Shipwrecked - Chapter 1

Della stood in front of her full length mirror, taking a final look at her appearance. The cream colored slacks and dusty rose shell and sweater were perfect. She tucked one stray curl of her chestnut colored hair into place before applying the lipstick that matched her sweater.

She turned to the carefully packed suitcase lying open on her bed, giving it a last check before closing and snapping the lock. She had been looking forward to this weekend for two months. She felt sure she had everything she would need for the three day trip, at least she hoped so.

Perry's current client, Jack Danvers, was a friend from Perry's days in law school. Jack had been pleased that Perry had won his corporate dispute case for him. It had netted him $5-million dollars, kept his company together and solvent and sent his former business partner, David Williams, to prison.

Danvers owned a 45-foot sailboat that he was taking to Mexico to sell. He had invited Perry and Della along for the trip, promising Perry it would be a relaxing vacation.

It had been a couple years since either of them had taken an actual vacation. So Perry had cleared his calendar, given Gertie and Paul time off and closed the office.

At first Della had been reluctant to accompany Perry. Their relationship was still in its infant stage. Late dinners together, dancing closer than was appropriate for a boss and secretary, and a few stolen kisses in the office or when he saw her to her door. But they were still learning how to combine work and…well…she guessed…love, together.

But Perry convinced her that they could explore their feelings better if they were away from all the distractions of work. And he reasoned that at the very least, they both deserved a vacation.

Della put the final articles in her travel case just as the doorbell rang. She smiled knowing it was Perry. She carried her one suitcase and travel case into the living room, then opened the door with a smile. "Right on time Chief."

Perry didn't answer, he merely leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss. "Are you ready to go?"

"Mmmmm. I am now." When Perry would have kissed her again, she placed her hand on his chest. "Perry, we'll be late. We don't want to upset Mr. Danvers."

Perry gave an overly dramatic sigh. "Yes, Miss Street. So, do I need to call the manager to help take all of your suitcases down."

Della placed her hands on her hips and pouted. "Oh, you." She turned and pointed to her meager luggage.

Perry shook his head. "Well, I'll be. Paul owes me $20. He bet me you would have at least three suitcases cases and a garment bag."

Della laughed. "Perry, I'm not one of those women who take their entire wardrobe for a simple trip. But I'm sure I have enough."

Perry was about to make a smart comment about her wearing nothing, then he reminded himself that this was not the proper thing to say to a lady. Della was the complete opposite of the women he and Paul were used to. She was not a delicate flower, she could hold her own with the guys. But she also blushed prettily when Paul made an off-color comment or joke.

Perry picked up the suitcase, while Della grabbed her purse and travel case.

"Okay, my girl. Let's get going on our vacation."

"Oh Perry, I'm so excited. I can hardly wait to get started. It's going to be so much fun."

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Perry had the top down on the convertible and Della leaned her head back, just letting the cool breeze ruffle her curls and relax her. Her eyes were closed and she unconsciously hummed along with the radio.

Perry steered the big car with one hand, the other holding Della's hand, gently rubbing his thumb across the silky skin. He occasionally glanced over at her, marveling at how beautiful she was. He really couldn't wait to start on this trip.

"Happy, Della?"

Della looked over at him. "Yes, I am. Thank you for talking me into this."

Perry smiled at her. "You are welcome. We should be at the marina in about twenty minutes."

Della returned his smile, but then a little frown crossed her features. "Perry, does Mr. Danvers know about…well…"

Perry gave a deep chuckle. "You have nothing to worry about. Jack is the soul of discretion. He has promised to give us all the privacy we want or need."

Della blushed a bright pink. "Perry!"

Now Perry turned serious. "Della, I want us to have some time alone, without Paul's constant interruptions, without ringing phones and clients. I know that you have asked that we take things slow. And this trip will give us time to do that."

"Perry…". He squeezed her hand to stop her.

"Della, I am in love with you. I will do whatever you ask of me because I want you in my life. So for now let's just enjoy our small vacation."

Della's quiet 'okay' made Perry worry that he had upset her. But when she moved closer and put her head on his shoulder, he knew things were fine.

Perry pulled into the parking lot at Marina Del Rey and shut off the engine. As he opened to door to get out, Della stopped him.

"Perry, wait."

The serious tone in her voice caused Perry's heart to sink.

But she leaned over and kissed him. "I'm in love with you too, Perry."