You Only Love Twice

It really shouldn't be this hot when football season has already started, he thought as he locked the front door. He hit the remote start on his truck, not that it would cool down much during the 15 steps it would take to get to it. Better than nothing though.

10 minutes later the AC was blowing nice and cold as he found a spot in the Home Depot parking lot. He sat in the truck for a minute, responding to a text he'd gotten on the drive over and looked up to see a young woman almost staggering as she pushed a cart loaded with bricks past his truck. She stopped behind a small Mercedes sedan.

He debated his course of action. He could pretend to be busy on his phone and watch how this played out. He had an odd fascination with people's propensity to overload their vehicles at home improvement stores. Common sense just seemed to go right out the window. He could just go about his business and head inside or, he could offer to help.

Well, it was the gentlemanly thing to do, and he had to admit, from what he could see, she was pretty cute.

He got out of the truck and walked over to her. She turned at his approach and gave him a weak smile.

"I didn't really think this one through," she admitted, gesturing at the trunk.

Not only was it too small to begin with, it was half full of other stuff.

He smiled back, "I've been guilty of that a time or two."

She laughed softly, and they fell into a silence.

"I've actually got the perfect vehicle for this kind of job," he said, pointing back at his F450. "Maybe, I could deliver them for you?"

She started to take a step away, and he held up his hands.

"I know, inviting some strange guy in a parking lot to follow you home and all that. You could take a picture of me, my truck and my driver's license. Send it to a friend. If I was crazy enough to do something the police would know exactly where to go, right?"

She seemed to relax, and the smile returned.

"Probably safer than internet dating," she remarked.

"True enough."

"You wouldn't mind? I could pay you."

"I wouldn't mind, and no need to pay me, you're saving me money."

"Saving you money?"

"Yeah," he said with a laugh, "if I go in there, I'm going to spend money on something I don't need."

"Oh, you're one of those guys?"

He gave her a puzzled look, and she continued.

"That have a garage filled with every tool under heaven."

"Yeah, you got me there. What can I say, I like to be prepared."

"Definitely one of those guys," she said smiling.

He took out his driver's license and extended it to her, but she shook her head.

"It's fine."

He gave her a shrug and put it away.

"Well, let's get loaded up."

Twenty minutes later he was following her through traffic, heading right back to his own neighborhood. She pulled into the driveway of a house only a mile or so from his own. The garage door opened, and she pulled inside. He parked his truck on the opposite side of the driveway, so as not to block her in. No sense making her nervous he thought.

They both exited their vehicles and met on the driveway.

"So, where is this stuff going?"

"I thought we could just leave it here," she said gesturing to the side of the house, "you've done enough already."

"Well, first the HOA would go crazy if we did, second there's no reason to move them twice, less work to put them where they are going."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely"

"Well, let me show you then."

She led him to the gate on the side of the house and into the backyard. Half the yard was taken up by a large pool. Two sets of French doors opened out onto an expansive covered patio. There was a fancy outdoor kitchen to one side and a seating area to the other with a huge TV mounted to the wall.

"Nice set up, I knew this place had a pool, but that's really nice."

She stopped and gave him a worried look.

"I live in the neighborhood," he quickly explained, "when I go for a run I actually run down this street. The for-sale sign said pool home on it."

"You really live that close?"

"Probably a shade over a mile as the crow flies, on my running route you're near the 2-mile mark."

She stared at him for a long moment.

"I think I've seen you out running. You're the guy who's usually out at 8 or 9 pm, right?"

He grinned, "Yeah, that's probably me. Never been much of a morning person, so I usually run after the sun goes down and it cools off a bit."

"Well, I'm glad you didn't have to go too far out of your way."

"Wouldn't have minded if it was."

She smiled and shook her head.

"Well, they are going right over there."

She pointed towards a grassy area in the back corner of the yard.

"Can I ask what you have in mind."

She gave him sheepish smile, "I found this really neat fire pit on Pintrest. They really made it look easy."

"They always do."

Forty-five minutes of hot, sweaty, work later all the bricks were neatly stacked where the fire pit would eventually be and the exhausted pair were sitting on lounge chairs by the pool.

"I'm really tempted to accidentally fall in," he remarked.

"Just make sure your cell phone accidentally falls out of your pocket first."

"That's some solid advice."

She got up and went to the outdoor kitchen. Opening a small fridge, she took out two bottles of water. Handing him one before sitting down with hers.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome but really thank you."

She stared at him for a moment, "and I don't even know your name."

"It's Brad."

"Well, hello Brad, I'm Megan."

"Nice to meet you Megan, you have a beautiful home."

"Thank you, haven't really used any of it I'm afraid. Feels like a waste sometimes."

There was a note of sorrow in her voice, and Brad wasn't sure what to say.

"Well, it's only been what, two months?"

She gave him another surprised look.

"That's when the for-sale sign disappeared," he answered the unasked question.

"Oh, yeah, I sort of forgot. But, yeah two months..." she dragged out those last words.

Then she looked up, a smile on her face.

"Did you have any plans, for later?"

"Not really, was going to watch the UT-Michigan game. Nothing terribly exciting."

"Well," he could sense the nervousness in her voice, "If you wanted to, you could watch it over here."

She gestured towards the TV on the wall, hoping the nervousness she felt wasn't obvious.

"And maybe we could grill something, finally use all this."

"That sounds like a great idea. Game starts at 4, so maybe dinner?"

"Dinner would be great, if you want to come over early enough to catch the kickoff?"

"Sure, I'll aim for 3:45, what should I bring?"

"Nothing but your appetite, you've done enough for me already. Dinner is the least I can do to make it up to you."

"You're sure?"

"Absolutely."

He took a long drink of water, looking at Megan and found himself immensely grateful that he'd offered to help her. She was, without a doubt beautiful. She'd obviously dressed for practicality, her blonde hair was up in a ponytail, and she didn't seem to have any makeup on. She clearly didn't need it. He forced himself to look away, he didn't want to get caught staring, freak her out and ruin whatever chance he had.

He reluctantly got to his feet.

"Well, I'd better go and get cleaned up. I'll see you at 3:45."

"See you then," she responded, and watched as he went out the gate, closing it behind himself.

She took a drink and wondered what had possessed her. She'd invited some random guy back to her house without even knowing his name. Now, he was coming over for dinner. She'd done crazier things in college, but that was college. She was 28, she was supposed to know better by now.

Then again, what had the last few years of being responsible gotten her? No, she thought, we aren't going down that path again. It's all behind me, in the past. Hakuna matata, right?

Besides, Brad seemed really nice. He wasn't what she thought of as her type. She'd always gone for tall, dark and handsome. Brad was more short, fair and cute. No, short wasn't true, he was probably 5ft 9in, maybe 5ft 10in, a good 4 or 5 inches taller than she was. That wasn't really short, unless you had a history of 6ft tall men, which she did.

Then again, she thought, how's that been working out for you? What was that old saw about doing the same thing and expecting a different result? Maybe it was time for something new. If things didn't go well, she had dinner with him and that was that.

Her mind a little more at ease she went into the house and took a nice shower. Wrapped in her robe she did a quick inventory of her kitchen. She hadn't been doing much cooking lately and hadn't planned on grilling at all. She quickly made a list, then got dressed and headed to the store.

By three o'clock the prep work was all done, she'd straightened up the house a little and was standing in her closet wondering what to wear. He'd already seen her a frightful mess, and that hadn't dissuaded him. Still no sense pressing her luck. She settled on a pair of black and white checked shorts and a black top. She dressed, and with one last check in the mirror headed downstairs. She made herself comfortable on the couch, pulled out her phone and tried to take her mind off things. Ahh Pinterest, you got me into this, you can at least distract me for a while, she thought.

At precisely 3:45 Brad pushed the doorbell and resumed trying to relax. How long had it been since he was standing on a woman's front steps like this, he wondered. The answer came to him, and he quickly pushed the thought away. It wasn't a time for that, today was going to be a good day.

The door opened and Megan greeted him.

"Hello," she said stepping to the side to invite him in.

He held out the bottle of wine he'd brought, "My mom always told me it's bad manners to show up empty handed."

She took the bottle, examining the label for a moment.

"Thank you, my mom said the same thing."

She guided him through the house to the backyard. He took the opportunity to look around. It was tastefully furnished, as far as he could tell from his admittedly limited sense of style. But it just seemed, what was the word he was looking for, he thought. Staged? Yes, that was it, this didn't feel like it was a house someone actually lived in, but more of a display.

Megan took a moment in the kitchen to set the wine down before ushering him onto the patio. She picked up the remote control from the table and handed it to him.

"I'll let you handle that; can I get you a drink?"

"Just water would be great."

"I'll be right back, make yourself at home."

He turned on the TV, found the correct channel and sat down. Megan returned carrying two insulated glasses. She extended a solid red one to him, keeping a dark green one with a Spartan helmet on it for herself.

"Go Sparty, are you a fan?"

"Alumni, actually. What about you, do you come by that honestly?" she asked, gesturing towards the burnt orange polo he was wearing.

"I do, for grad school anyway."

She sat down on the seat beside him.

"And your bachelor's?"

"Utah State, when I got to Austin, I had to break the habit of calling myself an Aggie pretty quick."

"I'm sure, how did you end up at Utah State?"

"The easiest way possible, I stayed in my parent's basement. I grew up in Logan."

"No kidding?"

"No kidding."

"That's crazy, I'm from Garden City."

"Up by Bear Lake?"

"That's the one."

"Wow, small world. How does a girl from Garden City end up in East Lansing?"

Megan looked at him biting her lip, lost in thought for a minute, then finally answered.

"It was the school the farthest away that I thought I could afford. I really needed to be someplace else."

They sat quietly for a moment, then she continued, "but what about you, UT makes sense, but what brought you to sunny Orlando?"

"I met my wife in Austin, she was from here, was a student as well. Undergrad, I finished up a year before her, got a pretty good job. When she graduated, she wanted to move home. I went to give my two weeks' notice; my boss asked me if I'd rather telework. I said sure, so we packed up and headed east."

"Sounds like my situation, moved down here because of my husband, ended up getting divorced."

"I'm...", his voice seemed to crack a little, "I'm not divorced, a widower," he finally managed to say.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to..."

He cut her off, "it's fine, no reason you should have known. It's been six years. Not to pry, but how long for you?"

"I guess that depends, we're technically not divorced yet. I served him papers 7 weeks ago. Two weeks after we closed on this place. How's that for terrible timing."

"Yeah, I'd just assumed you got divorced and found a new place."

"I wish," she shook her head ruefully.

"We met in college too, graduated, he got a job in Lansing. I started a company with 3 of my friends. Things were going well. He told me there was this big promotion opportunity, job down in Orlando. I didn't want to hold his career back, so I agreed. Lived in a short-term rental for a month until we bought this place. A week after we closed, this private investigator contacts me. Turns out my husband is having an affair with some other guy's wife. He thought I ought to know, handed over all the documentation. I did a little digging of my own, there wasn't a promotion to move down here. It was just a transfer, bastard just wanted to be closer to his girlfriend."

"That's... wow... I don't know what to say, I'm sorry."

"Yeah... if he'd just asked for a divorce back in Michigan I'd have gladly walked away. I take mine; he takes his and we go our separate ways. Instead, he dragged me down here."

"Well, it IS the happiest place on earth."

She laughed, "Yeah, people keep saying that."

"It's not so bad, once you get used to the heat, and it's better than shoveling snow."

"I don't miss that at all."

"I miss the skiing, but otherwise I'm happy to be snow free."

"How come you stayed? I mean if you telework, you could move home."

"I thought about it. Almost did a few times. Considered torching the place and just walking away when I hit bottom. I realized I couldn't run away. I'd just be miserable somewhere else. I needed to be moving, but I needed to be moving towards something, so I started looking."

"What did you find?"

"Sailing, of all things."

"And here you are in a land locked city."

"Yeah," he chuckled a little, "but it's Florida, the ocean is never far away. It's funny, I was out driving, and a song came on the radio. It was about a car crash of all things, but there was a bit about how for every dream that's shattered, another one comes true. So, I started thinking about all my childhood dreams. All the stuff you put away as you get older. I loved sailing as a kid. Saved up my money and bought a Hobie Cat, used to pull it up Logan Canyon to Bear Lake on Sunday morning. Spend the whole day on the water. It was great. Sold it to pay for the move to Austin, figured I could always get another. Then life, marriage, moving expenses. Wife wasn't really a boating person. She'd rather just go to the beach. Wouldn't have felt right to spend the time away from her to sail."

He paused, staring off into the distance for a minute before continuing.

"Then she was gone, and I had nothing but time. So, after I got my head back on mostly straight, I bought a boat, and that's where I usually spend Sundays."

"Maybe that's what I need to do."

"Buy a boat?"

"No," Megan said with a laugh, "well maybe, you never know. I meant start looking. I'd move back, but financially, I just can't yet. So, I've been cooped up in this house, working, getting food delivered and slowly going crazy. That's why I was at Home Depot today. I just had this weird need to do something real, not just sit in front of a computer but touch something, build something. So, I saw that stupid firepit on Pintrest and I was off. Just some half-baked idea, I barely use the pool, let alone the rest of this. I don't need a fire pit. I guess I need to figure out what I do need."

"It took me awhile, tried some other hobbies, wasted money on quite a few things. Who knows, maybe I'll wake up tomorrow and change my mind."

"When were you sailing on Bear Lake?"

He hesitated, confused by the non-sequitur, "I bought it my senior year in high school, so fall of 2008. Sold it after I got accepted to UT in 2013. Why?"

"I was just thinking, we went to the lake all the time in High School. Not much else to do. I liked watching the sailboats. I've never been on one, but it always looked fun. I might have seen you."

"It was kind of distinctive, another reason I regret selling her. The jib was blue, with stars. The mainsail was red and white, striped, but in a v pattern."

She gave him a blank look; he quickly dug out his phone and started scrolling. He extended the phone and Megan took it, looking at the picture of the boat, flying a hull, with a lone figure standing on the hull, extended back over the water.

"That's a cool picture, is that you?"

"It is, one of my friends took it. Had to make several passes to get everything right."

"And now you do that every Sunday?"

"No, the boat I have now won't do that. I've been tempted a time or two to look for another cat, but I think I'd rather just sail what I have now."

The game started and they turned their attention to the TV. Brad grilled the steaks she had bought, and they had a pleasant dinner as he watched his beloved Longhorns triumph, and she saw the hated Wolverines beaten.

"Well, I guess it's time for me to head home, thank you for dinner."

"Thank you for cooking and of course thank you for helping earlier."

"My pleasure."

The pair walked back through the house, stopping on the front porch.

"I was thinking," Brad began, "if you haven't completely changed your mind about the firepit I could come over next Saturday and help you build it?"

"You wouldn't mind?"

"Not at all, I've been thinking about building one of my own. This way I get to practice."

"Well, you're welcome to practice with me then."

She paused, biting her lip for a moment, then went on, "and maybe I could text you the link, so you could look at it yourself. In case there's anything I missed."

"Sure, never hurts to put a second pair of eyes on a project."

She pulled her phone out from her pocket.

"What's your number?"

He provided it and she sent him the link.

"I'll take a look when I get home, see you Saturday."

"See you Saturday."

She watched him drive off and then went back inside.

Megan logged off her computer, closed her eyes and let out a satisfied sigh. Finally, the weekend, and finally a weekend with something to look forward to. She stood up and prepared to leave her office when her phone chimed.

She smiled when she saw it was from Brad.

"I realized we never set a time for tomorrow, what's best for you?"

"You said you weren't a morning person, and you're helping me, so whatever you prefer."

"9 sound ok? Before it gets too hot?"

"Sounds great, and..." she paused, thinking, before making up her mind, "if you want to bring your swimming suit we could cool down when we're finished and have lunch."

The response was almost instant.

"I'd love to."

Brad sat on his couch, his eyes on the phone, reading the message over and over, the happiest he'd felt in a very long time. Then he got up, went to his truck and headed to Home Depot.

Her doorbell rang at 9 o'clock and she found Brad standing there.

"I've got some stuff in the truck, I was just going to bring it around through the side gate, if that's ok?"

"Sure, of course, do you need help?"

"I've got it, I'll just meet you back there."

She headed to the backyard and a few minutes later he came around the corner pushing a wheelbarrow loaded with tools and supplies.

Megan looked at the wheelbarrow, then at Brad.

"You were missing a few things, and I wasn't sure what you had for tools."

"I was in way over my head, wasn't I?"

"I'm sure you'd have figured it out, it just would have meant a few more trips to the Depot. It's not a real project unless I'm there 3 times."

She marked the spot she wanted it, and they began to work. As the firepit began to take shape she marveled at his ability. He was clearly doing most of the work and guiding the project, but never once did she feel she wasn't valued and contributing. He made sure he was building what she wanted, but also making sure it was going to be built right. Whatever else he was, Brad was a hell of a project manager, she thought.

It was nearing 11 o'clock and they were making good progress when they stopped for a water break. Standing in the shade for a few minutes.

"What is it you do?" she asked.

"I'm in IT, cybersecurity stuff, mostly penetration testing."

"What about you, you mentioned you had your own business?"

"Some college friends and I have a clothing business. Swimwear mostly, but we're expanding a little. I'm the head of our marketing department. Well, I'm the whole marketing department. I run our website and handle most of the technical stuff too."

"That's pretty cool. If you ever want a security assessment, I mean I'm sure you've got that covered, but if I could help, I'd be happy to."

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."

He suddenly let out a chuckle.

"What's so funny?"

"I just realized, a bunch of girls in Michigan selling swimwear. Shouldn't you be selling parkas and hoodies?"

She playfully tossed her now empty water bottle at him.

"Haha, kind of like a boy from the mountains of Utah being a passionate sailor?"

"Touche," he said with a slight bow, "you got me on that one."

"Think we can finish this before lunch?"

"Probably, if not just after."

"Well, let's get to it."

An hour and a half later they were loading tools back into the wheelbarrow and admiring their creation.

"You do good work," Brad said, leaning on his shovel, "I've decided to let you build mine too."

"Aren't I the lucky girl."

"Indubitably"

"Indubitably? Well, look at the brain on Brad!"

"What can I say when I was a kid my favorite dinosaur was the thesaurus."

"The thesaurus?"

"Yes, it was a small dinosaur that talked his way out of potentially life-threatening situations with colorful and flowery language. Just don't ask me to make an elephant lamp."

"I'm pretty sure you're suffering from heatstroke right now, and I'm pretty sure if you die it would lower my property value. So, we need to get you cooled down. Did you bring your trunks?"

"Property value? Wow, aren't you the sensitive one," he replied with a laugh, "Yeah, they're in the truck."

"I'm going to go upstairs and change, you can use the bathroom downstairs."

Brad retrieved his bag from the truck, made his way to the bathroom and quickly changed. After a minute under the outdoor shower, he dove into the pool. He swam a lap and was relaxing in the cool water when Megan came out of the house. She was carrying a wooden tray with a glass pitcher and two glasses. She set it down on the table.

"Hope you like Sangria," she said.

"Looks great from here."

"Well, let's see how it looks close up."

She poured two glasses and walked over to the pool edge. Kneeling down she handed one to Brad and set the other on the edge of the pool. Standing back up she removed her cover-up, revealing her swimming suit and tossed it onto one of the chairs.

"That's..." Brad started to say.

"Do you like it?"

"Yeah, I don't think I've ever seen that before."

"I designed it."

It was a one shoulder design and otherwise cut like a traditional one piece. Unlike a traditional suit most of it was made from a near transparent fabric. Starting at her left breast was a strip of gold reflective material just a few inches wide. It covered the breast, running high exposing the bottom of her breast, then wrapped around the back, spiraling downward. Just high enough to cover the right breast then another turn around her body across the stomach. The final twist took it down below her waist, covering her privates. The gold fabric had a rough edge, creating the illusion that the transparent areas were the result of a strip being torn off as the wearer spun around like a top.

She did a slow pirouette, then with a quick step she leapt over him into the pool.

She surfaced next to Brad and picked up her Sangria and took a swallow.

"You didn't mention fashion designer in your job description," Brad said then took a drink.

"I'm not really, Catelyn does most of the design work. She majored in that, but we all contribute when we have ideas. Catelyn can take an idea and make it real. Doesn't matter how cool it looks if we can't manufacture it cost effectively."

"That makes sense, I never really thought about it. Always figured it's just clothes."

"I used to think that way too. But you really like it?"

"Yes, it looks great on you."

"Thank you, I've got two other versions. They use a snake print pattern instead of the gold. King cobra and boa constrictor. Decent sellers, but one-piece stuff doesn't sell as well."

She took another drink, "Stop me before I bore you to death with marketing data."

"It's actually kind of interesting."

"Now I know you have heatstroke."

"No, it really is. I'm a curious soul, and you seem so passionate about it. I admire that."

She finished her drink and looked at Brad for a minute.

"Thank you," she finally said.

Brad finished his drink.

"Need some more?" he asked holding up his empty glass.

"I better pace myself; the sweet stuff sneaks up on me."

"Good point, I once lost an epic battle to hurricanes in the French Quarter."

"That sounds like a story worth hearing."

"Well, my friend Todd tells it better, mostly because he actually remembers what happened, I just have to take his word for it."

"I hope to meet Todd someday then, in the meantime I think I'll settle for meeting lunch. Are you hungry?"

"Starving."

"If you want to start the grill, l'll dry off and grab the food."

The better part of an hour later the pair we're sitting at the table surveying the remains of the burgers, chips and potato salad that had been lunch.

"Thanks for lunch," Brad said.

"You're welcome, although you did more than me."

"The potato salad was on point."

"Publix," she admitted.

"Really?"

"Yeah, I'm afraid I'm not much of a cook."

"I'm not either, I can handle the basics, my mom is a great cook and insisted on that, but that's about it."

"My mom... well... it was just another parenting thing she wasn't very good at. Lots of cold cereal and sandwiches growing up. So, I never really learned how."

Megan poured the last of the Sangria into her glass, then took a drink.

"Can I ask you something?" she said.

"Of course."

"What other things did you try, before you found sailing again."

"Well, promise not to judge me, ok?"

"Pinky promise," she offered, holding up her hand, pinkie extended.

He finished the last of his drink, and joined pinkies with her before leaning back in his chair and beginning.

"I started with skydiving. Did an accelerated free fall course. 32 jumps. It was fun but... I don't know, got stale. Then it was on to scuba diving. Also fun, but... well... I've still got my gear and dive occasionally but... long story. Anyway, you sure you want to hear the rest of this?"

"Waiting with bated breath," she replied with a grin.

"Yeah, I guess I'm a walking middle aged male crisis. Spoilers, I didn't buy a motorcycle."

"That's almost a letdown."

"I already knew that wasn't me. Went to Africa on safari. Had a great time, but then it's over. Not sure if you can follow your passion when you only do it every few years because of the cost.

Got into running, did 4 marathons and 2 ultras."

"Ultras?" she interrupted.

"Ultra marathons, mine were just 100 milers, but some are longer."

"Did you say JUST 100 miles, like all-in-one go, no stopping?"

"Well, they have aid stations, where you can eat, get more water and all, but yeah, all in one go. My PR is 21 hours 18 minutes."

"You ran for 21 hours?"

"25 hours the first time, that was tough."

She shook her head.

"I can't imagine."

"It's an interesting culture. I won't say I enjoyed it, but I still run, not as much as when I was training, but exercise helped with the depression," he admitted.

"I planned to hike the Appalachian Trail, did a ton of research, developed a plan, then got back into sailing and set it aside. Which is where I am now."

"Thanks, for sharing that with me."

He shrugged, "you're welcome, thanks for listening."

"Anytime."

They sat in silence for a few minutes, then Megan asked, "Would you like some more Sangria? I could make another pitcher, or something else?"

"I'm fine thanks, I've had enough to drink. I probably ought to get going. Can I help you clean up?"

"No, I'll take care of it."

"Are you sure?"

"You've done more than enough for one day."

"Would it be OK if I left my truck here, I'm not sure I should drive, and I can stop by tonight after my run and pick it up."

"Sure, that's fine."

He stood, gathered the bag with his work clothes and put his shoes back on as Megan watched.

"I'll walk you out," she offered.

They went back through the house and Megan stopped on the front porch.

"Thank you again for the help, I had a great time today."

"Me too," Brad responded, "and I was thinking, if you don't have plans next Sunday and the weather holds, would you like to go sailing?"

"I'd love to."

"Well then, it's a date."

"Yes, it's a date," she replied, savoring the word.

Brad turned and began the walk home, and Megan watched until he was out of sight, but never saw the ear-to-ear grin on his face as he walked.

Megan went back inside and cleaned up the dishes before taking another plunge into the pool. She swam a few slow laps, then got out of the pool, dried off, and went inside. She took off her swimsuit and laid back on her bed, naked, staring at the ceiling fan as it went round and round. She retrieved her phone from the night stand and began typing.

"You make it home, OK?"

Before she could set the phone down it vibrated in her hand.

"Yes, thanks, and thanks again."

"You're welcome. Question for you."

"Sure."

"Do you eat on the boat, or stop somewhere or what?"

"The boat has a galley, but I usually just pack a sandwich."

"OK, I'm taking care of lunch."

"If you want to."

"and what do I wear?"

"Depends. If you want to stay on the boat, just comfortable clothes you don't mind getting a little wet. But there are places we can anchor and swim, if you want to. Nonslip soles on the shoes too."

"Thanks."

"NP."

Brad watched the phone for several minutes, then deciding she wasn't going to reply he set it down.

You really should have asked her to go tomorrow, he thought to himself. Or maybe that was too soon, too fast. He'd always hated the uncertainty of dating. The transitional phases, when timing was ever so important, trying to read the signals. Not too fast, not too slow... Goldilocks all the way. And she did have beautiful golden locks he thought wistfully. With that he laid back on his bed and stared at the ceiling fan. A man and woman, a mile apart, both laying on their bed, wondering what the other was thinking about as they fell asleep.

Megan woke up first, it was 5 o'clock and she was starving. She did a quick search of "best lunches for boating". She scrolled through several sites until she found it. Marinated sirloin salad. She saved the link, got dressed and headed to Publix to get the ingredients.

"You must be feeding an army," the older woman at the checkout counter commented as she started to scan the packs of sirloin.

"Uhh, yeah... having a party," she said awkwardly, unwilling to admit that she was buying enough she could practice until she got it right.

Back at home the groceries put away she poured herself a bowl of Frosted Flakes and sat down to eat while watching YouTube videos on the cooking techniques she was determined to master. Outside Brad was jogging down the sidewalk, lost in his own internal debate. Should he ring the doorbell or just take the truck and go home. If he rang the doorbell, she might invite him in, that brought a smile to his face. Then again, he reasoned he was soaked in sweat from his run, which would be awkward to say the least. Deciding discretion was the better part of valor he climbed into the truck and drove home.

By Thursday, and after another trip to Publix she was both confident in her ability to make marinated sirloin salad and completely over eating it. Surprisingly little of it had gone into the trash she was proud to say. Friday night she treated herself, going out to a neighborhood Italian restaurant for dinner before stopping at a sporting good's store to buy a cooler and some appropriate shoes.

Saturday morning Brad woke up, not for the first time he regretted not asking her to go sailing on Saturday. Stupid creature of habit that he was, it wasn't like he couldn't go out both days if he wanted to. He checked his weather app. Everything was still looking good he was pleased to note. He began texting Megan.

"Weather looks great for tomorrow. Warm enough to swim if you want to. Pick you up at 9?"

15 agonizing minutes later a gif appeared of Will Farrell from Elf yelling "Can't wait."

He smiled, set the phone down and went about his day.

He was knocking on her door at 9 o'clock. She greeted him wearing a pair of khaki shorts and dark red shirt, giraffe print backpack slung over her shoulder.

Brad laughed and shook his head.

"What?" she asked and began laughing as Brad gestured to his own red shirt and khaki shorts.

"Well, I'm glad you got the memo, can you give me a hand with the cooler?"

"Sure, where is it?" he replied still laughing.

They retrieved it, and he loaded into the truck, and they were soon on their way to the coast.

After discovering they both listened to the same radio station the drive was spent discussing music, concerts they'd seen, and one's they'd like to see. The marina was crowded; they weren't the only ones taking advantage of the weather and Megan looked around curiously as he found an empty spot and parked the truck.

"Everything OK," Brad asked.

"Yeah, I just... well I guess I just assumed we were going to pick up the boat. Like at a storage place, you know."

She waved a hand, indicating the truck they were in.

"Yeah, well good guess. My first one I kept on a trailer, and that's part of the reason for the F450, but... well... you'll see," he said with a grin.

He pulled a folding wagon from the back of the truck, loaded the cooler, Megan's backpack and a green plastic tote onto it before heading across the parking lot. He swiped his keycard then opened the gate onto the dock; he held it open for Megan then pulled the wagon through.

"Down this one," he said pointing to the next pier, "she's all the way on the end. Watch your footing."

She went carefully down the dock, Brad trailing behind her with the wagon. She stopped at the end, looking at the boat, then back to Brad.

He smiled like a proud father, "What do you think?"

It was a trimaran, the hulls a light, almost grey blue on the sides and a brilliant white on top. At the rear of the boat were two huge steering wheels, one on each side of the central hull. Ahead of them was a lounge area that took up the width of the boat, consisting of two long benches, one on either side with a long table in the center under the sail. Past the lounge area stairs led down into the cabin.

"It's beautiful, much bigger than I expected."

"She," he said, "not it. You don't want to hurt her feelings."

"I'm sorry, she," Megan corrected herself, "but aren't the..." she pointed to the outer hulls," those things to close?"

"Those are the amas, they extend when we get out of the slip. Makes it easier, and cheaper to dock."

He picked the tote up off the cart and carried it down the gangway, setting it down just past the port helm station. When he turned back Megan had her backpack over her shoulder and was standing by the gangway.

"Permission to come aboard?" said, the formality of her tone contradicted by the grin on her face.

"Permission granted."

She made a show of stepping onto the gangway still smiling.

Brad quickly loaded the cooler, folded the cart and stowed them both away.

"What can I do to help?"

Brad looked at her for a moment, considering the question.

"Honestly, this time it would probably be best if you just had a seat right there," he pointed at the starboard helm station.

"But if you enjoy it and are interested next time, I could teach you."

"I think I'd like that."

"Me too, but for today let's just get out on the water."

She sat down where he had indicated and watched as he prepared to get underway. She had no idea what he was actually doing, but he seemed very thorough and competent. Satisfied everything was in order he lifted the gangplank off the dock and stowed it in the transom before folding it up. He started the engine, untied the last of the mooring lines, took a seat at the port helm station, and they motored away from the slip and out of the marina.

Once clear he extended the amas and she marveled as fabric was stretched taught between each ama and the main hull. Brad walked out onto the fabric to attach something on each side then returned to the helm.

"I didn't realize you could walk on those," she commented.

"Oh, the trampolines? Great place to stretch out and relax too."

"Is her name Dragonfly 40?" she asked, looking at the words emblazoned on the boom.

"Not really, the design is a Dragonfly and she's 40 feet long."

"Oh, what's her name then?"

"She doesn't really have one."

"Why not? Aren't you supposed to give her a name."

Brad affectionately patted the wheel.

"Yeah, she needs one but... I haven't found it yet. Naming a boat is serious business. It's bad juju to change it, so you really have to get it right."

With the amas extended Brad quickly set the sails and the boat was cutting through the water. He guided the boat to the north adjusting the sails. Once he was satisfied, he turned to Megan.

"Take the wheel."

"What?"

"Put your hand on the wheel."

She cautiously placed her hands on it.

"Get a good grip."

She slid up on the seat, and grasped the wheel firmly, then watched in shock as Brad let go of his wheel.

"It's all you," he called out.

"What do I do?" she said, the nervousness obvious in her voice.

"Exactly what you are doing, just don't do anything sudden, no sharp turns. Head that way a bit."

He gestured off the starboard bow and she turned the wheel slightly.

"A little more, a little more, perfect."

He made some adjustments to the sails and she felt the boat leap forward, gaining speed.

"It's all about the wind," he explained, leaning back.

"You do this all by yourself?" she asked.

"All the lines come back to the cockpit, that's one of the reasons I bought this boat. So, I could single hand it."

"Do you want to learn how to sail her?" he asked.

"Yes, please," she replied making no attempt to hide the eagerness in her voice.

Two hours passed as they sailed, turning eastwards until the coast was barely visible on the horizon, then making a great looping turn carrying them back to the shore. Brad would give her a course to follow, then make the adjustments to the sails, explaining what the various lines did, and then what effect it had on the boat. Megan eagerly soaked it in.

"Hungry yet?" he asked as they neared the shore.

She hesitated, she was hungry, but she wasn't ready to give up the feeling quite yet.

Hunger finally won out, "Sure."

"That's Canaveral National Seashore," he said, pointing at the beach, "we could move in a little closer, drop anchor, have lunch and go for a swim if you want."

"Then do some more sailing?"

"Of course, as long as you want to."

The boat was 250 yards off a sandy beach when Brad dropped the anchor. Megan released the wheel still smiling. She found where Brad had stored her cooler and made two plates in the small galley before carrying them to the table on deck.

They sat down, Brad looked at the salad for a moment then took a forkful. He swallowed it and looked suspiciously at Megan.

"Is everything OK," she asked, trying to hide her nervousness.

"I'm not sure, I think you lied to me."

"What? Why?"

"You said you couldn't cook; this is amazing."

She felt the tension leaving her body, then beamed.

"I'm glad you like it," she said as he shoveled in another forkful.

He nodded enthusiastically as he chewed, then swallowed before answering, "I love it, and I'm not just saying that because normally I'd be out here eating a PB&J."

They finished eating and Brad flopped back theatrically, eyes closed.

"I'm stuffed, time for a nap."

"A nap? I was told there would be swimming."

He looked at her through slitted eyes.

"I guess I did say that didn't I?"

"You certainly did."

"Well, I guess I better go below and change, or do you want to go first?"

"No need, I'm wearing mine."

"Well, I'll hurry then."

He went below and made his way to the forward cabin, retrieving a pair of trunks and quickly changing. He returned to find Megan standing at the helm wearing a dark blue keyhole one piece suit.

"I was going to ask how many of those you have, then I thought it through."

"Perks of the job, this is one of Tara's designs."

Brad folded the transom down then did a backflip into the water.

"Showoff," Megan called out before diving in after him.

They frolicked in the water for a while. Then swam completely around the boat, treading water as Brad pointed out various features that could only be seen from below.

"Ready to get out?" he asked as they completed the circuit.

She nodded and he swam to the port side ama and lowered a swim ladder. He moved out of the way allowing Megan to go up the ladder first. Back on board he stowed the ladder, then opened a hatch and pulled a pair of towels out. He handed one to Megan, then dried himself off.

"Now for the best part," he said as he laid down on the trampoline.

He rolled the towel up and tucked it under his head and sprawled out. Megan quickly followed suit. They relaxed on the trampoline, the only sounds the water lapping against the hull and the call of an occasional seabird. Feeling the gentle rocking of the waves, Megan closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment. She wasn't sure how long she stayed like that, then she opened her eyes and looked over at Brad. He had his hands interlaced behind his head now, looking up into the sky.

"Thank you," she said.

He just smiled at her.

"Thank you for coming with me," he said, then after a long pause, "you're the first person to go out on her with me."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I mean some test stuff, and some familiarization when I bought her, but that doesn't count."

"Thank you for inviting me."

"You're very welcome. We probably need to start heading back, it's going to get dark soon."

Megan sat up looking around, and realized the sun was getting low over the beach.

"You had a pretty good nap, we know you don't get seasick now."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to waste your time."

He shook his head, "it wasn't a waste, and there will be other days, if you want to come back out."

"I do."

They both got to their feet, Brad weighed the anchor, and they began the journey home. Megan was at the helm and her lessons resumed. Brad was impressed with how fast she was picking things up and began asking her what he needed to do next rather than explain as he went. They backed into the slip just as the sun disappeared over the horizon and drove home in the dark.

Back at Megan's house he walked her to her door.

"Thanks for coming out today."

"Thanks for inviting me."

She smiled, then leaned into kiss him, and was surprised as he stepped back.

She froze looking at him, unsure of what had happened.

"I'm sorry," Brad stammered, he reached out cautiously and took her hand.

"I really want to, it's just... well... you're still married, and I wouldn't... wouldn't feel right."

She nodded slowly at him and gave his hand a squeeze.

"I understand, I hope you don't think..."

"I don't, I guess I'm just a little weird about that."

"It's not weird, well, goodnight."

"Goodnight."

She gave his hand a squeeze, let go of it, turned and went inside.

He stared at her door for several minutes, wondering if he'd just ruined the best day he'd had in a very long time. Then, shoulders slumped, he walked back to his truck and drove home. Megan sat at her table, watching the scene play out on her doorbell camera. Hating the way the look of utter dejection on his face made her feel.

Back at home Brad unloaded the truck, took a quick shower and made himself a snack. He ate in silence, wondering what to do next, how to fix things, if he could fix things. With no answers forthcoming he cleaned up the kitchen and went to bed.

It was 10am when he finally made up his mind. He was glad he was ahead on all his projects because he'd been incredibly unproductive, staring out the window most of the morning, cursing himself.

Might was well pull the Band-Aid off he thought as he picked up his phone and tapped out a message.

"Would you like to do something on Saturday? Sailing, or something else?"

Forty-five minutes later and a mile away Megan finished her conference call and took off the headset. She glanced down at her phone and saw 4 missed texts and a missed phone call. She held her breath as she tapped Brad's message, then let out a sigh of relief.

"I'd love to, whatever you'd prefer."

That burden lifted she looked at the others. Two were from influencers the company worked with, she answered those quickly, but the fourth was from her lawyer, a simple message to please call. She realized the missed call was also from the attorney's office and hit the button to return the call.

Ten minutes later she was on another conference call, this time with her friends.

"Didn't we just finish a call?" Catelyn asked after everyone was online.

"Yeah, this might be our first ever marketing crisis," Tara observed.

"Not a crisis, quite the opposite," Megan said, "I just got off the phone with my lawyer, the divorce will be finalized on Thursday. I'll be a free woman."

Tara and Catelyn quickly congratulated her, Jasmine seemed distracted, staring at her computer monitor.

"Everything OK, Jasmine?" Tara asked.

The petite Asian woman looked directly into the camera before speaking, "Everything is great. We've got 3 tickets from DTW to MCO, arriving at 3:27 pm on Friday."

"Party at Megan's house!" Catelyn called out.

The quartet spent the next few minutes laughing, joking and making plans for their visit. When the call finally broke up Megan looked back down at her phone.

Crap, she thought as she picked it up and hit Brad's number.

"I'm really sorry, just found out my friends are coming down this weekend. Just found out the divorce is final on Thursday; they want to celebrate. I'd really like you to meet them. We're thinking of spending Saturday at Disney Springs. You could come with us, if you wanted."

She hit send, set the phone down and went back to work.

Brad ended the call, leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh. He really hated clients who thought if they asked the same question over and over in a slightly different way, they would eventually get a different answer. Yes, your system has serious vulnerabilities, yes, it is going to cost money to fix it, no, I won't leave that out of my report.

He stood up to stretch his legs and saw the text alert on his phone. He read Megan's first message and his heart soared; he hadn't messed things up after all. His emotions yo-yoed as he read the second. His heart sinking as she cancelled their plans, then rebounding as he found out why. She wanted him to meet her friends, that was definitely a good sign. Her friends were clearly an important part of her life, but that was a lot of pressure. Any of them deciding her wasn't right for their friend could be disastrous.

After careful thought he replied.

"Looking forward to meeting your friends, Disney Springs sounds like a wonderful idea. I could make a dining reservation at Splitsville, unless you want someplace fancier? Three plus us? Pick you all up at 11?"

He went downstairs, got a drink, and did a little stretching. When he returned to his office a reply as waiting.

"Great idea, they'll love Splitsville. 11 is perfect. Three of them. Can't wait."

Brad sat at his computer, made some reservations and then went back to work.

It was 3 am Friday night when the frantic ringing of the doorbell woke Brad from a sound sleep. A quick tap of the app on his phone brought up the doorbell camera. He was out of bed and down the hall in a flash. Taking the stairs 4 at a time, he hit the wall at the landing, spun, barely keeping his balance, and sprinted to the front door.

He slid to a stop and threw the door open. Megan was standing there in a red cocktail dress, hand extended to ring the doorbell again.

"Are you ok?" He asked.

She turned to look at him. A big smile spreading across her face, wobbling slightly.

"I'm great," She said slowly, "guess what?"

""What?" He asked, finally catching his breath.

She spread her arms, dropping her purse in the process and stepped closer to him.

"I'm divorced now," she said as she took an uncertain step towards him.

He could smell the alcohol on her breath, she toppled forward, and he caught her in his arms, steadying her. She wrapped hers tightly around him.

"And that means I get to kiss you now. And when I'm done kissing you, we're going to fuck," She announced triumphantly in spite of the drunken slur of her words.

She looked up at him still smiling, then her eyes went wide, she turned her head and began throwing up.

Her head was throbbing when she opened her eyes. She resisted the urge to curse her friends. She had no one to blame but herself. She could have stopped drinking at any time. Rolling onto her side and away from the window, she looked around the room and realized she wasn't in her own bed.

Where the hell am I she wondered. She was on a queen-sized bed, across the room was a dresser and mirror. Her dress was on it, neatly folded next to her purse.

The walls were decorated with framed prints of airline travel posters from the 1930s. Fly to Egypt on Imperial Airways, Pan Am Clippers to Hawaii, a host of exotic destinations.

She managed to sit up and spotted a bottle of Gatorade and one of aspirin on the nightstand. She swallowed a pair of aspirin, opened the Gatorade and took a long drink. Getting to her feet she took a shaky first step towards the dresser and her purse. She saw her reflection in the mirror and realized she was wearing a man's t-shirt emblazoned with "Micky and the Motorcars".

She stared at her reflection as the pieces fell into place. It was one of Brad's favorite bands. She was at Brad's house. She'd... oh, God, she realized as her memory came flooding back, she'd thrown up on him.

She sat back on the edge of the bed, her eyes filling with tears.

I meet a wonderful guy, and I screw everything up, she thought as she began to sob gently.

She heard a soft tap on the door, then Brad's voice.

"Are you awake?"

"Yes," She answered.

"Can I come in?"

She tried to wipe the tears from her eyes before answering, "sure."

The door slowly opened, and she watched as worry filled his face when he realized that she'd been crying.

"Are you OK?"

His eyes went to the dress, looking at it as he began to speak.

"I'm, I'm really sorry, I didn't know what else to do... you couldn't sleep in it, not the way it was... I just... didn't know what else to do," he repeated himself, his shoulders slumping.

Oh, God, she thought, he thinks I'm upset because he saw me naked. Maybe he's worried I think he did something to take advantage.

"No," she said, "it's not that, I just... well..."

She gestured for him to come over, patting the bed beside her. He approached, almost nervously, and took the proffered seat.

"I'm really sorry. I went out with my friends, they wanted to celebrate, and we did. Might have been worse than my bachelorette party, ironically. I had way too much to drink, and I never should have come over here, never should have put you in that position. I'm not sure of everything I did, but I'm sure I threw up, and equally sure that dress had to come off. I hope you can forgive me."

He seemed to visibly relax, and she leaned against him. Slowly, hesitantly he put an arm around her.

"It's ok, not the first time I've had to help out a friend who had too much to drink. You were a lot easier to carry up the stairs than most of them."

"Anyway," he continued, "I was thinking, maybe, if you're ok with it, I could give you a ride back to your place. Drop you off, come back at 11 to take you and your friends out, and we could forget this whole thing even happened."

"Maybe," she said slowly, "we could just forget the part where I made an ass of myself, and I could remember the part about you being wonderful about it."

He shrugged and smiled, "that seems like a fair compromise."

Brad stood up, "I'll be right back."

While she waited for him to return, she finished the Gatorade, then retrieved her purse. She sent a quick text to her friends.

"I'm okay, be back in a few minutes. Still good for shopping?"

"We're eating breakfast waiting for you. Can't wait to hear all the deets," came the immediate reply from Tara.

She let out a sigh at that thought. This wasn't going to be a fun conversation, and she really hoped they wouldn't give Brad a hard time about it.

He returned, stopping in the doorway, and held out a pair of shorts and a pair of sandals.

"They are probably going to be a bit big on you, but it should be ok to get you home," he explained.

She took the offered items and he turned and closed the door. The shorts were too big, but had a drawstring so there was no danger of them falling off, and the shirt was long enough it wouldn't have mattered much if they had. She gathered her things and prepared to do the walk of shame.

Brad was waiting in the hallway, and they went down the stairs and out the door. He opened the truck door for her. Back at her house they walked up to her door together.

"Well, I guess I'll see you in an hour," he said with a smile.

"See you then."

She watched him back to the truck, then opened the door and prepared to deal with her friends.

An hour later she was freshly showered, hair fixed, dressed, and finishing off the last of her breakfast. Her friends had been remarkably subdued. She was starting to suspect there was an element of collective guilt. She was responsible for her own decisions of course, but they all probably felt like they should have stopped her from going over to Brad's in the first place.

Just as she expected the doorbell rang at precisely 11 o'clock. She opened the door and invited Brad inside, escorting him to the dining room where her friends were all seated around the table.

"Ladies, this is my friend Brad," she began.

"Brad, this is Tara our CEO and ultimate Girl Boss."

She gestured to a tall woman with a jet-black pixie cut. She stood and extended a hand, and Brad realized she was probably an honest 6 foot tall.

"Nice to meet you," he said as he shook the proffered hand.

"Likewise, we've heard a lot about you," she said with a friendly smile.

"This is Catelyn, fashion designer extraordinaire, only the deep bonds of friendship keep her with us and away from the runways of Paris and Milan."

The blonde with long curly hair that went almost to her waist smiled and laughed.

"Yeah, something like that, but very nice to meet you, Brad."

"You as well," he responded.

"Last but by no means least, our esteemed accountant, import export guru, and all-around problem solver, Jasmine."

"And that ladies and gentleman is why she's our marketing director," the petite Asian woman responded before turning to Brad, "delighted to finally meet you."

"Thank you, the pleasure is mine," he replied.

"Well, since Brad came all this way to give us a ride, we shouldn't keep him waiting," Tara announced.

"Not when there is shopping to be done," Catelyn added.

They gathered their things and headed out of the house.

"I thought you said he drove a pickup," Jasmine said as they discovered a GMC Suburban sitting in the driveway.

"I do," Brad explained, "but I thought this might be more comfortable since there are five of us."

"He IS thoughtful," Catelyn remarked.

Brad opened the front door for Megan, and the others piled into the back, with Tara sitting behind Brad, Jasmine behind Megan and Catelyn in the third row. They made their way out of the subdivision and out onto I4. The girls began peppering Brad with questions about his life and interests. He gamely answered the questions but was still relieved as they pulled into the huge parking garage and found a spot.

They spent the next few hours exploring all Disney Springs had to offer, the three visitors in the lead, Brad finding himself more and more loaded down with their purchases. Megan always staying near him, almost protectively, even as she laughed and joked with her friends. They all seemed to be having a good time until they arrived at the Ron Jon surf shop.

The quartet became deadly serious as they went through the store. Examining the products with a keen eye, looking at stitching, materials, styles. At one point he watched as Jasmine began taking notes on her phone for Catelyn.

He was watching the two so intently he didn't notice Megan had returned to his side.

"She gets pretty intense," Megan explained.

"I noticed," Brad answered.

"We're almost exclusively online right now. Have a few places in Michigan, but obviously that's a limited market. We'd love to get into this place, we're probably going to visit the store in Cocoa Beach on Monday. Make this trip a business expense. We wanted a better sense of what they carry, what their styles and standards are before we make a pitch."

"And making that pitch?"

"Is my job," she said with a sigh, "we're doing ok, but it would be a big step forward. They're counting on me."

He could feel the weight of her words, the way she was watching her friends as they moved through the store.

He adjusted the bags he was carrying, freeing a hand, and gently rested it on her shoulder.

"When the time comes, you're going to do great."

"Thanks, I hope so."

"Not a doubt in my mind."

She smiled at him and shook her head, "we better get moving or they are going to disappear."

He looked over to realize the other girls were halfway across the store, and they started off in pursuit.

They eventually emerged from the store.

"I'm getting a little hungry," Jasmine commented.

"What time are our reservations," Megan asked Brad.

"6:30, it's almost 3 now. We could cancel our reservation and just find somewhere else to eat or, the Ghirardelli ice cream parlor is just around the corner. Would that hold everyone over until dinner?"

"Calories don't count on vacation," Catelyn observed.

"Very true," Tara agreed, "I guess that decides it, Brad is buying us ice cream!"

The ladies gave a mock cheer, and Brad led them to the ice cream shop, where he dutifully bought them all ice cream. They sat at a table enjoying the treat as they discussed their observations from the store. Brad sat back fascinated by the group dynamic as the discussion unfolded. It quickly became obvious why Tara was the CEO, but it became equally clear that Megan was the spiritual center of the group. She seemed to effortlessly keep the conversation on topic and ensure everyone was included.

"You still with us, Brad?", a voice said.

"What, sorry...", he stammered as his focus snapped back.

All four of them were looking at him, smiling.

"Sorry," he began sheepishly, "guess I zoned out there for a minute."

"Zoning out, staring at Megan with puppy dog eyes, tomato, tomatoh," Catelyn commented with a chuckle.

He felt himself blushing as Jasmine chimed in, "We were going to finish exploring if you are ready?"

"Sure, of course," he said, quickly standing up and gathering the packages.

They continued to explore the area, visiting other shops until working their way back to the restaurant in time for their reservation. After dinner they found their way to the lanes and bowled 2 rounds. It was close to 9 o'clock when they made it back to the Suburban. All the walking had tired the group out and it was a quiet ride back to Megan's house.

As they turned into the subdivision Brad asked, "How long are you guys going to be staying."

"Til Wednesday," Tara responded.

Brad nodded, glancing over at Megan in the passenger seat.

"I've got this until Thursday, was cheaper to rent it by the week. If you want to, you can drop me off at my place and keep it. Probably be more comfortable than taking your car," he offered.

"You wouldn't mind?" she replied.

"Otherwise, it's just going to sit in my driveway, when I drop it off on Thursday you can pick me up."

"Just say yes," Jasmine called out from the back.

"Thank you, we'd all appreciate that," Megan said.

He pulled the Suburban into his driveway.

"It was nice to meet all of you," he said before getting out as the ladies returned the pleasantry.

He waited at the driver's door as Megan came around and handed her the key fob.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

"You're welcome, see you Thursday?"

"For sure."

He closed the truck door for her and waved as they drove away.

It was late Wednesday afternoon when she texted him.

"The girls are on a plane, and I am exhausted."

"Good visit?"

"Great visit."

"Happy to hear that."

"What time tomorrow?"

"What works for you?"

"Whatever."

"11? We could get lunch afterwards, if you want to?"

"Sounds great."

"Meet at the rental car place, then we can eat, and I'll take you home?"

"Perfect, where is it?"

"I'll send you the address."

"OK, see you tomorrow."

He arrived at the rental car office to find Megan already there. She handed him the keys, and they went inside and quickly settled up.

"Well, any lunch ideas," he asked as they came back out.

"If you aren't feeling fancy there is a Panda Express right there," she said, pointing down the street.

"That works for me."

Over their Chinese she told him about the rest of her friends' visit. They had indeed made it out to Cocoa Beach and visited several of the surf shops in the area. As well as being generally touristy for a few days.

"I was thinking," Brad began as they finished their meal, "SpaceX has a launch tomorrow night, if you've never seen one from the water it's pretty spectacular."

"You can do that?" she asked.

"Yeah, there is a restricted area you have to be outside of, but you can anchor just north of it, and you get an amazing view, especially at night. And the sonic boom when it comes back to land is incredible. If you are interested, the launch is at 9:27. If we left here at 4 that would give us plenty of time to be in position. If you want to."

"That sounds amazing, I'd love to."

That settled, they headed home, chatting about NASA, rocket launches and their memories of the Space Shuttle.

"I'll take care of dinner tomorrow," Megan added as Brad walked her to the door.

"Ok by me, I can't wait to see what you come up with."

Megan was waiting when he arrived the next day, the cooler and her backpack sitting just inside the door. Brad went to pick it up, and she stopped him.

"Wait, before you do that."

She produced a dark blue gift bag and handed it to him.

"What's this for?" he asked, feeling the weight of it.

"A thank you gift from me, and the girls, for being a great guide and sherpa at Disney Springs."

"You really didn't need to do that, I enjoyed it."

"Well, we all wanted you to know we appreciated it."

He shook his head a little and began pulling the tissue paper out of the way. Reaching a hand in he came out with a large, white, Yeti mug. As he turned it in his hands, he saw that it was engraved with the University of Texas logo on one side and the Utah State logo on the other.

"Thank you, that's very nice."

"I do hope you like it."

"I do, please thank your friends for me."

"I will, I took the liberty of washing it, if you want to fill it up before we go."

"Sure, do you have any Coke, water otherwise."

"As a matter of fact, I do," she commented taking the glass.

She went to fill it as he loaded the rest of the gear into the truck. They were soon headed towards the coast, his new glass in the cupholder next to Megan's Michigan State cup, and they discussed their college experiences all the way to the marina.

They made short work of getting underway and were anchored a quarter mile outside the restricted area, along with a half dozen other boats, by 7 o'clock. Megan produced a shrimp pasta from the cooler, Brad turned on some Jimmy Buffett and they ate dinner as they waited.

The launch was every bit as spectacular as promised, as was the return of the rocket afterwards.

"That was incredible," Megan exclaimed.

"Yeah, when I first found out you could do this, I made 6 of them in a row. They are all cool, but the night launches are just something else.

They heard engines start as the other boats in the area all got under way, heading home.

"Ready to go?" Brad asked.

"I was thinking, if you aren't in a hurry, maybe we could go for a swim?"

He looked at her curiously, "Sure, you brought your suit?"

"Of course," she said, pulling her shirt over her head to reveal a pink bandeau top, joined together in the center with a silver O ring.

"I guess I should change then."

He ducked below and quickly put on a pair of swim trunks. Megan had removed her shorts and shoes in the meantime. Brad lowered the transom, looked around to ensure all the other boats had left the area, and then dove in. Megan followed right after. They swam for a while, eventually ending up at the port ama.

"You know, I really need to use my pool more," Megan commented, one hand holding onto the boat as they floated in a gentle swell.

"I'm on the water all the time, but never in it," Brad replied, "I forget how much fun being in the water is. With the cat you always ended up in the water, with this it means disaster."

Megan climbed up the swim ladder and opened the hatch where the towels were stored. She handed one to Brad as he emerged. The pair dried off, then laid back on the trampoline, looking up into the night sky in silence for several minutes.

"The stars are beautiful tonight," Megan finally said.

"Not just the stars," Brad replied.

Megan turned her head to see that Brad had shifted onto his side and was looking at her. He reached out, his fingers gently brushing her cheek, then his hand moved behind her head, and he was gently drawing her towards him. She closed her eyes as their lips met, and they kissed. Her lips parted as the kiss became more passionate, his hand left her head, moving down her neck, down the side of her body, gently exploring down to her waist.

Her own hand found his head, finger running though his hair, holding him against her. She'd wanted to kiss him for so long, she wasn't going to let go now.

His hand was on her stomach now, slowly working its way back up. Then it was on her breast, cupping it through the fabric of the bikini. She pulled his head tighter, wanting to signal her consent. As much as she didn't want it to end, she loosened her grip as she felt him pull away, his hand moving to her side.

They looked into each other's eyes for a moment, then he leaned down, gently rubbing the tip of his nose against hers.

She let out a soft laugh, "Eskimo kisses?"

He nodded with a smile. Megan reached back and unclasped her top. Pulling it off and tossing it to the side. Brad's smile broadened and he leaned in to resume kissing her. He moved on top of her, supporting his weight on his elbows. She quickly wrapped her arms around him, savoring the feel of his body against hers as he kissed her over and over. Then he was kissing her neck, trailing kisses as he moved downwards. His lips found her breasts and she let out a gentle moan. Looking up at the clear night sky as she enjoyed his efforts. She felt his weight shifting, then a hand was moving down her body again, his fingers found the ties at the side of her bikini bottom, and they quickly undid the knot on one side then the other. Her body tingled at being so exposed.

There was a twinge of disappointment as his mouth left her breast. He was moving up again, until their lips met for a quick kiss. She felt his body against her and realized she wasn't the only one who was naked. He looked into her eyes; she felt his hardness against her leg.

She nodded, "yes, please."

He smiled and began to press into her, his hard cock against her, slowly entering her, filling her. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly as he began to thrust. She savored each one, the feel of his body, the cool night air, the gentle rocking of the boat in the waves, it all just seemed to go on forever. Some distant part of her mind recalled that he could run for 20 hours and wondered how long he could do this. Then suddenly it didn't matter as her own orgasm arrived.

"Yes..." she almost screamed as that sweet release overwhelmed her.

Brad seemed to freeze, and she forced herself to speak.

"Don't stop," she managed to say.

He resumed his efforts, over and over, the raging inferno of her orgasm subsiding but the heat remained. Her hands were on his cheeks holding his face as she kissed him over and over. Then he froze again, and she could feel the tension build in him, then drain away as he filled her. He almost collapsed, his face nestled into her neck, breathing heavily. She held him one hand on his back, the other his neck as he recovered.

After several minutes he rolled over to lay beside her, taking her hand.

"That was incredible, you are incredible," he finally managed.

"You too," she responded, "looks like we had an audience."

He sat up, looking around frantically.

She laughed, "No, God, I'm sorry, not like that."

He looked at her, his confusion obvious.

She pointed up at the sky.

"There, see it? Orion."

He laid back down looking up.

"The constellation?"

"Yes."

"I'm terrible with that stuff," he admitted, "I've tried to learn celestial navigation, but I can't ever figure out which star is which half the time."

"Well, if you know Orion that helps."

"You know about this stuff?"

"I got an A in astronomy. Not everyone sleeps in the planetarium. See those three bright stars?"

He looked to where she was pointing.

"That's his belt, Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka, I think there are 4 stars in Orion you use to navigate, but it's been a while. And it's a good guide for finding a few more. Alderban and Sirius fall in line with Orion's belt."

"You're amazing."

"Thank you."

"So, was thinking... if you wanted to, we could just spend the night here, head back in the morning."

"Well, this is pretty comfortable," she patted the trampoline, "but don't you think it's going to get a bit chilly out here tonight."

"I meant inside, she's got two berths."

Megan laughed, "I knew what you meant, I was just teasing, and we only need one berth."

They laid back on the trampoline, holding hands. Megan used her free hand to point out the rest of the stars she knew, and they enjoyed the moment until the night air did indeed turn chilly.

"You're shivering," Brad observed.

"It is getting cold," she admitted, "I just... I just didn't want this to end."

"Me either, but we can come back or sail somewhere else. Anywhere you want to go."

"Anywhere?"

"Yes, I'd go anywhere with you."

They got reluctantly to their feet and gathered their things.

"If you want to head below, I need to check a few things. The forward berth is already made up."

Megan found her way to the berth as Brad checked the anchor line, rigging and lights. She stretched out on the bed. It was surprisingly comfortable; she rested her head on the pillow and listened to the sounds of Brad on the deck. A plan quickly formed in her mind. She rolled onto her left side, her left arm under the pillow, her right arm resting on body, hand on her hip. She brought her left leg up, crooking her knee, leaving the right leg straight. Satisfied it was a natural looking pose, she waited. Brad's footsteps came down the stairs into the cabin, padding quietly through the salon. She closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep.

Brad stepped into the berth about to say something then froze as he realized Megan was asleep, laying naked on the bed.

He stood, transfixed by her beauty, for several minutes. Then he noticed something, he moved closer, as quietly as he could. There on her left thigh, at the bikini line was a small tattoo, a Michigan State Spartan Helmet, but in pink rather than the traditional green. He smiled at his little discovery, took his swim trunks off and put on a pair of loose-fitting shorts. He took a blanket from the wardrobe, turned the light off and laid down next to her, pulling the blanket over both of them.

Megan resisted the urge to smile as the light went off, basking in the feeling of him looking at her. Soon she was asleep for real.

Brad was the first to wake. Putting on a t-shirt and heading topside to check the boat. Everything was still in order, and he returned to the salon, took out a book and began to read. Twenty minutes later he heard Megan stirring, then she emerged from the berth, the blanket wrapped around her.

"Good morning, beautiful," he said.

"Good morning, I'm sure my hair is a fright."

"You look wonderful to me."

She smiled, and shook her head, knowing better than to argue the point.

"Any chance there is food in the... galley?" she asked.

"Not much, I've got some granola bars and pop-tarts," he admitted, "if you want to get dressed, we could have a snack topside then get underway. Stop for something more substantial after we get back to the marina?"

"That sounds great."

"I put your shorts and top in the cabinet to the port side."

"Thanks."

She went back into the berth for a few minutes and returned with yesterday's clothes on.

Brad was digging through the galley and came up with two packs of pop-tarts and a pair of water bottles. They headed up onto the deck and into a clear, beautiful morning.

They sat across from each other at the table and Brad ripped open the pop-tart package and extended it to Megan.

She accepted it and took a bite.

"Frosted cherry, my new favorite," she announced after swallowing the first bite.

They made short work of their snack, then Brad began preparing to get underway. This time Megan followed him, and he explained everything he was doing, and why.

As he prepared to weigh anchor, she smiled at him and said, "One more question."

"Sure, what?"

"The berth was made up, were you planning on..."

He started to blush, "No, not really, I mean... I kind of hoped, but... the berth is always made up. I sometimes take a nap up there. Spend the night from time to time."

"Is that why you got the bigger boat? So, you'd be able to do that?"

"Not exactly, I could sleep on the 25 I had before, not as comfortable but it was fine," he said as he hooked the anchor line to the winch.

"Then why the bigger boat, if you don't mind me asking."

He turned the winch on, lifting the anchor and looked up at her, thinking for a moment.

"The 25 was a great day sailor, not bad for a weekend, but that was it. This," he said patting the deck affectionately," well, she's a blue water boat. I could sail her anywhere in the Caribbean, down to South America, up the Great Lakes. Spend a couple of weeks on her at a time no problem. That's what I wanted to do, travel."

"Have you?"

"No, not really."

The anchor was up, and he stowed everything and got back to his feet.

"Why not?"

"I made one trip, to the Bahamas, it was fun but... you see all these beautiful, amazing things, great experiences, but then that's it. There's no one to share it with. Having someone, having the right someone, to share it with is what makes it magical. So, I just come out here, with the wind and waves, and hope that someday things will be different."

She moved closer to him, gently placing her hand on his arm.

"Thank you, thank you for sharing that with me."

He smiled, a faraway look in his eyes, gave a little shrug and headed for the cockpit. She followed after him and they took their seats.

"Ready?"

"Ready!"

He began to trim the sails, and they were soon headed back to the marina. As they came in, she followed him through the process of furling the sails, folding the amas and all the other details of docking the boat.

"Nice job," he said as they carried their things back to the truck.

"Thank you, you are a great teacher."

"Thanks, I was thinking, you know, if you want to, you could leave some things on the boat, change of clothes or whatever. Just in case."

"Just in case," she said with a smile, "that sounds like a great idea."

She stepped closer and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Plus, I have to start marking my territory."

He chuckled at that and opened the truck door for her. They went through a drive through and ate breakfast sandwiches as they headed home. Brad took the opportunity to learn more about Megan's business and the rewards and perils of the fashion industry.

Back at her house he walked her in, setting the cooler down in her kitchen.

"So, I was thinking," he began, "this seeing you once a weekend thing, it's not really working for me. I think I need to see you way more often than that. So, maybe we could have dinner at my house tomorrow night, then watch a movie?"

Megan wrapped her arms around him and gave him a kiss.

"I like the way you think," she said several minutes later as they finally broke their embrace.

Brad spent the early afternoon grocery shopping trying to decide what he could make for dinner with his meager cooking skills. He was standing in his neighborhood Publix, looking at the meat counter when his phone played the opening notes of Christopher Cross' song Sailing. He smiled, knowing it meant a text from Megan and pulled his phone from his pocket.

"What time, what should I bring?"

"5, nothing, any movie preferences?"

"Whatever you want."

He winced at the last text. They really hadn't discussed that kind of thing; he wasn't sure where to start. One decision at a time he decided and picked the best-looking pair of T bones in the cooler.

Brad felt a little guilty as he paid for the groceries and headed home. It was going to be Megan's first official visit to his house, his first chance to prepare a meal for her. He wanted it to be special. He was pretty good on the grill; he didn't question his ability to cook a steak to near perfection. Tonight seemed to call for something else, some amazing French cuisine with a name he couldn't pronounce probably. Maybe if he had more time, he could learn to cook ratatouille or something. The fact the only French dish he could name was the result of a cartoon was probably evidence enough what a terrible idea it was. His track record with grand gestures was suspect at best, he realized. You, my boy, he thought to himself, are a grinder. Work hard, take care of the details, leave the dreaming up to someone else.

Why am I so nervous about this he wondered as he put the groceries away and began cleaning the house. She's obviously into me, that night on the boat should have erased any doubts. Yes, that night on the boat... he felt himself flush at the memory. It had been incredible. Maybe that was it he realized, it almost felt too good to be true. She was incredible, smart, talented, beautiful and he was... well... broken he knew.

He finished cleaning the bathroom and stopped to wash up. Looking at himself in the mirror he came to a decision. He was the rebound guy, and he could live with that. It was like flying a hull on his catamaran. You knew what might happen when you got out on that reach, but it was still worth the ride even when you went over.

Mind made up, and hands clean he headed for the kitchen.

The doorbell rang at precisely 5 o'clock. Brad answered it to find Megan standing there in a turquoise, strapless, ruched bust dress, a bottle of wine in her hand.

"Hi," she said with a smile.

"Hi, and welcome, that's a beautiful dress" he said stepping to the side so she could enter.

"Thank you, not one of ours I'm afraid."

Megan handed him the wine bottle as she passed into the foyer looking around. She hadn't seen much on her previous visit, and she was decidedly curious. To her left behind a set of glass French doors, was what appeared to be an office. To the right through an open archway was a formal dining room. A long heavy wooden table dominated the room with 8 chairs around it. A print of Rembrandt's Storm on the Sea of Galilee hung on the wall above a sideboard that matched the table. A trio of silver picture frames sat on the sideboard, one on each end, and one in the middle. One contained a portrait of a beautiful raven-haired woman in a wedding dress, sitting on a buckboard wagon in front of an old barn. The second was the woman and Brad, in his tuxedo caught at the "you may kiss the bride" moment of the ceremony. The third, in the middle, still had the generic photo in it.

"I could give you a tour, if you'd like."

She turned quickly to see Brad looking at her.

Forcing a smile, she replied, "Sure, that would be nice."

"The dining room, obviously," he said as he gestured into the room.

"Over here we have my office," he opened one of the doors and ushered her in, turning on the lights. The walls were almost completely covered in built in bookshelves that were filled to overflowing. The window overlooking the front yard had a window seat, with several comfortable looking pillows. The wall opposite the door had a large built-in desk amidst the shelving. 4 large computer monitors sat above the keyboard and peripherals, currently displaying an image of a sailboat like Brad's in a tropical cove.

"Is that your boat?"

"No, we've got a small owner's group. One of the other guys posted it."

The fourth wall was nothing but bookshelves, and a pair of globes in beautiful wooden frames sat on either side. She stepped closer, looking at the globe.

"That one is from 1860, I mean the globe isn't that old, but that's the map data they used. The other one is modern."

"A lot has changed," she said slowly turning the globe reading country names.

"It certainly has, I've got a collection of atlases, it's interesting to compare ones that are only a few years apart sometimes. Sorry, I'm going to geek out on you."

"It's fine, these old ones, it's a kind of art really."

"Yeah, Google Earth and modern maps are awesome, but it doesn't have the same emotion as old hand drawn stuff."

They left his office and went through the foyer into the living room. It was a large open concept space. The kitchen was separated from the living area by a bar with seating for 6. A couch flanked by a pair of love seats filled one side, facing a giant TV mounted on the wall. They turned and went down a short hallway and he pointed out the guest bathroom before leading her up the stairs. The stairwell was decorated with framed posters for various National Parks all in a retro style, the theme continued down the hallway. They saw the guestroom she was all too familiar with, followed by another similar one. This one with retro posters for cruise lines, rather than airlines.

He seemed to hesitate at the next door, then opened it. The walls were undecorated, there was a daybed on one wall, and an ornate white crib on the other. She felt Brad's discomfort as she looked into the room and turned back to the hall.

"Last, but not least," he opened the final door to the master bedroom. There was a giant 4 poster bed, with intricate woodwork, a matching dresser, and wardrobe. One corner held a leather recliner with a small bookshelf on the wall next to it.

"That bed is huge, is that a California King?"

"No, it's a Wyoming King."

"I've never heard of that."

"I hadn't either, it's about 8 inches wider than a normal King sized. They made me a great deal on it; I didn't figure out why until later."

"And why is that?"

"Getting it up here was a bear, and sheets for it aren't cheap."

"Hadn't thought of that."

"Me either, but it sure looked cool in the showroom," he said, shaking his head with a smile.

"Anyway, ready for dinner?" he asked.

"Certainly."

They went back downstairs, Brad washed up, turned on the oven, gathered a few things from the refrigerator and they went out onto the back porch. Megan had snagged the wine bottle and a pair of glasses. She poured them each a glass as Brad went to work at the grill.

"What are we having?"

"T-bones, twice baked potatoes, and grilled asparagus."

"Sounds delightful."

"I hope so."

He went to work grilling the steaks, stopping to run in and put the potatoes in the oven, and they chatted about movies. They discovered they were both fans of James Bond, and while they both agreed Daniel Craig had done a fine job, Megan was partial to Pierce Brosnan and Brad had a soft spot for Roger Moore.

"I remember watching those with my dad when I was a kid, they bring back good memories," he offered as an explanation.

They ate at the bar, still chatting about movies.

They were finishing the last of their steak when Brad asked," Did you decide on a movie to watch?"

"You were supposed to do that, what's your favorite Bond movie?"

"Done," he said with a smile and took his phone out.

He tapped at the phone for a moment, and the TV came on, soon followed by the opening notes of Sheena Easton's "For your eyes only."

They headed to the couch; Brad took a seat and Megan sat next to him. Leaning against him, and he put his arm around her. 127 minutes later, James Bond had saved the day.

Megan sat up and turned to Brad.

"You know what I'd like," she said, repeating Melina's line from the movie only moments earlier.

"I can't imagine," Brad responded in a passable Roger Moore impression.

"A moonlight swim."

She stood up, as Brad watched transfixed, and slid her dress down until it fell to her feet. Wearing only her panties she smiled at him.

"For your eyes only, Darling," she said, then dropped onto the couch, wrapping her arms around him.

They kissed passionately for several minutes, with Brad finally breaking their embrace to pull his shirt over his head and toss it aside. Megan ran her hands over his chest, feeling his muscles. Her hands explored his body, working their way down until they found his belt. Nimble fingers opened the belt, then she was pulling his pants down as he lifted himself up to allow them to slide clear.

He let out a soft gasp as her hand found his hard cock, wrapping her fingers around it, feeling it for a moment before beginning to slowly stroke it. She leaned forward, kissing him again, first on the lips, then the cheek, his neck, onto his chest. She teased at his nipples for a moment before continuing her descent, her hand slowly stroking him all the while. She kissed down to his stomach, then slipped off the couch, kneeling in front of him. Looking up, their eyes meeting for a moment before she bent her head and licked the tip of his hard cock.

Another gasp rewarded her efforts, and she leaned in closer, placing her tongue at the base of his cock, licking up to the tip. A long slow lick, like she was enjoying an ice cream cone, then another, and another before finally taking the head into her mouth. Her hand found his balls, cupping and caressing them as she took him deeper into her throat. She was soon working up and down taking him all the way in then back to the tip, her hand still playing with his balls as the other found his chest again.

She felt his body tense, she stopped at the tip, her hand stroking his shaft, slick from her saliva and he was cumming, filling her mouth. She swallowed it, then released him. Sitting back, looking up at him.

Brad was leaning back on the couch, body relaxed, a content smile on his face.

"That was incredible," he finally managed to say.

"I'm glad you liked it," she replied, as she returned to her position beside him on the couch. He put his arm around her once again, and they sat like that for several minutes.

Brad's hand shifted, until he was cupping her breast, caressing it. She turned her head towards him, and he leaned forward and kissed her. Then he was moving, releasing her breast, moving down until he was kneeling between her legs. His hands went to her panties, and she lifted herself as he had done, allowing him to slip them off. Free of the panties, she spread her legs for him. He leaned forward kissing her stomach, slowly moving downwards.

Down to her left thigh, he paused his journey to kiss her tattoo, tracing its outline with his tongue before resuming. Kissing almost down to her knee before working his way back up. Planting kisses along the line where leg met torso, then back up to her waist as he moved to her right side. It was exquisite and maddening at the same time. His touch, his kisses felt wonderful, but she desperately wanted his tongue somewhere else. He worked his way down her right thigh as she found the urge to grab his head and force it where she wanted him.

Then finally he was there. His tongue on her slit licking slowly up it, just as she had done to him. Once, twice, three times, before he pressed it into her. Then his tongue found her spot, and she let out a moan. He quickened his pace, his tongue working its magic. She felt his hands slip beneath her, cupping squeezing her bottom and she let out another gasp. Involuntarily she felt her legs tighten around his head, then she was cumming with a soft moan...

"Yes, yes, yes," she whispered as it found her.

Her body relaxed, her legs releasing his head and Brad sat back. Looking up at her, seeing her satisfied smile he smiled back.

"That was incredible," she said.

His smile broadened, 'I'm glad you liked it."

"Very much, you can do that anytime."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Brad got to his feet and extended his hands to her.

She hesitated for a moment, she was blissfully happy where she was, then took his hands. He helped her to her feet, drawing her close, his arms around her waist. She loved the way his body felt against hers as they kissed. His hands began caressing her bottom, and he bent at the knees, lowering himself.

Without warning, his hands were gripping her bottom, and he straightened up, lifting her off the ground. She wrapped her legs around him, still kissing him as he turned and carried her down the hall, then up the stairs.

He laid her gently down on the bed, stepping back for a moment, looking down at her naked form. The expression on his face sent a shiver through her body, the mix of desire, passion, and something she couldn't quite describe but knew she liked.

Then he was on the bed, on top of her, their lips meeting again, as she spread her legs, welcoming him. There was no hesitation this time, just passion, need, desire. He was buried inside her in a moment, as he kissed her over and over. Then his hips began to move, thrusting in and out. She wrapped her arms around him, her fingers exploring his back, returning his kisses with enthusiasm. He kissed her cheek, her neck, nibbled playfully on her ear.

"It feels so good," she purred into his ear.

She felt his body respond, and instantly knew he liked it.

"Don't stop," she moaned, lightly dragging her fingernails down his back.

He started thrusting faster, his breathing getting heavier.

"Yes, yes, just like that baby."

She felt his body tense as he came, burying his face in her neck. He lay still, breathing deeply, then gently rolled off her onto his side. She placed her hand lightly on her cheek, smiling at him.

"That was wonderful," she said.

He snuggled close to her, and they lay in contented silence. He began to gently snore, shifting slightly in his sleep. She gently extricated herself from his embrace, slipping off the bed. Then quietly heading into the bathroom. She helped herself to a quick shower and came out wrapped in a towel.

Brad had turned in his sleep and she stopped to look him over. She'd been wrong to think of him as merely cute; he did have a boyish look about him, but the strength underneath somehow shone through. That quiet competence, he just made her feel safe she realized. If any other man she'd dated had tried to carry her up the stairs like that, she would have been clinging to him out of fear, but with Brad it had never occurred to her to be scared. She shook her head wistfully and went back downstairs.

Megan located her dress and underwear, cleaned up the kitchen and ensured the doors were locked. She sat on the couch, still wrapped in the towel, wondering what to do.

She should probably get dressed, write a thank-you note or something and go home she realized.

She considered it for a few minutes, then went back upstairs, discarded the towel and snuggled up next to Brad.

Brad's alarm woke them both at 8 a. m.

"Good morning, beautiful," Brad said, reaching over to gently caress her cheek.

"Good morning."

"I didn't mean to fall asleep on you last night."

"It's fine, it was your turn after all."

He smiled, "I suppose that's true. I'd really like to make you breakfast, but I have a conference call at 8:30."

"It's okay, besides, I think it's my turn to cook. Maybe dinner Wednesday?"

"I'd like that."

"Me too."

He leaned in for a passionate, if brief, kiss, then the happy couple got out of bed. She put her dress back on, Brad put on a pair of gym shorts and a t-shirt, and they headed downstairs.

As they entered the foyer, she felt herself looking into the dining room, her eyes drawn to the pictures on the sideboard. The woman was beautiful, and so different from me, Megan realized. Jet black hair, to her blonde, her skin a rich olive in contrast to Megan's borderline pale complexion, and tiny, looking at the picture of her kissing Brad she was barely 5 feet tall.

Maybe I'm not the only one abandoning their type, she thought.

She quickly turned to see Brad looking at her with a sad smile on his face. How long was I standing there she wondered as she tried to read his expression.

He turned and looked at the bridal portrait in silence for a moment, then turned back to her.

"I think she would have really liked you," he finally said.

"I... I hope so."

"I thought about putting this away, but..."

"I'm glad you didn't."

She turned to fully face him and took his hands in hers.

"I don't want you to feel that you have to hide any part of you from me. I couldn't possibly understand what going through that was like. And you're the kind of man who's going to keep her in your heart forever, it's part of what makes you who you are, and... well... that's part of what I love about you. I just hope there's a little room left in there for me."

She let go of his hands, wrapped her arms around him, pressing her face against his chest and only then realized she was crying.

Brad wrapped his arms around her, holding her gently, looking at the picture of his wife through his own tears.

Megan parked the Mercedes in the garage, and went into the house, heading straight for her bedroom. She quickly undressed, tossing her dress haphazardly on the bed as she headed for the shower. The water was as hot as she could stand, her head leaned into the corner of the shower, letting it pour over her until her skin was pink from the heat.

Reluctantly, she turned the water off, retrieved a towel and dried off.

She put Brad's t-shirt on; she'd made up her mind he wasn't getting it back unless he asked. A pair of shorts completed the outfit, and she made her way to her office.

She was thankful she didn't have much to do today. A quick check found no pressing emails, and their Monday team meeting wasn't until 10.

She sat at the desk, her mind wandering. On a whim she brought up Google Earth, zooming in on the coast, finding the marina. She smiled as she found Brad's boat at the dock. She tried to trace their path, out of the marina, to the open ocean. Moving north along the coastline, wondering where they had anchored that night. Wishing she could find the exact spot they'd made love. She slowly zoomed out, thinking about that night on the boat.

A blue water boat, Brad had said, anywhere in the Caribbean. The Caribbean had always been some exotic, abstract place. Growing up poor in northern Utah, no one she'd known had been there. The closest any of them had come was someone lucky enough to take a family vacation to Disneyland and go on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Some of her college friends had been on cruises, but sailing the Caribbean in a sailboat? Normal people didn't do that.

But Brad still wanted to, it had been obvious to her, even if he didn't see it in himself. She scrolled the map over the ocean, looking the islands with their exotic far away sounding names. Then she found what she had been searching for without even realizing. One particular island, the answer to her problems. She zoomed in as a plan slowly formed in her head. She knew what she had to do.

After their team meeting, she messaged Catelyn.

"Can you do me a favor?"

"Of course."

Megan sent her a picture.

"Interesting."

"Can you, do it?"

"Of COURSE I can, I was just thinking, why stop at one?"

"Sell them?"

"Of course... but what I meant was, there are plenty of others, we could do a whole collection. You are a marketing genius!"

"Thanks, let's start small."

"Of course, I'll let you know."

"Thanks."

"NP"

She logged off and headed to the kitchen to get breakfast, as she contemplated her next move.

She spent a spectacularly unproductive afternoon googling recipes and finding videos of the various techniques she would need to make them.

A trip to the grocery store and she put theory into practice. She began to realize she might actually be pretty good at this, now that she was putting in the effort and that excited her.

Maybe this is what she needed, she thought. What Brad had meant when he talked about finding something, not cooking itself, but just growing, learning new things. She remembered the thrill of sailing, of learning how everything worked, knowing she'd have a new skill. Someday she'd be able to sail that boat all by herself, while Brad sat back and watched.

She ate the test meal and judged it excellent. Brimming with pride she swam a few laps in the pool and headed off to bed.

She woke up to a text from Brad.

"What time tomorrow?"

"5:30 OK? Don't want to keep you up past your bedtime."

"So considerate. ???? What should I bring?"

"White wine."

"OK"

He arrived precisely on time, and Megan quickly ushered him into the kitchen. She gestured towards a pair of wine glasses sitting on the counter and he opened the bottle he'd brought and began pouring.

"It's a lovely night out, I was thinking we could eat on the patio and watch a movie?"

"Sure, that sounds great, what did you have in mind?"

"It's a surprise."

"Well, ok then," Brad said as he took a drink and watched her finish cooking.

"Will you at least tell me what's for dinner?"

"Grilled sole and Mediterranean orzo."

"I have no idea what that means, but it sounds good."

Megan finished cooking and plated the food.

"Ready darling," she asked and gestured towards the patio doors.

"After you."

They each picked up a plate and headed out. The table was set, and the TV was on. Brad set down his plate then pulled Megan's chair out for her. She took a seat, then picked up the remote. Moments later the iconic music started, and the gun barrel began moving across the screen.

"Doctor No, excellent choice," Brad said.

"Thank you, I was thinking we could watch them all, in order."

"Well, I do have to work tomorrow, and the day after."

"I meant..."

He quickly interrupted her, "just teasing, I rather like the thought of 24 more dates with you."

"23, but who's counting."

"Ahh... I'd assumed we were going to watch For Your Eyes Only Again, even if just for continuity's sake. And I rather enjoyed the ending of that one."

"It was a great ending," Megan agreed.

The opening credits ended, and the movie began, and the couple sat back to eat and enjoy their favorite secret agent in action.

"Dinner was excellent," Brad commented as the movie ended.

"Thank you, I'm glad you liked it. I think I'm getting the hang of it all."

"I'm not surprised, judging by how quickly you're picking up sailing."

"Mostly due to a great teacher."

"I'm sure that helps too," he said with a chuckle.

Megan stood up, and began to gather up the dishes, Brad followed suit before continuing.

"Speaking of sailing, looks like some storms coming in Sunday afternoon. How does going out Saturday sound?"

"It sounds wonderful, what time?"

"9?"

They finished bringing the dishes in and fell into an awkward moment.

"Well, I probably ought to get going, it's getting late."

"Yeah, I've got a busy day tomorrow," Megan agreed.

She walked him to the door, and they parted with a long goodnight kiss.

"See you Saturday," she said as he turned to walk to his truck.

"Looking forward to it."

The marina was quiet when they arrived. The fishermen had set sail long before, and it seemed that the pleasure boaters had found other things to do today. The couple walked down the dock, continuing their conversation from the truck about their respective bucket lists. Megan stopped cold as she saw the stern of the boat. Brad continued for a couple of steps, not realizing he'd lost her at first, then stopped and looked back.

She realized he was looking at her, and her eyes went from the boat to Brad, then back to the boat.

"You gave her a name," she said finally.

"Do you like it?" he replied with a touch of nervousness in his voice.

"Bellatrix," she said, as if she was testing the word out, "yes, I think Bellatrix is a good name. How did you decide on that?"

He looked at her quizzically for a moment then began, "You."

"Me?"

"It's one of the stars in Orion, and it means female warrior, a Spartan maybe..."

She closed the distance between them in two quick steps hugged him.

"Are... are you sure?"

"Of course, and it's too late now anyway. That's her name."

"Well, I guess you're stuck with me then," Megan said and gave him a squeeze.

"Yes, I am," he replied.

They loaded the boat and began preparing to get underway, with Brad talking Megan through the process. Once clear of the dock she set the amas by herself and took the helm. They were soon a mile offshore enjoying the day.

Megan looked over to see Brad had his phone out and was taking pictures of her at the helm. She gave him a big smile.

"You have to send a couple of those to me, I'm going to send them to the girls, make them jealous that they are wearing coats and boots already."

He hit a few keys.

"Sent," he announced.

"And, we need to take one with both of us, if that's ok."

"Sure, if you want to."

"I do."

They ate lunch as they sailed, and Megan took the opportunity to pepper him with questions about Bellatrix's capabilities.

"When you wanted to really travel in her, were you going to quit your job and just go?"

"No," he replied with a laugh, "I don't have that kind of money. You've seen the two solar panels on the amas, well the forward storage compartment in the starboard ama has a rack and several more panels, as well as a wind generator. I bought a Starlink terminal, and I figured I could work on the float. I'd have all the bandwidth I needed."

She took another bite of the wraps she had made them for lunch and chewed on it, as she chewed on the possibilities. She continued asking questions, she'd been worried he'd get suspicious but he enjoyed talking about sailing so much it didn't seem to occur to him she might have a goal in mind as he explained, speeds, safety equipment, weather, navigation and all the other considerations of travelling by sail.

Satisfied she had all the information she needed; she changed the subject.

"When is that storm supposed to get here?" she asked.

"Still looking at late tomorrow afternoon."

"Would it be safe to spend the night on the water then?"

She could see him carefully considering the question before he answered.

"As long as we were up early, we'll check the forecast before we go to bed, worst case we change plans and head back in the dark. Should have plenty of moonlight tonight though."

"I brought dinner, and breakfast," she said with a grin.

He shook his head, "the cooler seemed a bit on the heavy side just to have those delicious wraps."

Several hours later they were anchored, and Megan began her first attempt at actually cooking something in the galley. They ate shrimp tacos and watched the sun set over the beach.

"A girl could get used to this," she sighed as she sipped her wine in the fading light.

Brad moved next to her and put his arm around her before taking a drink from his own glass.

"Me too, me too..."

He turned and kissed her on the cheek, and she responded by kissing him on the lips. Several passionate kisses later Megan pulled away.

"Up for a swim?"

"Uhhh, sure..." he replied, slightly off balance from the sudden change.

"I'm going to go change."

She went below, and Brad got up and followed. He was somewhat surprised to see she had headed for the aft berth, as he went to the forward berth and changed into his trunks. He headed back on deck and gave the anchor a quick check while he waited. He turned just in time to see Megan emerge from the cabin. She was wearing a blue and white two piece, and he couldn't help but smile. The pattern and blue and white stripes were clearly meant to evoke an old-fashioned sailor suit.

"That's an interesting bikini."

"I'll tell Tara you like it. It's one of her designs; she's a big Sailor Moon fan."

"I have no idea what that is."

"Japanese anime, Tara and Jasmine are really into it. Oddly enough, I'm pretty sure Tara got Jasmine hooked on it."

With that she jumped into the water, and Brad quickly followed. As Brad had promised, there was plenty of moonlight as they swam. Eventually they made their way to the swim ladder. Megan gestured for Brad to go first. He emerged from the water and retrieved a pair of towels. He was mostly dried off when he realized Megan hadn't followed, he was just turning to investigate when she started coming up the ladder. He dropped both towels as he saw the reason for her delay. She'd been removing her bikini. His surprise was quickly replaced with desire as she made her way to him. They embraced, then kissed. Her hands moved to his waist, deftly untying the drawstring on his shorts and then pulling them down.

She dropped to her knees in front of him. Hand stroking his hardness for a moment before taking him in her mouth. He took hold of a line, steadying himself as he balanced on the ama in the gentle swells, with Megan working his hard cock in and out of her mouth. His mind reeled; they were silhouetted by the moonlight, if there was anyone on the beach there would be no hiding what they were doing. She released his cock from her mouth, slowly stroking it now and looked up at him.

"Lay down."

He obediently complied, laying on his back on the trampoline. Megan straddled him, taking his cock in her hand again as she kneeled over him. She guided the tip over her entrance, letting out a soft moan as she slid it back and forth against her skin. Then she was lowering herself on to him, and he was letting out a soft moan of pleasure. She was still for a moment as he was completely inside her. He wanted the moment to last forever, the way she looked in the moonlight, her wet skin seeming to glow, her eyes sparkling, every sailor's mermaid fantasy come to life.

Then she was moving, rocking back and forth grinding into him. Her eyes were closed, and she began to move up and down, riding him. Her hands moved to her breasts, she was cupping them, squeezing them, then playing with her nipples. Pulling and twisting them as she began to moan in pleasure.

He put his hands on her hips, wanting to touch her, needing to, but not wanting to disturb the siren's song. She picked up her pace, he felt his own orgasm building as her moans became louder and louder.

"Yes, yes, yes," she cried out.

"I love the way your cock feels inside of me."

His hands tightened on her hips and his body spasmed as he came.

"Oh yes, cum for me," she practically screamed, then he felt her body tensing, her back arching as she orgasmed.

She rocked forward, hands on his chest, head hanging limp, breathing hard. Brad lay till, having no idea what to do, then she raised her head, an exhausted satisfied smile on Megan's face. She lifted herself off his now softening cock, lying beside him, his arm around her, her head on his shoulder.

"Thank you," she whispered.

She pressed against him, arm over his chest. He could feel the movement of her chest as her breathing became slower, steadier, until he was sure she was soundly asleep. He carefully extracted himself, then picked her up, carrying her down to the forward berth and laying her down. He gently covered her with a blanket and went back topside. He put his own trunks back on, wincing at the cold as he did. A quick search revealed she had tied her bikini to the swim ladder. He retrieved it then made the rounds of the boat, making sure everything was secure. A final check of the weather completed his preparations. Satisfied the storm wouldn't pose a danger, he went below and closed the hatch. He ditched the wet swimsuit and joined Megan under the blanket.

Several hours later Megan awoke and slowly opened her eyes. Brad was next to her on the bed, gently snoring. She smiled, looking at his sleeping form, how had she dismissed him as cute, she wondered not for the first time. He was beautiful, not that she would ever say that to him. Reluctantly she slipped out of the bed and walked quietly to the head. She emerged and went to the galley. The last of the wine was poured into her Sparty cup before she went up on deck.

She stood naked in the moonlight, lost in the moment. The kiss of the cool wind on her skin. The gentle motion of the waves on the hull. Her eyes turned skyward, searching for Orion, but the hunter was hiding in the clouds. Bellatrix, my sister, she thought, where are you? The small disappointment was set aside, and she sat at the helm, stretching her legs out, sipping her wine.

Her eyes fell on the trampoline, and a warmth spread through her.

It had been amazing; she hadn't known she could feel that way. Her whole body just... she involuntarily shivered from the power of the memory. She turned looking at the shoreline, and doubt crept in. She'd been completely oblivious to Brad once she'd mounted him, completely focused on her own desires. It was obvious he'd orgasmed, which was more than she could say about her experience with selfish partners. But that was more good fortune than the result of any effort or even consideration on her part.

She finished the wine and set the glass down, turning away from the shore, to look out over the ocean. Why was she so twisted up about this, she wondered. She hadn't experienced this much angst over the decision to lose her virginity. Megan stared at over the ocean, lost in the vastness of it all. Was she moving too fast? Brad lost his wife six years ago; she wasn't six weeks past getting rid of her husband. No, that wasn't it she knew. She'd known things weren't working a long time, ago the signs were all there. She'd just been lying to herself for a year, terrified of repeating her mom's string of failed marriages. She'd moved on, and she wouldn't waste any more of her life thinking about Lance.

She glanced at the stairs down into the cabin, thinking of how close Brad was right now, before turning her gaze back to the ocean. Why did he make her feel the way she did? What was it? She'd been in love before, but it hadn't been like this.

Somewhere from the recesses of her mind she heard her best friend in Junior High Gabby's taunting voice, "You want to have his baaaabiessss."

A shiver ran through her. Was that it? Gabby had teased her with that anytime she was interested in a boy, and she'd always blown it off as ridiculous. She wasn't mom material, if for no other reason than she hadn't had much of an example. No, that wasn't true, she'd seen some good examples, some great examples really, it just hadn't been her mom. She'd just never seen a great dad. Weren't you supposed to want your kids to have all the things you didn't? Maybe she could be a good mom, if she tried, if she worked at it. She'd been convinced all these years she couldn't cook, but she realized she'd only been holding herself back. But she couldn't be a dad, and she'd never met a man she thought would be a good one. Until now., until Brad. Brad wasn't like any of the men who had passed through her mom's life. He wasn't like any of the men that had passed through her life.

She looked up from the ocean to the heavens. The clouds had cleared a little, and she found Orion in a clear piece of sky. Her eyes went to his left shoulder, Bellatrix. It felt so cliched she realized, staring at that star. He's different, he's not like all the others. How many women had thought that, had said that, rationalized it, she wondered. But it really was this time. She couldn't explain why any more than she could soar up to those stars, but she knew it. Just because it's a cliché doesn't mean it isn't true.

She made a silent wish upon the star, then turned her eyes back towards the cabin. Getting to her feet, Megan walked quietly back to the forward berth. Brad was still asleep. She had to stifle a laugh at the way he was spread out on the bed, looking like a rag dolls tossed aside by a careless child. She gently moved an arm and leg to make room for herself and cuddled up next to him and fell into a restful sleep.

It was still dark when Brad woke up. He carefully got out of the bed, pulling the blanket back over Megan's sleeping form. Making his way to the galley he took a Coke from the fridge and sat down to check the weather. The storm seemed to be moving faster than he'd anticipated, and he headed to the deck and began preparing to get under way.

They were only a few miles from the marina when Megan emerged.

"Hey," he said with a smile.

"Morning."

"Storm is ahead of schedule, figured I'd get a jump on things. Didn't want to wake you up."

"Want to take the helm," he asked, gesturing to the starboard wheel.

"No," she replied as she walked over to him and took a seat next to him.

She slid over until she was pressed against him and rested her head against his shoulder. He took a hand off the wheel and put his arm around her, tilting his head to rest his cheek on the top of her head.

They remained that way until the marina was in sight and the sails needed attention.

With Bellatrix back in her berth Brad double checked everything then they started the drive back to Orlando. Fifteen minutes after they left the marina the rain started, quickly going from a gentle rain to a driving storm. The sound precluding any conversation.

They seemed to be between bands of the storm when they pulled into Megan's driveway with the rain slacking off.

Megan turned to Brad, "I'd... I'd really like it if you came in."

"Okay, sure, of course," he replied, turning off the truck.

They ran for the door, Megan quickly opened it, and they stood dripping in the foyer.

Megan took his hand and led him to her bedroom before announcing, "you need a shower."

He hesitated, unsure of what to do next, then began to undress. He pulled his shirt over his head and as his vision returned, he saw Megan undressing.

"So do I," she said with a mischievous smile.

They were both quickly naked and Brad followed Megan into the large shower. Megan stood under the hot water, enjoying the feeling for a moment. Then she felt Brad behind her, his body pressing against hers. Leaning down, kissing her neck. His hands started on her hips, his hard cock pressing against her bottom.

He kissed slowly up her neck as his hands moved to her stomach, then up to her breasts. He was cupping them gently in his hands as he began to kiss and nibble on her ear.

She shivered as he took her nipples between thumb and forefinger, gently pinching them. The pressure increased and he began to pull on them, stretching them out and Megan gasped.

Brad immediately released his hold on them.

"I'm sorry," he began before Megan cut him off.

"No, it was good, just like that please."

His hands returned and he resumed teasing her nipples. She leaned back against him, lost in his touch as the hot water flowed over her body.

After several minutes she reluctantly took his hands in hers, pulling them away from her breasts. Then she turned to face him, up on her tiptoes to kiss him before announcing, "My turn."

She was quickly on her knees. Her left hand wrapped around his hardness, stroking it slowly.

It was Brad's turn to let out a gasp as she moved in closer taking his balls in her mouth as her right hand reached around him allowing her to caress his ass.

She switched, taking his cock in her mouth as her hand now went to his balls, and she began slowly bobbing up and down on his shaft. She started moving faster, then felt him shift his weight, his arm going out to the shower wall to steady himself. Moments later he was filling her mouth with his cum. She released his cock as she swallowed it, leaning back to let the water run over her for a moment.

Brad reached down, helping her back to her feet, she leaned against him, and he wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm getting all pruney," Brad commented several minutes later, looking at his wrinkled fingers.

"The ups and downs of on demand water heaters," Megan commented as she broke their embrace.

She planted a kiss on Brad's chest, then turned the water off. They dried off and made their way back into the bedroom. Megan flopped onto the bed, laying on her back looking at the ceiling. Brad laid down next to her, on his side looking at her.

"Is everything OK?", he finally asked.

"Sure, of course, why?" Megan responded, turning to look at him.

"I don't know, it... well, it just hasn't been very long for you, and I don't want you to feel... rushed or anything."

She almost bit her tongue to keep from smiling at that thought. She'd have gladly taken things much faster if it had been up to her. Settling her thoughts she answered.

"No, it's fine, we haven't been legally split very long but emotionally... well... it's been longer than I was prepared to admit until recently. I was just sort of going through the motions of being a couple for a while now."

He nodded in acknowledgement.

"Can I ask you something?" she continued.

"Sure, what?"

"How long was it for you, before you..."

"Like a date, or a relationship?" he finished her sentence.

"A relationship?"

"Six years."

"You mean..."

"Until now."

He rolled onto his back, staring at the ceiling for a minute before he began to talk.

"I went on a few dates. The first one was a year and a half after I lost Laura. Nice girl, but... I guess I couldn't see the point. People kept telling me I needed to get back out there, and I kept thinking, what the hell do they know about what I need?

A couple of years ago Laura's brother even tried to set me up with someone. Said Laura would want me to get on with my life, to be happy. And he's right, she would, that's the damnedest part about it. She would want me to move on, but I just couldn't, and knowing I was letting her down made it that much worse. But I just didn't want to."

"And now?"

He turned back to look at her.

"And now, I do. I can't really explain it, this is going to sound a little crazy, but I was at the Home Depot the other day, and there was this woman there who thought she could get 1000lbs of bricks into the trunk of a C class Mercedes. Somehow that changed everything."

Brad reached over and gently wiped away the tear that was forming on Megan's eye.

"Smartest dumb thing I ever did," she managed to say.

"I'm glad you did."

She moved closer to him, laying her head on his shoulder, a hand resting gently on his chest. He kissed the top of her head, and they listened to the sound of the rain on the roof.

The crashes of thunder moved further and further away, as the rain began slacking off. It finally came to a stop and Megan looked up at Brad.

"Penny for your thoughts?" she said with a smile.

He turned to look at her, she tried to read his thoughts as he stared at her for a moment, then took a deep breath.

"Let's runaway together."

Megan sat up, looking at Brad in confusion.

"Runaway?"

"Well, sail away."

"To where?"

"Does it matter? Neither of us has a reason to be here. We can both work from anywhere...," he hesitated, taking another breath the tone of his voice changing, she could almost feel the apprehension as continued, "Remember when I said there was no point in seeing things when there was no one to share them with, that being with the right person is what made it magical? Well... I want to share them with you. You're the magic in my life, I don't want to explore the world, I want to explore the world with you."

Megan stared at him, unsure of what to say, his blue eyes fixed on her, that mixture of hope and fear on his face as he waited for her answer.

God, why am I waiting she wondered, this is what you wanted, you had a plan to get to this point, you just thought it would take longer. Because this is what you want to, to explore the world with him.

"Of course," she finally managed to choke out before embracing him.

He wrapped his arms around her holding her tightly, his cheek pressed against hers. She felt his body shudder in a gentle sob, then wetness from the tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Maybe we should wait until the storm is past though," she said softly.

He laughed and she squeezed him tighter.

"That's probably a good idea."

She pulled back a little looking him in the eyes, reaching up to gently wipe the tears away.

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," he responded, forcing a smile.

"I was just... worried for a minute there, maybe that I was going to fast... that everything was going too fast."

She gave him a gentle kiss before responding, "I understand, it's all kind of crazy, isn't it? But I've never been happier."

They snuggled on the bed for a while, then she felt Brad get up. She watched as he retrieved his phone from the pocket of his shorts. He returned to the bed, lying beside her again and she snuggled against him. He opened a weather app, quickly accessing the long-range forecasts. Seemingly satisfied he lowered the phone and turned to look at her.

"Can you take Friday off?"

"This Friday?"

"I think so," she wracked her brain, trying to think of any meetings or deadlines.

"You have a passport?"

"Yes."

"Let's go to the Bahamas, we can leave Thursday afternoon," he offered.

"Really?"

He turned, moving onto his side to face her.

"Absolutely. The weather looks favorable. We head down the Indian River for a few hours then find a place to drop anchor. Friday morning, we check the weather, if things still look good, we can either go out Sebastian Inlet or go a little further south to Fort Pierce, then cross the Gulf Stream and we're at West End."

She stared at him, unsure of what to say. This is what she'd wanted she realized, it was the plan she'd been working towards and now he'd just charged past her.

"Let's do it!" she finally responded.

Her heart soared as she saw his smile, the excitement in his eyes.

He sat up in bed as he formulated the plan.

"I can go out on Tuesday after work, check all the gear, make a supply list. I'll hit Westland Marine and grab anything we need. Wednesday I'll get food, have everything ready to take out on Thursday as soon as we can leave."

"Wait a second," Megan interrupted.

"What?"

"I'm head cook on this expedition. I'll take care of that. I need to contribute something."

His smile softened, and he gently caressed her cheek.

"Just being there is all you need to contribute. That's more than enough."

She placed her hand over his.

"Thank you, but I really want to. I want us to do this together, partners, not just being a passenger. When I'm a better sailor we can reevaluate."

He nodded slowly.

"Of course," he said before leaning in, kissing her gently on the lips, then resting his forehead on hers.

"Partners."

"Partners," she responded.

Brad spent the week constantly checking the weather as he prepared for the trip. Dreading the possibility that some tropical disturbance could ruin everything. He spent several hours on Bellatrix after work on Tuesday, checking and re-checking everything. He'd always been meticulous about his maintenance but the thought of anything going wrong with Megan on board focused him like never before. He'd asked for advice in the Dragonfly owners' group, a few guys had responded that it was "just" 55 miles over to West End, but some of the more seasoned sailors had provided some sound suggestions and shared their experiences and checklists with him. He'd used those to fine tune his own. When he closed her up, he was sure she was as ready as could be.

Megan was equally focused on her role as head cook and quartermaster. She scoured the internet for recipes that were within her skillset that she could make in the galley and prepared her shopping list. She returned from her shopping trip on Wednesday to find a FedEx package from Catelyn waiting on her doorstep. She hurried to put the cold food away before daring to open the package.

10 minutes later she was texting Catelyn.

"You are the best. It's PERFECT!"

She was half finished organizing the dry goods into a tote she'd bought when a response arrived.

"Only the best for you. That was SUCH a great idea. I'm really having fun with this."

Thursday at 2 o'clock Brad logged off his laptop and packed it up. He put it in a waterproof case and set it by the door before taking one last walk through the house making sure everything was turned off and locked up. Satisfied he made the drive to Megan's. She said a quick goodbye to her friends in their group chat when she heard the truck pull into the driveway, then logged off.

She opened the door for to find Brad waiting with a smile.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Can you grab the cooler and tote in the kitchen? My computer is shutting down. I need to go grab it."

Brad was on his second trip, carrying the cooler out when she came down the stairs. She too took a quick look around, then picked up the duffel bag with her clothes and headed outside, locking the door behind her.

She tossed her the duffel and her laptop bag in the backseat as Brad was closing the tailgate. They climbed into the truck and a few minutes later they were out of the neighborhood. She reached across the console, taking Brad's hand and giving it a squeeze.

"I can't believe we're doing this. My friends all think I'm crazy."

"Why?" he asked.

"Why? We're about to get on a sailboat and head off into the ocean. I mean who does that?"

"People do it all the time."

"Yeah, but I never thought I'd be one of them."

"Well, I'm glad you're willing to be a little crazy with me then."

She squeezed his hand, "Me too."

Bellatrix left her slip a few minutes after 4, and they were soon headed south.

"We couldn't have asked for better wind," Brad announced as he set the sails to take advantage of a steady wind from the Northeast.

They were soon making 12 knots, comfortable cruising down the Indian River. Brad set the autopilot, and they spent most of the first hour going over the radio, navigation equipment, and the safety gear that would be increasingly important as they headed out into blue water.

Confident she could use the equipment in an emergency Megan went below to the galley. She emerged with drinks and a bowl of sliced fruit.

"Snack time," she announced with a smile as she took her place next to him at the helm station.

They were sailing by moonlight when they found a spot to anchor just off the state park by the inlet. Megan set the anchor and secured the rigging under Brad's watchful eye. She was rapidly becoming a capable sailor he realized, which opened up the possibility of going even further afield than the Bahamas.

Brad's watch chirped at 6am. He quickly silenced it and slipped out of the bed. Taking a moment to admire Megan's sleeping form before pulling the sheet back over her. He quietly dressed and headed topside. Finished making ready to get underway he sat at the helm station and was preparing to start the engine when faint music interrupted him. Looking around in the dim light of a false dawn he spotted a lone figure standing in the water just off the shore a few hundred yards away. With practiced ease the figure took the large surf casting rod off his shoulder and sent a lure arcing over the water. Standing quietly, watching, he could just make out the lyrics.

And you may tell yourself

"This is not my beautiful house!"

And you may tell yourself

"This is not my beautiful wife!"

A stab of pain went through him at that last line, and he flipped the switch and the Yanmar diesel came to life. Thankfully, it drowned out the rest of the song just as he'd hoped. He brought the anchor up and advanced the throttle.

Those last words, this is not my beautiful wife, echoed in his mind. Looking down at the hatch, Megan sleeping just those few feet away. She wasn't his beautiful wife, that had been taken from him.

God, I thought I was past this, he thought, giving himself a shake as he tried to focus on piloting the boat.

And... Laura would be OK with this, she'd want this. She'd really like Megan; they would have been friends. He knew that with all his heart. If she'd only gotten in her car five seconds later. Five seconds. Everything would be so different. Pulling into Home Depot that morning. Laura in the passenger seat, their kids in the back. Would it have been two, or maybe three by then?

She'd have seen his eyes catch on Megan, knowing he wasn't looking at another woman, that he was looking at the cart, the load and realizing it was never going to fit in her car. There'd only have been one option then. Laura would have been out of the truck, chatting with Megan and offering up his labor. Unloading the bricks at her house, the kids asking if they could swim in the pool.

Five seconds and everything changes.

He bit his lip, wanting physical pain to take his mind away from all this. Focus on the boat, pay attention, he told himself over and over. Bellatrix was 500 yards from the bridge, thankfully there were no other boats around and he could steer down the center of the channel. Brad's eyes were locked on the channel marker on the far side of the bridge when Megan emerged from below with a bottle of orange juice in her hand.

"Good morning," she said with a cheerful smile that quickly faded when she got a good look at his face.

"Everything OK?" she asked.

"Yeah... it's fine. Just wanted to get out at low tide. They rebuilt this bridge a few years ago. We'd have never fit under the old one, but there's still only 4 feet to spare. No sense taking chances."

She nodded, unsure if she completely believed him, he was obviously upset but decided not to press the issue. Taking a seat at the other helm station, she sipped her orange juice as they passed under the bridge.

Bellatrix slid through the water, the Yanmar purring along. As they cleared the outer marker Brad turned her southeast. Megan pulled her legs up onto the seat, wrapping her arms around them, chin resting on her knees as she watched Brad. They were several miles offshore when he finally turned to look at her, smiling weakly.

Megan returned the smile, stretching her legs back out.

"Need something to eat?" she asked.

"No, not right now."

"You sure you're, ok?"

"Yes, no, I mean... I don't really know. I thought I was."

He looked at over the ocean ahead of them.

"There was some guy fishing, listening to the music, and the song just, it just hit me wrong. Made me think of Laura, my wife, and how... how things could have been."

He turned back to look at her.

"I'm sorry, I really thought I was..." he turned back to the ocean, "thought I was in a better place. Ready, I guess? I'm not really sure anymore. It was a car accident. She was over at her mom's house, left from there. I was going to meet her at the Doctor's office. 1 o'clock appointment, I got there at 12:30, she was always giving me a hard time about being late. I wanted to surprise her, make sure she knew how important it was to me too. Five after and she wasn't there yet, I couldn't imagine she'd be late, so I called her. She didn't answer so I called her mom, to make sure she didn't get caught up in something and was running behind. Her mom said she'd left early, should have been here 20 minutes ago.

I kept calling her, went back to my truck, started back tracking her route. A mile from the office traffic was stopped, backed up as far as I could see. Maps was showing an intersection ahead closed. I pulled into a parking lot, parked the truck and started running. I just knew something was wrong. I got there and saw her car. It was bent around a signal pole. Driver's side was crushed. Cop grabbed me before I could get to it.

Not really sure what happened after that. Next thing I remember I was sitting in the back of an ambulance. This huge EMT watching me. We just sat there and watched the police do the accident investigation, taking all the pictures, measurements. Then the tow truck started loading her car up. I tried to get up, the EMT just put a hand on my shoulder and nudged me back down.

I tried to tell him I was ok, that he probably needed to be helping someone somewhere else.

He just said he was right where he needed to be. After everything was cleaned up, they drove me back to my truck. Gave me a card for a grief counselor. Tried to get me to call someone to give me a ride, but I couldn't. The only people I could think of to call were her parents. I just wasn't ready for that, I couldn't explain why I needed a ride. I couldn't do that over the phone. So, I drove to their house, rang the doorbell.

Her mom opened the door and lost it as soon as she saw me. I never said a word. Her dad came running, turns the corner and sees me just standing there. His wife on the floor balling. He starts trying to comfort her, but he doesn't even know why she's crying.

He keeps looking up at me, and I finally managed to say that Laura was in an accident, that she's gone. He nodded at me, picked his wife up and carried her back into the house. I closed the door and went home. Didn't know what else to do.

Managed to text my boss, tell him I wouldn't be working for a few days. Then I just sat in the living room in the dark for a while. Eventually the police called me, told me what had happened, and I had to start doing stuff.

She was going through the intersection, had the greenlight. Got t-boned by a plumbing service truck. Guy was doing over 70 in a 45 and completely blew the light. She died instantly they said. Driver of the truck didn't make it either.

The plumbing company's insurance sent a lawyer to talk about a settlement. I was so out of it I just didn't care. Then he threw out a number and stared talking about how it was based on her 'economic value'. That's the only time in my life I've truly felt rage. My wife dies on the way to her first ultrasound appointment, and you want to talk about economic value?

I threw him out and called one of those big ambulance chasing firms on all the billboards. It wasn't really about the money. I just wanted to hurt them. I finally had someone to be mad at, and I was going to make them pay. Turns out the driver was on the phone with his dispatcher, who was screaming at him that if he didn't get to the jobsite right now, he was going to get fired. All caught on tape, for quality control purposes."

Brad shook his head and took a deep breath before continuing.

"Once they figured out how a jury would react to listening to that tape and knowing a pregnant woman died because of it, well my lawyer said if we got 3 or 4 moms on the jury the other side's lawyer would be lucky to get out of the courtroom alive. And just like that the settlement check added a few zeroes. So, there's this," he gestured to Bellatrix, "a scholarship fund for students from her high school who are pursuing nursing, and the Jessica and Tyler playground next to our local library. We never found out if we were having a boy or girl, so I just went with both names we'd decided on."

"And the thing is, you're the absolute best thing that's happened to me since that day. But some part of me keeps thinking I should be back there," pointing back to the shore, "sitting on the beach watching a five-year-old play in the water and look for seashells. It's not fair to you, it's not fair to Laura. I'm letting you both down, and I hate it. I've never really been great at anything. I was a good student, a decent athlete, but I never won any awards, was never the best, or even top 10. Just another guy on the team. But I always did my part, people could count on me. My Grandpa always told me, 'Reliability is a promise you make to yourself', that's who I was. Now... I don't even know what I am. Just an idiot on a boat I guess."

The diesel hummed and Bellatrix cut through the water as the pair sat in silence. Then Megan got up, crossed the cockpit to sit behind Brad. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close, her forehead resting against the back of his neck.

"You're not an idiot, you haven't let me down, and you haven't let Laura down either. If that had happened to me my husband would have been jetting off to Paris with his side piece before my funeral. That's letting someone down."

She lifted her head, gently kissed the back of his neck then continued.

"When you told me, I had no idea what to expect. But I meant it when I said I'm not trying to replace anyone; I love what we have and that's enough for me. If you need more time before we start this chapter of our lives, if you want to turn around and go home, then that's fine. The next chapter can wait. I'll wait."

Brad's eyes went to the wind vane, high on the mast.

"The wind's been close to perfect this whole trip, it would be nasty work fighting it to head back. Maybe, maybe that's a sign. Maybe someone is telling me this is the way I should be going."

She gave him a squeeze, "maybe it is."

"I'm sorry I'm such a mess."

"I wouldn't change a thing."

Brad turned and kissed her.

"Not entirely sure I believe that, but I'll take it. If this wind is a message, it would be a shame to waste it. Mind taking the helm while I set the sails?"

"Not at all."

They arrived at West End in the Bahamas just before 4pm, tied up at a transient slip and hurried to the Customs Office. The legalities out of the way, they set off to explore the area, eventually arriving at Iries' Backyard Bar in time for dinner.

"How have I gone my whole life without discovering Conch fritter!" Meghan demanded between bites of the local specialty.

"I have no idea, probably because they couldn't survive in Bear Lake, or Lake Michigan for more than about 5 minutes."

"Sooo unfair, if only we could move home and open a Conch Ranch in Bear Lake, we'd make millions!"

"Oh, if only," Brad replied, "it would be nice and not just to get rich. Not to be a downer, but there are some serious over-fishing concerns. I don't think you can even harvest the Queen Conch back in Florida anymore."

"That's awful."

"Yeah, they're working on a bunch of conservation programs, but it's tough. A lot of people depend on fishing them for their livelihood, and when they are spread over a bunch of different small countries..."

He smiled wistfully at her, "Anyway, anything you want to do tomorrow?"

"I was so fixated on getting here I didn't spend much time figuring out what to do when we got here," she admitted.

"Well, can I surprise you then?"

"Of course, that sounds like fun."

They finished dinner and caught a cab back to the marina.

"Our slip fees cover access to the resort," Brad said as the cab drove away, "If you want to go take a look."

"Sure, I need to walk off dinner I think."

She took his hand, and they found their way to the beach. The stars were coming out and they could hear the music from the resort bar as they walked.

"Want to check that out?" Brad asked.

"Not really, I think I'd rather just enjoy this with you."

He gave her hand a squeeze.

"Me too."

They walked to the end of the resort's beach before turning back and making their way to Bellatrix.

They woke up together to the sounds of an active marina. The fishing charters were heading out loaded with tourists as they went topside.

"So, can I ask about the surprise?" Megan enquired as they ate their breakfast.

"Well, you can, but if I answer it won't be much of a surprise. But if you want a hint, it's a day trip of sorts. I booked the slip for two nights. I figured tomorrow we can make a decision, either head west back to Florida or east and see more of the Bahamas. So today we're going to stay in the area. We'll have dinner back here somewhere."

"Hmmm, now I'm really intrigued."

It was late in the morning when Bellatrix left the berth and headed back out into the ocean. 2 hours later Megan spotted a small cay in the distance and realized they were tacking their way towards it. Half a mile out Brad lowered the sails and started the engine.

"It gets pretty shallow, no sense taking chances under sail," he explained.

The they made a slow approach, Brad's eyes going back and forth from the water to the depth sounder on the dash. A hundred yards from a sandy beach he cut the engine and dropped the anchor.

"It's beautiful," Megan said, looking at the sandy beach with a smattering on palm trees as a back drop.

"It's part of a nature reserve, we can go ashore, we just can't mess with the wildlife or take anything when we go."

"Really?"

"Yeah, so, if no one else shows up, it's our own private island for a little while. I thought we could have a little picnic ashore."

"This is a wonderful surprise."

"I was hoping you'd like it."

"How do we get ashore?"

"Well, I could inflate the dinghy."

Megan burst out into a giggle.

"What?"

"Oh, we're definitely going to inflate the dinghy, but that doesn't answer the question."

Brad blushed before continuing.

"We could put some air in the inflatable boat I keep for this purpose," he continued in a mock serious tone, "or we could put the food and things in a dry box and just swim ashore."

"Let's just do that, the boat sounds like too much work."

"It's not bad but breaking it down can be a pain."

They changed into their swimsuits and then loaded the food, towels, a marine radio and a blanket into a dry box Brad retrieved from the port ama.

After double checking both anchors were set Brad got into the water and Megan helped him move the dry box off the transom.

"I forgot something, I'll meet you ashore."

"Umm, ok," Brad replied and began to dog paddle towards the beach pushing the box in front of him.

Megan hurried back down into the cabin and dug into her duffle bag. She changed in record time and emerged from the cabin keeping low. She saw Brad already on the beach. He had the box 20 yards from the water line and was laying the blanket out. She slipped off the transom and into the water.

Hiding behind the hull, peeking out just enough to keep an eye on Brad. He finished with the blanket. When she was sure he was getting ready to sit down on it she pulled the mask on took a deep breath, went under water and kicked off heading for shore. She swam watching as the water got shallower, when it was shallow enough, she stood and began walking towards the shore. She slipped the mask up on her head.

"Underneath the mango tree..." she began to sing.

Brad got to his feet, a huge smile on his face as Megan continued walking towards him singing.

"I can't remember what he said," Brad admitted as he walked towards her.

"He started singing too," Megan answered.

By that point she was close enough to wrap her arms around him, and they kissed.

She released him then stepped back.

"You like it?" she asked indicating the bikini that was almost an exact replica of Ursula Andress' from Dr. No.

"Of course, how did you..."

She just grinned.

"Did you really have that made just for this?"

"Well, sort of, that was the original plan, but then Catelyn got inspired. So, not only is this joining the line but maybe a couple of others 'inspired' by the movies."

"The knife is a nice touch," he said looking at the white belt around her waist and the scabbarded dive knife.

"You didn't give me enough time to find some seashells."

"Sorry about that."

"You can make it up to me."

She stepped back into his arms, kissing him passionately. He lifted her off the ground, spinning around and carrying her back to the blanket.

Moment later they were on the blanket, locked in a passionate embrace. After several minutes Megan broke away, quickly removing her bikini top and tossing it aside. Brad removed his trunks as Megan's bottoms came off. As she straightened up Brad moved back in, pressing her gently back onto the blanket. His lips finding hers again. Slower, softer than before but no less intense. He positioned himself on top of her and she spread her legs, welcoming him. His slow gentle kisses continued as he slowly shifted, pressing his hard cock against her. Megan wrapped her arms under his, then reaching up to his strong, broad shoulders.

Then he was inside her, slowly entering her. She let out a small gasp between kisses. He stopped when he was completely insider her, pausing the kisses, rubbing his nose against hers. He looked into her eyes.

"I love you, I'm sorry I'm not always who I want to be, but I'm trying."

She smiled back at him.

"I love you too, and I wouldn't change a thing."

He buried his face in her neck, still for a moment, then his hips began to move. Slowly thrusting in and out of her. Megan ran her hands over his back, losing herself in the moment. Turning her head to kiss his cheek.

"I love you, I never want this to end," she whispered in his ear.

He lifted his head, kissing her lips again, his thrusts picking up their pace, but still in a slow steady rhythm. She lost track of how long he kept going, lost in the feel of his body against hers, the smell of the beach, the sound of the waves. Then she was cumming.

"I love you, I love you, I love you," she told him as she did.

Then his body was stiffening, one last thrust and she felt his tension drain away.

He laid down beside her, and she shifted to place her head on his shoulder, running a hand across his chest.

"I never want to leave here," she finally said.

Brad gently caressed her cheek.

"I'd stay here forever with you if we could."

"Maybe we can settle for coming back, if we have the time?"

"We have all the time in the world."