Duke’s on Sunday

Beneath a lovely warm blue Islamorada Key Florida sky, Cinnamon Carter sat at a table facing the beach.  She smiled when she saw a man walking toward the beachside eatery, Duke’s. When she had made inquiries about his whereabouts, she was told he frequented the place. She watched him as he continued toward the restaurant.  Would she feel the same about him after all these years? Would he feel the same about her?  Yes, she thought as she watched him, her feelings were still as they once had been.

He pulled off his sunglasses as he reached the top of the stairs from the beach and a grin crossed his face. “Cinnamon?”  He said as he moved toward her.

She smiled as she crossed to meet him.  “Hi Rollin.”  She hugged him.

“What are you doing here?”  He asked holding her at arms length.

“Looking for you.”  She said simply.

“Am I that hard to find?” He asked. “You look fantastic.”  He said as she stepped back from him.

“Thank you.” She smiled.

“So why have you come looking for me?”  He asked. “This isn’t an official visit, is it?”

She laughed lightly as she moved toward the rail that surrounded the deck. “You know better than that. I thought we should catch up.”

“Catch up?  You’ve come all the way to Florida to catch up?”

“I thought it would be nice to see you.” 

“It is. Very nice to see you. How long has it been, five years?”

She looked away.  “Awhile.”

“How’s Jim?” He asked of his rival.

Cinnamon looked toward the water.  “I lost him six months ago, Rollin.” She said sadly. “He had a stroke a little over a year ago. He struggled a long time.” 

He reached for her, embracing her. “I’m sorry, Cinnamon.” He said. Was that relief he just felt? He had always appreciated the work he and Jim had done but when Jim got Cinnamon, he had little to be happy about.

She took a breath and looked up at him. “It was difficult.”

“I’m sure it was. He was a good man.” He said holding her close.  

She nodded. “He was.” She pulled away from him. “You didn’t know?  I thought Willie would have called you.” 

“I’ve been away a lot lately.”

“Me too.” She confessed. “I didn’t want to be there with all those memories.”

“So you’ve ended up here.”

She nodded. “I thought it would be nice to see you.”

He smiled. He wondered why she had appeared out of the blue but quickly put it aside, she had always occupied a special place in his heart. He had felt cheated when she chose Jim over him. But that was in the past. “I’m glad you’re here.” He said appreciatively. “How ‘bout I buy you some lunch?”

She smiled.  “That would be great. It was a long trip.”

They lunched at the table where they had met. It was Rollin’s domain so he ordered a tasty lunch and some good wine. They shared their recent lives but Cinnamon was not giving him any idea as to why she was there. She had done a little homework on his life since they split.  ‘Old habits’ she told herself.

“This is just delicious, Rollin.” She said finishing a bite of shrimp.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.  They do a great swordfish for dinner. Are you staying here in the Islamorada?”  He asked.

“I didn’t even make reservations. I just got on the plane.” She admitted.

“Unusual for you, Ms. Carter.”  He smiled. “You always have a plan.”

“Not this time it seems.” She sighed.  “Can you recommend someplace?”

“Sure, we’ll come up with something for you.” He smiled.

She sat her wineglass on the table. “So tell me when you got into the restaurant business?”

He grinned.  “I should have known you’d check up on me.” He leaned back in his chair. “I got interested a few years ago when I came down here. A friend of mine turned me on to it. Others run the day-to-day operation, I just get to enjoy the place.”

She smiled.  “Modest aren’t you?” She knew he had bought the place after he left LA.

He grinned. “It’s not a bad life.  The weather is great and I get pleasant surprises like you.”

She thought back to the time the spent together all those years ago. They had shared a unique relationship for years but ultimately it had been those surprises that had come between them. She had felt betrayed when she had found out about the other women Rollin had been seeing. Then there was Jim. He had appreciated her and they shared a good life, until a year ago.

“Can I show you some of the Key’s while you’re here?”  He suggested.

“I’d like that. It’s been a long time since I was here.”

“Great. Feel like a tour this afternoon?”

“Sure.  I should probably find a hotel before it’s too late.”

“Not a problem, we can do that on the way.”

“Okay.”

After they retrieved Cinnamon’s luggage from where the hostess had held it for her, they left Duke’s in car the restaurant provided. Rollin gave the young bartender, who was driving the address and they arrived quickly at a house on the beach.

“What’s this?  She asked appreciatively. 

Rollin opened her door.  “My place. Will it do for your hotel?”

“Surely.” She smiled. “I take it this came with your island life?”

He grinned.  “You get used to it.”

It was a beautiful house. A classic small Florida beach bungalow situated just off the beach. Palm trees surrounded the house.  He carried her suitcase through to the guest bedroom.  “I hope this will be okay for you.”  He said.

Cinnamon was taken with the house. It was decorated in simple tropical colors and Florida decor. There was a small living room and kitchen.  The patio overlooked the ocean. It was not without a feminine touch. “It’s wonderful.  I couldn’t ask for anything better, Rollin.  Thank you.” She met him at the door of the guest bedroom.  “It’s a lovely place.”  

He smiled.  “It’s home.”

“It suits you. Simple and elegant.”

“Thanks.” He nodded.  “I’ve had help.”  He admitted. “How about that island tour?”

“Give me a few minutes to freshen up?” 

“Sure, take your time.  I’ll bring the car around.”

Cinnamon changed clothes and mulled her sudden trip. She had decided to travel just a day ago. She was having trouble focusing. Projects were never ending but now she felt rudderless. Why had she suddenly decided to find Rollin and fly to Florida to see him? She assessed herself in the mirror. She needed distraction and he had always been a good one.  She hoped that hadn’t changed.

Fifteen minutes later, she met Rollin in the driveway. He was standing next to a navy blue ‘69 mustang with the top down.

“All set?” He asked.

She nodded as he opened the passenger door for her.  “I seem to remember a car like this some years ago.” 

“When you find something you love, you should stick with it.”

She smiled, catching his meaning. “That’s true.” She said sliding into her seat.

“I have a couple of stops to make, hope you don’t mind.” He called rounding the car.

“No, of course not.  I did just drop in on you.”

He leaned across to her.  “Did I mention how glad I am you did?”

Cinnamon smiled as he started the engine.

They toured the Key for the better part of the afternoon, stopping where Rollin needed to do his requisite business.  

“Join me for a drink and the sunset? It’s pretty spectacular here.” He said when they returned to the house in the late afternoon.

“That would be lovely.” 

Rollin moved from the car then opened her door. 

“Thank you for the tour.  I can see why you love it down here.” She stopped and kissed his cheek as they started for the house.

He smiled as they walked back to the house. “It’s a pretty stress free life.  Unlike what we used to do.” He reminisced.

Cinnamon smiled. “That seems like a lifetime ago.”

Rollin opened the door to his house.  “It was.”

For the sunset view, they sat on the patio in lounge chairs with drinks to enjoy the view of the ocean. Conversation was scarce. They were both lost in memories and the view. As the sun began to touch the water, Rollin touched his glass to hers.  “Here’s to the next lifetime.”

She smiled, silently agreeing with him, as she sipped her drink.

They enjoyed the sunset until twilight fell.  “Would you like to try the swordfish up the beach?” 

“Sounds great.” 

He rose from his chair and took her glass setting it aside. “Shall we walk?” He held out his hand to her.

“Am I dressed?”

He grinned. “Sweetheart, it’s Florida. You’re perfect.”

She took his hand and he pulled her from the chair.  She thought of times they had spent on the beach in LA at his bungalow. She smiled warmly when he took her hand and together they walked up the beach toward Duke’s. Rollin was happy Cinnamon had dropped in on him. She was great surprise for him. Though he couldn’t help but wonder why she had sought him out.

Over dinner, back at the table that overlooked the ocean, they shared stories of their years apart and tales of old friends.  Time may have passed but for the moment it was five years ago. They teased and flirted with each other, just as they had in their previous life.

“So who decorated your house? It really suits you.”  She asked.

He glanced away. “Several people. It has kindof evolved over the years.”

She smiled as she sipped her wine. “They have a good eye and obviously know what you like.”  She was searching.

He knew what she was after. “They did. I spent some time with both of them.”

“Friends?” 

“Good friends.” He said reflectively. “But friends that decided that I was not the settling down type.”

“You never were.”

“So now I have a nice empty house with a great view.”

“Is that why you have been traveling?”

“That was for work.” He said.

The seaside restaurant took on a different ambiance at night. The food was outstanding so Cinnamon understood why Rollin had gotten involved. The beachside locale was just right for him. He explained that work meant he still did some theatre as he could catch direct flights out of Miami.  The candles dotting the outside tables flickered in the warm ocean breeze.  Soft lights lit the restaurant inside so as not to obscure the moonlit view of the ocean. 

As they finished a bottle of wine, both Cinnamon and Rollin were thoroughly taken by one another. The feelings they had then had quickly returned. It was as if no time had passed. They walked slowly down the beach in the moonlight to his house with his hand was comfortably about her waist.  The breeze was warm and delightful.

Rollin was enjoying the night. “Remember when we skinny dipped in the Caribbean.” He said playfully. 

She smiled at the thought. “That was more than a few years ago.” She reminded him.

“So?” He challenged.

“It’s pretty exposed out here.” She hesitated.

He grabbed her by the hand.  “We’re almost to my house.  No one is around. Come on.”  He pulled her toward the water.

“Rollin…”

“Come on Cin…it’ll be fun.”

He quickly stripped off his shirt off and unzipped his kakis. She was feeling the effects of the wine as he was. It wasn’t like she hadn’t done it before.  She unbuttoned her blouse and unzipped her Capri pants.

He stepped out of his pants and pulled off his boxers, throwing them on top of his pants.  He turned and trotted toward the water. “Come on.” He called to her.

Cinnamon was caught up in the moment. She quickly removed her clothes and laid them with his. She followed him into the water. “It’s warm.”  She called to him as she ducked beneath the water.

He swam to her.  “Great isn’t it?” 

“Refreshing.”

They swam back and forth each enjoying the water.

He swam back toward her. “I love coming out here at night.  The stars are spectacular.”

She followed his gaze skyward.  The stars and moon were bright above. It was truly a beautiful night.  

“We don’t take time to appreciate the view anymore.” He floated on his back. “We’re always in such a hurry.” He said.

She laid her head back and took in the stars considering his words then swam toward him The stars were stunning. She never seemed to see the stars in LA.  “Maybe that’s what happened to me, I haven’t been appreciating the view.” 

They knelt underneath the revitalizing water as they finished their swim and faced each other.

“You’ve been dealing with your grief, Cinnamon.  That’s all.  You tried to leave it behind. You can’t do that because when you go back it will still be there.” 

“What if I don’t go back?” She asked.

“You will. It’ll be hard but you will get through it.”

“You sound like you speak from experience.”

“I do.  I grieved a long time then I was able to let it go.”

“Who did you lose?”  She asked, thinking she knew his past well.

“You.”  He said. 

She was shocked at his admission.

“Once you and Jim got together, I knew I was out of the picture.” He continued. “It took me a long time to get over that. You were the one, Cinnamon.”

She moved closer to him. “We both knew we wouldn’t last between us.”  She reminded him.

“That’s what you always believed but we’ll never know what would have happened.”

“Rollin…” She reached out to him and touched his shoulder.

“It’s okay.  I understood why. It doesn’t mean I liked it.” He said.

Her hand went to his face. “I never meant to hurt you.” 

He turned his face into her palm. “It was more important to me that you were happy.  Were you?” He asked.

She couldn’t deny the truth, she had been happy with Jim.  But Jim was gone and she was alone. “I won’t lie to you, I was.”

He took her hand from his face and kissed her fingers.  “You’re beginning to shrivel. We should head back.”  He released her hand and moved toward the shore.  “I’ll get our clothes.”  He said.

Reaching the hard-packed sand of the beach he walked up the beach to where they had left their clothes. He turned back to the water and found her walking toward him. She was as strikingly beautiful as she always had been. He smiled.  “You are one gorgeous woman.”

She returned his smile.  “You’re still as handsome as you ever were.”

He held out the clothes to her. She took his shirt from the pile he held and slipped it on.

“How far is the house?”  She asked.

“Maybe fifty yards.” He estimated, pulling on his pants.

“I think we can make it like this.”

She took her clothes from him.  “This was fun.”  She said as she started for the house.  He let her lead.  He had always enjoyed watching her walk.  Now with her bare legs exposed beneath his shirt, he was happy to follow her swaying hips.

When they reached the house, he showed her to the outdoor shower and went to get towels and robes for them. The water was running when he returned.  He was tempted to join her after her display on the beach.  “Cinnamon, you need anything?” He called around the corner.

“No.”

“I’ll leave a towel and robe for you on the hook.”

“Thank you.”

Rollin went inside and climbed in his own shower deciding his better be a bit cooler after their walk from the beach.

When he returned to the living room, he found her wrapped in a robe and curled up on the sofa.  “What a great idea-an outdoor shower.”  She said.

“Yeah,” he joined her on the sofa, ‘it’s convenient after a swim.”

“Thank you for today.  It’s been wonderful.” 

“My pleasure.”

“Are you going tell me the real reason you’ve come down here?”  He asked taking her hand across the back of the sofa.

She smiled. “Have I become that transparent?”

“Only to me. Do you know what you’re looking for?”

She shook her head with a sigh. “Whatever it is, I wish I’d find it.”

He massaged her fingers. “You will.” He noticed her eyes were getting heavy.  “You must be tired. I’m sure it was a long flight.”

“It was. But I feel more relaxed than I have been in a long time.” She confessed.

“I told you it was relaxing here.”

She smiled. “I could use a little down time.”

“You’re welcome to stay as long as you want.” He offered.

“That’s very sweet, Rollin but I don’t want to do that to you.  I’m sure you’re busy with what you do.”

“Not too busy to spend some time with you.  We could drive down to Key West or up to Miami.  You could have a vacation.” 

“I’ve been on an extended vacation.”  She said flatly.

“You just said you wanted to relax.”

She pulled her hand from his and stretched against the cushions.  “Let me sleep on it, okay?” She said as she stood.

He watched her.  “Sure.” 

Cinnamon leaned down, caressed his face then kissed his cheek.  “Today really was marvelous. Thank you.”

“Sleep well.” 

He heard the door to the guest bedroom close.  He was puzzled. She was keeping him at arms length but her display on the beach had brought back many pleasant memories for him.  She was free now and she had come to him. Did they have another chance to be together?

In the predawn hours, Cinnamon knocked softly on Rollin’s bedroom door.  She opened it and peeked in.  “Cin…” He called sleepily. “You okay?”

She went to the edge of his bed. She pulled back the sheet and moved in beside him.

He pulled the sheet over them and she pulled his arm over her. 

“Okay?”  He asked.

“Just hold me.”  She whispered.

He pulled her closer. She needed comforting. “Just relax.”  He whispered. 

She closed her eyes and was asleep in minutes.

The next morning, she woke with her head against his shoulder, her arm draped across his chest. She stirred against him.

“Good morning.” He said.

She looked at him. “Morning.”

“Did you sleep okay?”

“Mmhuh.”  She nodded against him.

“Me too.  I had forgotten how much I enjoyed sleeping with you.” 

She smiled. “I remember too.”  She did remember the times they had awoken just like this. Rollin had always been a good lover.  “I enjoyed the beach last night.”  She said.

The corner of Rollin’s mouth turned upward. “That was a very pleasant surprise.” 

“Was it?”

He nodded as he traced her arm. “It’s not like we haven’t been here before.”

She rose up beside him to look at him. “Just like old times.”  She kissed him softly. His hand went underneath her hair and held her close. She parted from him. “I remember how well we did that.”

“So do I.”  He pulled her close and kissed her.

It had been some time since she had been properly kissed. She melted against him. That kiss took her back to the time when they had been together.

“How long has it been?” He asked.

“How long has what been?”

“Since you have been made love to.” He was direct.

She rolled her eyes. “I try not to think about it.” She sighed.

He gave her a bemused look. “We have done it before.”

“More than once if my memory is good.” She teased him as her fingers trailed across his chest.

“I think your memory and everything else about you is great.” His hand moved down her back.

She cut her eyes at him.

“I should have suggested we do it on the beach last night.”

“To gritty.” She shook her head.

“It wasn’t too gritty on the beach in LA.” He reminded her.

“We had a blanket and clothes.” She corrected him as her hand trailed down across his stomach.

“We’re going to have a situation if your hand goes much further.”  He warned.

“I’m usually good with solving situations.”

“Don’t let me stop you.” He grinned.

Her hand trailed lower and beneath his pajama bottoms.

He sighed as she touched him.  He reached up and pulled her to him for a kiss.

“You haven’t lost your touch.” He said.

“Neither have you.” She sighed as she could feel her heart beat faster. 

He pulled a nightgown strap from her shoulder.  “We’re going to have to get rid of this.”  He said.

“And you have to loose these.” She pulled at the waistband of his pajamas.

“Done.” He quickly removed the pajama bottoms.

He turned to her and reached for the straps of her gown. Her arms went above her and he pulled the gown over her head. His hands trailed down her shoulders. “Gorgeous.” He said, appreciating her before him. His hands moved to her breasts.  She leaned her head back as he touched her. He pulled her to him and kissed her hungrily.

Laying her back against the mattress, he kissed her softly. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you, Cinnamon.” He whispered. His practiced hands elicited a soft moan from her. She caught his head between her hands.  “I’m glad I came to find you.”

“So am I.”  He slowly kissed his way to her abdomen. She laid her head back enjoying his skilled touch.

In precious minutes, Cinnamon was in the throws of an orgasm. Rollin was intent on pleasuring her. His head was nestled between her legs as he pressed his lips against her wet folds, his tongue working energetically against her.  “Oh God!”  She screamed as she was overtaken by the waves of pleasure coursing through her.

His hand replaced his tongue and he pressed against her. He moved above her and kissed her softly.  She grabbed on to him. He moved his throbbing shaft against her withdrawing his hand.  Cinnamon calmed as he pressed his stiff member slowly into her. She moved toward him as they connected.

For Rollin it was like coming home. He rose on his hands above her and his hips began moving against her.

“Okay?” He asked.

“Mmm.” She nodded. “Yes...”

Her hands pressed against his back. As they found their magnetic syncopation, his thrusts grew long and increased in intensity. He leaned down and kissed her hard.

She was moaning. “Come on baby, oh…” He said as his hips worked energetically against her.   

“Rollin!  I…” She panted her hands pulling at the sheets on the bed.

“Come on… Cin.” 

She pulled him down to her as he came inside her.  He trembled against her. “Rollin….!” She gasped as she was overcome with the wave of pleasure swept through her.  He continued pumping against her. She held his shoulders and pulled him inside her as far as she could. 

He raised his head to look at her and kissed her softly. 

“Don’t move.” She hissed.

“I’m not going anywhere.” 

They were damp with perspiration with the sheets tangled around them. She released him and he moved to her side.  He blew out his breath and turned to her. Her eyes were closed as she reached for him. He pulled her close. “I think we still know how to do that.”

“Mmm…yes we do.”  She agreed heartily and kissed him.

He smiled as she settled into his arms.

Later that morning, they sat at the bar of the kitchen having breakfast. “More coffee?”  He asked rising to refill is mug. 

“No thanks.”  She picked up another piece of honeydew melon.

He topped off his coffee and replaced the pot.  “Would you like to start your vacation today?”  He asked reclaiming his seat beside her. 

“I think we did that this morning.”  She said bumping his shoulder with hers.

He chuckled.  “What would you like to do?”

“I thought I might enjoy the sun and relax. Okay with you?”

“Whatever you like.  The house is yours.”

“It really is nice of you to take me in.”

He moved his arm about her shoulders.  “Anytime, that’s what old friends are for.”

She leaned into him and kissed him.

“One condition tho…” 

She looked at him with raised eyebrows.

“No more guest room for you.”

She smiled and wrapped her arms about his neck.  “Fine with me.” She kissed him firmly.

They spent the day lounging on the patio of house and swimming in the ocean. Cinnamon enjoyed herself with him, she always had. She wasn’t surprised that he wanted her in his bed it was what she wanted too. She needed to be loved and he was very good at it. Their relationship had been so intimate at one time. When she had found out that he was seeing other women, they had parted. They finally split when Jim proposed.

During the day they fell into their old pattern. Teasing and flirting, while enjoying the weather and water. He was the perfect host and that night they fixed dinner and he grilled steaks on the patio.  With wine glasses in hand they enjoyed the sounds of the water.

“What would you like to do tomorrow?  The fast lane or the slow lane?”

She leaned back against him as they shared a lounger.  “Slow lane?”

“You’ll like Key West. They have a great conch salad there.”

“That’s the slow lane?”

“About as slow as you can get, sweetheart.”

“Sounds perfect.” 

“You really are hiding aren’t you?”

“I guess I am.” She admitted. “I like it here with you.”  She said pulling his arm tighter about her.

“What are you running from?” He asked.

“Responsibility, work, life. It’s been a difficult year. I’m running away.” She admitted.

“I’m glad you ran to me.” He kissed her hair.

“I couldn’t think of anywhere else I could go.” She said.

“Last resort?” He teased.

She smiled. “I’m just glad you were still here.”

“So am I.” He said taking her wine and setting it aside as she turned to look at him. She kissed him softly. Turning in his arms, he pulled her close and kissed her.

“Let’s go to bed.” She said between kisses. She pushed herself up from the lounger and he followed her quickly to his bedroom.

They spent the night in each other’s arms. Suddenly, they seemed to be making up for lost time. Their physical relationship had always been fun and exciting. Now, it was more relaxed but still exhilarating.

She collapsed against his chest.  He wrapped his arms about her. “Now you are just spoiling me.”  He smiled. 

“I thought I spoiled you this afternoon in the shower.” 

He smiled, “yeah but that was hours ago.”

She laughed, ‘some things never change’ she thought. She lay beside him. He spooned her.  “I had almost forgotten what this was like.”  She said.

“Being made love to throughout the day?”  He asked.

She smiled, “Just being loved.”

He kissed her ear. “You are.” He breathed.

She turned in his arms to face him. “You’ve always had my heart Cinnamon.” He said. Their eyes met and she cupped his cheek. “Rollin…”

He kissed her palm. “You always knew that.”

She nodded. “Why do you think I came to find you?”

He had that twinkle in his eye. Maybe they could go back to where they had once been he thought. “And I just thought you wanted to get laid.”

“There’s that too.”  She laughed with him.

He kissed her and rolled her onto her back.  “I don’t want you to come all this way for nothing.” 

She cupped his cheek. “It’s been worth the trip so far.”

He grinned. “Every time.” He kissed her firmly.

That night they slept sated in each other’s arms.

The next day they left for Key West and deciding to just be tourists. They went sight seeing, prowled the bars and shops of Duval St. and had the best conch salad in the Keys.  They then shared the sunset at the furthermost point in the southern U.S. with the crowd that gathers each evening. After the glorious sunset, they checked into the Atlantis House, a bed and breakfast that Rollin knew.  It was situated right on the water and had only two suites.  It was a delightfully peaceful and beautiful place.

He checked in as Mr. And Mrs. Hand.  “Who are you kidding…” She chided him as they walked hand and hand toward the master suite.

That evening the owners of the B&B cooked lobster for them. Then they walked on the beach looking toward Cuba.

“It’s been a fantastic day, Rollin.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”

“I can’t believe I never made it here before.”

“Weren’t we just about 90 miles south of here once or twice?  We should have stopped on our way back.”

“As long as we made it back safe. I didn’t care where it was.”

He remembered their time in Cuba.  It had begun as a fun time for both of them, playing Canadian tourists with information to sell to the Castro’s government. Getting out had been a little move tricky than they anticipated. Once again, Barney had saved them by hotwiring a small plane to get them out. Cinnamon had never been fond of small planes. Gliding into a small airport just north of the Florida coastline had been welcomed.

Rollin pulled her close.  “We could go taste the nightlife on Duval Street.”  He suggested.

Cinnamon reached up to his shoulders. “Or we could go back to our room.”

He smiled. “I like your idea better.” 

“Thought you might.”  They kissed as the full moon lingered above them.

Back in the master suite, Cinnamon stood on the balcony.  They were the only guests in the bed and breakfast during the middle of the week. She was enjoying the view and the warm gentle trade wind.

“Hey, I thought you were going to change.”  He said, grasping her shoulders and massaging them gently. 

“Mmm…I got sidetracked by the view.”

She enjoyed his gentle firm touch. “Keep that up and I will be putty in your hands.”

He kissed her neck. “I’ll be glad to give you a full body massage.”

“I think you have been.”

He smiled. “How did you ever find this place?”  She asked him.

His hands stilled and moved around her to pull her against him. “I’ve been down here a few times. Sometimes tourists do find the best places to stay.”

“Since when do you listen to tourists?”

“Eavesdropping actually.  Something I learned in that other lifetime.”

She turned to face him.  “An important talent.”

“I’ve never brought anyone here, Cin. I was saving it for someone special. And here you are.”

She moved her hands up his bare chest. “It is a wonderful place.”

“I’m glad you’re here, Cinnamon. I feel like my life has just gotten a whole lot better.”

“It seemed to be pretty good before I arrived.”

“Much better now with you.”  He kissed her softly.

His hand went to the zipper of her black dress and pulled downward. They parted and he pushed the dress from her shoulders. She stepped out the fabric at her feet and together they went to the bedroom. 

They made love leisurely, savoring each other’s touch. Rollin brought her to climax enjoying her exquisite joy. For a moment he was glad they were the only two in the house.  Laying together, the moonlight bright on the balcony and the warm breeze blowing the window shears, Cinnamon snuggled against him. “This will always be a special place for me, Rollin.”

“For me too, Sweetheart. This is just for you and me.” He kissed her temple. “I love you, Cinnamon. I always have.”

She turned to look at him. “I love you too. You have always been the one who can make me feel like this, Rollin.”

He kissed her. “Do you think we can get a second chance?”

“I hope so.”

He pulled her close. Happy and content, they settled into sleep.

The next morning, Rollin left her sleeping to bring them coffee. When he returned, she was still under the covers.  He carried two cups of coffee and the newspaper.

“Are you bringing me coffee in bed?” She said as he moved back beside her.

“I thought it might be a nice way to start your day.”

She moved up to sit against the pillows and took her cup from him. “I do love a man who brings me coffee in bed.”

“Happy I can accommodate. Good morning.” He kissed her quickly as he settled next to her.

He set his mug aside and opened the newspaper. “Something smells good downstairs too.” 

“After dinner last night, I expect breakfast will be wonderful too.”

“They do a full Southern breakfast here. I hope you have an appetite.”

“Can we work it off later?”

He put the newspaper down. “Or we could work up an appetite before, whichever you like.”

“Maybe after a walk on the beach?”

“Even better. Now, we just have to get you dressed.”

She shook her head at him. “How’s fifteen minutes.”

He opened the paper again.  “Okay.”

After breakfast, they walked on the beach enjoying the morning sun. Then they returned the master suite to work off the morning’s breakfast.

“Cinnamon…” He said as he moved beside her. “You are incredible.”

She sighed. “Mmm.  This beats my regular exercise routine.”

“Mine too.” 

She chuckled. “Since when do you exercise?” She said turning toward him.

“Hey, I walk on the beach a lot.”

She ran her hand down his chest. “It does you good.”

“You’re doing me good.” He kissed her.

She laid back against her pillow pulling the sheet over her.

He moved next to her. “Enjoying your vacation?”

“Very much. This was a good idea.”

“How about I suggest something else?”

“Yes?” She was wary. 

“Stay here with me. Don’t go back to LA.”

She sighed, unhappily. “I have to go back sometime soon. I’ve been gone for almost two months and I still have a business to look after.”

“You didn’t mention that you still have the agency?”

She nodded. “I just consult now, but it will be busy soon.”

“I thought you might have quit when you and Jim...”

“No, I have too much invested.”

“I see.”  He understood.

“You could come back with me.” She suggested.

“I haven’t been in LA in quite awhile.” He mused.

“You could have your own vacation.”

“Were you planning to leave me soon?”

She countered. “A few days, much longer and I will have to start running up your long distance bill.”

“I’m not worried about the phone bill.”

“I wish I could do all of it by phone.”  She turned away from him with a sigh suddenly being pulled back to her responsibilities. “I have a lot of things to attend to.”

He knew she spoke of Jim’s estate. “Could I be of any help?”

The phone rang, interrupting them

 “Yes.”  Rollin said picking up the receiver.

“Will you be checking out today, Sir?”

He looked at Cinnamon. “Are we leaving today?”

“I do like the view from your patio.” She said.

“Yes, we’ll be leaving today. Thank you.”  He said then replaced the phone.

“I would appreciate it if you came with me.” She continued after the interruption. “It might make things easier on me.”

“Of course I’ll come with you.” He smiled. “I’m not letting you get away again.”

She pulled him close. “You’re not going to get rid of me now.”

“Good.” He kissed her.

They left the B&B in the afternoon returning to his beach house. On the way, they discussed plans for the LA trip. That evening they returned to Duke’s for dinner and a moonlit walk home.

“Rollin?”

She looked at him as they walked. “What if I sold the house in LA? Do you think I could find a place like yours down here?”

“Sure, but I could find room for you right here.”

“You could?”

“Sure.” He stopped her and pulled her close. “Or we could find something for the both of us.”

“This is a big step we’re talking about.” She hesitated. “I still have a business that will need my attention.” She said.

“Then we’ll have big phone bills.”

“And time on airplanes.”  She said. He knew she disliked traveling unless it was necessary.

He stopped her. “Sell the business and marry me.” He stated.

She met his eyes and moved her hands up his chest with a smile. “I’m not looking for a proposal, Rollin”

“I just want to make you happy.” He kissed her.

“You already do.” She wrapped her arms around him and held him tight.

“Is that as a yes?” He smiled. 

She smiled brightly as she kissed him. “Yes.”  She said. “The business will take time, tho.”

“We have plenty of that. You can take time and decide what you want to do.”

The walk home got a little quicker for them.

The next morning, he brought her breakfast in bed.

“What’s all this?” She asked as he presented her with the tray. “You really are spoiling me, now.” She said sitting up in bed. “You don’t have to do all this.” 

“We have to eat don’t we?”  He asked.

She smiled.  “It’s wonderful.” She said of his simple culinary efforts.

He set the tray on the end of the bed. “Coffee for you and coffee for me.”  He said handing her a mug of the dark roast brew.

She looked at the tray of fruit and toast and saw a small quail egg blue box. “What’s that?”  She indicated. 

“Open it and see.” He smiled.

She took the recognizable box and pulled the top off. She pulled out a black velvet box.  “Rollin…” She hesitated.

He took the box, opening it to reveal a diamond engagement ring.

“Marry me.”  He said, taking her hand and slipping it the third finger of her right hand.

“It’s beautiful.”  She said.

“So are you, Sweetheart.”

She reached for him and hugged him tight.  “I didn’t hear an answer.”

She smiled, “Yes.”

He kissed her.

“How did you?”  She asked of the ring.

“I’ve had that a long time.” He admitted.

“Oh, Rollin.” She said, sadly.

“Guess I always hoped you would come back to me.”

 She reached for him again. “I’m home now.”

He held her. “We’re home now.”

THE END

Elena Vorska

<return to mission>