Introductions

Part I

*

I had just sketched out my last soft pencil lines on the large page of my pad.* Glancing back up at the deep green of the Norway spruce, I admired how the fading August sunlight danced precariously over the tips of the pointed needles, as they drifted back and forth against the gentle breeze.* Looking down at the page again with satisfaction, I admired my budding talents, and decided I had captured the essence of that tree on my paper.

*

I placed my closed pad down next to my carry sack and spread out a large towel on the warmed grass.* I sat down, deciding I’d take one last swim before the sun was gone, crossing my arms to remove the cotton shirt I wore over my snug, well-filled bikini.* Adjusting the front, so my ample breasts would not dare to go their own way as I swam, I leaned back to admire what was left of the sunshine.

*

The sun had morphed into a flaming globe, searing the cooling sky with broad swaths of orange, pink, and purple.* The air’s moisture drew the simmering fragrance of summer’s greenery across the lake, bombarding my senses with that leafy aroma I always associate with summer sunsets.* Just then, the raspy honking of a goose flying overhead interrupted my peaceful solitude and encouraged me to finally get up and move toward the water.

*

Dipping in a hesitant toe, I realized the water was plenty warm, and I continued forward, carefully stepping over the slippery, moss-covered stones that blanketed the shoreline.* I kicked off and swam a few strokes, eventually turning over to float on my back and allow the surviving sunlight to soak into my skin.* As I reclined in the comforting water, eyes closed, I let my mind drift along with my body.* The water lapped against my ears, helping to shut out the world for a few relaxing moments.

*

My thoughts came to rest on my life up to now.* Divorced after an early-marriage-gone-wrong, I struck out on my own to make a life for myself.* Now, at thirty-three, I was relatively successful, but always busy.* Age had been kind to me, though, and I was well proportioned, with smooth skin and dark, flowing hair.* It had been a while since I had been in a long-term relationship, and I missed the companionship.* Working while being single had left me scant time to meet new people.* I sorely missed the company of a good man: the playful conversation, his masculine presence and heady scent, the physical closeness, the wonderful sex…. Well, you know.

*

So, I was floating along, relaxed on the water, when I sensed a shadow looming over my face.* Startled, I looked up to see a large, soggy dog with a yellow ball in his mouth looking down at me.* Laughing, I stood up as the dog dropped the ball in front of me.* I could have sworn the dog smiled.

*

It was then that I saw the rowboat pull in.* Its owner threw a loop of rope over the wooden post on the end of the dock and splashed into the water, heading my way.* “Hey, there, girl,” he said to the dog as he patted her head affectionately.

*

“I hope Kelly hasn’t bothered you,” he offered to me, “She loves to meet new friends.”

*

“No, not at all,” I smiled in my reply, extending my hand.* “I’m Susan.

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Spice is the wonder and excitement in your world.