K&R, R&R
part 1
By Beej
Henry bounced out of the lift and looked around noticing how quite it was. Pushing the huge glass doors open, he walked into the foyer of the T&D office suites and looked around again. The place seemed deserted; the reception area was empty. Walking towards another glass door, this one with his father’s name in gold script on it, he opened it and walked inside. Jean’s desk was empty and the solid panelled oak door that led to his father’s private office was firmly closed.
Pushing the heavy door open, Henry walked in, only to stop in his tracks in surprise. "Oops," he muttered as he quickly exited and silently closed the door behind him. He walked back out into the reception area and waited. Gemma, the receptionist, came round the corner, a cup of steaming tea in her hand.
"G’Day, Henry. Does your dad know you’re here?"
"Um, no he doesn’t. I had a look through the door, but Jean isn’t at her desk, so I was wondering if they’d slipped out."
"They can’t be far, they’re expecting you for lunch. Let me buzz Terry’s office. They’re probably up to their eyes in paperwork."
Henry grinned ‘they were up to their eyes in something,’ he thought to himself. He smiled to Gemma and thanked her, then turned to the glass door once again and pushed it open. This time, Jean was there, having just come out of Terry’s office.
"Hi, Henry. Your dad and I were a bit busy and didn’t realise the time. Sorry to keep you waiting, do you want to go in?"
Henry kissed Jean on the cheek as he passed, winking at her as he entered his father’s office.
"G’Day, mate. Sorry we kept you hanging around."
"No worries, dad. I was early. They cancelled my last morning class. The professor’s crook."
Terry grinned at his son, wondering if his mum would ever get used to the fact that his accent had gone from English upper class to pure Aussie in under two years. He knew that Penny couldn’t be prouder of the way Henry had settled down to life with him, and that he was doing so well in uni, but he still worried that she didn’t approve of the total change in their son.
"Okie dokie then, I’ve freed up the rest of the day and we can do whatever you want, unless they decided to give you some classes this arvo."
"No, dad, I’m free now until Monday. It’s weird, we live together, have weekends to ourselves most of the time, but spending a Friday arvo with you seems really special."
"Thanks, mate," Terry beamed. "Just tell me what you’d like and we’ll do it. Fancy a trip up the river?"
"Um…Dad, can I ask you a huge favour?"
"Ask away, mate."
"Can Jean come with us?"
Terry looked at his son in astonishment. Why would he want his father’s P.A. to tag along?"
"Sorry, Dad. Didn’t mean to put you on the spot, but I guessed that you’d most likely be giving her the time off as well, so I thought it would be nice for her to enjoy herself with us."
Regaining his composure, Terry smiled, "That’s a ripper of an idea, son. Let’s go ask her."
Henry followed Terry to the outer office again, smiling at the way his dad seemed to want to keep the fact that he and Jean were beginning a relationship from him. Sometimes it seemed as though Terry couldn’t help treating him as if he were still 13.
Jean was surprised, but delighted when Henry asked her to spend the afternoon on the river with them, and smiled, wondering what Terry had made of the invitation. As she got her bag and jacket from the cupboard, Terry made a couple of quick calls and they were soon on their way to Rushcutters Bay to pick up the boat.
Henry smiled when he realised they were borrowing Tim’s motor cruiser, and realised that’s who Terry must have been calling before they left the office. He wondered what the second call was about, but he soon found out when they all boarded the ‘Lovely Louise’ to find a sumptuous buffet laid out ready for them. Terry must have called Tim twice, once to borrow the boat, and once to arrange the food.
"Okie dokie, do you want to eat a bit first or head out to find a more quiet place to tie up?"
"Oh, can we go up river for a bit, Terry, if Henry doesn’t mind."
"That’s a good idea, Jean," Henry replied wrapping his arm around her shoulder and giving her a squeeze. "Off you go, dad, you know how to ‘drive’ this thing don’t you?"
"Cheeky bugger. Actually I thought we’d have a chauffeur this trip, I think I need to keep an eye on you with my p.a.," Terry answered his son with a grin.
Just then a familiar face appeared hanging down from the upper deck. "G’Day, folks," Tim smiled down at the trio. "Hope you didn’t mind me coming along for the ride. I’ve seen the way Terry drives, not too sure if I want to let him loose with my Lovely Louise."
"Talking about the lovely Lou, where is you beautiful wife?"
"She’s deserted me for a meeting at her Paramatta spa. We can stop off and kidnap her if you like."
"Good idea, Uncle Tim," Henry piped up. "The more the merrier, if that’s okay with you, dad."
Terry smiled at his son, "Hey, kiddo, it’s your afternoon. I said we could do whatever you want, and if it’s a river trip with friends, that’s what we do. I dare say Tim has stowed the fishing gear somewhere, so let’s enjoy the river before everyone gets out after work."
*
As they neared Paramatta, Tim pulled out his cell and called Lou. He wasn't very long, and they heard his 'Shit' as he snapped the phone shut and headed down from the upper deck.
"Bad news, mate?"
"Yeah, Lou's gonna be held up in her meeting until at least 7:00, guess we're going to have to play without her. She'll call when it looks like winding up, give us a chance to get back to pick her up."
They headed on up the river until Henry's stomach signalled it was time to eat lunch. Tim threw out the anchor, and they enjoyed the best buffet from his restaurant kitchen. After lunch, Henry offered to help Tim clear up while Terry showed Jean around the boat.
"Uncle Tim, what's with dad? Why is he hiding things from me?"
"Like what, Henry?"
"Like him and Jean," Henry smiled.
Tim grinned at the bright young man Henry had become. "Ah, you noticed. I think he's going slow for a couple of reasons, mate. First of all, he's been hurt in the past and doesn't want to risk getting hurt again, nor would he want to hurt Jean, even unintentionally. Secondly, he's thinking of you. He doesn't want to make you uncomfortable in any way."
"Stupid bugger! I just want him to be happy. Jean is fantastic and I think she has deep feelings for dad, and I can tell by the way he looks at her that he's head over heels. Looks like I'm gonna have to set him straight on a few things when I get him home."
Tim couldn't help but laugh at Henry's remark, thinking it was usually the father that had the relationship chat with the son, not the other way around. "Go easy on him, Henry. Don't want to scare the old man."
Just then, Terry and Jean came back into the main cabin, wondering what all the laughter was about. Tim pulled in the anchor and they all followed him to the upper deck as they took off for the fishing grounds. Terry grumbled when Tim let Henry take control of the boat, but beamed proudly when his son was praised. Could he get more proud of Henry? Sometimes he thought he would burst with all the pride he was carrying for his son.
They had a wonderful afternoon fishing, with Tim and Terry taking it in turns to do their Rex Hunt impressions as they battled it out in a precision casting war. Jean and Henry were more relaxed in their approach, sitting at the stern of the boat watching their floats bob lazily on the current, joking to each other about the risk of catching one of the bull sharks that frequented the river, then realising that the bait they had on the tiny hook wouldn't even attract the smallest redfin. They were having fun, and that's all they cared about.
Around 4:30, with no fish in the eskie, Tim's cell rang. He smiled as he listened, and hung up saying that Lou was ready to go. She'd used her clout as chairperson to end the meeting early and was looking forward to the trip back down the river with friends. As soon as she boarded, after kissing the men, she went into a huddle with Jean and they were immediately deep in girl talk. Terry leaned against the consul as Tim powered up the engine and headed for home.
"I've no idea what these women always find to talk about," Terry grinned. "Penny was always the same. She would spend all day with her mate, and as soon as she got home, she would call her and they'd be on the blower for a couple of hours at the very least."
"It's a girl thing, Terry. They would say the same about us, but at least we talk about important things...footy, cricket, do we really need Aussie Rules in NSW."
Terry giggled as he nodded his head in agreement, watching Henry lounging on the bow as they headed towards the harbour bridge. It wouldn't be long before they reached Rushcutters again and he would have to drive Jean home. Pretty soon he needed to tell Henry all about them, he hated that they couldn't be together outside of work.
They moored up at Tim's berth in the marina, and the men were soon helping the ladies off the boat, Terry holding Jean's hand a little longer than he needed. Tim and Lou turned towards their car and Tim reminded Terry and Henry about the pool party that was taking place at the apartment comples. Terry told him that he would be late as he had to get Jean safely home, but if they wanted to take Henry back with them, he'd meet them there as soon as he got back.
"Why doesn't Jean come too," Lou asked, smiling at Jean.
"I'd love to, but I still need to go home and pick up my cozzie."
"No worries, Jean. I think we're about the same size. Come straight back with us and I'll find you something to wear while Henry and Terry get ready."
Jean beamed at the thought of being able to spend part of the evening in Terry's company, even if they wouldn't be alone. She smiled up at Terry as he helped her into the car, and he winked at her, knowing they were both thinking the same thing.
*
They all met up again in the parking area of the complex, laughing and joking in the lift all the way up to the penthouses. As the lift doors opened they split into two groups, Jean going with Tim and Lou, and Terry and Henry heading to their own penthouse apartment.
It didn’t take the two men long to get changed, and ten minutes later they were standing outside Tim’s door in their sweats, with a towel slung over their shoulder. Just as Terry went to ring the bell, the door opened and they all headed back into the lift and down to the swimming pool.
The caterers were still setting up the buffet when they entered the pool area and they laughed thinking they really needed a good steak meal, but happy to be hanging out together at the end of a busy workweek. The only other residents already there were Rosalyn and Trevor, and they waved across the pool. Terry led the group over and they all greeted each other, Terry giving Rosalyn a hug and kiss and a cheerful, "G’Day, Rosie." Since Trevor’s kidnap the previous year, they had all become good friends, and Rosie had dropped all the airs and graces she felt she had to affect since winning the jackpot on the lotto. Underneath the façade, she was a warm, loving woman, and Terry had completely changed his initial reaction to her, and happily accepted the regular invitations he and Henry got to join Trev and her for dinner.
"You up for a dip, Luv?" Terry asked Rosie. He’d been helping her with her swimming. She’d never felt safe in the water, but wanted to enjoy swimming as much as Trevor did. Terry was a patient teacher, and gave her supplementary lessons most weekends if he could. Trevor was thrilled, as he was a useless teacher, but wanted to share his love of the water with his wife.
Rosie playfully slapped Terry’s arm, "Don’t be silly, Terry. I got my hair done for this shindig, you don’t think I’m going to ruin it all in the pool do you?"
Terry grinned, wondering if there were any new residents she needed to make a good impression to. He shook his head, she’d gotten over that phase, so maybe she just wanted to look good for Trev, and boy did she look good…radiant in fact. Trev was a lucky man.
He looked around for Henry. He was busy chatting to one of the catering girls, and by the look of things wouldn’t take kindly to being dragged away for a swim with his dad. Terry sighed as he took off his trackie daks, looked like he was going to have to take a dip alone. As he walked towards the edge of the pool he felt a hand rest on his arm. Looking round, he saw Jean smiling up at him.
"Fancy some company in there, water boy?"
"Too right I do, luv. Thought you were busy chatting with Lou."
"I’d much rather take a swim with you, boss. The new arrivals might take the hint once we get wet," she nodded over to the group who had recently entered and were standing around looking like they didn’t quite know what to do. "Looks like some of your neighbours have never been to one of these pool parties before."
"Who cares," Terry muttered, unable to take his eyes off Jean, who had stripped down to the bikini Lou had lent her. "Bloody hell, Jeanie, you look beautiful; that suit could have been designed with you in mind."
"Well, thank you kind sir, you say the sweetest things. Now, let’s get in the water before you overheat."
Terry grinned and took Jean’s hand, leading her to the edge of the pool. Looking into her eyes he grinned before glancing at the assembled crowd.
"Do we just slip in quietly, or make a show of it?"
Henry noticed them just then and rushed over before Terry could answer Jean.
"You both going in?" he asked. "Make me proud, dad."
Terry laughed and ruffled Henry’s hair, not an easy job the height he was now. He whispered something to Jean and they went to stand side-by-side, ready to enter the water. They looked at each other and reached out to gently touch fingers before standing straight, waiting for Henry to give them the word.
One by one, the group of new arrivals noticed the pair by the pool and turned to watch, thinking they were going to just jump in and make the biggest splash they could; it was a party after all. Silence fell as everyone waited, and Henry was ready with his whistle. The crowd heard him say ‘set’ and saw the couple take the set position. Then a whistle was heard, and they were treated to a pair of perfectly synchronised textbook dives, which raised barely a ripple as they sliced through the water. Moments later, two heads broke the surface halfway down the pool, and Terry and Jean matched strokes ploughing up and down the length of the pool.
It wasn’t too long before they were joined in the water and an impromptu water polo game began. The air filled with laughter and Henry scanned the bodied in the water looking for his dad. Tim came up and nudged his arm, pointing to the far corner of the deep end. Terry and Jean had snatched a quick kiss, hoping not to be noticed in amongst all the fun. Deciding not to let on that he’d seen them, Henry stripped down to his shorts and jumped in. He didn’t want to miss out on any of the fun.
In the end, the only dry people were the caterers and Rosie and Trev. Rosie sighed, looked at her husband and then smiled. "What’s the use of a new hairdo if people are enjoying themselves too much to see it," she laughed. She took of her sweats and ran with Trev to the side of the pool, diving in to surface behind Terry, who she promptly pushed under the water.
Coming up spluttering, he turned to give the hoon a mouthful, and then he saw who it was and smiled. "Rosie, darlin’. Thought ya didn’t want to get yer hair wet."
"Everyone was having too much fun, we decided to join in." Rosie gave Terry a playful push and swam off, with him in hot pursuit.
It was a bunch of tired, happy people who dragged themselves out of the water later to enjoy the food that was laid out ready for them. The established residents introduced themselves to the newer arrivals, and by the end of the party everyone at least knew their neighbours by site, even if they couldn’t remember all the names.
Terry’s group joined Rosie and Trev as they headed towards the lift, and they laughed and chatted until they reached Rosie’s floor, after kisses and hugs all round, the doors finally closed and the remaining group carried on up to the penthouse floor.
On leaving the lift, they split into two, Terry and Henry heading for their apartment, and Jean going with Tim and Lou to get changed. They agreed to meet up at Terry’s when they were ready, and Henry told them the door wouldn’t be locked.
After a quick shower, Henry set to in the kitchen putting the coffee on to brew and getting tea ready for his dad. Terry entered the kitchen and Henry looked round. "Is that what you’re really going to wear, dad?"
Terry looked down at himself, wondering why Henry had commented. He was wearing his camo daks and black top. "What’s wrong with what I’m wearing, son?"
"Oh dad, we have guests coming," Henry smiled at the expression on Terry’s face.
"Guests? It’s only Tim, Lou and Jean; mates…not guests."
Just then they heard the front door open and the topics of their conversation walked in. Terry smiled, noticing that Lou had given Jean something else to wear instead of her business suit. She looked beautiful in powder blue shorts and tee.
They sat around talking for a couple of hours before Terry asked if anyone was hungry. Of course both Henry and Tim said yes, and the girls eventually agreed they could eat. Terry called for take out, and they were soon tucking into their favourite Chinese. After their meal, they sat around chatting and listening to music until Tim looked at his watch.
"Fuck…is that the time? I have an early meeting in the morning. Sorry, guys, Lou and I need to call it a night."
"And I need to get Jean home safely," Terry replied, rising up from the sofa. He turned to help Jean up and saw the look on her face. "What’s up, Jean?"
"It’s Saturday tomorrow, and unlike the restaurateur here, we don’t have to work. I was hoping I might stay a little longer."
Terry smiled down at her, and Henry winked at Tim behind his dad’s back. Tim smiled back and took hold of Lou’s hand. "Don’t see us out, mate…we know the way across the hall," he laughed as Terry threw a cushion at him.
They all settled down on the sofas again and Henry turned on the TV. After a while he got up. "Anyone for hot chocolate?" When Jean nodded Henry continued, "Dad, can you come out and give me a hand to find the marshmallows please?"
Telling Jean they wouldn’t be long, Terry followed Henry into the kitchen. "What’s going on, mate? You’re the one who puts the supplies away. How would I know where the bloody marshmallows are? You always hide them from me when you get them anyway."
Henry laughed, acknowledging Terry was right. His dad was addicted to them and if not hidden, there would never be any around when Henry fancied their addition to his nighttime drink of choice.
"Dad, I need to speak with you."
"Sounds serious."
"Yes, it is. I’m not too sure where to start…it’s about a woman."
"You got girl trouble, son?"
"Dad, I said a woman, not a girl. I’m talking about Jean."
"Hang on, mate. Are you telling me you have the hots for my p.a.?"
"Not me ya drongo…YOU!!! Dad, it’s patently obvious that you’re smitten with the most wonderful lady in Sydney. Why on earth are you trying to keep it hidden?"
"I…we…uh…"
"Very good, dad. Is that the way you carry out your negotiations?"
"Henry…I’m sorry. I…we…no, I thought it would be better to take things slow and shield you from it."
"Bloody hell, dad. I’m almost 22 not 13. I wouldn’t be my father’s son if I didn’t know a little bit about the world by now," Henry smiled walking up to his dad. "It’s about time you had some love in your life. Jean loves you to bits, and I’m not going to make any jokes about that…this time. You were made for each other, dad. I just want you to be happy." He hugged Terry warmly and then stepped back to the cupboards to remove a giant pack of marshmallows.
"So that’s where you hide them," Terry smiled.
"Not for much longer, mate," Henry grinned. "Now piss off back to your lady and let me make you the best hot choc you’ve ever tasted.
"Thanks, son," Terry whispered, kissing Henry on the forehead as he left him alone in the kitchen. Henry smiled at his father’s retreating back then turned to the fridge to take out the milk.
Terry snuck back into the lounge room, vaulting over the back of the sofa to drop down beside a very startled Jean. He snuggled up close and draped his arm around her shoulder, kissing her gently on the cheek.
"Careful, Terry, Henry might come in."
"No doubt he will as soon as he’s made our hot choc, luv. Don’t worry, I’ve just been given a son-father talk."
"You’re joking," Jean snorted. "Shouldn’t that be the other way around?"
"That’s exactly what I said! It seems my boy is a young man who doesn’t miss much. No idea when he sussed us out, I must be losing my touch."
"Why don’t we ask him?"
"Ask who, what?" Henry enquired as he came in from the kitchen carrying a tray with the hot drinks, and extra marshmallows for Terry. He handed the mugs out and took a seat in the empty sofa opposite Terry and Jean.
"Thanks, Henry. Ask you how long you’ve known about your dad and me."
"Ah, that…well of course I’ve had my suspicions since dad came out of hospital."
"What?" Terry exclaimed.
"Only joking, dad. I really only found out it was more than just a good friendship today when I got to your office. Jean wasn’t at her desk so I decided to go straight through to you. I didn’t bother to knock, as I knew you were expecting me; but I guess you weren’t expecting me quite that early. You and Jean were…busy, so I quietly shut the door and went back out to the reception area."
Terry actually blushed before he responded. "Sorry, son. You didn’t need to see that."
"See what? See my dad kissing the very special lady who has made him so happy since the incident? Dad, I knew you were getting closer after you came back from rescuing Trevor and the others from PNG, and I’ve been waiting patiently for you to tell me that you two are an item ever since. When nothing was said, I figured you’d both decided to be just friends.
I’m all grown up now, dad. I’m not going to throw my toys out of the pram because you’re ‘courting’. Shit, mum and Michael have been married now for longer than you and she were. Don’t get angry, that wasn’t a slap in the face. I’m just trying to tell you that you don’t need to stay alone for fear of letting me down. I want you…both of you…to be happy, and if that means I have to soundproof my room then so be it."
"You cheeky mongrel," Terry laughed as Jean beat him to the cushion he was about to throw. She got up quickly and swiped Henry across the head with it, glad to see that he wasn’t holding his drink.
They settled down with their drinks and Terry looked at the clock. "Work or no work tomorrow, Luv, it’s way past time I took you home. Unless you’d like to stay over. We have a spare room."
"I’d love to stay," Jean replied shyly.
Henry yawned dramatically and got up, placing the mugs back on the tray. "I’ll leave you to show Jean to the guest room then, dad. I’m just taking the tray out and then I’m off to bed. He kissed Jean and then Terry, and walked off, tray in hand.
*
Terry and Jean stood looking at each other for a few moments without speaking. Terry finally cleared his throat. "Well, I guess I’d better show you the guest room." He took hold of her hand and led her out of the lounge room into a nice hallway containing three doors. He opened the door on the right and stood back to allow her to go through.
"Here it is. There’s an en suite through that door, nice fluffy towels, all the toiletries you might need, and new toothbrushes in the cupboard, Dino always forgets to pack one when he comes down."
Jean looked around in awe. Of course she’d been to the penthouse before, but that had always been on business and she had only ever seen the lounge room, Terry’s office, his study – once – and the main bathroom. The guest room was bigger than her bedroom at home and the en suite was bigger than she’d ever seen.
"Don’t you like it?" Terry asked with a worried look on his face.
"It’s beautiful, Terry. It’s just…so big! I’m going to feel lost in here."
"Would you feel better with some company?" he replied hopefully.
Jean giggled nervously, "You mean you want to spend the night in your guestroom?"
"No, silly. I mean I would love to invite you to my room…if you want to."
Jean didn’t answer, but reached up on tiptoes and kissed his wonderful lips, then held his hand, allowing him to lead her back through the door and towards the one at the end of the short hallway. Once again, he opened the door and stood back to let her enter. She stepped slowly into the unlit room then stood still while Terry closed the door behind him. All of a sudden the room was bathed in soft light as Terry flicked on a switch.
Jean looked around and gasped. This room had to be three times as large as the guest room and seemed to take up most of the width of the apartment. Half of the end wall was taken up by floor to ceiling drapes and Terry moved towards them and pressed a button. The drapes swished open to reveal a wall of glass, which was actually a set of giant sliding doors. It opened onto a large balcony with a magnificent view across the harbour.
They both stepped out and walked up to the balcony rails, Terry standing just behind her. She leaned back against his chest and sighed. "Terry, this is wonderful. How do you ever sleep with such a wonderful view?"
"The same way I manage to work with the view from the office, Luv. An iron will, and all that paperwork you always manage to find for me," he grinned, kissing the back of her neck. "Had enough of the view, Jeannie?"
Jean twisted to face him wrapping her arms round his waist and looking up into his eyes. "I never get tired of this view, handsome." She rested her head against his chest and sighed contentedly.
They stood wrapped in each other’s arms for a few minutes until Terry felt Jean shiver. A cool breeze had picked up and was blowing across from the northern side of the harbour. "C’mon, Luv. Time to go inside."
Jean took a step back from Terry and took his outstretched hand allowing him to lead her back into the bedroom. Terry slid the door shut and then closed the drapes.
"Bathroom’s through here," he said, leading Jean through a door into a room that was as big as the guest bedroom had been. Inside there was a multi jet shower unit and a giant spa bath along with the normal bathroom fittings, although in Jean’s eyes they weren’t ‘normal’. Everything was high design. Terry actually blushed when she commented on how tasteful it was. "Nothing to do with me, Luv. It was already here, apart from the shower unit, that’s my idea."
"It looks like fun, Ter."
"Yeah? Wanna try it out?"
"Not on my own, those jets could knock me flying."
"I’ll protect you, Jean," Terry replied, opening a door and taking out two soft, fluffy robes. "You can put one of these on for the time being. I think I can find one of my t-shirts that you can use for bed."
"Thanks, Terry," Jean answered as she started to slowly disrobe.
Terry followed her lead. For some reason he was feeling very nervous, like he was on his first ever date. Jean was feeling the same, and she quickly donned the robe as she watched as Terry, towel round his waist, started the shower jets and tested the temperature.
"Ready, Luv?" he asked softly, reaching out his hand once again to her. She dropped her robe and took his hand, smiling at him as he dropped his towel and led her into the shower. He turned the jets down from his usual setting, as he didn’t want Jean buffeted too fiercely. They covered each other in shower gel and were soon laughing at all the bubbles they created with the help of the natural sponges Terry favoured.
After washing each other’s hair and finally managing to rinse themselves off they kissed passionately. Terry felt the need to take her there and then, but this was Jean, not an easy pickup. This was special; he wanted everything to be right. They stepped out of the shower and Terry wrapped Jean in a giant, soft towel, gently rubbing her dry. She then returned the favour, stopping along the way to kiss his warm, dry skin.
Terry then helped her on with the robe once again and took her hand, leading her into the dressing room. He sat her down on a padded stool and walked out of the bedroom. Jean thought she heard the door to the guestroom open. A few minutes later he returned, a hairdryer in his hand and a triumphant smile of his face..
"Terry, I didn’t think you used something like that," Jean giggled.
"Get out of town, Luv. It belongs to Pen. She left it here last time she and Michael came down to stay. Didn’t think it would ever come in handy." He passed the dryer to Jean and sat watching as she brushed and dried her hair. "Can’t have you going to bed with wet hair, not good for you."
"It would also be an unholy mess in the morning," she remarked, smiling at Terry. He stood up and took the dryer and brush from her hands. Placing them on the unit, he ran his hands through her silky hair. Kissing the top of her head, he breathed in the fragrance of the shampoo. "It’s dry now, Luv," he murmured, helping her stand, then walking with her back into the bedroom.
Pulling back the covers and sitting her on the edge of the bed, Terry turned to his closet and started opening some drawers. He came back with a worn, soft t-shirt and handed it to Jean. Taking it gently, she placed it on the nightstand. "That will do for the morning," she said, smiling up at him. "Please join me, Terry before I begin feeling embarrassed."
Terry took her hands once again and pulled her up from the bed. He helped her out of her robe and picked her up, placing her softly onto the bed and covering her up. He climbed over her and got under the covers on the other side of her and then flicked a switch to turn off the main light. A remote by the bed opened up the drapes enough to let the light of the moon illuminate the room in a cool subdued glow.
Terry lay on his left side, his head resting on his hand. He caressed Jean’s arm with his other hand, kissing her gently all the while. He sensed she was nervous, as was he, and he was determined to take things slowly, to make the night one Jean would never forget. To make this the first of many romantic nights to come.
Jean returned his kisses, then pushed him onto his back and began exploring his torso, kissing every scar and imperfection she came across. They weren’t imperfections in her eyes, they were the result of his bravery, and she loved him for the way he was willing to sacrifice his safety to free innocent people.
Terry enjoyed the feel on Jean’s lips and tongue on his skin, but after a few minutes he wanted more. He wrapped his arms around her and flipped her over, resting his body atop of hers and snuggling between her legs. A perfect fit, he thought, suckling on her breast as she ran her fingers through his hair and then massaged his back and shoulders. He groaned in delight at the sensation of her fingertips running up and down her spine, and soon he could wait no longer.
He moved up her body until he could reach her lips again, and as he kissed her passionately, he eased himself slowly inside her, groaning contentedly as he settled himself to the hilt. Jean shifted to accommodate him and smiled as he began moving slowly inside her. She arched her back and then raised her legs above him, locking her ankles behind his hips, and then she just let herself go with the flow.
Terry was in heaven. Jean was everything he thought she would be, warm, loving, giving, sensuous, and trusting. She trusted Terry not to hurt her, she trusted him to love and protect her. He felt as if he was home. He tried to go slow, to make the moment last for Jean, but all too soon that familiar feeling started deep inside him and he knew he could last no longer. They reached their peak together as though their bodies were in complete synchronisation, and Terry fell, spent, on top of Jean.
She wrapped her arms and legs around him when he attempted to shift his weight off her. "No, stay," she breathed into his ear.
"I’m too heavy, darlin’," he protested, trying once again to move to her side.
"It’s a welcome weight, Terry. I don’t want to lose the nearness of you."
Terry took her in his arms and rolled over so that they lay side-by-side, their bodies still linked together, and Jean trapped him beneath her leg, sighing when he eventually softened and slipped out of her. They kissed and cuddled until they eventually fell into a deep relaxing sleep.
*
