A/N - With this chapter I cross the 100,000 word mark. When I started writing this I never thought I would come even close to that amount, and we're only about half way through the story. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, followed and favorited this story and for sticking with me. Some favorite characters return in this chapter and a new wrinkle in the plot to help set up everything for Sochi. Please let me know what you think.
Chapter 18
May 2011
Chuck was exhausted. He had never before experienced a long 80 game NHL season and that doesn't even count the playoffs. He was lying on his couch in the middle of the afternoon in the Newport Beach house Chuck and Sarah bought as an investment as property values were down. He didn't want to move. His eyes were closed and he was dreaming of sitting by the pool and watching Sarah emerge from the water in her white bikini. When he talked to Sarah the night before she said that he should wait until Saturday to fly up and be with her as she was studying for finals. He missed her. A lot. No matter how tired he was, he always received a burst of energy just from being in the same room with her. It was amazing. While Chuck was mulling these things over in his mind, he heard a knock on the door. Who could that be? He wasn't expecting anyone and Sarah has a key. He decided to ignore it. The knocking persisted. Reluctantly he got up and trudged to the door. Looking through the peep hole he saw someone holding a pizza box with a bag of something else. Maybe breadsticks or wings. Wait, I didn't order anything. I'll just tell them they have the wrong house.
He opened the door and saw a woman wearing a black leather coat and a scarf over her head. She had on big sunglasses which covered most of her face. From what he could tell, her hair was black.
"Delivery for a Mr. C. Bartrusky, or something like that." Her accent was decidedly British, maybe even Australian.
"I'm sorry, but I didn't order anything. And it's Bartowski."
The mystery woman said "It was a phone order and it's already been paid for. It's a shame to let it go to waste."
She held out the pizza box and the bag. "Please take it. The tip has already been taken care of."
Chuck just shrugged and took the food. "Thank you."
He turned and started to close the door.
"Excuse me, sir. I know this is an unusual request, but may I use your loo?"
"Loo?"
"Loo. You yanks call it a bathroom."
"Right. It's OK, I guess. Come on in."
Chuck stepped aside and allowed her in. Her perfume seemed familiar as he caught a whiff when she walked by. She stopped and looked at him.
"Oh, right. It's just down the hall to the left. You can't miss it."
She nodded and headed down the hall.
Chuck went into the kitchen and opened up the box. Inside was a large thin crust pizza. One-half was vegetarian with no olives. The other half was Hawaiian. He looked into the bag and saw an order of breadsticks and a small box of Buffalo wings. Whoever ordered this pizza knew exactly what he and Sarah liked. But Sarah wasn't here.
Chuck heard the toilet flush and the sound of running water in the sink. He waited for the mystery woman to come back to the front door. He heard footsteps coming down the hallway and set the bag of food down on the counter. He came around toward the front door and looked down the hall and was shocked to see her rushing away from the front door and duck into the master bedroom.
Running down the hall, he got to the bedroom door only to find it locked.
"Listen, whoever you are, come out of there. I don't want any trouble. Just please go."
Chuck listened but didn't hear anything. Perhaps she went out the back through the sliding glass door and escaped by the pool. He reached above the door frame and retrieved the key. Fumbling with it, he finally unlocked the door and turned the knob. When he finally opened the door and looked inside, Chuck couldn't believe what he was seeing. He dropped the key and his mouth opened, unable to speak. Instead of a strange woman rummaging through his bedroom, his gorgeous wife was lying on their bed wearing a black bustier, black knickers, black stockings and a black garter belt. The black coat, wig, sunglasses and scarf were lying on the floor and Sarah was looking up seductively at him.
"Took you long enough, or do you always allow strange women into our bedroom?"
Speechless, Chuck just looked down at her in shock. Sarah decided that more drastic measures were needed to snap her husband out of his trance. After climbing off the bed, Sarah sauntered up to Chuck and grabbed the waistband of his pants and pulled him to their bed. She turned him around, pushed him onto his back and then climbed on top of him.
"Did you really think I could wait all the way until Saturday before seeing you?"
Chuck gulped, still not entirely comprehending what was happening. He shook his head.
Sarah leaned down and kissed his forehead, on each cheek and then on the lips. Chuck put his hands on her waist. "I took my last final this morning. I'm not leaving my husband alone again until I go back to school in August."
Chuck just beamed at that announcement and pulled Sarah down to him and gave her a hot, searing kiss. "That's the best news I've heard in a long time."
"Wow, sweetheart," Sarah said as she panted for air. She looked wickedly at her husband and started unbuckling his belt. "If that's the case, I'm sure you're way overdressed and you need to show me how much you meant it."
Chuck moved his hands from his wife's waist and stroked her sides for a few moments before moving them to her breasts. "Mmmmmm. You're mission is very accepted, but I think you're a little overdressed too."
June 30, 2011, First Anniversary
It had been an amazing first year of marriage for Chuck and Sarah Bartowski. Sarah had excelled at medical school, was number one in her class and was especially well liked by her fellow female students for what she did to the paw. The male students respected her, but also feared her a little. A Bryce Larkin look alike by the name of Bruce Walters tried to put the moves on Sarah for a few weeks in the spring while Sarah completely ignored him. Not believing she wasn't interested in him, he found Sarah alone in the doctor's lounge one day laughing from a text Chuck had sent her. He approached Sarah and asked "What's so funny."
Sarah said "My husband sent me a text."
"Can I see?"
"No, it's a private joke between us."
Bruce came closer to stand right behind where she was sitting at a table, trapping her in her chair. He leaned over her and said "What kind of husband would leave his gorgeous wife alone for long periods of time so he could play ice hockey. He mustn't love you very much. I could take far better care of you." He put his hands on Sarah's shoulders.
Sarah was alarmed for a moment and took in her surroundings. She noticed that her coffee cup was in front of her and was thankful she had just refilled it. A plan popped into her head.
"You know," she said softly, "I bet you think you could take better care of me than my husband. I bet you think you're pretty hot and I bet there are lots of women who think you're pretty hot." Sarah took ahold of his hands and pulled them to her right so she could push back her chair and turn in her seat. "You just might be right. Would you like me to let you know if I think you're hot?"
Bruce got a smug look on his face and stepped back a little so Sarah would be able to completely turn around. Sarah stood up and grabbed her coffee cup in her left hand and the waistband of Bruce's pants in her right and poured the hot coffee inside. She then pushed him back hard and walked to the door. Bruce was stunned and in pain. Sarah looked at him and said "If you ever touch me again, I will make sure you are kicked out of medical school and I will file charges of attempted rape against you. I am a one man woman. I belong to my husband and he belongs to me. No. One. Else. Period. I'll pretend that this little incident never happened if you promise to stay away from me, forever. Otherwise, your medical career is over. Do I make myself clear?"
Bruce just nodded. That woman is crazy.
Chuck had a banner year with the Ducks. He won the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year and helped lead his team to the Stanley Cup. He was also named the MVP of the Stanley Cup finals as the Ducks beat the New Jersey Devils four games to one. Chuck led all scorers with five goals and seven assists in the finals. Having Sarah with him full time during the latter part of the playoffs helped him immensely as he was whole again. Chuck's energy level kicked up a notch and he was sleeping far better with Sarah in his arms and of course lots and lots of love making.
They decided to have a family and friends party to celebrate their first anniversary before taking off for a two week vacation in Europe starting in Paris. Everyone was invited, Sarah's parents, Chuck's parents, Devon and Ellie, Morgan and Alex, Bryce and Lindsay (shock – they're still together), Carina, Zondra, Casey, Diane, some of Sarah's friends from medical school, some of Chuck's teammates from the Olympic team and the Ducks, Joyce and Mark Nelson and even Cole Barker. Since most of the guests lived in Southern California, Chuck and Sarah decided to host the party at their Newport Beach house and have a pool party and barbeque.
Chuck woke up the morning of their anniversary and cracked open an eye. The typical June gloom hadn't burned off to the morning sun yet and he noticed that his wife wasn't draped over him in their usual sleeping position. Thinking he smelled something good coming from the kitchen, he got up and decided to head to the kitchen after picking up a small box and his anniversary card he got for Sarah. Walking into the kitchen he saw Sarah standing at the stove cooking an omelet with her back turned to him wearing a pink negligée. She was humming a tune and swaying her hips while cooking. Debating whether to surprise her or not, Chuck kept walking quietly to where his wife was standing and just before he got to her Sarah said "Good morning Chuck. Happy Anniversary." Chuck reached his right arm around his wife's waist from the back and kissed her on the cheek. "Good morning Sarah. Happy Anniversary to you, too. I love you."
Sarah loved the feel of her husband against her and his morning scruff against her cheek. Chuck nuzzled against her neck and shoulder which sent a chill down her spine. "Breakfast's almost ready. I was going to bring it to you in bed. Go back in there and I'll be there in just a minute."
Chuck nodded and kissed her on the cheek again. After getting back in bed, he set Sarah's gifts on his nightstand and situated the pillows behind him and got them ready for Sarah. A few minutes later Sarah walked in their bedroom with a tray full of food, coffee and orange juice. A small vase with a few gardenias completed the breakfast setting. Chuck took the tray from Sarah and she climbed in next to him. After getting situated, they started eating the delicious breakfast and chatted about the party.
"I bought a new bikini for the party. I'll try it on for you when we're done eating."
Chuck's eyes glazed over for a moment as he imagined what his gorgeous wife looked like in it. He finally spoke "I can hardly wait."
Sarah smirked. "Don't worry. I made sure this one is a little more modest. Not much more, just a little."
Chuck gulped. After they finished eating, Chuck thanked his wife with numerous kisses and said "I have a little something for you. I'm looking forward to having you model it for me." He handed her the card he purchased and the small box."
Sarah opened and read the card. It was the perfect combination of love, sincerity and romance. She loved it and gave Chuck a big kiss. When Chuck handed her the box with the gift, Sarah gave him a wicked smile. "You want me to model what's inside of this box for you? It doesn't look like it covers up much. I better stay in here to do it."
Chuck smiled and said, "I can hardly wait."
Sarah took the package and opened it. Inside were three jewelry boxes. The first one she opened contained a pair of one carat diamond earrings. Sarah gasped and gave Chuck a big kiss. "They're beautiful sweetheart."
Next, she opened a slightly larger box that contained a diamond bracelet that sparkled in the daylight. Sarah couldn't believe how beautiful it was. Finally, she opened the largest box. It held a one carat diamond pendant with a white gold chain. Sarah smashed her lips against Chuck's and said thank you, thank you, thank you over and over again.
Sarah said "It's time to model these for you, right Chuck?" He nodded, wondering what she was going to do. "I'll be right back." Sarah got up and went into the bathroom. She put on the earrings, necklace and bracelet. After walking back into the bedroom, she went to Chuck's side of the bed and stood before him with a big smile on her face. "I think the best way to model your gifts would be to remove all potential distractions, do you think so sweetheart?"
Chuck nodded.
Sarah reached down to the hem of her negligee and pulled it over her head, leaving her completely naked except for the jewelry and her wedding rings. Chuck took in his wife's incredible beauty and sat there slack jawed. Sarah held out the bracelet for him to see and climbed onto the bed, sitting on his lap. "Do you like what you see Mr. Bartowski?" Chuck said "I love what I see Mrs. Bartowski." He kissed her passionately on the lips and Sarah returned it, the intensity increasing as each moment passed. Finally breaking for air, Sarah leaned back and pulled Chuck's T-shirt over his head and pushed him flat on his back. She quickly freed him of his pajama bottoms leaving them both naked and turned on. Chuck rolled his wife onto her back and kissed her down her body, paying close attention to her breasts and then down to her center. Sarah was enjoying that he was taking charge and let him bring her to one climax with his tongue followed by another with his fingers. After kissing his way back up to her lips, he slid inside her and Sarah wrapped her legs tightly around her husband as they reached a perfect rhythm together before Sarah climaxed followed shortly thereafter by Chuck. They laid there panting for several minutes while recovering and Chuck pulled Sarah into their favorite position. He kissed her and said "Happy Anniversary, sweetheart." Sarah kissed him back and said "Happy Anniversary. I love you Chuck." They took a short nap before getting ready for the party.
The guests started arriving around 3pm. Some of the Duck's players brought their children, which was fine with Chuck and Sarah. There was an enormous amount of food with hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, and chicken, potato salad, green salad, tortilla chips, salsa, guacamole, relish trays, assorted fruits, cookies, cakes, pies, beer, wine, bottled water and soft drinks. Sarah wore her new teal green bikini with a wrap around her waist. Judging by Chuck's reaction when he saw her in it, she couldn't wait to have a private swim with him after the party was over. She knew the bikini wouldn't stay on for very long.
Morgan and Alex were the first guests to arrive and had some exciting news. They were going to get married. Morgan took Alex out to Catalina Island earlier in the day and proposed on the beach near Avalon harbor.
"Chuck, buddy."
"Hey Morgan. Congrats on getting engaged to Alex. She's a terrific gal. When's the big day?"
"We're checking with her parents and trying to work out the right day, but we're hoping for the middle of September or early October. I was hoping you'll be my best man."
Chuck faked a look of shock and said, "Me? You want me?"
Morgan slugged him in the arm and said, "No, I'm going to want your gardener."
Chuck laughed and said "Of course, Morgan. I'd be honored."
Alex walked toward them and said, "What a wonderful party, Chuck. Thanks for inviting me."
"We're glad you could come and I know I speak for Sarah when I say we are really excited for you and Morgan. We know you'll be happy together. I know Sarah will be happy to help you any way she can with the bride's stuff if you want it."
"Speaking of Sarah, where is your wife?"
Chuck looked around for a moment and spotted her in the shallow end of the pool with some of the kids. She looked really cool with them and at ease. When the time comes, she'll make a great mom.
"Over there in the pool with some of the kids."
"She's not pregnant, is she?" asked Morgan.
"No, Morgan. She's become friends with Ryan Getzlaff's wife. A couple of the kids are theirs. She's talking to her."
"OK, Chuck."
"There's a changing room in the back if you want to go for a swim and we've got a huge stack of towels by the door. Help yourself."
Morgan and Alex went to change and Chuck spotted Sarah's parents when they arrived with his parents. He went over to greet them with hugs and handshakes. Stephen asked "Where's your better half, Charles?"
"In the pool dad. Hope the drive wasn't bad today."
"No. We decided to carpool with the Walkers this time. Made for a pleasant trip, especially with Jack doing the driving."
Jack chuckled and said, "Yeah, if you don't mind the proverbial back seat driver."
Emma said "Mary and I had a nice visit on the way down. She told me your new game just became the number one seller for 2011."
Chuck smiled. "I had great inspiration from Sarah. I've discovered that no matter what I do, all I need is to add Sarah to it and it's 100 times better, at least. I can't thank you enough for raising such a wonderful woman."
Emma said "Thank you for making our daughter so happy, Chuck. We visited her several times when you were away and her mood changed dramatically whenever you were mentioned or you would call. I remember one time she was really tired from studying and didn't want to eat or anything and then you called. Her mood immediately improved so that she finally ate the dinner we made for her and she went back to study for another hour. What is it with you two? It's like you exponentially increase each other's energy and mood."
Mary spoke up "It is amazing. When Sarah finished med school for the year and moved back in with you full time, your play improved dramatically."
"I was getting really tired toward the end of the season. I had never played that many games before. But when Sarah came home, I felt like a new man, full of energy. We need each other."
Sarah right then came up behind Chuck soaking wet from the pool and hugged him. "There's no question we need each other. What are you guys talking about?"
Chuck enjoyed the feeling of Sarah's wet body cooling him off as he had gotten warm from the sun and was wearing his swim trunks and a T-shirt. He reached around his wife and pulled her to his side and kissed her on the lips. She happily returned it.
"Hi mom, dad, Mary and Stephen. I'd give you a hug but I don't think you want to get wet."
Jack said "That's OK darlin'. We'll wait until later. Happy Anniversary."
"Thanks dad. We're glad you all could come."
"What did the schnook get you for your anniversary?"
Chuck laughed. "I'm glad to be her schnook."
Sarah looked at her father with mock anger. "Daaaaaddddd."
Jack said "I know darlin'. I'm glad you two found each other. Well?"
Sarah pointed to her ears and said "He gave me the most wonderful card and these earrings along with a matching pendant and bracelet. I didn't want to wear the other items while swimming."
"Very nice," said Emma. "What did you get your husband?"
Sarah gave Chuck her version of the Bartowski eyebrow dance and said "He's getting his present later."
Chuck gulped and Emma said "TMI, Sarah."
"Mother," Sarah said in mock indignation. "I wasn't talking about THAT. Although he'll get THAT later too.
Chuck turned red and Emma chuckled. "I never thought I'd be talking so openly about sex with my daughter."
Sarah teased back "You know that has to happen if you're going to get grandchildren from us."
"You're trying?"
"No, not right now. We're still young and we have a few things we want to do first, like finish medical school. Have no fear, we want to have children."
Stephen said, "I'm thirsty. Where are the drinks?"
"Over at the bar, dad. Help yourself. There's snacks and food in the barbeque area. I'll show you."
Sarah noticed Bryce and Lindsay arrive. She went over to say hello.
"Hi Bryce and Lindsay. So glad you could come."
Lindsay said "Thanks for inviting us and congratulations. Happy first anniversary."
"Thank you. What are you doing these days?"
"Bryce got a new job with the government stationed in LA. You remember his first job was in DC doing forensic accounting."
Sarah nodded. Bryce had told her of his new career after retirement.
Bryce said "Yeah, I was just put in charge of a white collar crime unit in LA about a month ago. Lindsay took a new job managing a Macy's in Beverly Hills. We'll have to get together more often now that we're both in California."
"That's be great, Bryce. I must admit I'm pleasantly surprised you two are still together, knowing your track record Bryce."
Bryce smiled and said "You know what they say, the love of a good woman is something special. I'm surprised she still puts up with me."
Lindsay said "I think all the bravado when it came to women was just an act. He's become a homebody. I'm the one that pushes to go out."
"She's tamed the Bryce Larkin beast," said Bryce. "The only thing left is to make an honest woman out of her."
"Wedding bells for you two?" asked Sarah.
Lindsay said "We've been talking about it."
"I've been talking about it but she hasn't quite said yes."
Sarah raised an eyebrow.
"He's asked me and I told him I want to, but I need a little more time."
"You'll know when it's the right time. Chuck and I knew right away. It's different with you."
"Where's your other half?"
"He's showing our parents where the food and drinks are. Follow me."
Sarah led them to the bar area. Stephen spotted Bryce and nodded.
Bryce nodded back and grabbed a beer. He excused himself and headed over to where Stephen was. They walked over to the food area and found a quiet spot where they were alone. Bryce handed Stephen a 16 GB flash drive that he immediately put in his pocket. "Is all the data in there Bryce?"
"It's all there Orion."
"You're going to make sure Chuck and Sarah are kept out of this."
"Your son and daughter-in-law are not spies. They will not be involved."
"How did you get involved in this, Bryce?"
"I was recruited at the University of Colorado. I was going to retire a year before the last Olympics and join the agency but Sarah and I won the World Championships. I couldn't quit when the United States had the opportunity to win its first pairs gold medal at the Olympics. I started my training with the agency during breaks in my skating. It's actually been helpful as a cover. I can help the agency with the forensic accounting I studied in school and don't have to worry about going deep undercover. I'm too well known."
"Is that why you're still with Lindsay?"
"Yes. I always thought I was going to have to go deep undercover and couldn't have anything resembling a normal life. After what has happened, I think I can."
"Does Lindsay know what you do?"
"As much as I can tell her. That's why she won't say yes to my proposal. She's not sure she can be married to someone who is sort of a spy."
"She's just being wise. It's better to get that ironed out before you get married."
"Agreed. I'm glad Sarah found Chuck. They really are perfect for each other."
"Did you ever try to recruit Sarah?"
"On the sly. She's certainly capable, but all she ever wanted to do was be a doctor. She's getting everything she's ever wanted and then some. I'm really happy for her. What about Chuck? Did you ever try to get him involved in the spy business?"
"No. We wanted to keep him out of it. He's the most brilliant programmer I have ever seen. He makes me look like a rank amateur and I was the best until he came along. He's helped sort out some glitches in my programs without knowing what they were for. He likes writing his games which keeps the company very profitable."
"What exactly does your computer program do?
"For a lack of a better term, it's a data miner and sorter. It takes data like you just gave me and mines it and sorts it for patterns and clues of illegal activity and helps trace everything back to the source. You know what they say, follow the money."
"It sounds very big brotherish."
"It is. But it was used in tracking down a terrorist sleeper cell in London and stopped an attack."
"Hopefully you can do something with the file I just gave you."
"I'll let you know. Let's get back to the party."
Carina Miller walked into the Bartowski's home and looked around. I didn't think figure skating and ice hockey paid this well. She was wearing a sundress that stopped at mid-thigh and had no back. In her purse was an itsy bitsy black string bikini. I hope there are some bachelors here. I don't want to go after any married men in the newlywed's house. Sarah wouldn't approve.
Carina spotted Sarah in her teal green string bikini that was tastefully sexy, but not too small. She was talking to a tall dark haired man that was quite muscular and wearing only his swim trunks who was getting Sarah to laugh quite easily. Who was this man and where was hubby? Carina looked over to her left and saw Chuck talking to a woman she didn't recognize. She was quite attractive and wearing a bikini that was about the size of the one in her purse. Is the honeymoon over? Carina decided to watch a little more from a distance. After another minute or so, Chuck excused himself from the woman after handing her a drink from the refrigerator and walked over to Sarah where he wrapped his arms around her from behind and she squealed in delight. They kissed briefly and Chuck gave the large man a high five and a handshake. The honeymoon was definitely not over. Sarah and Chuck continued to talk to the giant of a man and they shared a few more stories bringing more laughter. He's not bad looking and he must be pretty big. I need to meet this man.
Carina walked over to where Chuck and Sarah were and cleared her throat. The three of them turned at once and saw Carina.
"Carina," Sarah exclaimed, "We're so glad you could make it."
She gave Carina a hug as did Chuck. Carina whispered in Sarah's ear as they hugged "Who is this mountain of a man?"
Sarah whispered back. "I'll have Chuck introduce you." She turned and whispered something into her husband's ear.
Chuck spoke up. "Where are my manners? Carina, I'd like to introduce you to my teammate and all around good guy, Crash Thompson. Crash, this is Carina Miller, an Olympic skier and gold medalist in the giant slalom. They shook hands and Carina let her hand linger in his for a moment. "Crash saved my butt so many times during the Olympics I had to get him on the Ducks. We traded for him right before the deadline. We wouldn't have won the Stanley Cup without him nor the gold medal."
"You're way too kind Chuck. You deserved the player of the tournament in the Olympics and MVP of the Stanley Cup finals."
"Thanks Crash, that's why I want you on my team. You make me look good."
They shared a laugh and Carina asked "Crash, that must be a nickname?"
"My parents were carnival freaks and found me in a dumpster, but raised me as one of their own."
Carina looked surprised for a moment before catching the joke. "Ha ha. Very funny. There must be a story there somewhere."
Crash laughed and said "Yeah. My real name is Tommy Thompson. Tommy, not Tom, not Thomas. I was teased a lot at school and bigger than most. One day we were learning to ride bicycles on the school yard and I kept on missing a turn and crashing into a tree. I must have hit that same tree ten times. One of the kids started calling me Crash because of it. I liked it better than Tommy, so I didn't mind it when everyone started calling me Crash and it stuck. Even my parents call me Crash now."
"It's a great name for a hockey player too," Chuck added.
Carina said "The pool looks quite inviting. Where do I change?"
Sarah said "There is a changing room just beyond the diving board on your right."
Carina nodded and headed in that direction.
Crash asked "How do you know her Sarah?"
"We met in Vail Colorado about ten years ago when we were both on vacation. We skied together and had a lot of fun. I must warn you, she's always looking for men to devour. So far she hasn't been the type to settle down. I think she's attracted to you but don't expect any long-term commitment from her. If you want some fun, go for it. If you want something more, be very cautious."
"Thanks for the advice, Sarah. I'll be very careful."
Carina came back a few minutes later wearing her barely there black string bikini. It's a good thing the guests with small kids had gone inside to play games. Chuck and Sarah heard Crash gulp when he saw her. She walk right up to Crash and said "I think it's time to leave this old married couple and have some fun. Care to join me in the pool?"
Carina looked at Sarah and smirked before diving in. Crash soon followed. When they broke the surface, Carina swam up to him and said "Spill, Crash. What did Sarah say about me?"
Crash decided to be brutally honest and said "She warned me to be careful around you, that your looking for men to devour. She also said you're not the type to settle down but that were a lot of fun. She also said she thought you were attracted to me. Is that true?"
"Wow, Crash. I'm not used to someone being so honest with me. Yes, I am attracted to you. Do you want to know why?"
Crash nodded.
Carina said, pointing to Chuck and Sarah "See those two over there?"
Crash nodded.
"I've known Sarah for a long time and until she met Chuck, she was incomplete. Chuck completes her and she totally trusts him. Because Sarah totally trusts Chuck, I trust him. Because Chuck trusts you, I trust you and I usually don't trust anyone. I can count on one hand the people I trust and two of them are right over there. You make another. I can't promise you anything beyond a little fun tonight, but I'm willing to do that if you want and leave the door slightly ajar for something more if we both want it."
"That's quite eloquent Carina. Chuck's become a really good friend of mine and I appreciate your trust. Let's have some fun and then look at the slightly ajar door when the time comes."
They smiled and swam and spent some time getting to know each other.
Morgan and Alex came back to the pool in their swimsuits, Morgan in his black boardshorts and Alex in a red bikini. They came up to where Chuck and Sarah were standing by the edge of the pool. Chuck had removed his shirt and Sarah was applying some sun screen. Chuck had already done the same for his wife. Morgan looked over at Alex and winked. He said to Chuck "Hey buddy, pointing to something in the water. Look at that." Alex was also looking down. "That's interesting. Sarah, you should take a look at this too." Chuck and Sarah turned around and looked into the pool. Morgan put his hand on Chuck's back and Alex put her hand on Sarah's and they pushed them into the water. Knowing they would be in for it if they stayed dry, Morgan and Alex jumped in right afterward and ended up being engaged in an epic water fight with Chuck and Sarah. Soon Crash and Carina joined in along with Bryce and Lindsay. After the splashing died down, Sarah said "There are four couples here. How about a chicken fight?" Sarah immediately climbed on Chuck's shoulders and issued a challenge. "Who wants to take us on?"
Carina, not wanting to turn down a challenge said "C'mon Crash. I can't let a challenge go unmet." She climbed on his shoulders. They engaged in an epic fight as both ladies were in excellent shape as were the men. Both ladies refused to go down and the only reason Chuck and Sarah ended up winning is because Crash stepped on a toy that was left by one of the kids and lost his balance. "No fair," Carina exclaimed after she came up spluttering.
Alex climbed on Morgan's shoulders and Lindsay on Bryce. Carina climbed back on Crash and a free for all ensued. Alex and Lindsay teamed up to take on Sarah and Carina joined in. Seeing that she was outnumbered three to one, Sarah asked Chuck to try to get away. Lindsay leaned way out and tried to reach Sarah's arm, but missed. Alex was able to reach Sarah's arm and held on. Carina with the help of Crash came at Sarah from the side and she wrapped her arms around Sarah. Lindsay was then able to hold on and grabbed Sarah from the opposite side of Carina. They all pulled on Sarah from opposite directions. Since Crash was the biggest and strongest of the three, he ended up pulling Lindsay and Alex into Chuck and Sarah, causing all three to bump into Crash and Carina. Their momentum caused everyone to lose their balance and fall into the water. All eight of the contestants came up laughing and spluttering.
Chuck and Sarah climbed out of the pool and grabbed some towels to dry off. After getting some food and beers, steak for Chuck and chicken for Sarah, they sat down and enjoyed their meals. Chuck looked out over the pool and yard and was glad to see everyone having a good time. All in all, they had about seventy-five guests in total, but no more than fifty at one time as people arrived and left at different times. Sarah looked a little cold so he went and got a dry towel to put around her shoulders and her wrap. Chuck put on his T-shirt as the evening air was cooling off. Various guests including Zondra, Casey and Diane Beckman joined them at the table where they sat while they ate and wished them congratulations and good fortune for the year ahead.
Around midnight, after the final guests, caterers and cleaning crew had left their home, Sarah took Chuck's hand and led him to the pool. She pulled off his T-shirt and gently pushed him in the water. Dropping her towel and wrap on the pool deck, Sarah jumped in with Chuck and swam up to where he was shoulder height in the water. Sarah wrapped her arms and legs around her husband and kissed him hard.
"We're finally alone again," Sarah whispered in his ear.
"Mmmm hmmm"
"I think it's time for you to remind me why you like string bikinis so much."
Chuck looked wickedly at his wife and grabbed the string of Sarah's bikini that was around her neck and pulled. "You mean like this?"
Sarah just kissed him some more and nodded. The bottom string on her bikini top was quickly untied too and Sarah leaned back long enough for the top to float free. She pressed her bare chest against Chuck and continued to kiss him while untying his swim trunks and pushing them down. Chuck stepped out of them and immediately reached for the strings on either side of Sarah's bikini bottom. The fabric soon was floating away and their naked bodies were pressed together. Chuck put his hand under Sarah's perfect bottom and lifted her up while shifting his lower body slightly and lowering her back down. He was now completely inside his wife and she moaned with pleasure, keeping her body pressed against her husband's muscular one. They stayed that way for quite a while before coming together in a wonderful climax.
"I love you Mrs. Bartowski. Happy Anniversary!"
"I love you Mr. Bartowski and Happy Anniversary to you too!"
A/N 2 - Oooh, Bryce Larkin a spy? Stay tuned. And no, Chuck and Sarah are not spies and never will be in this story. But that doesn't mean they don't somehow get mixed up with some. ;)