Lulu's Loves Page 5

  “Will you come back to me, Lulu? Soon?” he asked.

  “I don’t know how soon, but if you want me to, I’ll come back.”

  He squeezed my hand again and we started walking. “It’ll be soon,” he said.

  We spent a lovely day together on the beach.

  “I have to go to the bar for a bit,” he said after a couple hours in the sun. “Do you think it’d be alright if I stopped by afterward?”

  “I’ll be right here.”

  His smile was as bright as the sun we’d spent the day enjoying.

  “I’ll bring a bite to eat, if that’s okay.”

  “I’ll see you then,” I replied.

  After Thom left, I went to the screened patio and lay in a hammock which stretched from one side to the other, giving me a perfect view of the ocean. My head was spinning. Twenty minutes later, my phone rang.

  “Hey, Dad,” I said when I saw it was him.

  “Are you enjoying yourself? Are you relaxing?” he asked, before I answered the first question.

  “I am, and yes; I’m lying here in a hammock, looking at the waves rolling onto the beach below.”

  “I’m glad, Lulu. You needed some down time. I love you.”

  “Love you too, Dad.”

  I’d set the timer on my phone for seven and was waiting when Thom arrived. He had a bottle of wine and a pizza box.

  “Thanks for letting me come over,” he said, kissing my cheek as he breezed by me to the kitchen. “Spinach and feta cheese pizza from the pub. Oh, and your sissy white.”

  He found plates and motioned for me to join him on the sofa.

  “I hope you rested this afternoon. I have an idea for tomorrow, unless you have other plans,” he added.

  I turned to listen.

  “We should go to Charleston. I’d be happy to show you around.”

  “I’m sure you have better things to do than show a tourist around.” Suddenly, I hoped that he didn’t.

  “We’ll go early and I’ll be back in time to do my bar owner thing. There’s a place called the Fat Hen, best brunch in Charleston. I’ll pick you up.”

  “I’d like that.”

  The time we shared was pleasant and casual.

  I set the alarm on my phone for 7:30 Sunday morning. Thom arrived at 8:30.

  “Good morning!” I said happily, as I opened the door. He just stood there, looking me up and down. I felt naked. I snapped my fingers. “Hello?”

  “Making sure you had on comfy shoes. You look beautiful. Comfy shoes,” he said looking down, distractedly. He grabbed my hand. “Come on, we need to get going.”

  We walked outside to an old red Mustang. It looked like new. He’d driven a small truck the evening before.

  “It’s a 1965 Shelby. It was my dad’s. He left it to me and I had it restored. I save it for special occasions. Sweet, huh?”

  “Sweet,” I laughed.

  He held the door open for me and then darted around the front of the car. “Windows down,” he said and put the car in gear. I grabbed a hairband from my purse to pull my hair back. He drove fast, making his way through the gears like a pro. It was about a forty-minute drive. When we arrived, he parked at a lot near the waterfront. We began walking.

  “Historic churches first, if you’ll indulge me.” I nodded, and he reached for my hand. I told myself it was to hurry me along.

  “I love the architecture. Look at the spires and steeples – so majestic,” he noted. “Every one of these has deep history. You should come back, and I’ll take off to give you a real tour.”

  We walked up closer to one church; he seemed excited. “This one has amazing stained glass windows and wooden pews.”

  We walked a little further. I didn’t want to, but I liked the way my hand felt in his.

  “This is the Meeting House. Isn’t it amazing? There’s so much history in just this one building. Would it bore you if I shared?”

  “Not at all,” I answered. His smile grew wide.

  “I won’t go into all of the details, just quick tour guide charm.” He winked and continued.

  “Some refer to it as the Circular Church.” He told the history of a congregation who didn’t conform to one religious belief, but three. “Trinitarian-Presbyterian, English Congregationalists, and the French Huguenots.”

  “We have Huguenot settlements in northeast Florida.”

  “You do,” he agreed. He seemed pleased in my knowledge and interest.

  “This church had many falls over the years. The original church suffered a blow by a British cannon in the Colonial War. It was rebuilt only to suffer once more, that time it was a fire, and then the Civil War. This building was rebuilt somewhere around 1890. The cool fact, that I will end with is that they used many of the original bricks, which they were able to salvage from the earlier church. I won’t bore you with more.”

  I guess I was staring, because suddenly, as though to reply to something I hadn’t asked, he answered. “This is what I do on my days off. There aren’t many of those, but I use them to know my town.”

  “How long have you lived here?” I asked.

  “Well,” he thought, “I moved here two years before the pub opened and it’s been open eight years, now. I came to explore and fell in love with the area. It took me a bit to find the right place. When my attorney told me it had gone on the market, I knew the Do Drop was my pub.”

  He watched me. “Calculating the numbers to guess my age?” His question was so serious that I laughed.

  “Busted. Don’t tell me, let me guess,” I giggled. “Thirty-nine.”

  “Would that scare you away?” He was watching me so intently that it made me nervous.

  “No,” I said, honestly. Thom Miller was fascinating to me: handsome, knowledgeable, and funny, worldly it seemed. I waited for him to respond.

  “I’ll be forty-two on my next birthday.” His eyes rested on mine as though he was waiting to see if I’d run away or something.

  Eighteen-year age difference…but it doesn’t matter. I feel a strong attraction to him.

  “Happy birthday!” I laughed.

  He grabbed me and pulled me into his arms. “I don’t want it to scare you off, Lulu. Get to know me first.”

  “I’d like that, Thom.”

  He stood taller than me, looking down as I looked up. “I want to kiss you.” His eyes sparkled with mischief.

  “Well? What are you waiting for?”

  The first kiss was a quick, soft, brush of his lips on mine, but there was more. He pulled me closer, and the next kiss we shared had my knees knocking. Finally, he grabbed my hand and we walked quickly down the street. I was winded when we returned to the car, but I played it off as the hurrying.

  “I’d like to bring you back and really explore,” he said.

  Explore?

  Once again, this man hand my mind racing. “I’m going home tomorrow.”

  “This trip. You’ll be back,” he said with that ‘chk’ and wink.

  My stomach was doing flip-flops now, the butterflies had fluttered to my heart.

  At the Fat Hen we shared fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits “with two spoons,” and Crème Brulee French toast “with two plates,” at Thom’s request.

  “It’s my turn tonight, I have to be at the pub by three to open. Happy hour runs from four ‘til seven. Happy Hour Deux is from nine ‘til eleven. Sundays aren’t too crazy. Come to the pub at seven for dinner.”

  “That sounds like a nice plan. This is scrumptious,” I said changing the subject, but it seemed my choice of words only egged him on.

  “Scrumptious sounds wonderful.” His words were followed once again by the ‘chk’ and the wink.

  “Flirt.” I looked away.

  Thom reached across the table, taking my chin in his hand. “Don’t hide that smile from me, Lulu. I like it too much for you to keep it from me.”

  “I’m not used to the attention,” I admitted.

  “We’ll talk about that later,�
�� he said, as his fingers lightly caressed my cheek.

  The ride back was quiet. He pulled up to the villa where I was staying and put the car in park. I reached for the door handle and turned to say thank you.

  “Lulu, I mean it when I say that I can’t wait to see you later.” He leaned closer and drew me near. His kiss was sweet, but there was a nibble on my bottom lip that left me wondering about later.

  “Thank you.” Holding my breath, I stepped out of the car and didn’t look back.

  I went inside to grab the book I’d brought with me and returned to the hammock. Just as I got comfortable my phone rang.

  “Well, hey there!” I said when I saw it was my dad.

  “How’s it going?”

  “I went to Charleston this morning and did some snooping around. It’s beautiful there. I love the colors of the paint on the houses. Thank you for suggesting I get away. How are you doing?”

  “Good. Busy,” he said. “I just wanted to see if you were enjoying yourself. I love you, Lulu.”

  “Love you too, Dad.”

  The next thing I knew, the alarm on my phone went off. It was 5:30. I’d had a nice relaxing snooze. I called the Pub Crawl Trolley, made a reservation for a ride and went to get a shower and change. I put on a long black sundress and pulled my hair back in a loose bun. By the time I was finished, it was time for my ride. Fifteen minutes later, I was walking in the front door at the Do Drop.

  “Wow,” he said when I sat at the bar. He set a glass of wine in front of me. “Since you like sissy whites, I chose Gewurztraminer. A little sweet, but it’ll go perfect with what I asked Ike to make for dinner.”

  “Thanks for sharing a bit of your Charleston with me this morning. I enjoyed your version. If I’d taken one of the other tours it would have been the canned speech, like when I go to St. Augustine. It’s always pleasant, but they tell you what the company trains them to tell, maybe with a little of their personal spin. Today, I got your personal view.”

  “I meant it earlier. I’d love for you to come back and I’ll show you some more.”

  “I’m not sure,” I began, but Thom looked up so quickly that I stopped. His eyes full of question, he watched me.

  “My goodness, what is this?” I asked.

  “You said you weren’t sure. I haven’t offended you in some way, have I?” he asked.

  “You didn’t let me finish,” I smiled. “I’m not sure when I can afford to come again.”

  “That won’t be a factor, Lulu. You can stay at my place.” My wide eyes made him continue. “I have a small efficiency apartment downstairs with beach access. My mom comes sometimes, so this place was perfect. You are welcome anytime.”

  He has the most beautiful face. The sun has kissed his skin regularly, tan but not too tan, just the color of someone who enjoys the outdoors. The scruff on his face, that isn’t quite a beard, makes him look rugged. His eyes are the color blue that makes one think they’re looking in a serene pool of water, the kind you just want to jump into because it looks inviting. Right now, they seemed to dart back and forth in anticipation, waiting and wondering what I would say. As I looked in them, I too wondered.

  “I’d like that.”

  “Let me see if our dinner is ready,” he said. “I hope you’ll like it.”

  “I trust you.” I knew that he knew it wasn’t just dinner I was referring to.

  “Good,” he said and reached across the bar to squeeze my hand.

  He went to the kitchen and returned carrying two hot dishes. The aroma that followed him was heavenly. I couldn’t wait to taste whatever it was. He poured more wine in my glass and joined me at the bar.

  “I can’t stand it! It smells delicious,” I said, inhaling deeply.

  “Delicious,” he repeated, but the look in his eyes told me he wasn’t talking about what was in the bowls. I grabbed mine and scooped up a bite.

  “Macaroni and cheese?” I asked, as I blew the bite to cool it down.

  “Oh, it’s so much more,” he smiled and took a big spoonful from his bowl.

  “Mmmm. It’s different cheese, but… what is that? Shrimp?”

  “Yes. Do you taste the kick?” I nodded. “It’s South Carolina Hot Sauce. It’s so powerful that we only add just a drop. You couldn’t handle as hot as it gets.”

  “Are you sure?” I teased.

  He cocked his head to look at me. “Don’t play, Lulu.”

  Ike kept an eye on the bar as we ate. We talked, actually Thom talked. I liked it. I was comfortable just listening. I learned that his parents were divorced and he was an only child. His mother lived in Atlanta and his dad had passed away a few years ago.

  As we finished eating, Danno came in.

  “You’re early,” Thom said.

  “Thought you might want to get out of here,” he said with a grin.

  Thom grabbed another bottle of wine and reached for my hand.

  “Let’s go.”

  When we got to the villa, Thom poured more wine and joined me on the sofa.

  “Thanks for a great day.”

  “I don’t think it’s over yet, Lulu.”

  Moving closer, he pulled me into his arms. They felt strong around me. I felt myself fall into his embrace. He pulled my legs over his lap, turning me into him so he could get closer. His eyes met mine and never strayed. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. His lips found mine. It was a kiss like I’d never tasted. It was sensual. It spoke to me, and what it said left me nervous.

  Then he pulled away.

  “I don’t want to go too fast, Lulu. I’m having a hard time stopping myself, because I want you to be sure.”

  “Be sure of what?” I asked, breathlessly.

  “Of what you want.”

  If you only knew…

  Suddenly, words from my head and heart bubbled out before I could stop them.

  “I’m twenty-three, almost twenty-four,” I said. “I’ve had one boyfriend, one lover, but now I’m not even sure that I know what a lover is. I’m not experienced, Thom. I’m not innocent, but I’m not experienced. I don’t want to disappoint you.”

  “Lulu, stop.”

  “No.” I grabbed his shoulders and turned him toward me. “Look at me.” His eyes met mine. Eyes that seemed to reflect knowing, but I also saw desire.

  “I’d like nothing more,” he replied. “Looking at you makes me happy. Thinking of you fills me with so many emotions. I know how old you are. I’m sure you have thoughts much like my own. I want to make love to you, Lulu, but I’m afraid.”

  “Afraid?”

  “Yes. Afraid that you’ll be my drug. I know when we do, I’ll just want more and more of you. And I know we will, but it won’t be tonight.”

  WHY NOT?

  The question screamed in my head.

  “I’ve never felt instant attraction like this,” he continued. “Everything about you intrigues me. I notice things that others overlook. You’ve told me about your college research job and the teaching position that waits when you return, so I know you’re intelligent. Your eyes, warm and inviting, are filled with questions that you’re afraid to ask. There are stories that you hesitate sharing, but I see that they’re important to you. You have the body of a goddess.”

  I squirmed with discomfort at his comment.

  “But you don’t see it through other’s eyes. Something, or someone, has made you self-conscious about the way you look and deprives others from seeing the beautiful you that I see. Don’t shy away when someone tells you you’re beautiful. I heard you say, ‘thank you,’ but I think there’s hesitation at the idea of it. You should flaunt what you have.”

  I felt myself blush. He leaned closer and kissed my cheek to whisper in my ear. “I don’t mean in a promiscuous way; I mean you should stand tall and be proud of your body. It’s the gift that God gave you. Appreciating yourself is the sexiest thing I can imagine.”

  “Sexy,” I repeated the word.

  “I see it, but you don’t. See what
others see, Lulu, and you won’t be so surprised when someone compliments you.” He seemed to admire what he saw.

  “Lulu, don’t be nervous or anxious. I’m sorry if my words make you uncomfortable. I just speak my mind, and that’s what it told me to say.” He paused, looked again, and continued.

  “I’m not going to like it when you leave tomorrow. What time do you need to go?”

  “It’s only about five hours, but I’d like to be home in time to have dinner ready for my dad when he comes in. It’ll be a nice surprise for him.” Thinking about it made me smile.

  “Just you and your dad?” Thom asked. I hadn’t told him about Dad and me. I hadn’t told him about my mom, except that I looked like her. I knew this conversation would have me do that.

  “My mom passed away when I was eight. Breast cancer.” Just saying those two words caused tears to fill my eyes. I swiped my hand across them to wipe the tears away. “It’s just been the two of us. He’s been both the mother and the father all these years.”

  “Seems he did a good job. He raised a beautiful, smart, interesting woman.”

  “Thank you for sharing this with me, all of it, Thom. This has been the best vacation. I couldn’t have imagined a better time.”

  “Neither could I, Lulu.”

  He was quiet for a moment and I waited.

  “I’m staying tonight, Lulu, but we aren’t going to make love,” he said finally, wrapping his arms around me.

  “We aren’t?” I asked.

  “No. I’m going to hold you. I’m going to kiss you passionately to get a taste of you, but that will be all. We’ll talk while you’re home and we’ll dream about making love when you come back. I’ll be anxious.”

  “Me, too,” I said. He pulled me close and lowered his lips to meet mine. The kiss, as he promised, was passionate. I felt myself melt into him. He rose, reached for my hand and led me to the bedroom.

  “Before we get in that bed.” He paused. I felt his eyes on me. Anticipation and hesitation filled his gaze. “I have to know that you’re okay with this. We aren’t making love, Lulu. Are you okay with that?”