Big City Little Rebel

“Let it go, little man, let it all go and live. You're not responsible for me or for resurrecting Westhaven Construction. Bury the past and build your future.”

“Argh, Mom, can you stop calling me 'little man'? I hate it.”

“What do you want to be called?” For a second, she sounded puzzled.

“Beau would be great, Mom.” They laughed at the simplicity of his answer. That one sentence lifted the veil of sadness from the call.

“Now, tell me about this girl who has won your heart.”

He talked to his mom for over an hour and told her how hard he had fallen for Bobbie. It was the longest conversation he'd had with her in years. She asked “mom” questions, and he answered like a son. They devised a plan to wean her off his support and ended the call with “I love you.” They hadn't exchanged those words in what seemed like a lifetime.

Over the next several hours, he cleaned his place, bought more flowers, bought some candles, and waited for Bobbie to get off work. He had so much to share with her.

When Bobbie walked out of the diner, he was there waiting.

“You look happy.” She put her hands around his neck, jumped up, and wrapped her legs around his waist.

He supported her under her thighs and walked toward home while she kissed his face, his lips, and his neck.

“I am happy. I settled a few things today. I ran into Midge, and she whipped me into shape.” Midge told him the things he needed to hear. She made him take stock of what was important. She reminded him to let go of the past and move toward his future, and his future was Bobbie.

“She's magical that way. The other day, she asked me what I was fighting for. She told me I could fight for a memory or battle for a purpose. You are my reason.” Bobbie kissed him with abandon.

“Maybe she should put up a shingle and sell her advice.” He picked up his pace. “She'd be rich, and the world would be wiser.” He moved in double time because, with Bobbie's lips on him, he wanted to be inside where he could reciprocate her passion.

“She's already rich.” Bobbie's hands gripped his shoulders and reminded him of their lovemaking the night before when she clung to his body.

His quick walk turned into a jog. “Why is it you two work at a diner?” His voice warbled in unison with his steps.

“It keeps us humble. It reminds us of our core values, and it's fun. I got my best kiss from a sexy city boy there.”

He raced up the stairs with her wrapped around his waist. When they got to his door, he pulled her arms from his neck and let her slide down his body. He was already aroused, and the night had just begun.

“Stay here. I have a surprise for you.” He kissed her and then disappeared into the apartment.

When he returned minutes later, he told her to close her eyes and then led her into the bathroom, where he had drawn a hot rose petal bath, poured a glass of wine, and lit enough candles to heat the apartment.

“Open your eyes.”

She turned in a circle and took in everything. On the mirror, he'd written I love Bobbie with a bar of soap. He was turning into the sappy sucker he busted the nuts of his New York buddies for becoming.

“I love you,” she said while pulling at the button of his jeans. “Let's not waste this bath.”

Those three words were terrific to hear. He'd heard them twice today, and both times they had the power to take him to his knees. “This isn't for me. It's for you.” He lifted her T-shirt over her head. She never wore a bra, and he loved the easy access. Her breasts might have been small, but they were perfect.

When he left, the water was piping hot and had cooled to the perfect temperature. “I hope you like baths.” There was so much to learn about her.

“I love them, but I hear they're more fun when shared.” She tugged at his pants until they dropped to his ankles. He hopped around while he removed his boots and socks. She laughed when he lost his balance and went headfirst into the tub.

He came out sputtering water and words. “The temperature is perfect.” Bubbles dripped from his chin. “Come on in.”

“You have a weird way of testing it.” She stepped in one leg at a time and slid into the bubbles and floating petals. “Who knew you were a romantic?”

“I'm upping my game.”

“You have game?”

He pulled her up against his soaked T-shirt. “I'll show you.” After a long, passionate kiss, he pulled the saturated cotton shirt over his head and tossed it on the floor. He'd never had a bath with a woman, but he promised himself this wouldn't be his last.