Chapter 1- Picnic in the Park
Gillian Foster woke up with a smile on her face. It was Saturday, there was no work to do, and for the first time in months, she was free to enjoy the day. Grinning with anticipation, she got up, showered and found herself standing in front of her closet debating what to wear.
She finally decided on a simple, navy blue V-neck sweater, and a pair of jeans. She had just gotten downstairs when she heard a knocking at the door. A surprisingly chipper Cal Lightman greeted her with coffee and doughnuts in hand.
"Cal! Good morning, I wasn't expecting you...".Gillian stammered, surprised but pleased at the intrusion.
Damn, that woman looks good in everything, thought Cal as he surveyed her casual outfit from the doorstep. Planting a quick kiss on her cheek, he pushed past her into the living room. "Well love, seeing as this is the first real break we've gotten in ages, I wanted to make sure you spent it actually relaxinginstead of doing all that nonsense work you seemed to love so much."
Trying to ignore the slight flutter in her heart, Gillian shut the door and walked into the kitchen. "Cal, you know very well that nonsensethat I do is all that's keeping us afloat."
"I know, I know, hence- the doughnuts. Plus, I believe that a certain someone does happen to rather enjoy her sweets." You know me all to well, Cal, Gillian thought.
"Well thank you, they're very much appreciated," she said while taking a large bite out of a chocolate frosted one.
Cal suddenly moved closer to her, took his finger and wiped the corner of her mouth. Their noses were only inches apart. Seemingly unaware of their close proximity, he licked it saying, "Sorry love, got a bit of frosting". As he stood there licking the frosting off his finger, he saw a quick flash of surprise. There may also have been the slightest hint of arousal, but he couldn't be sure.
Moving away again, he asked, "So what was the ever-working Gillian Foster planning to do with her free Saturday?"
"I actually didn't have any plans..."
"Good" he cut her off, "then you'll have no objections to a picnic in the park then I assume?"
Surprised, Gillian said, "A picnic in the park? That doesn't sound like you Cal Lightman. Spending the day gambling or at a fight seems more like you." He couldn't help but notice the slight look of disapproval she gave him as she mentioned the two hobbies.
"Well, this day's supposed to be all about you, right? As a sort of thank you." Gillian smiled, genuinely touched. "Cal! That's so sweet of you. I'd love to go. Just hang on a second and let me grab a coat."
Twenty minutes later, when everything had been packed and settled, they were sitting in Cal's car on the way to the park. It was a comfortable car ride. They talked and laughed together like they hadn't done in months. Without the stress of the office, they were simply able to enjoy each other's company as only two people who had known each other for years could do.
Gillian sat next to Cal thinking, Wow, I've really missed this, not realizing that the man sitting next to her was thinking the exact same thing.
As they drove, Gillian couldn't help but wish they could spend more time together like this. She looked at Cal, and sighed. If only. As they arrived at the park, Gillian banished the thought from her head.
Stepping outside, she took in the sights around her. It was mid-autumn and all the trees in the park had turned various shades of orange, yellow, and red. There was a crisp breeze, and the sun was shining. A few puffy, white clouds floated by in a clear blue sky. In short, it was an absolutely beautiful day.
Walking ahead, Gillian inhaled the cool autumn air, marveling at the beauties of the park .Cal followed behind her, carrying the picnic basket and admiring her excitement. He couldn't help but think, God, this woman's dazzlingas he watched her spin, arms outstretched, glad to be spending time outside in the sun.
They arrived under a large oak tree next to a pond. "This is perfect!" Gillian declared, proceeding to set up on the spot. Gillian reached for the picnic basket to begin laying out the food. "Ah, no touching my basket," Cal said, lightly slapping her hand away, "wouldn't want to ruin the surprise now would we?"
Gillian gave him a quizzical look, "Cal, what are you hiding?"
"Nothing love, absolutely nothing. Alright, now turn around and no peeking."
"Cal!"
"Gil!" he bantered back. Gillian paused, and with a small smile, turned, out of surprise at his use of her pet name if nothing else. Cal then proceeded to pull out an elaborate spread of various picnic fare, with a few notable exceptions among which was a large orange slushie.
"All right love, you can turn around now." Gillian spun around not knowing what to expect. Cal stood in front of her, holding two glasses of wine and offered one to her.
"Although I believe you might prefer that sugary orange abomination you call a slushie over there," he said motioning to the cup.
Gillian gasped. "Oh Cal! This is wonderful!" wrapping him in a tight hug. As they sat and ate, they watched a family of ducks float by. Gillian paused, and watching them said, "This is nice."
"Yeah? I knew you would like it." Cal was pleased with his success so far, and it showed. In place of his usual mask, a genuine smile had appeared.
"Cal! You're smiling."
It's cause of you, love, he thought, but instead replied, "Well don't get used it, it's only around temporarily." Gillian rolled her eyes, and finished her sandwich. "So what's for dessert?"
Reaching inside the picnic basket, he paused again. "Ahh, eyes closed, love."
"Again, Cal? Really?" Gillian sighed but did as he requested.
"Ok, now open your mouth. And remember, keep your eyes closed."
"Cal!" she complained.
"Do you want dessert or not?" She could hear the teasing smile he was giving her in his voice. She decided to indulge him a little further and opened her mouth. There was a pause, then she felt a spoon gently pass her lips. She closed them around the spoon and the light, elegant flavor of tiramisu greeted her. It was succulent, and she held onto the spoon far longer than was necessary, savoring the taste.
Cal watched her enjoyment as she licked the remnants of cream off the spoon. His eyes followed her lips as he slowly pulled the spoon from her mouth. Her eyes fluttered open and she flashed him a smile of pure pleasure.
"Glad you like it, love." Cal said, taking a bite himself, "I made it myself this morning."
"Cal Lightman!" she exclaimed in surprise, "You never told me you knew how to make tiramisu."
"You never asked," he replied with a sly grin. He offered her another spoonful which she accepted readily.
"Well, now I know." One less secret between us, she couldn't help but think. They shared the tiramisu between them, Gillian eating by far the larger portion. When they'd finished, Gillian lay back to look at the leaves above them.
"Come here," Cal said motioning to his lap, "I make a comfy pillow." Gillian hesitated, but his cheeky smile won her over and she placed her head in his lap. She toyed with an errant strand of hair as she watched the clouds drift lazily by. Cal was sitting with his back against the tree, hands folded behind his head. He couldn't believe he was sitting in a park, enjoying a picnic, with the stunning Gillian Foster lying in his lap.
"This is nice," Gillian said quietly, more to open air than anyone in particular. Yeah, he thought, this is nice.
Next chapter will be forthcoming...Please R&R! Reviews would be lovely!