Model Behavior Read online

  “Do you mind if I sit on the deck while you do that?”

  “No problem.”

  Lana was starting to relax. She took her wine out to the picnic table on the deck and sat enjoying the view while Ronnie started the grill. Ronnie came over and sat with her.

  “It’ll take a few minutes to warm up,” she said.

  “No problem. I’m not going to starve to death or anything.”

  Lana laughed and Ronnie laughed with her.

  She realized Ronnie had a great laugh. It was deep and soulful, much like her voice. Lana warned herself to be careful. She knew Ronnie’s reputation and wasn’t going to fall victim to her. Though, Lord knew it would be easy to do.

  Ronnie announced the grill was ready and went inside to get the trout and the wine. She came back out and topped off Lana’s glass and left the bottle on the table. Lana sipped her wine while she alternated between watching the gulf and watching Ronnie. Ronnie was very handsome in her black shirt and black jeans. Lana had never seen her in anything else. She wondered what she would wear on the beach the next day.

  “What are you thinking about?” Ronnie said.

  “Well, I’ve never seen you in anything but black jeans and a black shirt. I was wondering if that’s what you’ll be wearing on the beach tomorrow.”

  Ronnie laughed.

  “Oh no. I’ve got swim trunks for tomorrow.”

  “Oh, good.”

  “Dinner is ready, by the way. Would you like to eat out here or inside?”

  “Out here, please.”

  “Great. Just sit tight. I’ll get everything we need.”

  She went in and got the salad and silverware. She got them situated on the picnic table and sat next to Lana.

  “I hope you don’t mind. But I love looking at the water as well.”

  “I don’t mind at all.”

  They ate their dinner in relative silence, broken occasionally by Lana praising Ronnie for her culinary skills.

  “I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” Ronnie said. “It’s pretty basic.”

  “But it’s delicious. And it’s just the right amount.”

  They cleared the table together and Lana started to do the dishes.

  “Oh no,” Ronnie said. “Leave those. I’ll do them later.”

  “Are you sure? That doesn’t seem fair.”

  “I’m sure. Now come on. Let’s top off our wine glasses and we can go for a walk on the beach.”

  Lana kicked off her shoes and followed Ronnie downstairs and over a small dune to the beach.

  “Are we supposed to have glass on the beach?” Lana said.

  “I won’t tell anyone if you don’t.”

  They walked until it was dark, then turned around and walked back. When they got back to the house, Ronnie poured yet another glass of wine for Lana. She was definitely feeling the effects of it. She sat on the couch and Ronnie sat next to her.

  “Thanks for a wonderful evening,” she said.

  “It doesn’t have to end now,” Ronnie said.

  “Oh I think it should.”

  “Do you?”

  She looked over to see Ronnie looking at her. Her eyes had deepened to a dark shade of blue.

  “I don’t know…” Suddenly, she wasn’t so sure she did want it to end. Somewhere in the back of her mind were warnings about Ronnie, but all that mattered at that moment were the butterflies in her stomach as she looked at her.

  Ronnie took her wine from her and set her glass on the coffee table. She set hers next to it. Ronnie moved over on the couch, never taking her gaze off Lana. Lana swallowed hard. Ronnie was going to kiss her. And she wasn’t about to stop her.

  Chapter Six

  Ronnie leaned into Lana, her gaze on her eyes the whole time, begging for permission but very aware that permission might be denied. When Lana didn’t protest, Ronnie brushed her lips against hers softly, tentatively. Lana kissed her back, and Ronnie’s whole body shook in pleasure. She applied more pressure, and Lana opened her mouth to allow Ronnie to slip her tongue inside. She tasted sweet, like wine, and Ronnie wanted more. So much more. But she didn’t want to blow her chances. She didn’t want a one-night roll in the hay. She wanted, needed more. But was she really ready to make a commitment? Constance’s ghost reared her ugly head. No. Lana wasn’t like Constance. Lana wouldn’t hurt her. Would she?

  She broke the kiss and sat back to catch her breath. Lana reached for her and pulled her back for another intense kiss. Ronnie returned the kiss before breaking it as well. Lana looked at her with heavily lidded eyes, and a flushed face and Ronnie knew she wanted her, too. It took every ounce of self-control not to take her down the hall to her master bedroom.

  “Those were nice,” she finally said.

  “Yeah, they were. Thank you for stopping, though. I’d hate to do something we might regret.”

  “Oh, I’m sure I wouldn’t regret a thing,” Ronnie said. “I just really like you and respect you. And I want more than a one-night stand with you.”

  There. She’d said it. Her heart raced. She’d never felt so vulnerable.

  “Are you serious?”

  “Dead serious.”

  “Ronnie. That’s a lot to take in.”

  “I know. But don’t be scared, okay? We’ll still spend tomorrow together and have a great time, okay?”

  “But how can we be friends now that I know how you feel?”

  “Well, judging from those kisses, you feel something for me, too. Let’s just not worry about it right now. We can talk about it tomorrow, okay?”

  Lana simply nodded as she looked at her hands. Ronnie reached out and took a hand in her own. It was soft and warm, and Ronnie knew the rest of her body would be as well. It took every ounce of self-control not to kiss her again.

  “Come on.” Ronnie stood. “Let me walk you home.”

  “I just live next door.”

  “Still. I’d feel better walking you home.”

  “So you’re chivalrous, too? Why are you single, Ronnie Mannis?”

  “I’ve been waiting for just the right woman.”

  “Hm.”

  Ronnie walked Lana to her house. She climbed the stairs that led to the house.

  “Okay. I think I’m safe now,” Lana said.

  “Great. So I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  “I’ll be over as soon as I’m awake.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll make pancakes for breakfast.”

  “And coffee?”

  “Lots and lots of coffee.”

  They laughed together, then Lana kissed Ronnie’s cheek and let herself inside.

  Ronnie tossed and turned that night. She kept playing over the evening in her mind. The kisses were wonderful, but had her declaration been too much? There was nothing she could do about it now. She’d already said it. And Lana was still coming over in the morning, which was a good thing. Ronnie finally fell asleep and slept fitfully until seven, when her internal alarm clock went off. She got up, started the coffee, and jumped in the shower. She knew that seemed stupid since she would be getting in the gulf later, but she wanted to look and smell good for Lana. She poured herself a cup of coffee and took it out to the picnic table where she tried to calm her nerves for the day.

  She heard Lana’s footsteps on her stairs and turned to say hello.

  “Coffee,” Lana said.

  Ronnie laughed.

  “That bad, huh?”

  “You got me drunk last night, woman.”

  “I’m sorry. Here. Have a seat. I’ll get you coffee.”

  She was back in a flash with coffee and cream for Lana.

  “Do you feel that bad this morning?”

  “Not really.” Lana laughed. “I mean, I can tell I had too much wine, but it’s okay. I’ll survive.”

  “Good.”

  “And how are you this morning?”

  “I’m okay.”

  “Just okay?”

  “A little nervous,” Ronnie said.

  “Ah. Because of o
ur talk last night?”

  “Yeah. I’m a pretty private person. I don’t usually discuss my feelings.”

  Lana reached over and placed a hand over Ronnie’s.

  “Well, you’ve got nothing to worry about with me, okay?”

  Ronnie looked down at their hands. Was that a true statement? Did that mean what she thought it did? She could barely fight down the excitement.

  “Good,” Ronnie said.

  “Now, I believe there was a mention of pancakes?”

  “Coming right up. You gonna stay out here or come inside with me?”

  “I’ll come in and watch you.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Ronnie made thick, fluffy pancakes which they drowned in maple syrup and devoured. Ronnie was dumbfounded at the amount of food Lana could put away.

  “I needed that to absorb the rest of the alcohol in my system,” Lana said.

  “Well, good. I’m happy to help.”

  “Can I help you clean up?”

  “No. You go on out with another cup of coffee. I’ll have this place cleaned in a jiffy.”

  Ronnie hurriedly rinsed the dishes and loaded the dishwasher. She couldn’t wait to be back outside to Lana. She poured another cup of coffee and walked outside.

  “It’s a gorgeous day today,” Lana said.

  “It really is. And there’s no one on the beach out here.”

  “I know. It’s going to be great to have the place to ourselves.”

  “Are you ready to hit the water?”

  “Let me go change into my suit. I’ll be right back.”

  Ronnie watched her walk down the stairs, enjoying the sway of her hips as she went. Yep. Ronnie had it bad for her. And it sure seemed like she was interested as well. She shook herself out of her reverie and quickly changed into board shorts and a muscle shirt. She packed a cooler full of sandwiches, water, and beer and grabbed her towel. She opened the door to find Lana standing there.

  “Wow. You’re already ready?”

  “I am. Are you?”

  “I am now. Let’s go.”

  Ronnie gave Lana the ice chest to carry so she could carry the chairs and towels. They got their spot set up and walked toward the water. As was the norm in the summer, the gulf was bathwater warm. There were very few waves. They walked out to the second sandbar where the water came up to just under their chests.

  Lana dove under and Ronnie watched as she emerged, breasts first, then her head came up with her wet hair behind her. She looked like a goddess. Her suit clung to her curves and made Ronnie itch to touch them.

  “Your turn.” Lana pushed Ronnie hard enough that she stumbled and fell backward into the water. She got salt water up her nose, and when she emerged, she knew she was nowhere near as graceful as Lana.

  Lana was laughing.

  “Sorry. I suppose I should have asked if you could swim before I unceremoniously pushed you in.”

  “It’s all good,” Ronnie said. “I just got water up my nose from going in backwards.”

  “Oh. I’m sorry.’

  “No. I’m fine. Really.”

  They spent a while diving in the water and swimming around. Ronnie hadn’t felt that relaxed in a long time. She liked spending time with Lana, and she actually was looking forward to a Saturday not spent at the bar. She had her sights set on someone important for a change. And things were looking good.

  After a good while in the water, Ronnie got hungry.

  “You up for a sandwich?” she said.

  “Sure.”

  They started the long walk back to shore. Once they were there, they dried off, and Ronnie got their sandwiches out.

  “I packed water and beer. Which would you prefer?” she said.

  “I’ll have a beer. Why not?”

  “Great.”

  They ate their lunch then went back out to the water. It was late afternoon when they finally decided they’d had enough. Ronnie was sad to see the day coming to an end.

  “It’s been such a great day,” she said. “I want it to last forever.”

  “Me, too,” Lana said. “But we still have tonight.”

  “That’s true.”

  “And maybe part of tomorrow?”

  “Are you sure?” Ronnie said hopefully. “You don’t have to hurry and get back?”

  “I can’t think of any reason I’d have to. I don’t have to be at work until Monday morning, do you?”

  “No. I can’t think of a reason we can’t make a day of it tomorrow as well.”

  They packed up their things and walked back to Ronnie’s house.

  “I guess I should go shower and get ready for dinner, huh?” Lana said.

  “Yep. I’ll do the same.”

  They stood in awkward silence. Ronnie wasn’t sure what to say. Lana was still standing there.

  “Okay. I’m going.”

  Lana leaned in, kissed Ronnie briefly, and left.

  Lana walked back to her house on shaky legs. She’d had so much fun with Ronnie and she hoped she hadn’t blown it by kissing her. But, heck, Ronnie had kissed her the previous night, right? So it should have been fine. She replayed all the kisses they’d shared while she showered and dried. Her heart was racing, and parts of her felt more alive than they had in a long time. But she was feeling these things for Ronnie. How smart was that? Was Ronnie just setting her up for a one-night stand? She’d said she wanted more, but did she tell all the women that? Lana was confused. She really liked Ronnie. They’d had a great day that day and an enjoyable evening the night before. She vowed to be careful but could feel her heart already beating a special pace for Ronnie.

  She finished drying her hair, dressed, grabbed the bottle of red wine she’d bought, and headed over to Ronnie’s. Ronnie was outside with a glass of wine when Lana got there.

  “Hey,” Ronnie said.

  “Hi. I brought a bottle of wine for tonight as well.”

  “Great. I’ve already got one open. Would you like a glass?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Lana sat at the picnic table and waited for Ronnie, who was back in a minute with a glass of delicious red wine.

  “This is really good.”

  “Thanks. It’s from my private collection.”

  “You collect wine?”

  “I do indeed.”

  “You’re a woman of mysteries, Ms. Mannis.”

  “Really?” Ronnie cocked her head. “I think I’m pretty much an open book.”

  “No. You have secrets.”

  “Maybe because I’ve never met a woman to share my secrets with.”

  “And you think I could be that woman?”

  Ronnie looked terrified. Lana could almost see the wheels spinning in her head.

  “You already said as much last night,” Lana said.

  “I guess I did, didn’t I?”

  “Yes.”

  “So did you have a good time today?” Ronnie said.

  “I had a blast. Thank you for that.”

  “Nothing to thank me for. I was enjoying myself as well.”

  “Good. I’m glad.”

  Lana held up her glass.

  “Can I get a top off?”

  “Sure. I should have brought the bottle out with me. Hold on a second.”

  Lana tried to compose herself while Ronnie was inside. Maybe she was misremembering Ronnie’s words from the previous night. She’d certainly had enough wine to. But no. She was pretty certain she remembered how the conversation went.

  Ronnie was back and filled her glass.

  “Thank you.”

  “No problem. Are you hungry? Should I fire up the grill?”

  “I’d rather you sit with me for a few minutes. That is, unless you’re starving?”

  “No. I’m fine.”

  Ronnie sat down and looked into Lana’s eyes. Lana’s heart raced again, and she wondered if Ronnie was going to kiss her again. Every ounce of her being prayed she would.

  “So, you’d really be willing to give me a c
hance?” Ronnie said.

  “I think so. I really like you.”

  “I really like you, too. I have for a while now, but today and last night pretty much sealed the deal for me.”

  “Good. So, can I ask you a favor?”

  “Anything.”

  “Kiss me?”

  Ronnie slowly closed the distance between them. Lana watched her gaze drop from her eyes to her lips. She watched Ronnie’s lips part, and then Lana closed her eyes and just felt. She felt Ronnie’s soft lips on hers, pressing into them. She felt Ronnie’s tongue tracing her lower lip and she opened her mouth and welcomed her in. Their tongues danced a dance of lust for a while before Ronnie broke the kiss and sat up.

  “That was nice,” Lana said.

  “Yeah it was.”

  “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.”

  They sat there quietly. Ronnie took Lana’s hand and held it in her own.

  “I think we’re going to be good together,” Lana said.

  “So do I.”

  “And now I think I’m ready to eat.”

  “Okay, let me fire up the grill.”

  Ronnie turned it on, then sat with Lana while it heated up. She poured them each another glass of wine, then took Lana’s hand in hers. Lana liked the feeling. She felt like she was where she belonged when she was with Ronnie. As if she’d finally come home. It was a bit scary, but it was there nonetheless.

  “Okay. Time to grill,” Ronnie said.

  Lana sipped her wine and watched Ronnie work the grill. Lana went in and grabbed two plates and brought them out for Ronnie to put the steaks on. Then she went in and got the salad out of the refrigerator and some utensils from the drawer. She took everything outside to find Ronnie topping off their wine again.

  “You’re going to get me drunk,” Lana said.

  “No. I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen.”

  “This steak is amazing. So tender and flavorful,” Lana said.

  “Good. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

  After dinner, they did the dishes together, then filled their wine glasses with the wine Lana had brought and headed down to walk on the beach.

  “I’m embarrassed,” Lana said. “My wine is nowhere near as good as yours.”

  “Nonsense. It’s delicious. Now, just relax and hold my hand.”

  Lana was happy to oblige. They walked until it was past dark again, then turned around and walked back. They sat on the couch sipping their wine until Lana set hers down.