Miserably hot week. My weekend with no kids. Finally was able to bring one of my Motorcycles up to the cabin. This is where she will live. 3 hours North of the weekly grind. Giving me an opportunity to appreciate what god has freely given to me.
Pulling onto my street, the beach is empty. I've driven straight from work. Only a 2 hour drive from there made sense. Dirty and tired. Cut my forehead too. Need to recharge. My loyal companion Frank knows we're close. He recognizes the beach. Where we swim at night and play. "Not now Frank. We haven't been up here since last week buddy. I can't remember if we have things to eat for dinner." Rolling the windows down to enjoy the mountain air, he barks at her. Startled, she drops some of the many things she's lugging. Scolding Frank, simultaneously looking at her in my mirror, I stop to offer assistance.
Her things hurriedly put in the back of my truck, she gets in. Frank is as happy as the mayor of our village. Overwhelmed by his massive presence, "I've always loved your dog", she says.
Not recognizing her as my next door neighbor. Not particularly unheard of. The woods are thick around each parcel. " Your husband still has my chainsaw ", I say laughingly. " Are you here alone? I never have had the pleasure of meeting you. I only come up on the weekends. Sometimes with kids. No kids this weekend so I am just going to relax until Sunday night." She twists her hair and bites her lip nervously. I notice these mannerisms. It's a tell of sorts. An incredible turn on for me. "I'm Heather. I've been up here all week working. I needed the solitude to work. I'm finishing my degree in Psychology. The needs and wants of home have been distracting. I've managed my time well. Thought the swim rewarding. I've finally finished my paper." Closing my tailgate, Heather's things stacked nicely on her deck. Frank sniffing at her feet. "I'm Mark. It's really nice to finally meet you. I apologize if I seemed unapproachable. I sort of keep to myself. Maybe you'd like to have dinner tonight? I know I have steak and things for a salad up there." There's the twist and bite again. " I'll bring pasta salad. Maybe a dessert? 7 ok?", she says coyly. Frank and I delighted. "See you soon".
I shower with purpose. Paying careful attention to the intimate areas. It's been a long day, but I've been revived by Heather's colorful orb. I see her hair in the shower. Her lips' color reminds me of the wine. Hearing her voice in my head makes me close my eyes. Listening to the music. Appreciating each sound. Not wanting it to end.
The steak marination is complete. Dog assuming his throne on the oversized recliner. Hearing her soft footsteps on the stairs, I'm cool. "Good evening neighbor. May I come in?" Frank barges to the door, shouting his approval of her presence. "The Mayor says, where have you been? We've missed you," saying with a laugh. "There's a bottle of red wine that would go nicely with dinner. Could you open it while I finish the steak?" Heather's eyes are so deep green. The contour of her profile is delicious. My mind loves the image. The thought of her shape without seeing. Left for me to decide her curves. She has power. Her ease is smoldering. Walking into my home effortless. She's been here before. Uncorking the wine. Knowing where the glasses are like old friends. We dance around each other to finish the preparation of dinner. Coming into the kitchen, the steak resting, her silhouette from the last sunlight of the evening, her hair falls perfectly between her shoulders.
"I didn't think we'd ever meet. I see you working up here every weekend. Doors, windows, roof. I noticed the Air conditioning too. It's beautiful here. You've made this place so nice." The compliments make me uneasy. " you know, Heather, I just like to go about my business. I'm not a rich guy, but this place has always been a dream of mine. Hopeful that it will be a legacy home for my kids. If I can make it as perfect for them as possible, then that's the only motivation I need to work on it." Taking a The dishes to the sink, Frank in his rightful place, Heather walks onto the deck.