The thundering of their hearts

Chapter 21

"...for I now know I belong here with you."

The newly- developed storm pounded on the wooden white gazebo, but its force was nothing compared to the violent beating of their hearts.

Mike couldn't believe what he was hearing as they stood locked in an embrace in the sheltered pavillion. She had just admitted she belonged here with him.

When he had instinctively pulled her in his arms, it seemed like the most natural gesture in the world, as if they had been in each other's arms everyday of their lives.

Zaa-aam!

A streak of lightening blazed across the sky accompanied by an earsplitting sound of thunder. The rain continued to pelt the park, but Connie felt safe, howbeit, wet.

"I must look a dripping mess..." Connie stated.

Mike didn't notice her drenched look; after all, he was waterlogged himself. He was looking into her eyes, which looked as cool and refreshing as the rain outside. He could stare into them forever. He was so close to her, he could see the small drops that had gathered in her long lashes.

"Connie, you could not look more beautiful than you do now..."

She felt weak from his admission. The moment spun out with dizziness as she swayed against him.

As if in agreeable response, soundless lightening streaked across the sky, softening up the darkness from its original gray background.

At the thought of leaving him, it felt as if her heart had been ripped apart as she gazed back at him.

"Mike, I really must get back to LA... But I'll be back, I promise." She tried to force a smile, "Just remember, a good bye is only sad if you know you will never say hello again."

At least he returned her smile.

Having him so close was causing a nerveless, excited quiver all throughout Connie's body.

He was looking at her with a questioning gaze.

"Our timing is always slightly off, isn't it? It's just...god, Connie...one chance with you is all I ask..."

He looked down, disheartened. Connie slid her hand beneath his chin, bringing it gently up so his eyes met hers.

"... Don't you know, Mike?... I'd be a fool to throw away my one chance at true romance."

Their eyes were bright and passion-filled.

Mike leaned in as his mouth angled over hers in a tentative kiss. Heat radiated all throughout her body at the familiar feel of him.

Slowly the gentle embrace became more urgent, as his tongue began searching hers in deep sweeps. Connie found herself relaxing against his hard body, accepting the steamy pleasure of his kiss.

The rain drops from both their bodies intermixed and joined together as the kiss now turned to unrestrained passion.

To Mike, Connie was sensual and sweet at the same time and he appreciated how her body molded perfectly to his.

Breaking the kiss, Mike then traced kisses lightly along her jawline, finding the vulnerable area along the side of her throat. He finally found the sensitive area where a pulse throbbed wildly and he felt her body trembling.

Then he sealed his mouth over hers once more, kissing her passionately. Connie's weak defenses crumbled, as he possessed her mouth with deep, delicious kisses. There was no way he would let go of her now.

It was as though she was imprisoned by his mouth and hands. She was only aware of how Mike explored her with deep strokes of his tongue as heat smoldered inside her. It was as before, except there was a sense of urgency in the way he embraced her.

As the rain continued to fall outside Connie wanted to kiss him until the sun shined through.

But the world soon came crashing in as lightening suddenly flashed, illuminating their silhouette, while thunder could be heard rumbling.

When the kiss had ended and they had separated, their breaths came in steamy gusts.

Hearing the jerking rhythm of her own breathing, Connie slowly eased herself away from him, every nerve in her body screaming with protest. But it was getting late, and despite what she said, Connie really needed to be on her way. She had a plane to catch.

"Mike..."

He looked at her with curiosity, as she offered him a sweet smile.

"What is it?" His voice sounded ragged.

"I need to tell you..." she was looking at him with large, luminous eyes.

"Yes?" Mike whispered anxiously.

"It's just that…I feel…so…so…"

"...so what?" he asked, unsure and curious at the same time.

She paused, and Mike stopped feeling guarded when he noted her fighting a grin.

"..slippery…I feel rain-slippery, Mike. I really need to get into some dry clothes. Perhaps you do need to call that taxi."

Mike smiled with a mischievous sparkle in the blues of his eyes, "I agreed. I could have sworn I heard squishy noises every time we moved!"

They exchanged smiles and the world seemed so promising.

.

.

It was dark, but free of rain, by the time the taxi brought them right up to the outside of La Guardia airport.

As much as she wanted to stay, as much as she knew she belonged to New York City, there were still things she needed to get done in LA.

Mike paid the driver, who then walked over to the trunk to retrieve one large suitcase. Mike intercepted the suitcase, ready to carry it to the airport counter for Connie.

But Connie reached over and placed her hand over his hand that had been holding the handle of her case. She had a forced smile on her face.

"Mike, this is where we part ways."

She tried not to see the disappointment in his face, "Please, Mike. I need to walk the rest of the way alone. I couldn't bear the thought of you watching my departing flight."

She had a point. He didn't think he could bear it, either.

"If that's what you prefer, Connie..."

Mike looked reluctant as he placed her suitcase on the ground next to her.

This was it.

Neither one felt the coldness of the air, nor the honking of impatient horns or even the foot traffic from people rushing to and fro.

They were only aware that this was their goodbye.

"Connie," Mike spoke tentatively, "This is all so new for me. The thought of the possibility of a 'us' ... I am so ...afraid... that in the future...I'd disappoint you."

With that comment, Connie couldn't help but smile. Since when had Mike Cutter ever been tentative, ever been afraid of disappointing anyone?

"Mike, that could never happen."

The blueness in Mike's eyes seemed to illuminate his face.

"I just think..." Mike searched for the right words, "...we have something very special here."

He watched her intently, hoping she would not contradict that statement. Connie took a deep breath.

"I think so, too..but...I must warn you that I have high expectations..."

There seemed to be a slight glint in her eyes

"Oh real-ly," Mike wasn't entirely sure if she were kidding or not, "and what do you mean by this talk of 'high expectations'?"

Connie knew he would ask and she was ready with an answer. Her smile was sincere as she reached up and touched his lower cheek softly.

"What do I mean by high expectations?" she repeated, as she gently caressed his chin, "...one day, Mike Cutter, I expect to see the image of you comfortably shaving in front of my bathroom mirror. So-o ...is that a high enough expectation?"

Mike felt his pulse quickening at the implied relationship they would have together in a time to come. It gave him hope.

"I am looking forward for that expectation myself!" stated Mike, his eyes sparkling before turning dark and serious again, "In the meantime, keep me in your thoughts..."

With every breath I take, Connie thought to herself.

Her hand now drifted down to lightly touched Mike's shoulder as she leaned in. She kissed him ardently, winning his eager response. His last kiss with her felt hot and tender against her flushed skin. The unplanned gesture was so unlike her, but she could not have felt more like herself.

"I'll be back before you know it, Mike."

Mike couldn't believe how beautiful she looked.

Connie's eyes reflected the starlight as her hair softly framed her face. He lifted his hand to touch her cheek for the last time, feeling her warmth in the palm of his hand.

He saw her eyes filled with sadness as she stepped away from him. She bent down and picked up her suitcase and headed towards the terminal building.

Her lone silhouette was outlined against the moonlit night, as he heard the familiar clicking of her heels.

He never took his eyes off her as she walked away into the dark cold night. When she approached the terminal doors, they automatically opened and he soon lost her amidst the bustling crowd of travelers.

His hands stuffed into his pockets now, he stood isolated on the misty sidewalk.

The night suddenly felt bleak and gloomy. His heart sank as he turned and got in the taxi instructing the driver to take him to the DA's office on Centre Street.

After all, he still had work to do in the office.

The cab drove away and Mike looked out at the darkness of the night, deep in thought. His mind was not on what he needed to get done at work, but on Connie's departure. As he thought of their parting words, an odd thought entered his mind.

Where was the "good" in a goodbye?

Out the window he could see an indefinite number of stars twinkling. They seemed so far away. Just like her.

Mike took a deep breath in. Before long, Connie would be gone from New York City... a million miles past the moon. At least that is how far away it felt to him.

But, he tried to think optimistically, one day she would be back.

She promised.

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Last (short) chapter coming up!

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