Part 7
Becca yawned, not quite able to cover her mouth in time.
"Tired?" Nick smiled, glancing over from the driver's seat of his rental car.
"More than I thought," she replied, running her hands through her hair.
Nick caught his breath. She had no idea how he'd missed seeing her do that. In the four months she'd been gone it had grown quite a bit and his mind traveled to all sorts of bad places. He wanted to feel it hang around him as she made love to him; he loved the feel of her hair on his body. He sighed, knowing there was no way they could jump right back into the relationship they'd had before. He made up his mind to be patient and not pressure her into moving ahead too quickly.
Becca watched Nick's hands tighten on the steering wheel and had a good idea what he was thinking. She smiled and decided distraction would be good. "Nick?"
"Yeah Bec?"
"Where are you taking me?" She knew they were headed away from Key West, but had no idea exactly where. It wasn't too difficult, as there was only one highway between Key West and the mainland.
"My turn for a surprise. We'll be there in a few minutes."
Becca settled back, watching the water in silence. The Keys were amazing, water on both sides of the road and just a sense of peace everywhere. Soon they came to sign that read "Marathon City Limits," and Nick pulled off onto a sandy side road on the Atlantic Ocean side of the city. About a half a mile down the road, they pulled to a stop in front of a modest-sized contemporary beach house.
"Here we are." Nick parked the car, turning sideways to watch Becca's face.
"Nick, this is great! Do you know the owners?"
"Yeah, you could say that. C'mon, let's go in." He grinned, getting out and helping Becca out. He watched her, smiling. She moved so differently now, the way she carried herself was so totally . different. He took her arm, helping her over the drifts of sand that had blown around the walkway.
Becca stepped into the open-beamed living room, and in the darkening horizon could see the lights of the boats out at sea. The entire waterfront side of the house was nothing but windows and she smiled in contentment. "Nick, this is beautiful. I've missed the ocean so much."
"I'm really glad you like it." He grinned.
Becca was suddenly very wary. "And why would that be?"
"Umm it's yours." He laughed at the expression on her face. "Don't look at me that way!"
"Nick, I dont understand."
"I bought this right before you left. It was going to be a wedding present."
"Oh God " Becca's eyes suddenly held a sadness that seemed too deep for words.
"Bec, don't, please? All that matters is that you're back with me." Nick took her in his arms and held her close. "So, you like?" They were standing at the windows looking out over the water.
"I love it, Nick, it's perfect," she sighed.
"Come on, let me show you around!" Like a kid with a new toy he pulled her through the house, opening doors and turning on lights, and finally leading her up the open staircase to the loft bedroom.
"Oh, Nick ."
"I saw this place and I had to have it for you. I saw this room and I could just picture you
there, waiting for me " His voice trailed away, suddenly shy.
"Nick, it's ok. I understand. I want you, too, but "
"I know, baby. It's too soon. We need to go slow this time." He held her face in his hands, gently kissing her forehead.
Becca laughed. "Sure, Nick, look where 'going slow' got us last time."
"Go clean up," he laughed. "I'll find those corn flakes I promised you."
"A BIG bowl, Carter!" she called after him.
"Yes, mom!" He laughed as Becca threw a pillow at him over the side of the loft.
"Don't start with me," she threatened, loving the ease with which they were settling back together. She'd never take another day with him for granted as along as she lived. Sending up a silent prayer of thanks she followed him down the stairs.