Chapter 12

Saturday morning came very quickly. Katie had a hard time getting to sleep the night before due to all the thoughts racing around in her head. She kept thinking about everything that had gone on this past week, and the fact that she was going to spend not just a few hours, but a whole day with Jon.

After eating a quick breakfast, Katie dressed in a pair of khaki Bermuda shorts, a maroon tank top and a pair of sneakers. Today she was shooting for comfort with the walking and rock climbing they may do. She pulled her hair back in a low ponytail, and grabbed a backpack that served as her camera bag and handbag. She went out on the porch to wait for Jon, just as she saw his BMW pull into her driveway.

She greeted him with a big smile as she walked towards the car. He got out and went around to open the passenger door for her. She was loving the gentleman in him. She couldn't help but notice the snug dark blue t-shirt and khaki cargo shorts. He really just never looked bad, she thought. He said, "Good morning, beautiful. Are you ready?" He put her bag in the back seat next to a picnic basket.

"Good morning, yourself. I'm ready! Let's get out of here, shall we?" She sighed as he sat back in the driver's seat. He looked over at her and smiled, giving her knee a pat, taking a quick moment to appreciate Katie's shapely legs, and off they sped towards the ocean.

Talking was a bit difficult with the top down on the highway, but Katie loved the feeling of the wind in her hair. After about half an hour of driving, they were on the road heading down toward Rockport. When they reached the main street, Jon parked the compact car into a space off the main street towards the end of the shops. He once again opened her door, and pumped the meter full of coins. There were a few tourists strolling around. The car got a few glances, but no one seemed to pay them any mind.

He secured the top of the car and retrieved her bag, swinging it over his shoulder. "Let me get this for you, Katie."

"Well, thank you, but it isn't necessary." She wasn't used to such treatment. "I can carry it."

"Let me do my thing, Katie. I enjoy doing this. I like to pretend I am not a total waste as a gentleman."

Katie laughed, "Ok, you are too sweet."

They headed towards the row of tiny shops along the sea. They stopped in a few shops and galleries, browsing around. No one took notice of Jon, in his baseball hat and sunglasses. He had cut his hair a bit shorter after the tour, so he blended in fairly well. At one point they headed toward a shop across the street, and Jon took her hand to pull her over as a car tried to inch it's way around the people. Once on the side of the road he kept a hold of her hand and intertwined her fingers with his. He looked over at her to see her reaction and was met with a big smile that said yes, that was ok with her.

After strolling the shops for an hour, Katie decided she was getting hungry. "Jon, what do you think about getting some ice cream?" she asked as she put her other hand on his arm. She looked like an excited little kid to him.

"That sounds like a great idea. Lead the way." This time Katie pulled Jon behind her towards the ice cream parlor. Once at the ice cream place Jon suggested she sit at the little bistro table while he got the ice cream for them. "So Katie, what would you like?" He asked.

"Two scoops of chocolate in a waffle cone. Thank you." Katie took the few moments while he was gone to soak in the events of the day. He came back trying to balance two cones in his hands. Katie took her cone and tasted the sweet coolness. "Mmmm, this is just what the doctor ordered." She sighed.

Jon enjoyed watching her eat the cone while he sat back and enjoyed his own treat. After they finished up with their ice cream, they walked a bit up the street to a small beach area. There they watched a group learning to scuba dive. On the way back towards the shops, Katie said, "I want to show you a place that I love going to. It is just around the corner, we can drive or walk. Very peaceful."

Jon nodded, "That sounds like a lovely idea. Lets drive over." They went back to the car and Katie directed him to the side of a street lined in trees and bushes. He wasn't too sure what was so cool about this place, but he would see what she came up with. After they got out of the car and collected the picnic basket, Katie took Jon's hand and lead him through a path in the trees. They walked a bit, stepping over rocks on the way. The path opened up into a rocky cliff over looking the ocean.

"Wow, this is amazing, Katie. You would have no idea this was even here." Jon said as he took in the view.

"Yes, I love it here. Come on. We can go close to the edge. The rocks are flat and easy to get to." Katie led the way down further towards the water's edge, finally stopping at a spot that was hidden from the main area.

"This is perfect, Katie. Very nice." Jon took a blanket out of the picnic basket and spread it on the large rock, then gestured for Katie to sit. He put the basket behind them and sat next to her, slightly leaning on one arm. They could see the sail boats and lobster boats heading out of the bay towards the ocean. Off in the distance was a lighthouse, white against the deep blue sky.

Jon opened the picnic basket and asked Katie, "Would you like a glass of wine?"

"I would love one." Jon took out two plastic wine glasses, a bottle of wine and a corkscrew. He handed her a glass and poured one for himself. She sipped the cool liquid and smiled at Jon. He raised his glass to her and said "Cheers to a beautiful day, a beautiful place and a very beautiful lady."

Katie blushed slightly at the last part, but perhaps it was just the wine. "Cheers!" She said smiling as she took another sip. They talked for a bit, but sometimes just sat and looked at the water. Katie thought how easy it was being with him. There was no nervousness in the silence or the conversation. After a while Jon said, "Are you ready for some food?"

By this point it was 3 p.m. in the afternoon. Since they had ice cream earlier, neither of them was hungry at lunchtime. Katie realized she was now.

Jon pulled out the yummiest looking deli sandwiches and fresh fruit. They munched while they enjoyed the view. There was not a soul on the rocks with them. After eating Jon said, "Let's stretch our legs a bit and find a bathroom. I would like to come back here, though."

"Ok, let's walk to the restrooms, that way we can leave the car here." They walked back towards town, which was really only two or three blocks away. They washed up and then walked to the edge of the landing where lobster traps sat stacked in rows. Being late in the afternoon, no one was around. Katie took out her camera and took a few pictures of the boats, and the shore. Katie eventually took Jon's hand and they headed back towards the rocky overlook. When they got back, Jon took the blanket out of the car and grabbed the wine. They made their way back to the same rock and settled in. Jon poured Katie another glass of wine and laid back on the blanket, facing her. She smiled at him, sighing, just enjoying the scene next to her.

"Penny for your thoughts, darlin'?." Jon chuckled at the sigh.

"Ah, just relaxed and happy. I am really enjoying this more than I can put into words." Katie admitted. Jon smiled and looked at her for a moment, taking in her beauty against the water as a backdrop. He gently took her glass of wine and sat it down behind him. Katie had a feeling she knew what was coming. She looked at him as he moved closer to her, taking her chin gently in his hands, bringing her face close to his. Katie stopped breathing as she looked into those deep blue pools. She couldn't think, but knew he was going to kiss her. She felt his other arm go around her back, pulling her in closer. She had no intention of resisting and leaned in closer, feeling his breath on her face and then his lips on hers, very gently, as if he was testing the waters. She put her hand on his chest, not to push him away, but to brace herself. He slowly caressed her lips with his for a moment before leaning back and looking into her eyes. All she could do was smile and look back. He moved in closer once more and kissed her with a bit more determination. He read her signals as she kissed him back, gently leaning her back against the rock as he leaned over her. Katie could feel her face getting warm, but didn't want this moment to ever stop. He tasted sweet like the wine, and she couldn't get enough. They kissed each other with a bit more urgency, Katie feeling Jon's tongue tickling her lip, teasing her a bit. She teased back with hers and she heard a groan coming from deep in his throat. A moment longer and he pulled back sitting up. He grabbed her hand and pulled her between his legs, her facing away from him and put his arms around her in a big hug. He kissed the back of her head and whispered in her ear, "Sweet Katie."

Katie snuggled back against his chest, enjoying the warmth. She couldn't think or speak, just tried to take it all in. She had felt the heat growing inside of her as they had kissed. Now all she could do was smile as she felt his breath on her ear as they looked out at the water. They sat like that for a long while, neither of them wanting to move.

The sun was setting, letting off red and orange streaks across the sky. Katie and Jon sat that way for what seemed like an eternity. Katie felt like time had stood still. There were no thoughts except just enjoying the closeness. No words, just listening to each other breath. Jon leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Sweet Kate, I hate to ruin this as it is perfect beyond words, but I have to use the little boy's room."

Katie turned around towards him and errupted into a fit of giggles until she was outright laughing. Talk about off beat timing. "Then I think we better take care of that."

"I am truly sorry, but nature is calling." He stood up and took her hands in his pulling her up. They stood on the rocks facing each other and he pulled her in close wrapping his arms around her in a hug. She snuggled her head into his chest, closing her eyes and smiling. He smelled so good. She opened her eyes and looked up at him smiling. Her eyes locked into his and he kissed her on the tip of her nose. They intertwined fingers and headed towards the path. Once back at town they strolled around the fishing landing. Jon pulled her close, putting his arm around her as they walked. Katie subconsciously looped her finger though his belt loop. Neither of them wanted the day to end, but darkness was overtaking the quaint seaside town.

"Jon, do you want to head back and join me on the porch for a glass of wine?" Katie asked hopefully.

Jon brightened up at the idea. "That sounds great. Yes, lets do that."

They headed back towards the car and back toward Katie's carriage house. The car quietly crept into her driveway. They got out of the car and made the way towards the house. Katie had a screened in porch around the back of the house. She walked back with Jon and said, "I have a bottle of chardonnay chilled in the fridge. I will be right back.

"Sounds perfect, Katie, thank you for the invite." Jon smiled, looking around. Her backyard was totally private and wooded. There was a porch swing. Jon sat on the swing as he waited for Katie to return with the wine. She came back and handed him a glass, then lit a candle on the table. The candle provided just enough light. She sat down next to him on the swing with her glass in hand. Jon took her hand as they swung gently back and forth. Katie smiled up at him and laid her head on his shoulder. They made simple conversation about the day and enjoyed the warm summer evening.

Eventually Jon turned around facing her, "Katie I had a wonderful time today. I can not explain all the feelings going through me right now. But I know I want to continue seeing you, more now than even before. I know you are on vacation this week. I know I am being forward, but I selfishly hope we can spend some more time together this week." Jon asked so seriously that Katie had to laugh.

"Jon, I want that more than anything. No worries!" Katie thought for a moment. "I was thinking about taking a beach day on Monday up to Maine. Would you like join me?

Jon answered a bit quickly, "I would love to! I have not been to the beach up this far north. It sounds like fun."

Katie nodded, "Good. Then it is another date."

Both of them knew the evening should end, but didn't want it to. Finally Jon said, "I suppose I should go." he looked at her reluctantly, "I don't want to, to be honest. But it is the right thing to do. Sweet Katie, I so enjoy your company and can't wait for the beach."

"I know. You're right." Katie said a bit sadly.

He stood up and took Katie's hand. They walked to the front of the house and stood by Jon's car. He held both of her hands in his, pulling her closer. His lips met hers in a slow, soft kiss. No urgency, just sweet warmth. They lingered for a moment, and Katie threw her arms around his neck hugging him. Jon smiled and hugged her back, then kissed the top of her head.

"Ok, let's talk tomorrow and make plans for the beach. I can bring lunch again, if that's ok." Jon said.

"Sure, sounds awesome. Yes, lets talk tomorrow." Katie smiled and popped a quick kiss right on his lips. Jon got in the car and Katie stood in the driveway, blowing him a kiss as he backed out. She smiled to herself as she made her way into the house.

Chapter 13