Author's Note: Thank you for all the wonderful feedback on the first two chapters in this series. If you haven't read them, you will certainly appreciate this one more if you go back and read them. However, if you don't have the time, this one should stand on its own. As always, feedback from readers -- whether favorable or not -- is highly valued. Please vote and provide your comments! Regards, Average Bear
Chapter 03: Flashing DC
The hotel restaurant was the perfect venue for Dave and Tiffany to end their first day in Washington. The waiter had seated them and poured glasses of ice water. Dave squinted at the menu.
"Figured out what you want?" Tiffany asked.
"Well, I'm a meat and potatoes sort of guy," he replied.
Tiffany nearly choked on her water. "You could have fooled me," she laughed, "I seem to recall you being a whipped cream and raw bacon sort of guy..."
Dave's thoughts drifted back to their first night of lovemaking, just three nights ago, when he had somehow been inspired to raid the refrigerator to heighten her sensual pleasure. It seemed much longer ago than that. His world had changed dramatically since then -- for the better.
"Okay, so I have a predilection for using foodstuffs in lovemaking," he admitted, "but when it comes to filling my gullet, I have much more traditional tastes."
"How about the shepherd's pie?" she asked, "it has both the beef and the spuds."
"That sounds great to me. What about you?"
"I'll have a burger and fries." Dave wrinkled his nose. "I know," said Tiffany, "but I can't help it -- I'm still a teenager in SOME ways."
"Speaking of still being a teenager, we need to talk about the reason we're here. We should map out a study strategy for the contest."
"Ah, yes, the National Chemistry Contest -- I had NEARLY forgotten," she joked.
Just then, the waiter returned to take their orders. He had noticed them place the menus at their sides. When he was gone with their order, Tiffany addressed Dave's suggestion.
"Don't sweat it," she replied, placing her hand on his, "I had a pretty damned good chemistry teacher in high school."
Dave nearly blushed -- HE had been her high school chemistry teacher. "Tiff, I'm a believer in giving it your all. And, correct me if I'm wrong, but you're no slacker when it comes to academics..."
"You're right, of course. You don't get to be valedictorian without being competitive. It's just that... I don't necessarily want to win this thing. Don't get me wrong -- I'll do my best. But I almost hope I don't win."
"Why's that?" he queried, more than a little surprised.
"I don't want to have to spend the bulk of our time here together studying. We need to see the sights and learn a little history -- and MAKE some of our OWN history, too. And maybe work on a little biology and some anatomy..."
"Get your mind out of the gutter and back on CHEMISTRY, young lady," he teased.
"Oh, the chemistry's pretty good -- you might even say 'sizzling'!" she quipped.
"But, seriously, Tiff," Dave redirected, "don't you think we should crack some books together? I even brought a summary of my course syllabus that we can use as a study guide."
"Okay, we can spend a LITTLE time on it. But I seriously think it's best if I don't win. I want our focus to be on US, not on ME. Like you said in the elevator, it's almost like we're on a honeymoon. And besides, someone else could use the scholarship money more than me."
That much was certainly true. Tiffany's parents, currently traveling to Australia, were quite well off. She had the means go to any university, both academically and financially.
The waiter returned with their food. As they ate, they worked out an itinerary for visiting monuments and museums. Dave would bring his study guide for times when they had to wait in lines. Washington was famous for long lines at tourist attractions.
After they had finished dessert, Dave asked, "Are you up for a swim in the hotel pool?"
Tiffany thought about it briefly, then smiled a sly grin. "You're not supposed to SWIM on a full stomach -- you need to let it settle for an hour. Maybe it's safer to stay in the HOT TUB."
"I'm not too sure about the scientific accuracy of that old wives' tale about letting your food settle," Dave replied.
"Still, the HOT TUB sounds HOT to me," she emphasized.
Dave was beginning feel a resurgence of energy. He wasn't sure whether it was from the meal or her suggestive innuendo. "Lead the way," Dave encouraged as they headed toward their room to change.
* * * * *
As they entered the pool area, Dave had a sneaking suspicion that Tiffany had something naughty in mind. She had insisted on changing to her swimsuit in the bathroom, telling him to change in the bedroom. She kept covered with a very large white towel as they walked from their room to the indoor pool, two floors below and at the opposite end of the building.
The hot tub was beside the deep end of the pool, away from the area where small children might play. At the moment, there were no other people in the pool or hot tub.
After Dave dropped his belongings and towels in a pool chair, he walked over to turn on the jets. He splashed into the tub and then sat on the edge, waiting for Tiffany to join him.
She dropped her belongings in a chair beside his. She turned toward him and slowly unwrapped the towel from around her body. As she dropped it in her chair, she strode toward him.