SALVATION chapter 19

Chapter 19

Michelle held Nick listening to the quiet breathing of his sleep. She bent slowly kissing the top of his head where it rest beneath the under slope of her breasts. The log fire snapped bringing warmth and a glow of shifting hues that danced to a rhythm of rain drops against glistening window sills. She moved ever so slightly and felt him sigh deep and rewarding. His right hand slipped like silk across her upper thigh resting at her hip line causing eruptions of pleasure deep within her loins. She dared not wake him and fulfill her growing need as he'd slept badly through the night and even as they dozed this afternoon. With all her might she scolded herself and the radiating heat that begged she move again stroking him softly. Catching her quickening breath at the thought of bringing him to a semi-conscience-ness while she had her way with him.
They'd spent last evening sharing events of their travels. Gorging on pizza while catching up with the television news. Michelle listened in awe Nick's description of the Zoot Suit Man and the mad cows. He in turn spellbound when Michelle realized Herman Gilespie was at the heart of the chaos. They both spoke with Michelle's Parents, however she made the conversation brief promising to call first thing in the morning. She giggled at Nick's chivalry as he attempted to lay his bedding on the floor then scolded him advising he'd better be on the bed next to her within two seconds flat.
She wondered if it would always be this way between them. If it was possible for a man and woman to be-this close for long. And for a moment her emotion made known itself a tear for she believed it to be true..Even as all her previous life professed it an illusion...She believed it to be true. An uncontrolled joy left her shuddering from within and Nick stirred from a dreamless sleep. His left hand slipped forward cupping her hip as his lips planted kisses along her stomach line tickling their way between her parting thighs. A low moan escaped her as she ran her fingers through his hair. Leaning back against fluffy down feathers she closed her eyes.

It was near dark as the Bell 206 whisked Samantha and Hal westward over the city of Los Angeles. The lights of the skyline stretched galactic swirling colors of red, green, white, blue, and gold. A tolling day filled with event left them tired and hungry. A dripping ceiling had rolled into the Los Angeles basin while they were away. At the Parker Center car lot Hal slipped in the passenger side of his cruiser as Sam had requested to drive.
They pulled out into light traffic as the state of emergency had now been lifted. An unspoken protocol loomed between them. Police ethics surrounding the behavior of male and female partners dictate she would drop off at her house and he proceed with the car to his home across town.
For several minutes neither spoke as she navigated a succession of slick surface streets bringing them closer to her home in Mar Vista.
An awkwardness of expected separation pinched it's self between the seats of the police car. Traffic lights that normally worked against the flow of time seemed intent in falling green as the miles shortened in destination.
"What time did you want to start tomorrow?" she asked making a right turn onto Culver Boulevard. The signal flasher sounded like a metronome in his ears. Intermittent wipers swept periodic drizzle from their view.
"How does about seven sound?"
Store front lighting mixed with greasy roadway painted rainbows over a canvas of black background.
"It's ok with me,..She sounded annoyed..Your the one has to come all the way from,...Santa Monica isn't it?" Her tone mimicked his own feelings of hollowness. Through out their time at Desert Center they'd felt natural together. As if being together had always been meant for them. Finding themselves mesmerized in soft glancing touches and a vibrancy that filled the spaces between them.
"I don't mind Sam."
"Well I do!" She snapped..."Damn it!"..She sighed massaging long perfect fingers against her left temple.."I should have taken the time to stop at Metro and pick up my own car...Instead I...."
She pulled over breaking hard and parallel parked. Hal looked out the side window through distorted rain drops recognizing Samantha's condominium complex...They'd arrived.
She turned toward him forcing the transmission into park. "Why did you change your mind?"
Her eyes flashed in the glow of red and green L.E.Ds illuminating the driver's console..Overhead street lamps pierced the windshield bringing her body in Hal's eyes a sharp silhouette.
"Why did you bring me in on this case?"
She shut down the engine- the cabin as quiet as a confessional.
Seeing her this way-filled with emotion- Hal felt her full impact and was overwhelmed by her beauty.
She shook her head..."We're,...we're working partners for Christ's sake." Her shoulders sagged, her face turned away looking out at the street.
He reached down unbuckling his seat belt. His decision to bring her on the case hit him full force. He didn't fully realize until this moment what lie beneath the logic.
"Sam."....
Her voice cracked, "What?"
"I....I don't want to say goodnight."
Her shoulders straightened and her eyes took him in...
"....I am,...crazy about you Sam," his head shook as if he were lost.
Her hands trembled unlinking her seat belt as he spoke.
"Come home with me tonight."..
She threw herself into his arms and he held her tight. Their mouths meeting in greedy melding passion.
"Come home with me tonight, he whispered stroking her hair.
She nodded against him wiping tears from her face and sat up.
"What about Quentin?"
"I think that's why we're here baby....I think we're here to pick Quen up."