Page 34 of Flawless Lyric

“Maybe I should have mentioned that you’re going to be naked for most of the weekend. Take only the essentials, Beauty.” I know. I have three sisters and their essentials are everything but the kitchen sink. Why a man can pack in five minutes and a woman takes hours is beyond me.

“Says you, but I’d rather be prepared just in case. Okay. I think I’m ready.” Her overnight bag expands and let me just say, it’s now as big as a piece of luggage.

“Great. Let’s rock and roll so we get there before the sunset.” There’s a small island not too far away that I’d love to sail to tonight. It’s secluded and the perfect place for us to anchor the boat. We can lie on the beach and spend the day soaking up the sun tomorrow. A perfect day with the perfect girl.

An hour later, we’re pulling into the marina. Juggling everything we brought is going to be awkward, but I’m confident I can do it in one trip. Luckily my cooler is on wheels. Securing my bag on the cooler with a bungee cord, I grab the handle and lift. Then I grab Lyric’s bag with my other hand.

“I can take that for you,” she offers.

“No worries. I got it. Let’s head down the boardwalk and then take a left.Serendipitywill be in the slip second-to-last.”

When we’ve reached our destination, she squeals. “Oh my, she’s gorgeous! Wow. I didn’t realize she’s so big.”

“She’s thirty-eight feet long. Come on. I’ll give you a quick tour before I pull her out.” Holding her hand, I help her onto the boat. “Let me show you the cabin.” Unlocking the door, I go first so I can flip on some lights. With everything closed up, it’s very dark in here.

“Wow. I’ve been on a few sailboats in my lifetime but this one is so spacious. What a Beauty.” Yes, she is, but I’m not looking at the boat.

“I agree. Bedroom is in here. The bathroom is over here and as you know, this is the galley. There’s a guest bedroom back here and these benches also turn into a bed. Let me grab the bags and set everything up and then we’ll set sail.” Of course, Lyric insists on helping me with the bags, so it doesn’t take any time at all.

After untying the line, I start her up and carefully maneuver her out of the marina. As soon as I’m in the open water, I cut the engine and raise the main sail. I warn Lyric when I do the same with the jib. Just in case it flops around before catching the wind. But today’s my lucky day since the wind’s cooperating and all I need to do is steer the boat. This never gets old because it feels as free as flying.

“This is amazing,” she screams, competing with the wind. “Thanks for kidnapping me.”

Since she’s standing beside me, I pull her up against me and use my mouth to tell her she’s welcome. Later, I’ll let her know that she’s the one and only woman I’ve ever invited to sail with me. And she will be my last. That’s how certain I am when it comes to Lyric.

“Grab the wheel, Beauty. You’re going to help me steer the boat.” When she shakes her head, I grab her hands and do it for her. Most of the boats are heading back to the marina for the day and I’ll actually be doing all the work. Shh, don’t spoil it.

Placing my hands over hers, we navigate the boat together.

Like life. Both can be calm or rough, with plenty of ups and downs.

* * *

LYRIC

Little doeshe know that I can barely drive a car let alone a boat of this size. I’m just going to go with it, since he has more confidence in me than I have in myself. It’s another quality that I love about him. There’sthatword again. I seem to be using it a lot lately.

The first time that word was spoken out loud was the night I was having dinner with Donna. Yep, the night Micah slid in beside me and called me Beauty. Suffice it to say, I spilled my guts like a child being bribed with a shiny new toy. I told her everything! Including the part about him being a sex god. Don’t judge me. It’s how we roll. We tell each other the good, the bad, and the ugly. What can I say? She’s now living vicariously through me.

Donna’s career and education were the two most important goals she’s had in her lifetime. Not the white picket fence and the two kids. Husbands and children are two words that have never been on her radar. She’s forty-one and single. Not even ready to mingle since she doesn’t date. She has a friend with benefits and that works perfectly for her.

Leaning into Micah, I let him guide me since he knows where he’s going. Of course I knew all along he was the one doing all the work. It just feels nice that he trusts me enough to pretend like I know what I’m doing. It’s the opposite of what Jeff would have done. Ugh, there I go again. They are totally different men altogether. And whoever said all men are alike couldn’t have been more wrong. It’s like comparing apples to oranges.

I’ve no idea how much time passes by as we leave civilization behind. It’s just us and the open water with a few boats scattered here and there. I’m content just being in his arms as we sail away on a weekend adventure. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to ever since he mentioned it the first time around. Never knowing if we’d have the time to make our escape.

I can’t wait to spend two days and nights with him. To wake in his arms and spend the day exploring and making love. All the while getting to know one another better. My only fear is that I won’t be able to let go. Donna thinks I’ve already been bitten by the love bug, and she might be right. Micah’s a hard man to forget.

“We’re here, Beauty,” he whispers in my ear. Chills dot along my spine as I notice a small island with a sandy beach. Is this our very own oasis for the weekend? “Hang on to the wheel while I drop the sails.” I do what I’m told, and I’m amazed at how fast he works.

Once both sails are down he disappears. Where the hell…

“I just dropped anchor. I can’t get the boat any closer to shore, so we can either swim the rest of the way in the morning, or we can take the dinghy. Totally up to you, Beauty.” Right now, I’d agree to swim there naked since he’s giving me that look. I’m a sucker for the look.

“It’s a gorgeous spot, Micah. Do you come here often?” With his large hands on my hips, he pulls me close. Our bodies fit perfectly. So much so that I can feel his washboard abs and obliques through his thin t-shirt.

“I haven’t in the last few years. We’ve been so focused on Morris Music and cutting our new albums. Touring was a bitch but I’m making up for it this year. With you.” When he wraps his hand around my neck and fuses our mouths together, something inside of me snaps. The tension oozes out of my body much like lava during an erupting volcano.

I love it when he brushes his thumb across my bottom lip when he ends the kiss. He’s done it every single time. Does he even realize he’s doing it? No idea. If I point it out to him, he might stop. And I don’t want that to ever happen. It’s an endearing little quirk that I absolutely love about him.

---