Stenton laced my hand with his and led me off the property and to the truck. The ride back to the cottage and onto the beach was mostly quiet, and because of me for a change. But the moment we hit the water, Stenton ended my sulking with the first dunk into the cool water.
We returned to the cottage toward the evening hours for a lobster bake dinner. Stenton and I scarfed it down with delicious spirits, stuffing ourselves like pigs until I needed to clean myself from all the salt, sand and sweat. Stenton needed to grab a few things from the store, so he showered then left while I stayed behind. I showered and was combing my damp hair out when Stenton appeared in the bathroom doorway.
“Come with me. Hurry,” his tone wasn’t as urgent as his words.
With little reservation, I dropped my comb and followed Stenton out the back door, noticing security along the way. I tried keeping up with his long strides until he stopped at a small platform a few feet from the water and copped a spot on it. I heard the music on the way there and when we sat, I immediately understood our destination. There was a small concert on the beach by a rock band that seemed to have members younger than me, almost a half a mile from where we sat. We didn’t have the best view, but the sound was perfectly clear. There was a small crowd, but boy, were they energetic.
“They must be local,” Stenton noted.
I nodded my head in agreement. It became obvious by the number of cover songs they performed. There were only about two songs I didn’t recognize. The majority were by Sting, Nine Inch Nails, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Alice and Chains. They were pretty good. It totally captured my attention, allowing me to zone out. In no time I relaxed, lying back on my hands, crossing my legs, and absorbing the energy. Stenton must have sent one of his security for drinks because out of nowhere, I felt a nudge and when I looked up, he was handing me a delicious margarita. Stenton and I sat in silence, occasionally singing lyrics along with the band, laughing at one another when we went out of range.
Their cover of “Come As You Are” was spot on. It spoke to Stenton’s and my situation. I didn’t care how he came back into my life, so long as he came wanting me finally. When that revelation hit, I found my eyes traveling over to him. His gaze was gliding over me as he bopped to the beat. I recognized the look in those marbled orbs. He wanted me. How? In that moment it didn’t matter. I just needed him to want me. That’s all I ever wanted from Stenton. We exchanged loaded stares for moments long. It was the perfect moment. It was our nirvana. And I welcomed it.
Stenton took my hand and did a reverse nod in the direction of the cottage. If he was ready to go, so was I. On our walk back, I asked to get a ride on his back. He obliged and I giggled on my trip up there. As I clasped onto his shoulders, Stenton ran and leaped in the air, pretending to be on the court. I laughed endlessly, caught up in the moment. When he tired himself out, Stenton craned his neck and reached back to cup my face, planting the most impassioned kiss on my lips. His tongue swirled several times before he withdrew, pulling my bottom lip between his teeth to my delight. That’s when I caught a flash.
“What’s wrong?” Stenton asked, halting his steps.
“I thought I saw a camera flash.”
Stenton snorted. “This is one of the most private beaches in the area. I doubt that flash was for us.”
“Okay.” I supplied a playful moue.
“Now, if you want a flash on you, I have a few poses I want you to try out when we get back up to the loft.”
That hurled me into a new mental space. “I’ll go first. And promise not to put them on social media, StentRo.”
Stenton rolled his eyes, tried fighting his chuckle. “Don’t start that shit again, Zo.”
That evening, to close our abbreviated getaway, I indulged Stenton by letting him use old restraints, but in a new position during our play.