Page 25 of Fall of the Trident
Trevor returned her smile.“The one with the elephant on it?”
“Yes.”She acted surprised.
“That’s the best brand,” Jorge interjected.He put the rice and shiitake mushrooms back in the box.
“We stopped in Okinawa, Japan on our way back from the sandbox once, airplane troubles.It took a few days, so everyone hit the BX.The lady working that department said it was one of the few things I could buy my wife that had a plug that she would love.”His mind instantly shot to the day he’d given it to Carol.She was thrilled.They’d eaten rice every day for the next three weeks until the kids protested.He still used the same one, but the inside pot had been replaced a couple of times.
“I take it by the look on your face she liked it.”
“She did.I still use it.”Trevor was touched by the fact he could talk about his wife without an ounce of jealousy from Marta.She understood about the death of a spouse.It was so easy to talk to her.
“Beef Wellington is made with filet.What you want to look for are the tiny white lines, the more there are, it’s going to melt in your mouth.”Jorge continued the lesson throughout the entire meal, allowing Marta to glaze the outer pastry with egg whites while he wrapped bacon around the asparagus and coated the potatoes with butter.
Three hours later, completely stuffed, he helped Jorge carry the mostly empty boxes to his van.Although Marta had pre-paid for the meal, Trevor generously tipped him.“This was an absolutely delightful experience.Thank you for involving us.”
The young man smiled.“You remind me so much of my parents.I think I’m going to go home and call them.”He nodded as though he’d just made a decision.“I’m flying home for their anniversary and surprise them.Because of tonight I’ve decided to make them Beef Wellington.”
“I’m sure they’d enjoy it.We certainly did.”With one last shake goodbye, Trevor returned to the house to find Marta rinsing the dishes and placing them into the dishwasher.She’d already scrubbed the pans of hers that he’d used.
“I would have helped you.”He picked up the dishtowel and started wiping the pots and pans that had been set aside to dry.She automatically took them and put them away.It was as though they had been cleaning up the kitchen after a fantastic meal all their lives.
Standing next to the sink, they both looked around to be sure nothing was left to do.
“Would you like to finish that bottle of red in the living room?”Marta asked.
“Yes, very much so, but I’ve already had three glasses, and I have to drive home.It wouldn’t look good if I couldn’t pass a breathalyzer test at the gate.”He realized the truth in his statement and pulled out his phone.“Would you mind if I leave my car here?I think it would be better if I got an Uber home.”
She stared at him as though debating her next words.“You could stay here, and we could finish the rest of that wine.”
Was she offering what he thought she was offering?His daughter’s permission to hold Marta’s hand and chastely kiss her on the cheek popped into his mind.Although the offer was extremely tempting, Trevor wasn’t sure he was ready for sex.
“Marta, this is my first date in a long?—”
“I have a guestroom.”She blushed.“I’m sorry, but I’m not ready to go there…yet.”
Fuck.He felt like a fucking idiot.Of course she wasn’t offering him her body.He had to put a positive spin on it.He closed the distance between them and took her hands in his.“I apologize for even thinking…but I’m glad we’re both on the same page.I had a wonderful time tonight.I’d like to see you again.”
She squeezed his hands.“Me too.I thought it was fun to cook with the chef.”
“I did also.I’m not sure I feel confident enough to make any of this on my own, but I am going to try some things.I’d forgotten how much I love baked sweet potatoes.”
She closed her eyes and released a contented moan.His cock perked up.“The clove and nutmeg made it scrumptious.I’m definitely doing that quick salmon salad at my next dinner party.”
Trevor glanced at the nearly empty bottle of Merlot, one of his favorites.Chef Jorge had used nearly half of it in the meal.He reached over and grabbed the bottle and their glasses.“Since I’m not driving home, let’s finish this on the couch.”
When Marta stifled a yawn, Trevor glanced at his watch.It was nearly midnight.They’d been talking for hours.He pulled out his phone and checked the car app.There were lots of available vehicles cruising Coronado.He typed in his destination and the request was instantly taken.
“My car will be here in three minutes.”He stood then pulled her off the couch and into his arms.“I can’t thank you enough for such a wonderful evening.”
She wound her arms around his neck.No one had held him that way in five years.The warmth of her body next to his, their faces so close, that human contact that he’d missed and now longed for once again, made him want more.
“You stole my line.”Her smile was playful.“How about I make a picnic lunch and we can hang out on the beach tomorrow.The tide comes in around two.Do you surf?”
“I’ve been known to ride a board.Mine will need some work.It hasn’t been wet since I got here.You have to promise me that you won’t laugh.I more than a little rusty.”
She giggled and the sound shot pleasure through his whole body, landing firmly in his cock which stood up and took note of the desirable woman in his arms.
“I’ll bring lunch.I can stop and get takeout.Do you have a preference?”
