Page 4 of Mai Tais and Murder

“I prefer to think of it as being hospitable,” Helen replied. “Besides, you’ll drive yourself crazy if you don’t at least try to figure out what’s going on.”

The man had returned to his computer, but now he was repeatedly glancing at his watch. Whatever was happening, it seemed to be operating on some kind of timeline. “You’re too good to me,” Mel said, squeezing Helen’s hand. “Most people would be annoyed that I can’t just relax and enjoy the vacation.”

“Most people haven’t seen how brilliant you are when you’re working something out,” Helen replied. “Besides, I find it rather attractive when you get all focused and analytical.”

Mel felt her face flush, and this time it had nothing to do with her sunburn. Even after six months together, Helen’s casual compliments could still make her feel like a teenager with her first crush. Before she could reply, she saw the man practically leap from his chair as if he had heard something loud. Mel watched as he stood, staring at something out of sight, his entire body language screaming anxiety. “Now that’s interesting,” Mel murmured as their neighbor quickly gathered some papers from his desk and shoved them in a drawer before walking out of sight. “He’s hiding something specific.”

After a beat, the man returned to stand beside his desk, but a woman with long red hair in a lightweight business suit was with him. Although Mel couldn’t hear anything, the neighbor’s body language spoke volumes. His shoulders were hunched, hands gesturing defensively, and his eyes constantly glanced at his computer.

“Well,” Helen said, taking another sip of her wine, “I suppose we know what tomorrow’s agenda includes now.”

Mel tried to look innocent. “What? I thought we were just being neighborly with some chocolate macadamia nuts?”

“Mmhmm,” Helen hummed. “And I suppose you won’t be casually observing everything in his apartment while we’re there?”

“Would I do that?”

“Yes,” Helen said with a smile. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

* * *

The night airhad grown cooler, carrying the sweet scent of plumeria mixed with salt spray. Helen watched as their neighbor’s visitor left. The man immediately slumped in his chair, running his hands through his hair in a gesture of clear distress. Then, as if suddenly deciding he should have more privacy, he closed the door’s blinds. In a way, Helen was relieved. “Well, that’s that,” she said. “We should probably head in.”

Mel nodded reluctantly, her eyes lingering on their neighbor’s apartment. “You’re right,” she said. “Though I hate leaving things up in the air.”

“The mystery will still be there tomorrow,” Helen said, gathering their wine glasses. “And you’ll be better equipped to solve it if you’re not distracted by your sunburn. Let’s get some lotion on you.” Inside their apartment, she set the wine glasses in the sink while Mel closed and locked the sliding door. “Let me get that aloe vera.” Helen headed to the refrigerator. “Go sit on the bed. It’ll be easier to reach your shoulders.”

Holding the gel, Helen moved into the bedroom and sat on the bed to gently apply the cool aloe to Mel’s shoulders. Mel sighed contentedly, leaning slightly into Helen’s touch. “Your hands are magic,” Mel murmured.

Helen smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to the nape of Mel’s neck. “Thank you,” she said. “Just be a little more careful in the sun.”

Mel turned slowly and caught Helen’s hand in hers. Their eyes met a moment before Mel leaned in and gave her a gentle brush of a kiss on the lips. “How did I get so lucky?” Mel whispered, moving her body closer.

“I ask myself the same thing every day,” Helen replied, her free hand coming up to touch Mel’s cheek. Their next kiss was unhurried and tender with the kind of patience that comes from finding love later in life.

Helen tasted the lingering sweetness of wine on Mel’s lips and felt the strength in her partner’s hands as they settled on her waist. “I love you,” Mel breathed against Helen’s lips. “More than I ever thought possible at this time of my life.”

Helen smiled, resting her forehead against Mel’s. “Love doesn’t care about timing. It just is.” They were quiet for a moment while Helen traced patterns on Mel’s arm. “You really can’t turn it off, can you? The detective instincts?”

Mel shifted to look at her. “Does it bother you?”

“No,” Helen said honestly. “It’s part of who you are. Besides, I find it rather exciting, being with someone who notices everything.”

“Not everything,” Mel murmured. “It took me a while to pick up on your flirting with me at the campground back in August.”

Helen laughed softly, remembering how they had met not long ago. Mel had been the campground host at Needle Lake Campground where Helen spent part of last summer. “You were just too busy keeping all the campers in line.”

“Maybe I was too nervous to look directly at the beautiful woman who kept stealing glances at me.”

At Mel’s words, Helen felt that familiar surge of affection, still amazed at how naturally they had fallen into each other’s lives. Pulling back a little, their gaze held, and Helen saw the love in Mel’s eyes, a love that had grown steadily over the past six months. It had filled her world with a warmth she had never expected to find at the age of sixty-six. Mel reached out, her hand cupping Helen’s face. Helen leaned into the touch, her heart beating faster as Mel’s fingers trailed down her neck, a feather-light touch that sent shivers down her spine. They were in no rush, their every movement slow and deliberate, a dance they had learned to enjoy together.

Helen’s hands explored Mel’s body. She felt the softness of her skin and the tight muscles in her arms. They moved closer until Mel’s lips found Helen’s in another kiss. It was a kiss with love but also passion. Helen parted her lips, inviting Mel in, their tongues meeting in a slow dance. They took their time, continuing to touch each other’s bodies. Helen felt Mel’s hand move to the buttons on her blouse, pausing for a moment. Mel broke the kiss. “I want you,” she said. “Like always.”

“I want you too,” Helen said, her voice taking on a hint of breathiness.

Mel opened the buttons before slipping her hand under the fabric, her warm touch on Helen’s bare breast sending a wave of heat through her. Slowly, Mel laid her back. They had come to know each other’s bodies well and knew what touches would draw out the most pleasure. As they continued to explore each other, their bodies pressed close, Helen felt a warmth spread through her as she whispered Mel’s name. Her climax was more than a release, but also a deep sense of contentment and love.

“We should try to get some sleep,” Helen said eventually after they were both content, though she made no move to break their embrace. “Especially if we’re going to be playing detective tomorrow.”

---