This novel is an experimental writing collaboration by TheGulfCoaster and runnergirl. This story has two perfect halves, a male and female side, which fit together as one. Runnergirl will reveal Emmy's feelings and tell the tale through her perspective, whereas TheGulfCoaster writes from Robbie's perspective. The two stories share mutual dialogue and action where the two characters intersect and thus this is unique venture. Only by reading Emmy's and Robbie's stories, will the reader get the entire story. We sincerely hope that you enjoy our efforts!

This chapter continues in the tale of Robert and Emmy, two lonely people who connected in a cooking class. In Chapter One this pair became close and shared brief moments of intimacy. Chapter Two told of their growing relationship, emotionally and sensually, including their shared phone sex, lust filled fantasies about one another and future plans for a date. Chapter Three described their phenomenal first date, including dinner, making sweet love for the first time, and spending the night in each other’s arms. In this chapter, the couple has just enjoyed a motorcycle day trip and are heading back to town, so that Emmy can get home before her husband returns from his business travels.

Em and I cleaned up the picnic debris as twilight approached, hopped on the bike and made our way back to town. The stars were out by the time we pulled in my driveway and I let Emmy back into the house.

I looked at her with longing in my eyes and said, “I wish you didn’t have to go home, Baby. After a glorious day like this, I’m really going to miss sleeping in your arms tonight.”

“Me, too Robbie, but we can still talk on the phone and we will see each other tomorrow night at class. I don’t think either of us saw where this was going when it started. I know what I want to do, but obviously, I’ve never done this before and I’d be lying if I told you it wasn’t a scary proposition.”

I wrapped my arms around her in a comforting hug and softly said into her ear, “Baby, you’ve got nothing to be scared about. I love you, Emmy. I thought I had been in love before, but that was nothing compared to the love I feel for you. Emmy, I hear music and feel sparks when we kiss. Now that I’ve found my princess - my soul mate, I want to have her in my life totally – and forever. You have to know by now that I’m completely devoted to you and your happiness. I’m not anxious to grow old, but I know I want to do it with you, and enjoy all the adventure and joy yet to come in our lives.”

Emmy kissed me passionately and said, “I want all that too, my love. I love you too and I’m sure that this is real. I love you, Robbie. I do have to figure out what to do and how to do it, but I love waking up in your arms and I don’t want to resume my old life. There’s a reason everything happened when and how it did that brought us together. It was more than a simple coincidence we found each other. We both needed what the other had to offer at the time. I was in a terrible rut and living in a loveless marriage. You had practically given up on finding your Miss Right. You’ve already proven to me that I can be that beautiful, desirable woman you saw in me that first night we met. I hope I can live up to your expectations and fill your need for your Miss Right.”

I said, “Emmy – you exceed every hope or expectation I ever had for my Miss Right. You are beautiful and desirable but beyond that, you’re smart, you seem to share some of my interests and to top it all off you’ve touched my very soul in a way it’s never been touched before.”

We shared another kiss and Emmy said, “Wow, Robbie. No man has ever told me those things before. Ordinarily, I think I might be suspicious of what you said, but deep in my heart, I now you are being sincere. I think I better get going, or I might never leave. We’ve got the rest of our lives now, Baby. Let’s do this right, OK? I’ve got to end things properly before you and I can begin the next chapter in our lives together.”

We began walking up the stairs and I said, “I can wait as long as it takes, Baby.”

We went into my bedroom and Emmy picked up her bag and began gathering everything. I sat on the edge of the bed feeling a little blue with the realization that we would be parting soon.

I said, “I’ve got something I want to do before I take you home, Emmy.”

She smiled and said, “What’s that, Robbie?”

I went over, grabbed my Taylor acoustic guitar hanging from its wall bracket on my bedroom wall and sat back down. I quickly checked the tuning, played a big open G chord then began singing, “It’s late in the evening, She’s wondering what clothes to wear, She puts on her makeup….”

Emmy recognized the song immediately and quit what she was doing to sit on the bed next to me. We sat, looking lovingly into each other’s eyes as I serenaded her for the next 3 or 4 minutes.

I got to the end of the song and sang, “And then I tell her, as I turn out the light. I say my darling, you were wonderful tonight, Oh, my darling, you were wonderful tonight.”

Emmy carefully took the guitar out of my hands and lay it on the bed next to her, threw her arms around my neck and we shared another passionate kiss.

When she pulled away she nodded her head up and down and said, “Yes, Robbie. The answer is yes!”

I said, “What was the question?”

She replied, “Can we spend the rest of our lives together? And the answer is yes. I love you Robbie. I thought your kisses touched my soul. Playing and singing a song, especially THAT song just proved how real your love for me is and I know now, I’ve never loved a man the way I love you or been loved that way in return. I wish I didn’t have to go!”

She finished packing her things, and we begrudgingly headed downstairs and decided to take my car back to the cultural center to get hers. The drive went by quickly, but we were both in a somber mood due to the realization that our time together for this adventure was coming to an end. I might have had tears in my eyes if we hadn’t both been certain that it was only the end of THIS adventure, and had many more to come.

I pulled into the cultural center parking lot, which was more or less empty, but Emmy’s car wasn’t where we remembered meeting last night before our date. I drove around the other parking areas, but still couldn’t find her car and she became understandably worried. I calmed her down and assured her it was going to be OK, regardless of what happened.

She pulled out her cell phone and dialed Jenn’s number, figuring it was the best place to start until she figured out if the car had been stolen, impounded or whatever.

“Hi, Jenn,” she said with concern. “Oh, Jenn, I am! I am here at the Cultural Center and my car is nowhere to be found!” Her face flushed and in a fearful tone, she went on, “Oh no! He came home early? He wasn’t supposed to be home until late tonight! Oh, crap! Do you think he knows?” Sounding increasingly anxious, “And what about my car? Do you know anything about that? It’s not here! We left it here yesterday before our date so we could drive together. You know Robbie, he wanted to be the gentleman and drive me so he is with me now to drop me back off and it is missing!” Exasperated she exclaimed, “Oh Jenn, I don’t know but I guess I need to go home and find out. Would you mind driving me there if Robbie dropped me off at your house?” Calmer now, she said, “Thanks Sweetie, you really are the best you know? OK, I will have Robbie drop me off. Well be there in a few OK?”

“It was ahhhhhh . . . spectacular. I have no words to describe it. I’ll tell you more soon since Robbie is here OK?” I gathered the topic had shifted away from the missing car to our date and Emmy went on, “Thanks Jenny, bye.”

Emmy hung up her phone and I asked, “So what did Jenn say, I take it John made it home early?”

“Oh Robbie, he did! He NEVER comes home early! Can you believe my luck?”

“Does he have your car, then? You know you don't have to worry, Babe. I'm here for whatever you need!”

“Maybe . . . I don’t know what happened to my car but it has to be connected somehow . . . Would you mind driving me to Jenn’s?”

“Of course, which way do I go?”

“I need to face him and I’d rather keep you away from what might happen. She’s on Sycamore Street , do you know where that is?”

“Yep. I can find it. He isn't the violent type is he?”

“No, thankfully he is not, but . . . whenever we have fought he has acted one of two ways.”

“Yeah?”

“Either he runs away from the problem or he gets mean and vindictive. I just don’t know how much he knows and what I’m going to walk into.”

“Maybe he did take your car then. Did he have keys to it? Is it HIS car or do you each have your own?”

“No, it’s my car but we have a spare set of keys in our junk drawer.”

“Are you taking Jenn with you? I don't want you to face him alone. Even if she just waits in her car with her phone in case something happens. I'm worried for you, Baby!”

“Great idea, Hon. I will have her wait for me outside. I promise. Her house is the third one on the left.”

“OK, this one, right? I recognize the Jeep.”

“Yes. Thank you, Robbie. I am so sorry about this. I feel like I ruined an amazing experience between us.”

“You have nothing to apologize to me for. Hopefully, we'll have the rest of our lives now. I love you, Em. Maybe this is part of the same fate that brought us together.”

I got out of the car and ran around to help Emmy out of her seat.

Emmy said, “I love you Robbie, and you know what?” She shared a big hug with me as she continued, “I feel a strange sense of calm now. I know that you are with me.”

“Of course.”

“And maybe this . . . being found out, is what needed to happen for John and I to face our troubles head-on.”

“Well, he can't ‘know’ what happened, exactly anyway, you can still deny doing anything ‘wrong’.”

“You know what Robbie? If he asks, I will tell him the truth. He deserves that and I am tired of acting like nothing is wrong and that I don’t have needs.”

“All he ‘knows’ is that you weren't home last night and that Jenn covered for you, or tried to, anyway.”

“Don’t worry, Baby. This is the way it needs to be.”

“I'm only concerned for your feelings, Babe. It took me a lifetime to find you, I don't want to lose you now! Do you think you'll need a place to stay tonight?”

I don’t know but I have Jenn and she had always come through for me. I will call you as soon as I leave my house alright?”

“OK, do you want to take some cash or a credit card in case you need it for something? If he didn't take your car, there's a chance it might have been impounded. If you need a car for any reason, you know you can borrow either of mine, too!”

“I think I’m OK for now. Thank you for your kindness, Robbie. I’m hoping for the best. One more hug my Sweetie, please?”

We shared another hug and I said, “Me, too. Should I go home, or drive around this part of town for a while waiting for your call?”

“Go ahead and go home, Babe. I will have Jenn wait for me.”

“OK, call me as soon as you can. You know until I hear from you, I'm going to worry!”

“Then I will call you when I know what’s up. I know you will and I feel your support all the time, that’s why I know I can do this!”

“OK, if you need anything, anything at all, I'll come right back over here, OK?”

Emmy and I kissed and she said, “Thank you my dear.”

Emmy headed up to Jenn’s front door, where I saw Jenn watching through the window. Just as Jenn opens the door, and Emmy waves to me.

I wave back and say, “I love you Em, be safe!”

My mind wasn’t very focused on driving during my ride home. I was so worried about what she was going through and wished I would have confronted her hubby with her. I felt a real need to protect her and was genuinely concerned for her safety and wanted to be the shoulder she leaned on when her ordeal was over. I had just turned on to my street when I noticed the empty white box that Emmy’s rose had come in and I remembered her words, ‘Please take care of this flower for me, Honey. I WILL be returning for it!’ and it gave me confidence that Emmy and I would soon be together again, hopefully until the end of time.

I carried the box inside once I parked the car in my garage and lowered the overhead door. I walked upstairs, gently picking up the rose and putting it back into its box. I went back downstairs to the kitchen, placed the box in my refrigerator and grabbed myself a soda.

It was roughly an hour after dropping Emmy off when my cell phone rang and the display said ‘Emmy’. I pushed the talk button and said, “Emmy? Are you OK? What happened when you got home?”

“Oh Honey, I don’t know what to say! I think I just left my husband!”

“Well, Babe. I'm sorry you had to go through that, but on the other hand - we've got no more obstacles. What did he know? What did you tell him? Does he have your car?”

“I have so much to tell you! First of all, Jenn is right here, driving me back to her place so you don’t have to worry about that.”

Understandably nervous for her, I took a deep breath and explained, “I'm sorry. I've got a million questions.”

“Let me start at the beginning.”

“OK, I'm ready.”

“So I went inside the house and he was livid! I had never seen him that angry! He said that he was packing up 'all my shit' of course, I was shocked and asked him why. He said that he had come home early from the airport, was putting his things away and noticed that all of my overnight things were gone plus some things from off of my vanity.”

“That isn't evidence you did anything wrong. He didn't get physical, did he?”

“No, he was fine and didn’t touch me.”

“That's good.”

“But he was very angry and called me a few names. He had called Jenn because he assumed that I had spent the night there, but that she has acted very strange and just . . . off.”

“What did Jenn say about his call to her?”

“That she had tried to cover for me but the poor girl cant lie for anything! She hasn’t kept a secret EVER! Sorry girl, but its true. He didn’t say anything but the way she spoke must have tipped him off and he did what I thought he’d never do - he went through my phone records and then he stumbled upon our texts!”

“Oh, shit!”

“YES! I was stunned and I had no choice but to confess right then.”

“We never mentioned sex or anything, did we? It was just about our 'meetings' right?”

“Yes, but he started asking questions and I am much like my best friend Babe, I couldn’t lie to him. My feelings for you were written all over my face. As much as he usually never noticed me, he was noticing me now and my reactions when I spoke.”

“Well, you've given it 14 months of trying - he can't say he didn't know you weren't happy.”

“That’s just it, Robbie. I told him that neither one of us have been happy in ages and that the marriage has been dead for a very long time.”

“I'm surprised it lasted this long.”

“Me too and do you want to hear the kicker?”

“What's that, Baby?”

“He admitted to me that he’s been cheating on me for YEARS! And with multiple partners, nameless flings!”

“You're kidding me - how do you think he kept it hidden from you?”

“He always did it on these trips so I would never know. He was almost spiteful about it, like it was ok for him but not for me.”

“You were working on the marriage - I would have thought he would have screwed up somewhere along the line and get caught. So, did you tell him everything about us, or . . .”

“Here’s where we are different, John and I, he intended to cheat - he wanted to have lots of one night stands and in his mind that was OK for him to do but because I admitted that I fell in love with you and never intended any of this to happen, I am the bitch in our relationship and he chose to be such a jerk about it!”

“I can't see how a guy can be that way - I hate not being emotionally invested with a girl before I'm with her. I'm literally incapable of one night stands!”

“So am I, Honey . . . but he has never been an emotional person while I am so when he figured that I had another relationship, he flipped out. He even had my car towed!!!

“I may not have said it in so many words, but Emily - I've been in love with you since that first night we met.”

“I love you too, Robbie and I will not have him make me feel bad for something that is wonderful and right between us I am sorry that I didn’t tell you - and HIM - sooner!”

“Well, it's out now, and I'm happy that the boundaries to our happiness are gone now. If you want, you are welcome to have Jenn bring you by and you can take the Challenger or the SUV until you retrieve your car. I assume the county took it? And if you need money to get it out, I've got you covered!”

“Guess what? I called the County, Jenn is taking me to pick my car up right now and before I left, I took a few items I needed including some money I had reserved for emergencies so I am all set.”

“Good. I just want you to know that you can call on me for anything you need.”

“Thank you, my sweetheart. We are almost a the police impound.”

“Ooh, it occurs to me, we've got a class tomorrow night - will you be able to make it or would you rather blow it off?”

“I’m not sure right now. I’m feeling a little hyped up and jittery. I don’t know how I’ll feel in a few hours.”

“I certainly can understand if you don't want to go.”

You know what I might do? I might call Melanie to tell her. I consider her a close enough friend.”

“I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't already know - I think she's got ESP or something - it's scary!”

“So true! She has always been on our side and called us, 'you guys' – it’s like she knew before we did!”

“See what I mean?”

“Why don’t I get the car now and get over to Jenn’s. She has a spare bedroom I can use and then give you a call?”

“OK, I'll be here for you, Baby. I don't care what time of day or night, feel free to call me!”

“Be ready for a call at any time then,” she chuckled, “bye for now, my Robbie. Thanks for having my back and . . . for taking such good care of my heart.”

“I love you Emmy. You're my princess!”

“I love you, Robbie, you are my hero!!”

“I was going for knight in shiny armor, but I guess I'll take hero.”

“You can have any title you like my dear…. Bye, bye.”

“Bye, bye.”

About 20 minutes later, my phone rang and I rushed to my cell phone hoping it was Emmy, and answered it without looking, “Hello?”

“Hi, Robbie,” Pam’s voice responded. “I just talked with Jenn, what happened?”

“Well, last night Emmy and I headed out to The White Garden and had a really nice, romantic dinner. It was beautiful and the night was perfect. We got a table out on the veranda, then we came back here, spent the night and went out today for a bike ride in the woods out toward the mountains for a picnic and to spend some more time together.”

“I think you know that’s not what I’m talking about – what happened when you got back?”

“I wish I knew, Pam. Right now, I’m still not completely sure. The story is still developing. Basically, I took Emmy back to the Cultural Center where we met to drive to the restaurant. After we finished eating, I asked Emmy if she wanted to get her car, but she wanted to ride back to my house with me and left her car where it was.”

“So you guys spent the night at your house together?”

“Yeah, Emmy spent the night here – and you already know I’m not going to talk anymore about that with anyone other than Emmy.”

“Will you at least tell me that all your wishes came true?” The pause while I searched for the words to reply with told Pam volumes. She continued, “Jenn told me that Emmy was at a loss for words too, I think I can take for granted that both of your wishes came true then. I’m happy for you Robbie – Emmy too, I wasn’t sure about her until I found out she is Jenn’s best friend but now I love her and think you two are perfect for each other. So, go on, I interrupted you.”

“OK, so when I took her back for her car, it wasn’t in the parking lot – I’ve since found out it was impounded, probably for parking at the Cultural Center overnight or something but while sitting there in the parking lot, Emmy called Jenn who told her that she just got a call from Emmy’s husband who came home from his trip early and noticed that Emmy hadn’t spent the night at home. He called Jenn who apparently didn’t do a very convincing job of covering for her, and he supposedly allowed Emmy's car to go to impound instead of collecting it himself because he was pissed off.”

“That sucks. My car was impounded one night during the Block Party a couple years ago. It cost me about three hundred bucks to get it out!”

I went on, “I offered to pay for it, but Emmy declined my offer. I took Emmy to Jenn’s house and Jenn took her home. Emmy called me when she got back in the car with Jenn and told me she admitted to him what we had done but justified it by saying she hadn’t meant for it to happen, she was just very unhappy in the marriage and unintentionally ended up falling in love with me. Then her husband admitted he was quite the man-slut and had been fucking around on her for years! Can you believe that? And he still seems to think what he did was OK compared to what she did. Anyhow, she’s going to stay at Jenn’s while everything gets worked out but we’re in love, Pam. We’ve shown it and declared it to each other many times now. We’re going to pursue our relationship and I think I’ve got her convinced to move in with me when the legal issues are behind her. That’s about all I know right now.”

Pam said, “Jenn told me she had just dropped Emmy off at the impound lot so she could get her car and is waiting for her outside to finish up in there and follow her back home.”

“Emmy promised she was going to call me when she gets back to Jenn’s. She did mention that Jenn was taking her to get the car on their way back to Jenn’s place. So I guess I’ll know more in a little while.”

“So I guess I was right about the cooking class, huh? You DID meet a great girl that night. I’m so happy for you. I hope you and Emmy end up living happily ever after.”

“So do I, Pam, so do I. I really do love her Pam. Emmy is incredible in every way.”

“Well, I’ll let you go for now then. I’m sure I’ll talk to you in the next couple of days. Good luck, I love you Rob.”

“Good night, Pam. I love you too.”

I hung up and looked at the time. I was trying to decide whether I should try to get some sleep until Emmy calls or stay up and wait. I decided I couldn’t sleep until I heard her voice, so I grabbed another soda and went to sit out by the pool.

My cell phone rang and knowing it was Emmy, I picked it up on the first ring, “Hi, Baby!”

“Hi honey!”

“So did you get your car OK?”

Sounding ecstatic, she said, “I sure did! It was really easy too. I got there just in time before they closed, thank God.”

I offered, “I feel kind of responsible, are you sure I can't pay the expenses?”

“No, silly! I actually got a break. The guy behind the counter found out that my husband had it towed out of spite and he took pity on me. I only ended up paying the towing fee and nothing else.”

“That's nice. John was a jerk for doing that. Obviously he was punishing you for something and he didn't even know what at the time.”

“Yes, he sure tried to hurt me, but it’s all good now. I’m going take the day off tomorrow to pick up some more things while he’s not there. Thankfully the census is down at the hospital so I think I’m able to cover my shift.”

“That's good. I'd be happy to let you use the SUV if you need hauling room. You can't put much in your little car!”

Realizing how many trips it might take in her Nissan, she said, “You are right! May I come by tomorrow morning to borrow it before you go to work?”

“You're welcome to it. There's a ton of room inside and it’s easy to drive.”

Excitedly, she exclaimed, “I will SO take you up on that offer! And then I can get it back to you before class. Thank you so much babe! Oh, and I’ve decided that I’d still like to go to class. Is that alright with you?”

“Of course!” I happily replied.

“Yes! I don’t want what just happened to take away our joy as well as what we enjoy . . . and one of these is our love of cooking.”

“Really! I had fun fixing breakfast and our picnic with you. I can't wait to cook a big elaborate meal with you. When you move in, we should have a small dinner party to celebrate!”

“That sounds wonderful! I can’t wait for those times .

. . They seem so far away right now but I’m going to hold onto that dream very tightly for now.”

“We've got all the time in the world now, Baby!” I assured her. “As much as I'd love to have you here with me now, I'll wait until you're sure and ready for that. You are so worth how ever long that may be.”

“I’m glad you mentioned it, Robbie. I want to be honest with you. I don’t know right now what I want to do or where I want to live. All I know is that I am away from all the negativity and I am with you . . . my source of everything good and that’s all I need, no, what WE need, right now.”

“Sweetie, I've waited all my life to find my soul-mate. When I found you, I believe it signaled the end of my search. I'm content taking it slow as long as we're still together. I'm actually amazed how fast things have gone since we met - I've never 'been' with a girl so quickly after meeting her, but with you, it felt so right and I lost every ounce of willpower I had.”

“Oh Robbie. Now you’ve left me speechless! All I can say is that I am yours and that I can’t wait to start fresh tomorrow, without secrets or having to hide. Sweetie, I am almost at Jenn’s so I will kiss you goodnight for now and call you in the morning about your SUV. I’d love to give you a nice good morning kiss before you run to work too.”

“Babe, you don't HAVE to get here before I go to use it - just call and I'll leave it outside and put the keys in the little cubby-hole under the radio - but if you do get here before I leave, I sure would love to give you a hug and kiss before I go in.”

With a giggle she said, “You are funny! I will be at your house extra early to see you, I assure you! I miss you already! What time would be good for you?”

“I leave around 8:15 or so at the latest,” I said, and then said seriously, “Em, you'll never know how helpless I felt leaving you to handle that confrontation on your own.”

“I wasn’t alone in the fight. You were right there with me, remember?”

“I'm happy if I provided you with any strength or support. I love you so much, Emmy.”

“I love you with all that I have Robbie. Goodnight my honey.”

“Good night, I'll see YOU in the morning!”

I couldn’t hide my anticipation. “Count on it! Bye!”

Satisfied that Emmy was safe, I went upstairs to bed and although lonely, I slept contentedly. I woke up just before the alarm went off and decided to go ahead and get up. After my typical morning routine, I had gone downstairs and was enjoying a bowl of cut-up fruit and a big glass of orange juice when my cell phone rang.

“Good morning, Baby. How did you sleep?”

“I slept wonderfully! Almost as good as if you were there with me.” Following a giggle, she asked, “And how are you?”

“I was kind of restless, but I'm well rested now.”

“I hope that you rested enough for a good morning kiss!”

“Nothing could prevent me from ever giving you a good morning kiss, except one thing . . . You're not here for me to give it to you!”

“Not for long! Jenny is driving me towards you right now as we are talking. I hope that’s alright? I was a little excited and anxious this morning.”

“Wonderful!”

“I’ll be there in a few minutes so get those lips ready!”

I warned her, “They are going to taste like OJ and mixed fruit. I'm just having my breakfast!”

“Mmmmm sounds delicious! We’re turning onto your street, bye for now!”

“See you soon, bye!”

I saw her practically leap out of Jenn’s car and she was nearly to my door by the time I opened the screen door. All I could do was spread my arms, inviting her into them.

I quietly said, “Oh Emmmmm you feel wonderful!”

“My sweetie you do too. Thank you for being here and giving me the courage to do this today.”

We spent our moments together today kissing, hugging, and doing a little groping, until it was time for me to leave for work. I handed Emmy the keys to the Landcruiser and she followed me down the street until we had to head in separate directions.

Emmy texted me several times through the day and I could almost sensed her trepidation with what she was doing, so at every opportunity, I sent her back either positive reinforcement messages or texts I thought might have the power to cheer her up.

When she arrived at my house ready for class, I was too and we left right away. I accepted Emmy’s offer of driving me this time. After all I reasoned, I’m a gentleman but that doesn’t mean that I don’t want the lady in my life to do the things she enjoyed or those that made her happy. We talked all the way to our class.

I said, “I’ve missed you so much today! Thanks for all the texts.”

“Oh, how I’ve missed you! Can you believe how much stuff I got done today? Whew!”

“If you've got any more stuff to move you know you're welcome to use the SUV any time you like!”

“Actually . . . It was amazing how very little I wanted to take. It’s interesting how things of meaning actually are only a few items. The rest John can have because I don’t care either way. The majority of it was just ‘stuff’ to me.”

“I figured that a beautiful girl like you would have had to make a couple trips just for your clothes and shoes!”

Emmy snickered at the statement and said, “Well, I do admit that my high heels took up some room. So how was your day?”

“It was work, check my phone for texts, work some more, then check again! I was happy though because more often than not I got a message from you!”

She smiled and said, “I am soooo looking forward to class tonight. I wonder what we’ll be learning.”

“Me too. According to the pamphlet, tonight it's salmon.”

“Wonderful! That’s my second favorite, after tuna. I am super hungry now! Robbie, I was wondering . . .”

“Yes, babe?”

“Would you mind dropping me off after class? I really think that I only needed the Landcruiser for one day.”

“I’m glad that you finished today,” I replied. “Sure, that's no problem at all.”

“Thanks so much! I’ll give you a tour of the house and show you my new home . . . at least for the time being.”

I said, “Not for too long I hope, but take as much time as you need. I believe we'll end up together, and that's the important part.”

“Thanks sweetie,” She said, turning into the parking lot of the center. “One more thing.”

“What's that?”

She paused a moment then said, “Could we please walk in as a couple? I have dreamed of that so many times!”

“Please? I'd love that! I wonder if Melanie saw this coming!”

“Of course she did,” she said, with her hand on the door handle.

I said, “Don't you dare open that door before I get around the car!”

“Oops! Sorry! It’s a bad habit.”

I went around and opened her door saying, “Here you go, darling.”

“Thank you, sweetheart. Oh I am incredibly excited and a little nervous.”

“Why?” I asked.

“This is our big coming out, our first time as one, without anything to hide. I feel like the princess at the ball!”

“You ARE!!!”

“I guess I am!” She showed me that big brilliant smile again. “OK I’m ready. Lets do this.”

I took Emmy’s hand in mine and we interlaced fingers then began walking to class. I couldn’t help but to look lovingly at my princess, the love of my life, my . . . raison d'être . Even doing simple things like walking down a sidewalk hand in hand with Emmy made me the happiest I’ve ever been in my entire life.

Time went by too fast in class and all too soon we had finished all of the salmon dishes Melanie taught us. When the ‘work’ portion of the class was finished, Melanie came over to our workstation.

I wasn’t too surprised when she rather coyly said, “Hello, how are you guys tonight?”

Emmy and I glanced into each other’s eyes, then back to Melanie and said, “Perfect,” in unison, then shared a laugh.

Melanie said, “I can see that you two are perfect!” Then looking directly at Emmy, added, “I’m so happy to see you here. And I’ve been thinking about your situation since our talk this morning.” Now looking at me, she said, “I don’t know if Emmy told you but I’ve been through a divorce and so I know how tough it can be.”

I said, “No, she hadn’t mentioned that.”

Melanie disclosed, “I’m alright with it now but the process was very difficult and I sometimes had to get away from it all.”

Emmy said, “Yes, for sure.”

I added, “I can imagine.”

Melanie continued, “I’d like to offer something to you guys.”

My manners kicked in and I pointed out, “That’s not necessary, Melanie.”

She responded, “Oh, I know but I WANT to do this for you as a new couple. When I went through the split, the first thing I did was to buy something for myself, that was just for me. It ended up being a cabin in the Saddleback Mountains . I used this place to get away from it all . . . from the stress of the lawyers . . . the business . . . and from life in general.”

Completely surprised, I responded, “Wow! We love it up there! As a matter of fact we headed up that way for a picnic the other day.”

Emmy gushed, “We sure did and we adored the scenery! It was like a whole different world up there.”

With a naughty glee, I added “And so romantic!”

With a knowing look in her eyes, Melanie went on, “I bet! So I would like to offer it to you guys for the weekend or whenever you need it.”

Shocked at the generous offer, I said, “Wow, really Mel? This is so unexpected!”

Melanie was joyous. “I love surprises and it will do you guys good.”

I said, “It certainly is a surprise! What do you think Emmy? Care to spend a weekend in paradise with me?”

“I am speechless! Thank you! What am I going to say? No? I’d like to run there now!”

“Me too, but I'd rather do a little planning first.”

Melanie suggested, “Why don’t you two talk about it and let me know on Thursday?”

Rob replied, hurriedly, “Well I know I'd love to take advantage of your generous offer. I'm sure we could decide by then, right Em?”

“Yes for sure! Thanks so much, Melanie.”

Melanie pulled Emmy aside and whispered in her ear, then let out a mischievous laugh and before moving onto the next workstation. Emmy returned to my side blushing.

Curiously, I asked, “What did she say to you?”

Emmy stammered a bit before saying, “Huh? Oh? What? Ah . . . it’s a secret! But don’t worry, it is ALL good!”

As soon as we left the class, I let Emmy into the truck and drove to Jenn’s house. We were both excited by Melanie’s generous offer yet I could see all the heavy work had taken its toll on her. The poor girl was exhausted. Once we got to Jenn’s house, I let Emmy out of the truck and walked her up to the door.

I said, “Emmy, you’re obviously exhausted and you’ve got to work in the morning, let’s save your little tour for another time, OK?”

I could tell Emmy was torn between wanting me to stay awhile her desire for a good night’s sleep, so I decided to give her a nice kiss goodnight and be on my way. Apparently, she wasn’t quite ready to let me go yet and we ended up making out on Jenn’s front stoop under the light there, like a couple teenagers just home from a date. In a rather ironic moment, Jenn flicked the light off and on a couple times, much the way a girl’s parents might if they felt a ‘good bye’ was getting a little out of hand. We both laughed at the good-natured poke from Jenn and I urged Emmy to go inside and get a good rest.

Emmy ended up working longer than expected on Wednesday and I was busy catching up as a result of taking Monday off so our contact was limited to a few texts and phone calls. Thursday went much the same, except we both had the class to look forward to.

Emmy worked a bit longer than usual again and met me at the Cultural Center still wearing hot pink ‘scrubs’. I playfully referred to my love as my ‘naughty nurse’ and we had fun while we enjoyed our cooking assignment for the night.

At the end of class, Melanie stopped by our workstation and handed Emmy the keys to the cabin along with a hand drawn map that seemed to look as though the cabin would be fairly easy to find. We spent some time hugging and kissing but I encouraged her to go home and get some rest. She had been working really hard to make up some of the hours she lost by taking Tuesday off to move her belongings out of her former house.

We kissed one last time before I let her into her car and I waved as she drove off. I got into my car and headed home. I took it easy the rest of the night and got up excited that I was going to spend the next couple nights and days with my princess. Surprisingly, work seemed to pass fairly quickly and I was out the door and on my way home within moments of quitting time.

As soon as I got home from work Friday, I hopped in the Landcruiser and ran to ‘The Path Bike Shop’ where I got my bike and talked to Scott, the guy that sold me my Yeti. I told him that I wanted a bike for my girlfriend and he happened to have a Yeti ASR5 Carbon almost identical to mine that was fitted for a girl about Emmy’s size but had never been picked up. He remembered me coming in for my Yeti and between that and the fact it had been built for a customer who ended up unable to pay for it, he gave me a great deal so I bought it along with a few essential supplies, a water bottle, a light kit, a helmet and cable lock to secure the bike when it was parked.

We mounted it behind mine on the bike rack attached to the tailgate and I rushed home. Along the way, Emmy called.

I said, “Hi, Baby! How was your day?”

“OK, how about yours?

“Good but I really miss you, Em. You’ve got no idea how much I ache to sleep with you in my arms and wake up only to see your angelic face.”

“Me too, Robbie. It won’t be long until we can actually fall asleep in each other’s arms and wake up together every morning for the rest of our lives. It won’t be long, Baby! I’m almost at your home. I’ll be there in a few minutes!”

“OK Em, I’ll see you then. I’m so in love with you, Baby.”

“I love you too . . . so, so much. Bye.”

We hung up after promising to see each other in just a few minutes. I pulled in my driveway and backed the truck behind where the Challenger was parked and used the remote to open the overhead door. I got out of the truck, swung the bike rack out of the way, opened the tailgate then went inside for the first cooler. I was just pushing it into the back of the truck when Emmy pulled in and I directed her straight into the garage. I ran over, let her out of the car and we embraced as we kissed each other.

“This is going to be a wonderful weekend, Baby.”

“I think we’re going to end up wishing it were more than a couple days, but I plan to make trips like this a regular occurrence once we’re living under the same roof. There are so many things and places I want to share with you.”

We closed her car door and got her bag out of the trunk of her car and tossed it in the truck.

She said, “Is that everything?” I said, “I’ve got one more cooler inside, I need to check the lights and locks then we’re on our way.”

We went inside, and I grabbed the cooler.

“Emmy, would you please check the outside doors and make sure they’re all locked?”

She gave me a quick kiss and said, “Sure, Babe.”

I loaded the cooler then Emmy came out and told me everything is secure so I closed the tailgate and said, “By the way, I picked you up a little something.”

Her eyes lit up at the suggestion I got her a gift and I’m sure she suspected it was another flower or something but I swung the bike rack back against the tailgate and latched it then asked her what she thought.

She said, “About what?”

“You said your bike was giving you problems so I got you one like mine. Now we can ride together in style.”

“How on earth can I ever pay you back for this?”

“It’s only going to cost you a hug and a kiss. But if you really feel that’s not enough, you can help me find some shoes, I’m going to need them to keep up with you if we start running.”

“You really want to do that?”

“Sure, you’re indulging me in a couple of my hobbies, it’s only fair that I try some of yours.”

I let Emmy in the truck then got behind the wheel. After closing the overhead door with the remote, we headed out toward the Santa Ana Mountains . With ‘Old Saddleback’ off in the distance, we took off on our first weekend getaway.

We turned on to Santiago Canyon Road and we both giggled with the realization that we were at least half way to Melanie’s cabin now. Emmy was doing an excellent job of navigating along the way and when we finally got to the turn-off to Melanie’s cabin and started watching for her driveway which Melanie told Emmy could be difficult to find if we weren’t careful.

Emmy said, “There it is, Robbie! Turn right there.”

I pulled into the driveway and in front of the chateau style cabin with the rustic façade. Emmy made it out of the truck before I was able to get around to her door and I said, “I’ll let it go this time – but watch it, OK? Even though I found my Miss Right, I’m not ready to give up my membership in the gentleman’s union.”

Emmy gave me a kiss and said, “Sorry, Baby! I’m just so excited!”

“Me too, Hon. Why don’t you unlock the door and turn on some lights. I’ll start bringing our stuff inside.”

She gave me another little kiss and almost pranced up to the door, fumbled only a second with the key before I saw the door swing open. Emmy then turned on some lights including a floodlight over the driveway. I carried everything inside while Emmy was busy checking the place out.

When I came in with the last of our clothes, she said, “Here’s the bedroom Mel told me we should use.”

I followed her in and set the bags on the bed then spent a second looking around. With all the woods, it was too dark to really see much outdoors but I wondered out loud how beautiful the scenery must be. I excused myself to get more things out of the truck and set them down in the kitchen area.

Emmy said, “Are you done yet?

I said, “I want to bring the bikes in, then I’m done.”

She approved that plan and I went out and brought the bikes in, and rolled them into the living room both for security and to keep them out of the elements. I went into the kitchen and Emmy was putting our stuff in the fridge out of the first cooler. I opened up the other cooler and pulled out the two bottles of wine, a Pinot Noir and since it seemed to be her favorite, a Chenin Blanc. I pulled out the two bottles of Moët & Chandon Champagne I brought with me.

Emmy said, “Wow, last time I had good, really good Champagne was at my wedding. I can’t believe you got the good stuff!”

I said, “Nothing but the best for my Baby. I’ve got a little something to go with this too!

I reached into the cooler and pulled out the two Tupperware containers, one with the Chocolate sauce I made with the recipe I found on line and the other larger container with cleaned, except for the stems, strawberries.

I fed Emmy one of the berries dipped in the sauce and she said, “Mmmm. I’m not used to this kind of thing, Robbie. Are we always going to be like this?”

I said, “I’m afraid so, Baby. Face it you’ve hooked up with a hopeless romantic.”

She gave me a kiss and said, “Let’s put these away until we’re settled in, OK?”

I agreed and I finished putting our stuff away in the kitchen while Emmy walked out onto the deck behind the cabin. She came back a minute or two later and took me by the hand to lead me into the bedroom.

I said, “I like the way you think.”

She said, “You’ve got no idea, Baby! I want you naked – NOW!”

We both began taking our clothes off and didn’t stop until we were both standing in front of each other naked as the day we were born.

I tried to lead her toward the bed but she resisted and said, “Nope, come with me! As she grabbed a couple towels and we headed toward the kitchen. “Why don’t you grab the Champagne and strawberries?”

Thinking I was in store for more outdoor sex, I happily agreed. I got one of the bottles of Champagne , the two flutes I brought along with the two Tupperware containers and Emmy led me out onto the deck. She then pointed out the hot tub on the deck with steamy vapor rising off the surface of the water.

“This was the secret Mel told me the other night.”

I said, “Wow, this is beautiful! She leaves it turned on all the time?”

“Nope, Melanie actually drove up here this afternoon and turned it on for us.”

“Wow, she’s so cool. I can’t believe she is doing all this for us!”

I set our stuff down on the little table next to the tub and helped my naked princess up the steps and into the tub. Once she was seated, I followed her and sat next to her. I then carefully unwrapped the foil over the cork, un-twisted the cage over the cork and slowly twisted the bottle back and forth, slowly allowing the cork to slip out, keeping it from popping out with force under my hand. Finally with a subtle ‘pah’ the cork was free and I began filling the two flutes. I set the bottle down, handed the first flute to Emmy while I took the second.

I raised my glass and said, “Emmy, Sweetheart. I love you with all my heart. I wish I could explain the speed with which that happened, but all that matters is that I know it’s real and I want so badly to spend the rest of the life with you. You being with me, here and now, makes me the happiest man in the world. I love you, Baby.”

Emmy said, “Oh, Robbie. I now see what has been missing in my life these past several years and I’m so glad we found each other. I know this is exactly where I belong and I want to remain on your for the rest of my life, too. I love you, Rob.”

We clinked glasses, took a sip then set the glasses back on the table as we shared a passionate kiss. The kiss lingered and before it broke off, Emmy swung her far leg up and over my lap and the kiss grew even more passionate.

“Wow, that may have been the best kiss of my life!” Emmy gushed.

I concurred, “I KNOW it was the best kiss of my life!”

We took a little break and Emmy reached behind me, took a strawberry, dipped it in chocolate and fed it to me. I ate the treat then reached back and made another that I fed to Emmy after tapping it on the tip of her nose, leaving a tiny dot of chocolate there. She ate the berry and I leaned in and kissed the dot of chocolate off her nose. She reached down and gave my erection a quick squeeze before sitting back down in her original seat.

We sat there talking about our future as we treated each other and ourselves to strawberries and consumed most of the first bottle of Champagne . As the Champagne buzz became more of a factor, our mutual groping increased and I desperately wanted Emmy and right away, Emmy seemed to be in that same place and once again swung her far leg over my lap and began earnestly humping me as we kissed.

Emmy stopped just long enough to look through my eyes straight into my soul and said, “I’m going to make love to you, my Rob. I need to feel you inside me.”

“Nothing would make me happier, baby. Should we dry off and head to the bedroom?”

Emmy raised herself up a bit and used her hand to rub my cock-head the length of her folds. The hot, undulating water washed away most of our natural lubrication, but we were both so turned on, I slowly gained entry to her hot, tight passage.

I said, “Oh God, Emmy. This feels so good. I don’t think it’s ever felt so good in the past! I love you, Sweetheart!”

“It does feel good, I love you, Babe!”

We finally found a rhythm and began moving at a frenzied pace. We were kissing and caressing each other’s bodies as we continued our lovemaking. The heated water seemed to make our passion hotter as well and we went on and on until we were both approaching climax.

I said, “I can’t hold off much longer, Baby.”

“I’m almost there, too.”

We both fine tuned our positions and increased both our speed and intensity. I felt Emmy’s pussy begin to convulse around my cock and just a stroke or two later we both let out a moan of pleasure as I erupted deep inside her. Emmy held me in that position and we shared another passionate kiss then whispered in my ear.

She said, “Please baby, stay right where you are. It feels so good with you inside me!”

“If I could, I’d stay in this position forever! You know, we’ve got to do something for Melanie. I simply can’t accept this kind of generosity without reciprocating somehow.”

“I know what you mean, we’ve only known her personally for a little less than two weeks, I feel we need to show our appreciation for this offer as well.”

“Let’s work on that.”

Emmy cooed in my ear, “So are you ready to go cuddle in each other’s arms now?”

“Yes, Baby. I’m also anxious to enjoy this beautiful scenery in the daylight when we wake!”

We kissed one last time then I got out of the tub, wrapped a towel around my waist then helped Emmy out. I offered her the other towel and she too wrapped it around her waist, leaving her luscious boobs exposed, her nipples hardening in the cool breeze.

I looked at her with love in my eyes and said, “Have I told you lately how beautiful you are, Emmy?”

She blushed a bit and said, “Even when you don’t say the words, I can tell by your gaze that it’s what you believe.”

“That’s not good enough – I need to tell you, Emmy you are beautiful and I love you to the very depths of my soul.”

“I love you too, Robbie. Now, lets put our stuff away and get under the covers so we can cuddle, OK”

“Absolutely.”

Emmy went in to the bedroom while I put the rest of the berries and chocolate away. The Champagne was virtually gone so I poured the balance out, but kept the bottle and the cork, in case Emmy had any sentimental attachment to it. I turned off the lights and headed to the bedroom where I found Emmy lying in bed. She tossed back the covers as I approached and I climbed right in next to her and we immediately assumed the ‘spoon’ position. We spoke quietly and held each other close, drifting off to sleep much sooner than I expected.

To be continued. . .