Chapter 5

While Oscar was out running his errand the next morning, Jaime went shopping for a gift for Helen and Jim. Finally she settled on a lovely hand painted vase. Upon returning to the hotel, she was pleased to discover that Oscar had also returned. Setting her packages down, she slipped into his arms for an embrace.

I missed you, Oscar said after a long kiss.

Jaime smiled. "And I missed you. You came back just in time to join me for a walk on the beach."

"I can't." Oscar told her. "I need to wait for just one more delivery. I'll meet you back at the room."

Jaime gave a playful sigh, and then headed upstairs. She slipped off her sandals, and then changed into shorts and a sleeveless top. She ran a comb quickly through her hair. Oscar returned to the room just as she was ready to leave.

"Aha. Your work is finally done," she teased. "Okay, Oscar. This is it. Every time I want you to walk on the beach with me, you find an excuse. But now, you have no work and no possible reason to refuse."

Oscar threw up his hands in mock defeat and started out the door.

"Wait! Stop right there." Jaime said. As she gently pulled him onto the couch, Oscar pulled her into his arms for yet another long kiss.

"I thought you wanted to take a walk" he whispered. "But I don't mind this change of plans."

"Behave yourself," Jaime laughed as she wriggled away. "You need to take off your shoes. No shoes or socks when walking on the beach. Teacher's orders." Even as Oscar began to object, she reached down and swiftly removed them. Realizing that protesting further would have no effect, Oscar grinned and rolled up the cuffs of his pants as well.

"Will this do?" he asked, well aware that he would have done anything else she asked.

Jaime looked him over carefully and smiled. "Yep. Let's go."

With their arms around each other, they walked through the sand to the water's edge. Oscar realized that he was truly happy for the first time in many years. He watched Jaime wade through the water looking for treasures. From time to time she would pick up a shell or a small rock. She would examine it thoroughly before carefully discarding it or slipping it into her pocket for safekeeping. She was so beautiful, he thought. He wondered how he had become so lucky.

On the way back, the couple walked hand in hand .The waves began to pound upon the shore soaking them both. Jaime was delighted. As they kissed, Oscar realized that he would never again be able to think of the beach without remembering the salty taste of Jaime's skin, hair, and lips.

THE END