“What else were you waiting for?”
She reaches for his firm erection. “This.”
“Oh yeah? What’s that?”
Her cheeks flush with his coaxing. “Your cock.”
“I’m sorry,” he says, intensifying his fingers circles. “What was that? I couldn’t hear you.” His tone is fiery.
“I was waiting for your big, hard... cock.” Monica strokes him with each syllable.
Quinn takes her dirty mouth with gusto. He lifts her arms above her head and holds them against the pillow as he enters quickly. Once she’s pinned deep, he leisurely draws completely out.
No! Don’t leave me.
He lingers the tip just outside to tease her, waiting there with his eyes hungry. After an eternity he thrusts deep, waiting this time inside as her muscles twitch around him. Again he pulls back out, increasing speed little by little until he’s rocking her in steady rhythm, hitting just the right spot each time.
“This,” he says softly as he works her, “is what you were waiting for.” Before he finishes his words she’s letting go; a point that’s obvious to anything living in earshot. He slows down and stiffens his body letting her feel his release pound inside.
“You’re right... that was what I was waiting for. I didn’t even realize it.”
“I know you well.” He pulls out and jumps to clean up in the bathroom. “I’m really hungry now!”
Like a trigger Monica’s stomach growls. “Me too!” She ties her hair up and joins him for a quick shower.
Outside the warm sun is already heating the pavement as they head to Kihei for a breakfast that doesn’t disappoint. They talk about everything from sea turtles to local politics on the TV, and it feels easy, as if they’d known each other for years and loved each other a lifetime. Maybe it is possible to have the wild and the tame in balance, the perfect balance.
He gives her a stand-up paddling lesson, showing some techniques and then trying not to laugh too hard when she falls a couple of times. She gets the hang of it though, and spends a half hour gliding along the ocean by his side. It’s an amazing workout that starts to tire her out quickly. Snorkeling seems a little easier so they trade the boards for fins and swim, hand in hand through the reef. It’s amazing how the water calms and relaxes. The constant rocking of the tides in and out cradle the sea and all things in it. Even though Monica and Quinn are constantly moving and working to swim through, life feels suspended under there. There are no deadlines or traffic, no arguing or tears, there’s just this beautiful soothing world where they feel at home. The best part is now this is only a few feet away from a home.
“Did you see those turtles over there?” Monica asks draining some water from her tube. Quinn follows with the same action and rinses out his mask.
“Yeah. We can follow them. I’m pretty sure they sleep by those rocks over there. I’ve seen them from the house.”
“You haven’t come out here to watch?”
“No.” He pulls her close and even with the silly looking snorkel gear on his head he was gorgeous. “I’ve been pretty busy working on the house.”
“It’s so amazing. You’ve done such a beautiful job.” She looks back to see the small home in the distance.
“I was hoping you’d love it. Well, I was just dreaming that you’d even see it, but it makes me so happy that you’re here in it. I’m not letting you go this time. You know that right?”
She can feel his warm chest close in as he kisses her. The bobbing of the waves and kicking of their fins makes kissing tricky to master, so they practice. They’re just getting good at it too when a whistle from the beach finally interrupts their new lesson.
“Let me guess, contractor?” she says as Quinn smiles and throws his hand up to wave. “What’s his name?”
“Joe.”
“Joe the contractor? How do you know this guy again?”
“He’s an old friend of Jay’s. He and his wife moved to San Diego and set up their construction business before expanding out here. He’s a Jersey boy, you’ll get a kick out of him.”
They swim to shore to meet Joe The Contractor who’s wearing a loud Hawaiian shirt with tight jean shorts. He has a beer belly for sure under the large leaf pattern, but he is obviously proud of his legs since the denim looked painted on. His accent is still heavy and the east coast sarcasm punctuates every comment. He turns on his charm when Quinn introduces Monica knowing this is all to impress her. He talks to her like she’s the queen bee of approval.
After rinsing off, they walk around the house inspecting the plaster work and tile before heading out to the new railing along the lanai. He shows a few areas where he did a little something extra, and the “you’re gettin’ you’s money’s worth” attitude flows through every sentence.
The only surprise is when Quinn takes them to a corner in the guest bathroom where he wants the wall smoother and the tile re-grouted. Monica watches their exchange over how and when it can get fixed since the project is over Quinn’s expected deadline. She drools a little as they play hardball.
When did he even come in here and see that? I love that he notices details. It would’ve pissed me off to see it in a couple months with no Joe in sight. That’s why he’s been here on top of things. That’s sexy. He doesn’t let anything get past him. I love that.
Joe’s more than happy to fix it when he returns in January and they settle their payments. There’s a comfort in their back slaps and handshakes that’s endearing, but it’s clear they aren’t buddies. Above all, she can see that Quinn trusts Joe, and that seems to be the most important thing to him.
They wash off the salt, now caked on with sand, and get ready to head to the gallery. Arlene is originally from Miami, Florida which you might be able to guess by the lifetime of heavy tanning and Caribbean colored jewelry. She swoons over Quinn in a slightly uncomfortable way. Her hands hardly leave his arms or face, fawning over him like a cougar waiting to pounce. She sizes Monica up vaguely remarking the last time she saw her... so briefly. Monica puts on her best polite attitude while he mixes up a small pallet of red paint. Both ladies watch as he creates a small swirl symbol and paints a personal thanks to Horace Grant.
“Horace Grant? Former NBA forward Horace Grant?” Monica asks with her mouth open. She’s not sure if she’s more nervous that her naked portrait will be in his house or elated. It’s not like the man can tell who it is, but knowing the he chose to buy it and wants to look at it makes her feel a little great. She holds her head a little higher and suddenly could care less if Arlene is petting his back like a puppy.
Quinn notices Monica’s glow through dinner and asks, “Why are you surprised that people want to look at you?”
“They don’t see me, which is good, I wouldn’t want it to be a straight portrait. I’m just flattered I guess that it’s working out.”
Quinn laughs. “Working out? I want to paint more of you. Will you let me take some photos before we leave? I will guard them in a safe, except when I’m using them.”
“Seriously? You know people love your style. That’s why they buy your work. You’re use of color and movement is what draws them, not me.”
“I’m not concerned with selling another painting. I need to paint you. I want to paint you, please. I won’t sell your pieces anymore. They’ll decorate our walls.” He winks and traces her fingers with his.
“I’m not sure I want pictures of myself all over, but if they’re still abstract like that last one, I’m in.”
“Would you be opposed to the paintings going into a show? Not for sale, but just for exhibit?”
“Can you do that? Isn’t the whole point of the show to sell them?”
“I can say they’re already sold. They’re mine. I was just thinking about the show in April. I might tie it into the style I’ve been doing for the show.”
“You’ve moved into a theme? Like your blue period or something ethereal to bind them?”
I love that she understands art, and messes with me.
“Sort of. I’ll show you when we get home. I’ve been in two very different moods over the last few months.”
“No kidding. Are you looking forward to painting when we get back?”
“I think I need a few more days with you, just relaxing before I can jump in.” His eyes are saying a whole lot more than his fingers or his mouth.
December 29th - Thursday
Tired from snorkeling, Monica drags her fins and beach bag up the hill to the yard and heads for the outdoor shower to rinse off.
Wonder if he’s up yet? Maybe I should fix breakfast. He looked so cute curled up this morning. He sleeps so peaceful. Not like Alex. Stop. I gotta stop comparing them.
“Good morning,” his voice startles from a hammock across the yard.
“Hi!” she says shifting direction. “You looked so cute this morning, I had to let you sleep.”
He smiles. “You probably couldn’t have woken me even if you tried. I slept so hard that I’m sore.”
“How about I get outta this wet suit an-”
“Crawl in here with me?”
“Really? Is it safe? For both of us?”
“Absolutely. It’s a two person hammock.”
Monica smiles and inspects the ties to the two palm trees. “I’ve never been in one.”
“Then you must,” he says with a mocking smile.
He’s so hot!
Monica goes back into the house to quickly shower off the salty sea. She slips into a pair of pink lace panties and a floral wrap dress, not bothering with a bra. The swimming has her stomach growling, so she grabs a banana nut muffin and a mango before heading back outside.
The tightly cut grass in the yard feels cool and soft under her bare feet. There’s a small table near the hammock where she puts her little plate, and stands there nibbling on the muffin staring at the ropes.
If I flip him off that thing... I’ll be so, embarrasi-
“What are you waiting for?” he says, looking confused.
“Eating a little. Don’t want to get crumbs on ya.”
“I don’t mind crumbs. Come share with me,” he says, reaching for her.
She doesn’t trust herself and sets the muffin down on the plate. His hand latches onto hers and pulls her closer. She lowers her knee into the netting near his hip and balances herself on his hands.
“You’re fine. I got ya. Just lay on me.”
Definitely not something Alex would... stop it!
“What’s going on in there? You look far away,” he says.
“Nothing. Just... nothing.”
Quinn’s arms wrap around her and start to stroke her hair. The hammock swings gently with their breath. “Have you been thinking about Alex?”
How does he do that? I must be so predictable.
She’s quiet tracing the branches of his tattoo with her finger across his chest, near his nipple and down his stomach.
So not Alex.
She lets out a sigh.
“What baby? What’s going on?” he asks.
“I keep having thoughts... comparing situations and stuff.” She raises her head to look at him. “I mean there is no comparison... you win you know... but I just can’t help-”
“I would worry if you didn’t. It hasn’t been long and it’s a big transition. I understand.”
“Don’t say that. You’re too understanding about this crap. I feel terrible.”
“You shouldn’t. Alex isn’t a bad guy. You know I like him. I understand if you think of the things you used to do or places you went. It’s normal.”
“Then why do I still feel guilty? Like I’m not supposed to be here with you?”
“I think it just takes time. This is my fault.”
“What? Now you’re gonna take credit for my guilt. You gotta stop.”
“I just meant it’s my fault you’re here. I begged you to come on these trips with me and pushed-”
“I wanted to come. Even though it’s crazy... I wanted to be your groupie remember. I always wanted to run away with the circus.”
He smiles and runs his finger across her brow. “What’s your shrink think of all this?”
“You mean Robin?”
“Of course.”
“I really hope you guys get to know each other better. She’s my rock. She was...” her eyes water.
“I plan to.”
“It’s gonna be hard not to see her all the time... once she forgives me. God I hope she forgives me.”
“She will. It’s not far. You can jump down there all the time. Do you have a lot of other friends there?”
“Some. Mostly couples that have already drifted out of touch. The guys were closer… you know people pick sides when they’re married.”
Quinn’s face saddens. “You have a lot of friends in San Francisco who were begging you to move back a few months ago.”
“Ah, you were there last time I was… none of ‘em want me there now.”
“I’m not saying it won’t take a little time. Some ass kissing.” He swoops his arms up to get the hammock to swing until she screeches out a laugh. “Eventually they’ll forgive you.” He brushes her bangs out of her eyes. “You gotta make up some time. Better not to let it fester.”
Monica’s face lights up. “Your mom said that to me before we left.”
“She’s very wise.”
“I love your family. It’s been so long since I’ve been around one… well, you know… a family that hangs out and talks and stuff.”