Pleasure Cove: Where love is hot on the beach! (12 page)

“This is where we try some of that compromise, baby. How about this – If things go well with us, you will include me the next time you go to Chicago?”

Breathing a sigh of relief, Bob agreed, “That might actually work well. My brother is having his over the hill fifty birthday party at the local country club in July. I would love to take you. You’ll be the prettiest gal there.”

“Now, see, that wasn’t so hard,” countered Carrie. “Give them a chance. Maybe they will like me. I know my parents will love you, Bob, especially if you go bird hunting with my Dad and compliment my Mom’s cooking.”

“Why don’t you come spend the night with me tomorrow, love?  We can have an early weekend together. I would love to be with you before I go away.”

“Now, you’re talking. That would be wonderful. I can drive down early and write at the beach. I’m finishing a solar energy marketing report this week. It’s real exciting stuff.”

“Good night, sweetheart, I’ll see you tomorrow,” Bob hung up and stared at the phone.
That went much better than I expected,
Bob thought.
She didn't even try to guilt me.

Chapter 17

Taking down his bag from the overhead bin, Bob walked off the plane in Chicago to catch a taxi for his brother’s home in Forest Glen. He had invited the kids to join him for dinner so they could also spend time with their cousins.
When they get bored with me, they will have each other,
he thought.

Bob sat around the dining room table looking at his family. His brother, John, was at the head of the table while his wife, Lily, orchestrated the entire meal with her usual upper class. The chandelier sparkled and the china glittered from the candles.  It was so different than the casual style he had grown accustomed to in California. He wondered for a second how Carrie would fit into this picture. He was fairly certain that she could charm Lily, but his brother John was a bit of a curmudgeon.
Just like his father,
Bob realized,
but he’d never hurt his brother with that remark.

“Bob, you look fantastic,” Lily commented, “That California sun has given you a tan.”

Smiling at his sister-in-law, Bob leaned forward raising his glass to Lily, “And you are a beautiful hostess as always, Lily.” He watched his children and was proud of their behavior. Diane was doing a great job. He’d have to send her a note about this evening and thank her for that. He was thrilled to see them and also aware they were growing up so fast. His oldest son, Tom, was leaving for college next year.

The next day he sat in the nursing home holding his mother’s hand. She was admiring the fresh flowers he brought her for Mother’s Day. “Diane always did grow the best lilies,” she remembered.

“I picked these flowers just for you, Mama. I got them at the farmer’s market this morning,” Bob explained. He squeezed her hand reassuringly.

“Where are Diane and the kids?” she asked.

“They will come see you tomorrow, Mom,” replied Bob. "I wanted this time with you alone because you’re my best gal. I live in California, now, remember?”

“Oh, yes, you explained it to me. Are you happy out there alone?” She studied his face for his reaction. They had always been close since he was her baby boy.

“Yes, Mom, I am. I have a new woman in my life now. The next time I come I will bring her by to say hello.”

“That’s wonderful, Bobby, “I just want you to be happy.” She laced his fingers with hers looking out the window. “Can you take me for a walk outside?  We always did enjoy being outdoors together.”

***

As the house settled down for the night, Bob felt restless since his energy was geared to a different time zone. Wandering into John’s office Bob knew he would find a small library. But, he was stunned by the family photos he saw around the room.
This has to be Lily’s efforts
he thought studying pictures of the kids together playing in the backyard and at camp. He picked up a picture of himself pushing the boys in a swing. “It’s another lifetime ago for me,” he whispered to himself.  Setting the frame down he walked around the room studying each photo.

I should bring the kids out to California this summer. They would love to camp on the beach,
he realized. Shaking his head he reflected,
Just like old times with a couple of new faces.
  It made him think of Carrie. He missed her. Glancing at his watch, he noticed it was ten in California. Maybe he could call to say goodnight. He pulled his cell from his pocket and dialed her number.

“Hi, Bob,” Carrie answered softly, “Wanna snuggle in bed with me?” Bob smiled at the thought. “Yes, I thought I’d call and say goodnight.”

“Ah-h, you’re a considerate man. It makes my toes curl. How is everyone in Chicago?”

“We’re all doing fine. My Mom is a little frailer and her memory is slipping. It’s a good thing that I came to spend time with her. I told her about you.” Bob hesitated to hear Carrie’s reaction. There was a quiet second before he heard her sigh.

“Thanks, Bob; it means a lot that you followed through. Did she take the news well?”

“Oh, yes, she only wants my happiness just as you said. Of course, she may forget what I told her tomorrow. I’ve been here in the library looking at old photos for the past half hour. It’s a walk down memory lane. Carrie, the kids are growing up so fast. I’m going to invite them to the beach this summer so I can spend a week with them at Pleasure Cove. Do you think you could take some vacation time to come with us?”

“Sure, Bob, we can work it out. I think it’s a great idea.” She glanced at her clock. “It’s still early for you. Did you go to the library looking for something to read?  I bet there’s a big leather couch in the room where you can curl up with a good book.”

“As a matter of fact there is,” replied Bob looking slowly around the room.

“Good, go lie down on the couch. I’m just getting to a love scene in my book. Let me read it to you.”

Bob glanced around listening for any sounds in the house before lying down on the couch. “Okay, I feel a little weird, but I’m here, Carrie.”

“Close your eyes, Bob, and just listen to me,” Carrie told him in a husky voice. She began to read slowly.

“She entered the room silently. It was dark with only a streak of moonlight passing through the windows. She knew he was in the room. She could feel his presence. Her footsteps led softly to the big leather sofa where he laid waiting. Feeling her heart race at the sight of him, she whispered, “Bob, I had to see you one more time. I miss you already.” He opened his eyes and saw her standing in her thin night rail. He watched as she walked around to sit next to him placing her hand on his chest. She felt his pulse quicken at her touch.

“I must kiss you again,” she pleaded lowering her head to his. He returned her kiss slowly letting her set the pace. As her little moans swept into his mouth, he deepened their kiss bringing his arms around her. “When I come back, I promise to make you mine,” he whispered as he brought her to his chest.

“Please, I need these memories to fill me while you’re away. I want you to touch me and love me right up till the moment you leave.” She smothered his face with kisses and opened the nightgown to show him her full breasts. Cupping her own breast and bringing it to his mouth, she traced her nipple over his lips, “It throbs for you,” she taunted seductively parting his lips and cooing as he twirled the nipple with his tongue.

Bob felt his cock tighten in his pants and stretched out with his hand rubbing his penis. “Even your voice makes me harden, Carrie. “I want to hear you make love to yourself. Put that book down and tell me how you're touching your body."

Carrie held the phone for a minute and admitted, “I’ve never really done phone sex before. I’ve only teased about it. Maybe I could use the vibrator and pretend it’s you,” she whispered. Reaching into the nightstand drawer, she pulled out her vibrator. “Oh, I can pretend it’s dark and you’ll become my shadow lover again.” Turning it on, she held it up to the phone, “Hear your cock humming?” she teased as she began rubbing the vibrator in circular motions around her labia. She held the phone down so Bob could hear the moaning of its action. She spread her legs wider so just the tip of the vibrator entered her. She sighed into the phone, “Ah-h, there’s your magic.”

“Oh, yeah, talk to me, love. I can hear your little pants starting,” Bob encouraged her. He unzipped his pants and stroked his cock. “Use your imagination, Carrie. What are you doing with the vibrator?”

“It’s getting hot just like you, Bob, and it’s throbbing.  Oh, it’s inside me now. I wish I could wrap my mouth around your cock and fondle it while I stroke myself with your shadow. I’m getting wet just thinking about you lying there in the dark. Stroke your cock faster for me, baby.  I want to climb through this phone and ride you on that leather. It must feel good against your skin.”

Moaning out loud, Bob lifted his hips and stroked himself. “Oh, Carrie, I can’t believe I’m doing this in my brother’s house. It’s so forbidden that I’m going to explode.”

“Oh, then you need to come for me, baby,” Carrie pleaded, “We’ll come together fast and hard. I’m writhing now. Your shadow cock is burning me up. She thrust the vibrator high to the top of her inner labia and found her clitoris. She screamed her pleasure into the phone as tremors shook her body.

The moment Bob heard her gasps his seed spilled into his hands and drops of semen continued to fall onto his belly. He laughed out of his shock, “I just keep coming, Carrie, I’ve never had this experience before.”

“Um-m,” she murmured breathlessly, “I know what you mean. I went from shy to shocked in thirty seconds flat.  She was almost embarrassed as she laughed. “Whew, that was intense. Another first for us, Bob, I hope it was good for you.”

“I’m thrilled,” Bob panted. “I’ll never be intimidated by my brother again. Every time he tries to guilt me, I’ll think of this moment. Thank you, Carrie. I love you for giving me this.”

“It’s all about give and take, sweetie. I love you for thinking of me, too. This ol’ bed is lonely without you. Do you come home tomorrow?”

“Yes, I catch a flight tomorrow afternoon but I don’t get home until late. Maybe you could come down on Tuesday, and I’ll take you out to dinner.”

“It’s a date. I’ll see you at sunset. Good night, love,” she said softly as she hung up the phone and softly ran her hand over her body wishing it was Bob's.

Chapter 18

Juanita held the pin light in her mouth while she picked the lock at Mary’s beach house. It opened easily and she slid inside. She had waited till three in the morning so there’d be no surprise midnight visits from the beach. She stood still and waited for her eyes to adjust. Walking forward slowly, she made out the basic floor plan. The entry opened into the living room and the kitchen followed at the back. The bedroom must be down the hall she thought as her eyes followed. Now, where would an artist place a computer she asked herself?

I would keep it in the studio,
Juanita thought. She headed down the hall to open each door silently. Not in the bedroom. She opened the second door and noticed a large picture window.
Bingo, Mary’s studio,
she thought as she walked into the room.
That window gives her natural light in the morning.
Standing still, Juanita turned slowly taking in the canvases leaning on the wall, the sketches taped behind the door. Then, she noticed an inset where a closet had been at one time. It was now shelves and on the bottom was a small computer with the blinking light glowing in the dark. “Ah-ha,” Juanita whispered picking up the Mac. "Of course, she’s an artist; what else would she own?"

Juanita brought up the computer and experimented with a couple of passwords. She smiled when she typed in Leonardo and hit pay dirt. She checked the email accounts first and only found one for Mary.
Now, who has Mary been chatting with lately
she pondered? She clicked the deleted files to see what was there, and found some emails for Miguel. There was nothing damaging so she headed for the recycle bin to see if he forgot to clear it. Sure enough, there was her first hard evidence - details about a rendezvous at The Spa motel. She pulled out a jump drive and downloaded the recycle bin so she could study it in detail later.

Moving on to the hard drive, she studied the dates that files were accessed. When she saw the dates for an Excel spreadsheet, she opened it and laughed at the entries outlining a timeline for creating havoc at the Pleasure Cove Motel. The next entry was for Memorial Day, one of the busiest holiday weekends for the motel. She had to call Bob and warn him. Maybe they could stop it in time. She downloaded the file and turned the computer off. Letting out a deep breath, she calmed herself and remembered to be meticulous at leaving everything exactly as she found it on her way out.

***

Bob was dropping his coffee cup in the dishwasher when his cell rang. He answered right away recognizing Juanita’s number. “Hello, Juanita. How’s the investigation going?”

“Hola, Senor Roberto, I finally found some hard evidence on Mary’s computer early this morning. I’ve got a spreadsheet detailing the sabotages planned for the motel. The next one is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. They plan on tampering the water supply so the motel guests get ill.”

“No!” Bob replied automatically. He sat down in his chair and rubbed his hand across his face. This was worse than he had expected.

“Roberto, I have an idea. You told me Mary was supposed to be in San Diego to see her doctor. If you get Mary’s co-operation, we can take that computer and gather more evidence. I was in and out of her house in thirty minutes. It was more important to reach you so you could warn Jose.”

“You made a good decision, Juanita. We must protect your identity at all costs. Let me call Jose to warn him about the water supply. He can put a guard on it right away, and he will have Mary’s phone number in San Diego. I’ll call her today and talk to her.”

Bob stopped to think for a minute. He grabbed pen and pad to make a list:

Warn about sabotage

Get Mary’s US phone number

Call Alfredo for a computer expert to retrieve data from Mary’s computer

Offer to change locks on Mary’s house so Miguel is cut off

Bob stared at the list and decided that Jose could only be trusted with the first two items.  After talking to Mary, he would call Alfredo directly to search the computer. Juanita could probably handle finding a locksmith in the village. Maybe they should hold onto Pedro for a few more days. What was that expression: keep your friends close and your enemies closer? He would ask Juanita to keep a closer watch on Pedro. If he spilled the beans on Miguel, they might get more evidence.

Hanging up the phone an hour later, Bob stared at the second item on his list - call Mary in San Diego.  Jose had been shocked by Juanita’s report but he had agreed to tighten security at the water filtration system. Now, how to deal with Mary? She was not only an artist but a cougar as well. Miguel was about twenty years younger. He must handle this delicately so her pride was not wounded.

“I hate this subterfuge,” he grumbled. He stared at the phone as it rang and looked at the number; Carrie was calling. He grabbed the phone like a lifeline. “Hi, sweetheart,” he began, “I’m happy to hear from you.”

“Hello, my love, I made home-made banana pudding with meringue on top. Can I tempt you to share some with me later tonight after dinner?”

“Why, you sure can,” he pantomimed in his best Southern drawl. “Hey, I could use your help. I need a female opinion. Do you have a minute?”

“Certainly, I’ll make time for you. What’s up?”

Bob briefly summarized Juanita’s call and explained Mary’s relationship with Miguel.

“An artist and a cougar,” Carrie repeated in awe.  “Boy, you get around, Bob.”

“Don’t be funny, I need help. How do I persuade this woman to give me her computer and not call her boy toy?”

A burst of laughter spilled out before Carrie could answer seriously, “I think you must persuade her that his life’s in danger and she has to save it. You’ve got to appeal to her ego. Only she can rescue her lover who is being manipulated by this big timeshare company. She will understand that when they are done with him, they will dump him. Offer to bring her to your home for a few days to paint the ocean so she can think things over. She will love being protected.”

“Actually, that sounds pretty good, Carrie. I can show her the security footage so she sees he was involved. Then, I can persuade her that we can only save him if she lays low and stays out of the picture for a few days.  I like the painting idea. I can introduce her to a couple of artists in Laguna.”

“Just promise me you won’t let her put the moves on you, babe. Jealousy is not my friend. It hurts to say it but it's true.”

Bob chuckled deep in his chest. “Oh, Carrie, you’ve never seen Mary have you?  She’s in her late forties but looks sixty from her heavy smoking.”

“Then by all means, you should drive to San Diego and pick her up today. I’ll bring the banana pudding, and we’ll make her feel right at home.”

“Carrie, that’s a splendid idea. “I’ll leave a key for you in the box by the door in case you get here first.”

Watching Mary nod off to sleep while he drove, Bob navigated the Santa Ana Freeway at rush hour. He felt satisfied with today’s work. Jose and Alfredo were both co-operative. Juanita was picking up Mary’s computer today and leaving a note for Miguel explaining that Mary was delayed by her doctor and Jose was shipping her computer to her. So, the stage was set. Now, he just had to baby sit Mary for a couple of days. She liked the idea of starting a new seascape so he’d set her up in the downstairs area and let her paint on the patio.

Pulling into his driveway, he noticed that Carrie had arrived. She was probably cooking dinner if he knew her. He carried Mary’s bag inside and smelled a brisket roasting. As he entered the kitchen, she was busy cutting vegetables.

“Welcome home,” she greeted and gave him a hug. Bob made introductions before they all gathered round the table for a glass of wine.

“I’m so glad you will be here to do some painting,” Carrie shared as she set out stuffed peppers as an appetizer. Bob tried one and groaned in delight, “Um-m, these are good.” He passed the tray to Mary.

“Why don’t I go get settled in while you two catch up with each other?” offered Mary after a few minutes. She appeared just a little nervous in her new surroundings.  Carrie nodded and glanced at Bob, “Dinner will be ready in about thirty minutes. Do you need to make any phone calls?”

He shook his head and touched her hand, “Let’s go sit out on the balcony before it gets dark. Mary, your room is downstairs at the end of the hall. Let me know if you need anything.”

Easing into deck chairs, Bob and Carrie sipped their wine while he gave her details on the day’s events. “So, everyone is busy doing their part,” he finished, “And we just have to take care of Mary. Would you like to spend a few days here, Carrie?  It would make me feel better if you were nearby so Mary could talk to another creative soul. You might learn more about Miguel.”

“I’ll be happy to help you, Bob.” Leaning over she kissed his lightly, “Thanks for including me.” She gave him a radiant smile and squeezed his hand.

By Saturday, everyone had settled into a routine. Bob and Carrie rose early and enjoyed coffee on the balcony while Mary slept in late and joined them for lunch. Carrie worked on her laptop and Bob stayed locked in his office for hours. The news from the motel was encouraging. Mary’s computer had been cleaned and there was email evidence of Miguel asking about timeshare contacts. Juanita followed Pedro and was convinced that he did not know everything that Miguel was doing so Jose and Alfredo planned to confront him together.

Bob just had one dilemma; how would he explain that none of Mary’s sacrifices could save Miguel?  Jose had to press charges against him.  He hoped to take her mind off of Pleasure Cove by inviting a couple of local artists over for dinner. Working together in the kitchen, he and Carrie put the finishing touches on grilled chicken and salad.

“Mary strikes me as a survivor, Bob,” commented Carrie while she sliced warm French bread. “I think she will be fine when Miguel’s not around. Just be honest with her and show her the evidence. If we are sympathetic that he got lured in by some shady business people, it will help soften the blow.”

“Let’s do it together tomorrow night after I talk to Jose and Alfredo. We need to know if they get any new information from Pedro.”

Carrie sat quietly watching the dinner unfold. Mary was captivated by the sculptor Bob had invited. She was even flirting a little bit with him.
That’s a good sign,
Carrie thought as she sipped her wine. Carrie looked at Bob across the table and gave him her secret smile. He was being particularly charming tonight for Mary’s comfort. The wine flowed freely and everyone joined in the conversation.

Mary was sipping an after dinner brandy as she and Carrie cleared the table later in the evening. “These few days have really opened my eyes,” she confessed to Carrie while she loaded the dishwasher. “I didn’t realize how compromised my life had become in that tiny village. Trying to talk art with Miguel is like talking to a dead fish,” she laughed. “He’s only good for one thing,” she hesitated and wiggled her eyebrows, “And he’s usually too quick on the trigger at that.” She and Carrie shared a laugh but Carrie joined the conversation easily.

“Maybe you should stay in San Diego a little longer and see where your painting takes you,” she encouraged. “You’ve made some good connections tonight; perhaps you could get into a local show.”

Mary looked out on the balcony where Bob chatted with his guests, “I wouldn’t mind getting to know one of them a lot better,” she mused, “Sculptors have the greatest hands.” But she shook her head, “I can’t stay too long, though, because I didn’t close up the house. Miguel was supposed to take care of it but it sounds like he’s trying to make some quick money with this timeshare deal. I swear he’s like a teenager looking for the easy bucks. He’s a sweet kid but he’s got shit for brains.” She looked down at the brandy and swirled her glass. “I’ve had a little too much to drink tonight, Carrie. Pardon me for rambling.”

“No,” Carrie insisted, “We’re just two friends chatting. You’ve been a tremendous help to Bob and Jose. Just think about all people at Pescadero that would have been affected if you hadn’t given your computer to Bob.” She touched Mary’s hand to show her support.

“The more I think about little Mickie using my computer, the madder I get. That was my pet name for him, you know,” she shrugged. “My guess is that if he’s got money in his pocket, he’s already gone, Carrie. Just between me and you, I knew he was getting restless. I came home to make it easy for him.”

Carrie smiled sympathetically, giving her a minute with her thoughts before she added, “You know Bob has a competent friend at the motel right now. She could close up your house and ship anything you need to San Diego. Jose could even change the locks for you if you want to be certain that Miguel doesn’t return. You don’t have to go back right away."

“Really, now, that’s a good idea. She studied Carrie’s face. “I see why Bob’s crazy about you. You’re smart.”  She stopped and looked out at Bob before she spoke, “You know I’ve seen him with other women at Pleasure Cove, and he never treated them the way he does you. I think you’re very good for him.”

Carrie put her arm around Mary’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze, “Thanks, it feels good to hear that. I do think we’ve managed well living together the past few days.”

Nodding her head, Mary agreed, “Just don’t let him set all the rules, honey. You deserve someone who’s a good partner. Bob’s pretty independent. You may have to fight for what you want. Don't be too accommodating.”