Unpredicted Warmth

Unpredicted Warmth1

The moon reflected off the lukewarm water, giving the ripples shine and the choppy currents a glow. The air was warm, but heavy with the day’s humid heat. The pleasant heat of the night, and the dim glow of the moon made the pristine lake come alive.2

So quiet. Diane thought to herself as she walked out to the edge of the dock. Her green eyes shone like emeralds in the moonlight, and her pink lips seemed to bloom like small flowers under the morning sun. 3

The glowing water seemed to beckon Diane, its warm-wetness glittering like a million stars. She sat down at the edge of the dock and slipped out of her foot ware, the water felt like heaven on her sore feet, which had walked the thousand steps of work.4

Still, it was the reason she remained here. The lake, the comfort, the people, not to mention the money that was coming in. Apparently, Diane was not the only one who enjoyed a nice rest by the lake, because her bed and breakfast had been getting more customers than any in town hotel.5

A smile etched across the thirty-something woman. No one’s here.. She thought as she glanced down at the water. It was true, even the guests had left for the fireworks display in town. If there ever was a time to take a dip in the cool lake, it was now.6

Diane slipped out of her long jeans and other clothes, and slipped into the clean water. So many rivers and lakes had become disgustingly dirty over years, but not this one. Not her lake. It would remain beautiful, clean, as long as she was alive.7

She slipped down over the dock, and the sudden coolness of the water sent shivers up her slender spine. It was as if the weight of the world had been taken off her shoulders, to allow the lake to envelop her milk-colored curves and slender figure.8

The sound of footsteps walking on wood. Diane panicked, unsure of who–or what was approaching, she ducked underneath the dock and kept her head inches above the water. The night was dark and dreary, and the fireworks had already begun to go off in the distance. The figure standing above her stopped for a moment and the wood creaked as it bent down to it’s knees.9

“Diane?” The voice called, gruff and concerned.10

Diane’s eyes lit up as she tried looking up through the cracks. All she could see was the dim figure of a man in denim. Still, she knew who the voice belonged to.11

“Rodney...” She whispered. “Down here...” 12

The man looked around, puzzled. “Ma’am you here?” he asked, concerned for his employer’s safety. “It’s Rodney!”13

“I know you idiot!”  Diane called from underneath the dock. “Don’t yell so! I don’t want anyone else coming around yet!”She said, becoming more annoyed at herself than anything, what a stupid idea.14

Rodney bent back down to his knees and peered down at the dock. “Boss?” He called. “Are you...ok?” He asked, as his eyes adjusted to the view of a female head bobbing above the water.15

“Yes. Now just get away from the dock and let me dress.” Diane said firmly.16

Rodney glanced over at the edge of the dock, grinning at the pile of clothes. “Taking a midnight skinny-dip eh?”17

“Rodney . . . ” Diane said in a tone of warning.18

“I can’t blame you.” Rodney continued. “It’s a beautiful night out.” He sighed as he walked over to the edge of the dock and dangled his legs off the side. “Too bad everyone else is too busy at the park, I mean they could have very well shot the fire works up over the lake.”19

“Better they hadn’t.” Diane said firmly. “All that ash and paper, and what not. I don’t think it’d be very healthy for the water.”20

Rodney chuckled. “Maybe not, but you gotta admit . . . it would look like magic to see all those lights exploding above the water. Like a mirror, ya know?”21

Diane thought about it for a moment. Perhaps it would be beautiful. She shook her head. “Just get the hell off of the dock so I can get changed!” she yelled.22

Rodney stood up and walked over to the middle of the dock, standing directly over Diane. “I don’t know . . . the water looks pretty inviting.” He joked, flipping off his shoe.23

“Rodney!” Diane yelled.24

Rodney laughed. “You’re always so up tight.” He said. “I bet this was the first thing you did for yourself since you took over the B&B.” Diane fell silent.  It had been. “See? What’s so wrong with that? I mean you practically own the lake.” 25

“...I guess . . . nothing is wrong with it exactly. But get me my clothes, something.” Diane said, less urgently.26

Rodney bit his lip, as if weighing the cause/effect of his upcoming action, taking the side of risk he flung himself off the side of the dock, clothes and all, sending the cool water up in choppy waves.27

Diane screamed at first, calling Rodney’s name, but after a while the yelling became more akin to a teenage girl playing with her friends. The tall man worked his way under the dock and wrapped his hands around her soft waist.28

“You really are skinny dipping, ain’t ya?” Rodney said.29

“You’re an idiot.” Diane replied as she allowed the younger man to hold her slender body close to him. She didn’t quite know what to make of the feelings that were bubbling up inside of her, and she couldn’t quite tell if the fabric brushing up against her back was of cotton or denim origin. She chuckled to her self.30

The fireworks were blasting off into the sky, exploding with colorful abandon, and yet the water near the dock was silent with the sound of fumbled emotions.31

Rodney couldn’t quite understand why he was holding her, Diane, his boss. He didn’t even plan on it, didn’t think of such things, and yet he was holding the older woman close with such care that he never wanted to let go.32

Diane mumbled something, leaning back into the man’s strong chest. This lake, this comfort, this person. Was this the reason she decided to run the bed and breakfast? She didn’t know, but she certainly didn’t plan on this.33

The young man held her, his strong arms gently brushing her sides, the water enveloped her bringing her memories of younger years, both of these brought her an unpredicted–but welcomed warmth.34