A Chance Encounter-Steamy Romance Novel by Salty Vixen

“After my train leaves here, I switch trains in Chicago where I will travel onto California. Do you have my mom’s number for the kids and also my cell phone if you need anything? Don’t forget to call the kids to say goodnight and remember to take Amanda’s kitty pillow when you go there. Also, Timmy needs to remember his baseball mitt for the practices. My mom has a schedule of where they need to be and when.” Dianna is going over last minute details with her husband. Dennis rotely nods at Dianna. “Can’t she just see I am trying to unwind from a long day at the office?” he thinks to himself impatiently. She is scurrying around their bedroom grabbing this outfit and that, going over her list, and Dennis confidently knows Dianna has thought of everything. She always does and it is a trait he has come to expect of her. It keeps their lives running smoothly and has given him the chance to really focus on his career. He is a rising star at his company and each year they entrust him with greater responsibilities. He has achieved all he ever dreamed, a beautiful wife, two lovely children and a home in the finest neighborhood. Dennis is proud of his life.

Dianna’s rushed pace slows and she emerges from the bathroom in sexy lingerie and a smile on her face. “Don’t you want to say good-bye to me properly?” Dennis smiles as Dianna walks toward the bed. How much better does it get? His wife has found an appetite for sex that astounds him sometimes. Always in the mood. She climbs onto him and says, “Are you going to miss me?” Grabbing Dianna’s waist, Dennis guides her towards him. She’s a little dry so he reaches into the nightstand for some lubricant. “Ahhhhh much better,” he grunts as he thrusts into her. They rock together for a few moments and he quickens the pace. Dennis freezes as his climax begins and tightens his grip on Dianna. He grows soft as he comes back down and Dianna climbs off of him. Snuggling into him, he suddenly rises. “Got to check my briefcase and brush my teeth.” Dianna lies there quietly, wondering why she continues to hunger for something ultimately so unsatisfying. Each time they have sex, she feels unfulfilled. Dennis climbs back into bed and leans over to kiss Dianna. “Thanks, beautiful, you know just how to help me unwind.” Shutting off the light, he rolls over and falls asleep.

Dianna is wide-awake, eyes staring at the ceiling. In the darkness, Dianna wonders if she ever would be able to persuade Dennis to love her the way she wants to be loved. She reaches between her legs and feels the wetness of the lubricant and his juices. Massaging herself intimately, her fingers slip and slide around her pussy, giving her a feeling of relaxation. Touching herself is an indulgence she has discovered in recent years. She has become her own best lover, exploring the crooks and valleys of her femininity. A foggy image forms in her mind; a shadow of a man caressing her, licking her, loving every inch of her body. A dream lover. Imagining her hands are his; she strokes herself more urgently. The shadow takes control of her pleasure. In her mind he whispers to her, telling her how sexy she is, how much he wants her, how much making love to her means.

Fueled by this fantasy, Dianna continues to stroke, making her clit erect with desire. She finds her magic spot and makes frantic circles as her insides begin to tighten with the beginnings of an orgasm. Building, circling harder, Dianna breathes in and out quietly but with a sense of urgency. Raising her hips to meet the imaginary lover, she crashes over the wall into a state of bliss as she begins to tremble and shake with the physical pleasure of her orgasm. Her heart is pounding in her chest and she sinks into the sheets, snuggled up to herself. Dennis’ words from earlier echo in her brain, “Yes, I do know just how to help myself unwind.”

Dianna awakens with the sun ready for to begin her vacation. Snapping her suitcase shut, Dianna rechecks her list. She is nervous about her plans, but she also knows her sanity demands it. She decides this trip is well deserved. Seven years of nonstop mothering have left her wondering what else her life was about. She never regretted leaving her career as a lobbyist to be a mother. Instead of saving the world in large brushstrokes, motherhood allows her the micro-management of two people at a time. Somehow along the path though, Dianna forgot how to be passionate about Dianna, only about being a homemaker. The energy she once funneled into her career has stagnated on the shelf with soccer schedules and PTA meetings.

Dianna is an exceptionally attractive woman. She has dark brown eyes that shine with joy and love. Her elfish smile lights up easily as her dimples deepen, because she really does enjoy her life as a mother. Her thick hair shines like golden sunshine and though she is not particularly small, she has littleness about her, a childlike manner of carrying herself. Though in her mid-thirties, she never has lost her girlish charm or innocence. Dianna’s life has been relatively untouched. She is one of those women who will always look like a college co-ed and she approaches life with that same enthusiasm. She has a natural glow to her skin that requires very little makeup. Wholesome is a word invented for women like Dianna.

She always wanted to take a train trip but Dennis never grasped the romanticism of traveling slowly. He lives in a world of split second decisions and nonstop activity. Dianna knew she’d be taking such a trip alone if she ever did. With her standing invitation to visit her college friend Randall in California, she takes the initiative and decides to “head west, young girl.” Dianna has never traveled alone and wonders what adventures lie ahead of her. Smiling as the train takes her from Detroit to Chicago, she changes trains to the Southwest Chief that goes to Albuquerque and then on to Los Angeles.

Wandering through the station in Chicago and not really paying attention to where she is going, she studies her ever-present guidebook so that she may make the most of her time in California. Dianna distractedly walks right into a man and drops her bag and book into a messy pile on the floor, papers scattering everywhere. With a flustered apology, she gathers her things. Dianna’s eyes meet his. A man’s voice says, “It’s okay, you must have a lot on your mind.” Facing the most incredible eyes and smile she’s ever seen on a man, Dianna blushes deeply and becomes even more embarrassed. Somehow she regains her composure and continues to head to her train, the man’s face and kind voice resonating in her brain. Cursing her clumsiness, Dianna rummages to find her train ticket and boards the train.

She settles into her car, admiring the compact, tidy room. Dianna ponders how little space a person really needs as images of her palatial home in suburban Detroit flash through her head. Thinking, “This space will do just fine for the next few nights,” she tucks her suitcase away and hangs up her jacket. She selects a book to settle in with and pauses for a moment to reflect upon her trip. So many people in her life found it odd that she chose to travel alone for an entire week, while little did they know in some ways she virtually had been traveling alone her entire marriage. While she loves her children, she felt somehow along the way, she had lost herself. Her husband is so focused on his needs; hers simply got shelved. He assumes that since she is so well provided for financially, there is little more she could want.

She heads to the dining car for some scenery and a drink. The whistle blows and the train rolls away from the station. Dianna feels like a settler of long ago heading west to the land of the unknown. A thrill of anticipation dances across her spine and she grins at her reflection in the window. Moving from the station, she watches the city rushing past her window. Daydreaming again, she sips her iced tea and stares out the window.

Lost in her thoughts, the same voice that has been echoing in her brain says, “I see we meet again”.

Startled, she glances up and thinks, “Can this be happening?” Nervous laughter dots her words as she replies, “I am so glad I am sitting and not walking around, less hazardous this way.”

The handsome stranger from the station asks, “Do you mind if I join you and we enjoy the scenery together?” Dianna motions to the empty seat across from her and he sits down. They engage in a little small talk.

“Nicolas Andrews,” he formally introduces himself hand extended, “I am from Washington D.C. where I work as a high school teacher and football coach. Please call me Nick, that is how I ask all beautiful strangers who practically knock me over to address me.”

Dianna confidently grips his hand to hide her embarrassment over their initial encounter. Nick senses this and wants to put her at ease. Suddenly, making this woman comfortable with him has become very important. “Dianna Norton,” she replies, “I hail from the Motor City where I am a full time mother. Please do not call me Di, unless you don’t want to be my friend.”

With an easy smile, she tells him she has run away from home for a week to visit an old friend in Los Angeles. Coincidentally, Nick announces, “I am meeting an old Army buddy in LA as well. Looks like we are trip mates.”

“I will have to be careful not to bump into you like our initial encounter,” Dianna playfully replies.

Nick responds, “Bump into me anytime you want, the pleasure is all mine.”

Every exchange is laced with double entendre. Bantering back and forth, they slip into an easy conversation that feels like a favorite bathrobe. He asks Dianna probing questions about her life, her children, her former career, her ambitions and hopes. She wonders how he could possibly find the life of a housewife so out of the ordinary, but his interest seems genuine. Dianna cannot believe she, a married woman, is flirting with a married man, but the magnetism is undeniable. Dianna also vowed to leave guilt behind when she packed her bags for this trip and recapture the essence of who she once was. What harm could innocent flirtation cause? She revels in Nick’s undivided attention, being reminded what an aphrodisiac simple interest can be.

Glancing at Nick with a timid blush, she gets a closer view of the handsome stranger from the train station. His eyes have a fire that lights them from behind. They are speckled with blue and green and brown and gray. Instantly, Dianna sees a rainbow of the world. The eyes of someone who has seen more than she will ever envision and lived more than she will ever imagine. They are the eyes of an adventurer and seeker of truth. He has a chiseled face, the strong bones of a solid man. A man who sets his jaw stubbornly on what he wants and does not know how the meaning of the word quit. The man is a competitor, though not ruthlessly so. A man who will win whatever battles he can but never sets out to hurt his opponent. Dianna’s small fingers long to trace the lines on his temple and forehead, as if touching him as a sculptor she could somehow absorb more of his aura. She sees strength without pain. A brush of a mustache frames his genuine smile. His thick straight brown hair is streaked with gray and softly covers his head.

He has a strong neck and broad shoulders that have carried the weight of the world with a quiet determination. Nick is a man who knows what he has to do to survive and does it. A man who cares for the people in his life with his personal strength but never asks for it in return.

She gives his hands a fleeting look. Immediately she knows, Nick’s hands have worked in fields, on road crews, on the football field and in the classroom. They’ve held another’s hand with tenderness and love. Dianna knows his hands would caress a body with awe. His fingers appear to have suffered a break or two but never have stopped working. Absorbing all this as Nick sits next to her, Dianna senses somehow she has known this man her entire life.

Nick finds Dianna a refreshing blend of earthy sensibility combined with savvy awareness of the world. She has an intelligence tempered by an honest kindness and empathy. When she talks about the people in her lives, Nick finds himself wishing he were one of them. How they must cherish her. She speaks with such passion and love about everyone her world touches. Nick is completely smitten with all she encompasses. He finds himself imagining her body beneath his in a lover’s embrace, hoping mind reading is not one of her many skills. Trying to shake the image of Dianna in his arms, he turns his attention back to her words. Dianna is a clever woman, and he asks if she’d like to play a little game to get to know each other better.

“Nick, I really don’t like games,” she cautiously states, her answer laden with multiple levels of meaning.

“Oh no Dianna, this is just something I learned from a psychology class I took. It is just a way to get a better feel for each other. Just tell me the first word that comes to your mind in response to what I say. Are you up for it?” Wordlessly, Dianna nods at Nick, nervous what questions may come.

Without missing a beat, Nick says, “Money?” Dianna replies, “Enough.” “Family?” “Love.” “Children?” “Life.” “Home?” “Security.” “Friends?” “Vital.”

The hours rush by and their smiles and eyes are glued to each other. The spark is exceptionally strong and they both sense their minds having wicked thoughts. The sun is setting as they pass through the fields of the Midwest. Dianna decides to up the sexual tension a notch. She removes her sweater and casually drapes it on the back of her seat. Nick notices for the first time how beautifully formed her body is. She wears a snug fitting v-neck t-shirt that hugs her body. Her squared shoulders and rounded breasts taper to a thin waist. She leans forward slightly, each move calculated to elicit a reaction. They continue the conversation, but the focus no longer is on the spoken words. The undercurrent of electricity is cackling in the air as Nick reaches across the table and touches her little hand while they continue to talk. Dianna normally is not a touchy sort of person, especially in public, but she does not pull away from Nick. On the contrary, she wants him to touch her more. For reasons she cannot quite comprehend, she is completely comfortable with Nick. Nick feels he must move slowly. Dianna’s innocence is probably her most attractive trait and he wants to do nothing to tarnish it while he wrestles with the image of him grabbing her passionately and making wild love to her right there. His desire to absolutely consume her is driving him crazy as he tries to maintain a veil of propriety.

Dianna also has unspoken conflicts as her hand burns beneath Nick’s. She wants to send him the green light of reception if he wants to move on it. Dianna kicks off her shoes and her feet stretch over to the other side of the table. Putting her toes under the hem of his pants, she rubs his ankle. Every little place their bodies are touching is alive with electricity. Nick reacts with a surprised smile at her boldness and suddenly, there are no words left to say. Her heart is racing outrageously and she draws in a deep breath as they make knowing eye contact.

Dianna can manage very few words as she says, “Nick, I have never done anything like this in my life”. Her mind is a blur thinking that this moment has got to be seized; never in her life has Dianna felt such a raw primal draw to someone. This is a time to follow instincts not mores.

Nick says, “Neither have I, Dianna, but you and I both know, this has to happen. I knew the minute our eyes met back in Chicago that I wanted you. When I saw you sitting on the same train I was taking, I felt that fate was reaching out to us. I didn’t want to lose our opportunity.”

Weakly, with shaking legs, Dianna stands and they make their way back to her sleeping berth. Through the narrow corridor, he follows her, watching her body move with the ease of a panther. Nick admires her body that is curvy and soft from having children, but muscled and firm from chasing them, a perfect combination of everything that makes women different from men. The train lurches and he falls into her, smelling her subtle perfume, the soft scent of her hair. Nick wraps his arms around her waist and holds her tight. Turning to face him, she bites her lower lip and casts her eyes down. He hesitates and asks her if she is sure she wants to do this.

Chastising herself for her flash of reticence, Dianna realizes that chances like this will be very rare in her life, “Actually, Nick, you have no idea how long I have waited to do something like this. I just was waiting for the right opportunity. Please let’s go where we can be alone.”

As she fumbles with the door, they step into the room. Closing the door behind them, she tries to flip on the light, but instead, his lips search for hers for the first time. In the darkness, her lips part and their mouths touch with a passion unmatched. Tentatively feeling the other’s mouth with their tongues, the kiss becomes more yearning. Dianna presses her body close to his and feels the firm arousal in his pants. This excites her and she drops her hand behind him and pushes him closer as she wraps one leg around him. The other hand is running wildly through his hair and his hands are stroking her torso as they continue to kiss with uncontrolled abandon.

Finally they part and she turns on the light. Leading him towards the bed, which has been turned down, she says with uncustomary boldness, “I hope you don’t mind the close accommodations.”

Nick lies on the bed while Dianna stands up and begins to slowly remove her clothing for him. First, she undoes her hair and it comes tumbling down past her shoulders. Tugging at the shirt tucked into her slacks, she pulls it over her head, revealing a sheer pink lace bra that does little to hide her lush pinkish tan nipples, which already are getting erect with desire. Setting her shirt neatly on the chair, Dianna slowly loosens her belt buckle, slides the belt from the pant loops and sets it on top of her shirt. Slowly unbuttoning her slacks, unzipping the zipper and letting them fall to the floor, Dianna reveals matching pink panties, which are sheer enough to expose a thick dark triangle of hair. She steps out of her pants and approaches him in just her bra and panties. Straddling him, she begins to remove his clothing.

As she removes his shirt, a muscled smooth chest is revealed. Nick has rippled hard abs of someone who treats his body with utmost respect, a man who takes care of his body so that the mind and spirit follow. Dianna takes his fingers, one at a time and sucks on them in her mouth. Then licking the palm of his hand she follows with tiny kisses, traveling up the inside of his arm, pausing every so often for a flick of the tongue. Each flick ignites a flame in him. Nick is crazy with lust. His hands reach to the back of Dianna’s bra and unhook it, letting the straps drop. The bra falls and her firm full breasts spring free. He cups them in his hands and her head tosses back with pleasure. Nick’s supple mouth makes its way to one nipple and his finger traces down her neck to that hollow spot then farther down to the other nipple. Softly caressing her nipples, one with his hand, the other with his mouth, they grow more firm and erect.

As he is devouring her breasts, she pulls at his pants, undoing the button and the zipper, all while writhing with pleasure at Nick’s touch. He stops for a moment to stand and finish removing his pants and then they both remove their remaining articles of clothing and are completely naked. Laying back down on the bed Dianna again straddles him, only this time, he can tell how wet she is with desire. As she spreads her legs and sits on him, moist heat radiates from her most intimate place. They are both admiring their magnificent bodies and watching them come together electrically. She playfully raises her body a bit so she grazes the tip of Nick’s manhood with her wetness. It is arching, aching to be inside of her, but first, she wants to taste the rest of him.

Her juices have now dripped onto him and she slides down, kissing everywhere on the trip, his neck, chest, and stomach, flicking her tongue into his navel. She reaches his rigid cock. She is excited to be so close to his center. Her tongue darts out and just licks the tip, tasting his pre-cum and her juices mixed together. Tracing her tongue along the backside to the base, she sucks and licks this spot for a moment. As she rolls her tongue down his inner thigh, around his balls, she swings herself around so that she is positioned above his mouth. Nick can smell the raw lust dripping from her as she gently starts to suck his ball. He reaches and grabs her waist, pulling her closer to his mouth and he begins to flick his tongue around her pussy. Sighing with pleasure and melting at his touch, Dianna collapses onto him and begins to consume him.

She takes him deep into her mouth in one swift movement and they are both pleasuring the other orally. Her hips start to rock involuntarily as she presses herself harder onto his mouth. Her mouth is going up and down on Nick rapidly as her untamed mane of hair grazes his thighs and legs. Every hair that touches his skin ignites a blaze and he is tingling all over as Dianna continues to suck his cock. Nick is licking her and tasting her sweet, salty juices as the longing for him makes her insides flow like a small river. “Oh Nick, I want you so bad,” she moans faintly.

Pulling herself away, Dianna wants their first climax to be looking into each other’s eyes. She lies on her back next to Nick and lustfully says, “C’mon Nick; make me feel like a woman. Take me and make me yours.”

The train is rumbling along the tracks and the nighttime sky is flashing by out the window. Dianna memorizes every detail of the scene, as she knows she will be replaying it in her head for the rest of her life. Nick climbs onto her and takes her arms and grabs her shoulders. Dianna looks deep into his eyes and sees something, something that is transcending the hunger that started this.

She grabs him and guides him towards her wet quivering flesh. He slides in easily and Dianna gasps when she feels how good and perfectly he fills her up. Nick doesn’t move for a moment and just savors the feeling of them together. She clenches her inner muscles around him and releases them a few times. Then Nick begins to move slowly, nearly withdrawing on the first stroke and she strokes back in return. They move together in rhythm as she meets him stroke for stroke. His fingers are weaving in and out of her hair and she is kissing his body every place her mouth can reach it.

Looking into his eyes, she sees the fire, the spark they have ignited. Her deep brown eyes shine back and they smile deliriously at each other, knowing that they are experiencing ultimate passion. Dianna whispers, “C’mon Nick, harder, deeper, faster, c’mon honey.” They grab at each other with insatiable craving, their bodies slamming with remarkable force.

“Oh Nick, honey, I am cumming!” Nick feels her inner thighs start to shake. He begins to throb and in between ragged breaths, Dianna says, “Cum with me. Let yourself go…” Her climax is building and she is panting with ecstasy. Perspiration beads on her lip and her eyes shine with primal lust. She tosses her head back as the climax begins. The pulsing wave of pleasure begins deep inside and radiates outwards. Nick shoots his juice deep inside of Dianna and he throbs harder and harder into her greatest depths. They collapse into each other with spent passions and he grows soft inside her.

Their hearts pound as if to jump out of their chests and they fondle each other tenderly in the way that only happens after the passion has exploded. Her hands trace the perimeter of his face and her fingers run through his hair. As their breathing becomes less labored, they slip into a comfortable position cradled in safe arms. They fall asleep wrapped in each other staring out the window into the night desert sky.

Dianna’s eyes slowly open as she hears the clackety-clack rhythm of the train tracks and the orange glow of the sun rising greets her. A thought crosses her mind. Was it a dream? Did it happen? Then she feels a breath exhale on the back of her neck and knows. She rolls over slowly and stares at the man who just spent the night with her.

Filled with a pensiveness she’s never known, Dianna wonders silently, “What have I just done? I just committed adultery with a man I met yesterday. Who is this man sleeping next to me? I cannot believe how comfortable I felt with someone I just met.”

As she reaches over to caress his sleeping body, her touch stirs him awake. “Good morning, Nick,” she says with a smile.

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

She wraps her arms around him and says, “Well, I had the best sleeping pill imaginable.” Nick nods in agreement. Dianna quickly sits up and announces, “I am starving. When did we last eat? Dinner seems a lifetime ago.” Nick tries to pull her back down and she says with laughter in her voice, “Don’t come between my breakfast and me.”

Nick suggests they order something to be sent to the room. Dianna calls the porter and orders some food. While they are waiting, they have a little appetizer. Dianna takes her hand and touches herself. She touches Nick’s lips so he can taste and smell how badly she wants him. He licks each finger as he touches her with his own hand. Then he traces her lips and Dianna says with a wink, “I will have what you are having.” They begin to passionately kiss. A knock on the door interrupts them and breakfast arrives: muffins, orange juice, coffee and fresh fruit. Wrapping a towel around his waist, Nick cracks the door and brings in the tray.

Dianna is still not wearing anything and it is hard for Nick to concentrate on the food, but unable to quell her natural maternal instincts, Dianna remarks, “We need our energy so we need to eat.” Taking a piece of melon, Dianna places it on her navel and tells Nick to eat it off her stomach. No hands allowed. Laying back and feeling the cool fruit mixing with Nick’s warm tongue on her tummy, Dianna squirms with pleasure. She takes a strawberry, and places it on his stomach and attempts the same feat. But Nick’s erection is a distraction as she travels down his stomach. She must have a little lick. So her tongue darts out and traces the veins on his cock. Her dried juices are still there from last night, as Dianna smells and tastes remnants of their lovemaking. Her pussy is facing Nick and his tongue darts towards her.

He thinks, “I would like another course of fruit,” so he takes a few grapes and inserts them into Dianna. The unexpected coolness and smoothness of the grapes makes Dianna jump with surprise. Then Nick proceeds to probe her with his deft tongue. She releases a deep guttural groan of absolute enjoyment as she takes his entire cock deep into her throat. Nick’s tongue penetrates Dianna with ownership as he begins removing the grapes. Once they have been removed, they both have climaxed and decide that they must begin the day.

They finish eating their breakfast in comfortable silence and decide to get dressed and see what sights are zipping by them. Nick needs to put on his clothes from last night but is going to go back to his room and then they plan to meet again in the main car once they are ready for the day.

Nick and Dianna finish eating their breakfast in comfortable silence and decide to get dressed and see what sights are zipping by them. Nick needs to put on his clothes from last night but is going to go back to his room to change into fresh clothes. Then they will meet again in the main car once they are ready for the day.

After he leaves, Dianna stops pinching herself in satiated disbelief and starts to pick out what she is going to wear. Her phone rings and it is Nick.

“Dianna, you have to come to my room and see the view from this side of the train, Hurry.”

Throwing on her clothes without even showering, she hurries to his room. A quick knock on the door, and he lets her in, yet the blinds are closed.

Looking at Nick suspiciously, she quizzically asks, “What’s up?”

Nick says, “I missed you and devised a ploy to get you here quickly.”

Taking her in his arms, they start kissing again fervently. They are groping at each other with their bodies and mouths, as if they had gone weeks, not minutes apart. Nick pushes her up against the wall and she submits. Lost in his kiss, the room is spinning. Wrapping her legs around him, she holds on tightly. Their intimate areas press closely together and he grows hard. Nick reaches his hand temptingly into the hem of her shorts and feels the heat and wetness still radiating.

The passion rises and each kiss yearns more and more desperately. Her mouth engulfs his. Her hands greedily run over his shoulders and arms, while her fingernails delicately rake his inner arms. They stop to take a breath, eyes still dancing with wanton lust. He looks at the bathroom door, and suggestively says, “I see you haven’t had a chance to shower.”

Winking back, Dianna innocently replies, “Do you think it is big enough?”

Nick concludes, “We will have to stand very close.”

Pulling the waist of his shirt, Dianna slowly pulls it over his head, her tongue licking his chest and traveling towards his shoulders as his body becomes exposed. Then Nick removes Dianna’s shirt, pulling it quickly over her head. To his shock, in Dianna’s haste to get to the room, she didn’t put on a bra. Taking one nipple in his mouth, Nick sucks like a starving man. With more vigor, Nick completely consumes her breast. Dianna moans and pulls him closer. Kneading the other breast with his fingers and then switching sides, Dianna tosses her head back. Nick nibbles up her neck to her chin. She lowers her head and looks into his eyes again. Never breaking eye contact, they remove their bottoms. For as quickly as they dressed, they once again stand before each other naked.

Stepping towards the shower, easing backwards, never letting go of the other, they leave only a trail of clothes. They practically swallow each other with deep kisses and find themselves in the bathroom. It is especially crowded. There is little room for much of anything. Nick reaches in and turns on the shower and the water starts to steam. They step into the shower and warm water runs down their bodies, spraying their skin and hair. Water streams between the nearly imperceptible spaces between their bodies. They get more slippery and wet and Dianna reaches for the soap and washcloth.

Sudsing it, she rubs it over his taut body; starting with his shoulders and chest, moving down his torso. Once again Dianna is overcome by hunger to taste his hard cock. Parting her lips, she quickly surrounds him with her mouth for just a moment. He grabs her hair and pulls her up, not viciously, but forcefully. Standing face to face with him, Dianna lifts herself onto her toes to kiss him again. Taking her in his arms, Nick raises her off her feet. She wraps her legs around his middle and her arms around his neck. The shower is still streaming water onto them and space is at a premium. Dianna slowly slides down so that her opening is skimming his rigid manhood.

“Nick, I want you inside me again,” she utters as she slides lower onto him. Their kiss mimics lovemaking as their tongues thrust and explore each other’s mouth. He fills her insides and she is about to climax just from him inside of her. Dianna tightens herself around Nick and he is throbbing. Showering is the last thing on their minds. Reaching to turn off the water, they determine that the shower is simply too cramped.

Naked and wet, Nick carries Dianna to the bed. She is on her back as Nick mounts her. He thrusts deep inside. Dianna gasps with pleasure, “Oh Nick! Fuck me.” Lifting her legs higher, she sets them on his shoulders. Dianna savors the deep sensations of Nick buried inside. His hands grab her shoulders and they start to move in a cadence. Each thrust brings a moan of pleasure as he penetrates the depths of her being.

As their wet bodies crash into each other with escalating fervor, Dianna freezes and suddenly says, “STOP!” Nick looks at her with amazement, unable to imagine what she could have in mind. With a mischievous smile, Dianna articulates, “This is my favorite time to perform oral sex. I want to taste our juices on your rock hard cock. Just turn around honey… oh and by the way, thanks for inviting me to your room to see the view from this side of the train.”

Nick is in awe of the smoldering passion that he has unleashed in Dianna, never imagining this lovely creature would have such banal wishes bursting at the seams of her perfectly tailored clothing. With complete accommodation, he repositions himself so that his cock is right over Dianna’s lush lips and deep throat. She licks him tentatively. Tasting her juices on him and smelling the raw lust, she starts to lick more frantically. He probes the folds of her lips, parting them to see her throbbing clit, knowing that he tastes the same things she tastes. Her clit immediately flushes as the blood rushes there. She licks back towards his balls and takes them into her mouth, rolling her tongue around them. Her ever-moving mouth licks up his shaft until she is poised at the head of his cock, as it strains towards her mouth. They are on the verge of explosion. As her tongue works, Dianna groans, “Fuck my mouth honey… deep inside…”

In one hasty motion, Nick thrusts deep into her throat. He continues to suck on her clit and her legs thrash about furiously. Nick’s hips rock as he plunges into Dianna’s mouth. His cock starts to throb and he moves to pull out, knowing he is on the verge of his climax. She shakes her head and utters a muffled, “No”. He understands. She wants him to cumm in her mouth. This excites Nick even more and at that moment, Dianna’s own climax begins.

Her muscular thighs start to tremble and wave after wave of pleasure radiates from within. He shoots his cum into her mouth and she tastes his hot creamy love juice rolling into her throat. She swallows contentedly; knowing part of Nick is now part of her. She waits to suck out every last drop, as he grows soft in her mouth.

He turns back around and holds his insatiable angel of passion and lust possessively and they continue to kiss each other. Wet, naked and satisfied, they tuck into each other, sheltering the other from the world. Hearts pound slower with each deep breath of complete delight.

The train is rumbling along and a screech of the brakes reminds them they are moving to a new destination. As the train stops at another station, they can hear people boarding.

“I wonder where we are,” Dianna muses.

Nick whispers, “We are right here, baby girl. Together. That is all that matters.”

The train pulls into the station and Dianna is lying peacefully in his arms, safer than she has ever felt.

Nick says, “I think we are in Denver, have you ever seen the mountains?”

“Does driving through Pennsylvania count?” she asks.

With a laugh, he answers, “No, little one. Let’s dress and go where we can see.”

Nick tells her that he was just out this way a few years back visiting an Army buddy. It is spectacular. Dianna dresses and watches Nick dress. She wants to run back to her room, because she is without a bra. Nick encourages her to go without, “Oh c’mon, who do you know here? Let’s just go to the main car.”

She quickly runs a brush through her ponytail and they head to the main car. There are two empty seats by the window. Nick volunteers the window seat to Dianna. They are sitting side by side and his hand slips over hers, fingers intertwined. Diana listens while watching the scenery out the window. Nick tells her about his trip to Denver and the things he did. She is in a trance listening to his soothing voice. From the first moment she heard his voice back in that Chicago train station, it struck a chord in her heart.

Her neck is exposed. With each word he speaks, the hair on the back of her neck tingles. Leaning her head back towards Nick so her neck is almost to his face, Dianna listens more intently. Her mind is whirling as she contemplates all the things she wishes it wasn’t too early to say.

Nick inquires, “What’s on your mind?”

Dianna deflects his question, “Oh no, you won’t get that from me. If I tell you what’s on my mind, you are going to jump off at the next stop.”

He challenges, “Try me.”

Drawing in a deep breath, Dianna nervously begins, “Last night and this morning, that was more than just hot sex, wasn’t it?”

Without waiting for his reply, she continues, “I never imagined I would find myself in bed with anyone other than my husband, and especially not mere hours after we met. I used to always say that the day I thought I had to step out of my marriage to find satisfaction was the day I needed to reconsider my vows.”

Dianna is shaking but unable to stop talking, “Yet something magical happened. It’s all happened so fast, and I feel like we should slow down. But when something feels so right, the other part of me wants to grab it and run like crazy.”

Exhaling uneasily, she trembles in disbelief over the words that just came pouring from her mouth.

Nick innately knows that he only needs to reassure her and only whispers, “Shhhhh, Shhhhh, it’s okay, Shhhhh.”

Gathering strength as she leans back against his chest, still looking out the window, feeling his breath, his arms holding her protectively she knows. Sitting silently, they watch in wonder as the mountains pass by the window. Her hand casually runs up and down his forearm aimlessly, reveling in the sensation of touching each other.
Nick queries, “Have you ever been to San Francisco?”

“Not yet, no.”

“Oh Dianna, you should see it; it really is a beautiful city, Nob Hill, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge.”

Suddenly, she lights up, “Why don’t we go there? Let’s switch our tickets at the next station. You can play tour guide for me.”

As the excitement builds, she continues, “I have never flown by the seat of my pants. I always plan everything to the nth degree… if you are willing to do this, I would be honored to join you.”

Nick laughs, Dianna’s enthusiasm contagious, “Well, why not? When is the next time I could show a wonderful new friend a beautiful city? Let’s do it.”

Giddy at the thought of the sudden change of direction their plans are taking, Dianna nuzzles a little closer to Nick. He notices that she is trembling. Dianna explains, “A, it is the excitement, but also B, I am one of those people who are always cold.”

Nick glances down and cannot help but notice that her erect nipples. Devilishly reaching under her shirt, he slyly says, “I know how to warm you up.” Dianna’s giggle serves as more than adequate invitation.

His warm hands snake under her shirt and he remembers that she never put on her bra. Subtly, still facing out the window and he cups her breasts in his hands. As he kneads them expertly, Dianna reaches between Nick’s legs, and begins to massage between his legs as well. He grows firm against her lower back as she leans against him. Moaning with lust, Nick asks, “Is there no end to our appetite for each other?”

Dianna whispers back, “I want you again. Soon.” Slyly, she unzips his shorts with her back still to him. Her hand reaches inside and touches Nick’s erection. Dianna remembers how good it felt just an hour ago to be making love, to feel him urgently pounding inside her. Their lust grows and she is wet with yearning. She guides one of his hands down from her breast, towards the leg of her shorts, up under the hem. As Nick gets closer to her love nest, he discovers the one place Dianna is not cold.

The outside of her panties is damp and warm, and he slowly runs his fingertip around in circles on the outside. Breathing heavily, their ache builds. Dianna’s cannot be suppressed. Her longing to feel Nick driving into her is on the verge of explosive. Their eyes meet and wordlessly, they know their thoughts are in accord. Glancing over to the restroom, Nick gets up first and knows in a moment she will follow.

Hearing a small knock, Nick opens the bathroom door for Dianna and she enters. He locks the door as Dianna removes her shorts. She kneels and removes his, taking a quick opportunity to run her tongue over the shaft of his cock. His hands desperately run through her hair, pulling vigorously. When his manhood is completely wet from her mouth, she stands and faces him. Nick lifts Dianna onto the edge of the sink and spreads her legs. Her pussy glistens with arousal as Nick kneels before her. Dianna leans back on her arms, thrusting herself towards Nick’s mouth. Once she is balanced, she grabs his head and grinds his mouth onto her pussy. Hungrily, he devours her. Nibbling her clit and teasing it with his teeth and tongue, she pushes harder onto his mouth. Her hips arch into his face as he continues to gratify her with his skilled mouth.

Dianna reaches for his arm, and pulls it closer to her, guiding his hand towards the underside of her pussy. She wants him to stimulate her everywhere. When she is completely engorged with desire, he then licks down her inner thigh, to her knees, to her calves and then her ankles. At the same time, he inserts a finger into Dianna and crooks it stimulate her g-spot. Dianna squirms with delight as Nick is touching every part of her body exactly as she needs to be touched. “Nick, now. Thrust deep inside me. I am begging.”

Nick stands, guiding his cock into her soaked pussy. It slides right in and Dianna whimpers with relief, “Oh Nick, what have you done to me?”

Smoothly, they move back and forth against each other, Dianna perches on the edge of the sink, their bodies in perfect harmony. Her tongue probes his mouth; his lips kiss hers. Another climax builds to a crescendo. Crashing into him with an almost violent shudder, Dianna explodes, “Oh Nick, honey… Oh Nick.” She begins to shake and tremble and contracts tightly around his shaft. Her orgasm excites him and he releases his climax as well.

Unwrapping her legs from him, he bends down and licks her clean, tasting the mix of both their passion juices. Then before he dresses, Dianna does the same for him. They silently put their clothes back on, and before they step out of the bathroom, Dianna slyly smiles and says, “By the way, I am not cold anymore.”

They make their way back to their seats as the conductor announces an approaching stop. Nick says, “I am sure that we cannot change trains here, but let me see what it will take when we get to the next major station.” Taking her hand in his, Nick slowly opens Dianna’s fingers and kisses her palm. Looking warmly at her, he tells her, “If you should miss me while I am gone, just hold your hand to your cheek. This kiss will not wear off; it will be there whenever you need it.”

Smiling, she watches him walk away until she no longer sees him. She is daydreaming and waiting for his return, when the train begins to rumble and start moving along the tracks. Stunned that he is not back yet, Dianna imagines he must have headed to his room, so she goes there to surprise him. She is astonished to arrive and discover all his things are gone. His room is empty.
Reeling with alarm, Dianna does not know what to think. In disbelief, she heads to her room. On the door is a note with her name on it. As Dianna unfolds it, she sees these words…

Dear Dianna –

This must be goodbye. I cannot ever talk to you again. My reasons are my own and there is nothing that I could ever say that would make sense.

Nick

She closes the door to her room barely able to stand. With the note clutched to her chest, Dianna wonders what happened. She replays the beauty of what did happen and cannot reconcile it with the terse, vague note. The Nick she just spent the past day with is not the same person who wrote that note. She looks at her hand and can almost see his kiss burned onto her palm. Her crushing loneliness now is throbbing through her like a torpedo.

Suddenly, her cozy room seems cramped and uncomfortable. She cannot be in there another minute, looking at the bed where they woke up side by side just this morning.

Everything that happened the past 24 hours creeps before her eyes in a surreal slow-motion replay, the loving, the passion, the delight in another. Dianna opens her door and decides to head back to the main car to try to regain her composure. She fights between vanquishing the images flashing through her mind or capturing them. Knowing that what she just experienced with Nick was a once in a lifetime happening, she wants to get through the confusion and find a way to remember the beauty.

Numbly staring out the window and watching the landscape rush by, Dianna has so many questions swirling through her head. She wonders if she dreamed the entire thing. She questions her sanity when she actually considers asking the porter if he really was on the train. But holding the note as tangible evidence, she knows it did happen. Was it really only an hour ago they were talking of going to San Francisco? Everything is such a blur, so much happened so quickly.
Dianna is overwhelmed with grief and confusion, grief for so much more than Nick’s abrupt disappearance. Grieving that she officially has committed adultery. She questions the sort of craziness made her tumble into bed with a complete stranger. What was she thinking? Was she that upset with the emptiness of her life that she took insane risks to somehow enliven it? She had a life back home and children she loved, and yet, the first moment she was away from them, she acted completely out of character. Or did she?
dash
It probably was best Nick disappeared as he did, before she really did something foolish. Dianna wondered as well how naïve she must have appeared to Nick that she was so easily seduced. She never thought of herself as an easy mark, but she certainly didn’t prove that last night and this morning.

Angry with herself for her naiveté, she wishes she had the opportunity to give Nick a piece of her mind. How dare he take all her passion and then disappear! How could he? At the core of her anger and confusion is sadness. Dianna truly believed that she had found the elusive love at first sight. She felt something with Nick that she never had imagined. Was she so deeply entrenched in loneliness that she didn’t recognize a simple seduction? She reels in confusion trying to rationalize what happened. A passionate stranger seizes an opportunity for a world-class memory. He seduces a lonely but beautiful woman and makes love to her like she’s never been made love to. What happened is the stuff of romance novels and made-for-television movies. Dianna smirks to herself that she is now officially a “movie of the week” and gathers her perspective. She realizes she needs to take it for what it was and keep only the beautiful parts.
Lost in her musings and not paying attention to much around her, Dianna hears a familiar voice ask if the seat next to her is taken. Taken aback, she looks up, “What the… how on…” she manages to stammer as she is choking back the tears.

Their eyes meet and Nick only can say, “Forgive me.”

“I don’t understand, please explain, please help me,” she asks.

He replies, “Will you move over so I can sit down?” As she slides over, she whispers,

“There is only room for the two of us.”

Smiling, he answers, “That is perfect”.

Still in a state of befuddlement, she is crying and smiling at the same time. She cannot begin to figure out what happened. Dianna tries to talk, but cannot get the words out. Nick hushes her and says seriously, “Dianna, let me try to explain. We only met yesterday. I had my life in order and when I got on this train, finding you was the last thing I expected. When I went back to my car, I absolutely panicked. This seems so unreal and strange. The feelings I have for you so quickly are beyond unsettling. I thought a clean break would be the best thing. I am so confused by what has happened and sometimes I think we’re both crazy. I hear all the sweet words but it can be so hard to comprehend that we love each other when we’ve only just met. I thought I could save us some heartache down the road. But as hard as I tried, I didn’t want to stay away. I cannot bear the thought of hurting you, but I just didn’t know how to explain what was going on in my mind. I’d like to stay with you on the train, if you’ll have me.”

Still unable to speak, but grabbing his strong hand in hers, tear-filled eyes meet his and she nods her head. He pulls her close and she puts her head right on the crook of his neck, next to his shoulder.

Nick’s hand runs over her head and he whispers, “It’s okay, honey… let me hold you… I will keep you safe… it’s okay.” At that moment, they look at each other and see past each other’s eyes and deep into each other’s souls. This is an instance where words simply are not necessary. The love is real and they belong together. Nothing else need be said. With that comforting thought, she sighs contentedly and leans back on the seat and holding his hand, drifts off to sleep.
Dianna slept until a cell phone ringing startled her, and she jolts awake. The seat next to her is empty. No trace of Nick remains. Was it all a dream? It must have been, it was entirely too contrived. Only in made for television movies do things like that happen, never in real life. She spies Nick’s note sticking out of her bag and is positive he didn’t come back.

Quickly, she answers the phone. Her children are gleefully saying, “Hi, Mommy! How is your trip going?” Smiling at their sweet voices, Dianna manages to answer, “Mommy is doing well, how are you? Great! Yes, I miss you, too. No, I haven’t heard from Daddy either. That’s okay. Yes, I will tell Uncle Randall you said hi. Okay sweetie, I love you too.” Dianna snaps her phone shut and sighs with determination. She wills herself to be okay. Her children as always give her a plethora of love.

Dianna looks back out the window, wondering how someone who was a virtual stranger yesterday is now such an integral part of her life today. She is rational, organized and certainly anything but impulsive and yet, meeting Nick completely swept her off her feet.

Thinking to herself, “Well, Cinderella, the clock has struck midnight, time to go back to reality.” Dianna sucks in a deep breath and tries to smile. She really doesn’t have any regrets, because what happened with Nick was still a once in a lifetime experience. She resists the temptation to touch herself between her legs as she slyly thinks that part of her will never be the same. She wonders if it shows on her face.

Just as her resolve to put Nick out of her mind seems the strongest, she hears Nick’s voice, “I see you are awake, my little sleepy head”.

Confused, she whirls quickly around, her eyes again welling up with tears. “I thought I had dreamed you coming back. When I woke up and you were gone, I was sure I must have imagined you coming back. I just got off the phone with my kids, that is what woke me up.”

He just smiles at her, warmed by her obvious love for her children and says, “They sound so special… and lucky you are their mother. Your stories about them have brought them to life. For the record, the train ticket I have is non-refundable, so I am here for the duration of the trip. You’re not going to get rid of me that easily.”
Gulping, she replies, “I guess I still cannot believe this is happening. At first I couldn’t believe we met like we did, then I couldn’t believe how instantly we connected, then I couldn’t believe you actually hid from me, only to come find me within the hour. This is so unreal, Nick.”

“Dianna, I cannot tell you how many times I have wondered what is happening to us. I step away even just to check on our tickets, and I flee, change my room and plan to hide the rest of the trip, only to realize, I want this train ride with you more than anything. So I come and find you, and have this comfort about us, but uneasiness about where our train is going. I know what I am feeling for you is real, but, let’s face it, we’ve just met.”

“Nick, I know exactly what you mean. I already am wondering if when this train ride is over and it is time for me to go home, what is going to come of this wonderful stranger who has come into my life. We have talked for hours on end, we know our situations, and yet, I am inexplicably drawn to you. It is so hard to talk of these things, I am afraid of jinxing it, of breaking the spell. But the time to talk of it is now, as my heart is feeling things it has never felt before.”

Taking a deep breath, Dianna continues, “Saying it aloud is scary, but I am certain that I love you. I believe we have experienced love at first sight. I am sure we were supposed to meet, because I truly believe in this world that there is a soul mate for everyone. I believe with all I have that you are my soul mate. I cannot walk away from you because if I do, I never will know this feeling again. In the short time we have known each other, my heart has opened and thawed. I have allowed you to know me inside more intimately than anyone ever has. You are irrevocably part of me from this moment on. All these thoughts are comforting and frightening at the same time, because I know that we both have obligations, priorities, and lives off of this train. But I know I want to see where this ride ends up.”

“Dianna, there is very little I can offer you. I am not going to ride in on a white horse and save you, nor can I promise anything past this ride. I think you are so amazing and I want to grab every minute we can, but I don’t want you to labor under any false illusions. You and I are both married to others. We cannot hide from the truth of what our lives are. In a perfect world, you are the type of woman I would take home to meet mom, but this is here and now, and I can only promise to love you the way you should be loved and love you like nobody else ever will.”

“Nick, the only commitment we have is to finish this train ride. Let’s not worry about things outside the walls of our trip together, if we do that, we will make ourselves crazy and drain all the life and magic out of what is happening to us now. I know I could analyze this to pieces and talk myself out of the joy, but opportunities like this only fall from the heavens once in a lifetime. Let’s just take it one step at a time and enjoy the present.”

Nick smiles at her and says, “That is the best way, baby steps.” Wrapping his arms around her tightly, Dianna leans back against his chest. She feels his heart thumping and then feels him exhale with a sigh of relief. For the first time, Nick realizes, she really does understand.

She glances over her shoulder and says, “The only promise I want you to make to me is to be honest. I don’t want find you gone with no explanation again. Whatever fears, concerns or worries we have, we need to be able to address them with each other.”

He agrees to this and they cuddle even closer. Dianna tells him she really is cold and Nick reaches above the berth to get a blanket.

Once covered, Dianna gets a sneaky gleam in her eyes. All this intimacy has aroused her again. Reaching into her shorts, she rubs herself, getting some juices on her fingertips. Nick doesn’t realize what she is doing until she runs a finger over his lips. At the taste and smell of her scent, he grows erect.

Intertwining his fingers with hers, Dianna guides him to her magic spot, where he teases it with his finger. Probing, stroking, rubbing, she purrs like a kitten. She twists against him, as her arousal increases. Nick inserts his finger inside Dianna. With one finger inside her and one finger rubbing her, the sensation is wonderful. Then he inserts another finger and begins to wiggle them around. Dianna is tantalized inside and out, but cannot do too much about it here, as there are people in all the seats around them. Her body jerks and she tries to maintain control as Nick drives her wild.

She whispers to him, “Nick… you are making me insane!” He just laughs under his breath, enjoying every minute, and continues to rub her magic spot as Dianna tries to maintain decorum.

Her thighs start to convulse and her insides contract, as she attempts to quietly climax. It is killing her to not moan aloud. “Oh Nick, ” she says under her breath.
As she comes back down from her orgasm, she whispers, “I will get even with you… mark my words.”

Nick retorts, “Bring it on girl… Show me what you’ve got.”

Looking around to see if anyone is watching, a plan formulates in her mind. Nobody is paying attention to them, so Dianna quickly drops to the floor and hides under the blanket. Burying her face in between his thighs, she unzips his shorts and begins to stroke his cock. It is rock hard and Nick is stunned at her boldness. Cupping his balls as the other hand pulls down his briefs, Nick’s cock springs free. He pulls the blanket up closer to his chest to make a tent for Dianna to work in and struggles to maintain a look of composure on his face.

With her tongue, she slowly makes circles around the head and then inserts the tip of her tongue in the opening. Purposely, she flicks her tongue down the backside to the base. She pauses at the base for a moment before she traces up the other side, paying careful attention to make sure not to miss any of it. As her mouth worships the altar of his manhood, Dianna cannot stand another moment without having all of Nick in her mouth.

Dianna opens her mouth wide and takes Nick deep into the back of her mouth. Her warm mouth and saliva are surrounding his cock and it feels so good to have her tongue running up and down as she does this. Slowly, Dianna begins to move her head up and down but Nick really cannot move because he cannot attract attention. Her hands squeeze his thighs and he rises up. Dianna takes the opportunity to slip a hand under him and her finger gently begins to tease him in that spot right behind his balls before the anal opening. Crooking her finger as she sucks harder, his senses are overwhelmed.

Nick is primed to explode as she takes him into her throat again and again, all while her tongue is rolling and her finger wiggling. Her silky hair spreads out on his thighs as Dianna continues to devour him. He swells and his climax shoots into her mouth. Dianna sucks harder and swallows every last drop of it. She licks the head clean, pulls up his shorts, and smoothes her hair as she emerges from under the blanket.

“You look like the cat who swallowed the canary…” Nick chuckles.

“Or something like that…” Dianna laughs heartily.

Their eyes shine with an ardor never seen. Dianna whispers, “I love you,” as she snuggles back against him.

Nick holds her close as if to never let go and whispers back, “I love you too, my baby girl.”

She turns to him and kisses him delicately on the lips, saying, “Just hold me like this. Keep me warm and safe. “

After they cuddle for a few moments, Dianna turns with a jolt. “What is it, baby girl?” She looks at Nick and states, “We haven’t had lunch yet, and I am so hungry I am going to eat a horse.”

Nick grins back and asks, “Didn’t you have enough to eat a few minutes ago?”

With a gentle elbow to his ribs, Dianna laughs and retorts, “You know what I mean. I told you I have a huge appetite… FOR food, too!”

They make their way to the dining car, avoiding the temptation to stop off at the sleeping cars first. They order some soup and sandwiches and offer each other a taste. Dianna cuts a small piece of her sandwich and feeds it to him, followed by a spoonful of soup. Nick marvels at her hearty appetite. She eats nearly as much as a man. She polishes off everything on her plate and then eyes the pickle on Nick’s and asks, “Are you going to eat that?”

After they finish eating, they relax and gaze at each other across the table as they are talking. Dianna points out that they may have a hard time exchanging their train tickets this far along on the trip, but that perhaps instead they should just drive up the coast from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Especially since they both are supposed to be meeting friends in Los Angeles, recalling the original purpose of their trips.

Nick agrees it sounds like a good plan and they relax for the rest of the trip. Stretching her legs onto his lap, she playfully caresses his thighs with her feet. Nick massages her calves and they enter a comfort zone of two people who have known each other forever. They make conversation about every conceivable topic from sports to movies to music to politics to families. There is not a topic that doesn’t spark heartfelt discussion. They are in accord on much, although there is some disagreement that inspires some debate. The competitive edge in both of them emerges as they try to make their respective points.

Dianna wonders if Nick would like to play cards, “Care to pass the time with a friendly game of cards, your choice?” Joking with her, Nick suggests strip poker. She cannot help but wonder if Nick’s appetite ever wanes. It is such a thrill to feel so desirable. She returns to her room to retrieve a deck of cards while Nick ponders what has happened in this short stretch of time.

He has never met a woman who thrills him as Dianna does. He never has had this hunger or tenderness for another. She brings out protectiveness in him. He wants nothing more than to fill every need she ever has had. Dianna is everything he ever has wished for in a woman– an enthusiastic girl, a dream lover, and a beautiful woman with a razor sharp wit and mind.

Sneaking up behind him upon her return, she covers his eyes with her hands. Leaning close to Nick’s ear, whispering, “Guess who?”

Without missing a beat, he answers, “My soul mate.”

In awe at his declaration, Dianna sits back down, this time next to Nick. Their eyes meet and she stammers, “You feel it too, don’t you?”

Cupping her chin in his hand, with a soft kiss he replies, “Like that? Yes, I feel it. Dianna, I cannot even put into words what you do to me. I have never had such an attraction to a woman. I’ve known all sorts of people in my life, but I never have met anyone like you. You make me smile. You make my heart swell. I am just crazy about you. Nothing would make me prouder than to know you were mine all the time,” he blinks rapidly adds, “but I also know that cannot be.”

Dianna hears the frustration in Nick’s voice as he speaks his wishes aloud. She doesn’t know what to say to soothe him, but she knows she wishes the same. Not wanting to focus on what they cannot have, instead she wants to simply enjoy the time they do have together. Quickly dealing seven cards to each, she asks if he knows how to play gin.

Nick knows she is cleverly avoiding the topic and a quick flash of anger passes through him, but he quells it knowing she is only trying to make the best of a difficult situation.

The hours rush by as they continue to talk and play cards and before long, the conductor announces they will be arriving in Los Angeles in ten minutes. It has been an incredible trip as Nick and Dianna have experienced all their hearts desired.

As they collect their belongings and begin to make plans, Nick abruptly says, “Before we get off the train, I have to tell you something. I don’t even know where to begin…”

He continues, “My wife is the friend meeting the train in Los Angeles. I suppose that would account for much of my reticence with us. I want to continue our trip, but I need to get off the train without you. I will make arrangements and contact you. I didn’t want to break the spell, which is why I’m only just telling you this now. Please try to understand.”

Gathering all her strength, Dianna answers, “Nick, we are both adults and we both knew our respective situations when we began our train ride. Of course I understand, but yes, I am hurt. However, I will wait for your call. Please hurry back to me.”

He kisses her cheek and quickly gathers his bags. The train rumbles to a stop and Nick walks towards the door. Dianna is too shocked to move. Frozen and watching from the window, she sees Nick meet a woman. Tears roll down Dianna’s cheek as the strangled words emerge from her throat, “Until later, my sweet prince.”

Dianna watches Nick walk from the platform until she no longer sees him, then she collects her things and gets off the train, too.

Standing there in shock, Dianna notices that she is still holding a book of Nick’s. The good-bye was so unexpected; she didn’t realize she even had it. Acting impulsively, she hastily scampers to the curb of the train station, hoping to catch him. Spying Nick’s back, she sprints in his direction, and then slows in an attempt to appear casual. She taps him on the shoulder.

“Excuse me, sir, you dropped this as you were leaving the train.”

Their eyes meet for a moment and say a million and one things. With a knot in his throat Nick chokes, “Thank you, I am glad you caught up with me.” Blinking back the tears, they both turn away before anyone can see them. Watching her walk away, the book is caustic in his hand. Nick can still feel the warmth from Dianna’s touch on the cover. He knows he’s not through with her yet.

Later that evening, Dianna’s phone rings. She answers it, praying it is Nick. Hearing the voice of her dreams on the other end as she answers, “Hello?” Nick asks, “Are you shocked I called?”

Dianna replies, “I don’t know what to think. I am still whirling in confusion… wondering whether I imagined you and our trip.”

Nick continues, “Dianna, it broke my heart today at the train station. I realized that I couldn’t walk away from you even momentarily. I love you. Will you let me stay?”

She gleefully answers, “I am yours as long as you want me. I love you too, my sweetheart.”

“Now, Dianna, about that trip up the coast to San Francisco…”

“Oh Nick, I will go anywhere with you, do anything, dream everything, let’s do it.”

They chat on the phone with the same ease they did on the train. As they talk, Dianna realizes there is nobody in the entire world she would rather be talking to at this moment. Even the silences are not awkward because she can hear him breathing.

Pausing for a moment, Dianna takes a deep breath, and says with resolve, “Nick, I must say this, and I must say it now. In this short time, I cannot imagine you not being a part of my life. The thought of you not being there again is completely frightening. I know I cannot ask too much of you. I realize we have prior obligations, but if we are to keep doing this, I must know where I stand.”

His voice on the other end responds evenly and with love, “Dianna, you stand tall and with dignity. You are a wonderful person and I want you in my life. We will continue our trip together and see each other whenever we can from there on out. That is the best I can offer you.”

“I accept, my honey. Now when can we go to San Francisco?”

They agree to meet at the car rental place the following afternoon and then will drive up the coast as the sun is setting. Their arrival in San Francisco will be in time for dinner and a little sightseeing. Dianna will love the city Nick assures her; it is positively gorgeous. She jokes that she wants to be real touristy and ride a cable car; just like the Rice-A-Roni commercials and he laughs at her.

They spend the next half hour trying to say goodnight and finally hang up the phone.

After they hang up, Dianna just lays in bed with only her thoughts for a few moments. She has never known the kind of passion and love they share. Thinking of their last time on the train, Dianna becomes flush with desire. Her body aches for his after only a few hours.

Reaching between her legs, she remembers how good it felt to have Nick buried deep inside her. The first time they made love, after talking all afternoon on the train, then again that morning with breakfast in the room. Then when her called her to the room to shower, in the bathroom of the train, and then under the blanket.

Dianna never experienced such erotic hunger. As if she wished on a star for the perfect match, and right in the Chicago train station, she bumps into him. Love at first sight. As she tosses in her bed Dianna dreams of his touch. So glad she found his book, so glad he came back to her. Surely fate is at play.

The thought of never experiencing that level of passion again is more than Dianna can bear. She works herself into a frenzy as all their lovemaking flashes before her eyes. Her fingers wiggle around her swollen clit, rubbing and tugging, recalling his teeth scraping it, feeling his mustache tickling her lips, his tongue swirling around her.

Nobody ever touched her body with such love and desire as he did. It was as if he had a roadmap to bring her more pleasure than she had ever known. She starts to say his name aloud, as she pants and moans, “Oh Nick, Nick, Nick. I need you so much.” Her shadowy dream lover now has a face, and it is Nick’s.

Her back arches and Dianna inserts her fingers deep into her cunt as she imagines Nick thrusting in and out. Tomorrow she will see him again. Is it possible to want him as desperately as she does? Her walls start to tighten around her fingers and the waves of a climax begin. Pressing harder on her clit with her thumb and wiggling her fingers inside of herself, Dianna coaxes an intense orgasm.

She wants Nick with her again so bad. As long as she knows it will happen again, she can wait as long as necessary between times. Just to imagine it not happening is more than she can accept.

She is on the brink of an extremely intense climax. OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH, every muscle in her body contracts as first waves crash through her middle. Her thighs begin to shake and she slows her hand movements to make it last. Dianna’s heart pounds and a bead of sweat forms on her upper lip. Exhaling deeply, her body relaxes. Her mind follows.

Drifting off to sleep, she pictures how at peace she was last night when they were on the train. Now that they’ve been together, Nick will hold her always when she sleeps. She will never be without him as long as they love each other. It reaches past time and space, and they are one.

The next morning, Dianna awakens with the sun. Smiling at the adventure they have planned for the rest of the day, she quickly dresses and gets her things together. She has a very important date this afternoon, a date with destiny. While she is pouring a cup of coffee, Dianna’s phone rings. Quickly answering it, Nick’s voice on the other end greets her, “Good morning, how did you sleep?”

“Wonderfully, and yourself?”

“I was too excited to sleep, just looking forward to seeing you again. I missed you last night.”

“So we are going to meet at the car rental place?”

“Meet me there at 10:30, I will be the one with the biggest smile.”

“Nope, that would be me, I love you sweetheart.”

“I love you too, Dianna, see you then… “

Dianna arrives, bags in hand, around 10:15, as she is notoriously early. She looks around for travel brochures about San Francisco because she hadn’t planned that as part of her trip. As she leafs through the flyers, Nick approaches her silently and wraps his arms around her. Dianna tilts her head to the side and he kisses her neck, right where it meets her shoulder blade.

“Miss me?” he inquires.

“Like I miss breathing, I am so glad we are together… can you believe we feel this way after such a short train ride?”

“Shhhhh, let’s have a quiet moment,” Nick says as he draws her in to his chest. The past day has been so emotional and full of confusion, this quiet moment reminds them how nice just being together is. How there are times they don’t have to say a thing.

Dianna closes her eyes and breathes deep, whispering, “Yes, this is right, it is good.”

Nick spies her hand clutching a fistful of brochures. “What’s all that, Dianna?” Earnestly, Dianna announces “Well, I wanted to be ready to see San Francisco, to study this on the ride so I know what lies ahead of us.”

Nick starts laughing and pulling them out of her hand, “You are not going to study brochures on our ride, I have been there before and I am all the brochure you need.”

“But… but…” she protests as he puts them back on the rack. “What will we do first, what will we see?” she asks as she tries to grab at least one brochure.

Standing in front of the rack, “Okay, Ms. Inquisitive, I thought we would begin with Chinatown. San Francisco has a huge Asian population, and we could really soak in the culture. You will love it, trust me.”

Nervously, without the security blanket of a plan, Dianna agrees and they pick up their bags and get into the car.

Settling into their seats, Nick smiles at Dianna and reaches into his pocket and pulls out… a map. To her delight, he is going to show her on the map some of the highlights. Snuggling next to him, with the map unfolded, they start to talk about their trip. “Okay, will this get us started? Do you feel better having this map?” Nick is still teasing her a little bit, as he has come to find her “I dotting and T crossing” endearing rather than annoying.

Smiling gratefully at Nick, he somehow knows how to give Dianna enough of what she needs without going overboard. It is comforting. He instinctively knew she would have to have something to go on, but wasn’t about to let her plan it to death and squeeze the life out of it.

“So tell me, Mr. Brochure, what is the best part of Chinatown?”

“Dianna, you will like it all… like no place you have ever been.”

At that point, Nick gets a little quiet, almost as if trying to decide to tell her something. Pensively, he begins, “I never told you this, but I was in Viet Nam for a year. The last American town I saw for a year was San Francisco. It is one of my favorite places on earth, filled with good memories.”

Looking at him incredulously, Dianna is speechless. He had told her about being in the Army, but somehow they never really got into the details.

He continues, “I didn’t talk about it for nearly 10 years afterwards, but it was a life changing experience. I was a medic. I received a Bronze Star Medal and a Combat Medical Badge.” At this point, Dianna is completely in awe. Knowing that even since Nick was a young man, he never did anything halfway makes her honored to be in his company. Dianna is honored that he has also chosen to be with her.

She tells him that whatever and whenever he wants to share more of the story, she is ready to listen. They realize that as each additional piece of their respective puzzles emerges; it only serves to fortify the person they instinctively know. Dianna knows this is what it is like to be one with another. To breathe the same air, see the same sights, hear the same sounds, and live the same love. The minutes turn into hours as they chat, until the highway exit sign reads, “San Francisco Next Right.”

Parking their car at the hotel, and holding only the map and each other’s hands, they set out. Hailing a cab to take them to Chinatown, Dianna grins at Nick excitedly. The nervousness has melted away and she is looking forward to the rest of the adventure. As they climb into the cab, the driver looks at them as she keeps planting little kisses on Nick and says, “You two look like you’re on a honeymoon.” They don’t answer but just smile at each other and tell him, “Chinatown, please.”

Dianna just keeps kissing Nick the entire drive there, and they are a bit distracted until the cab driver clears his throat and announces their arrival at the gates of Bush and Grant. Fumbling with his wallet, Nick thanks him and they step out onto the sidewalk. Dianna’s eyes widen and she takes in the entire scene. Nick isn’t sure what is more fun ~ watching her, or the sights and sounds.

Winding our way down the tiny, narrow alleys, they stumble across the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where they offer free samples. Opening her fortune, Dianna tucks it away for safekeeping and tells Nick, “I am going to keep it a secret until it comes true.” He wonders how long she will actually be able to do that.

After a little more exploration, Nick tells Dianna about Coit Tower on the top of Telegraph Hill. Pulling out the map, he states, “We can walk to it from the Filbert Street steps and then will get a 360-degree view of the city from the tower.”

As they are walking, he tells her a bit of the history of this tower. A lady whose name was Coit had it built as a tribute to the San Francisco fire department. At the bottom of the tower are showcases of artist’s murals that Dianna is sure to enjoy. The view from the top is breathtaking. From the top of the tower, Nick points out the sights they will take in the rest of the week. The Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, Alcatraz, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Nick remembers the city so well; he is excited to play “tour guide”. Without warning, Dianna throws her arms around his neck, and gives him a huge hug. “Thank you so much for inviting me to see this romantic city with you, I cannot imagine another person I would rather be doing this with… how did I get so lucky?”

After a few minutes of kissing passionately and decide they’ve had enough tourism for the afternoon; it is time to get back to their room and then get some dinner.

Walking back down the hill hand in hand, Dianna looks at Nick with love in her eyes. Meeting her gaze, he tells her, “I love you Dianna, thank you for accepting my invitation.”

Dianna replies, “Right now you need to invite me back to our room because I want to feel you inside me.”

Knowing that as soon as they are in the room, they will be making love, their pace quickens. Dianna decides she will like San Francisco with Nick.

Discussing dinner plans, Dianna tells Nick that she would like to eat some really good seafood, living inland she doesn’t get much opportunity for truly fresh fish. Nick suggests they go to Fisherman’s Wharf. But first things first, they must go to the room and freshen up.

Checking into the hotel, they have worked themselves into an utter frenzy. The excitement of all the new sights and sounds has tantalized them. Kissing in the elevator, Nick pushes Dianna up against the back wall while she snakes her hands inside his shirt, touching him, groping him, unable to get enough.

Dianna becomes completely brazen and begins to unbutton her blouse, unsnap her shorts, and wiggle out of them right in front of him. Nick cannot believe she is doing a striptease for him right in the middle of the elevator. Unhooking her bra, deftly removing it to free her breasts, and pulling down her panties, Dianna stands before Nick completely naked, her clothes in a little pile on the floor. Offering herself to him utterly and completely, Nick just wraps his arms around her.

“So nature girl, what do you plan to do when the elevator stops?”

“Walk to the room…” Dianna replies with a wickedly innocent grin, adding, “as quickly as possible.”

The floor bell chimes and doors slide open. Dianna blushes deeply, but wants Nick to know the desire he creates in her, so she holds her head high and walks out. Glancing quickly around, the floor appears empty. Nick grabs her clothes and follows behind.

Dianna confidently strides down the hallway, as Nick just watches her walk, her amazing body stepping proudly wearing nothing but her sandals. Her curved figure would catch anyone’s eye, but Nick knows that she would not look back at anyone but him. He swells with pride and catches up to her, coiling a possessive arm over her nymph-like waist until they arrive at the room.

Nick is so flustered and cannot get the key to work as Dianna is driving him wild. She grabs his hand that isn’t trying to unlock the door and guides it to her bare nipple. Finally the door swings open, and Nick lifts her up, leaving her pile of clothes outside the door and practically tosses Dianna down on the bed. “Have you no mercy, you little brat?”

“Not a bit, until you fuck me to tears,” she answers sweetly, “it has been over 24 hours, I am aching in the worst way.”

Dianna’s naked body beckons him. Grabbing her legs and spreading them apart, Nick looks at her glistening wet female spot. The smell of her desire for him permeates the room.

“Get out of your clothes right now,” Dianna commands with an urgent voice.

Standing before Nick, she starts to pull on his waistband and remove his shorts as he removes his shirt. Standing before each other naked and shaking with desire, once again Nick pushes Dianna back onto the bed. Diving his face between her legs, he makes one big lick around her pussy. She is so ready for him that the juices are practically dripping from her.

“Wait,” Dianna says, as she points to the mirror on the wall at the foot of the bed. “I want to watch ourselves.”

They position themselves sideways so that they have a full view of the action. Nick is on his back and Dianna’s backed herself onto his face and takes him deep into her mouth. Glancing over to the mirror, their bodies are an oval of connected love. Nick consumes Dianna as she grinds herself harder onto his face. She devours him as his hips thrust up to meet her mouth.

The visual combined with the tactile, they hit sensory overload. Tingling with passion, the sense of urgency builds. They have all night for slow languid lovemaking, right now they just hunger for that peak of passion. Harder and harder their bodies crash together and they keep getting glimpses in the mirror of their act.

Building to the climactic finish, they make primal noises of pleasure. Moaning and groaning as their bodies build to the peak. Nick swells in Dianna’s mouth and the throb of his hot love shoots into her mouth. Dianna’s thighs tremble at the side of his head and she shakes with ecstasy.

As the climax fades, they slowly release their mouths. Dianna turns around, facing Nick. “Oh Nick, you are so incredible. I love you so much.”

Stroking the side of her face, Nick whispers, “I love you too.”

Laying side by side and savoring the absolute completeness of their love, Dianna earnestly inquires, “So when do we eat dinner?” Nick has become used to Dianna’s hunger in all areas, as he smiles and replies, “Lets get ready. You will love the seafood here.”

After their pre-dinner appetizer, a few more moments of cuddling, a quick shower and change of clothes, they are ready to go. Walking out the lobby of the hotel, they follow their noses in the direction of the best smelling food.

Finding a restaurant to eat at with a beautiful view as the sun sets, Dianna beams with delight to be sitting with the man she loves, in such a romantic city. They laugh, talk, and simply enjoy every minute of their time together. They order dinners and swap bites back and forth from each other’s plates. As they finish their meal, the question of dessert arises. Satiated, they opt to just walk around the wharf. With full stomachs and happy hearts, they pay the bill and leave.

As Nick and Dianna leave Fisherman’s Wharf and head back to the room, she asks, “What will we do tomorrow?”

Nick is endeared by her need to plan every last minute of her days, knowing that she will try to grab some brochures or travel guides and sit up half the night reading local magazines in the room. To throw Dianna off track, he states, “I’d like to surprise you. Tell me someplace you never have been, something you never have seen.”

“Well, I told you on the train ride from Chicago I never really have seen the mountains. ” A sneaky smile spreads across Nick’s face as he gets an idea.
“Dianna, when we get back to the room, would you please relax in the tub and turn on the fan. I’m going take care of tomorrow.”

Dianna’s curiosity is torturing her, but she really does like a nice surprise, so when they arrive at the room, she complies with Nick’s request. She is slightly ornery, and tosses each article of her clothing into the room from the bathroom, while Nick is looking up some information. When Nick knows she is in the tub with the bubbles and fan drowning out his voice, he begins to make some speedy arrangements.

After he has confirmed his surprise plans, Nick opens the bathroom door to find Dianna dwarfed by a full tub of bubbles, his angel floating on a cloud of rose scented froth. Her hair is piled on top of her head, as she hums quietly with a look of complete peace and happiness on her face. Dianna’s lashes fringe her cheeks as her eyes are closed dreamily. She doesn’t hear Nick, so he savors the vision for just a minute. Then, not wanting to startle her, he gradually leans down and tenderly kisses her forehead. Opening her eyes, they shine with love.

“Mmmmmmmmmm….” she purrs contentedly.

“How’s the water?”

“Wonderful, I feel so relaxed.”

Nick resists telling Dianna his surprise, but rather chooses to cherish this moment.

Grabbing a washcloth, Nick is overwhelmed by the desire to completely pamper Dianna. She summons a nurturing instinct from deep within him. Removing his shirt, Dianna gazes on his muscled chest. His arm disappears into the bubbles, feeling for her leg. Sliding his hand down the curves of her thigh and calf, Nick grabs her ankle and lifts it out of the water. Running the coarse terrycloth up and down the length of her leg, Nick begins to wash Dianna’s entire body – feet, legs, arms, neck, torso, and back. She melts at his touch, so loving, so tender, so caring. Dianna stands gracefully, the water rivulets glistening like diamonds on her curves.

Taking a fluffy towel, Nick pats Dianna’s body gently. Her legs have some stubble on them, and Nick asks if he can shave them. With only a nod of compliance, Nick cradles Dianna into his arms and carries her to the bed. Covering her torso and arms with a thin blanket so she doesn’t get chilled, he pulls out his electric razor.

Gently he runs the razor, starting at her ankles, Dianna flexes her foot and rests it on his shoulder so her leg is extended. Running the razor over the length of her muscled calf, around her knees, and over her thighs. She stifles a giggle as it tickles a little when he hits the back of her thigh. Leaning down and kissing the alabaster skin of her leg, he repeats the procedure with her other leg.

When her legs are shaved, Nick reaches for a bottle of lotion and rubs it into her skin. Massaging each muscle with his strong hands, Dianna feels like a puddle. With a soft moan Dianna implores, “Oh Nick, please make love to me now, honey…”

He looks at her, and replies, “That is what I am doing.”

Nick kisses her deeply and removes the rest of his clothing. Slowly they make love well into the wee hours, until they fall asleep curled tightly around each other. Dianna completely forgets about trying to pry the surprise out of him.
The morning sun greets them, peeking through the curtains of the hotel room. Dianna awakens before Nick and remembers the surprise. Lying there peacefully, gazing at him, studying the curve of his chin, the shape of his nose. How his face softens when he sleeps. She reflects how far they have come since the day back in Chicago. How at times it feels they have lived a lifetime of love in this trip together. The serendipity to have bumped into him as she did. Yet, very little has been accidental since. Not necessarily deliberate, but absolutely intentional.

Dianna’s heart swells as she fills with passion. Without a moment’s thought, she begins to kiss his face a hundred times. Awakening with a laugh, feeling her lips all over his face, Nick clutches her possessively.

“Good morning,” Dianna sings with glee in her voice, “how did you sleep?”

“Just fine until some girl started kissing me like crazy,” he teases.

Burying her face into his neck and nuzzling, Dianna playfully replies, “I have NO idea what you are talking about… could it be something like this?”

She nibbles lightly on the side of his neck traveling up to his ears. Whispering almost inaudibly, she queries, “Would you care to have the full service wake up call? “

Before he can answer, Dianna sucks his earlobe into her mouth, tracing the bottom with her tongue. “Well?” She continues along the outer edge of his ear, alternating nibbles with licks. As her mouth gets busy on his ear, her hand travels down his arm, grasping his fingers. As their hands intertwine, Dianna guides his hand between her legs. The warmth of her womanhood radiates as she whisper again in Nick’s ear, “I am so excited about our day… tell me what we’re doing, pleeeeeeeeeease?”

Cracking up, Nick overcomes his lust long enough to tell her, “You’re going to have to torture me if you really want to know,” and he clamps his lips shut tight and wrestles her playfully so she is pinned on her back, with his hands on her wrists. As Nick sits astride her, their eyes meet, and the desire becomes overpowering. Taking her one leg and sliding it between his, Dianna wraps it around his calf and then crosses ankles so that her legs are wrapped around him. Dianna presses her female spot up against Nick’s thigh, sliding up and down the length of his thigh suggestively, grinding into him. Locking eyes with him she barely perceptibly says, “You know what I need.” As Nick releases her wrists, she takes one of her hands and reaches between his legs. Grasping firmly, she states, “That’s exactly what I want, do you have enough to share?”

Wordlessly, she guides him to her steaming wet sweet spot. As the head touches her outside, a throaty moan of pleasure escapes. One quick thrust and he is inside her. She surrounds him and clenches tighter as they rock together.
Dianna cannot help but ask one more time, “So, where are we going today?”

Nick plunges deep inside her and says, “You don’t give up do you?”

“Not ’til there are double zeros on the clock… and even then I wait for OT.”

Looking at her with a smile, he says, “I only know one way to get you to stop asking questions, I need to give you something else to say… like OH Nick!” As he says this, he starts to thrust harder and deeper. Caught up in the moment, Dianna meets each of his strokes with her own rhythm. Moving faster and in perfect timing, they slide in and out of each other. Indeed, Nick’s change of topic method is successful as Dianna starts to moan, “C’mon Nick, harder,
harder …”

Dianna lifts her ankles on his shoulders, feet next to Nick’s face. He is pounding deeply into her. As he keeps thrusting, she runs her big toe gently along his cheek. Shocking Dianna, he turns his head and sucks her toe deep into his mouth, biting gently. Her body shudders with delight. “OH Nick…. WOW!”

Nick lightly licks the top of her foot and then to the bottom along the arch. As his tongue runs the length of Dianna’s arch, he penetrates her as deep as he can. She moans uncontrollably with pleasure. Nick thrusts repeatedly as he kisses, nibbles and licks her foot. She inches toward the headboard, the top of her head pressed up against it, her face contorted in ecstasy. She bites her lower lip as continues to pound her. Dianna reaches an earth shattering climax, practically screaming, “FUCK ME Nick, make me yours… make me yours…” She shakes with her orgasm, clenching tightly around Nick as her thighs quiver. He throbs and fills her with his love explosion. Quickly pulling out and sliding down her tummy, Nick sucks on her clit, as wave after wave of orgasm continues to flow form her.

Finally, Dianna starts to come back down, breathless and panting. “Oh Nicky, that was amazing… unreal. You are incredible. I love you so much. Stay with me forever.”

Resting his head on her stomach, Dianna strokes Nick’s hair over and over. He still feels her tremors.

Dianna whispers, her voice uneven, “You are the only man who can do this for me. You are the only man I love with my heart, soul, and body.”

They savor their lovemaking for a little while longer until it is time to check out of the room. Nick still hasn’t told Dianna what his plans are, but she knows as long as she is with him, she is satisfied.

A rental car waits for Nick and Dianna. Dianna is so relaxed to know that she hasn’t planned a moment of her surprise. A true surprise! That does not stop her from asking a million questions, but secretly she is relieved that Nick has taken care of everything.

Nick smiles as she chatters away. He is amazed that she never lacks for words. She doesn’t just talk to make noise, but speaks with insight and thoughtfulness. He doesn’t tire of listening. As they drive out of San Francisco, she asks again where they are going.

Nick decides that he has kept her in suspense long enough, “Watch the highway signs… you should figure it out soon enough.” They pass a sign for Sacramento/Lake Tahoe.

“Is that a big enough hint?” They have nearly 200 miles to go, so it will take some time.

She snuggles next to him and tells him how excited she is to have him taking her new places and showing her new things. Nick has opened a whole new world to Dianna. Her excitement makes everything seem like he is seeing it for the first time as well.

As they get closer to the mountains, the sky seems bluer, the air crisper. It is a lovely place to stay for a few days. Nick cannot believe how few places Dianna really has ever been, as much as she enjoys new adventures. He is so glad he’s kept in touch with his friends over the years, and so grateful that his buddy has let him borrow the mountain cabin for a few days. Dianna is in awe of the crystal blue water of Lake Tahoe. Once again, Nick has been here before, so he tells her about some of the things to do and some of the history of the area.

She grabs his hand as he talks and absent-mindedly plays with his fingers, occasionally lifting them to her mouth for a kiss or a small lick.

“Dianna, I am thrilled to be the one to share this trip with you. We’re almost there. Just around the corner.”

Pulling into the cabin drive, Dianna catches her breath at its simple beauty. Sheer perfection. She is speechless that Nick has planned all this for them. She hasn’t moved from her seat and he comes around to open her door. Getting her attention, Nick extends his hand and says, “Are you going to get out or just sit in the car all day?”

Grabbing her hand, Dianna steps out, proclaiming, “I think I will like it here.”
As he helps her from the car, she breathes in the mountain air. Dianna never has been to the mountains other than driving through on the way to someplace. This is the first time she smells the crisp aroma of mountain air. Inhaling and tingling her nostrils, she fills her lungs with a rush of pure adrenaline.

Looking at Nick, she gushes, “Can you smell it too?” He laughs at her enthusiasm for even the littlest things and just hugs her tighter. They are in a very secluded spot, the nearest neighbor is half a mile past on the road. Quickly kicking off her shoes, Dianna squirms and then releases herself from Nick’s arms. Tapping him gently on the shoulder, she giggles, “Tag, you’re it!” and runs around to the back of the cabin.

Smiling in awe, Nick marvels at how easily Dianna moves from being a sultry woman to a playful girl, without a moment of awkwardness in the transition. Following her trail around the back of the house, Dianna is motionless on the deck railing, gazing out at the view. The wind is blowing her hair back and she is lost in the beauty of the surroundings. Admiring the majestic view of the tranquil water and towering forest along the mountainside. Quietly coming up behind her, Nick gently wraps his hands around her waist and kisses the back of her neck.

“This is amazing, Nick … I love my surprise! Thank you so much,” and she turns to him with absolute adoration in her eyes. Rising on her tiptoes, her eyes flutter shut and Nick gently kisses them. The smile has not vanished from her face and his kisses travel down her face to her lips. As their mouths wrap around each other, engulfing their lips, tongues and teeth, they press their bodies close together. Dianna coils her leg around behind Nick’s as they pull into each other.

As he lifts her beneath her rear, Dianna winds both her legs around him. Their mouths make love urgently. Nick’s hard manhood presses against her special place that is now reserved for him. Dianna’s hands run wildly through his hair and each touch takes on a new urgency. Dropping her feet and pulling away from Nick for a moment, her eyes feral with hunger, she suggestively whimpers, “Where is the house key, I think we should find the bedroom immediately after that long drive.”

Glancing around, Nick states, “I thought the key would be right here”, as he looks under a flowerpot, his eyebrows furrowed in thoughtful surprise to not see a key. “Well, let’s take a moment to enjoy the view. I’ll make a phone call in a minute to find out where the key is.”

Nick isn’t looking at any view other than Dianna’s eyes as he walks his fingers under the hem of her shorts and caresses her through her panties, stroking the smooth satin of her lingerie, and feeling her arousal. Dianna is completely hot and wet from Nick’s touch.

She lets out a guttural moan. “Oh Nick, don’t tease me… I need to feel you inside me.”

Those words serving as all the encouragement he needs, Nick lifts her up and carries her to the wall of the house. With her back facing him, he quickly pulls her shorts and panties down and bends over and kisses the small of Dianna’s back. Running his tongue down her spine just to the crack of her buttocks, Nick teases her another moment and she thrusts backwards at him. Dianna rises towards him as he also unsnaps his shorts.

As his hard cock emerges, Dianna coos as he gently slides down her crack closer to her sweet spot. She teases him back as she quickly drops to her knees and turns, licking the head of his cock. She draws her tongue over her lips as they glisten with pre-cum, relishing Nick’s desire for her. Unable to wait another moment, Dianna stands again and braces her hands on the wall, almost in a strip search pose. Nick stands in back of her, his hard cock passing between her thighs, as he reaches down, sliding his cock into her eager pussy from behind. Burrowing into Dianna, they both sigh with relief. As he quickly moves in and out of her, Dianna meets him stroke for stroke. With all the leverage, their passion is fast and furious, a moment of pure physical release.

Nick moves more quickly, building his pace to stay in time with Dianna’s movement. Dianna’s excitement builds exponentially as she starts to quiver more with each thrust. Grabbing a handful of her hair as Nick starts to climax, the space between them is imperceptible as their skin fuses to the other’s body. Panting breathlessly, they gently part, the calm after the storm. Turning to face each other, they brush lips tenderly and they grasp hands. Their hearts slow down to beat again at a normal pace and Nick bends down.

Lifting the doormat, Nick discovers the key. “Just where he said it would be.” His eyes twinkle with mischief as he dangles the cabin key in Dianna’s face. “Shall we?” Nick asks as he swings open the door and hold its open. Dianna elbows Nick playfully and laughs heartily. “Nick, you’re incorrigible, and I love you for it.”

As she starts to step over the threshold, Nick stops her. “Wait a minute, my baby girl.” Holding the door open with his foot, Nick swoops Dianna into his arms, carrying her through the doorway, a honeymoon gesture that doesn’t go unnoticed. Beaming at Nick, Dianna kisses him softly and whispers, “Thank you.”

Crossing the threshold to the cabin, Dianna is stunned by its simple beauty. Rustic, yet tidy, it is filled with all the things to make a weekend getaway perfect. Running from room to room, Dianna excitedly peeks into doors and cupboards, getting a feel for her and Nick’s weekend home.

Nick points up the stairs to the loft overlooking the fireplace. Skipping up the stairs, Dianna is welcomed by a king sized bed covered with a comfortable quilt and piles of pillows. A soft rug flanks each side of the bed and a skylight is above the bed to see the heavens at night, the sunshine in the morning. A blanket rack holds extra blankets for the cool mountain nights. The owners have thought of everything.

“Baby, slow down, we have two whole days here,” Nick says as he comes up the stairs. Then Dianna stands on the bed and look out the window over it, seeing the mountainside. “First I want to take you into town for dinner and dancing, and maybe a little gambling, I am sure you have something you can wear that would be beautiful.”

Coming behind her, Nick kneels next to Dianna on the bed and wraps his hands tightly around her waist. She turns around. Kissing each other tenderly, trying to rein in their passions momentarily, Nick pulls back, saying, “Let me get our bags in from the car.”

While Nick retrieves the bags, Dianna showers. As she steps out, Nick has begun to unpack her bags for her. On the bed is an orange and pink floral sundress.

“Will you wear that dress this evening?” Nick asks.

“I love that you picked out my clothes for me… it makes me feel that I am dressing for you and you alone,” she smiles back.

“Well you are, there isn’t anyone else here, is there?” Nick teases as he looks under the bed.

Dianna continues to prepare has Nick carries her cosmetic case into the bathroom. She rubs some cream onto her face and combs the tangles from her hair. Then twists her hair into a bun, holding it in place with a single clip. Plugging in her curling iron, while it warms, she darkens her lashes with a little mascara and glosses her lips. Dianna takes special care with each step of her routine and Nick marvels at even her female grooming ritual.

“I love how quickly you pull yourself together to go somewhere. Unbelievable that 5 minutes ago you were dripping wet out of the shower.”

“You say that like wet is a bad thing,” Dianna says with a sly wink, “I have much better things to do with my man than sit in front of a mirror all night.” With a spritz of hairspray, Dianna smiles with satisfaction at her reflection. “Let’s go see the town, time’s a-wasting!”

As they come down the stairs, Nick quickens his pace and peeks out the front window.

“What are you doing?” Dianna asks quizzically.

Suppressing a grin, Nick smirks, “Nothing,” and they laugh with that private laugh of lovers who share many inside jokes. In this short week, their stories have intertwined so much that Dianna melts upon Nick’s imitation of her youngest child’s sneaky “nothings”.

With a grand gesture, Nick swings open the front door, rolling his hand forward to behold a limousine sitting in driveway in front of the cabin.

“What on… earth???” Dianna shakes her head in amazed bewilderment.

“Last night, when I called to set up this weekend, I pulled a few other strings too. I thought we’d enjoy not having to drive. Your chariot awaits milady,” Nick loops his elbow through Dianna’s escorting her to the vehicle.

The driver opens the door to a richly appointed interior. Plush and supple leather seats, lights lining the long seats on each side and smoked glass windows set a romantic atmosphere. A smile is frozen on Dianna’s face. Holding his arm as she steps up into the limo, she pauses to kiss Nick’s cheek. Climbing into the back, Nick sits next to her and they cuddle side by side. Shutting the door and getting into his own seat, the limo driver, turns back, “Where to?”

Nick suggests, “Could you please take us for a drive around the lake while the sun is setting?”

Opening the sunroof and then closing the divider between the driver and them, Nick slides back next to Dianna.

Dianna is completely overwhelmed at the romance of Nick’s gesture, thinking it enough a surprise to have this weekend in the mountains. Her eyes meet his and begin to well with tears, a mixed bag of emotions, gratitude coupled with wanting so much more. One slowly spills out and starts to roll down her cheek and she blinks several times, trying to stop the flow. Nick wipes her cheek and comforts her, “Shhhhh. It’s okay my honey … what’s wrong?”

“Nothing and everything, Nick. Does that make sense?” Dianna throws her arms tightly around him and nestles her head into the crook between his head and shoulder. Stroking her hair, Nick pulls the clip and Dianna’s tension evaporates as her hair falls to her shoulders. Nick looks up through the sunroof and points to an especially bright star. “I think that one has our name on it. Shall we make a wish?” Nick holds Dianna as she lets herself be enveloped in his strength.

Dianna grasps his hand firmly, savoring the tender moment. The limousine slows and the driver stops. The door opens and Nick watches Dianna step out. He cannot help but smile at her rear view. Such a lush body that she gives so freely to him.

Walking into the restaurant, Nick requests a romantic table with privacy. They are led to a candlelit corner table, and Dianna scoots next to him so they can touch while they aren’t eating. As they are waiting for their meals, Nick starts laughing for seemingly no reason.

“Just what has you so amused?” Dianna asks.

“I was just were wondering about that time you said you would do anything, as long as I dared you.”

Sensing a challenge, Dianna meets his gaze, “And just what were you thinking of daring me? Bring it on.”

Nick shifts slightly in his seat, glancing down at his zipper. “Look what I have for you.” With complete brazenness, Nick unzips his zipper as his rigid manhood presses against his trouser fabric. Dianna discretely grabs her napkin and places it in his lap. As her eyes shine gleefully, she simply says to Nick, “Dare me.”

“Dianna, I dare you to stroke my cock until I climax, right here in this seat.”

Dianna weaves her hand under the napkin and loosens the button on Nick’s trousers. His hard muscle fills her little hand as she grips him possessively. Stroking the shaft of his cock, his skin rolls up and down, as the muscle beneath the surface stays firm. Her fingertip strokes the opening on his head, coaxing beads of precum to the surface.

Nick stiffens in his seat, trying to keep a stoic face, as the waiter approaches the table. Dianna stops moving her hand and listens in feigned fascination as the waiter lists the evening’s specials. Ordering quickly for the both of them, Nick is unable to even concentrate on anything but Dianna’s fingers caressing the underside of his cock. The waiter closes his pad and heads off, sensing the couple’s desire to be alone.

After his back is turned, Nick simply reiterates, “Dare.”

Dianna is so enjoying this public game, knowing that before dinner arrives, Nick will have climaxed in the middle of a public restaurant. Gauging her pace, from a week of intimately exploring her Nick, Dianna varies her stroking faster and slower, feeling the lifeblood coursing through Nick’s cock, throbbing in her hand, hidden modestly beneath the napkin. Dianna glues her eyes to Nick’s face as he attempts to control the natural contortion of passion as she expertly strokes him.

Beads of sweat appear on Nick’s forehead as he approaches his climax. Dianna grips a little more firmly as Nick’s cock pulsates in her hand, spurting out the flow of his desire for her. Her palm becomes slick with his excitement and she guides her other hand to the top of the napkin to discretely wipe Nick. His cock gratefully relaxing in her hand, she gently tucks it back into his trousers so he can nap until later.

Nick laughs, wondering who is more brazen, he or Dianna, but decides he owes her the favor. The waiters and busboys walk by the table glancing over curiously, but Nick and Dianna aren’t concerned. They will never see those people again. As their dinner arrives, Nick asks the waiter, “We are celebrating tonight and have a night of romance planned. What do you recommend do next?

The waiter suggests, “You cannot go wrong with the show at the casino next door and you seem to be a rather lucky couple, so you should try your luck at the games of chance as well.” Nick and Dianna, oblivious to anyone but each other, simply look at each other and nod. Eagerly, they finish dinner and head back out for the rest of their evening.

“So what did you have in mind, little one? What is our next adventure?”

“Well… we are in Lake Tahoe, I agree with the waiter. I think we should try our luck in a casino. Don’t you feel lucky?”

“Dianna, I haven’t stopped feeling lucky since you almost ran me over in that train station.”

Nick stops at the limo door and asks the driver to take them to the nearest casino. Snuggling into the back seat, a pensive look crosses Dianna’s face.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

“Oh Nick, I was just thinking that I have to catch my train back home in two days. Our trip is nearly over. I hate to wish away the next two days, but what do you think will come of us?”

“Dianna, it’s been a wonderful ride, but the reality is we are from different parts of the country. I cannot make you any promises. Only this… meeting you had changed the way I look at everything. But let’s not forget we still have a few more days left together and to enjoy it while we can. The rest of the details we can work out later. Keep the faith, my baby girl, just keep the faith.”

After Nick states this, they both get a little quiet. Knowing that the end of their trip is near was not a thought either wanted to remember, and yet, it’s a stark reality.

Pulling into the casino parking lot, the mood is slightly pensive. They rode in silence, just holding each other. Dianna brightly suggests they try their hand at the slot machines and Nick leaves to get a few rolls of change.

As he wanders off, his annoyance grows inside. Can she just not see the writing on the wall? Why doesn’t she understand that this cannot go on forever? What has he gotten himself wrapped up in? He turns back and sees his beautiful

Dianna hurrying to catch up to him, face aglow with love. She comes up behind him and wraps her arms around him. With her touch, all his anger dissipates and rational thought is gone. He’d hold onto her forever if he could.

Sighing contentedly, they sit down at the nearest slot machine, pulling handles, defying the odds, and waiting to win. Dianna gets a smirk on his face.

Nick catches her eye, “What?”

“Okay Mr. Daredevil, I’ve got one for you.”

“Bring it on.”

“Nick, if I win money on the next quarter, I dare you to caress me while I straddle your lap.”

“Oh you’re kidding… Right here? With all these people?”

Dianna pulls the arm to the slot machine, and as the dials roll, she repeats, “I dare you.”

He watches the machine, and one by one, three bars line up, the whistles and bells jangle. Dianna jaw is agape as she meets Nick’s eye. Nodding with determination, she spreads her legs and sits on his lap, her skirt hiked up to mid thigh. Nick caresses her on the outside of her panties, but there is too much confusion with all the bells and the casino workers coming over to pay their winnings. They’ve found themselves winning about a thousand dollars. Grinning at him, she says, “Told you I was a lucky charm!”

Nick laughs at her lack of inhibition and teases her; “I could feel your wet panties when you did that.”

Dianna looks at him and says, “You’re going to feel a lot more before the night’s over, Nick. You still owe me.”

They collect their winnings and find themselves no longer interested in gambling at the casino. Waiting outside the casino, their limo pulls around and they get back in. Nick instructs the driver to take them back to the cabin and then he and Dianna sit on seats opposite each other, just smiling and reveling in their evening.

“Dianna, I have a question for you.”

“Huh?”

“I’ve always wondered what happens when a woman touches herself, what really makes her excited?”

“Well Nick, I’ve become somewhat of an expert at that… you know that saying, if you want a job done right? For so long now, I’ve learned the joys of the flesh on my own. I’ve fantasized about a “shadowy” man, someone who knew how to please me and I touched myself the way I imagined he would touch me. Then we met. And my “shadow” now has a face. But you’ve been teasing me so much tonight that I think I’ve got to do more than talk.”

As she tells him this, Dianna lifts her dress and removes her panties. She leans across the seat and tucks them into Nick’s pocket. Then she sits back and spreads her legs, exposing her cherry red pleasure spot. It glistens with arousal. She parts her lips with her forefinger and middle finger on one hand and takes her other hand and begins to make circles around the soft inner flesh. She rubs against her clit with the palm of her hand, all the while Nick watches intently. She is so sexy and so willing to share all of herself with him. It’s such a turn on, and Nick feels himself growing hard with his own arousal, just from watching Dianna touch herself for him.

He opens his shorts and strokes himself a few times. He says, “Look what I have for you again, Dianna!”

Laughing, she takes her wet hand and touches him gently saying, “Just don’t lose it… we’ll be home soon.”

The limo slows and turns into the driveway. Nick and Dianna adjust their clothing temporarily as they get out of the limo. Nick attempts to tip the driver, but the driver refuses, explaining, “You left the glass cracked between the front and the back, and I saw and heard everything. That was the best tip than I could ever ask for. You’re one lucky man… Enjoy the rest of the evening.”

Dianna walks a few steps ahead of Nick and her walk is seductively calling out to him. Rather than linger with the driver he nods to the driver and walks towards his girl.

Opening the door, they grab each other tightly and start to kiss. Pawing at their clothing impatiently, the unspoken words that they have very limited time and to get as much pleasure as possible.

They make love right on the floor of the cabin, at the doorway and then head up to the bed. Dianna lays naked on the bed and snuggles into Nick burying her head into the crook of his shoulder. She is quiet for a moment and suddenly Nick realizes; she has fallen asleep. Not wanting to waken his sleeping beauty, Nick lays awake lost in his thoughts.

How did he ever get so wrapped up in this? He, a nearly divorced man whose children are grown, in love with a young married woman with small children. He’s supposed to be starting a new life in California; he never told Dianna that his train ticket was one way. When she goes home, the distance between them is that much greater. What can he do? She comes from a life of privilege and luxury, and while she doesn’t think that matters, she’s never known anything different. She has her children to raise and a comfortable home. What is he going to do with her?

Nick gazes at the top of her lush hair fanned out over his chest, he feels her dreams as she has half a smile on her face while she sleeps, oblivious to the real problems facing them.

Restlessly, Nick tries to sleep, but he knows that he has to speak to her in the morning. Having no idea what he will tell her, knowing that she will have a counterargument for everything he has to say, he hopes the answers come to him in a vision.
The sun filters through the skylight of the cabin as Dianna rolls awake. She sees Nick sleeping next to her, a stern look on his face. Oh she loves this man!

Meeting him like she did was the answer to all her dreams. She wonders what could be so serious that has his face so stern, and sighs in the afterglow of the past several days. She’s sad about having to go back home, but is sure there is a way that they can still see each other from time to time. Nick stirs next to her and she smiles with glee, ready to tell him how much he means to her.

As he awakens his face still has the serious look on it and Dianna is puzzled.

“Dianna, we’ve got to talk.”

“We’ve been talking for nearly a week now Nick, tell me anything, my ears are yours.”

Nick continues, very seriously, “Dianna, my life is at a crossroads. I’m not heading back east on the train, but instead, I am staying in California. I’m starting a new phase of my life, and I simply don’t know how you’ll fit in. I cannot make you any promises.”

“Nick, I know that honey. I’ve not asked for promises, only that we enjoy what we can when we can. We’ll find a way sweetheart. We will.”

“Dianna, you are so so sweet and such a good girl, but I have to move on with my life.”

“What are you saying, Nick?”

“I don’t want to hurt you, but while I love you, I am not IN LOVE with you. I would see you again, but it would be for completely different reasons than you would have. You’ve been such a good friend and hope you’ll always think of me as the same. I’ve learned so much from our time together.”

Dianna is aghast at what Nick just told her. Speechless, she tries to keep her composure. Her mind is whirling in a thousand different directions. His words stab her, and she wonders again how blind she’s been? How could he say the words to her that he told her hurt more than anything when he heard them directed at him? Did she imagine all the talk of soul mates and eternity and stars and heavens? Was she wrong?

With a proud stammer, Dianna simply answers, “Of course I understand Nick. We’re both adults here. But I am not sure I want to see you again either, especially considering that as you said, we’d have different reasons.” She’s shocked at the tone her voice has and the words she just said, knowing she’d give anything to see him under any circumstances.

Time freezes, as neither of them knows what to say. Dianna stomps up and starts to throw everything into her bags, trying to do anything to keep her hands busy as reels from shock. She is like a robot.

“Dianna, I will ALWAYS love you sweet lady,” Nick says trying to soften what he said, when he sees the pain in her eyes.

Dianna looks at him, eyes glaring, tears rolling shamelessly down her cheeks, “Nick, I love ice cream and flowers and good music. I love soft rain on a summer day, or a long walk on the beach. Love is easy. Being IN LOVE is not. Please don’t patronize me. I want to finish packing and for you to take me back to the train station immediately. I’m sure I can get a ticket to go home early. I cannot stay here another minute. I feel foolish and used.”

Dianna continues, “But just for argument’s sake, what I want to know is WHEN was it you discovered you weren’t in love? Was it before or after our ride in the limo, or our afternoon in the cabin, or our trip to San Francisco, or our train ride out here? Just when was it that you realized this wasn’t about being in love? And why on earth did you let me think differently this entire time?”

Nick watches her pack silently, knowing that he just hurt the woman he has fallen completely in love with. But hopes someday she will understand that he is doing the right thing. That he loves her to the depths of his soul but the only way to set them both free is to deny his love. He longs to reach and touch her and comfort her, but that would just confuse her worse. He fights with his feelings cursing the cruel trick fate has played on them.

Dianna grabs her bags and marches down the stairs and says, “I will be waiting on the deck trying to remember how much different it looked yesterday.”

Nick silently packs his things, cursing himself for the way he handled things this morning, but certain there was no other way. He walks downstairs and looks out the window, seeing Dianna’s shoulders heaving, knowing that she is crying and wanting more than anything to stop her tears, but also knowing that he has to stick with what he decided to do. He takes their bags and carries them into the car, and pauses. He wishes he could undo the past 20 minutes, but the die has been cast.

He walks around to the deck and just as Dianna wipes her eyes. She meets his eyes for a moment, then looks through him and icily asks, “Are you ready to go?”

The long car ride back to Los Angeles is beyond awkward. Was it truly yesterday they couldn’t stop chattering and touching and now they ride in awkward silence?

Dianna stares out the window trying to make sense of what has happened. She glances over at Nick and sees softness in his face, a pained look in his eyes and immediately knows. He didn’t mean a word he said. He just couldn’t have. Looks don’t deceive. She remembers the tone in his voice when he told her he’d always love her and the smile on his face when they wandered around San Francisco. Love like this cannot be faked. This is just as hard if not harder for him because he feels he should be the one to make the difficult move. She wants to reach and hold him and tell him how much she understands, but she knows that will only make what he’s trying to do that much more difficult.

She thinks realistically what can really come of their love even if the distance could be overcome. Not to mention the circumstances of their lives. She can promise him nothing, short of stolen moments a couple times a year. The empty marriage she lives in still is a marriage and Dennis is still the father of her children. She cannot give Nick the life he deserves. She cannot be the woman he comes home to every day. That’s what he has been trying to tell her all along.

The minutes tick into hours as she stares out the window. She has so little time left with the man who has changed her life. She hates that it will end with awkward silence.

Choking back the tears, she reaches over gently and places her hand on his thigh, “Nick, I understand.” Those three words are all she is able to say. He glances at her blinking his eyes rapidly. Their eyes and hearts are speaking volumes and they both exhale a sigh of relief.

“Thank you, Dianna,” he utters, the only three words he can say in return. Dianna leans over and rests her head on his shoulder. The ride is still silent, but the tension is gone. His hand finds hers and they lace their fingers together.
After the car pulls up to the train station, Nick opens the trunk and lifts Dianna’s bag. She stands next to him, eyes filled with bittersweet tears.

“I think I can carry my own bag.”

She stands on her toes and wraps her arms around his neck. Tilting up her head, she leans in for a last kiss. As their lips meet, the world stands still. She’s breathing the last breath of life from the man she loves with all she has. She will never forget this trip, this kiss by the side of the car, or him. He is thinking the same thing. Everything they have shared flashes before them during that last kiss and the beauty and awe just washes over them. Their souls are at ease even if their hearts will ache for a while.

Dianna and Nick part, each on trying to be strong. Dianna picks up her bag and walks into the station looking back at least a dozen times. Nick is just standing there watching her. She fights the urge to drop her bag and run back to him but just keeps watching for him as she boards her train. She finds a seat by the window and looks for him. He’s walking towards the train and smiling. He sees her too. The window is just within his reach and she places her hand to it. He places his hand back and they have one last touch, albeit separated by glass.

“I love you,” she mouths exaggeratedly, so he can read her lips.

“I love you too,” he mouths back.

The train whistle blows and the engine chugs. Nick steps away from the platform and watches the train roll away. Dianna’s eyes and his never part and the train rolls away until it is but a speck in the distance. She will always be as close as his next thought and he hers.

♥

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