Chapter 6. Summer Love

Content warning: Contains sexual content which may not be suitable for readers underthe age of 18.

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Their trip to the beach took place on the final Sunday in June, a pleasantly warm day but not a scorcher. That suited Ariel fine, considering her fair skin that burned easily. Before Bucky arrived Merton went into his storeroom and came out with a beach umbrella, and three beach chairs.

"I knew they were in there somewhere," he said. "Sometimes the rental places run out of umbrellas and chairs. You would burn if you didn't have the shade."

"You should come. I'm sure the others wouldn't mind."

"No, you don't want this old man with you," he replied. "You enjoy yourselves. You still haven't told me about the concert. How was it?"

Ariel brightened. "It was the Benny Goodman Orchestra and they were amazing. I saw video footage of the band before but to see it in person was something else. Bucky danced so much. He can really dance up a storm."

Merton looked closely at her. "Did something happen? Do you want to talk about it?"

"No, I wrote it down. I'm still processing it." She turned away then turned back. "You can read the diary if you want. I could use some advice just not until later."

He smiled kindly at her and picked up a couple of the chairs while she took the beach umbrella. They took them out to the van putting them in the back. He went back inside to get the third chair while Ariel went up to see to the picnic basket. She prepared some cheese sandwiches, and packed some cookies she baked earlier before it got too hot. Cutting up some apples, oranges and strawberries she made a fruit salad then some lemonade, pouring it into a vacuum flask. After putting some dishes, cutlery and serviettes in the basket she covered it all up with a cloth, then closed the wooden lid. Merton said there would be other food vendors on the boardwalk if they were still hungry. He suggested she wear her bathing suit there but wear a loose dress over top of it when walking to the beach from where they parked the van. The police were always out making sure people, male and female, were covered up. Some perfectly respectable people had received indecent exposure tickets for not wearing a coverup.

Just after 9 am, as Ariel was putting the basket into the truck, Bucky and Steve arrived with a young girl.

Bucky smiled sheepishly. "This is my sister Rebecca. She asked if she could come to the beach with us. Rebecca, this is Ariel."

Ariel smiled at the dark haired girl with eyes as blue as Bucky's and she smiled shyly back. "How do you do, Rebecca. Uncle Merton, do we have another beach chair for her?"

"I'll go look," he said, going back into the store.

"I'll help," offered Steve, leaving the three out on the sidewalk.

"It's been so long since we were at the beach," said Rebecca. "When Bucky said you were all going I asked without thinking. I won't be in the way, honest."

"Of course you won't," replied Ariel. "I don't mind at all. How old are you Rebecca?"

She looked at Bucky and he smiled then nodded at her. "Almost 11. How old are you?"

"23," answered Ariel. "We'll have a good time, you'll see. I've made up a picnic basket with some sandwiches, cookies, and lemonade, although I suppose we can get sodas as well. Does that sound alright?"

The girl nodded her head and got inside the van, sitting on an overturned crate behind the front seats. Merton came out with another beach chair and they put that inside. Steve sat next to Rebecca on another overturned crate. They all had a bag with them but wore their swim suits under their clothes. Merton handed Bucky the van key, said goodbye and returned to the store, locking it up again. Bucky stood out on the sidewalk with Ariel, looking apologetic.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I couldn't say no."

"It's fine," said Ariel, smiling up at him. "She seems sweet. It will be okay."

He kissed her softly on the forehead, then opened the passenger door for her. When he got in he looked behind at Rebecca and Steve.

"Rockaway Beach, here we come," he said with a smile and started up the van.

Half an hour later they were able to get a parking spot close to the beach and Ariel picked up the picnic basket and her bag. Rebecca said she could carry the umbrella which left Bucky and Steve to carry the chairs. Although there were quite a few people there it wasn't too crowded and they found a good spot, with a nice view of the water. Steve and Bucky went back for the other bags. After setting up the umbrella and the chairs Steve and Rebecca took their street clothes off and went to the water. Bucky kissed Ariel under the umbrella and apologized again. She stroked his shoulder.

"Bucky, it's alright. She seems very nice and I'm happy to meet her."

"Well, my parents have asked if you and your uncle would like to come to the house for July 4," he said. "It's Steve's birthday and we always have him over. Ma bakes a cake for him and always gives him a present of socks and handkerchiefs. It would please me if you came. When it gets dark they set off fireworks in the park nearby. We can go watch."

Ariel agreed to come and to ask Merton if he would come as well. While Bucky was there she took her dress off and he smiled at her bathing suit, a pale yellow one piece. He took his outer layer of clothes off revealing a high waisted navy swim trunk, with a white belt around the waist. It was very close fitting and showed off Bucky's physique very well. As she put a bathing cap on he waited then offered her his hand and they walked down to the water where Rebecca and Steve were wading into the surf. Bucky dove into the surf and swam out some distance before returning. When he returned to the shallows and stood up to walk the rest of the way in it almost took Ariel's breath away to see him wading towards her, so handsome did he appear. He held his hand out to her.

"I've never swam in the ocean before, Bucky," she said, trying to show a degree of hesitation.

"You can come in deeper," he stated. "I'm a good swimmer. I'll keep you safe."

Taking his hand they waded out together until they were almost chest deep. He put his arm around her waist and held her close as the waves rolled past them. Leaning his face close to hers he whispered in her ear.

"You're the prettiest girl on the beach and I can't believe you're mine."

Placing her arms around his shoulders she leaned into his ear. "You're the handsomest man and I can't believe you're mine, either."

They kissed and stayed out there for a while until Ariel said she was getting a little cold. Bucky lifted her into his arms and carried her out as she laughed and asked him to put her down. He didn't put her down until they got to the chair where he lowered her into it. Pulling her towel out Ariel dried herself and took her bathing cap off, shaking her curls loose. Rebecca was sitting on her chair, her teeth chattering a little. Ariel moved over, inviting Rebecca to warm up with her. They covered themselves with the towels and giggled as they both tried to warm up. After about twenty minutes Rebecca whispered in Ariel's ear and she nodded. They both stood up and Ariel took Rebecca by the hand.

"We're visiting the ladies room," she said and they went off in search of it.

Bucky and Steve sat on the chairs looking out at the surf while Bucky lit up a cigarette, blowing the smoke away from Steve. "She's coming to my parent's place on July 4 for your birthday," he remarked. "My parents want to meet her. Do you think it's too soon?"

"No, I think it's just right," said Steve. "By then you'll have known her for more than a week. Do you think she's the one for you?"

"I know it," stated Bucky with certainty. "I've liked girls before but not like this. I think about her all the time. Do you know any girls that would say to go ahead and dance with other girls? That floored me and then I almost had to wreck it by saying I love you too soon."

"She said it back though," noted Steve. "Right? I like her. She's smart and I think she'll be good for you."

Suddenly Rebecca appeared, out of breath. "Bucky come quick. Some guy won't leave Ariel alone. He's got his hands on her and asking for a kiss. She looks scared."

Bucky jammed his cigarette into the sand, jumped up and told Steve to look after Rebecca. He ran towards the ladies room and saw Ariel backed up against a fence, with her hands defensively in front of herself. The man was already drunk and Bucky felt the anger rise within him. As he got closer he clenched his hands, wanting to lash out at the man but not wanting to frighten Ariel.

"Come on, honey," said the man, stocky in build with dark hair. "One little kiss for ole Harold. Pretty thing like you needs a man to look after you."

"She has one," said Bucky sternly, coming right up to the pair. "Let her go."

"Get your own girl," replied Harold. "I saw her first."

"Get your hands off of her," demanded Bucky. "I'm not going to ask nicely again."

Bucky reached for the man's shirt and pulled him away from Ariel. Right away she went behind Bucky to watch from safety. He pushed the drunk away and looked at him warily. The man took a swing at Bucky and was downed with one punch. Another man came, looked pointedly at Bucky, then knelt down beside the moaning Harold before looking back at the couple.

"Take your girl," he said. "I'll take care of him. He's had too much. Don't worry about the cops. He's been bothering women for the last half hour."

Bucky put his arm around Ariel and led her away. "I'm sorry you had to see that, I could really hurt a man when I get that angry."

"It's alright," she replied. "I was waiting for Rebecca and he just wouldn't leave me alone. Why are some men like that?"

"Poor upbringing." He looked down at her. "I'll always protect you."

They walked back to the others and Bucky told them what happened. Steve shook his head in disgust, first that a man would be that drunk before noon, and second that he would put his hands on a strange woman, begging for a kiss.

"Thank you for getting Bucky," Ariel said to Rebecca. "If I hadn't been brought up a lady I might have placed my knee in a sensitive spot."

Rebecca laughed while Bucky and Steve smiled. Feeling hungry Ariel opened the picnic basket and took out a sandwich, offering them to the others. Steve ran to buy sodas for all of them and they ate an early lunch, finishing all of the sandwiches and most of the cookies. For the next couple of hours they relaxed in the warmth, ate all of the fruit salad, the rest of the cookies, and occasionally went out into the water. It was relaxing, as they played games with Rebecca, like I Spy and Twenty Questions. As the afternoon began to wind down Bucky said they should go before the roads became too busy. The girls changed into their dry clothes in the ladies room while he and Steve packed everything together and brought it to the boardwalk, stopping just before where they had to wear more clothes. When the girls came out they changed into their outer wear then together they took everything back to the van and packed it. The drive back was quiet but Bucky looked over at Ariel more than once and smiled at her. After stopping to put some gas in the van he turned to Ariel.

"Would you mind if I dropped Rebecca and Steve off at my parent's house first?" he asked. "You could meet them briefly and then I'd take you home and help unload the van."

"Sure, I wouldn't mind," said Ariel.

His parents were sitting out on the shaded front stoop, fanning themselves when he pulled up in front. His father, George, was a big muscular man with greying hair. He wore glasses and Ariel noticed his one eye was glass. Winnifred Barnes was taller than Ariel, a little thick in the middle, but still had dark brown hair. As Steve helped Rebecca out Bucky opened Ariel's door and offered her his hand, bringing her to the steps.

"We're just dropping these two off, then I'll take Ariel home and help her put everything away," said Bucky. "This is Ariel Black. Ariel, these are my parents, Winnifred and George Barnes."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," said Ariel, extending her hand to each of them. "Rebecca is a lovely girl and I think we've become friends, haven't we?"

"Oh yes," replied Rebecca. "Ariel is ever so good at Twenty Questions and I Spy. She comes up with the most amazing answers."

"You are a tiny thing," said Mrs. Barnes. "When Bucky said he was dating a girl from Montana I was expecting someone more robust and athletic. You have a college degree?"

"Yes ma'am, in library sciences and I minored in history," replied Ariel. "I work part time at the Brooklyn Public Library but I'm hopeful they'll increase my hours. I help my Uncle Merton in the antique store on the days I'm not working at the library."

"Your uncle is a bachelor?" asked Mrs. Barnes.

"Yes, ma'am, he says he's too old and set in his ways to inflict himself on a wife now," she answered. "He's always been kind to me and after my father died his offer of a place to live was greatly appreciated, especially after the library job I had lined up in Missoula literally burned up. Since I've been here I have found his support to be just what I need."

"I told Ariel about July 4," interjected Bucky. "She still has to ask her uncle but she's sure they can both come."

"Is there anything I can bring or contribute Mrs. Barnes?" asked Ariel. "I'd be happy to make a potato salad or some apple pie or both."

"I already have the potatoes for the salad but if you want to make a pie that would be wonderful," replied the older woman as she smiled warmly at Ariel.

Bucky beamed at what he perceived was a good interaction between his mother and Ariel. His father smiled at Ariel but didn't speak which wasn't all that unusual. Saying her goodbye Ariel got back into the van and Bucky started it up, turning it around towards the antique store. As he left George looked over at his wife.

"I think our boy is in love," he stated. "That's the most attentive I've ever seen him with any girl."

"You may be right," said Winnifred Barnes. "She's a pretty young woman but there's more to her than meets the eye. Rebecca, how did they behave?"

The young girl looked at Steve, knowing that her parents allowed her to go as much to observe the couple as to allow her the treat of going to the beach.

"She was nice to me," she said. "They behaved like any other young couple. They kissed a few times but it was always respectful and when I was cold she cuddled with me to warm me up. I like her and I'd like it if Bucky married her."

"Go on in and have a bath to get the salt off your skin," said George to his young daughter then he turned to Steve. "What's your take on this young lady?"

"She's kind, generous, and never once made me feel like I'm a bother," he said. "She's probably the nicest girl that Bucky's ever liked. She's an orphan, like me, although she has her uncle. I think they're meant for each other."

His face went pink when he said that then he said his goodbyes and walked away, returning to his little flat. The older couple didn't say anything but both thought the same thing. The night Bucky said he was at Steve's he was likely with Ariel. As long as they were careful there wasn't much they could say to the couple as they were both of age. It wasn't like they had a much different start to their own relationship. The passion had always been there from the moment they laid eyes on each other.

In the van Bucky seemed visibly relieved at getting the first introduction over between his parents and Ariel. She was glad she wore a hair clip that was a video and recording device as interactions between a date and parents were revealing of the dating customs of the time. Like Bucky she thought it went well but once she looked at the footage and checked the bio-sensory readings she could get a better idea of what the older couple truly thought about her.

When they arrived at the store there was a note stuck on the upstairs door that Merton had gone to the city and wouldn't be back until late. The couple stood at the top of the landing in the stairwell and read it together.

"Do you have keys?" asked Bucky.

"No, but he wouldn't have locked us out," she said, trying to reach to the top of the door sill.

Bucky smiled and reached up himself, feeling along the ledge until he found a key and entered it into the lock, unlocking the door.

"Is there a key for the store up here?" he asked. "I can take everything inside to the store room."

She went over to the kitchen cupboard and opened one, seeing the key for the metal gate and the store itself on a hook inside. Handing it to him she began to unpack the picnic basket so she could wash everything before it started to smell. Just as she finished up Bucky returned and put the key on the hook then he took her by the arm and wrapped his arms around her. With nothing spoken between them he began to kiss her sensuously and the only sound in the kitchen was the ticking of the clock and their breathing as the intensity of their kissing increased. A little meow sound interrupted them and they looked to see Rosie stretching out on the floor before she rubbed herself between their legs.

"I better feed her," said Ariel.

As she did Bucky kissed her neck and wrapped his arms around her from behind. As soon as she put the food down for the kitten he tugged on Ariel's hand and led her to the bedroom. Without waiting or asking he unbuttoned and lifted her sundress off then took his shirt off and grasped her firmly as he caressed her back while kissing her. Quickly he removed her bra and began mouthing and sucking on her breasts, making her whisper and moan softly. Taking a condom out of his trousers he placed it on the night table then sat Ariel on the edge of the bed as he undid his trousers and lowered them while he stood in front of her. His cock strained inside of his boxers and he fondled himself over the fabric.

"Take me," he whispered. "Please."

Gently uncovering his swollen cock Ariel grasped it in her soft hands and began running her tongue over it as she looked up at him. His pupils were large and full of desire as he looked down on her red hair and big blue eyes looking up at him.

"Baby, put your mouth on me," he murmured then groaned loudly as she took him in and began bobbing her head against him. "Fuck, your mouth feels so good."

He caressed her hair while she went down for several minutes more then remembering his promise not to come in her mouth he pulled away and leaned over, kissing her intensely.

"Lay back," he said softly, and pulled her panties off then pulled her hips closer to the edge while he kneeled on the floor and raised her legs over his shoulders.

Gently at first then with more pressure and force he went down on her, licking and sucking then pressing his fingers inside of her. When she came closer to coming she squeezed his head between her thighs making him almost feral as he increased the intensity of his efforts on her.

"Bucky, please," she begged. "I have to come. I'm so close."

Feeling for her swollen bud he sucked it hard and she cried out, raising her hips violently as the rush inside her core overwhelmed her. While she writhed in bliss Bucky slowed down and massaged her pubic mound watching the ecstasy on her face as she processed the massive orgasm. Getting up from the floor he leaned over and ran his hands through her hair, looking intently in her eyes and kissing her face.

"Can you move?" he asked gently and she shook her head.

Lifting her up he laid her on the bed and placed himself beside her, his one leg draped over hers and his free hand caressing her from her shoulder to her hips as he bent his head close to hers.

"I've wanted to do that all day," he whispered. "You don't know how hard it was to keep my hands off of you when I saw you in that bathing suit."

"I wanted you too," she said back. "When you swam out into the ocean then stepped forth on the way back you looked like a god. You carried me out like I weighed nothing."

"You did pretty good for your first time in the ocean. We'll have to go again." He was quiet for a few moments. "You know the World's Fair is on in Queens. We could go, although it will be packed next weekend with it being the holiday. I might be able to get a day off from the docks and we could go during the week when you're off."

"You don't want to miss a day's pay for me," she said. "How long is it on for?"

"Until October," he replied. "You're probably right. In this heat and all the concrete there it might be uncomfortable."

Reaching for his face Ariel caressed it and kissed him on the forehead then the lips. He responded by kissing her more ardently. With the caresses they soon found themselves ready to put the condom on. Slowly Bucky entered her, letting her get used to his size. They found their rhythm soon and thrust against each other while kissing deeply. Quickly they became lost in each other and were oblivious to the sound of the apartment door opening. Then they heard Merton swear as he stood in the doorway of Ariel's bedroom.

"Get the hell out of my house," he yelled at Bucky. "How dare you?"

Bucky quickly pulled out while trying to cover Ariel up with the blanket. He fell on the floor and grabbed his boxers, pulling them on.

"I can explain," he began as Merton advanced on him in a fury. "It's not her fault."

"You're damn right it's not her fault," said the older man, his hand raised in anger. "Now get out and don't show your face again."

Bucky pulled his clothes on while Ariel cried on the bed.

"I'm sorry," he said to her as he left her room while Merton glared after him.

When she heard Bucky leave the apartment she stared at Merton from the bed. "What the hell?" she said angrily, as she felt he had overplayed his part.

He turned to her and put his finger up to his lips. Then he went to her window and looked out before pulling the window down, locking it, and handing Ariel her robe, giving her privacy to put it on. His hand was shaking when he did give her the robe but she attributed it to the adrenaline of the moment. When she was covered up he gestured to her to follow him as he got the key for the third floor. Looking out the front window he watched for several minutes then turned to her.

"I know that isn't what we planned but there's something going on with the timeline and they were going to pull you out," he said. "Come with me. Peri wants to talk to us both."

As they went up to the third floor Bucky watched the apartment window from where he stood in the bushes. He had been caught before by an angry father but it was nothing like the fury he heard in Burnett's voice. For some time he waited to hear any sounds of Ariel being hurt because if she was he was going in there and Merton Burnett would not stop him.