Beach Boys and Girls

[Thursday]

Back home, Rachel found Janet alone in the kitchen reading a magazine. She pulled put a chair and joined her friend at the table.
"Hey, girl," Janet said, eying her suspiciously. "Why are you so happy?"
Rachel grinned.
"It is that obvious?"
"Only to those who know you as well as I do but I don't know how getting your oil changed could be so enjoyable." Janet glanced at the clock. "Or take so long."
Rachel shared the afternoon's events with her friend, grateful to have someone to talk to.
After telling her about the kiss, Janet began to fan herself dramatically with her Cosmo.
"Okay, I'm living vicariously through you. Your first date? That's so unlike you but so hot."
Rachel laughed.
"I know, but I didn't really mind. Where's Emily?" she asked looking around.
Janet shrugged.
"I think she said something about going jogging. But this weather is pretty miserable. She'll be sorry she missed this. So when are you seeing him again?" Janet asked eagerly.
"I don't know," Rachel said thoughtfully. The very thought of seeing Ben again filled her with an inexplicable joy. "But I hope it's soon."
She left Janet to her Bedside Astrologer and went to her room to check her email. She absent-mindedly sorted through the spam finding an email from her grandparents. They were in Prague, they said, having the time of their lives. The attached pictures made Rachel envious of their adventures. She smiled seeing a photo of her granddad in lederhosen. She saved this one and finished going through the junk mail. Then a name caught her eye. Maybe because he'd been on her mind recently, the sight of Jake's email address surprised her. They hadn't parted on good terms and hadn't spoken in almost two months. The subject line said We need to talk. Rachel clicked on it apprehensively.

[Thursday]

Rachel, the email read.
It's been a while huh? I'm sorry about the way things went down last time I saw you. I was hurt and said some things that I didn't mean. I hope you can forgive me. I've already forgiven you.
I heard you're at the coast this summer. I think I'll come to see you soon. There are some things we need to talk about.
I still love you,
Jake.
Rachel sat in stunned silence and then read the short letter a second and a third time. What does he mean forgive me? I've done nothing wrong! she thought to herself. It was true that they needed to talk but no way in hell he was coming to the beach house. Rachel was moving on and she wanted to see where things were going with Ben if anywhere. Jake was not ready or able to accept that fact. She knew Jake. Reading between the lines of the note, she could tell he wanted to get back together. But Rachel knew in her heart they just weren't meant to be. Rachel had stayed with Jake longer than what was good for either of them. They had fun together, Rachel enjoyed being with him and had taken that for love. It was only later when things got far too serious, that Rachel began to understand that it wasn't. She sighed and hit reply.

[Thursday]

Nicole Simmons was not a particularly intelligent woman and she accepted this fact. She had learned from an early age her strengths lay elsewhere. So she depended more on other assets so to speak. From fifteen, Nicole had discovered what a powerful tool sex could be. She was not above sleeping her way to the top. Sex wasn't sacred to her. It was more like a business transaction and with a figure like hers, business was good. She had long dark hair and a pair of smoldering bedroom eyes. Her legs seemed to go on forever and her curves were downright dangerous. Nicole held a steady job as a fashion designer, shoes (and men) being her only real passion in life. Unfortunately, she was not a very talented designer and so her luxurious, extravagant lifestyle was usually funded by other sources. She'd found her match in Benjamin Morgan. He was everything she could ever wish for in a man. Rich and handsome and not too shabby in the sack either, traits she normally didn't find in the wealthy men she pursued. However her stupidity had cost her Ben. Nicole cursed herself mentally for getting caught with her lover du jour, in Ben's house no less. She couldn't help it. It wasn't her fault really. Ben was always so busy and Mark? Matt? What was his name? was too cute to resist. But Nicole hadn't given up yet. She still had a few tricks up her sleeve and she never, ever underestimated the simple power of her body.

[Thursday]

The next day, Ben decided to visit his mother. She lived on an estate about ten miles outside of town. While Ben preferred to live modestly, his mother was the poster child for extravagance. The sprawling, Victorian style mansion looked more like it belonged in a Jane Austen novel than in present day Texas. The house was spread over several acres of land complete with two swimming pools and hot tubs, full sized gym and a tennis court. However rich she may be, Genevieve Morgan was not a snob in any way. Though she employed a full time cook, housekeeper and gardener, it didn't stop her from making her own breakfast when she felt like it. She was fiercely independent, strong willed and bold. When her husband died, it nearly broke her but she kept it together for Ben and for Jack, god rest his soul. Ben pulled up a little after noon and smiled hearing his mother's voice shouting instructions from the garden. He followed the sounds and soon found his mother in the midst of pulling out a very large stump from the side of the garden.
"Mom, what are you doing?" He asked going to stand beside her.
"Benjamin! What a nice surprise!" she exclaimed throwing her arms around her son. Genevieve was a petite, delicate looking woman. Her hair was long and silver, wound into a braid. People often overlooked her because of her smallness but she did'nt let it faze her. To the people who knew her, the sweet demeanor was just a facade for the true warrior beneath it. She had such extreme presence and could command the attention of the room when she felt the need. She was without a doubt Ben's favorite person in the world.
He kissed her cheek and turned back to the stump which Raoul, the gardener and a few men Ben didn't know were trying in vain to pull from the rocky earth. He shook his head at his mother.
"That's enough for today gentlemen," she announced waving her hands. "My son is here now." The men exchanged a few good natured smiles and Ben took his mom's arm to lead her into the house.
"It's so nice of you to come by, Ben."

[Thursday]

"I figured I was overdue for a visit. The bar's been so busy, I haven't had a lot of time." He replied.
Genevieve laughed as Ben opened the door for her. She led them to a small, tastefully decorated sitting room. The west wall was completely composed of floor to ceiling windows and the early afternoon light flooded the small space. Ben sank gratefully down onto a sofa. However beautiful the room may be, his mother did not overlook comfort. Ben seemed to breath easier in the comfort of his family. It was an escape from the pressures and stress of his business life. Genevieve regarded her son closely. He was happier than she had seen him in a long time and this pleased her. When he was miserable, she was miserable and it was worse knowing she could do nothing to help him. When he was young, the problems were simple. She kissed a boo boo, put a bandaid on a papercut, but there was no cure for a broken heart except for time. Genevieve admitted she was getting on in years but she was still sharp as a tack. It was plain to see a new girl was behind his wide smile.
"So what's her name Benjamin?"
He looked surprised but it faded quickly and he sighed but in a playful way.
"Is it that obvious?"
"Only to those who know you as well as me. I must say it's high time too. You've been moping around for months."
Only his mother could away with such accusations but Ben knew they were true.
"Rachel," he said and couldn't resist smiling when he spoke her name.
His mother grinned in response.
"Well, when am I going to meet her?"
Ben's smile faded quickly.
"Mom, I've just barely met her. We've only sort of been out once."
"Well I suggest you remedy that situation before she gets away!"
He shook his head good naturely.
"Whatever you say, Mom."
They chatted on for a few more minutes, catching up about everything. Ben told her about meeting Rachel at the bar and the happenstance meeting the next day. Something didn't click about what he was telling though. They'd met at the bar and the garage. Shouldn't she have known he worked there?
"Ben!" She scolded suddenly. "You didn't tell her you own both of those little shops?"
Ben winced uneasily.
"Not exactly." Before he let his mother let loose another stream of insults he added, "You saw what happened with Nicole. I don't want that to happen again. So yes as far as she knows I'm simply a mechanic."
Disapproval was written all over Geneveive's face but she didn't press. Let him make his own mistakes, she thought. If this Rachel was worth wild, she would understand.

[Thursday]

Jake Morrison stepped up lightly over the curb and into the small, crowded coffee place. He was a good looking guy. He had the clean cut looks of a jock and his broad shoulders more than made up for his average height. He'd certainly never had any complaints before. There was a spring in his step today, a smile on his face. Jake an easy going guy most of the time but his tiff with Rachel had put him in a mood for the past few months. But things were about to change. He was going to see her soon and things were going to be put right for once and all. They were meant to be and Jake was going to make Rachel see it. He walked up to the counter and placed his order, smiling at the pretty girl behind the counter, but not really seeing her. There was only one girl on his mind today. Her email hadn't been as encouraging as he had hoped. Rachel had rambled on for quite some time about needing her space but Jake knew she was probably just embarassed. As well she should be. Their break up had been rough and Jake hadn't expected it but he just knew he would get her back. Surely she was missing him as much as he was missing her. Things weren't right when they weren't together. There was an empty space beside him and only Rachel could fill it. Rachel had explicitly told him not to come to the beach but Jake was sure that once she saw him she would melt, so he'd planned this little impromtu beach visit. All girls loved a surprise, right?

[Thursday]

"Yes, Mom. No, Mom," Rachel assured her mother. Lisa Waterman had insisted on weekly updates to allow her to take this beach trip. Forget the fact that Rachel was graduating in just a year, her interfering mother still liked to think of Rachel as a little girl. Not that she minded that most of the time but at this particular moment, Rachel wished her mom would just let her be. She rolled her eyes at the wall, grateful that her mother wasn't actually in the room. She was lying on the bed in her bathrobe, feet propped up on the wall, pondering whether or not she should shave her legs.
"Of course, mom. I promise you, we are not trashing the house." Her mother chattered on for a few minutes about the family and the latest neighborhood gossip. Rachel listened with half an ear, distractedly. It had been forty-eight hours since she had last seen and talked to Ben. A persistent beeping sounded in her ear, her call waiting. It wasn't a number she recognized but Rachel was willing to do anything to get off the phone with her mother.
"Hey mom, I got to go. Someone's calling, could be grandma, love you, Bye." Letting out a sigh of relief, she clicked the talk button.
"Hello?"
"Hey," Ben's unmistakable voice sounded into her ear. Flutters of delight filled her stomach and Rachel couldn't stop a grin from spreading over her face.
"Hey, I was just thinking about you." She hoped that didn't sound desperate. The phrase had just popped out, and it was technically the truth.
"Really?" He chuckled and Rachel felt a liquid hot bolt of lust shoot straight to her core.
"Really, so what's up?" She sounded like a chipmunk. Rachel slapped herself mentally and willed her voice to sound more sexy.
"We've been pretty slammed at the shop otherwise I would have called you sooner. Do you have plans tonight?"
"Not currently."
"Well, you do now. I'll pick you up at eight."
Oh yeah, she was definitely shaving her legs.

[Thursday]

Ben smiled as he put the phone back on the cradle and leaned back in his desk chair. He was excited to see Rachel again. The memory of her lips on his, hesitate and sweet, left him weak with desire in a way he hadn't felt about a girl since high school. The only blight on the happy prospect of a date with Rachel was his conversation with Genevieve. Ben knew his mother was right. She always was. It was wrong to lie to Rachel. Not that he was lying per se. Ben was just leaving out a few crucial details. He honestly didn't think it would make a difference in the long run. Pushing those thoughts to back of his mind, Ben stood and stretched. Business was booming at both the bar and the shop. Summer was always the best season but he'd barely had a moment to breath in the mean time. He could hear the bar stirring to life as Roxy pulled down chairs from the tables and dragged cases of beer from the storage room. The soft clinking of glasses and the quiet country music playing from the stereo seemed to be the soundtrack to Ben's life sometimes. The curtains were open and the early afternoon light spilled into the crowded, tiny office. He could see the road from here and watched the cars pass by idly. A black Mercedes pulled into the lot in front of the bar and Ben frowned. They weren't opening for a few more hours and he wasn't expecting anyone. The car seemed familiar somehow and Ben looked at it curiously. Then he recognized it. Ben cursed loudly and slammed a fist on his desk, rattling his outdated computer and making several sheets of paper flutter to the ground. He stormed out into the main room and Roxy, catching sight of her boss's face, smartly kept her mouth shut. He met her at the door.
"What the hell are you doing here?"

[Thursday]

Nicole smiled coolly as Ben blocked her entrance to the bar. The grim look on his face didn't deter her, just made her that much more confident that she could win him back. After all, it was a thin line between passion and hate. She was certain Ben still desired her. How could he not? Nicole had put a lot of thought into her outfit specifically for this meeting. Her skirt was well above the knee, showing off her long, tan legs and the tank top hugged her every curve. She left her hair the way he had always liked it, long and loose around her bare shoulders. Coupled with a pair of sky high heels, she had gotten more than a few honks from passing cars.
"What are you doing here?" Ben repeated.
"I just wanted to talk to you sweetie. Things didn't go well last time I saw you." She pouted her perfectly plump lips and gave him her best impression of innocence, since she was far from innocent herself.
Ben laughed without humor.
"You mean when I caught you in bed with someone else and threw you out, you mean?"
"Yes, that would be what I was referring to." Nicole had forgotten how irritating Ben was sometimes. No matter, she knew what she wanted. She could learn to handle his moods when she was Mrs. Benjamin Morgan, wife of wealthy local entrepreneur.
"Ben, I am so sorry about what happened. It was just sex. I didn't love him like I love you. I wasn't thinking clearly and I was so lonely with you busy at the bar and the shop all hours of the day and night. Can we just talk?"
"There's nothing else to say," Ben hissed and promptly slammed the door in her face.

[Thursday]

As Rachel waited nervously for Ben to arrive, she checked her reflection in the mirror for probably the fifteenth time in the past five minutes. She was not going to be caught in a holey tee-shirt and pajama pants this time. Oh no. Rachel wore a pair of jeans that made her legs seem to go on forever and made her butt look fantastic, with a slinky black top that had a tendency to slip off of her bare shoulders. She had also thrown on her favorite peep toe pumps that could only be described as screw-me heels. And just in case, underneath her fabulous outfit, Rachel wore a lacy black bra with matching panties. Her heart started beating faster just thinking about their kiss. She had never had such chemistry with a guy she had just met. A knock sounded on the front door. One last glance in the mirror and Rachel squared her shoulders and went to answer the door.
"Hey, you look beautiful," Ben said when she opened the door. Just seeing her made his terrible day that much better.
"Thanks," Rachel replied with a shy smile. "Are you okay?" She thought he seemed a little different.
His face fell a little at her question but he shook his head and smiled at her.
"Just a rough day," he said. Rachel stepped out of the threshold and he leaned in to kiss her cheek.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Her concern was touching but he most definitely didn't want to talk about Nicole on their first real date.
"Not really, but thanks." Together they walked over to his bike and Rachel looked at it apprehensively as he slung his leg over the seat. She was glad she had worn jeans but now looking at the contraption, she was a little concerned. The black metal and chrome gleamed in the setting sun and Rachel thought she had never seen something look so wicked.
"I have a confession," Rachel said as she followed him. "I've never actually been on a motorcycle before."
He grinned.
"Then you are in for a treat. Come on, it'll be fun. I'm a great driver."
"Really? Maybe we should just take my car?"
"Come on," Ben said laughing. He pulled a spare helmet from the saddle bags and patted the seat behind him. She looked so adorable staring nervously at his bike. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and comfort her. But first he was going to give her the ride of her life.
Only because you're so cute, she thought. She pulled on the helmet and modeled it from side to side.
"How do I look?" she asked teasingly.
"Sexy." Warm tingles filled her belly at his words.
She climbed onto the bike awkwardly, straddling the bike.
"You're going to need to hold onto me,"he said grabbing her arms and putting them around his waist.
"Ready?"
"As I'll ever be," and with that he gunned the engine and they shot off into the sunset.

[Thursday]

The moment the motorcycle started, Rachel's arms gripped tighter around him and Ben could feel her soft breasts pressed into his back. He was grateful he had to keep his attention on the road or else he would probably have embarassed himself already.
Rachel squealed behind him as they picked up speed, heading to the highway.
"How are you doing?" He yelled.
"Amazing!"And she was. It felt like flying. The wind beat against her face and she'd left her stomach back at the house but despite that it was one of the most exhilarating things she'd ever experienced. All the way to where ever they were going (she had neglected to ask), Rachel was in awe. Not that she was ready to go out and buy a motorcycle, she was happy just to be along for the ride.
They drove past the city limits and into the rural areas outside the small beach town. The sun sank ever lower in the sky and by the time they arrived at their destination, the night sky had turned an inky violet. Ben slowed the bike and parked near the entrance in between two other cars. Just one of the wonerful things about motorcycle was the ability to park anywhere.
Rachel slid off the bike and pulled off the helmet. Her cheeks were flushed from the wind and excitement and her curls were mussed by the helmet but her eyes were bright and a smile was glued to her face.
"Fun?" He asked her laughingly.
"That was amazing!" she replied, smoothing her hair. "I can see why you would prefer that to my blue monster. Where are we?" she then asked looking around. A small house looking structure was set on a hill overlooking the bay side surrounded by trees wrapped in lights.
"Just a little known secret," he said taking her hand and guiding her to the door.

[Thursday]

The restaurant was small in a cozy, not cramped kind of way and dimly lit. It was intimate and romantic and just the place Ben thought for their first real date. He hadn't brought many girls here. It was a special place. Unfortunately Nicole had been one of the lucky ones. She'd complained about the sea air frizzing her hair and insisted that they eat inside. Ben shook off those thoughts and focused on Rachel's hand in his and the way she smiled at him as they walked up the stairs to the seating stand. The hostess led them to a small table out on the deck and Rachel sighed as they took their seats.
"What?" Ben asked curiously.
"This place," she said simply, gesturing around them encompassing the candle light and the ocean glinting in the starlight next to them, the lovely table and the exotic flowers filling alcoves along the railing.
"I have been coming to this beach for years and I never even knew about this place." Her shining gray eyes looked up at him filled with wonder at the beauty. Ben felt an uncomfortable tug at his heart that had nothing what so ever to to with lust, though certainly a healthy amount of that remained as well. He had never known anyone quite like her. Most of his dates expected extravagance and to be dazzled. Rachel had been caught completely off guard. Feelings of shame rose in Ben and he resolved to tell her the truth this very night.

[Thursday]

"I'm glad you like it," Ben answered her simply and smiled. Rachel had noticed his foul mood when he came to pick her up and was glad to see that it had disipated on the ride over. Looking around again, she wondered that anyone could be angry or upset in such a place. The breeze blew over them from the ocean and it always had a calming, healing affect on her. As she and Ben chatted about their days, she was still in awe. This was hands down one of the nicest dates she'd ever been on. No guy had ever gone to such trouble for her. She worried a little about the priciness. One glance at the menu had shown her no prices even listed.Rachel knew from frequent food channel viewing that this was a sign of an expensive place When the waiter came they ordered their entrees and Ben surprised her by picking out a bottle of wine. He'd rattled off the french name like a pro and Rachel suspected there was something more about this mechanic than he was letting on. Putting her uneasiness aside, she asked Ben questions about his work and his family and pushed up the sleeve of her shirt as she listened. It had seemed like a good choice earlier this evening but the slinky blouse seemed to be more trouble than it was worth.
Ben surprised himself by talking about Geneveive and the stump incident of the other afternoon and he knew it was well worth it when he was rewarded with Rachel's laugh.
"Tell me about the friends you were with at the bar," Ben urged after their food had arrived. Rachel smiled and pushed at the sleeves of her shirt, which had fallen down again. Ben gulped. If she continued to do battle with her clothing like that this date wasn't going to end with just the kiss he had been planning on.
"They're pretty crazy." Rachel replied. "They party a lot more than I do but we get along great. I guess I have them to thank for meeting you. They were the ones who got me to go to the bar that night."
"I'll have to thank them personally for that," Ben replied leaning close to her. He placed his hand over hers laying on the table and caressed her wrist gently as he smiled at her. Rachel felt his touch somewhere completely south of her hand.
"Are you ready to get out of here?" He asked her.
"More than you know."

[Monday]

((CUTE! lol. i like the build up, it's good. keep going!))

[Thursday]

Rachel and Ben sprang apart instantly. Though they were both adults, the embarrassment of getting caught making out like teenagers was overwhelming. Rachel fought the urge to laugh as she looked around for her shirt which seemed to have disappeared in the last few minutes. Then she noticed Ben had gone rigid and not in a good way. All desire had fled from his face leaving a mask of anger. The strong capable lips she had been kissing were now pressed into a thin,hard line. For the first time, Rachel glanced to the door to see just who their intruder might be. Her heart sank a little when she saw it was a girl. The woman had longer, darker hair and a body that just screamed sex. Rachel signed inwardly. This woman was much more Ben's type than her. Ben stood and pulled Rachel up with him, shielding her with his body. She was grateful for that. Like she needed another hit on her self-esteem by being partially naked in front of this sex goddess.
"Nicole, what the hell are you doing here?" Ben growled at the newcomer. She wasn't a friend, Rachel took it. "How did you get in?"
The woman, Nicole, shook a set of keys at them.
"You gave me a key, sweetie." She smiled and flicked her eyes to Rachel, giving her a once over. Then she smirked. Rachel felt a red hot wave of rage sweep through her.
"This your latest whore then? I think you could do better."
"Hey!" Rachel and Ben both objected at once. Never the best with come backs, Rachel spent a few precious moments thinking while Ben gallantly came to her rescue.
"Whom I date is none of your concern, Nicole and I think we both know who the whore is in this room and it isn't Rachel. I suggest you give me your key and leave before I call the cops." His voice was ice. Rachel was glad she wasn't the one it was being directed too.
"I just came to get a few of my things." Her glossy plump lips pouted.
"Too bad. I threw anything you left here out."
Fire flashed in Nicole's eyes.
"Threw out? I left a $900 Coach bag here you asshole!"
Ben shrugged.
"Hey it just looked like another piece of trash to me. Now leave before I make you leave." He crossed his arms over his chest and took a few threatening steps to wards her.
"I'm going," She sneered. "But this isn't over. Nice meeting you Rachel." She shot at them before turning on her heel and marching out the door.
Ben walked to the door and watched at the window as Nicole swung her long legs into her car and slammed the door shut. He flipped the deadbolt and the chain to be on the safe side. He let out a long breath he wasn't aware he'd been holding and turned to face Rachel. She was pulling on the wrinkled blouse she'd found wedged between the couch cushions.
She smiled at him without humor.
"Your ex, I take it?"