Lulu's Loves (24 page)

“Let’s go.” He reached for my hand, and I realized that each time he’d done so felt better and more exciting than the time before.

It was a beautiful morning. When we arrived, Micah pulled out the fishing gear and got everything ready.

“I’m just telling you, right now,” I announced as he was preparing a fishing pole for me. “One: I have no idea what to do. Two: I am not, will not, no way, no how, touch a fish or whatever the heck that is that you’re putting on the hook thingy.”

He was squatting down and looked back at me over his shoulder with the biggest smile. “Ok then, all you need to do is cast and catch. I’ll show you.”

Finally, he took the rod and gave me a lesson. He cast and reeled it back in to show me how. “Now all you do is wait for a nibble.”

I quickly looked his way. “On the line,” he smiled. “You’ll know.”

Around noon, Micah put a picnic out for us and we drank a beer. “You’re doing great.”

“You aren’t because you have to keep helping me,” I laughed.

“Are you having fun? ‘Cause if you are, that’s all that matters,” he said, with a grin.

I thought a moment and finally told him I was. “It’s kind of amazing, because I would never have dreamed of doing anything like this!”

At the end of our day, I’d caught two catfish, a black crappie and three ‘good sized’ bluegills. Micah threw the fish in the cooler and we headed for home.

“Thanks for being a good sport,” he chuckled. “It was fun and I enjoyed it.”

“Thank you for taking care of my hook and my fish.” I thought a moment and added, “What do you do with them now?”

“I’ll clean them and put the fish in the freezer. One day we’ll have a fish fry.”

“I’d like that,” I said.

He was quiet a moment. “Want to do it tonight?” he asked, cautiously.

“Can I go home and clean up first?” I asked.

“How about I drop you off, and I’ll go home and get the stuff and bring it to your place? I could set it up on your patio?”

“It looks like a lovely evening. That would be nice.”

After he dropped me off I quickly showered and then ran to the grocery store, grabbing beer for him, white wine for me, and some potato salad. As I passed the bakery, I grabbed an apple pie.

I saw the Jeep turn the corner as I turned into my driveway. He pulled up behind me.

“I ran to grab a few things,” I explained as I grabbed bags. He was busy getting things from the back of the Jeep. “I’ll go through and open the gate.”

We set up a folding table and I grabbed two plastic chairs. I brought him a beer while he got everything ready.

“This is nice,” I said.

“It is. Do you like spicy? I need to know how heavy I can go on the Cajun seasoning.” I nodded and he prepared the coating for the fish.

It was a nice evening as we cooked outside. I had two tiki torches and we lit them. It was pleasant. I found that the more he was around, the more I enjoyed Micah Flinn’s company.

One Friday, I hadn’t heard from him and Rachael called to go out for a drink.

We sat at the bar. Rachael was antsy. “Well?” she prodded.

“I like him. A lot. We’ve been going out for a few weeks now, and honestly, I was disappointed that you called tonight and he didn’t.” We both laughed at my comment.

My phone rang while we were together. “Do you mind?” I asked. She just smiled. “Hi!”

“I just got home from work.” I looked at my watch; it was after nine. “I’m gonna shower and go to bed, but I was wondering if we could do something tomorrow? I’m not sure what, I just want to see you.”

“Yes,” I said with no hesitation. “Call me in the morning.”

Rachael raised a curious eyebrow. “What? I like him, Rachael!”

“I knew you would. You just needed to pay attention.”

Saturday morning at 8:30, my phone rang. “I’ll be there in ten minutes,” he said, before I said a word.

“I’m waiting!”

He pulled up. I opened the door before he knocked. “Coffee?”

“That’d be great.” He leaned to kiss my cheek. My heart raced and I wanted more.

“I thought we’d head to Gainesville and go to the Butterfly Rainforest,” he said as we had coffee. “There’s a great pizza place not far from there; we’ll grab a bite before we head back.”

“I’d like all of that,” I said.

“Let’s roll!”

The day was amazing, but I learned that it didn’t matter what we did or where we went; being with Micah Flinn made me happy.

We went out at least once a week: a movie, dinner, or bowling. I cooked dinner for him a couple of times. We went on day trips to “parts unknown.” We’d been seeing each other for about six weeks, but it remained casual.

One Saturday, he spent a whole day helping me build a serving station that I wanted to make for the patio from a pallet.

I fixed dinner. After we ate, as he got ready to go, gathering up his tools, he turned to me. “Lulu?” I looked up because it sounded important. “Wednesday.”

“Wednesday, what?” I asked with a smile.

“Can we get together again on Wednesday?” he asked.

“Wednesday would be great.”

“Good. I’ll pick you up at 5:30. It’s a very casual date. Trust me when I say shorts, t-shirt, and sneakers will be appropriate.”

“I’ll be anxious to see what you have in mind,” I told him.

He kissed my cheek and left.

On Wednesday, I was waiting.

“Wow. Casual never looked so good before,” he smiled. “Ready?”

“I have no idea what for, but YES!” He grabbed my hand and led me out the door to the Jeep.

We pulled up to a sports complex, When we got out, Micah went to the back of the Jeep and pulled out baseball bats.

“What on earth?” I laughed.

“We’re going to the batting cages.”

“I haven’t hit a ball with a bat since I was in middle school. I don’t know if I can!” I declared.

“Come on, it’ll be fun.” He paid our way in and handed me a helmet.

I just looked at him.

“It’s a rule.”

We went to one of the cages and Micah stepped up to show me how it worked. He hit every ball that came at him like a pro. Finally, he handed me a bat. “Your turn.”

“I’m kind of panicked here,” I laughed. I stepped up and he waved. A ball came at me, and like a damn girl, I screamed and ducked.

“You’ll not hit a one that way,” he chuckled.

I thought a minute. I assumed the stance and waited. He waved and a ball came at me. I made contact, but it just popped up and right back down in front of me. Another ball and I hit it off to the side. One more, and again, it went up and came down in front of me. I was getting frustrated. Then, Micah stepped up to show me how. He came behind me, and put his hands on my hips.

Oh my. My knees were trembling. He hasn’t touched me like this before. I know he’s guiding me, but his hands, big firm hands. PAY ATTENTION, LULU!

“Loosen up. Hold the bat like this.” He put his arms around me and placed his hands on mine, moving them to where he thought they should be on the bat. I couldn’t concentrate. He was so close. I felt his breath on my neck.

SNAP OUT OF IT, LULU!

He bumped my knees with his and I felt him nod to send a ball our way. He worked into the swing with me, and we made contact with the ball. I was excited and distracted.

“Another one!” I yelled.

Again he moved his arms around me and we hit another one.

“Now, you do it,” he said, and stepped away.

I hit the ball with a crack and it popped out and away.

“Oh my gosh! I did it!”

“You did! Wanna hit a couple more?” he asked, seemingly happy at my delight.

We smacked some more balls, and I could already feel that every bone in my body was going to hurt like hell tomorrow.

“There’s this little bar around the corner. Want to stop in for some appetizers and a drink?”

“Sure,” I replied. In actuality, I wasn’t ready for him to take me home.

When we arrived, to my surprise, I saw Keelin at the bar with another man.

“Hey!” he called out. “Come sit over here!”

“Do you mind?” I asked Micah.

“Not at all.”

Micah took my hand and we joined Keelin and his friend at the bar. We ordered and Micah excused himself to go to the restroom. While he was away, Keelin scooted closer.

“Those little white lights hanging above you make your eyes sparkle,” he said.

“I’m not sure it’s those lights,” I replied with a grin that I couldn’t seem to contain.

“How long have you been seeing him?”

“I don’t know, about a month and a half. It’s been very casual…” I started, but he cut me off.

“But you’re ready for more?” Keelin asked.

“Who’s your friend?” I asked, changing the subject.

“Aaron, this is my good friend, Lulu,” he said, just as Micah returned. “And this is her friend Micah.”

As they chatted, my mind wandered. I am ready for more. This man is a surprise to me. He’s fun. He’s great company, and I enjoy the time we spend together. I want to spend more time with him. Is Keelin right? AM I READY FOR MORE?

We had a few drinks and shared conversation before Micah was ready to go.

When we arrived at my place, he walked me to the door. “Thanks Lulu, that was fun. Can I see you Friday?”

“Are we making a habit of this?” I teased. He nodded and smiled a smile that showed dimples I hadn’t paid attention to before.

“I’d love that.”

“Join me for dinner at Ivy?” For some reason it took me by surprise. “I’ll pick you up at six.”

“Ivy?” I repeated the word.

“I’ll see you at six.” He leaned toward me and placed a kiss on my cheek.

He walked away and I closed the door.

I fell asleep thinking about the evening ahead.

As I waited for six o’clock to come, I felt excited. I know I looked in the mirror ten times, making sure my hair, my makeup, everything was perfect. I waited with anticipation of the evening ahead. I couldn't imagine him dressing up and wondered what to expect when he arrived.

I heard a car and looked out the window. There was a flashy black Corvette in my driveway. I saw Micah get out wearing a suit.

Surprise, Lulu!

“Wow,” I said. “You clean up nice.”

“Wowza.” He grinned, directing his comment to me. “You look amazing.”

I felt a blush on my cheeks. That hadn't happened in a long time. I felt silly for being surprised.

He reached for my hand and we went out the door. He held the car door for me and rounded the hood to get in. When he was in the seat, he turned to me, taking my chin in his hand. He turned me toward him and placed a soft kiss on my lips.

“I’ve wanted to do that for awhile.” His grin made me blush.

“I’m glad you did it now.” I looked down to fiddle with my bag. I didn’t want him to see my smile.