That was great, thanks Hon,” he said, smiling at her. “Shall we go sit outside and get some fresh air for a bit?”
“Sure, let me just clear the table.” Laurel stood and took up their plates. Jeff followed her, bringing the casserole dish. He helped her finish the table then they went out to the back deck.
The air was cool with a slight tang of the damp woods behind their house. Their property was on a ridge and from the back yard they had a splendid view of the valley beyond. Fall was Laurel’s favorite time of year and she could spend hours sitting out back, taking in the glorious riot of colors blanketing the hills that embraced the valley. Vivid reds, oranges and yellows cascaded from their yard out as far as one could see. She shivered a little as the chill seeped through her light shirt and Jeff put his arm around her as they sat on the bench swing. Laurel cuddled close to him as they relaxed, listening to the evening sounds of the woods. There were fewer crickets and frogs this late in the year, but their songs could still be heard. A squirrel shimmied up a tree in surprise at the humans’ appearance. It paused on the lowest branch squeaking and flicking its tail in irritation at their intrusion into its domain. A few birds softly chirped and flitted in amongst the branches.
As the sun dipped lower, the hills on the west side cast long shadows like ink stains spreading across the valley floor and edging up the eastern side. Twilight diffused dark indigo across the sky, which slowly melted down to the faded horizon. Stars began to emerge, faintly twinkling, waiting in deference to the sun’s complete exit before shining too brightly.
Laurel felt quite cozy as their body heat merged. She was slightly turned towards him, resting her head on his chest. She loved listening to his heartbeat and breathing create a rhythm with nature’s music from the woods around them. The embrace of his arm around her was comforting. Darkness was descending, softly enveloping their surroundings. They could feel the dampness settling on them.
“Well, my love, let’s move inside. I’ll get a fire going and we can continue our cuddling in front of the fireplace,” Jeff said as he kissed the top of Laurel’s head. Her hair was so soft against his lips.
“That’s fine. It’s getting cold, anyway. I’ll clean up the kitchen while you start the fire.” She sat up and smiled, looking into his hazel eyes. He leaned forward and kissed her, gently placing his hand on the back of her head. Now she shivered from the heat of his kiss, rather than the damp, chilly air. She put her hand on his chest and pushed away, then stood up. “Come on Romeo, let’s get inside. Seduction and catching cold do not mix,” she teased. As she turned to leave Jeff swatted her on the behind and she squealed and dashed into the house with him close on her heels.
They wrestled in the kitchen tickling each other and laughing. Laurel side-stepped over to the sink and turned on the water. As Jeff advanced on her she cupped her hand under the water and started to splash him. He growled and pushed her away then proceeded to do the same to her. She screamed and tried to run away but he grabbed her arm and liberally doused her with cold H2O. Soon, her shirt was plastered to her body, outlining her ample breasts.
“Jeff! Stop it! All right, already, I concede!” Laurel was laughing so hard she could barely get the words out. “Look at me!”
“Yeah, look at you. I rather like how you look, with your interesting shapes all nicely revealed!” He laughed, too, and turned the water off, letting go of her arm. “I’m sorry, Honey…but you asked for it!”
“You’re not sorry. You’re a twit! Now go start that fire. I’ll need to warm up as soon as I get the dishwasher loaded and out of these wet clothes.” She playfully pushed him away from the sink and toward the door to the living room.
“Call me and I’ll be happy to help with the taking off the clothes part!” Jeff volunteered as he dashed out of the room before she could throw something at him.
When she was finished cleaning the kitchen Laurel went upstairs to the bathroom to change out of her wet shirt. She unbuttoned her blouse and peeled it from her skin, tossing it into the tub. Little goose bumps popped up all over her arms and as she pulled her bra off her nipples were hard and taut from the cold. She briskly rubbed her arms and breasts with a towel to dry off as well as to warm up. Her nipples tingled as she played them with the soft towel. Laurel smiled to herself, thinking of Jeff’s warm hands cupping her breasts and his hot mouth sucking her nipples.
Kicking off her sneakers she unzipped her jeans and slid them down her shapely legs. She had bought new lotion with a subtle but provocative fragrance and thought now would be a great time to try it. Squirting it into her palm made her imagine receiving Jeff’s precious semen in her cupped hand. She rubbed the cream all over her smooth legs and arms. Then she brushed out her auburn hair wanting to look just right. Jeff loved that she’d let her hair grow out, now shoulder length, soft and shiny. She grabbed her thick fleece robe off the back of the bathroom door, slipped it on, then went downstairs.
Jeff was sitting on the couch in front of the fireplace; his back was to the stairs. He heard the middle stair squeak and he turned to look over his shoulder to see Laurel descending. He smiled thinking how lovely she looked. Whenever he looked into her hazel eyes he always thought she must be an old soul; her eyes were thoughtful, beautiful, and very expressive. Her lips were sensuously shaped, not too thick or thin, and peaked nicely under her nose. Jeff thought she had the sweetest smile he’d ever seen. Although, at the same time, he could not help but think of how her lips looked encircling his erect penis; her luscious mouth was a perfect fit for him.
“Well, you’re just in time for the start of the show,” Jeff said as Laurel came around the couch and tucked one leg underneath her as she sat down, semi-facing him. Her robe was tightly tucked around her waist and upper body, but her legs were left revealed. Jeff lightly touched the exposed part of her leg she had folded under as he handed her a glass of wine.
“What show? Did you rent a movie?” she asked, taking the glass from him. She sipped the wine and glanced at the TV. Yet she heard the low music of soft jazz playing and looked at him with her eyebrows raised in question.
“No. I’m talking about the Jeff and Laurel show!” He leaned back away from her and eyed her with an incredulous expression. “The show of amour! Didn’t you get your script?”
“Script? I think ad-libbing is more fun.” Laurel looked at the fireplace. The flames consumed the small logs with a healthy appetite. The heat was beginning to radiate out to the couch and felt good on her face and hands. “That fire is just what I needed. I wonder if I didn’t catch a chill being outside, after all.”