Flying Too Close to the Sun by George Jehn (novels for beginners .txt) 📕

tree-lined Farmingdale streets replete with speed bumps Erik believed were put in place to keep the local mechanics in business, until he pulled into a bluestone driveway of a Colonial-style house.

Although he knew every inch of it, stepping inside he still felt like an unwanted intruder, a house draped in sadness. She figured this was his parent’s place and noted the lovely roses and other flora growing alongside the split rail wooden fence. Erik unlocked the door and shouted greetings to the parents he knew weren’t there.

Carol exclaimed, “I love it. It’s so old-world.” She walked around, gently stroking a few of the framed delicate needlepoint works. “These are exquisite,” she said, pointing to the needlepoint. “Who stitched them?”

“My mother. She’s good at it.”

“When will I meet her?”

“I don’t know, maybe tonight?”

“I’d also like to meet your father ‘cause—.”

“I don’t want to discuss him,” a now-serious Erik growled.

“Why not?”

“That’s a very long story,” he replied with a scowl. These feelings began to fade as he led her upstairs by the hand. “Sorry for the heat,” he meekly whispered in his bedroom, “but my folks don’t believe in air conditioning.” He went to the window and flipped on the fan. The fan-made wind made its way into the room as the rhythmic puffs of breeze washed over their bodies.

“I thought all the heat was from us? I love your room! Let me guess. You’re a pilot?” she joked, pointing to all the aviation paraphernalia adorning the shelves and walls. “And since there’s no a/c, how about letting me cool you off?”

“Cool me off? Not!” Smiling, he raised his hands over his head and she tenderly peeled off his undershirt. Taking her in his arms, the hard edges caused by thoughts of his father evaporated, replaced by others so powerful they couldn’t coexist with anything else. It felt like a love genie popped out of Erik’s personal bottle after being locked up for over twenty years. He’d been alone for so long, but now all that changed.

She tasted great as they kissed and her clothing quickly evaporated. As he inserted his middle finger into her warm wetness, with difficulty she tugged down his boxers. He felt her legs around him and her cheeks were flush with anticipation, their reddish tint making her seem even more appealing. Since there was no chance of their lovemaking being interrupted, they took their time, caressing and probing, hair, breast and thighs. Minutes felt like seconds and her knees felt weak as he gently entered her. She gave of herself in a way making it clear she was his. For the very first time Erik felt truly loved and appreciated, sheltered from everything bad, a strange and exotic locale he had never before visited. When he could no longer hold back, bathing in the sweet scents of sex and sweat, they both reached climax together. Totally immersed in each other, he remained inside her while he ran his fingers though her thick, disheveled hair. They drifted off into a dreamlike state, with not a single word uttered, yet so much passed between them. As they lay there together, each knew their world had changed. There was no going back as a powerful current held them tightly in its grip.

Gazing at Erik’s sinewy body, Carol wondered how every woman could not see him in the same light as she. These thoughts were interrupted when they rolled out of bed onto the floor, giggling. They stood up and barefoot she barely came to his shoulders. He platonically kissed the top of her head and proceeded to take a shower. She quickly dressed and meandered throughout the house. There were no family photos, which she thought odd. She finally spotted one of Erik and a beautiful woman she took to be his mother. Both were smiling, but the smiles were those of people who have been told to do so, with lots of flashy teeth showing but without true happiness in the eyes. Rather, it was as if gloom found a place in his mother’s eyes.

After hearing the water stop, Carol returned upstairs and slid her fingernails sensually over his dripping body, an action that made not only the hair on the nape of his neck stand up. “I’m ready for round two,” he said, pointing. After seriously considering that he added, “But my parents might return.” Trying to drag his corporeal thoughts away from her he mentioned, “I know this little Italian restaurant not too far from here. You think pasta and wine might force the lustful feelings aside?”

“Or, have exactly the opposite effect. But let me call my folks first. Is it okay to use the phone?”

He showed her where it was and whispered over her shoulder with a broad smile. “Hi, Mom, Erik and I just finished flying, er, making love and it was great!”

She threw him a playful look and punched in the number. A second later her mother answered. “Hi, Mom, I finished my lesson and we’re going to grab a bite.”

They took separate cars to the La Pizzetta restaurant where Erik suggested the linguini with red clam sauce. “Although this place isn’t fancy like Chez Nous, they make their own macaroni and use fresh clams.” They both ordered the same dish. The dinner conversation was conducted in high spirits as Erik related stories about some of his student pilots without mentioning them by name. They finished off the meal with homemade cheesecake more like home comfort. While sipping coffee, Carol asked, “What’s up with you and your old man? When I mentioned him, you were like a different person.”

Erik didn’t want to plumb those deep waters. Could he even begin to convey about his mother cheating and his father’s reaction? “It’s gotta be the cultural differences,” he finally stammered. “My parents are from another country. My father doesn’t like the way I do things and makes my life miserable.” He’d probably divulge everything eventually, but needed more time.

Very reluctant goodbye kisses were exchanged in