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A Journey of Passion Ch. 01

By: _Lynn_



Her divorce left her leery of men. Gabriela Bartolome knew that they weren't all cheaters and liars like her ex-husband, but she wasn't ready to take that chance, either. Her job as administrative assistant kept her busy enough anyway, she reasoned. 

Life was okay but dull. Gabriela lived in an apartment so she didn't have to do any yard work. Her few friends were married and never found as much time to get together as they wanted to. Days slid into weeks with nothing exciting happening.

Her daughter Nicole was a freshman at the local college and worked a part-time job. The two got along well and saw each other as often as Nicole's schedule allowed. 

Until she began dating a young man who didn't like that she spent so much time away from him. Gabriela worried about their relationship, but her daughter seemed happy. He convinced her to drop out of school right about when they announced their engagement.

The early December wedding was less than two months away when he took off with a coworker. Left in shock, Nicole had to deal with canceling all the plans. Gabriela helped as much as she could while she longed to take the pain away from her daughter. 

Christmas that year wasn't the best for them. They shopped for one of their favorite charities and dropped off the gifts. Dinner was quiet but they did their best. Both promised to make the next year better. Neither knew how but they could hope.

Gabriela went to a New Year's Eve party with a girl friend. They decided it was time to have a good time. She tried. She really did, but went home disappointed and discouraged at the drunken imbeciles she'd encountered. 

January started out like the old year ended. Gabriela sighed and wondered if this was all she had to look forward to again. There had to be more out there for her than sitting home alone.

Or so she hoped. 

****

One day blended into another until they all seemed alike. Seth stopped trying to evaluate his life and just hoped to stay on top of things. Business kept him so busy he didn't have time for much else. Friends set him up on dates, but nothing ever panned out with those. No, Seth Flynch was a loner and looked to stay that way.

He hadn't always been that way, he knew. A bad marriage turned him off women for a while. Then there was the work he did that took him away for weeks or even months at a time. Seth's association with a small elite group often put him in dangerous situations. They'd rescued captured soldiers, sought out intelligence information and hunted down some of the world's worst criminals. He knew the risks and prepared for them well but the uncertainty didn't help in building a relationship.

Therefore, he threw himself into his real estate and land development business and forgot about everything else. His only daughter Shelby was married and doing well. He got along great with her husband Rex and approved of the young man. Their two-year-old son Dallas was a true joy to Seth. 

Erik Corlett was not only one of his employees but a good friend as well. They managed a few nights out here and there along with hitting the gym together a couple of times a week. Almost twenty years separated them in age, but it didn't bother them at all.

Then tragedy struck. Shelby's husband died in a car accident on his way to work. He was only twenty-five years old. Little Dallas was too young to understand why his daddy wasn't there. Seth saw the haunted look in his daughters face and ached to help her. 

Now it was Christmas and Seth just couldn't get into the mood. He picked up the usual gifts for his staff and had a small party at the office. Everyone seemed excited and ready for the gatherings with their family and friends. Seth smiled and wished them all a Merry Christmas. He went home to an empty house with no tree and wondered why he couldn't be more like them. 

Seth's mother was having the family over for dinner this year. She thought Dallas should have a good Christmas even if no one else was in the mood for it. The adults agreed and pulled together for the young boy. The day wasn't one of joy and laughter as it should be but Seth knew his grandson had a good time. That was important to him.

New Years Eve Seth went to a party. Erik had arranged a date for Seth, so the real estate magnate took a deep breath and vowed to be polite. The woman was obnoxious. Seth cringed when she pretended an interest in him only after learning he owned a real estate company. He dropped her off at her door and never called her again. January looked like it would begin as the old year ended. 

Or so he thought.

A Journey of Passion Ch. 02



Chapter 2: The Daughters

He lay tattered and torn, the life gone from his once vibrant body. Shelby screamed and pounded her fists into her father's chest. Seth felt numb to the pain she inflicted on him as he tried to make this nightmare go away.

His son was dead. Another man was as well. The elderly man ran a red light and plowed into Rex's car just hours ago. Both men died on impact according to the police. Rex was just twenty-five. Seth struggled with the senselessness of it all. He knew his daughter would need his support in the coming weeks and vowed to do whatever he could for her and his young grandson. Dallas was only two and now his daddy was gone. 

Somehow, they'd made it through the funeral. Shelby barely spoke. Her eyes had a vacant look to them as if she too was gone. Seth took care of as many of the details as he could to make things easier for her. They moved in with him for a while so she didn't have to be around Rex's things. The sight of them tore her heart out. Seth found them a new apartment when she was ready to go on her own again.

****

He looked so much like Rex it hurt sometimes, she thought. Shelby watched her young son Dallas sleep as tears rolled down her cheeks. He'd asked for his daddy again before he fell asleep. How did you make a two-year old understand their father was dead? She struggled with that question.

Six months had already gone by since that horrible day. Shelby would never forget the look on her dad's face when he'd shown up at the small print shop where she worked. At the time, she didn't question why he was the first to know about the accident. It was weeks before she'd thought clear enough to ask him about it. 

"Dad, why didn't the police tell me first?"

"I was doing business in the complex on that corner where the accident happened. Rescue personnel blocked the parking lot exit. Traffic would be a mess, so I decided to walk across to the sandwich shop. That's when I recognized Rex's car."

"Did you see him?"

Seth looked at his daughter and felt her pain. "No, I didn't. One of the police officers was a client of mine. He confirmed it was Rex after I expressed my concern."

"What made you so sure it was Rex?" 

"I saw the armadillo bumper sticker I gave him from my trip out west."

She'd smiled at that, he noticed.

"He was crazy about those ugly things. I never did figure out what he saw in them," she said. "Thank you, Daddy. I'm glad it was you that told me and not a stranger."

"I wish I didn't have to at all, Shelby."

Now that conversation made her feel closer to her dad. She knew he worried about them and checked often. Life just didn't have any joy for her anymore. Even with Dallas around she found it difficult not to cry all the time. 

She heard the doorbell and figured it was her dad. Instead, Rex's best friend Rob stood there.

"Hi Shelby," he said with a small smile.

"Rob, come in. Dallas just went to sleep."

"I wanted to see how you're doing or if you need anything."

Shelby knew Rex's death hit Rob hard, too. They'd been friends since grade school and even went to college together. 

"It's so hard, Rob ..." Fresh tears fell thought she tried to hold them back.

He wanted to ease the pain, so he pulled her into his arms. Her slight frame curled into his chest as she cried. Calloused hands rubbed her back in an effort to comfort her. Her breathing changed seconds before her lips touched his. 

Rob felt dizzy with desire. He'd known long ago he had to be careful around Shelby. She'd never looked at him as anything other than a friend but he lusted after her from the first time he met her. Now, his body burst into flames from a simple kiss.

"Shelby —"

"Please, Rob, I need to feel again. Help me, please?" Her plea interrupted him and made him forget everything but the way she fit against him.

She rubbed her heat over his groin and kissed him again. Her soft tongue dueled with his as her fingers worked his belt loose. Rob slipped his hands under her baggy shirt and groaned. 

"God, Shelby, I want to touch you."

He watched as she stepped back and pulled the shirt over her head. Her unrestrained firm lush breasts were as tanned as the rest of her. Rob cupped each one and flicked the nipples until they peaked hard and tight. Shelby unzipped her jeans and wiggled out of them. She took his hand and slid it over her mound.

"Take me, Rob."

Her simple request was like a switch. He stripped and hauled her into his arms for a blistering kiss. They fell to the sofa where she landed on top of him. Shelby crawled over his chest and devoured his mouth with hers. He dug his hands into her hips when she rolled over his shaft with her heat. Rob lifted her over his aching member and thrust deep inside.

"Oh god, yes," she hissed. "Fuck me hard."

Pounding and stabbing, he drove her wild. They flipped positions and he slammed himself deep into her tunnel. Her legs tangled with his and she raked her nails across his back. His mouth latched onto her neck and sucked hard. A passion unlike any he'd ever experienced made him wild until he thought he would explode.

Her moans turned to agonized wails as she clamped her thighs together. A powerful orgasm crashed through her body that almost made her black out. Rob felt the way her muscles tightened on his throbbing shaft and lost it. Load after load of thick hot cum filled her depths as he sucked on her tongue.

Neither spoke as they came down from the myriad of feelings in them. Shelby wondered if she'd betrayed Rex but knew he'd understand. Rob sent a silent message to his deceased friend. He vowed to do all he could to see that Shelby was happy in the future. Somehow, he knew Rex was okay with what they'd done.

"Rob?"

"Yes Shelby."

"Thank you."

He smiled and kissed her. "Thank you, Shelby."

Shelby looked to the heavens and swore Rex was smiling at her. Maybe things would be all right after all, she decided as Rob stirred inside her. 

****

Nicole was twenty-three and Gabriela's only child. The two were quite close since Nicole's father divorced Gabriela and moved away. He'd since married several more times and seemed to have forgotten his daughter. Regardless, Nicole was happy with her life. She finally started college after working a few years first to decide what she wanted to do. 

Then she met David. He was a sales representative for a local insurance firm and a few years older than Nicole was. They met when one of Nicole's friends began working at the same company and Nicole went there to meet her for lunch. David was waiting for the elevator and saw Nicole when she got out. He watched where she went and asked her girlfriend about her later. The hint of a better position in the company netted him Nicole's telephone number.

Nicole felt flattered to have the attention of such a charming man. His clothing was all the latest style, he drove the right car, and he opened doors for her. David was perfect. It only took a few weeks for Nicole to fall in love with him. 

Gabriela and Nicole had always been close but David was jealous of that. He encouraged Nicole to share everything with him on the premise it would strengthen their relationship. Her love for the young man blinded her to his many faults and soon she followed whatever he said. 

Gabriela worried as any mother would but Nicole promised her she was happy. David stood at her side and smiled but Gabriela felt the evil in him as soon as she met him. She could only hope that her daughter didn't get hurt and be there for her if she did. 

David's proposal surprised Gabriela in a sense. She didn't think he would bother since it was what Nicole wanted. Yet, claiming what he felt was his fit with his jealous ways too. Then he convinced her to drop out of college. He said it would give her more time to plan the perfect wedding for them. Nicole believed him and left school. 

They moved into a more expensive apartment. David had a good job and could afford it, she told her mom. Nicole didn't think twice about putting her name on the lease. The wedding plans were going along well but Gabriela wasn't included as most mothers of the bride would be. She offered several times, but David refused to let her help.

Nicole didn't see any of her friends anymore. David had made sure of that. His controlling ways even included a new hairstyle and wardrobe for Nicole. Yet, she only saw that he was making her a better person. She loved him so much she wouldn't believe anything bad about him. 

They chose invitations and Nicole had a dress. She'd asked David's sister to stand up with her since she didn't see any of her old friends anymore. They'd met with the caterer and David chose a menu. Gabriela left messages for Nicole but her daughter never called her back. She became suspicious that David heard them first and erased every one but couldn't prove it. Her dislike for the man grew daily but Nicole wouldn't listen to any of her mother's concerns.

Then disaster struck. The early December wedding was less than two months away when David left. He first told Nicole he'd been playing with her and that she was useless. He had a real woman that he'd been seeing the entire time he was with Nicole. She was a coworker of his, older, with money, and better in bed than Nicole was. He sneered at her tears and called her names before driving away.

Left in shock, Nicole had to deal with canceling all the wedding plans. Gabriela helped as much as she could while she longed to take the pain away from her daughter. David ran up bills in Nicole's name that she didn't know anything about. Gabriela worked with the creditors to pay them off herself. 

Nicole moved into a tiny efficiency apartment and found a new job. She and Gabriela became closer again. Yet her mother could see the hurt lingering in her daughter's eyes and tried to find ways to ease the pain. That's why she agreed to it when Nicole brought up the dating service.



A Journey of Passion Ch. 03



Chapter 3: The Beginning

She slipped the strap of her stiletto around her ankle and sighed. Gabriela Bartolome just knew this date was a bad idea, but she'd let her daughter talk her into it. The man worked with Nicole and she'd met him while picking up her daughter for lunch one afternoon. He'd been polite even though they didn't talk much then. Apparently, he'd asked Nicole about her later. Now here she was getting ready to go to dinner with him when she would prefer to curl up on the sofa reading a book. 

Her date wasn't too happy when she pleaded a headache and declined his offer of dancing. She didn't want to make things difficult for Nicole so she did as all good mothers do. Gabriela took the blame for the two of them not hitting it off. In the end, he was very understanding and the evening ended on a pleasant note. 

Gabriela knew there was someone special out there for her. He just wasn't the one. Her life might not be the most exciting in the world but it was all right. She was forty-two, divorced and alone but not desperate. Nicole seemed to think her mom needed a man in her life. Thus, it wasn't uncommon for the young woman to attempt to find dates for her. 

Relaxing in bed with a book, Gabriela thought about calling Nicole. A quick glance at the clock changed her mind. She decided to wait until the next day to fill her in on the date and went back to her book. 

The following morning, Nicole showed up bright and early. 

"Mom, check this out!"

"Well good morning to you, too." Gabriela chuckled as she greeted her daughter.

"This is perfect for you," Nicole said as she gave her mom a hug.

"What's that?"

"I picked these up at the salon yesterday when I had my hair done. One of the girls there swears by this place, Mom."

"Nicole, it might help if you tell me what it is," Gabriela said with a laugh.

"Here, look at it yourself." 

Gabriela caught the brochure as Nicole tossed it her way. The caption made her gasp.

"Are you crazy? There's no way I'm using one of these."

"Oh come on, it'll be fun. I'll help you even."

"Nicole, dating services are for desperate and loose women."

Peals of laughter came from her daughter until Gabriela blushed. 

"I'm not either of those."

"Mom, you haven't had a steady man in your life since you and Dad divorced. Don't you think it's time you found someone to spend the rest of your life with?" 

"Dating services are so risky. I've heard all these stories ..."

"This one is pretty cool, though. You can list criteria for who gets to view your video. So someone my age won't be sending you e-mail asking for a date," Shelby explained.

The two talked more about the service as Nicole pitched the idea to her mom. Gabriela was hesitant but soon she found herself giving in to her daughter's enthusiasm. Nicole called the dating service when they opened and made an appointment for her mom for the following day. Next, they looked through her closet and chose an outfit. Gabriela let her daughter do it all since she was enjoying it so much. They spent the morning together, relaxing and just chatting, before Nicole said she needed to go.

"I'll pick you up at one tomorrow, Mom."

"Okay, I'll be ready." Gabriela chuckled when Nicole stuck her tongue out. 

All evening Gabriela debated whether to cancel the appointment. She never did anything spontaneous or fun, yet this was a bit out there. Once she realized how boring her life was, she sighed. Sitting home wasn't how she envisioned spending these years. Maybe Nicole was right, she concluded as she slipped into bed. It was time she found someone.

Her resolve didn't waiver until they walked into the office and she gave her name. Gabriela frowned at her daughter, who only grinned. 

"It'll be fine, Mom. Just wait, you'll get tons of handsome men asking you out."

"Just remember this was your idea that I do this," she said to Nicole as she sat in front of the camera the next afternoon. All around her bright lights glared, making her squint to see her daughter. 

"Look over there and pretend the man of your dreams is watching. Tell him something special about you that he should know," Nicole said.

The bored dating service employee gave them a list of tips earlier. Gabriela studied them but felt they all were too generic and not her style. So now she struggled to think of things on her own instead. 

She turned toward the camera and found the square on it to look at when being filmed.

"If you want a girl that wears lace and never gets her hands dirty, then you'll have to look elsewhere. I enjoy watching pro football on the weekends and relaxing with friends. My favorite outfit is a pair of jeans and a sweater. Pleasing my man includes ..."

Nicole jumped up and hugged her mom when she'd finished. "That was awesome!"

"Right," Gabriela said, "uh huh." 

They waited to be sure the clip met their approval before heading to the exit. Gabriela hoped this was the last she heard about it. Somehow, she didn't think so, though. 

****

"Seth, check this out, man," Erik Corlett said.

"What do you have?"

"Something that I think you'll like, Seth." Erik looked at the computer screen and grinned. 

It was Saturday afternoon and both men were working at Seth's real estate company. Seth knew he didn't have anything better to do, but he wondered about Erik. Forty-five, divorced and tired of the dating scene, Seth often filled his time here even though he owned Flynch Realty and Land Development. He rolled his chair over, expecting to see a listing on the screen.

"What is that you're looking at?"

"It's a dating site and she is your match." Erik tapped the edge of his monitor and nodded.

"I'm not using a dating site, Erik. Only desperate and perverted men use those places."

"Seth, people all over the world use places like this. They have good luck with them too."

"I've heard the stories, Erik. All those creepy men that can't get dates check this kind of place out. There's not a decent woman that would use one of those."

"My sister used this place and she swears by it. I'm telling you, boss, this is the woman for you," Erik said. "Look at her eyes. She's real, not fake like so many others are."

Seth wanted to look away, but something about the picture on the screen captivated him. It was almost as if there was an instant tug on his heart, a connection somehow. He slid closer and read the bio provided. He tried to tell himself things like that didn't really happen. No one 'felt' something just from looking at a picture and reading about a person. He was smarter than that, he knew.

"She's beautiful." Seth's words came out quiet, almost as if he spoke to himself.

"I don't know how, but I do, Seth."

"You're crazy, Erik. There's no way I'm answering an ad from a dating service."

"Do you think she's pretty?" Erik noticed how his boss stared at the picture and knew he was right. 

"Yes, she's very pretty."

"You have to reply, right now. If you don't, I'm going to for you," Erik said.

"Not if you want to keep your job you won't."

The men stared at each other, but they knew the threat wasn't serious. Seth might own the company, but they were friends, too.

"I'll think about it."

"No, Seth, you won't, because that means you'll ignore it and I'm not letting you do that. This is the woman for you. I know that in my gut."

Erik looked like a surfer with his blue eyes and blond hair. The women loved his type, but he was still unattached in his mid-twenties. Seth looked again at the picture of the woman on the computer screen and felt a slight twisting in his heart. 

"All right," Seth said. "I'll do it."

He expected Erik to tease him about it. Instead, he only nodded. It took them a while to get Seth registered with the dating service so he could send an e-mail to the woman. He almost felt like a teenager again after he finally finished composing the short request.

"She'll answer, Seth, I know she will. This is meant to be."

"You know she's going to get so many replies she won't even read mine."

"Don't be so sure, Seth. There's a reason I noticed her picture out of the thousands from that site. She doesn't even live in Florida. That tells me it's fate or karma. You might not believe in that, but I do. You wait and see. She will read your e-mail and you'll hear from her."

"Well, I won't be holding my breath, Erik."

The men turned back to the screen and took in the picture once more. Seth immersed himself in thoughts and fantasies as Erik straightened up the papers on his desk. He slipped out without his boss even noticing.

Later that evening, Seth checked his e-mail to see if there happened to be an answer yet. He'd never admit that his heart sped up when he saw she'd replied. 

****

Sifting through hundreds of lewd e-mails wasn't what Gabriela had in mind for the weekend. She never should've let Nicole talk her into signing up for that stupid dating service anyway, she thought for the thousandth time. It was time she had someone special in her life again, Nicole emphasized when she'd talked her mom into doing it. 

Gabriela looked at the clock and decided she'd spend another thirty minutes looking at the replies. Perverts all seemed to be suggesting assorted sexual acts that they just knew she would love. She scanned through now for key words and phrases that she'd figured out meant the guys wanted sex. So far, she'd deleted all of them.

Only five minutes more, she reminded herself as she clicked open another e-mail reply. Gabriela went back to read it slower when she found nothing that sounded lewd or vulgar.

You have no idea how silly I feel writing this. My friend saw your ad and pointed it out to me. I know you won't believe me, but I felt something the second I looked into your eyes. Using a dating service isn't anything I ever did before and I don't even know the protocol for it. 

My instincts tell me you're a special person. Boy that sounds like a line doesn't it? I'm not the kind of guy that says things I don't mean. 

Gabriela felt a fluttering in her stomach that hadn't been there in years. She read on, hoping the next words didn't disappoint her.

My name is Seth and I live in Florida. Your profile mentioned you're from the mid-west. I'm hoping the distance isn't an issue. There are so many ways to communicate besides in person at first. Traveling is easy nowadays, too. 

I'm in the real estate business, I love dogs, and my favorite color is blue. My ideal first date is a quiet dinner in a discreet restaurant with a jazz band playing in the background. I live in the country surrounded by nature. 

You must know that you're beautiful. I would feel honored to receive a reply from you. 

She looked at the words again and knew she would indeed answer him. He'd added a bit more information about himself near the end. Honesty came through in everything he said. Gabriela knew there was something about the man that was different from any other she'd met. 

Fifteen minutes later, she'd composed her message and hit send. Then she waited to see if he really was the kind of person she felt he was. 

****

Seth checked his private e-mail when he got to the office the next morning. He didn't expect to see many messages since only a few people had that address. One made him hold his breath as he clicked it open.

Hello, Seth. I assume it's all right that I call you Seth. Thank you for your kind reply. I've received so many messages it's been difficult to keep up with them all. 

He felt the rejection already and wasn't sure he could read on. The need to know what she'd written won out and he continued.

Seth, you wouldn't believe some of the offers these sweet men have sent me. Did you know that it was possible to ...?

He burst out laughing at her description of kinky sex using kitchen gadgets. 

I suppose I shouldn't have told you all that. You'll think I'm a bad girl and I'm not. You see, it's really my daughter's fault. She convinced me to do the ad when she knows I'm shy and polite. 

Now he knew his instincts were right. She already was showing a sense of humor and he liked that in a woman. 

You probably want to know a little more about me. Well, I live in the city, my favorite color is in the charcoal family, and jeans are a staple in my wardrobe. Pro basketball and football both get my vote to watch. 

I should warn you I'm a bit taller than the average girl is. People say it shouldn't matter about height and I guess they're right. Of course, they aren't just under six feet tall either. 

At a couple inches over six feet himself, she would be just right, he decided as he imagined them together. Everything she wrote made him want to know more.

Now that I've bored you long enough, I should get to the point of this. Distance isn't an issue to me at all. If you're interested, I'd like to learn more about you and see what happens. You know how to reach me.

Seth let out a whoop of joy and hit reply. Erik was right. She was perfect for him. He felt it. Gabriela was going to be a part of his future and he couldn't wait.



A Journey of Passion Ch. 04



Chapter 4: Discovery

AUTHORS NOTE:

This is the fourth chapter in the story. It follows 'The Prologue', 'The Daughters' and 'The Beginning'. I hope you enjoy them all. 

****

That was the beginning of several weeks of instant messaging between the two adults. Seth tried not to act like a teenager even though he felt like one again. Gabriela worked hard at not letting her excitement show through in her words every time. 

How much could you really learn about someone communicating through a computer? Gabriela asked herself that question several times and still didn't have an answer. She did know that she wanted to discover more about Seth, though. 

It didn't even matter how often she told herself he could be lying. She read the reports about the predators and the scammers. Seth was neither and she'd bet on that without any proof. He wasn't that kind of person and she'd never believe otherwise. Her instincts told her to trust him. Gabriela went with them.

Some nights they typed for hours while others they only had a few minutes. Seth often had evening appointments showing houses or meeting with clients at his office. Gabriela tried to stay up late on those nights even though she didn't always know when he'd get home. Those were the times they'd send off an e-mail just because. She felt like a young girl at times but enjoyed it.

They had a conversation on how hard it was to read emotion into typed words. Gabriela found that she could tell Seth's moods from the way he greeted her and replied to her questions. She knew there were times she was quieter and imagined it showed in her responses as well. The problems came when one or the other attempted to tease or joke and it didn't come over that way. Both knew how hard their form of communicating was. The key was being open and honest if they didn't understand a statement or question. 

One thing they did know was that they wanted to pursue what they had so far. 

****

Gabriela often looked outside and wondered what Seth was doing at that very moment. She thought about him all the time. They'd exchanged photos through the computer so she knew what he looked like. She'd learned he lived in Florida and owned a real estate company in his initial e-mail to her. 

His life sounded so much different from hers, though. At times that worried her. It didn't include worrying about paying bills or cutting corners. Seth was wealthy and she wasn't. Gabriela felt out of place at times when he talked about things she'd never heard of.

None of this made it easy for her when friends wanted to set her up on blind dates. In the end, she just made up an excuse but she really didn't like that. However, telling them she was interested in a man she knew only through the computer sounded a bit lame and gullible. If nothing more became of her relationship with Seth, she would appear a bit silly. 

Later, if things progressed, she would tell them. Now he was her secret and she was going to enjoy every moment of it.

****

How could he explain to family and friends that he'd met a woman online and was interested in her? Or that she lived in another state and they'd never met in person? Seth knew he didn't owe the answer to those questions to anyone. He was an adult and could decide for himself whether to pursue anything with Gabriela. There wasn't any doubt in his mind he would, though. She fascinated him.

He pictured her sitting in bed with her laptop with her legs crossed. Seth knew there were times his mind took him places he wasn't sure she was ready to go yet. The conversations were never predictable or boring but they hadn't talked about anything sexual. If they lived closer, he knew he'd have been on her door step long ago.

Tonight he stared at the monitor and longed to talk to her. She'd sent an e-mail that morning saying she was going to dinner with her daughter and wouldn't be online until late. Seth replied that he'd wait no matter what time it was. He needed those minutes with her to end his day. A grin broke out over his face when he saw her sign in.

"I made it home. Ate like the pig that I am, too," she wrote.

Seth grinned at her words and pictured her slender figure. "Right, I've seen your picture remember? You're far from a pig, Gabriela."

"Nicole took me to this new place with a huge buffet. She made me try everything, I swear."

"I'm sure you only took a bite or two of the things that looked good," he replied.

"Well, there were some disgusting dishes and one even had liver in it. No way was I trying that."

Seth imagined her face as she typed and laughed. They'd talked about foods before and she'd mentioned her total distaste for the intestine. 

"I promise I won't ever fix liver for you."

"You'd cook for me, Seth?"

"Of course I would. Then I'd bring you out to the hot tub with some wine so we could relax."

"Mm, but I'm not sure how much we'd relax there."

"No?" Seth held his breath at the flirty tone in her voice.

"Imagine it, Seth," she wrote. "You and I, naked in the hot bubbly water, just the moon and stars for light, our bodies colliding ..."

"Your soft skin under my fingers, pulling you closer, our lips touching ..."

"Straddling your body as we kiss ..."

Gabriela waited for his reply and wondered if she went too far. It was so hard to judge a relationship when you couldn't see the person. She'd thought about Seth the night before and decided to take things to the next level. If he didn't approve of her flirting, she'd have to rethink it all.

"Do you know what you're doing to me, Gabriela?"

She smiled to herself and went on. "I hope I'm making you want the same things I do."

"If I was there right now, you'd see how much I want you."

They didn't go much further that night even though both were thinking about it. This was new territory for them and they needed to find their way through it. It didn't stop either from laying in bed for long hours aching for the other. 

Shelby and Dallas were spending Sunday afternoon with Seth. Father and daughter relaxed in the backyard where the youngest member of their small family kept busy with a myriad of toys. His laughter brought smiles to their faces as they watched him running across the grass. 

Several times Shelby had looked over at her dad and wondered what was different about him. He seemed happier in the last couple of weeks to her. Yet there wasn't anything she could pinpoint to make that change.

"Hey Dad, you been getting some lately?" she asked.

"Excuse me?"

"You're smiling more and look happier, so I figured you must be getting laid."

"Shelby, I'm not sure that's anything a daughter should be asking her father," he said with a glare.

"Come on, Dad, I'm an adult. So, are you?"

Seth looked at the way his only child wiggled her eyebrows at him and burst out laughing. "When do I have time to date?"

"You don't have to date to get any. There are always hookers —"

"Whoa, I'm not that desperate, Shelby." Seth stopped her before she went on.

"Well, you look different so I thought it was a woman. Guess I'm wrong," she said with a shrug.

He looked at Shelby and thought about Gabriela. They'd taken their online relationship up a notch with the intense flirting. It still amazed him the things she could do to him with her words. 

"Would you be all right with it if I met someone?" 

"Why wouldn't I be, Dad?"

"No reason, I guess," he said and dropped the subject.

"Grandpa, look!" 

Seth turned to his grandson and smiled. His family meant the world to him and he'd do whatever he could to protect them. 

"Too bad you're not getting laid, though," Shelby said as her dad stood to chase after Dallas. 

He only laughed but his body tightened as he thought again of Gabriela. Seth made sure he kept his back to his daughter for several minutes until he got himself back under control. Somehow, he'd have to change the situation between Gabriela and himself real soon. 

Dallas and Shelby left after dinner and Seth went inside to check the computer. His pulse raced when he saw Gabriela was online.

"I've been thinking of you," he wrote.

"Seth, I thought your daughter and grandson were with you today."

"They were but you were still on my mind," he replied. "You're always with me."

"I can't stop thinking of you, either."

"Gabriela, something has to change between us. I'm going crazy here."

"I'm not sure what you're saying Seth," she typed.

"Me either, really, but there has to be more than the computer. Can I call you?"

"Oh Seth, are you sure?"

"I need to hear your voice. Please?"

He watched as a series of numbers appeared and groaned. "I'm dialing."

Gabriela picked up the telephone with a shaky hand and answered. "Seth?"

"Oh god, Gabriela," he whispered. "Thank you for this."

"I was so afraid when you said something had to change. I thought that you wanted to end things."

"No, god no, if anything, it's the opposite, I want more."

"Me, too," she said without any hesitation.

"You sound so sexy." 

"Hmm, I wonder if you might be biased at all." The sassiness in her voice came through making him laugh.

"Not me," he replied. "You're thinking of all those other perverts that answered your dating ad."

"Oh, Seth, don't remind me of that. I still feel embarrassed about it."

"Gabriela, it was meant for us to meet, somehow. There's nothing wrong with what you did. Remember, I'm one of those perverts that sent you an e-mail."

"You're far from a pervert, Seth."

His wicked laugh sent chills down her spine. "Are you so sure of that, baby?"

She caught the way the nickname rolled right off his tongue and loved it. "Seth, I feel ... you make me so ..."

"Tell me Gabriela."

"I imagine us together, touching and teasing, making love, tasting each other."

"I'm so hard right now."

Her groan sent chills through his body as he pictured her next to him. Seth looked down at the bulge in his jeans and closed his eyes.

"My nipples are tight and I'm dripping for you."

"Honey, please, touch one for me, now. Do it."

She followed his heated words as if in a trance. Soft fingers brushed the aching nub as Gabriela imagined his hand there. "Yes, Seth, touch me."

Words of passion flowed as they took each other higher. Gabriela's sweet voice had him freeing his aching member so he could stroke himself for her. Seth's promise of where his tongue would go soon had her flying for him. Their cries of desire and longing mixed over the airwaves as they crashed together.

"Oh god, Seth, I can't believe I did that," she said when she caught her breath.

"Baby, you are amazing. That was wild."

"You make me forget everything and let go, Seth."

"Can you picture us together then? Baby, we need to work on that."

"Yes, I think that's a good plan for the future," Gabriela replied.

They talked for a while longer before Seth said he needed sleep. He had an early morning appointment to look at property a couple of hours from town. It still took them another fifteen minutes to hang up. 

Both knew they'd taken another step in their relationship. Neither slept much that night. 

****

Seth sat in his office Monday morning and thought back over the night before. He wondered at the new turn in his life. It occurred to him he should feel embarrassed at what he'd done on the telephone with Gabriela but he didn't. She made his blood boil with just a few words. It was on his mind daily that he wanted more with her. Distance was a factor now, but that could change. He couldn't wait to get home and call her.

****

Water dripped between her breasts as Gabriela raced to answer the telephone Monday evening. What if it was Seth and she missed his call, she asked herself as she grabbed the receiver.

"Hello." She let the word roll off her tongue almost as a question.

"Hi honey, I thought for a minute you were gone."

"No, I was in the shower."

Seth felt his pulse take off at the idea of Gabriela naked. They'd exchanged photos on the computer but nothing with nudity. Yet he could imagine her quite well in his mind.

"That image does things to me ..."

"I'd love to have you join me in the shower, suds on your body, all slick under my fingers."

How did someone his age feel this way so fast? Seth knew the answer to his own question. Gabriela set him on fire. Seth wanted to hold her close and never let her go.. 

He looked at the clock and saw they'd been talking for over an hour. Time went so fast with Gabriela. They said their goodnights along with his promise to call the following night. Seth sat on the edge of the bed after he hung up and looked down at his still throbbing erection. Somehow, they needed to meet in person soon. He rolled over and slept with her image in his dreams.

****

Now they ignored the computer and Seth called Gabriela as often as their schedules allowed. Some nights they shared stories of their childhoods while others they explored the sexual desire that burned between them. One such conversation included an admission from Seth that had Gabriela fantasizing in seconds.

"Do you think a man is gay that wants his woman to take his ass?"

"Of course not," she replied. "I've wondered about it myself."

"You have? With your ex-husband you mean?"

She didn't answer at first and Seth decided it might be time to change the subject instead. He didn't get the chance.

"No, I think about it with you, Seth."

He stopped breathing at the image of Gabriela taking his virgin ass. It scared him to bring it up but now he was glad he did.

"Seth, did you hear me?"

"I did. Do you know how much I want you here right now? I need to be with you, Gabriela. We have to be together, to explore this."

"I agree, but I'll have to go shopping first," she said with a sexy laugh.

"You don't need to bring anything. I won't let you out of bed anyway."

"I wasn't thinking of clothing."

"Oh god, are you talking about ..."

She just murmured without really answering, knowing he understood. His mind raced with the thought of it as they finished their conversation. He didn't sleep a wink that night.

Seth struggled to stay focused on work the entire day. All he could think of was talking to Gabriela again. After dinner, he took his shower and then picked up the phone to call her. He was so disappointed to get her answering machine that he didn't even leave a message. An hour later, he tried again. 

"Hello."

"Hi honey. I tried earlier and you were gone."

"I went shopping, Seth."

"Did you enjoy yourself?"

"Yes."

"Are you all right? You aren't saying much," he asked when she'd been quiet for a couple minutes.

"I bought some toys."

"Oh my," he said with a whistle. 

"We just talked about them."

"I remember." He thought back to their conversation the night before and his breath caught. 

"One is for me to use on you, Seth."

He wanted to reply, but his mind kept hearing her say what she was going to do when they met. It scared and excited him at the same time.

"Tell me."

"I bought a strap-on for us, so I can fuck you."

"Gabriela, honey, oh my god. You want this, don't you?"

"Baby, I imagine it all the time, slipping inside you, pushing against you ..."

"Taking a part of me untouched by anyone else ..."

"Yes, love, you're mine and only I will ever fuck you."

Seth felt the tingling in his body and saw the evidence of his arousal. He wanted to feel her slamming against him as she fucked his body. The images of her in his ass took over as she went on.

He discovered that with each phone call it became harder to hang up. He always hated to break the connection since he never knew for sure when he would hear her voice again. 

****

Nicole decided her mom had a new man in her life. She wondered if she'd met someone through that dating service or somewhere else. Her father was on his fourth wife and didn't even bother to call Nicole. Gabriela deserved happiness and her daughter intended to see what she could find out about the man bringing a smile to her mom's face.

"So, are you getting laid?"

"Nicole, excuse me?" Gabriela looked at her daughter in shock. 

"Oh come on, I'm an adult and you can tell me. So who's the lucky guy?"

"I'm not seeing anyone."

"There's other ways, you know. Friends, one night sta—"

"Don't even go there, Nicole. You know me better than that." Gabriela interrupted her daughter before she could even finish the absurd thought. She wondered for a moment what Nicole noticed to make her ask such a question.

"Mom, you're young and hot yet. So who's the guy that's making you smile more?"

Gabriela thought for a moment and decided to tell her daughter about Seth. So far, there wasn't much to say but she wanted to be honest with Nicole.

"I've been chatting with one of the men that replied to that crazy dating site ad you had me do."

"Hey, didn't I tell you that site was the best? What does he do, what's his name, who are his parents and when do I meet him?"

She laughed at the barrage of questions Nicole tossed at her. "Yes, you did tell me that. His name is Seth and he owns a real estate company and you don't get to meet him until after I do."

"What? Wait a minute, back up. You two didn't meet yet?"

"He lives in Florida so it's a bit difficult to date," Gabriela said.

"So then how do you talk to him?"

"We began just sending e-mails until we decided it was easier to use instant messaging."

"That makes sense, Mom. So when is he coming here?"

"We haven't taken it that far yet, Nicole. He calls me on the telephone and we've talked about meeting in person. Nothing is planned, though."

"Slow is good." Nicole winked at the double entendre and laughed.

"Yes, it is at that. However, Seth and I don't have that kind of relationship since it's long distance."

"Mom, you have heard of phone sex haven't you? It's really hot with the right man."

Gabriela arched her brow at her daughter and tapped her foot. 

"Of course, I wouldn't know anything about it. Friends, they told me, you know, they said it was. Mom, I'd never, ever do anything like that. I'm so innocent."

The two burst out laughing at that one. 

"I'll try to remember there's this new invention called phone sex. But, I'm telling you, neither Seth nor I are like that."

Just hours later, Gabriela hung up the phone after talking to Seth and called herself a liar. They both knew all about it. 

Seth picked up the phone the next evening and dialed the number he now knew by heart. 

"Hello."

"Baby, hi, it's me."

"Seth, hey, you just caught me."

"Are you on the way out?" He felt disappointed already just thinking he couldn't talk to her.

"No, I meant I almost didn't catch the phone in time. I just got home from getting a few groceries."

"Do you need some time to put them away?"

"Let me put the headset on and then I can do that while we talk," she said.

He heard sounds through the phone as she slipped the tiny earpiece in and hooked up the headset. 

"There, that's better. Can you still hear me, Seth?"

"Say something sexy and I'll tell you if I do," he replied and laughed.

"You're bad."

"Oh honey, you have no idea." Seth felt his body tensing up with just the few teasing words and let his dream from the night before run through his head. He closed his eyes and pictured her as she'd been before he spoke again.

"I think I do, baby." Her voice came out slow and husky. Seth swore he felt her breath on his skin as she spoke.

"My dream was so realistic last night. It was amazing, Gabriela."

"I want to hear about it, then."

"It was a gorgeous day and we were out on the boat. You wore a yellow two-piece bathing suit that was elegant not trashy. My hands shook when you asked me to put lotion on your back."




A Journey of Passion Ch. 04



"I can almost feel the way your thumbs would trace my spine. Your fingers easing down my sides and finding the curve of my breasts would feel so sensuous."

"Yes," he whispered, "caressing your skin as I pulled you closer to kiss you."

"Soft slow kisses, your lips burning mine, our tongues mating and dancing ..."

"Gabriela, yes, so slow but building until you crawled all over me."

"Did I slide my tongue down your body, Seth?"

His heavy breathing and groans told her all she needed to know. Gabriela ran her fingers over her own tight nipples and moaned. 

"God yes, you did. Your sweet mouth ravished me in ways no one ever has before. I wish you knew the effect you have on me."

"Are you hard, throbbing, aching and drooling? Can you feel the tension in your body? Is your heart racing?"

"That and more," he said between ragged breaths.

"I like that, Seth, knowing what I do to you. You make me feel like that, too."

Seth tried to slow down but he only wanted to sink inside her center. All his life he'd been in control and here he was falling apart. He loved it.

Much later Seth looked down at his sticky hand and let out a growl. The only thing on his mind when they hung up was that he was calling her again the following evening. His body hardened, making sleep almost impossible.

**** 

The next morning he flipped through his mental calendar to see if he could swing a few days away. Gabriela worked part-time and he knew she wasn't opposed to having him come up to see her. They'd talked about it a few times but nothing was ever set. Now he knew it was time to change that. A quick call to his travel agent had him booked on a flight the following weekend. Seth hung up and dialed Gabriela to tell her next. Her machine answered on the second ring. 

"Hi honey, it's me. I'll call later."

Seth didn't want to give his surprise to her over the machine. He sat in the chair and waited until he thought she'd be home. His own phone ringing caught him working on some contracts an hour later. The 'other' job needed him. A special team he worked with was following up on the kidnapping of a senator and his wife overseas. Rescue plans were already in place. They expected Seth to be with his team in less than twenty-four hours

He swore when he hung up. Seth knew the possibility was always there for this to happen but the timing was so wrong. The clock showed ten thirty when he tried Gabriela again.

"Hello."

"Gabriela, honey."

"Seth, I just got in from dinner with Nicole. We went to a movie and stopped for coffee. There's this new place —"

"Baby, listen, I don't have time to talk right now. I have to go away for a while."

Seth cut in but stopped short of saying where he was going.

"What's wrong?"

"I shouldn't be gone too long. If I can get to a computer, I will. Just don't worry if you don't hear from me for a while," he said.

"This sounds dangerous, Seth. Are you in trouble?"

"No, I'm not and I'll be fine. There are just things I can't say right now."

Gabriela sensed the importance and secrecy in what he implied and kept quiet. She'd already learned enough to know he had another position that required confidentiality.

"Gabriela, I want you to know that you're very important to me. When I get back, I hope we can continue."

"Seth, be safe. I'll be here waiting for you so we can explore further."

He hung up minutes later with her voice still in his head. He needed to get this assignment over so he could see her in person. The timing was horrid but it was his duty, he reminded himself as he grabbed his duffel bags and jogged out to the garage. He'd be back soon, he promised her as he drove to the meeting place where the rest of the team waited. 

****

Gabriela held her tears until they'd hung up. She tried to make sense of her feelings for this man she'd never even met in person. From the very first e-mail, she'd sensed he was special. Nothing she'd discovered had changed her mind. Now he was going into what she read as a dangerous situation. His promise that he'd return ran through her head to give her strength. She would wait. However long it took.



A Journey of Passion Ch. 05



The cold and wet cement penetrated his camouflaged uniform as if it was paper-thin. Seth already had given some thought to retiring from the business. He was just getting too old to go running all over the world anymore. Forty-five and divorced, Seth found himself missing something in life. His friends envied the way he could travel, do as he chose, and answer to no one. It wasn't that great, he reminded himself again. 

Of course, no one knew about Gabriela yet. It still surprised him that he'd replied to her dating service ad and that she'd answered him. Fate put them together, he decided. He needed to get this job done and get back to her, he told himself. 

Men lay hidden all around him, part of the team here to rescue the kidnapped senator and his wife. Bugs swarmed in front of him and tried to penetrate the protective netting that covered his face and neck. Nothing else moved in the sweltering jungle. Seconds later, it all changed. Seth heard the explosions and gunfire and knew they were in trouble. An agonized scream near him was the last thing he remembered.

He wasn't sure where he was or even what day it was. Searing pain shot through his shoulder when he tried to sit up. The effort to think caused his head to pound. Seth closed his eyes and fell into a fitful sleep. 

A nurse stood next to his bed when he next woke up. Small bits of the attack came to him in the following days. Several of his team received injuries but not as severe as Seth's. They all went to other hospitals. They didn't feel he was stable enough to travel with them. It took well over two weeks before he could get a laptop in his room. 

****

She cried herself to sleep for the third night in a row. Gabriela felt empty and alone once more. So far, there'd been no word from Seth and he'd been gone two weeks already. He'd warned her it could be a while but she still had hopes. She drifted off only to dream.

"Look out!"

Rapid-fire gunshots and bombs exploded all around. Men in camouflage snaked their way through the brush as they attacked the enemy. Everywhere she looked, there was death and destruction. Screams of agony reverberated in the air as the battle ensued. Buildings burned and collapsed until only one remained.

The leader nodded and the team moved forward. Seconds became minutes as they inched their way to the shack. Voices called out behind the men but ran the other direction. Gabriela watched as first one then another surrounded the small building. Clouds covered most of the light from the moon to cast eerie shadows over the woods. Several men kicked in the door and scrambled through it some unspoken command.

An almost deadly silence followed as she waited. Then a woman emerged in the arms of one of the men. Behind them, two soldiers led a thin man into the brush. The entire team retreated at the signal of their leader. Only something wasn't right. Gabriela sensed it. 

His body jerked and spun around before he fell to the ground. More gunfire shattered the air as the team fought back the enemy. Bright red blood stained the back of his jacket and dripped into the dry earth under him. Terror gripped Gabriela as she tried to get to him only to find herself held back by the thick underbrush. Tears streaked down her face as she screamed out his name.

The horrific dream brought Gabriela awake in a tangle of the sheets. Her heart thudded at the violence she'd seen. She worked her way out of bed and went into the kitchen for some water. The cool liquid eased the tightness in her throat enough that she could take a deep breath. 

Reason told her it was only a dream. Yet, she hadn't heard from Seth for so long. Gabriela watched the first rays of sun streak across the sky and hoped for word soon. 

****

Gabriela knew he might not be able to contact her for days at a time. Now, though, he needed her. It only took a few minutes to turn the computer on and log in. His heart raced when he saw her name. 

"Baby!"

"Seth, ohh," she typed back.

"I miss you. Not sure how long I have to talk today."

"That's all right. I miss you, too. Are you okay?" 

He grimaced at her innocent question. Of course, she didn't know about his injuries yet. How to tell her without having her panic was the issue, he knew.

"I had a little problem."

"Can you tell me about it?" Gabriela wanted to ask more but didn't.

"I'll be okay. I got hurt a little bit. The doctor's make sure I have pain meds and they help. I should be home soon."

"I'm glad the drugs help then. That's important. Are they good to you there?"

Seth read each word and knew why she was becoming more important to him all along. Her compassion for others astounded him. 

"Yes, it's okay here."

He asked her how things were before a nurse came in with his meds again.

"Hold on a minute."

"I'll be right here," she wrote.

Gabriela felt the air rush out of her lungs. She wanted to get on a plane and go to ... 

"I'm back. They said I have to rest again. I'm not sure how often I can get the computer but I'll try every day."

His words told her that the injuries he suffered must be serious. She also realized that she had no idea where he was. 

"Don't worry about anything, Seth. Just get better and come home."

"Gabriela, thank you. Bye for now."

He signed off but stared at the words she'd typed at the end after he'd gone offline. 

"I'll be here whenever you need me, Seth. Know that I'm strong and you can always lean on me. I think you're very special and want to help you however I can. Smile when you think of me. Look above you and see me watching over you. I'm right there with you, baby, and never forget it."

Seth closed his eyes and heard her voice. He swore he felt her next to him as he drifted off to sleep.

****

She wasn't going to cry. Forty-two was too old to cry, Gabriela told herself even as the tears rolled down her cheeks. An almost physical pain took over her heart as she looked at the empty screen. This was day six without any more word from Seth and she was afraid.

A restless sleep left her weary the following morning. Thankful it was Saturday, she went to the computer in hopes of seeing a message. Gabriela didn't leave the house all day waiting but one never came. 

Sunday morning she sat at her desk and read back over the last time she'd talked to Seth. Everything was going fine between them and he seemed to be doing better. So why hadn't he been back, she kept asking. Mid-afternoon she was still there, looking at a blank screen, and trying not to panic. She didn't even have a way to check on him because of what he did. 

She sat in her pajamas and forced herself to stay awake. The will to be there for him was so strong she swore she saw the screen pop up with his name on it. Gabriela rubbed her eyes to erase the vision only to see a message appearing as well.

"Hi honey. Are you okay?"

"Seth?"

"Gabriela?"

"I was so worried when you were gone so long."

"You don't have to worry," he typed as a vague answer.

"It's been a week."

"Damn, I'm sorry." 

Gabriela waited for some kind of reason or answer but nothing came. "Okay."

She pushed down the fear and the irritation that went with it. Seth was a good person but at times, he could be aggravating. He had to realize she'd wonder why he was gone for so many days. Couldn't he at least give her some small answer, she thought to herself.

"How was your week?"

She took as few seconds to think how to reply. "It was horrible."

Again, she watched for something from him. Gabriela decided to go on when nothing came through. 

"I know you don't want me to worry, Seth. Could you go a week if you were me and be happy about it?"

"No, I'd be upset." 

She read the short answer and sighed. Then he began typing again.

"I had a reaction to some medications. They changed drugs now and I'm doing better," he told her.

"I'm glad you're doing okay now. Seth, I missed you so much."

"Baby, I dreamt about you so many times."

"Tell me," she said.

"I felt your hands on me. You were taking care of me almost like a nurse."

She read his words and felt his need. Yes, he'd been gone a week. Now she knew the reason why and that he was doing better. He'd promised he would always come back and he did. Gabriela wiped away her tears and imagined being in his dream with him. 

****

There's a time in everyone's life they can look back to as a turning point for them. Seth knew what that was for him. He saw the day he'd replied to Gabriela Bartolome on the dating service as the beginning of his life. 

He was forty-five and never realized how alone he felt. Work, family and friends all kept him busy. It was only after finding her did he discover there'd been a hole in his life all along. 

Now he knew the real meaning of love. She'd taught him that in so many ways. Gabriela gave but didn't demand anything in return. Seth felt a tear in his eye at the thought of never seeing her.

He looked down at his injured body and tried to forget that awful day of the ambush. The team he worked with knew their jobs well. Shit happened, as he said before to one of the nurses.

The doctors only told him that his shoulder took a bullet. They'd removed what they could during the operation and hoped for the best. Seth remained optimistic even though there were times the pain almost made him pass out. An MRI showed they missed bone chips and he went back in for more surgery. 

That only led to an infection and more drugs. Seth's body became resistant to the medications and he had to fight hard to gain ground. At times, he slept around the clock. Gabriela only knew a small portion of this, of course. He didn't want her to worry. 

His shoulder throbbed despite the medications dripping into his veins. Seth tried to use his training to take himself to another place but it didn't work anymore. The fever seemed to take all the fight from his body and he fell into a fitful sleep. 

Monday became Tuesday and soon it was Friday. Seth picked at the bland diet they brought him and wished he had real food. Yet he knew his stomach couldn't handle anything heavier than the few things he had in front of him. He pushed the bedside table away and attempted to find a comfortable position.

A short nap restored a bit of his energy and he flipped the computer on. Too many days had gone by since he last talked to Gabriela and he needed her. Seth didn't think about the pain when he was with her. She took it away and gave him hope. He didn't question his need for her or the way he longed to let her take control. His strength just wasn't there. However, she had enough for both of them, she reminded him. His spirits lifted when he saw she was online.

He signed in and typed in his hello.

"Seth, how are you?"

"Sore, but I'm all right. How about you?"

"Missing you but otherwise I'm okay."

"Yeah, me too, you have no idea how much, baby."

They talked for a while longer about general things as they always did. Seth pulled on her energy to sustain him until the next time. He needed what only she could bring to him. Soon the medications made him drowsy though. Gabriela recognized the signs and mentioned it.

"Seth honey, are you getting sleepy?"

"A little," he wrote after a minute.

"It's okay if you need to sleep. I'll be here later too."

"Gabriela, thank you."

"Baby, get some rest and we'll talk again," she told him. 

Further surgeries took care of problems that developed. A blood infection weakened him more than he wanted to admit. Seth had always been that tough guy and this weaker side was new to him.

Gabriela didn't have any problem with it. She didn't see him as a sissy or a wimp that couldn't take it. To her, he was still just Seth, the same man she knew before. The only difference was that she saw the inner man too. Most of the world never bothered to look. She loved every part that she uncovered of him.

Her calm and accepting manner soothed his soul. Days and nights of pain faded away in just moments with her. Seth often mentioned it to her.

"Baby, I don't know myself anymore. All my life I was tough and in control. Now with you, I'm neither," he wrote.

"You've been through so much over the last several weeks. The medications and surgeries took your strength. There's nothing there that you can control right now and that's unusual for you," she typed back.

"Yeah, it's strange. At first, I couldn't even wash myself. That gave me time to think about how my body worked and felt."

"There's nothing wrong with depending on others when you're hurt, Seth. It doesn't make you weak at all. I admire you for how you're looking at all of this."

He thought about her words long after he signed off. Seth couldn't wait to get home to meet her in person. However, the second month turned into the third and Seth wasn't improving. It was time he made a decision. He brought it up the next time they connected online.

"Sometimes I think it would be better for you if we separated for a while," Seth said.

"Is that what you want?" 

"That isn't the point. You've given up so much already and I don't know when I'll get back."

Tears poured down her cheeks at the thought of a life without him. "I'll wait, Seth."

"I know things are hard for you right now."

"Don't worry about me. Just get better and come home."

"Why are you doing this, Seth? Have I done anything to make you think I'm unhappy?"

His instant reply confused her. "No, you didn't."

"Then I don't understand, baby. What's wrong?"

"All the frustration that goes with our situation isn't fair for you." 

"I want a chance with you." Gabriela never hesitated with her answer.

"Think about it, okay?"

"No, baby, I won't. If you break things off now it will kill me. I need you so much. Please, baby," she whispered.

"I have to go. The doctor is here."

Gabriela heard the click when he hung up the telephone and felt sick to her stomach. 

Now she struggled to make sense of it all. She wanted to hold him close to her and prove how much she needed him. Her body ached for him just as she knew his did for her. 

Minutes turned into hours as she cried over his words. Numbness took over her brain until she thought she'd make herself crazy. 

Seth sat in his hospital bed and felt his heart breaking. He'd known all along that it wasn't fair to let Gabriela wait as she did for him. Selfishness kept him from ending things. She made him feel alive and strong even when his body was weak and badly injured. Dreams and fantasies of a future together helped him make it through the days and nights of pain.

Today he'd told her maybe they needed to separate until he made it home. The words echoed in his brain even now several hours later. Pain sliced through him at the thought of not having her in his life. Yet he believed it would be better for her. Frustration and anxiety added to the uncertainty of when they'd release him. 

He tried to sleep but images of her filled his head. Over the months, they'd shared their hopes and dreams as he learned more about the amazing person she was. Why then did she want to wait indefinitely for him when she could find someone near her? Yet it killed him to think of another man with her. 

A restless night didn't bring any answers. Physical therapy was hell but he pushed himself harder trying to erase Gabriela from his mind. It accomplished nothing more than sore muscles in his messed up body. He slid into the wheelchair and rolled to his room for privacy before he bawled like a baby in front of anyone. Only there did he admit he couldn't make it without Gabriela. Scrambling for the laptop, he worked at getting a secure connection to reach her.

What if she wouldn't listen to him now, he asked himself. It scared him to think she might not be online. Gabriela was always there. She'd told him she rearranged her days to be available to him as much as she could. Time zones, doctors, nurses, and even his superiors all sided against them too often. 

Now he stared at her name on his messenger list. 

"Hi."

"Hello," she replied.

Seth knew she was upset from her simple greeting. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, thank you."

"You're mad," he said even as he knew she has every right to be.

He waited for her answer but nothing came. Seth searched for the right words before going on.

"It's my fault. You just seem to get frustrated at times and I don't want that."

"Yes, Seth, I do at the situation itself."

"I'm trying to get out of here, Gabriela."

"Tell me something, Seth. If I walked away right now, how would you feel?"

Seth never hesitated. "Devastated."

"Do you see me as the type of person that would do that?"

"No, I don't, Gabriela."

"I don't understand why then you'd even suggest it. Have I indicated at all that I want out?"

"Baby, no you never did that."

"It's been three months now Seth that I've waited for you to get home."

"We don't know how much longer and that's what I'm worried about."

"Make me believe you truly want me to go. Tell me how you don't need me or want me anymore, baby. Look at your body and see how it reacts when we're together. Then tell me you still want us to separate."

Seth already knew the affect she had on him. The instant erection told him enough. 

"You ache to feel my fingers on you. I know that you see my hungry mouth taking you."

"Yes, oh god, baby, I need you. Don't leave me." Seth ignored the tears pouring down his face as he went on. "I love you, Gabriela and I want you in my life forever."

"I'm not going anywhere, love. You're mine and I'm yours."

"Yes, I am. I'm yours, Gabriela."

He longed to share more with her but knew the risks involved because of his job. Someday he knew he'd tell her everything that he couldn't here. 

"I love you, Seth. It's still as simple as that."

His heart lurched as he read her words. They'd shared so much and he needed her in his life. An image of her whispering the sentiment to him stuck in his head. 

"I love you, Gabriela." He hit the enter key a second before he lost connection again. It was three days later before he got it back. But they'd admitted their love for each other and he had that to help him through it. 

****

She had no life away from the computer anymore. There'd been a change of responsibilities at the office where she worked and Gabriela lost her job. The news wasn't unexpected to her, really. New management came through and made several changes that cued her in to the possibility. Her severance package allowed her time to look for something comparable.

It also let her have more time for Seth. He hadn't realized she was home more now. At least he hadn't asked her about it. If he did, she would tell him but otherwise she didn't plan to worry him about it. He'd want to do something to help and he couldn't from there.

Her apartment didn't require much to keep it clean since she was a neat freak. Nicole often teased her about it but Gabriela just found it soothing to have things in order. Chaos and disorder didn't make sense to her. That left her almost the entire day now to watch for Seth. She loved that fact and knew she could get used to being there for him every day.

That made her wonder what it said about the kind of person she was. She'd never taken the time to describe herself but found it hard now. Did she like the idea of Seth needing her? Did it make her superior if he leaned on her? What did it say if he relied on her for answers? 

Each question sounded wrong and ignorant to her. She knew better. Her only reason for wanting to be there for Seth was that she loved him. Her desire to be there for him was all that drove her and she knew it. Gabriela wasn't the kind of person to look for glory and accolades. She was always the first one to offer help and the last to expect thanks for it. 




A Journey of Passion Ch. 05



But he did notice. "You're home from work early." He said one afternoon instead of a greeting.

"Hi honey." She thought about how to answer before going on. "Well, about that. I lost my job last week, Seth."

"I'm sorry, baby. Are you okay?"

"Yes, it was a change I saw coming with new management. There's a good side to it, though," she wrote.

"Yeah, what's that?"

"I'll be here whenever you need me now."

She waited only seconds before he replied. "Ohh, I love that idea since I need you all the time."

She closed her eyes and heard his voice in her mind. A longing to feel his arms around her began deep in her stomach. There was only one reason she wanted to be here for him every day. She loved him totally, with all her heart and soul, forever.



A Journey of Passion Ch. 06



She paced and hugged herself as she tried to calm the nerves threatening to take over inside her. Gabriela looked around her apartment for maybe the hundredth time to be sure things were in order. This was it. 

Seth was on his way home at last. They were meeting the next day for the first time. He'd made reservations for her to fly out to the hotel where they'd be staying. She'd soon be touching her man, the love of her life.

Her mind drifted as it often did to how the two of them got together. During a weak moment she'd let her daughter Nicole talk her into placing an ad with a dating service. Of all people, one of Seth's employees saw hers and pointed it out to him. How he knew from looking at her profile and picture that she and Seth would fall for each other was an unexplained stroke of luck. Erik Corlett was also a good friend of Seth's, so maybe that explained it.

The ringing of the telephone interrupted her thoughts. "Hello."

"Hey baby."

"Seth, oh my god, where are you?"

"I have a couple hours before the next flight leaves so I had to call you. My brain is telling me tomorrow at this time I'll be holding you but I feel as if it's still a dream."

Gabriela didn't even react to the fact he didn't answer her question. She'd become so used to it over the months he was in the hospital. In his position, he'd had to be careful what he said. Someday he'd explain what he could to her, she knew. 

"This is what we've been waiting for, baby. All those days and weeks brought us to here. I'm so excited I can't stop grinning."

"Oh Seth, I am too. I'm not even sure I know what's in my suitcases since I was so distracted."

"What do you need luggage for? I don't plan on letting you get dressed," he said and chuckled.

"Did I say anything about clothes? There are handcuffs, feathers, whips, vibrators, lotions ..."

She heard the way he took a deep breath and slowly let it out as a hissing sound. "You are so sexy."

"I love you baby. I'll do anything for you and don't forget that."

"Gabriela, honey, I'm sitting here rock hard, trembling for you. I'm going to take you tomorrow until you can't move."

She felt the tears trickle down her cheeks at the pure longing in her for this man. Hours of talking on the computer taught them so much about each other and she loved him with everything in her.

"You can do that, love, but me first. I'm going to make sure you know the feel of my mouth on every part of your body."

"Gabriela, I'm yours and you can do whatever you want with me."

Seth gripped the phone tighter as he tried to calm his throbbing body. She got to him in ways no one ever had. Maybe that should have scared him but it didn't. Instead, he embraced it and offered her more of himself. He knew the time he'd been dependent in the hospital made him reevaluate his life. That Gabriela stuck with him throughout it proved she had an inner strength beyond that what she realized.

He listened while she teased him about what she might or might not be wearing when they met. His imagination went crazy as it always did with her and he shifted in his seat. All he wanted now was to hold her in his arms. 

"Are you falling asleep?"

"Sorry baby, I was dreaming about tomorrow I guess. It's all I think about. You have all the information with you, right?"

"Seth, don't be sorry. Do you know how hard it's been for me this week?"

"I know. Maybe we should have waited longer. Then you wouldn't have to hide anything," he said.

"Stop that, Seth. I'm not hiding anything. What I do is my business and I don't owe anyone an explanation. Besides, I don't share my love life with others."

"I wasn't aware you had a love life."

She decided to ignore the slight accusatory tone and went on. "Oh yeah, didn't I tell you? There's this guy I met, really sexy, amazing body, brown eyes and turns me on like mad. I swear he's got to be the best lover in the world."

"Great, I'm glad you're happy." 

"Yes, he's wonderful. In my eyes he's the most fantastic man in the world, along with being sensitive to my feelings and dreams."

"Nice."

Gabriela chuckled at the way he said the one word. He had to know she was describing him but he still had a tiny seed of doubt that she'd been happy waiting for him.

"Oh, it's more than nice, baby. He makes me feel special. When I'm with him, there is nothing else in the world. I know that I can go to him with anything and he won't judge me. No matter what I ask for in bed, he's willing to try. He brings light to my days and joy to my life."

Seth didn't reply so she went on. "This man is the one I want to be with, if he'll have me. I'm still a bit nervous about that. He's so smart and important that he might not be happy with me."

"He knows what's most important in his life."

"I love you, Seth."

"Baby, I love you too. Damn, I need to hold you. This will be the longest night of my life, I swear."

They both laughed about that since they'd once mentioned how they'd be too nervous to sleep the night before they met. Gabriela knew she wouldn't be able to close her eyes at all. Images and fantasies of Seth filled her head until there wasn't room for anything else.

Soon it was time for Seth to go. 

"I have to board the plane, honey. The next time we talk will be tomorrow, at the hotel. Oh god, the thought is making me ..."

"Me too, baby, me too. Go catch your flight. I love you Seth."

"Oh honey, I love you so much."

She heard the soft click as he hung up and let the tears spill. Hours that would feel like days was all that stood between them now. Somehow over the last months he'd become her life. Without him, she had nothing. Gabriela straightened her apartment then lost herself in memories and dreams until she had to leave for the airport the next morning. She'd sleep another time.

****

Seth hung up the phone and looked around the hotel room he sat in. Gabriela thought he was in between flights on his way to the hotel they were meeting at the next day. He smiled when he thought about the surprise he had in store for her. 

After a quick shower, he was ready to relax for the evening. Seth slid between the sheets of the king sized bed and longed for Gabriela to be there with him. He tried to put words to his feelings but never quite found the right ones. With her, he was so many things new to him yet he didn't regret one. They were bound together forever with a deep love and respect for each other that was unique and rare. He knew that and would cherish it always.

Gabriela saved him. It was as simple as that. Her constant presence on the computer gave him a focus other than his pain. She became his crutch when he needed one most. However, he knew that wasn't the basis for their relationship. He loved her, not for what she did but for who she was. He intended to spend the rest of his life proving that. 

****

Gabriela paid the taxi driver and grabbed her bag. Long lines formed everywhere inside the airport she looked. A sigh escaped her lips at just the idea of joining the throngs of people there. Gabriela took a decisive step toward her gate but made an abrupt stop when she heard her name over the intercom. The impassioned voice gave a few brief instructions before the standard recording resumed.

A glance at the overhead signs soon brought her to the requested area where she gave her name to a young man behind the counter. She waited as he checked the computer to see why they'd summoned her.

"Ma'am? There appears to be some sort of problem with your ticket."

Gabriela wanted the world to stop all the nonsense and give her a break. This was almost too much after everything else in the past year.

"Define a problem for me."

"It doesn't really say ..." 

Jason, as the employee badge identified him, resumed his search without finishing. Gabriela closed her eyes and blocked out the chaos around her for a moment while she waited.

"It looks like your ticket isn't any good."

"How can that be? I paid for it myself." Gabriela felt the tension in her neck and tried to relax. Mistakes happened and they'd fix it, she reminded herself.

"I'm sorry, it doesn't tell me that. You can purchase an—"

"Jason, I'm not going to buy a new ticket. I have one right here that I bought already. Now you find someone that can answer all the questions I have or start looking harder for them yourself."

It wouldn't do any good to lose her patience, she told herself as she listened to Jason a minute later. Her assumption he was talking to a supervisor of some sort proved correct.

"Mr. Kosten will be right over to assist you. He's my boss. If you'd like to take a seat —"

"I'll wait right here, thank you."

Gabriela wasn't pleased with her rudeness but the young man's attitude caught her wrong. Months of worrying had all ended. This trip was to be her beginning. Yet here she stood stuck in the middle.

"Excuse me, miss. I'm John Kosten. Jason mentioned you had a tiny problem here."

Gabriela took in the pristine airline uniform of the older man walking behind the desk. He had an authoritative quality about him that reassured her somewhat. "In about an hour, I'm supposed to be on one of those planes out there. I'd like an explanation of why the ticket I confirmed this morning is now no good."

Jason stepped aside as his boss glanced at the ticket Gabriela handed him. "Here's the mix-up."

She waited for him to continue but he didn't seem inclined to go on. "Mr. Kosten, I need to be on that plane when it leaves in a little while."

"I'm afraid that isn't possible."

"My entire life is waiting for me ahead. Destiny picked the most amazing man in the world to love me. He's everything to me and he's going to be at the other end waiting for me to walk off that airplane tonight. We've waited months for him to be well enough to come home from overseas. Please, get me on that plane so we can be together."

"You're the amazing one, baby," Seth said from behind her.

Gabriela spun around to look into the face of the man she loved with all her heart. She cried out his name and flew into his opened arms. He held her close as the tears ran down her cheeks. Seth gave her a brief kiss before leaning back. 

"Seth? How ... I thought you ... what ...?"

"Did you really think I was going to sit in that hotel room and wait? I couldn't do that," he said as he gazed into her eyes. "You're so beautiful."

Her heart thudded as she tried to form a coherent thought. 

"Let's go, Gabriela."

He took her hand and led her to a small gate where the guards nodded for them to go through. They walked the short distance to a waiting private jet. Gabriela didn't question any of it. She was with Seth and nothing else mattered. Her brain ceased to function the moment she realized it wasn't a dream. 

Gabriela gasped at the elegant interior in the small plane. Exotic wood cabinets, expensive leather seating, lush carpeting and gilded ceilings completed the main section. 

Seth nodded to the young man standing off to the side and grinned. "Can you see why I was in a hurry to get here now?" he asked.

"Sir, if I had known she was the reason you wanted us to forgo procedures, we would have had you here hours ago." 

"Honey, this is Kyle. Anything you need, he'll get it for you."

"It's nice to meet you, Kyle. I think I have everything right here, though."

Gabriela leaned back into the hard chest of the man she loved and chuckled. Seth wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her neck. 

"You might have to hold off on that, Sir. The pilot will insist you're strapped in for take-off." Kyle's teasing tone brought a smile from the couple as they parted and took their seats. 

Seth held Gabriela's hand as they waited for the plane to taxi down the runway. She struggled to comprehend that she was really with him, yet.

"I can't believe we're together."

"It's surreal, baby. All those months, imagining and waiting, and now at last it's happening."

With the plane in the air, they unhooked their seatbelts. Seth stood and pulled Gabriela to her feet. "I don't want our first time to be with others around us. But I need to hold you, Gabriela."

A master bedroom with a queen-size bed filled the end of the plane. He flipped a switch and soft jazz came from the hidden speakers. 

"I dreamt of this moment so many times. Words are beyond me right now, Gabriela."

"Oh Seth, you don't need words. This, coming for me, this tells me so much."

His hands trembled as he pulled her down on the satin comforter with him. Seth embraced the love of his life and felt the tears gathering in his eyes. He was a macho tough guy and yet he was crying. 

"Look what you do to me," he whispered. 

One slender finger brushed his cheek. The sun began to set as the plane made its way to their destination. Neither paid any attention. All that mattered to either one was right in their arms. 

****

A chauffeur stood waiting for them as they disembarked the plane and whisked them away in a gleaming limousine. Seth never let her go the entire time. His big hands caressed her body as he held her close in the privacy of the back seat. They spoke little but heard so much from the depths of each other's eyes. A soft knock on the door alerted them to the fact they'd arrived.

The hotel could have been a dump for all Gabriela knew. Seth dashed to the wall of elevators pulling her right with him. They laughed as they ran across the carpeted hall to their room. Strong arms engulfed her almost before the door closed behind them.

"I need you, right now," Seth murmured against her ear. "I hope I won't be too rough the first time, but my god, you make me burn."

A slight shove in the middle of his chest was her only reply. "Sit down, Seth."

He never questioned her, only followed her brief command. Seth backed up until he felt the bed behind him and sank onto the pale yellow spread. Entranced, he watched as she did in person what he'd only imagined before. A deep growl escaped his throat when the last piece of clothing slipped off her body. His Gabriela was at last naked in front of him. 

"I've pictured this moment, tried to think of a way to make it perfect, and hoped —"

"Come here, Gabriela."

This time she was the one to obey. His fingers traced her nipples before brushing over her mound. 

"Seth, please, make me yours."

He spent the next several hours doing just that.



A Journey of Passion Ch. 07



They'd spent every moment together that first weekend. Gabriela never wanted to leave him but life didn't always work that way. Seth had his business in Florida and she still lived in Indiana. It about broke her heart when she boarded the plane alone. 

She walked into her apartment and saw the light blinking on her answering machine. Gabriela's first thought was to ignore it but she pressed the button on her way passed the phone. She heard telemarketers, wrong numbers and Nicole's voice without really listening. The last call made her heart pound.

"Baby, I hate this. It's only been a few hours since you left and I'm lost. I felt sick when I saw the plane take off knowing you were on it this afternoon. Call me as soon as you get in, no matter what time it is. I love you Gabriela."

Grabbing a bottle of water from the refrigerator, she took the phone with her to the bedroom. She dialed the number and sprawled over the comforter. Seth answered on the first ring.

"Gabriela?"

"Oh honey, I miss you already. When can I see you again?"

"I'll clear my schedule and fly up as soon as I can."

"We can't just keep flying all over, Seth. You have your business to take care of down there."

Gabriela knew the distance was going to be a problem. Loving Seth from afar when he was injured was one thing. Now she'd touched him, been with him, felt his skin next to hers. It wouldn't be easy to go days without kissing him.

"Then you come down here. Pack some things and move in. Ship some bags and stay with me."

"Seth, we don't know—"

"Sweetheart, listen to me." Seth had an idea of what she was going to say and he wasn't going to listen. "The only way we will know if we can have a future together is if we're with each other. That means in the same place. You said yourself that I have my business here. Right now, you aren't working so it makes sense for you to come here. Fly here and move in."

Gabriela closed her eyes as she pictured him as she'd seen him just that morning. His naked body covered hers as he claimed her once more. 

"Seth, are you sure?"

"I love you, yes. How long will it take you to pack what you need?"

"I'll have to check for a flight ..."

"No, I'll take care of that. Tell me how many days you need and it's done," he said.

"Give me two days. I should talk to Nicole and let her know I'm staying with you."

"Deal," he replied. "I'll call you tomorrow with the airline information. Gabriela?"

"Yes?"

"You won't regret it, I promise you."

"Oh Seth, I have no doubts there," she whispered before they hung up.

Neither slept that night. They felt lost in their beds, alone. The next morning Gabriela talked to her daughter as she sorted through her clothing. When the taxi pulled up a day later, she was more than ready to go.

****

Gabriela stared at the house in front of her. This was where Seth lived. The beautiful three story contemporary home had cedar siding and tall, over-sized windows. Its irregular shape harmonized with the surrounding landscape. Stones littered the single flowerbed and framed the path to the front door. 

"Is there something wrong?" Seth noticed the way she 'd gone quiet and worried. 

"I've never seen anything so gorgeous, Seth."

His chuckle of relief burst from his throat. "It's just a house. Let's go inside."

Gabriela wiped her shoes on the mat outside the door before she stepped in. The trapezoid shaped windows let in the sunshine to highlight the open floor plan. Seth closed the door and began to walk across the shiny hardwood floor. She didn't take a step.

"Honey, come on. I'll show you around."

"Let me take my shoes off first. They might make the floor dirty."

"It's a house, not a showroom. Relax, okay?" He took her hand and led her through the main floor, pointing out anything he thought was important. Spare bedrooms and another huge family room of sorts filled the second floor. It was the master suite and attached office on the third and last floor that made Gabriela gasp.

"This is almost as big as my entire apartment, Seth."

"You like it?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"I wanted to make sure, since I plan on spending a lot of time in here with you," he said as he pulled her close.

"Just what do you plan on doing to me here?" Gabriela felt the answer to that pressing into her. 

"You'll love it, I promise."

****

She found it almost impossible to define her feelings for Seth in a simple way. He was everything a woman could ask for in a man. He was also much more. Today was one week since she'd moved in with him. Seth was doing all he could to make things easy for her here. He still had a housekeeper that came in to do the major cleaning each week. They had light meals on the patio with Seth grilling most nights. Her first full day there he stayed home from the office and gave her a full tour of the grounds. 

He'd told her the night before that she brought a sense of peace to him he hadn't realized was missing before. All his life he'd lived. Now he was alive. Seth had a tear in his eye as he spoke. She'd learned in the beginning that was rare for him. Knowing his feelings were that deep still amazed her.

Now she sat at the desk he'd put in for her and chewed on the end of the pencil. She loved him more than anything but wasn't sure she said it enough. That's why she'd decided to write this poem. None of the thoughts fit, and it was beginning to aggravate her. Gabriela wanted this done earlier, but the right words wouldn't come. 

She rearranged some of the words, then read it again and sighed. She just wasn't sure they said what she wanted them to. The sound of the door opening told her it was too late to change it now. Seth was home early.

"Honey, I'm in here," she called out.

"Hi baby, how was your day?" 

Seth pulled her close and kissed her. His lips lingered as he leaned closer. His body pressed into her only to send chills down her spine. It amazed her how fast this man turned her on. 

Gabriela forgot about the poem and told him with her body how she felt. Every touch took them higher as they made their way to the bed. Hands and lips explored naked skin bringing moans and whimpers from each of them. They stripped and Seth spread her legs, then snaked his tongue between her lips. He ran his thumb over her clit as he dragged his tongue back and forth over her swollen lips. She screamed out when his teeth chewed along her labia. Seth pulled himself up and plunged inside her walls. His need for her took over until they both soared. 

He watched much later as she walked out of the room to return with a piece of paper. She slipped back under the sheet with him before clearing her throat.

"You mean the world to me Seth. Today is a week since I came here to be with you so I wrote this."





A Journey of Passion Ch. 07



Gabriela remembered Seth said his mom celebrated her seventieth birthday while he was in the hospital. He hadn't told her about the attack or his injuries because he didn't want her to worry. The only one that knew at the time was Gabriela. It still concerned her how the older woman would feel if she found out.

"Sit and tell me where you found her, Seth. Don't leave anything out, either."

Seth thought for a minute about what to say. 

"Son, there are things a parent just knows about their children. Call it instinct if you want. I can already tell you two have a bond that goes deeper than any couple I know. You worship her; it's in your eyes."

"She saved me, before we ever met in person."

Seth spent the next several minutes recounting the way they'd met. He'd looked at Gabriela before he started and smiled at her nod of approval. Effie heard about the dating service ad, his injuries and the long hospital stay. She'd known about his mission but assumed he was working the entire time he was gone. 

Gabriela remained silent as Seth went on. He talked about the infections and surgeries that never seemed to end and the harsh drugs to ease the pain. Effie watched her son and saw the way he gazed at Gabriela. The more he explained, the better she understood their relationship. 

"She's the reason I made it through, Mom," Seth said.

"I owe you more than I can say. My son chose well in you."

"Seth means the world to me, Effie. I love him with all my heart. I did nothing more for him than you would for the man you loved."

Talk shifted to Shelby and Dallas while Seth grilled the steaks for dinner. Gabriela enjoyed herself and found Effie to be a warm caring person. They relaxed outdoors until Effie began yawning.

"I think my traveling is catching up to me," she said with a smile.

Seth and Gabriela left soon after with a promise to visit the next week.

"She's wonderful, Seth," Gabriela remarked on the drive home. 

Seth chuckled. "Yeah, she's just like me."

****

It wasn't often he took an entire afternoon off and his staff knew it. Therefore, when Seth gathered his briefcase and headed out the door just before noon saying he'd be back in the morning, they all stared. No one said a word until his Porsche Cayenne left the parking lot. The two secretaries and assorted realtors looked at each other and grinned. 

They all knew the answer without anyone asking the question. Their boss wasn't the same since he returned form his overseas trip. His missions intrigued his subordinates, but he'd chosen them well. Privacy was one of the things he required from his employees and they knew the consequences if they didn't follow his wishes. No, this had nothing to do with secrets or rescues, though. Seth was a changed man because of Gabriela. They'd heard enough about her to know that. 

Seth had noticed the looks they gave him at times. In his other line of work, he had to pay attention to details. When he'd decided to go home for the day, he knew they would all be shocked. It didn't change his mind though. 

He drove through the busy city streets toward the open road. He loved living in the country where he had privacy. Owning a business kept him around people enough so that when he went home he wanted open space. Flynch Realty and Land Development did well in the busy central Florida real estate market. He started the company when he left the service years ago and never regretted it.

His blood rushed to his groin the closer he got to home. He imagined her lounging at the pool or working out in the gym. Maybe she'd even be out in the field by the stream. His heart pounded at the possibilities that filled his head. He left the Cayenne in the driveway so the noise of the garage door didn't alert Gabriela to his arrival. Seth wanted to sneak up on her wherever she was. 

Gabriela swam laps in the warm water of the pool. She loved the natural quiet here. Birds chirped and sang in the woods that almost surrounded the house and grounds. The sun warmed her shoulders as she made her way back and forth several more times before climbing up the ladder. 

"Hey baby," Seth said from behind her.

"Seth!"

Gabriela ran into his waiting arms without giving a thought to her wet swimsuit. His dress slacks and shirt absorbed the dampness as if they were towels. Seth didn't care. He ran his tongue over her lips before giving her a hungry kiss. His mind raced as he felt her body pressed against his.

"Wait, Seth. Is there something wrong?"

"Ah, does this feel wrong?" Seth pressed himself into her and grinned.

"No, oh baby, no. Everything is right down there."

He laughed and felt the world slip away. Here it was only the two of them. Nothing interfered because there wasn't anything more important to him than Gabriela. 

"I made your clothes wet. You really should take them off, you know," she said with a grin.

"Is that right?"

"Uh huh. In fact, let me help you," she said even as her fingers worked the buttons loose on his shirt.

"Then why don't you just do it all?" 

Seth waited for her reply as she stood still. "Mm, I'll do just that."

He sucked in his breath as she ran her hands over his chest. Already he regretted his hasty offer as she took her time teasing his body without taking his clothes off. She pranced around and cupped his ass before molding herself to his shape. 

"Have I told you today how much I love playing with your body?"

Seth groaned when she caressed his aching shaft through his slacks. "No, you didn't."

"Then I should correct that or at least show you."

"You can do whatever you want. I'm yours."

Gabriela resumed freeing him from his clothing by taking his belt off first. Next, she slid his zipper down an inch at a time until he thought he'd go crazy. He ached to strip them both and take her right there, but he also loved letting her take control. Never had he let a woman be the one to dominate. With Gabriela, he craved it.

Soon he stood naked under the heat of the noon sun. She took his lips in a scorching kiss meant to claim ownership. Seth knew he would always remember the first time he'd seen her picture on the dating service web page. Every instinct told him at that moment she was special and she'd never let him down yet. 

"Honey, oh god," he moaned as she closed her mouth over his swollen shaft.

His hands shook as he touched her hair. Heat engulfed him as she continued to tease him with her tongue and teeth. Seth felt the heaviness in his balls and thrust deep into her throat. He pulled out and came all over her chin and neck with an agonized wail. 

Seth reached down and helped Gabriela up so they stood face to face. Without a word, he took her bathing suit off and made her as naked as he was. They took the few steps to the pool and dove in. 

"You never did say why you came home."

"Do I need a reason?"

"No, it's just unusual for you to leave the office."

Gabriela hoped he would say he wanted to see her but still wasn't sure. After his injuries overseas, she worried about him even though he didn't want her to.

"I've been thinking ..."

She waited for him to go on. 

"We talked so long on the computer before we met. Some days that time seems almost unreal. I mean, think of the odds that Erik would see your picture and show me. That site had thousands of ads on it."

"Destiny, Seth."

"I had a good life before I met you. Work kept me busy and my daughter made sure my grandson saw me often. It was nice."

Gabriela tried to read him by the look on his face. Somehow, she didn't feel threatened by his words.

"You changed everything."

Unsure of where he was taking this conversation, she held back. Her mind raced with so many things she wanted to ask, though.

"All my life I thought I was happy. I enjoy what I do and Shelby gave me the most beautiful grandson. It took you to make me see I was empty inside."

Seth watched her as he spoke. She thought she hid some of her emotions from him, especially the tears. Nothing got past him but he didn't tell her that. Now he read her face like a book. Love sparkled in her eyes and warmed his heart.

"Thank you for that."

He slid off his raft and kissed her forehead. "You're mine, don't ever forget that. But it comes at a price."

Gabriela followed him by slipping into the cool water. It refreshed her heated skin and gave her a moment to answer. "Name it, it's yours."

"It's simple, honey. You have to take me in return."

She saw the jutting of his erection and caught her breath. "Yes."

They wrapped towels around each other and walked inside to the bedroom. Gabriela was fully prepared to take him in every way possible.



A Journey of Passion Ch. 08



Gabriela had been living with Seth for a few weeks and loved it. He was everything she thought and more. Her apartment in Indiana still had a couple of months to go on the lease and she decided dealing with it could wait. Now she only wanted to learn more about the gorgeous man that was sharing her life.

Back home she'd worked but here so far she didn't. Gabriela felt a bit odd letting Seth take care of her even though he liked having her home. He reminded her he could afford to support her as well. Just looking at his home made that obvious. Not ostentatious, it was elegant. The rooms were all bright and cheery, letting in as much of the outdoors as possible. She knew that before Seth's injury he'd gone on assorted missions quite often. His home provided the calm and peace he needed when he returned. 

There was very little of a personal nature in it, though. Paintings, décor and other furnishings were all like thousands of others. Most days she spent her spare time in the pool, downstairs in the gym or walking the grounds. It was difficult to adjust to living in someone else's home, in her opinion. Gabriela wasn't sure what she dared do yet, so she stayed back for the most part. One evening Seth asked her about it.

"Is there anything you'd like to change in the house?"

"What do you mean?" 

"Would you like different furniture, or accessories, paint, anything?" he asked.

"Seth, this is your ho—"

"No, baby, this is your home too. If you don't like something, tell me. Anything you want done, I'll see it gets taken care of."

She stared at him for the longest time as she tried to comprehend what he'd just said. 

"But, you have things like you want them. If I changed anything you might not approve," she replied.

"Honey, if it makes you happy, then I'll like it. This is just a place. It's never really been a home and you made me see that."

She went into his arms and hugged him close. How she had ever been content before she met him she didn't know. So many things in her life were clearer now. She'd existed for so many years, telling herself she was happy. Friends and family didn't make up for the lack of a real love, though.

"I have some things in my apartment that would fit in here perfect."

"Then we'll get them here. In fact, I was thinking of that apartment just this morning," he said with a grin.

"You were? Why?"

"Unless you plan to go back to it, then there's no need to keep it."

Gabriela knew this was an important moment in their relationship. "I agree."

"Baby, I know we haven't been living together long. You're my life, my future, the light that I need to survive. Stay with me, close up your old place and never go back there."

"Before we met in person, I had all sorts of dreams. You know all the things we talked about doing together. But I had more, too. Some people might say they were selfish wishes, even. I never saw them as anything more than daydreams. You're making them come true, Seth. I'm not sure how to ever make you understand what that means to me, or even how important you are to me."

"Oh honey, you don't get it. I love you and only want to make you as happy as I am. The uncertainty of having your apartment back there makes me nervous, if you must know. I worry that you're keeping it as a way out if you get tired of me."

"No, that isn't it at all. I was afraid if I gave it up you'd think I was being too forward."

They looked at each other and laughed at how silly they'd been. Gabriela made plans the next morning to return to her apartment and close it up. She'd have to go alone since Seth had business. Neither of them looked forward to the separation. 

****

Seth sat at his desk and stared out the window but saw nothing. He'd just returned from the airport and felt bereft without Gabriela. Closing up her apartment was something she needed to do but he still hated being apart from her. 

A knock on his office door brought him back to the present. 

"Hey boss, how you doing?"

Erik stood in the doorway and watched Seth. He knew Gabriela was gone for a while and hoped to distract his friend. 

"Yeah Erik, you need something?"

It was obvious Seth hadn't paid attention to his question but Erik let it go. "Jessie and I thought you might want to join us for dinner tonight."

"Dinner?"

"Seth, you have to eat. I'm thinking that when Gabriela gets back you'll be using a lot of energy."

His exaggerated wink had Seth laughing. "I always need that with her. She's wild and loves "

"Whoa, I don't think I need to know that." Erik put up a hand as he interrupted his boss.

"Right, you don't. However, I intended to say she loves me."

"You're different since you came home, less restless, content and you smile more. A pretty blonde with blue eyes wouldn't be responsible for that would she?" Erik asked.

"You've respected my need for privacy even though I'm sure you had questions. I've said enough for you to have an idea of what I was doing when I left without any notice. My injuries were serious as you heard. I have you to thank for bringing her into my life, Erik. For that, I'm grateful. But, I owe her my life."

Erik wondered at what all the man in front of him had seen in his life. Maybe he didn't want to know, he decided on second thought.

"Both Jessie and I are looking forward to getting to know Gabriela better. She has to be something pretty special to bring down a man like you."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Seth asked.

"Come on, Seth, I'm sure you've had your choice of women over the years. I've seen a few hot numbers on your arm before."

"That's all they had going for them, Erik. I don't want someone shallow that worries only about having others see them in the right places. Gabriela is real. She cares about people, not things."

"Are you happy?" Erik could see he was but wanted to hear it.

"With her I'm alive. She brings joy to my days that I never realized I lacked until I met her. I think before I just went through life without thinking about it."

"You deserve it. I don't pretend to know much about your other life, but I can guess it wasn't pretty. Now it's time for some good things to happen and it looks like she's the one to do that for you."

"This is forever for me. I'm not letting her go," Seth replied.

"Good. Now about dinner ..."

Seth chuckled and nodded. He liked Jessie, Erik's new girlfriend. A short blonde just a bit overweight, she didn't appear to be Erik's type. He loved outdoor activities whereas she didn't understand any of them. Now he was teaching her the ones he thought she could do. Somehow, the couple meshed better than most he knew.

They set a time and place to meet that evening for dinner and both went back to work. Seth struggled to concentrate but clients had concerns that only he could answer. His cell phone rang mid-afternoon just as he checked the time.

"I made it, baby."

"Hi honey, I've been thinking of you," Seth said. "How was the flight?"

"Everything went fine, but I miss you already."

"Yeah, I feel the same. Whose dumb idea was it for you to leave anyway?" 

"I guess we'll share the blame there," she replied with a laugh.

They talked about her plans while she was back at the apartment. Seth knew her daughter Nicole was helping her pack the items she wanted shipped back to Florida. Gabriela looked forward to spending some time with her only child, too. She missed Nicole now that she lived so far away.

He told her about his dinner plans with Erik and Jessie that evening. Gabriela encouraged him to invite the couple over when she returned so she could get to know them better. Neither wanted to hang up but Seth had a business call come through so he had to go. They both knew they would be on the phone often.

****

Music soothed her soul and gave her energy. Both would help after the restless night she had. Gabriela turned up the radio and went back into the bedroom. She started packing but wanted to ask Nicole if she would like a few of the items. Many of the extra things would go to her favorite charity. 

She'd made a list on the plane of belongings she was keeping. Now Gabriela began to sort everything into separate areas. Friends teased her about how organized she was but it came in handy in situations like this.

Nicole showed up with a bag of bagels for them mid-morning. They sat with a cup of coffee and chatted first. Next, they went through the questionable pieces and soon the apartment had stacks of boxes all over. 

"Mom, you look different," Nicole said during a short break.

"How so?"

"Well, you always looked great, but now, I don't know what it is."

"Seth has a gym and a pool so I'm getting lots of exercise. That hasn't hurt me for sure," Gabriela remarked.

"That's got to be rough, not working, just swimming or working out when you want to."

The two laughed but Gabriela knew she was fortunate. If Seth lived in a trailer, she'd still love him. The rest was just stuff. That didn't mean she wasn't going to enjoy it since he had it, though.

"You look happier than I've ever seen you, Mom."

"I wasn't looking for anyone, Nicole. Putting that ad on the dating site was a joke, really. You saw how many crazy replies I received. Seth is more than I ever thought I'd find in one man."

"He loves you very much," Nicole stated.

"Yes, and everything he does shows me that. Not a day goes by that he doesn't tell me. It works both ways. I love him with everything in me. There's nothing I won't do for him."

"I think you proved that when you stood by him all those months he was hurt. Not many women would do that, Mom."

"There was never a question for me. Seth and I already talked long enough on the computer and telephone that I felt he could be important in my life. Deserting him when he was hurt wasn't an option for me."

"You deserve to be happy. Maybe I'll find someone like that even."

"Of course you will, Nicole. Not all men are like David. You're young and have plenty of time."

"I can't believe I was so stupid to believe him. David used me right from the beginning and I never saw it."

"Life has lessons for all of us. Not everything was great in my marriage to your father, either. I look at how blessed I am to have you and the bad is forgotten." Gabriela hoped her daughter would one day find someone that treated her right.

"Dad lost out when he left you," Nicole said.

"Honey, he gave up the world when he deserted you."

"Thanks Mom. I can't wait to meet this Seth of yours, you know. I want to give him a hug for making you so happy."

"You're going to like him, Nicole."

"Too bad he doesn't have a son then." Nicole laughed and winked.

Mother and daughter hugged and went back to packing. They talked all through the day and ordered a pizza in for dinner. Gabriela longed to hear Seth's voice but didn't want to push Nicole away either. She didn't know when they'd see each other again.

"Okay, Mom, I'm going home so you can call Seth. Tell him hello for me. I'll be back in the morning."

Gabriela smiled at her daughter. "Thank you for all your help today. I couldn't do this without you."

She looked at the clock while she dialed Seth's number as soon as she was alone.

"I missed you so much today," she said when he answered.

"Me too, baby. How's Nicole? Did you two have a good day?"

"She's a great help, Seth. I'm going to miss her again."

"You can invite her down to see you. We have plenty of space," Seth replied.

"I'll do that later, after ..."

"Yes?" he asked.

She looked at the ceiling and grinned. "Nicole can visit after we can control ourselves a little bit."

His laughter echoed through the phone. "So you're never asking her to come down?"

"That's probably about when we'll behave."

He loved the way she made him feel, even so far away. Seth wished he could hold her right that second and show her just what she did to him. They talked a few minutes longer before she began to yawn. He promised to call her in the morning before they hung up. Hours later, Seth still lay awake, missing her. 

****

Gabriela was tired and needed Seth. It took her a week but her packing was finally finished and the movers were there. Nicole chose several pieces for her own apartment and they'd found some of her friends to haul them for her. Soon Gabriela's life in Indiana would be just a memory. She'd never been more ready to get on a plane than she was at that moment.

"Mom, where are you?"

"I'm in the dining room, Nicole."

Nicole popped into the room with a huge grin. "So, are you horny yet?"

"Nicole!"

"Come on, Mom, you've been away from Seth for a week already. There's no way I'll believe the two of you haven't been sleeping together. I mean, you don't move away from everything you know just to be a roommate."

Gabriela smiled at her daughter. "You're right, but it's not something I'm discussing with you."

"Come on, I'm an adult. Are you embarrassed?" Nicole winked at her mom.

"Nicole, there are just some things mothers don't share with their daughters. This is one of them."

"So you aren't going to tell me if he rocks your world or makes you see stars? I guess you won't say whether he's built or not, either."

Gabriela wasn't the type that blushed over sex talk, but this was her daughter. A light pink tint stained her cheeks before she turned away.

"I knew it! Go, Mom!" The cheer from Nicole had them both giggling like teenagers. 

They chatted as they finished the last little bit of packing. Gabriela knew she'd miss her daughter but she looked forward to a new life with Seth.

"Nicole, will you be okay here alone?"

"Mom, isn't it a little late to ask me that now?"

"Yes, but I'm feeling a bit guilty now that it's almost time for me to go."

"If I found someone I loved and thought about moving away, would you want me to stay by you instead?" Nicole asked.

"Of course not, but that's different."

"Explain how it's okay for me to go but not you, then."

"I'm your mother and should be here for you. If I was responsible, I'd —"

"Stop, now. I don't want to hear anything more like that. You're thinking about that scumbag that dumped me, aren't you?"

"Are you going to be okay, really? I know how much David hurt you."

"You know, Mom, it did hurt then but you've made me see something important. David never loved me the way he should have. I ignored signs because I thought that after we got married he'd change. Then I heard how you talked about Seth and the way he treats you. I want what you have, Mom."

Gabriela looked at her daughter and knew then that she was right. Nicole would be okay. 

"There's nothing like it," Gabriela told her daughter. "Seth means the world to me."

"He's very lucky to have you."

Gabriela couldn't wait to see Seth. Her home was with him now, not here in this apartment. A new life waited for her in Florida. 

****

He held her pillow close and imagined Gabriela was there. It seemed like she'd been gone for months, not just a week. He longed to hold her and tell her how much she meant to him. Seth couldn't believe how his life had changed since he'd found her. It was a long time before he fell asleep but the dream started right away. 

Angry voices shattered the silence. Seth crouched into the corner of the shed and tried to understand the words. His head still throbbed where someone hit him hours ago. Each breath he took reminded him of the punches they'd thrown. He was sure they broke a rib or two. 

A sound caught his attention from his right. Positive he was alone before, he was on instant alert. He waited for further clues telling him if a human or animal shared his prison. Then again, out here, sometimes they were the same.

Minutes passed with more shouting nearby. Seth felt the sweat dripping down his back but didn't move. His training kicked in and his breathing slowed. A crack in the wall gave him a tiny strip of light as the clouds cleared. Dark eyes scanned the woods looking for any movement at all. 

His legs cramped and his ribs screamed in pain but Seth didn't flinch. Seconds ticked by and the voices faded into the distance. Night sounds came back to claim the jungle once more. 

"Follow me, Seth." 

The voice that whispered in his ear was feminine yet commanding. He shifted his eyes to take in the vision and gasped. 

"Yes, it's me, baby. I promised you I'd always be with you."

"Gabriela, how ..."

"Come, we must hurry. Take my hand and don't let go."

Seth stood and touched the soft fingers reaching out to him. Her energy and strength poured into him as they made their escape. In a short time, they came upon a soldier that only nodded to Gabriela. She smiled as hundreds more materialized to surround them. 

"Thank you, my friends. You have my respect and loyalty forever," she told them.

"You saved me," Seth said to her. 

Gabriela leaned into Seth and kissed him on the cheek. "I love you, Seth. It's that easy."

"I owe you my life. Without you, I wouldn't have made it."

"You're mine, Seth. No one else will ever have you."

"Only you."

Seth woke with his heart pounding and the images of the dream still in his head. A check of the time reassured him he wouldn't be waking Gabriela up. 

"Hello."

"Good morning."

"Honey, are you okay?" She heard the tension in his voice and worried. 

"Gabriela, this dream I had ..."

"Feel me hugging you, Seth. Right this minute, my arms are around you."

He couldn't believe how she knew the dream had some bad memories attached to it. She was amazing and he couldn't wait until she got home.

"Yes, baby, you feel so good."

"I love you, Seth. Don't ever forget that. No matter what happens or where you are, I'm with you."

He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. His sweet Gabriela always knew what he needed. She had indeed saved him. 

****

His heart pounded as he pictured her back in his bed. The weeklong separation taught him he'd never be apart from her again. Nothing was right without her. Shelby dropped in that evening to check on her dad. 

"Why are you so grumpy?"

"I'm not," he said and turned away.

"You are, too. I only asked you a simple question on the phone earlier and you gave me a ten-minute lecture. If you were a girl I'd say you had PMS."

"Mind your own business, Shelby. I have a lot on my mind."

She looked at her father and saw the tension in him. "It's Gabriela."

"What?"

"You really do love her," Shelby said in a quiet voice.

"She's everything to me. There's so much you don't know that happened between us."

"I'm listening, Dad. You can tell me anything you want."

"Shelby, you know of my other work. She and I were just making plans to meet in person when I got called away that last time."

"You were gone a long time, Dad. Something happened more than you said didn't it?" she asked.

"I was hurt worse than I told you, Shelby. When I could get to a computer, I contacted Gabriela. Maybe I should have come to you, but I needed her then. For weeks, she helped me forget the pain and get through therapy. She gave everything and asked for nothing. Her strength held me up when I was weak.

"We fell in love. I think we were close to it before. Daily we searched and explored deeper than most couples ever do over their entire lifetime. She's everything I need to complete me."

Shelby went over to her father and hugged him. "I love you, Dad. Gabriela is a very lucky woman to have you."

"No, I'm the lucky one. She's my forever, Shelby."

She nodded in understanding. "I'm happy for you, Daddy. You deserve someone good in your life."

"I'm sorry your life isn't going the way you hoped, Shelby. Never give up, though. Destiny brings us the love of our life in the oddest ways. I wasn't looking for love when Gabriela came into my life."




A Journey of Passion Ch. 08



"That's the best kind, Dad."

Shelby reminded her dad she was bringing Dallas over the next day and left. Seth sat for a long time lost in the memories of his special lady.

****

Water spots almost covered the bottom of his slacks but Seth just grinned. Dallas splashed in the kiddie pool while his mom lounged in the sun next to him. Gabriela was still gone and he hadn't been able to call her all day. He left work an hour early to spend time with Shelby and Dallas knowing his grandson would boost his spirits. 

"Grandpa, watch me!" 

"Hey, sport, you having fun there?"

Dallas shrieked and stomped in the shallow water. 

"Hi Dad, how was work?" Shelby asked.

"Real estate in Florida in today's market is a challenge, Shelby. I'm fortunate that I'm solvent enough to ride it out."

"So what you're saying is you busted butt all day for nothing and it didn't matter because you're stinking rich," she said and stuck her tongue out at him.

Seth grinned at her interpretation but didn't deny it. Investments had paid off well for him, as did his private work. He had simple tastes and didn't squander money, either. 

"I'm going to change. Do you want me to bring you anything when I come back out?"

"Juice," Dallas yelled as he kicked his legs again.

"You got it, sport. Shelby, anything for you?" he asked again.

"Nah, I'm fine."

"Juice, Grandpa."

"I'll be right out, Dallas. You watch your mommy while I'm gone okay?"

Seth slipped out of his clothes and stood in front of the mirror. He tried to see himself as Gabriela did and felt the slight twitching in his groin at the thought of her. Everywhere he looked, he saw her. He closed his eyes and swore he heard her voice.  

"Hey, baby."

"Gabriela, love."

"Look in the mirror, Seth. See me next to you?"

"Yes, I do."

"Watch as I touch you. Feel my hands on your skin."

"Oh Gabriela, look how hard I am already. You do this to me, only you."

"That's it, baby, let yourself go. Touch yourself with me, Seth. Wrap your hand around your shaft like I do."

He followed her words without question. His heart raced when she brushed her nipples against his back. 

The light in the room cast shadows over them as they moved together. She murmured soft words, taking him closer to losing it. A deep ache built in him until he couldn't hold back. 

"Oh god," he groaned as spurts of hot cum spilled down his fingers. "I love you, Gabriela."

"I love you, Seth. Never forget that, okay baby?"

Seth tried to calm his ragged breathing before he replied when he realized he was alone. He looked in the mirror and swore he saw her smiling at him. Yet he knew she was still back in Indiana for another day. 

****

Gabriela's plane touched down an hour late. Seth paced as he waited for the woman that consumed his thoughts. She was coming home and he didn't plan to let her go again. 

Passengers poured down the ramp and scattered among the waiting crowd. Seth watched as people hugged and small children ran up to eager parents. His heart almost stopped when he looked up and saw Gabriela. She was with an elderly woman that looked terrified. He watched as she turned to Gabriela with tears in her eyes. His beautiful lady scanned the area and pointed to a corner as she leaned closer to the woman. 

"Grandma, here, over here," a young girl called out.

A smile lit up the woman's face as she recognized her granddaughter. She looked at Gabriela and tugged her along as they made their way to the anxious waving girl. Seth wanted to go to Gabriela but he sensed the older woman needed her a bit longer. Instead, he waited. 

Gabriela accepted the hug from the tiny woman and smiled. She turned and looked around before pointing his way. He saw her speak to the two women and then wave as she walked up to him.

"Noreen says that you're hot," Gabriela said as soon as she reached him. "I agree. Take me home, baby."

Seth held her close as they gathered her luggage and left. He thought about the older woman and smiled. It was just like Gabriela to help someone scared and alone in a busy airport. She was one in a million and he wasn't letting her go. 

****

NOTE:

There are only two chapters left. I hope you continue reading the story of Seth and Gabriela.



A Journey of Passion Ch. 09



A Journey of Passion: The Holidays

This year he had so many things to be thankful for, Seth reflected. Shelby and Dallas both were smiling more after Rex's death. They both were healing and moving on as best they could. 

Then there was Gabriela. She was the best thing in his life. His office staff even teased him about the way he'd changed since he met her. They assured him he'd always been a nice guy but now he looked happier to them. It didn't even surprise them when he took off in the middle of the day anymore. 

Gabriela' daughter Nicole had a rough year when her fiancée took off with a coworker just two months before their wedding. It was a big adjustment to have her mom move away, too. She was about the same age as Shelby and the two hit it off as soon as they met.

He saw his mom in the kitchen with Dallas. Effie loved her great-grandson and spoiled him more than Seth did. They were frosting cookies and having a great time. Seth was sure Dallas was wearing more of the sugary confection than the cookies were.

Yes, he had so much to be thankful for, he thought once more. 

"Grandpa, look," Dallas said when Seth joined them in the kitchen.

"Hey sport, you're doing a good job there."

"Your grandpa and I used to frost cookies when he was little like you, Dallas."

Dallas looked at the big man next to him with confusion. "You were like me?"

"That's right, sport."

"Will I grow up to be big like you, Grandpa?"

"You might even be bigger, Dallas," Seth told the boy.

"I saw a biggerer man at the store. His belly was so fat his shirt didn't button. I don't wanna be that big, Grandpa."

Effie held back her laughter at what she'd just heard from the young boy. It still amazed her how observant he was for his age. Dallas was almost three and a pistol. 

Gabriela slipped her arm around Seth's waist and squeezed. "Having a good time?"

"I am, yes. It's been too long since I celebrated Thanksgiving with my family. Thank you for doing this, baby."

"You're welcome, Seth. I love the holidays and I'm glad everyone could make it."

Seth gave her a loving smile and kissed her forehead. The noise around them faded for a moment as he inhaled her scent.

"Dad, can't you ever behave?" Shelby called out.

Gabriela grinned when she heard Nicole pipe in. "Yeah Mom, can't you ever behave?"

"You know, girls, it's a bit tough to resist when you have a man as handsome as mine."

They all laughed as she ran her hand over the curve of his bottom and winked. Effie saw the way her son looked at the woman and knew he'd found his other half. Gabriela had class that came from within. Her love for Seth came through in so many ways. Theirs was a rare and unique relationship envied by all around them.

Effie asked Nicole and Shelby to help her before shooing her son out of the kitchen. Gabriela and Seth made sure the table was ready and then helped Dallas into his chair. As the food came out, the noise level escalated. 

Seth looked around the table and felt his heart swell. His family was all here with him on this Thanksgiving Day. He knew that he'd been close to not making it to this point. Gabriela brought him through that horrible time. 

Yes, he had much to be thankful for, he told himself. 

****

Thanksgiving was a huge success for them all. Gabriela and Seth were now getting ready for Christmas. Nicole was flying back down a few days early and Gabriela planned to go with her to finish their Christmas shopping at the local malls. Shelby looked forward to seeing Nicole again. The two got along well and talked often.

Dallas loved Gabriela. He struggled with her name in the beginning and somehow it came out as 'Gabry'. Grandma Gabry soon became one of his favorite people. The two always did a craft together that made him feel special. She was patient with him and explained things instead of ignoring him. Seth could see why Nicole had turned out to be the caring and intelligent adult she was. 

Today Seth and Gabriela sat out by the pool and took some time for just the two of them. Saturdays were often busy for him in the real estate business but he'd delegated more work to his staff since Gabriela had moved in with him. She was his priority now, not work. He still couldn't believe all the changes in his life. 

"I think we should celebrate next month," he said.

"Did you have something in mind?"

She didn't even have to ask what the occasion was. Gabriela remembered all too well the date he'd contacted her. 

"I see this last year as a journey for us. We went through different stages to get to today. It's similar to a cruise. First, you have the beginning. Then you stop at all these ports to explore and discover what's there before moving on to another one. Each adds a bit more to make a complete trip."

"That's perfect, Seth. I love it."

Gabriela knew that no one saw Seth as she did. To friends and family he was tough, in control and confident at all times. He was so much more with her. Small things like comparing the past year to a cruise would shock others. She knew he was deeper than they realized.

They talked about places they'd traveled to for a while. Gabriela had never been out of the United States and loved hearing about Seth's trips to other countries. It didn't even bother her that he'd gone with his then-wife at the time. The woman was a part of his past just as her ex-husband was hers. 

"Did you ever think we'd come this far in a year?" Gabriela asked.

"Erik said you were the one for me. He called it karma or fate, I think. Then I looked at your picture and felt this tingling shoot through me. It was almost like a zap to my heart. I knew it was crazy and things like that didn't really happen but I couldn't stop staring at your eyes. Erik thought he talked me into sending you that e-mail but I would have anyway. I felt that you'd be important to me somehow."

"I love you Seth."

"Baby, I love you, too."

"Your e-mail didn't have anything specific or unusual to it. I read it and smiled. Your words hit me as real and honest not just put there to get a date. It was so odd how I could feel things from them. Yes, destiny brought us together."

"We've been on a journey unlike most people ever take. Our relationship took us through struggles many couples never see. You and I have only grown stronger with each bump in our path. I know our future won't be perfect but our love already has proven it can get us over the rough spots," he said.

"I agree, Seth. We're not like any other couple I ever knew. You and I learned early to talk and that's key."

"It is, baby. We're forever."

They both forgot about making any special plans. Their entire life was already more than they'd ever expected to find with another ever again. 

****

As soon as Thanksgiving was past, Gabriela decorated the house for Christmas. Effie was on her way over for lunch and she was just a bit nervous. Seth's mom was great but she'd invited herself over on the premise they needed to talk about holiday plans. Now Gabriela straightened things unnecessarily as she waited for Effie to arrive.

Soon Gabriela heard the dogs bark and went to the door. Effie was just parking her car as she walked out to meet her. 

"Hello, come on in."

"There's a bag on the backseat. Grab it for me, will you child?" Effie asked.

They went on in with Gabriela carrying the heavy bag and Effie loaded down with a covered bowl.

"Just set it over there and I'll show you after lunch. I'm starving."

Gabriela set out a platter of deli meats and cheeses along with fresh bakery buns. Then she grabbed some bowls for the fruit salad Effie brought. It was simple fare but delicious. They had a pleasant meal and shared in the cleaning up afterward. 

Effie went into the living room and sat on the sofa with the bag she'd brought at her feet. "I thought you might be interested in seeing these."

Gabriela watched as she pulled out three photo albums. Seth's mom handed her one to start with.

"This is his baby book. I didn't get a lot of pictures of him because we didn't have much money then. Sometimes, I'd get a neighbor to snap a few since we didn't have a camera until he was two years old. Dallas looks just like him in some of these."

She took her time looking at the assorted poses. It crossed her mind that Seth had been a beautiful baby. 

"My son never used to be sentimental. At times, I even wondered if he felt anything at all. His divorce was long ago but he never was serious about anyone. Some of the women he dated were only after his money, too."

"Yes, there is always that kind of person in the world, it seems."

"You aren't like them, Gabriela. My son has sides to him I am guessing only you know. He's deeper than most people realize. It's obvious he loves you very much," Effie said.

"No, I didn't even know about his money in the beginning. He could be broke and I'd still love him, Effie."

"You're good for him. I don't begin to understand everything about that other business he was involved in. He tells me you're the reason he made it through those days in the hospital."

"It was easy, Effie, and he'd do the same for me," she replied.

The two women looked through all the albums. Gabriela loved seeing him as a child. She felt it gave her another look into who he was.

"Thank you, Effie, for this."

"You make my son happy, Gabriela. I'm old but not blind. He'd give you the world if he could. I can see you aren't the kind to abuse that, though."

"No, I won't. Seth completes me. Without him, I have nothing," Gabriela said.

"You'll make him a fine wife."

Gabriela laughed at that. "Well, we haven't gotten that far yet."

"You will, child, you will. Take my word for it. My son isn't stupid. He won't let you go."

Seth stood in the kitchen and listened to his mother. No, he wasn't stupid at all. There was no way he was letting Gabriela go. 

****

Was it possible to feel like she was meeting the principal at her age, Gabriela wondered. She looked in the full-length mirror once more before walking back to the closet.

"This outfit is all wrong. They'll think I have no taste. What was I thinking anyway?" she muttered to herself.

She peeled the dress over her head and tossed it onto the bed. Hangars of skirts and slacks all slid to the side as she rummaged through them. She was getting ready for Seth's staff Christmas party and she was nervous. Gabriela had met a few of the employees but not all of them. Spouses and significant others would be there to make for a large group. 

"Talking out loud again, I see."

"Seth, you scared me."

"Too busy shoving those clothes back and forth," he said with a grin. "So what's the problem here?"

"Nothing I have looks right. I want them to like me and —"

"Hold on, baby." Seth already knew what she was going to say and stopped her. "Take my word for it, they already like you. What you wear won't matter."

"But, I don't want to look old or fat or out of style ..."

"There's nothing you own that does any of that, trust me. You're gorgeous and you have excellent taste. Just look who your man is."

His last comment seemed to break all the tension in her body. She leaned over and kissed him before looking again through her clothing.

"It's a bit cooler today so I think this works. Besides, the color matches your shirt."

Seth glanced at the sleeveless dress she held in front of her. "I love that one on you. Of course, it's better yet when it's off ..."

He reached for her and pulled her against his chest. Their lips met in a slow teasing kiss as his fingers walked across her spine. She moaned when he cupped her cheeks and ground himself against her.

"I need you," he whispered.

Hands tore at clothing and ripped it off until both were naked. Hot wet lips latched onto her nipples at the same time two fingers dipped into her creamy center. Her nails dug into his shoulders leaving crescent shaped marks sure to bruise later. Seth shoved her against the wall before lifting her over him. Smooth shapely legs wrapped around his body. The shift in position placed the tip of his aching shaft in the perfect spot to sink into her depths. Seth groaned at the way her muscles tightened around him. They moved together in a heated rhythm that spoke of their deep need for each other. 

Gabriela didn't even feel the rough wall scraping her back as he pounded her. His chest crushed into hers until her body screamed for release. 

"Yes, oh baby, yes, now," she wailed.

She clenched tight and coated him with her juice. The intensity took his breath away as his orgasm almost brought him to his knees. Still shaking, he lowered her and held her close. 

"Oh honey, you make me lose control so fast."

"Mm, I love it when you do," she murmured into his neck. 

"If we didn't have to leave soon, I'd show you what else I can do."

"Oh my god, your staff. Seth, we have to get ready."

"I'm the boss, remember? They'll wait for me," he said with a grin.

"They're used to you being late are they?"

She knew better but loved teasing him. 

"Wear the blue, baby. You know it's my favorite color," he said as she headed for the shower.

"I'll wear it for you. After all, the only one I have to impress is you, right?"

"You did that a long time ago, Gabriela. Now all you have to do is let me make you happy."

"You did that a long time ago," she replied with a wink.

****

The party was already going strong when they walked in. Gabriela and Seth knew they were late but figured that no one would care. He was the boss after all.

"Hey guys, glad you could finally make it," Erik said. "I was ready to give up on you."

More of the staff noticed them and Seth motioned for everyone's attention. 

"I know that most of you here have met my lady. For the rest of you, this is Gabriela Bartolome. A friendly warning, people, she's mine."

Seth grinned as boo's erupted around the room. Gabriela laughed at the good-natured ribbing Seth was taking.

The caterers had a buffet set up for them. Everyone wandered from his or her table to Seth's at some point. No one wanted to miss a chance at talking to the beautiful woman that captured Seth. A few of the staff had been with him for several years and were glad to see him happy. They knew the women he'd dated in the past had been all wrong for him and Gabriela proved it. She was nothing like those pompous arrogant bumble heads.

Gabriela helped Seth pass out the gifts they'd purchased for his staff. Most years he picked up generic Christmas items but Gabriela wanted to do something different. First, they'd gone to the outlet mall and procured baskets for everyone. Then she'd searched and found glass-blown ornaments at a little shop in town. A stop at the local candle factory brought a smile to her face at the choices for the holiday. A couple more stops and she announced they had enough. 

Seth thought they'd need bigger baskets but she just laughed. He'd discovered long ago how organized she was. She put all the gifts in rows and the baskets went under the table when they got home. They hauled out the candies they'd made and soon had an assembly line going. Seth added several gift cards to each one as they went. The finished packages looked fantastic to him and he made sure she knew it. 

The staff approved as well. Seth heard them talking about what good taste his woman had and smiled. He already knew that, of course. 

One by one, they all left until Seth and Gabriela were the only ones remaining. 

"Let's go home, love," he said as he reached for her hand.

****

Something made him think back to the day he'd left on his last mission. Seth and the others on the team went overseas to rescue a kidnapped senator and his wife. They'd worked together several times and were all well trained. 

The timing for his trip was horrible. He'd only known Gabriela a short time through the computer and telephone. They talked about meeting since she lived in another state but it hadn't happened yet. His only hope was the mission would go smooth and he'd return in days. No one can plan for ambushes by the enemy, though, Seth knew. His main thought when he'd come out of the fog brought on by the drugs was getting word to Gabriela. 

She'd been his rock for all the months he'd been stuck over there in the hospital. Never hinting at frustration or impatience, she'd kept his spirits up and helped keep him sane. Five months of hell over there and she'd stuck with him. She amazed him.

He loved her with all his heart. Gabriela changed him. Or maybe he only realized how unhappy he was inside while he was laid up. He didn't know for sure but she was his and that was the most important part. 

Seth looked out his office window and saw the way the sun sparkled off the buildings. She wasn't truly his yet but he was going to change that, he decided right then.

"Jill, I'm out of here for the day," he told one of the office girls as he shoved the door open and stepped outside.

The middle-aged woman stared after her boss and stopped typing. More and more Seth was taking time from the office but it was still unusual to see. The staff knew he worked hard and didn't expect them to do it all for him. His behavior had changed since Gabriela came into his life, though. He was happier and it showed.

Seth walked into his favorite jewelry store a short time later and nodded at the owner. He strode over to the small counter for private showing and grinned.

"It's time, Ralph."

"Yes Mr. Flynch. If you'd give me an idea of what you have in mind?"

He looked through the glass cases and shook his head. "I'm looking for unique, Ralph. Something that has class and isn't gaudy."

The older man unlocked a cabinet down by his feet and brought up a red case. It held four rings of assorted stones and carats. Seth picked up the first one to get a clearer look. Each ring followed as he held them to the light and twisted them on his pinkie. 

"Give me the specs on this one, Ralph."

"A beautiful selection, the pear shape center diamond is two-and-a-half carats. Each one-and-a-quarter carat side diamond is the same pear shape. It has sixty-eight bead set diamonds with a total weight of just under a carat. The platinum medium and intricately detailed band lends an old-world charm."

"The clarity ...?"

"You won't be disappointed. Only an expert can detect the slightest of flaws with a specialized microscope."

"Certification is through ...?"

"It's certified through the Gemological Institute of America, Mr. Flynch."

"Ah yes, GIA, the world's authority in gemology and diamond grading. It's beautiful. Ralph, as you know."

"It's an amazing piece that's well worth the price," Ralph said.

"And that would be ...?"

"The price is $74,300.00, Mr. Flynch."

Seth didn't react to the number, showing he was expecting something close. "I'll take it, Ralph."

"A wise choice that I'm sure will make your lady very happy."

They took care of the details and Seth left. He couldn't wait to get home to Gabriela. 

Seth drove up the winding road with one thing in mind. Of course, Gabriela was always on his mind. His purchase that afternoon made him want to strip her and take her hard and fast. He needed to feel her heat, to pound into her, make her his, until she screamed. The intense desire for this woman clawed at him day and night. She'd bewitched him and he loved it.

He pulled his Cayenne into the garage and jogged into the house. Gabriela didn't know he was coming home early. The scene in front of him in their bedroom stopped him in his tracks.

Gabriela stood by her dresser wearing a scrap of material for panties and matching bra. The creamy color set off her tan to perfection. 

"Do you have any idea what you do to me?"

"Seth!"

He stopped in front of her and skimmed his fingers over her arm. "I need you."




A Journey of Passion Ch. 09



"I'm here." She hadn't moved, just looked deep into his eyes with love and adoration.

Seth slipped one strap down her arm until he saw the tip of her nipple peeking over the cup of her bra. His tongue slithered across the creamy flesh and stopped just short of the hard tip. The instant surge of blood to his groin was almost painful.

Gabriela arched her back to bring his mouth closer to her aching body. Soft whimpers escaped her throat as he teased and tasted her skin. 

"Seth, please."

"What, love, tell me."

"I need to touch you, to feel you, next to me, your skin ..."

"Yes, baby."

He stepped back and kicked his shoes off. He fumbled with his belt until she reached over and helped. His hands shook with desire and longing. The buttons slipped through the holes and soon he stood naked in front of her. 

"Look, Gabriela, look at what you do to me." 

His words came out as a growl, deep and sensual. Gabriela took her time running her fingers over his chest before going lower. Her knuckles skimmed across his thighs as she sank to her knees on the carpet. 

Seth couldn't breathe. His body was betraying him. Every nerve in him was on fire as her tongue snaked over his throbbing erection. His knees buckled when he felt her slip it into his slit. She lifted his sac and nibbled on his skin only to slurp one of his balls into her cheek. Never would he tire of this woman, he knew, and not just because of what she did to him. 

"Baby, oh god, I'm so hard."

"Mm, I know. I love it when you're like this."

Her teeth grazed his shaft as she took him deep into her mouth. He thought he was going to lose it when she massaged his sac at the same time. Beads of sweat trickled down his spine and on his forehead. Seth gripped her hair and tugged her up to take her lips. His flavor on her tongue was intoxicating.

Seth ground his lower body into hers and deepened the kiss. One hand found the clasp on her bra to release it, spilling her breasts onto his chest. Impatient, he ripped the panties off and threw them over her shoulder. 

"Now, baby, I need you now."

He pushed her into the wall and lifted her up. She spread her legs wide to give him free access as he plunged into her slippery center. Her teeth sank into his shoulder as he pounded and slammed into her. Gabriela clawed at his skin as she let herself go. Seth couldn't think, he couldn't see, his body screamed for release. He buried his rigid member further and emptied his seed into her center.

"I love you Gabriela, more than life itself."

"You're mine, Seth. I love you, too."

She slid down his body and hugged him close. The emotional bond between them left her raw and vulnerable. Yet there wasn't anyplace on earth she'd rather be. He was hers, forever.

****

Hundreds of lights sparkled from the tree and along the banister. Seth studied the beautiful woman wrapping yet another Christmas gift at the table. This was her favorite holiday she'd told him when they first began sharing tidbits about themselves so many months ago. 

"Honey, do you think I should get something else for Shelby?"

"I thought you were finished with your shopping."

"Yes, but I've been thinking. Maybe I should find a gift for her that's from just me." 

"That's up to you, but she'll be happy with whatever you choose to do."

Gabriela finished marking the tag and tucked it under the bow before adding the package to the growing stack near the tree. Another name crossed off the list, she thought to herself and smiled. That left just Seth and she still didn't know what to get for him.

"Did you ever make a list for me, Seth?"

"I have everything I want and need — you."

Seth stood in front of her as he spoke and gazed into her blue eyes. The faint musky scent of her cologne tickled his nostrils as he pulled her closer. 

"It's going to be difficult to wrap myself and lay under the tree Christmas morning for you," she said with a grin.

"Just imagine all the fun I'll have unwrapping you, though. My hands can twist you and carefully take each layer of paper off you ..."

"Seth," she moaned. 

His hands rested on her hips as he leaned in to give her a soft kiss. "Yes, baby?"

"That isn't what I meant and you know it. How can I buy you a gift if I don't know what you might want?"

"Find a big bow and put it on yourself. You can be my present," he said before he went into the kitchen.

"Seth Flynch, that is no help at all." 

He laughed as she threw a glittery gold ribbon at him. "Then you'll have to just skip buying me anything this year."

"Not on your life will I do that. There's still plenty time for me to find the perfect thing."

Gabriela pretended she was mad as she cleaned up her mess. She'd already shopped several times for the handsome man in her life but only found some small items. The right gift was out there if she looked hard enough.

Seth grabbed a bottle of water before heading upstairs. His mind was on his gift to Gabriela. The diamond engagement ring was beautiful and he couldn't wait to see it on her hand. Right now, it was locked away in his safe where she couldn't find it. He only hoped he wasn't mistaken and that she'd say yes. A quick check on the computer showed nothing pressing to cover. It was late and he was tired. Tomorrow he'd think again about when he'd propose.

****

Seth looked forward to the holidays for the first time in several years. He'd gone through the motions for his daughter before but didn't really feel the joy of the season. This year he found himself in the midst of it all. He and Gabriela had gone shopping together several times to find the perfect gifts for those on her list. They'd wrapped presents and put them under the enormous tree until he didn't think they could find room for another one. 

Now he found himself mixing the ingredients for fudge. Seth chuckled as he imagined the reaction on his friends faces if they saw him now. 

"Mixing fudge is funny?" 

Gabriela loved how Seth didn't act too macho to pitch in when she asked for help. Christmas was her favorite holiday and this was their first one together. She wanted to make it special for their families. 

"I was thinking about people's reactions if they saw me helping like this is all."

"Ah yes, the big tough guy image," she said and laughed.

"You know me too well for that. So what do I do next?"

She gave him the next steps and went back to melting chocolate for peanut clusters. They worked throughout the afternoon until Gabriela declared the day a success. Trays of dipped chocolates, fudge, pecan cups and more filled the refrigerator and covered the table.

"Baby, you're the best. Thank you for helping me with all of this today."

"You're welcome, honey. It was fun, really." Seth grinned at the admission.

"There's nothing like homemade goodies to me. They might not look perfect but it's the love that goes into making them that counts."

They finished packing the sweets away and cleaned the kitchen up. Gabriela felt a deep closeness to Seth that she could never quite explain to anyone. Times like this she knew would always be special memories for her. 

"I think I need a shower, Seth."

"Oh, I know you do and I think I should make sure you don't miss a spot."

"Mm, I love how you think."

His lips touched hers for just a moment before he backed her against the wall. Strong hands ran over her hips and traced her stomach. "You're mine, Gabriela."

"Yes, I am."

He held her hand as they walked through the cheery house. Christmas was a time to celebrate and he intended to begin right then. 

****

She wasn't really homesick, yet it didn't seem the same either. Gabriela looked around at all the Christmas decorations and wondered what was missing. Seth had a gorgeous home and she loved it there. They'd blended some of her items in with his for a tasteful look that suited them both. She'd shopped for some new ornaments to add with what they each had for an eclectic mix. However, it didn't feel quite right.

"Honey, does this look okay?" she asked Seth when he came into the room.

"It looks fine to me."

He looked around at the tree with its miniature lights and multitude of ornaments. The fireplace mantel had stockings for the girls and Dallas along with her favorite water globe collection. Assorted Santa's and angels sat on tables and the floor. Everywhere she'd transformed the room into a warm and cheery reminder of the coming season.

"I don't know but somehow it just doesn't feel right. Maybe it's just me."

Seth turned to her and tried to figure out what he was missing. Then it hit him. "I've got it."

"You do? Tell me then so I can fix it," she said.

"Oh you can't do anything about this. It's something you'll have to learn to live with, I guess."

"Seth, what are you talking about?"

"Honey, you have everything here looking gorgeous. The lights outside are beautiful at night. Everywhere it's Christmas."

"Then why does it still feel wrong?" she asked again.

"Look outside and tell me what you see."

The sun is out," she replied.

"Yes, now what don't you see?"

Gabriela gave him a puzzled look before it dawned on her what he meant. "There's no snow!"

"This is the first Christmas in warm weather for you. It's going to feel different no matter how much you do things the same as you did in Indiana."

"That's it, Seth. It was always cold and snowy by this time of the year back there. I'm not used to swimming outdoors in December." Her chuckle let him know she wasn't unhappy at all about that fact.

"If you'd rather go somewhere else ..."

"No, this is your home —"

"It's our home, Gabriela, not mine." He cut her off to point out the distinction.

"We aren't going anywhere for Christmas. The kids are planning on coming over for the day. Now that you pointed out it's just the weather, I'm fine. Believe me when I say that I don't miss shoveling at all."

He grinned at her and picked up the newspaper. "Somehow I don't think I would either," he said as he sat in his easy chair.

Gabriela wrapped a few more things and then put away the supplies. She ran upstairs for a quick shower and slipped into a loose basketball jersey. The warm weather made it one of her favorite items for evening lounge attire. 

"Honey, do you want anything?" she called out to Seth. 

"Sure, thank you."

She stopped in the doorway and studied the man that had taken over her heart. Strong, commanding and confident, he sent chills down her spine. Drinks forgotten, she moved to his side.

"I want something, too."

He heard the huskiness in her voice and dropped the paper in time to see her whip off her shirt. One strong hand pulled her onto his lap without saying a word. Their lips told a message of desire and need that burned in each of them. Gabriela straddled his legs and pressed her body tight to his. Neither of them thought about the weather.

****

They were coming up to the holiday season. Gabriela had looked for weeks for the right gift for Seth and never found it. He didn't really like jewelry and things meant so little to him. Here she sat a week before Christmas without anything special. She began to write, the words teasing her but not quite fitting together. Line after line of phrases and thoughts followed the same pattern. 

Gabriela ground the pencil into the paper and threw it across the room. Nothing sounded right and she knew it. Aggravation filled her at what should be a simple task. She looked at the clock and saw that Seth would be home anytime. Maybe tomorrow the words would flow better.

****

If he had to name just one characteristic that drew him to Gabriela, Seth knew he would struggle. Her compassion for others would be an option of course. The class and elegance she portrayed was obvious. He thought about the love she had for her family and friends. The woman had far too many outstanding traits for him to pick only one. 

Right now, she sat at the table working on another craft project with his grandson. Dallas was too young to realize she also used them to teach the boy. Her patient explanations stuck with him because of the unique way she worded things. Dallas remembered weeks later a small tidbit that always surprised Seth. Gabriela just shrugged her shoulders whenever he commented on her ability. She didn't see that she was anything special.

Seth straightened his back and felt the aches that never went away anymore. He thought about some of the positions the two of them found themselves in and chuckled. She made him forget about the broken bones and surgeries that left him moving a bit slower at times.

Life today was nothing close to how it was a year ago. Shelby had tried to get him to date but he just laughed her off back then. His work kept him busy. Besides, he couldn't get involved with anyone knowing he might leave on a mission any day. He knew that was in part to blame for his divorce.

That didn't even cross his mind when he saw Gabriela's picture. Those first weeks he learned many things about her. The hardest thing was leaving on that fateful mission. Yet, he often wondered if their relationship would be as close without that series of events.

"You look quite serious, Dad," Shelby said as she joined him in the den.

"Just thinking."

"I'm happy for you two. She's a great person."

"Did I say Gabriela was on my mind?" he asked and grinned.

"You don't have to; it shows on your face. She's good with Dallas, isn't she?"

"She loves him, Shelby, just as if he was her own."

"So when are you going to ask her to marry you?"

Seth looked out the window before he spoke. "You'd be okay with it if I did?"

"Dad, I'm more than all right with it. You two have what I always wanted. I see how you look at each other and the way you always know where the other one is. Tons of women would jump at the chance to date you. They see your wealth and status, not the man that you are. Gabriela isn't like that. She loves you for you."

"I'm not the same man that I was with your mother. Life taught me many things along the way. I've accepted the way our marriage ended and moved on. Gabriela came into my life when I wasn't looking for a woman. She is more than I ever thought I'd find." 

Shelby heard the emotion in her father's voice and smiled. "Go for it, Daddy."

Seth didn't answer as he thought about the engagement ring in the safe. He didn't have plans for when to propose but he knew the right time would present itself soon. Christmas was just days away. Maybe an extra gift given in private was in order.

The next days were busy with the last preparations for Christmas. Effie dropped in to see if Gabriela needed any help and the two spent the afternoon baking cookies. Seth's mother liked the young woman and could see they loved each other completely. She even overlooked how they lived together without being married because she knew her son would take care of that soon. 

Christmas Eve Gabriela planned dinner for just her and Seth since the entire family was joining them the next day. Nicole was staying with Shelby and Dallas that night to give them some privacy. 

Seth had been home for a while and they'd spent the time relaxing. Together they prepared a light dinner of their favorite foods. Soft Christmas music played and lights twinkled on the tree. 

"I have so many thoughts in my head right now, Seth."

"Tell me."

"You've given me so much this last year. I never thought our relationship would take the turns it did. Those months when you were gone cemented it for me. I loved you and didn't want to lose you. That was my greatest fear."

"Gabriela, I'm sorry I put you through that. It wasn't fair of me to make you wait."

"Seth, I chose to wait for you. Never forget that. I needed to be there for you. Leaving you wasn't an option for me."

"I love you so much."

He took her hand and led her to the bedroom. It was time, he knew. 

"Wait here, I'll be right back," he said as he planted a kiss on her forehead.

She sat on the edge of the bed and smiled. Her life was perfect right now and nothing could make it better.

Seth came back and scooted her over before joining her. He looked in her eyes as he spoke.

"Almost a year ago now you dropped into my life. Nothing has been the same since then. Before, I lived and now I'm alive. My work consumed me until I had nothing left. I never thought about why I got up each day or what I was doing. Today, I'm a new man because of you. Each part of me is revitalized and energized. You showed me that I needed more."

"Oh Seth," she whispered. "Loving you is so easy."

"Gabriela, you're everything to me. I'm hoping that you'll make me even happier." He opened the velvet box as he spoke and held it in front of her. "Will you marry me?"

"Seth, oh, oh, I love you. Yes, yes, I'll marry you!"

His fingers shook as he lifted the ring from its nest. Tears ran down her cheeks as he slipped it on her hand.

"It's gorgeous. Oh, honey, it's ..." She didn't know how to describe the exquisite beauty sparkling on her finger. 

"I love you with all my heart and soul. You saved me when I was hurt. There's nothing I won't do for you."

"Just love me, Seth. Forever."

"Forever, baby. Only you."

****

Christmas morning Gabriela rose early and snuck out of bed. She slipped into her robe and made her way through the quiet house. Everything reminded her of Seth. They'd made love long into the night after his surprise proposal. Her body hummed just thinking of all the things they'd done.

She made a quick stop in the kitchen for some juice and then went on to the living room. The ring glittered in the sunlight when she opened the curtains. Her heart pounded just as it had when Seth slid it on her finger the night before. She sat on the sofa to daydream and fell back asleep.

That's how Seth found her about an hour later. He took in how she cradled her hand as if protecting her ring and smiled. 

"Good morning," he said near her ear.

"Seth, hey, what time is it? I need to get ready."

"It's early yet. Shelby just called and said Dallas is having fun with Nicole. They'll be over at ten like we planned."

"Have I said how very much I love you?" Gabriela needed to say the words.

"I think so, but you could show me if you'd rather," he said and grinned.

She didn't have to be persuaded. 

****

The house was alive. Seth sat back and felt the love and joy of his family surrounding him. He'd made love to Gabriela next to the Christmas tree just hours ago. They'd teased each other with their hands and mouths until neither could think. Time slipped away from them and they'd had to rush to shower and get ready before their families showed up. 

She had decided to wait and not say anything about the engagement until someone noticed her ring. Seth knew it wouldn't take long for that to happen, though. He remembered the conversation he'd had with his daughter and figured she'd be the first to see it. 

"Oh my god, it's gorgeous!" 

Nicole's loud statement brought the other women over to where she was. Effie and Shelby stood next to her as they stared at Gabriela. Screams erupted and they all began talking at once.

"I can't believe you didn't tell us," Shelby yelled.

Effie looked closer at the ring then added, "From the size of this I'd say you must be treating my son darn good."

"Mom, why didn't you tell me?" Nicole said.

Gabriela looked at Seth for help. "Honey?"

He calmed the group of women down and told them how he'd proposed. They all had questions and the newly engaged couple did their best to answer them.

"When's the wedding, Dad?"

"Gabriela and I haven't talked about that but it's up to her. Tomorrow works for me, though," he remarked with a soft smile.

That brought on talk of plans and dresses and Seth just shook his head. "I'm easy, honey, you do whatever you want."




A Journey of Passion Ch. 09



"Oh, I can about imagine how easy you are, Dad. It's written all over you." Shelby winked and nudged him as she spoke.

The adults laughed but Seth knew she was right. Gabriela only had to look at him and he melted. 

Yes, the house was alive. Seth knew the next year could only get better.

****

Gift-wrapping and ribbons cluttered the floor but no one cared. Dallas was in the middle of every picture as he offered his assistance opening presents. Shelby and Nicole looked puzzled when their parents gave them each an envelope.

"We know you've both had a hard year. Shelby, Nicole, there's no way we can take away the hurt. Life didn't go the way we hoped for either of you. Gabriela and I wanted to do something to make this next year less stressful for you."

"Both of you are remarkable young ladies. I know your futures will be brighter," Gabriela added.

The girls looked at each other and slowly opened the envelopes. Shelby stared at the paper inside but didn't say a word. Nicole had tears in her eyes.

"I know you didn't have life insurance, Shelby. You had plans that have been on hold for several years now. Nicole, you were in a bad relationship that isn't in the picture anymore. We want you both to have the chance to fulfill your dreams."

Seth spoke in a voice that told the girls there was no arguing. Gabriela held his hand and nodded in agreement.

"But, this is for ..." Nicole started but couldn't finish.

"Yes, it's for a full college degree of your choice. It's up to you girls to decide where you go, of course," Gabriela said.

Seth noticed that Shelby still hadn't said anything. "Honey, what's wrong?"

"This is ..."

"You have Dallas to think about. I know you aren't happy in that job you have now. A degree will open so many doors for you and give you security in your future," Seth said.

Nicole looked at Shelby and shrieked. "We're going back to school!" 

Gabriela laughed and Seth smiled. The girls would be okay, they'd given them an opportunity to be sure of that.

Dallas had ignored the adults and torn into some of his new toys. Effie sat back and just watched as her family enjoyed themselves. They spent the afternoon snacking and chatting. Gabriela found herself either staring at Seth or her ring. He was amazing and she knew life could only get better.

****

The house was quiet now but it still felt alive. Gabriela wandered through the rooms and smiled. She thought back to all the laughter and fun they'd had and knew it was just the first of many such Christmas's to come. Life was so much better than she ever thought it could be. Nicole had gone home with Shelby and Dallas again. The two girls wanted to research colleges together. It pleased her to see them getting along so well.

Effie had left soon after dinner saying she was tired. Gabriela noticed the worried look Seth gave her and decided she would check more often on the older woman herself. Dallas ran out of energy at the table and hadn't even stirred when his grandpa carried him to the car. 

Seth was in the shower as she locked the house up. She had so many thoughts in her mind right then. Seth's proposal caught her by surprise and the ring was an absolute gorgeous choice. The girls talked about it during the day and wondered when the wedding was. Gabriela hadn't even gotten that far. Their wedding, she thought now with chills. She really was his forever.



A Journey of Passion Ch. 10



This is the last chapter written in Seth and Gabriela's story. It's my hope that you've enjoyed reading about their journey as much as I did writing it. I appreciate all votes, feedback and comments.

****

Nicole and Shelby enrolled in college together. Both got their letters of acceptance from the school and would begin with the fall semester. They informed their parents of their choice one weekend in February when Nicole was visiting.

"Mom, Seth, you know Shelby and I have been looking into colleges. We finally chose one and are starting with the fall classes."

"There are so many great schools to choose from. Nicole and I looked at what degrees we each wanted and narrowed it down from there," Shelby said.

Nicole nodded and picked up their explanation. "It's easier for me to move than her because of Dallas. He's been through enough and it wouldn't be right to take him from you and Effie. So I'll be moving and we're both going to school right here."

Gabriela grinned at the news that her daughter would be living close to her again. Seth nodded with pride at both girls. Their wisdom in making this decision pleased him a great deal.

"We hoped maybe you could help us find a place to live closer to campus, Dad. Nicole and I are going to try for classes opposite each other so one of us is with Dallas most of the time. If we get part-time jobs, along with some grants, we'll be able to manage pretty decent. Neither one of us wants to be in a dorm of course," Shelby replied.

"I think you've both thought this out very well," Seth said. "Tell me what price range you're looking for and I'll find a place for you by school."

They talked more about what they hoped to find in a rental. Seth had an idea of the area but was more familiar with the properties for sale. He promised he'd check right away and let them know as soon as he had anything for them to look at.

That evening Seth and Gabriela talked about their daughters. 

"I'm so proud of the girls, Seth."

"This is going to be good for both of them. It's giving them hope for their future."

"Thank you. I could never have done anything like this for Nicole."

"You'd do the same thing for Shelby if you could," he said. "Now, I have some concerns about this renting thing."

He listed a few of the issues he'd faced in his business with owners not taking care of repairs. Gabriela could see where the girls could find themselves having problems with the wrong property owner.

"So what do you think we should do, Seth?"

"We need to be sure they rent from responsible people."

He crossed his arms and sat back with a smug look. It only took her a moment to catch his meaning.

"Oh, I love shopping. Do you know a good Realtor that can help us, though?"

They laughed as they made their way down the hall to their bedroom. 

"I'll see if I can find someone. Right now, though, I know a way you can help me ..."

****

Gabriela knew she didn't want a big wedding. She and Seth both had that their first time and they'd ended in divorce. Marriage for them at their age was more about the future than making a big production out of it all. 

Hours went into planning the special day. They'd chosen the twenty-third of May after careful thought. It gave her some time to find the right dress and not rush into choosing some of the other details. Nicole had already moved down to Florida and offered to help. She was staying with Shelby and Dallas in their apartment while Seth found them somewhere closer to college to rent.

He'd called her from the office on a Tuesday morning with a request. "Honey, do you have time to check out a house today?"

"I was just heading out to the florist's. Can it wait until tomorrow?" she asked.

"This place just went on the market and I think it sounds like what the girls are looking for. I can't get away from the office and I'm afraid the price will make this one go fast. If you could look it over for the things we talked about, I can run up a contract. An inspection will catch anything wrong before closing."

"I don't have an appointment with the florist, so tell me where it is."

She'd gone to the address in an older neighborhood near the college and parked in front of the soft yellow two-story home. Bright white shutters framed windows that glistened in the sun. Gabriela loved the homey feel of the place and smiled as she went up the front steps. Seth had long ago given her one of the special keys to get into the Realtor lock boxes and soon she was stepping through the front door.

Love and laughter reverberated in every room. Gabriela wandered through the main floor before going up the open staircase. A central hallway led to four bedrooms and a full bathroom. Sunlight poured in through the large windows to make the spaces cheery and welcoming. She discovered a small attic room already finished that would make a perfect playroom for Dallas.

A full basement held the laundry area and shelving for storage. The backyard was fenced in with a huge old pecan tree shading the back corner. Gabriela locked the house up and sat on the steps to absorb the atmosphere of the houses around her. Five minutes passed before she called Seth.

"This is it, Seth. There isn't one thing that's not perfect for them."

She told him all the positives she saw in the house and why she felt it would suit the girls. He listened to the passion in her voice and felt the energy flowing from her. 

"What about a safe place for Dallas to play? I'm worried about him wandering away," Seth said.

"The entire backyard has a fence. If we get one of those jungle gym sets for him, he'll never want to leave. Get the papers started, I'm on my way."

He chuckled at the way she'd decided on the house without even knowing the price but was pleased at her insight as well. Seth trusted her instincts more than he did those of his staff. That's why he needed her to be the one looking at the house. His next clients arrived and Seth went back to his own work.

Gabriela had to wait to see Seth. Jill told her he was finishing up with a finicky couple that took forever. She'd rolled her eyes when she said they'd looked at twenty-six houses before they decided on one. 

They walked out of Seth's office fifteen minutes later and smiled at Jill. "Mr. Flynch is a wonderful man. He's been so patient with us."

"I'm glad you're happy," Jill said.

The man turned to Gabriela and spoke. "He'll help you find the house you want, too. There's just one thing. I'm thinking he's in love because he gets this dreamy look on his face sometimes and I know he isn't married."

Jill chuckled and Gabriela spoke to the couple. "I'd say the woman is very lucky to have someone like him love her."

They gave a slight wave as they headed out the door and Gabriela walked into Seth's office.

"I'm the lucky one," he said and kissed her.

"I'd say it's mutual."

He wanted to show her just how lucky she could get right there but knew he didn't have time. His schedule had minimal gaps all day. Instead, he stepped back and talked about the house she'd looked at.

"Seth, I wish you'd been able to see it too. It's light and airy with huge windows. The bedrooms are bigger than average. I think the attic will make a great playroom for Dallas so his toys aren't scattered all over the house."

They went over the asking price and talked about taxes. She knew he'd already gone through listings in the area for comparisons. Half an hour later, they had a contract ready to go to the selling agent.

"What are you going to tell the girls?" Gabriela was a bit worried they would think their parents were interfering. 

"I want to be upfront with them. This is business only. They'll have a rental contract just like anyone else would. The only difference is that we'll take care of any repairs right away. I just want them in a safe environment, Gabriela."

"I do, too. Let me know when you get an answer, okay?"

He didn't want her to go and held her close. Seth wished he could walk out that door with her and forget work for the rest of the day. 

"Mr. Flynch, the O'Malley's are here," they heard Jill say through the intercom.

"I'll be home as soon as I can. I'm sorry —"

She stopped him by putting her fingers over his lips. "Don't be, this is what you do. I'll be waiting whenever you get there."

He watched her walk away and knew he was indeed the lucky one. 

****

It was theirs. They'd put in an offer for the house and the owners accepted it. Seth and Gabriela took care of the paperwork on a Monday afternoon in March. The girls didn't know about it yet but that was changing over the weekend. Seth wanted to take them there and then explain what they'd done after the girls saw it. Gabriela knew they'd love it.

Saturday mid-morning they all piled into Seth's Cayenne in good spirits. The girls were excited to see it after Gabriela told them a few of the home's features. She'd left out several of the best parts to surprise them with.

"This is it," Seth said when he pulled into the driveway.

"It's gorgeous," Nicole said from the backseat.

It didn't take long before they stood at the front door. Seth pulled out a key and let them all in. Shelby checked out the kitchen while Nicole wandered into the downstairs bathroom. 

"That shower is huge, Shelby," she said when she went back out into the kitchen.

"Let's go see the bedrooms. I get the biggest one." Shelby laughed as they ran up the steps. 

All four bedrooms were similar in size. One had a connecting door into the next room that Shelby thought would be perfect for her and Dallas. Nicole agreed and checked out the other two. She had no trouble choosing one with an extra large closet. The attic room brought squeals of delight from them both as did the upstairs bathroom.

"Dad, this place is awesome. Can we afford it for real?"

Shelby stood by her dad and waited for his answer. They'd checked the entire house out and Dallas was now running around in the backyard. Gabriela walked over to Seth and held his hand.

"Yes, the rent is within the budget you girls gave us. Your father and I made sure of that," she replied.

"So, is there a lease we can sign? I don't want someone else to get it before we do. Nicole, it's perfect, right?"

"I want this place." Nicole's gaze went around the room as if she was already decorating it in her mind.

"Girls, Gabriela and I have a small confession to make. We bought this house last week."

"What?"

"I don't understand."

Nicole and Shelby spoke at the same time.

"Seth and I talked about it and thought it would be safer for you to rent from us than a stranger. If there's a problem, you know we'll take care of it right away. You'll never have to wait for repairs or a call back from the landlord this way."

Gabriela looked at the girls as she spoke. She still was a bit worried they'd be upset at what she and Seth had done.

"You guys bought this to help us?" Nicole asked in a quiet voice.

Seth nodded but didn't say anything. Shelby grabbed Nicole's arm and hauled her into the living room. They were gone several minutes before they returned.

"We think you two are the best parents in the world. This is more than we deserve. We'd be honored to be your first renters and promise to take care of this house as if it was our own," Shelby said to them.

"Seth, Mom, thank you," Nicole added.

"I felt it, when I walked in the door," Gabriela said, "that this was the right place for you kids."

Dallas chased a butterfly in the backyard and laughed. Shelby felt better than she had in months. Life was indeed looking up. 

"So can we start to move in tonight?" Shelby asked.

Seth laughed but just handed her a key. "It's all yours."

****

It hadn't been as hard to adjust to as she thought. Gabriela was a city girl at heart but now here she was living out in the country in another state. Seth's place had so much to do on it she never really had time to get bored. He'd taken her on a tour that first week so she'd feel more comfortable there. Now she spent hours enjoying herself in the pool, wandering down to the stream, going to the stables or just walking through the fields. It felt like home to her and she loved it.

She'd lost a little weight and firmed up until she felt healthy and fit. Her skin had a light tan that looked fantastic with her natural blonde hair. Seth teased her about finding someone new since she was so hot looking. Gabriela swatted his arm and replied she had what she wanted already. Somehow, they always ended up naked.

Gabriela was relieved that Seth's mom accepted their relationship. She'd been a little worried about her and his daughter, too. Nicole and Shelby got along right from the beginning, which helped as well. Seth had told her they'd all love her and she realized now that he was right as usual. 

Some days went slow, though. Seth often had to be gone long hours and she was lonesome. He did his best to delegate what he could but as owner, he had certain responsibilities. She checked around for classes offered in the area and came up with several choices. It was too bad she had no interest in most of them, she thought with a grimace. That's when she decided to put in her own flower garden near the garage to keep her busy. 

A trip to town one afternoon got her started. She returned with several flats of perennials and annuals as well as some rose bushes. Seth had all the garden tools she'd need in the shed so she'd passed on those. As an afterthought, she threw in a new pair of gloves in case he didn't have anything that fit her. She couldn't wait to get started. 

It took her days to get it all done but she loved how it looked. Seth offered to haul up some rocks from the stream for her to put in with the plants. He'd taken the quad and loaded up the trailer with an assortment of sizes and shapes. They stood back when she finished and surveyed the area.

"I'm proud of you. It looks great."

"It was fun even though it was hard work, too. I never realized I'd enjoy something like this."

They put away the last of the garden tools and she put the sprinkler on the new plants. Seth looked at her and grinned. 

"I think you need to be in there, too."

"What to do you mean, Seth?"

"You're all dirty. If you went into the sprinkler you could get cleaned off without tracking it into the house," he said with a straight face.

"Oh no, that water is cold,"

"Are you sure? I think you should feel it before you say that."

He grabbed her hand and began to pull her toward the sprinkler. She started to scream but a spray of water hit her smack in the chest first. Seth laughed at the shocked look on her face.

"That wasn't funny, mister."

She picked up the hose and aimed it at him. He fought her for it until they were both drenched and sprawled on the ground with tears of laughter on their faces. A soft sprinkle of water floated over them as he turned to her.

"You never cease to amaze me. I can't remember the last time I did something as silly as this," Seth said.

"Is that bad?"

"Not at all, it's good, in fact. I feel free for once."

"I like you free," she whispered as she slipped her hand inside his jeans.

His gasp urged her on. Gabriela felt the way he pushed into her hand until his shaft lay in her palm. Her other hand slid his zipper down and pushed the material out of the way. Their lips met under the cool water. She pressed against him and soon neither one thought about plants or gardening. 

****

Streamers and huge bouquets of balloons in every color imaginable decorated the patio. Dallas looked at the birthday cake frosted to look like Spiderman and screamed. 

"Mommy, look!"

Shelby grinned at the excitement in her son's eyes. It was March 28 and Dallas was three today. He was having a great time showing off for everyone. 

"Hey, sport, what's going on over here?" 

Seth walked outside in time to hear his grandson try to explain the cartoon character's latest endeavor to anyone willing to listen. 

"Grandpa, look!"

Seth squatted next to the little boy and nodded at all the right moments. He'd heard the epic several times in an assortment of ways and grinned at each one. 

"Dallas, did you see the other cake?" Shelby asked when he stopped long enough for her to break in.

He scrambled on to a chair and looked over the table in front of him. "Mama, it's red."

"Do you know what it is, though? Look at the shape and see if you recognize it."

Gabriela watched as Dallas turned his head different directions while studying the cake. Seth grabbed for the chair when he leaned over too far and held him in his arms.

"It's a heart, Grandpa!" he yelled. 

Shelby laughed as her son clapped with glee. He was a little too young to understand anything more about birthdays than the fun. In fact, he didn't even realize that his grandfather didn't have his own party anymore. Shelby gave birth to Dallas on Seth's forty-third birthday, a gift Seth adored. 

"Dallas, do you remember what I said on the way over here, today?" Shelby asked.

"I'm 'thfree and so is Grandpa," he told her with a serious face, stumbling over the word.

"Well, he isn't three, but it's his birthday today too. That's why we have two cakes."

Seth held the bundle of energy in his arms and chuckled. He carried the boy with him to a chaise lounge in the shade. Gabriela watched as Seth positioned his grandson on his chest and hugged him close. She heard him tell the story of the day he was born. He kept his words simple and Dallas seemed to understand everything. 

She felt the love he had for the child in everything he did. Never had she been happier than she was with Seth. He had the birthday, but she knew that every day with him was a gift. One she cherished forever. 

That night she turned to him with love in her eyes. "I know you never want gifts. It's impossible to get ideas from you, even. All I have to give you is myself."

"There is nothing in the world more precious than you," he said. "You are all I need, Gabriela."

She gazed deep into his eyes and knew he spoke the truth. Her gift of herself was all he needed. 

****

"Are you sure I can do this? I mean, it looks a bit freaky to me," she asked for the third time about a week later. 

"Baby, I wouldn't let you try it if I wasn't sure. Trust me on this."

"I trust you with my life, Seth. Let's do it."

She took a deep breath and went through the instructions he'd given her. Seth was into some of the riskier sports but she knew nothing about them. Gabriela decided it was time to change that. Rappelling was something she'd always been intrigued by and never had a chance to learn. Now, here she was ready to do it for the first time. The spring air invigorated her as she took a deep breath.

"Take your time and don't make any sudden moves. Think about everything I told you and follow me. I'm right here to guide you every step of the way."

Seth gave her a big smile of encouragement and waited for her to begin. Her legs shook as she got into the position he'd taught her. 

"Ready," she said just minutes later.

He knew she could do this and supported her in trying it. They were at one of the easier spots in the area that many beginners used. Seth made sure she was aware of the dangers but didn't scare her with them. He only wanted her alert to what could happen and prepared her as best he could. Taking a risk was one thing but he wasn't stupid. 

Reminders of his instructions helped her make it down without mishap. She danced around at the bottom and cheered for herself.

"Seth, I did it, I did it!"

"You did and I'm very proud of you."

"Thank you for teaching me. I know this was simple for you compared to what you're used to." 

He chuckled when she threw herself into his arms. "You can thank me later."




A Journey of Passion Ch. 10



Her hips rocked against him at the same time he felt her hands on his ass. Seth saw the mischievous gleam in her eyes and decided to see how far she'd go. 

"Why can't you do it now?" he asked in a low voice.

"Would you like me to lift your shirt and take a nipple in my mouth right now?"

His sharp hiss gave her the answer she expected. One tug gave her access to the heated skin she craved. Gabriela traced over his stomach and chest with her fingers as she pushed the soft material out of the way. Her tongue trailed over the first nipple before moving along to the other side.

"Oh god, yes, do it," Seth said as she began to suck.

Gabriela lost herself in the need to drive him wild. Her teeth tugged on the tight nubs as her fingernails scraped along his spine. 

"Baby, you'd better stop unless you plan on finishing right here."

Gabriela lifted her head and moaned. "Take me home."

He didn't have to be told twice. 

****

The list kept getting longer no matter how many items she crossed off it. Gabriela felt as if she'd never find the right dress and shoes and she didn't ever want to talk about lingerie again. She wandered out to the stream and leaned against the red oak to think. Why did it all have to be so difficult, she asked again?

Warm sun rays and the soothing sounds of the stream calmed her. It occurred to her she should have brought a blanket with her. Instead, she whipped off her sweatshirt to use for a pillow and lay down. Her eyes fluttered shut and the dream started soon after.

Soft music came from the white speakers in the corners. Jazz wasn't what most people associated with weddings but it sounded so right. Ushers in spiffy black suits showed people to their seats and returned to wait for more. Joy and love filled everyone's hearts as they shared stories with those next to them. 

A warm breeze swept through the coral honeysuckles and pink powder puffs. Climbing vines and grasses added an assortment of greens. Out here, nature was at its best.

Dallas waited next to his mother. Shelby and Nicole had huge smiles as they welcomed anyone that stopped to talk to them. The music changed and everyone stood as the wedding party began to take their places. 

A collective gasp went through the crowd when they saw her. The simple elegance of her dress was stunning. She'd chosen a long skirt with a jacket that hugged her trim figure. The ruby calla lilies were magnificent and classy at the same time. No one questioned her choice to wear white.

Nicole thought she'd never seen her mom looking more beautiful than at that moment. Shelby felt as if she was seeing Gabriela as her dad did and knew why he loved her the way he did. Then there was Seth.

He almost stopped breathing when he saw her. It was if they were alone in those seconds. Their eyes met to pour out all the love and desire for each other without saying a word. Seth knew he'd never forget this moment. 

She swatted at the fly that kept tickling her ear. Gabriela turned over and hit something hard.

"Oomph," she muttered and opened her eyes.

"You're so beautiful like this."

"Seth, oh, I had the most amazing dream."

He slid down next to her so they faced each other. "Tell me."

She explained her problems finding the right items for the wedding. He saw the way it bothered her that she couldn't put it all together. 

"You came out here to think."

"Yes, I did. It's so relaxing here, but I fell asleep instead. That's when the dream started. I saw it all, Seth."

His confused look had her going on. "I saw our wedding. It was right here, Seth. Everything was so beautiful and simple."

She told him what she'd seen and how happy everyone was. Seth knew without asking that this is where they'd be getting married. 

Back in the house, Gabriela ripped up her old lists. She didn't need them now. Everything was in her head from the dream. A simple, elegant ceremony under the old red oak was all they needed.

****

How hard could it be? One surely had more going for it than the other did, she thought as she stepped back another three feet. Top to bottom she looked for reasons to disqualify one and came up blank. 

"This is ridiculous," she muttered.

"If I may make a suggestion ...?"

Gabriela turned at the voice behind her and stared. Her throat felt parched all of a sudden and she couldn't speak.

"You're trying to decide between one of these for yourself, right?"

She just nodded at the tall man standing there.

"Try this one on," he said and pointed to the dress on the left. "Then take something from the rack and put it on. Do the other one here last."

"Ah, okay, but why?"

"When you try on two in a row that you love, you can't distinguish between them. Breaking it up with something you don't care for will refresh your eye for the next gown. I guarantee you'll decide after you've had all three of them on."

Gabriela gave some thought to the logic given and nodded. "I'll do it."

"Come back out and let me see them. I already know my choice, by the way," he said and winked.

It took a while but she did as instructed. The first gown was gorgeous. Her face scrunched up at the second one and he laughed at her. She walked out with the third one on and beamed.

"This is it," she said. "I love it."

"Yep, that's the one for you. It's elegant and classy just like you. Your man is very lucky."

"Yes, he is, but so am I." 

He nodded and waved as he walked away. Would anyone believe who had helped her choose her dress today, she wondered later. 

Back at home, she relayed the afternoon's events to Seth.

"Okay, this is really strange, but Dennis Rodman helped me choose my gown. Do you remember that stunt he pulled ...?" 

****

Everyone was excited about Gabriela's afternoon at the bridal boutique. They all wanted to hear once more how Dennis Rodman helped her choose her wedding dress. Seth chuckled at the enthusiasm his family showed for such an odd incident. His remark brought an instant comeback from his fiancée. 

"Are you telling me it's not common to have a former pro basketball player help pick out a wedding dress?"

She stuck her tongue out at him, which only made him laugh. Gabriela knew it was one of those stories that people don't believe really happened.

"Nah, I'm sure there are stranger things happening," Seth said and rolled his eyes at her.

"So you think it's odd, huh?" she asked.

"No, not at all. I'm happy that you found the dress you wanted. Although ..."

She waited for him to finish but he just looked at her.

"Seth, what is it?"

"I am a little jealous that another man got to see you in your wedding gown before I did."

"Oh, honey, I'm so sorry. That never crossed my mind. Would you rather I look for another one —"

"No," he said before she could finish. "I'm teasing."

"Are you sure? It's not like he's someone that will be at the wedding."

"You didn't invite him? I'm shocked."

"I was speechless at first. He must have thought I was stupid, Seth."

"There's no way he would believe you were anything but a beautiful smart woman. He might be a bit odd but he isn't blind."

"You think wearing a wedding dress made him odd?" Gabriela gave a silent thanks to the man that helped her choose her dress. "I must say, he has excellent taste though."

"I agree. He talked to you, didn't he?" Seth said just before he gave her a quick kiss. 

****

The rooms felt empty when days before they held laughter. He didn't know what to do and it was only ten in the morning. Sunday used to be the day he caught up on work at the office and home. Today he only had one thing on his mind. 

Gabriela wasn't home. She and the girls had decided to take a few days and go shopping. Shelby and Nicole needed to find dresses for their parent's wedding coming up in May. Seth knew he'd be in the way if he went along but he missed his fiancée so much. He loved how that sounded. Each time he mentioned it to someone he felt that same sense of wonder that she was actually his. 

An afternoon swim helped Seth work off some of his excess energy. He'd filled the day with odd chores so far. The Cayenne now sported a fresh wax job and he'd taken the quad around the property to check for any problems. Most of the two hundred acres had paths winding through the woods making it easier for him. 

Savory aromas wafted through the air an hour later as he grilled a steak for his dinner. He knew Gabriela would call when she got to her room for the night. Shelby and Nicole wanted their privacy according to what they'd told her when they made reservations. They planned to be out late and didn't want to disturb her. 

Now Seth watched the clock just as he had all morning. How did people live for so long away from their spouses, he wondered. He couldn't go two days without Gabriela and they weren't even married yet. 

The phone rang and he grabbed it.

"Hello."

"Seth, how are you managing?" 

"Erik, the days are long, you know?"

He heard his friend and employee chuckle before he replied. "How long are the nights then?"

"I'm telling you, they're endless."

"You can always come over here for an evening next time, Seth."

"Thanks, but there won't be another one. When she gets back, I'm not letting her go without me again."

Erik laughed at the tone in his Seth's voice. "I don't doubt that at all."

A short discussion followed regarding a client Erik had before they hung up. Seth turned on some music and took a drink with him back out to the patio. A sliver of the moon peered through the clouds as he pondered the changes in his life. He wondered for a moment if Gabriela was looking up at the same time he was.

****

Hundreds of stars twinkled through the clouds and made her smile. Gabriela leaned against the railing on the small patio outside her hotel room and sighed. Shelby and Nicole were out for the evening and she was on her own. They'd shopped for several hours before finding what they wanted. 

The high neck chiffon bridesmaid dress with an accent at the waist was even better than she'd hoped to find. Both girls fell in love with her choice and agreed they were perfect. Their moods only improved when they found shoes to match. All three felt the trip was a success.

She lost track of time as she thought back over the last months. Everything seemed so different now. Gabriela knew Seth was the reason she felt alive and excited again. He brought so much energy with him that it swept her away with it. Just over a week ago, he'd taken her rappelling for the first time. Risk was something he wasn't afraid of but he didn't take chances with her. Now, she couldn't wait to see what he'd teach her next.

Gabriela missed him. She never wanted to be apart from him another night. Last fall she'd moved into his home in Florida. There was no hesitation in making a decision when he asked her. It took her a week to pack up her apartment. Her ring caught her attention and she thought back to his proposal. Seth always did something to amaze her and that left her speechless.

She picked up her phone to call him just as the moon slipped out from behind the clouds.

"I miss you."

"Baby," Seth murmured, "me too."

She talked about their shopping trip and the plans for the next day. It only took them about four hours to drive back home. Gabriela and the girls were stopping half way at one of the huge outlet malls to look for some clothes for Dallas. 

"I'll have a light dinner planned for everyone when you get here," Seth told her.

"Have I mentioned how lucky I am to have you?"

"Maybe once or twice," he said and laughed.

"I'll work on that when I get home."

"Do you have any idea how fantastic that sounds?" 

"Seth, what do you mean?"

"You just mentioned coming home like this is where you've been all your life. It was so natural sounding."

"The part of my life that matters now is with you. Wherever you are is home for me, Seth," she explained.

A few minutes later, he heard her yawning and ordered her to bed. "Get some sleep tonight because there's every chance you won't get any tomorrow."

She heard the innuendo in his voice and moaned. "I'll get home as soon as I can, okay?"

"Take your time, Gabriela. We have the rest of our lives together."

"I love you, Seth."

Neither fell right to sleep as they longed for the other. 

****

Seth was working less all the time it seemed. Erik took over more of the commercial clients and Seth hired a couple of new people. Jill helped him find someone to work part-time with her in the office. The transition went well because everyone respected Seth. He kept them involved in the changes and explained why they were happening. It was obvious where his priorities were.

The girls loved the house. Nicole had found a job for the summer in a medical office just two blocks away. She saved on expenses by walking to work and going home for lunch. Shelby was babysitting for two children in the neighborhood. It allowed her to be home with Dallas and still make some money. Seth and Gabriela were proud of both girls and the choices they made.

April seemed to fly past for Seth. He was anxious to make Gabriela his in the legal sense. She already was in every other way that mattered. They also had her birthday on the twenty-first to celebrate together this year. 

One year older and yet everything was new and fresh, she thought as she took another sip of wine. Effie and the girls surprised her with a small family party for her forty-third birthday. Seth presented her with gorgeous three-carat diamond stud earrings. They were the only thing she wore besides her engagement ring now as she waited for him in their bed.

The coffee mug from Dallas that he'd painted his name on sat in the kitchen. He was so proud of it that he'd helped her tear the paper off to see it faster. Both girls chipped in with Effie and gave her a complete day at a local spa. She told them it would be perfect for the week before the wedding. 

It was only a month away. So many things were changing in her life yet the only one she cared about was Seth. He had money, a thriving business, status and respect in the community. She'd struggled after her divorce and never could afford to buy her own place. Nicole didn't always have the latest style clothing but she knew her mother loved her. 

"Lights are off and the house is locked up. Now for our own private celebration," Seth said as he slid across the bed.

"Mm, I love how you think."

Strong arms pulled her naked body over his. Warm lips trailed across her neck to suckle on the tender skin near her shoulder. His right hand cupped and massaged one of her lush breasts while the other traced a path along the curve of her ass. Her moans spurred him on and inflamed his already heated groin.

Gabriela molded her shape into his and took his lips in a searing kiss. He felt the tip of her tongue press against his teeth and caught his breath. Soft fingers worked themselves between their bodies to wrap around his aching shaft. It crossed his mind that he was glad he didn't have anything on to hinder her search.

Seth felt her swollen lips on his leg and groaned. Her hands shoved into his chest and she sat up before he realized her intent. 

"Watch, baby, watch yourself disappear inside me. See how I take your cock so slow that you aren't even sure I'm moving. Then I'm going to grind myself against you so hard you'll lose it."

Her movements matched the hypnotic words. Seth throbbed and longed to flip her over and take her hard. Instead, he let her lead and just followed her wishes. Seth couldn't think. His body screamed as she rode him slow and deliberate. Her nails scraped his chest and her knees dug into his sides but he didn't care. 

"Touch me, Seth, do it now."

He kneaded her breasts and pinched the tight nipples. She sped up and he squeezed to the same rhythm as she moved. Seth knew he couldn't hold out much longer as she milked his length with her muscles.

"Honey, I'm going to ..."

"Yes, oh yes!" she screamed.

She went wild as her orgasm slammed through her. Clenching tight, she felt the first blast as Seth came with her. His hands gripped her body and pulled her down for a passionate kiss as they floated back to earth.

"I love you, Seth."

"Baby, I love you, too."

Hearts pounding, they lay together for long moments without speaking.

"I have something for you, don't move."

"Seth?"

She watched as he slipped off the bed and went to his dresser. He returned with a small gift-wrapped box. 

"Happy birthday, Gabriela."

"You already gave me a gift," she said and touched one of the diamonds in her ear.

"That was just a little something to open in front of the family. This I wanted you to have in private."

Her fingers shook as she pulled the bow loose and opened the box. The dramatic diamond necklace featured a luxurious display of shimmering diamonds. 

"Seth, it's gorgeous!"

"I wanted you to have more," he said as he looked into her eyes. "You've made me so very happy Gabriela."

"But Seth, there must be fifty diamonds on it. I've never had ..."

"There's eighty-one, but who cares."

He grinned when her mouth fell open at his disclosure. 

"I don't know what to say, Seth. You know I can't ever afford to give you anything close to this."

"No, you've given me more. Gabriela, you've made me happier than I ever thought possible."

"Seth, thank you, for this, for you, everything. You're my life and I love you, forever."

"Forever," he agreed as he kissed her.

Much later, he looked over as she slept and wondered if she truly did know how much he loved her. The moon sparkled on the diamonds in her ears and around her neck. He looked down at her finger at the solitary ring there and smiled. One more month and he could give her his name. He'd give her the world if he could. She meant everything to him. 

He curled up next to her with his hand on her stomach. She smiled in her sleep at the feel of her one true love touching her.

****

In May, he worked at getting the area next to the stream ready for the wedding. A few branches had to be trimmed and some weeds pulled but most of it they were keeping natural. 

A stop at the travel agent brought a big smile to Seth's face. He'd called the previous week with his request and just gotten a message from Susie. She'd found what he wanted. Seth read the itinerary and grinned at her. The honeymoon trip was all set and he couldn't wait to surprise Gabriela after their wedding with it.

Seth's injuries didn't bother him too much anymore. They did force him to retire from his position, though. He needed to be in peak condition and his shoulder had a tendency to lock up at times. That could be a problem in some of the situations he'd been in. Gabriela had left the decision to him. She knew he had to work through it himself. He appreciated the fact that she supported him regardless of what answer he made. It just made him see that he didn't want to leave her ever again.

Erik was going to be Seth's best man. Dallas was practicing being ring bearer. Gabriela gave him an old pillow with a ring from a gumball machine to use. His little face was so serious looking as he took each step to where Seth waited for him. He beamed when he finally stood next to Seth.

"Grandpa, I'm here," he shouted.

Gabriela couldn't believe how her life had changed in such a short time. She and Seth would be married in just days. Her future looked so exciting when just over a year ago it looked dull and bland. There were still days that she'd think back to those first e-mails and just shake her head. She still wondered what she'd read in those few words to know he would be so special to her.

She sat down with her pad of paper a few nights before the wedding. They weren't going to have a long ceremony but she wanted to say a few words of her own to Seth. He didn't know she was going to do it, either. She began to write from her heart. Gabriela felt the tears on her cheeks. With Seth, she always became so emotional. She loved him with all her heart and couldn't wait to become Mrs. Flynch. 




A Journey of Passion Ch. 10



May 23, their wedding day. Soft music came from the speakers hidden in the trees. Jazz wasn't what most people associated with weddings but out here it sounded so right. Ushers in spiffy black suits showed people to their seats and returned to wait for more. Joy and love filled everyone's hearts as they shared stories with those sitting next to them. 

A warm breeze swept through the coral honeysuckles and pink powder puffs. Climbing vines and grasses added an assortment of greens. Out here, nature was at its best.

Dallas waited next to his mother. Shelby and Nicole had huge smiles as they welcomed the guests. The music changed and everyone stood as the wedding party began to take their places. First Erik and Seth walked out from near the old red oak tree. Dallas took a slow step until he saw his grandpa, and ran straight to him.

Shelby and Nicole were next. They looked gorgeous in long flowing dresses of the deepest wine color. Their bouquets of white lilies looked classy and beautiful at the same time.

A collective gasp went through the crowd when they saw her. The simple elegance of her dress was stunning. She'd chosen a long skirt with a jacket that hugged her trim figure. The ruby calla lilies were magnificent and sophisticated at the same time. 

Nicole thought she'd never seen her mom looking more beautiful than at that moment. Shelby could see the love shining from her father's eyes. Then there was Seth himself

He almost stopped breathing when he saw her. Seth knew he'd never forget this moment. 

"Dearly beloved ..."

He felt as if they were alone under the old tree. Seth heard the minister say it was Gabriela's turn. She turned her blue eyes up at him and cleared her throat before speaking. 

"My beloved Seth ...