Sidelined

She paused. “Oh, is that normal to take sudden trips like that?”

“Sometimes. It depends on what the squadron has planned for training. I don’t go on all the trips.” He wondered if there was more to her question. He wasn’t used to having someone at home waiting for him when it was time to go.

“Ok, well just tell me if something else comes up.”

“Hey, I’ve gotta go. I’ll call you later, ok?” He waved at the guys who walked in the room. He needed to clear out.

“Ok.”

Ben slid the phone into his arm pocket. He had waited almost thirty full days for Saturday night and it was only two days away. Maybe there was something to the saying good things are worth waiting for.

Twenty-Two

Skye shook out her hair and looked at her reflection. Ben said four o’clock. It was almost time. The bag was packed and ready on her bed. Kari had gone over the packing list with her: lingerie, condoms, and a cocktail dress that would make him want to get to the lingerie and condoms.

She thought about the first night they met. She was ready to sleep with him then, so why was this such a big deal? Thirty days had come and gone. Thirty days had brought them closer together. Thirty days had prepared her for tonight.

Her phone vibrated on the counter.

Ready to go? I’m outside.

Skye smiled and suppressed the bundle of nerves that had been building all day. She was more than ready. She strolled to the door and opened it.

Ben leaned against the doorframe. His eyes sparkling brighter than usual. There was a mischievous look brimming in those baby blues.

“Hey. I’m all packed.” She stepped to the side, allowing him into the apartment.

“Great. I’ll get your bag.” Ben was already hunting for it. Skye thought he might be nervous, but she realized she might have been projecting all the butterflies tumbling in her stomach.

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”

Ben returned from the bedroom, bag in hand. “You’ll see in about ten minutes. I have to keep my man of mystery status as long as I can.”

Skye giggled. “Ok. But you’ve built this up so I hope you can live up to the expectation.” She covered her mouth and shook her head. “That’s not what I meant.”

A smile spread across Ben’s face. “Don’t worry. I’m not worried I’ll disappoint you.” He planted a kiss on her mouth. “Come on, we have reservations, and I want to see whatever dress you’re going to put on.”

Skye followed, locking the door behind her.

“So, what do you think? Surprised?” Ben searched her face for a reaction.

“We’re eating dinner here?” Skye marveled at the famous hotel.

“Not just dinner. We have a suite.” Ben raised his hands. “But whatever we do in the suite is up to you.”

They were both kidding themselves if they thought either of them was wavering on where the night was headed. Just being in front of the Hotel del Coronado, made Skye want to rush to the room and give herself over to be Ben. This was incredible.

A bellman took their bags and led them into the grand lobby. “I can’t believe you got us a room here. Did you know this was my favorite place in San Diego?”

“I thought the zoo was your favorite place.”

She squeezed his hand. “My favorite indoor place.”

“I must be a good guesser, but it is one of my favorite spots. I thought it would be special.” He led her to the elevator.

“Don’t we need to check in?” Skye looked over the shoulder at the reservation desk.

“I already took care of it before I came to pick you up.” He tapped the elevator button. The doors closed behind them.