A Fresh Start

Chapter 14

oOoOo

Ranger's POV

"I need coffee now," she'd said, quite decisively, so coffee it was going to be. To sweeten the experience, when in Key West, one must sample the best Key Lime Pie! So that's what we did. Sitting outside a little café, next to the bakery, we enjoyed the tastiest Key Lime Pie, whole-heartedly endorsed by my friend and travelling companion, Stephanie.

"Oh. My. God! This is divine," she moaned, as she licked the last of the meringue topping from her spoon. "So tangy yet sweet and … the lime, so nice. Thank you, Carlos. This has been an amazing day. Epic."

"It's not over yet, Babe," as I checked my watch. "We have one more special item on our agenda before we drive back to Miami. I chuckled as she stopped licking the remnants of the lime filling from her plate with her finger tip, stopping with her finger just poised before her luscious lips. Oh, what a lovely sight she is. I really wanted to snap a photo but that would be rather rude. I grinned and waited. Truth be told, I really wanted to lick her finger as well. As if she read my mind, possibly from my heated stare, she bit her bottom lip in that sexy way. Aye-yai-yai.

Her face suddenly lit up. "You're serious? We're going parasailing? This afternoon? Like now? Well, why didn't you say so, let's go!" She stood up and grabbed my hand, waving a quick thank you to the staff and placing a tip under her coffee cup. "Lead on, Captain Carlos."

Cheeky girl. I rather liked it. It's probably the first time my rank has been called in such a mischievous manner and I have to admit, I really liked it. But don't tell anyone else. I smiled and led her to another section of the marina until we came to the marina building for parasailing reception. Going inside, I confirmed our booking for a tandem flight for 2pm, while Stephanie marvelled at all the colourful promotional posters.

Stephanie was practically hopping in excitement, vibrating with energy in anticipation.

"Tandem? We're going up together? Oh, wow. That's going to be so awesome."

Her enthusiasm was infectious and I was getting excited along with her. Our boat, and crew was ready. We boarded and once again the skipper, Perry, explained the safety procedures. While Perry manoeuvred the boat out of the marina, Mat and Ray explained where we would be going and how high, like around 300 feet, and what we can expect to see. We had to wear a flotation vest which had the harnesses attached. Once we were out of the main marina, we sat at the back of the boat in special seats with back support.

"First time?" Mat asked as he attached the tow line to our unit. "Yes," Stephanie said breathlessly. I shook my head. He understood. I had already vetted these guys to make sure we were in capable hands. "I'm so excited!" Stephanie explained and he smiled, relaxing with that confirmation that they didn't have a nervous first-timer aboard.

Much to our delight, we were the only ones aboard as the party of four cancelled. Once we were about two miles out, after a final check of the harnesses and the tow line, Ray gave the signal to Perry that we were set to fly. He reminded us to smile for the cameras. That was easy. Stephanie's face was the epitome of joy with her gorgeous blue-eyed big smile.

The lift off was slow and steady, gliding up into the air like we were floating as the parasail wing drew out and up behind us. Stephanie's face was absolutely brilliant with sheer delight and awe as we soared higher above the turquoise waters of Key West heading south. It was remarkably quiet and peaceful.

My usual experience was jumping from a greater height and floating down, the wind gushing past my ears, with greater resistance, and the force of gravity in the mix. This was a totally different experience, but definitely not my first time. I was enjoying it even more vicariously through her happiness and joy.

I laughed as Stephanie squeezed my hand, then let go of the bracket and put her arms up in the air in exhilaration. I spotted the drone as it came in close. Glancing down at the boat speeding ahead of us, I could see Ray holding the controls for the drone, taking photos and video. I pointed it out to Steph and she waved excitedly, blowing kisses to the drone. She made me laugh. She makes me feel good, in quite a remarkable way like she was good therapy for me too.

We enjoyed the view, pointing out the dolphins and another sea turtle way below. We admired the reef detail. I felt her hand suddenly clasp onto mine. She had been so distracted that she didn't realise we had slowed down and were getting closer to the water. I stifled a grin. Part of the package I chose included a dip as part of the flight. Her face was priceless as her feet touched the water, like she was running on the surface.

"Carlos. We're sinking! Into the sea! Omigosh!" she shrieked as the water reached our knees. I'm sorry. I couldn't help it. I was laughing so hard and, yes, I was enjoying her little freak out. Suddenly she thumped me hard, shaking her hand as it hit hard muscles. "You knew?!" I nodded. "You planned it?!" I couldn't stop myself from sniggering. She muttered something, like asshole but was laughing as well. The skipper did a few more dips and drops but not right into the water this time. This time she was ready for it and laughed each time.

Suddenly we were going up again to the full height of the tow line, as the boat slowly turned back towards the marina. The winch gradually drew us in until we landed neatly and safely on the back platform of the boat. The parasail wing was drawn in quickly, and we stayed seated in our seats until we were back in their marina.

"I can't believe that was on purpose!" She was smiling and half-scolding at the crew and the skipper in particular. "All part of the package, milady. We aim to please," Perry chuckled as he winked at me. They were smiling at her. We disembarked and went inside. Mat went over to the computer and downloaded the photos from take off and the drone, onto two discs which he placed into a special promotional folder, with two enlarged photos from our initial take off. Stephanie was rapt. We received a bottle of water and made our appreciative thanks before leaving.

Stephanie grabs my arm in both her hands and smiles up at me, half leaning into my side. It felt really nice and casual.

"That was totally amazing. I'll never forget that. I was afraid we were going to drown but I see that was part of the deal. You are sneaky, Carlos. I loved it. Such an exhilarating experience. When we were going up, it was so unexpectedly peaceful, like we were floating around. Just sensational. Thank you so much. I have always wanted to fly. You just made that possible."

"My pleasure. I enjoyed it as well, immensely. You made it so much fun. Your shock and awe were fun to see, but your joy of flying was plain to see. I want to thank you, too. You made it special for me."

She blushed. "Well, you made my day. I can't stop smiling. I'm sure my jaw is going to ache tonight."

Back in the car, she was still smiling and her eyes were sparkling. I am so glad I made her feel so good about her experiences. This day went beyond even my expectations.

"You know. I probably would never have done that alone. I'm so glad you spotted that activity with those brochures, and gave me the option."

The ride back was pleasant. She hummed as she looked at the photos and laughed at the shocked expression on her face when the first dip happened, totally oblivious of the drone nearby capturing that precious moment. Then she was quiet, just enjoying the lovely scenery as we were island hopping back northwards across the Keys.

I was in my driving zone, when I reminded myself that I have a guest. Oh my. She's fallen asleep. I smiled indulgently at her. I have worn her out with all the stimulation of the day's experiences. I doubt there will be any regrets. I was smugly pleased that she enjoyed it so much, both the snorkelling and the parasailing.

As we passed through Key Largo I woke her up so she could see the sunset. She apologised profusely, while admiring the colours across the Gulf of Mexico.

"De nada, Babe. You were worn out with all that activity and stimulation. I wondered, did you want to have dinner together again or just retire for a quiet night? Have a think about it while you wake up. We're almost coming by the airport. Traffic is smooth for a change, which is rare here."

"That sounds lovely, Carlos. Although I am a bit tired, but I need to eat something before I go to bed. That's a good idea."

Dinner it was. What an amazing day. Breakfast together, the drive across the Keys, snorkelling, Key Lime Pie and coffee, with parasailing as the icing on the cake. It was a great day, for both of us. I will certainly remember this as a special day.

We ordered our meals. She chose a seafood linguini and I had seared salmon on a bed of mixed wild rice with asparagus. We chatted while we waited for the food to arrive, this time she had a gin and tonic and I had a beer. We looked at the photos and reminisced over the images, smiling and just enjoying the experiences. The ones on her camera were very good, especially the close ups. I had captured some beauties too, mainly of her, swimming and smiling. Dare I say, my blue-eyed mermaid.

Our meals were delicious. Obviously after all the excitement, we both had quite an appetite. I like how she was not so fickle with her food. She really enjoyed eating, humming in approval at the flavours. For dessert we both chose a sorbet, mine lemon and lime, and hers a mango passion. We ate in companionable silence with a few moans escaping from Stephanie.

We had just finished our tangy dessert, having just ordered coffee, when a text came in. Abuela. Stephanie looked at me curiously as I smiled. Then my phone rang with a certain distinctive Latino music tone, Cuban, of course.

"Carlos. Hola. I want you to come to dinner. I will make your favourite especially for you. Are you free tomorrow evening?"

"Hola. Si, Abuela."

"Good. Bring your novia, Stephanie. I will make something special for her too. I like her, Carlos. See you at 5pm." Then she hung up.

Stephanie chuckled, her hand covering her mouth but her eyes were twinkling. "Your novia?" she asked.

"Well. Yes. She would like you there, as she said. I hope you don't mind."

"It's okay. I'm free," she smiled, but then tried to stifle a yawn. "Oops. I'm sorry. I had a big day. A wonderful day. I think it's catching up with me."

After we finished our coffee, leaving a tip for our waitress, I escorted her to the elevators and said goodnight. She reached up and touched my cheek, in such a gentle way that I leaned my face into it.

"Thank you, Carlos. You are a very special man."

A light kiss on my lips surprised me, but she didn't take it any further, her hand gently on my cheek. I know she felt it too, as my lips tingled. As the doors slowly closed on the elevator she blew me a kiss and gave a finger wave with a lovely smile while one finger touched her lips, like me, enjoying the lingering sensation of a chaste kiss.

I couldn't stop smiling, my lips were still tingling. I had a wonderful day with a very special lady. I went to bed reflecting on our most pleasant and enjoyable day. Mostly, I was thinking about her. Her beautiful captivating blue eyes. Her warm smile. Her genuine responses. I smiled and grinned as I thought of her in that bikini with the banging body, swimming beside me. That intriguing tattoo really lingered as I tried to visualise the delicate details. I bet there was a story behind that. A cold shower might be necessary.

Stephanie's POV

I couldn't stop smiling. What an epic and exciting day. Carlos has been the most wonderful, kind host, taking me to places I probably would not have ventured alone, not initially anyway. Even though he was quite reserved, he was so much fun and I get the impression that he wouldn't have done these things alone either. Neither of today's exciting experiences was new to him. He's experienced, that much was evident, perhaps that was part of his training. He was organised and efficient and got things done. I really like the way he planned our day.

I flopped on the bed into my favourite thinking position after dumping my bag and flicking off my shoes, my arms wide open to the side and sighed contentedly.

Omigod! I kissed him!

I was initially going for a sweet peck on his cheek, but my Flirty Muse had other ideas. It really wasn't a flirty move per se, just a gentle kiss of appreciation. Yes?

That lingering sensation on my lips, was so nice. He didn't seem to mind at all. I'd say he also felt that tingling sensation. That's something new for me. It felt nice. It felt right.

My whole body in fact, was tingling whenever I was close to him. It feels like it's getting stronger with each day. How many days has it been? Barely three or four days. How can I have such strong feelings for him already? Is it the air of mystery he evokes? We were able to strike up a nice easy banter, fun and teasing. I chuckled at my cougar obs. Perhaps I had distracted him.

Having our breakfast together was a really nice aspect of my day. I found myself looking forward to being with him, more than just enjoying his company. It was comfortable. He listened with interest when I prattled on about the job interview. Oh dear. Too much information. Instead of looking bored with my rant, he was prepared to protect me from the creeps and sleazebags. I chuckled. So noble and chivalrous. But the intensity with which he listened about the undercover job was very evident. He knew exactly what I was talking about, like it was a familiar experience for him, I could tell.

Aside from the wonderful ride across the Keys - in another Porsche! Who has two cars of that calibre? He wasn't doing it to impress me. I was amusing him by my reaction, especially when we arrived at the marina. Miami Babe. Great name for a boat. He didn't say it was his, nor did he say it was not. Hm. I wonder.

Profiling him was fun on the drive over. It was a change from twenty questions. According to his reactions, those tiny tells that he was trying not to convey, I knew I had hit my mark. Methinks I surprised him. Yes. I surprised him a lot.

Especially in my bikini. The lustful look in his eyes was quickly checked as he chastised himself, but I knew he liked the package. Oh, my fucking God! He was the full package! Did I objectify him? Yikes! I tried not to, I really did. But, I really wanted to run my hands up and down that ripped body, those abs, and that muscular chest. Rubbing in the sunscreen on his muscular back was making me excited. Okay. I admit it. It made me horny. It's been a while since I have been with a man. This man was built! Very fine. Was I trying to visualise him naked? Hell yeah! Yes, it has been a while. Damned traitorous hormones.

In the past my focus had been on other things, like survival, recovery and escaping. Relocating in my escape from the toxic Burg, not retreating per se, was a welcome transition. Then this gorgeous man comes onto my radar, so randomly out of the blue. Yeah. Things are looking up. This fresh start was a great idea. Daddy knows me well. Amy was very encouraging too.

Omigod. I cannot stop thinking about the man. When he rubbed the sunscreen on my back and shoulders, and then my hips, I perceived how he lingered near my tattoo. Oh yes. He noticed it and he liked it. Somehow, I don't think he knows what the tattoo is. By then I was ready to self-combust on the spot with his strong hands on my body. I could handle more of that. I sighed. Oh, I wish. However, before things got too heated, I decided I had to get into the water pronto! I was also aware of our captive audience, smiling indulgently at us when we were in our moment. But, da-yam. Even that simple movement in removing his tank top, in that smooth masculine way, was very captivating. Whew! I hope I didn't drool. But I think that was payback for when I took my shirt and sarong off. That memory made me smile. His eyes gave the game away. That man looks so fine in just his board shorts, low slung over those manly hips. Oh yes. I was mentally fanning myself. He was also turned on by just the sunscreen application. I could hear it as his breath hitched, but I could tell he really wanted to do my front as well. I detected a tiny moan of disappointment as he watched me do mine. To taunt me, he then did his chest, lingering on those abs, those pecs and his biceps! Omigod. Nice biceps. So strong. He was making a show of it, even down to his long legs, nice legs. There was a lot to like. His eyes softened in a way that told me he liked what he saw as he checked himself again from that dark lusty look that he didn't disguise fast enough. I smiled and his gorgeous smile nearly turned me into a puddle of goo. Damn hormones!

I couldn't stop smiling as I yawned. Happy thoughts of a wonderful day with wonderful company. I guess I struck it lucky.

Now, tomorrow will be interesting.

oOoOo