Sandcastles

The blue ocean and clear skies, the warm sun and a cold scotch on the rocks, he should be happy.

Why the hell he had let his brother talk him into this he had no idea, he was here now so may as well make the most of it.

Kauai like the other Hawaiian Islands was beautiful, full of colour and interesting place but since arriving he spent his time at the chalet glued to his laptop, the one thing he insisted on bringing with him.

His eyes scanned the beach, parents relaxed while their children played in the water, young couples not yet at the stage of nappies and sleepless nights walked in hand in hand or made out.

The sun started to set, a sign for everyone to head back to their homes or hotels for the night, this was the time he liked, when it was quiet, just the sound of the waves as they crashed onto the shore and the clinking of ice in his glass.

Popping indoors he returned with another drink....not everyone had left.

He watched with amusement as the girl ran back and forth, jumping into the waves as they rolled in then running back up the sand only to repeat the process. 

In the dim light he could make out the tanned skin and long blond hair, another holiday maker, just like himself.

He wondered were her friends where, or boyfriend, wherever they where she was enjoying her own company.

After a while she stopped her wave jumping and knelt on the sand, to his surprise she started to build a sandcastle.

He watched as she carefully tipped the bucket, each one placed with thought, it took an hour for her to complete her project.

Stepping back she admired her work then taking a big jump she came down on her construction sending sand in all directions. 

Putting his hand to his mouth Gabe muffled a laugh, not wanting to alert the girl to his presence.

The moon came out from behind a cloud bathing her in it's light, the waves crashed behind her and in the distance an old ship lay wrecked on the rocks, an artist would have found the scene before him picturesque.

Gabe was not an artist, his job was haulage or rather he and his brother own a very large and profitable haulage firm.

Swallowing the last of his drink he watched as she jumped up and down, the girl seemed determined to flatten the castle into oblivion.

Happy with her work the girl walked up the beach. 

Gabe stepped into the chalet re-emerging as she passed, lamps doted along the decking illuminated her, she had a nice figure the tan revealing how long she spent in the sun, probably one of those rich bitches, all money and no work, spending all her time either perfecting her tan or getting her hair and nails done.

He watched her hips swing from side to side, the neat bum covered by a single piece of material, he felt something stir "Down boy" he murmured to himself.

Disappearing out of sight Gabe packed up his laptop and went indoors.

It became a nightly routine, Gabe sat drink in front of him watching the girl as she swam, built sandcastles or just watched the waves.

One night a week later, the girl was making a sandcastle when she got up and marched over to where he was sitting.

"Come on!" 

"Sorry?" Gabe asked confused.

"Instead of watching you can help!"

Gabe glared at her "Sorry Miss, err?"

"Help me make a sandcastle"

Gabe roared with laughter "Sorry, not my thing"

The girl put her arms to her side with a flapping motion "What'a the matter; scared you'll get your clothes gritty.....chicken!"

Gabe stopped laughing, if he was anything he was certainly no chicken "Fine"

The girl smiled "Willow"

He took her outstretched hand "Gabe"

He watched as Willow filled the bucket then patted it down "You tip it there" she pointed to where she had started. 

"You're not very good at this?" Willow remarked as she watched the third sand tower collapse.

"Not really, not done this since I was a kid"

"So what do you do?"

"I work in haulage...."

"A lorry driver"
"You could say that, you?" why tell her who he was.

"I make things, sell to the tourists"

Well that blew his rich bitch theory out the window "You're not on holiday?"

Willow laughed "No, I was born here"

Leaving the castle unfinished they sat on the sand. 

"I would never have guessed"

"My parents are Botanists from England, I was five when I was sent to live with my Aunt in Devon, my mother thought it best as they weren't around much"

"And now?"

"I used to spend my holidays here and came back for good when I turned sixteen, I can't imagine anywhere I would rather be"

"Your parents still here?"

"No, they retired and went back to England"

"You must miss them"

Willow shrugged "Sometimes but I can visit when I want, enough about me, Gabe that's unusual?"

"Short for Gabriel"

"It must be fun driving those big lorries, open road, freedom" 

"It was but I spend my time sitting at a desk doing paperwork, been a while since I was behind a wheel"

"So what do you do for fun?"

"Fun?" 

"Yeah, to relax"

"I don't"

Willow gasped "Nothing, just work, work and more work!"

"Yeah, never had time"

"Oh my God" Willow jumped to her feet "Be ready at one tomorrow"

"Where you going?"

"Home, be ready"

"Why one?" 

"I'm taking you somewhere"

Gabe watched as she walked up the beach "Where we going?"

"It's a surprise" she shouted over her shoulder.

Hit with a feeling of dread he yelled back "I'm busy"

If she heard him she didn't answer, great, just what he needed, a field trip.

He hated surprises and with someone he didn't know made it worse, ok so she was pretty and sexy, having wanted to pat that cute bum more than once.

Fun, he didn't know how, he had ploughed a lot of hours not to mention blood sweat and tears to get the business where it is.

Having fun was something you did as a kid.

Promptly at one there was a knock at the door. 

Walking across the room Gabe felt his chest tighten, the torn shorts and t shirt clung to her curves, her long golden legs seemed to go on forever, God was there anything she didn't look good in, his groin started to ache.

Willow was impressed; he was better looking in daylight, so he was a workaholic hopefully she could change that.

Getting his hormones under control he opened the door.

"Ready?" she asked cheerfully.

"I guess" locking the door he followed her to the road.

Gabe looked at the target in horror "Axe throwing!" 
Willow laughed "Why not, it's fun"
"Looks a bit dangerous to me" he eyed the board with animosity.
"It's easy, all you do is hold the axe above your head then throw it, make sure you aim for the target"
This is not what he had planned but then he hadn't planned anything, just happy to be with her.
"Come on, give it a go you might like it"
"I don't know?"
"Do I have to do the chicken dance again?"
Gabe lifted his hands in surrender "Ok, ok I give in"

Gabe watched as she swung the axe over her head then in one smooth movement threw it at the board.
It whizzed through the air and hit the target with a thud, repeating the process with the other two axes.
"Now you try" she handed the axe to Gabe.
Swinging it over his head he launched the axe into the air, it fell to the ground, picking up another he tried again .
Willow gave him tips not once laughing at his attempts.
After a while Gabe got the hang of it and found he was enjoying himself.
Taking turns they both aimed for the bull which Willow hit three times, Gabe once.
"Enough, I'm beat" he admitted, rubbing his aching muscles.
Grabbing him by the hand she dragged him through the gate "I know just the thing"

Gabe groaned in relief as the heat from the spring banished the ache from his limbs.
"Told you it would help"
"Those things are heavy" he explained, trying not to look a her body, the white bikini emphasised her figure.
"Tomorrow we'll go log rolling" she smirked.
"You're joking?"
"Nope"
He tried to think of an excuse to get out of it but although he could think of several he didn't have the heart to say no.
"Let me take you somewhere?"
"Where?"
"Dinner, tonight?"
"Ok" 

Willow stood on the veranda, turning to the sound of a door opening. 
She gasped as Gabe walked towards her, the dark suit was flawlessly cut fitting in all the right places, she dreamt of running her hands over that gorgeous body.
Gabe's heart hammered wildly in his chest, the now familiar heat rushed to his groin, her dress in shades of blue clung to her teasingly, low cut it revealed her cleavage hinting at the pert swellings underneath.
He had an urge to see her naked, forget dinner.
"You look beautiful" he remarked taking her arm.
"Thank you, you're not bad yourself"

Willow was surprised to find them sitting in the Ha'iku restaurant, the most expensive place on the island.
The waiter in black slacks and shirt bowed as he reached the table.
Willow looked at the tasteful furniture, the orchestra "Can you afford this place?"
"Of course"
"Ok, spill?"
"Spill what?"
"The expensive suit, the best restaurant, you're not an average trucker?"
"My surname is Sanders!"
Willow stared in horror "Not Sanders Haulage!"
"Yep"
Willow was shocked; his company was one of the fastest growing, spanning most of the US.

The waiter returned with their meal stopping the conversation from going further.
Willow ate in silence, had she known who he was she wouldn't have approached him, he was a millionaire, expensive tastes in lifestyle, his woman wore diamonds and oozed glamour and class not a beach bum in denim who made plates for a living.
"You've gone very quiet; does it bother you who I am?"
"A bit, I mean you're out of my league"
"How?"
"I'm not rich, I don't have airs and graces, basically I'm not you're type"
"Ah, how do you know what is my type, I find you interesting and fun" he wanted to add beautiful and sexy but thought better of it, change the subject "So what's this log rolling?"
Willow explained what it was and that it was best to wear shorts as you could get wet "That's if you still want to go?"
"Of course"
The meal finished they drank coffee and chatted, Willow relaxed "Lets dance" 

"I don't...." he stopped realising it wasn't going to work.
They moved slowly in rhythm to the music, Gabe's body was on fire, his hand rested on the bare skin of her back, her body rubbed against his.
"See you can dance" she giggled.
Gabe didn't answer, he stared into her soft brown eyes, they revealed fun and laughter, a fierce love of life, he had never met anyone like her.
She could see the want in his eyes, the desire, her stomach knotted her heart raced.
The owner of the restaurant moved about quietly, lifting chairs and switching of lights giving discreet coughs.
Looking round Gabe found they were the only two left "How about a drink at mine?"

Gabe poured two glasses of wine and handed one to Willow, their hands touched, their eyes locked, slowly they drank their wine."How old are you?" 
"Nineteen, why?"
Gabe spluttered "Nineteen, Jesus" he was cradle snatching "I'm over twice your age!"
"So"
"Well, I'm too old for you"
"Why?"
"I just am, shit you're not even old enough to drink" he looked at the wines glasses.
"We are attracted to each other, I don't see  a problem"
"Look, lets just call it a night before......"
"Before what?" Willow asked seductively, moving closer.

She kissed him, watching for a reaction.
This was wrong; she should be with her own kind not an old man like him.
"It's what we both want.....isn't it?" she murmured hoarsely.
Oh God yes, he wanted it, wanted her, but.....
Willow kissed him again; her arms slid round his waist pulling closer.
Gabe stood frozen, he should back off send her packing but something stopped him, his head yelled 'NO' but his body burned his groin ached, screaming 'YES'
Willow slid her hand down grabbing his rear then moved round to the swelling in his trousers making him moan.

His body overruled, ignoring the warnings he kissed back with hunger.
So he was older did it matter, she wanted him, had done from the first night, she knew he was watching her, her body tingling every time she saw him.
Never one to shy away Willow had made up her mind to confront him getting a shock when she saw him up close, the lads her age were nothing compared to him.
If she wanted something bad enough she went for tit, you only had one life.....live it was her motto.
Stepping back she pulled the dress from her shoulders.
Letting it fall to the floor she took Gabe's hand and led him to the sofa.

She sat on his lap, placing his hands on her naked body she whispered "I want you" 
Gabe's heart pounded; his blood coursed through his body.
He wanted to but resisted, he refused to look at her, tried to ignore the feel of her bare flesh under his fingers "I think"
Willow wriggled against him her action speaking louder than words, her lips pressed down on his her hand again reached for his crotch.
Why not, he was no holiday it's what you did, so he had heard.
One hand caressed her shoulder the other her thigh, he kissed back his tongue assaulting her mouth.

She watched as he removed his clothes, having guessed he took care of himself, worked out but to see him, in all his glory made her mouth water.
"You might regret this in the morning" he warned as he climbed onto the sofa.
"No I won't" her hand touched his face; her fingers ran the length of his jaw her eyes bore into his.
He leaned in his hand resting on her hip; he nuzzled her neck the moved down to her breasts.
Willow squealed, her hands cradled his head, she shuddered as his tongue touched her flesh sending a fire through her.
She smelt of Hibiscus and the ocean, he reached down and grabbed her panties, slowly pulling them off.

Willow pushed him.
Confused he sat back, intrigued when she straddled him; she watched him as she squirmed on his lap allowing herself to take all of him.
Gabe closed his eyes and groaned loudly as he felt her envelop his hardness.
Her movements leisurely, focusing on the desire and delight on his face.
Leaning forward he kissed her, his tongue tasting every part of her he could reach, his hands slid round to he buttocks.
Clutching his shoulders tight she moaned, her movements became frenzied, Gabe could feel himself loosing control knew she was doing the same.
Climaxing together they held each other tight letting the rush of pleasure and fulfilment wash over them.
Never in his wildest dreams had he experienced sex like that.

Gabe watched the sun rise, the rich colours off dawn hit the ocean and ran along the surface, he watched as it rays hit the sand, travelling up towards his chalet it burst into the room announcing the start of a new day.
He stood naked at the window enjoying this moment, to early for anyone to be up even so he normally covered up, put something on but today, this moment, he didn't care.
Willow walked up behind him, even from the back he was impressive, she rested her cheek on his back her hand stroked the nape of his neck.
His hand went to her thigh, caressing her smooth skin he could feel her press against him, his body reacting immediately "We should have breakfast!"
"Later" she whispered softly, taking his hand.

It was late afternoon when he finally emerged; coming out of the bathroom he found a cooked brunch waiting for him.
Eating heartily he listened to Willow as she chatted merrily about the places he hadn't seen yet.
By two O clock he found himself teetering on a log trying to stay on as it bobbed in the water.
Willow giggled as she rolled it in one direction then another hoping to unbalance him but he was too quick.
Their laughter filled the air as they fought to throw each other till Gabe managed to sneak a kiss causing her to loose balance.
Gabe howled with laughter as she fell into the water with a splash.

That night they relaxed on the veranda enjoying the night air.
"What kind of things do you make?"
"Mostly pottery, plates, jugs that sort of thing, in the summer I make perfume from the flowers that grow on the Island"
"You never thought of expanding, going further afield?"
"No, when would I have time for fun, I enjoy what I do it gives me enough to live on"
Gabe tried to imagine a life like her's, the freedom it brought but he couldn't put himself in her shoes, he enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the city the board meeting and even the paper work.
"Take life as it comes and enjoy it to the full, it lasts for a short time" 
Gabe shook his head " It's not as easy as that"
"Why?"

"You can't live like that forever, one day you'll meet someone, settle down have children, what then?" 
"It won't mean I have to stop living, it will be the beginning of a new chapter"
It sounded idyllic but impractical, children were expensive he had seen the amount of money his brother spent on them.
"When you leave here, you will go back to the old life and in time forget what it was like to really live"
Gabe felt his heart rip, it hadn't occurred to him he would be retuning home, go back to his apartment and office, his life, his stomach lurched as he realised he would be going home in a fortnight.
He gazed at her, the long blond hair those eyes of molten chocolate, burning her image into his mind.
As if reading his mind Willow stood and reached for his hand "We better make the most of it" she smiled provocatively.

Willow practical lived with Gabe, rarely going to her own home.
As much as he loved her being with him he had sorely neglected his own work so one morning he insisted he had to check in.
Agreeing she decided to go home for a bit, maybe do some work herself.
"I've never seen you're place?"
Willow shrugged "Nothing startling about mine, it's just a place to sleep and work"
"May I see it?"
Willow hesitated; it wasn't the kind place to bring a millionaire.
He sensed her reluctance "It can't be that bad?"
"Ok, when you're finished come to mine" she gave him the address.
Giving him a peck on the cheek she jumped down the steps and sprinted across the sand.
Gabe fired up his laptop.

He should have checked in sooner, the e mails came in thick and fast, mostly from Eric his brother, making sure he was relaxing.
Finally after what seemed like hours he shut down.
Following Willow's directions he found her place easily, stopping as he turned the corner and caught site of the place.
Sitting close to the shore it was a mixture of oriental and beach hut the plants that grew around and over it made it look quaint.
The house was secluded surrounded by two large grass banks; you would never know the place was here.
Large pots with exotic plants dotted the veranda, a large fishing net hung over the side, he wondered if she used it.

Climbing the steps he was greeted by a jubilant Willow who pulled him inside "I missed you!" she murmured, her voice full of passion.
He had missed her too; his place seemed empty after she left.
They kissed passionately, their bodies eager for the others touch, her breasts pressed against his chest, her hips wiggled suggestively against his crotch.
His body ignited, his hand slid under her top making Willow moan softly.
Gabe reached for her top, pulling it over her head he then undid the buttons to her skirt and let it fall to the floor.
Taking his hands she led him to her bedroom.

Gabe stood on the deck and watched the gulls flying over the sea.
A light wind blew through the coconut trees making them swing gently the sound from them almost a whisper.
The smell of salt and perfume assaulted his senses; if paradise really existed this would be it, feeling something stab at his heart when he thought of home.
Willow watched him with a pained heart, soon he would be leaving and she would never see him again, she was falling for him, knew she was going to get hurt but for now she would enjoy what she had.
"Let's swim!"
Gabe shook his head "I never brought trunks"
"Who said anything about swimsuits" she giggled, slipping out of her clothes.

Shocked his eyes followed her as she ran down the steps.
Willow ran across the sand laughing and skipping "Come on!" she shouted to Gabe.
"It's a bit risky, isn't it?"
"Nonsense, nobody comes here"
He watched as she ran into the water, her nakedness evoking a rush of heat to his loins, they were so different, he was a workaholic keeping his emotions and behaviour in check, always the one to go to in crises while she, she was a free spirit living life to the fullest, doing as she pleased.
Looking up at him she shouted "This is wonderful Gabe you have to try it"
Scanning the beach for any signs of life and finding nothing her pulled of his clothes.

Submerging himself in the water he swam to Willow, no longer exposed he felt more comfortable.
Laughing at his bashfulness she kissed him, her hand patting his bare bum then giving him a playful splash she swam off.
The moon light reflected of the water bathing them in it's silvery glow.
The clear water did nothing to hide their nudity but Gabe found it didn't matter, finding the sense of freedom exhilarating.
They swam and played for over an hour till Willow kissed him her hand moving down his body, nuzzling his neck she suggested they head for shore.

As soon as they reached the shore Willow pulled him down onto the wet sand and started kissing him.
Her lips travelled down his neck to his chest then further Making Gabe groan with desire, all thoughts of being discovered gone.
Willow licked the salt from his skin slowly making her way to his groin, he cried out as her lips caressed his erection.
Gabe closed his eyes, the sound of the waves, the water lapping round them only intensified his passion.
For someone so young she was extremely skilled his body almost hitting it's peek.
She moved up sitting on top of him, her body pressed firmly to his, she let him enter her, the sound escaping her told him this is what she wanted.
Easing her to the ground he moved slowly savouring the feeling of being inside her.

Now it was Gabe's turn, spending all his time at her place only returning to the chalet to check in at the office.
Although her place had running water it had no power, relying on candles and a gas stove which made it impractical for his laptop it would need charging at some point.
Willow liked it that way, loved the warm feel of her home the candles gave, it helped to keep the bills down also.
Nobody came to this area, exclusively theirs to do as they pleased he preferred this to the chalet.
Gabe found himself more relaxed than he had been in years, the tension in his body vanished his thoughts of work became less and less.
Paper work, meetings and entertaining replaced by swimming, sandcastles or just sitting on the beach, maybe this was paradise.
She would take him to the forests while she searched for flowers or let him have a go at pottery which was not as easy as it looked.

The best part was nightfall; they would watch the stars and talk, finding Willow was quite educated, knowledgeable about the Islands.
The discussions were eventually dropped by Willow's lips on his, her hands roaming her body, her eyes inviting more.
Their lovemaking was breathtaking, Willow always willing to try new things.
Time was passing fast; if she was sad she didn't show it and he never mentioned it.
The return home was inevitable, it seemed to have come in a blink of an eye but his last night on the Island was here.

Returning from his chalet he found a note, Willow had gone to a local shop with an order and wouldn't be long.
Gabe had the place to himself so went to work.
It was getting dark when Willow got back; Gabe covered her eyes and led her to the beach.
A blanket lay on the sand with a picnic basket surrounded by candles, wine sat in a cooler and a fire burnt nearby to ward off any chill in the air.
"Oh Gabe, it's wonderful"
Handing her a glass of wine he pulled out the plates and started to fill them.
They ate while watching the sun disappear over the ocean, sliding his arms round her he held her tight, this night would be with him always.

"I leave tomorrow" 
"Yes"
"Will you come and see me off?"
"Yes" pulling off her top she smiled at him.
The invitation not lost on Gabe he pulled at her skirt then grabbing her arms pushed her to the ground.
Words became unnecessary, their bodies spoke volumes, to Willow tomorrow no longer existed, if it were possible to freeze time she would do it, would lock the world in this moment, tonight she gave him everything, her body, heart and soul.
For a second Gabe felt the stab to his heart again, the crushing pain of loss, it washed over him like the ocean waves before disappearing, desire and passion taking over.

Putting the key in the lock he opened the door and stepped inside.
Turning on the light he looked round his apartment, everything was as he left it, dropping his bags he went to put the kettle on then changed his mind.
Outside was the noise of the city, cars honked there horns, buses trundled past and in the distance was the roar of a plane, it's Rolls Royce engines powering up for it's climb into the clouds.
The airport, he had waited for as long as possible but with the third and final call for his flight he admitted she wasn't coming.
Handing his ticket to the steward he boarded his flight and took his seat, looking out the window for a glimpse of blond hair and tanned skin.

Stretching out on the sofa he listened to the noise with sadness, the rustle of palm trees and the sound of the ocean replaced by congestion and sirens.
Closing his eyes he relived the night before, their bodies moved in unison their hold on each other tight.
The air turned cooler the fire died, he had carried her to her room and held her while she slept, watched the sunrise for the last time, the hands on the clock moving closer to his departure.

"Is he in?" Eric asked as he approached Gabe's secretary.
Nodding she pointed to the door "Just go in Mr Sander's"
Gabe stood at the window watching the rain, the heavy showers had been on and off since his return a month ago, it matched his mood.
"Ok Gabe talk, what's bothering you?"
"Why should there be anything wrong?"
"Let me see, you've hardly spoken, when you do it's only to bark orders, you look as if you haven't slept in weeks.....to be honest brother you're heart just isn't in the business"
Gabe sighed "Maybe you're right"
Eric closed the door "What happened when you were away?"

To everyone who knew her she was the same girl but if you looked closer her smiles didn't reach her eyes, that spark if life gone.
She felt as if someone had died, in a way it was true.
The pain of seeing him go would have been to much, she would have crumbled, told him how she felt and make a complete fool of herself.
Tears fell as she remembered the excuse she had made not to go to the airport with him, that she would be there to say goodbye.
Her heart had died that day, she loved him deeply but it wouldn't have worked, they were worlds apart.
He would have forgotten her by now, back to his own life, the wining and dinning a new woman at his side.
She new in time the pain would ease; become a void, an emptiness inside that could never be filled.                      

Gabe watched as the lonely figure stood her shoulders haunched, his heart almost broke at the sight.
Walking quietly into the water he slipped his arms round her, to hell with the suit.
"Gabe?"
"Yes"
"Why did you come back?"
"We decided to expand, buying out Kauai Cargo; I'm here to oversee the takeover"
"I see" she felt fresh tears run down her cheek "I'm sorry if you think we can carry....." her voice faltered.
Gabe moved closer, caressing her shoulder "Willow?"
"NO" Willow tried to ignore the searing heat in her body brought on by his touch "It's late you better go"
"Must I?"

"Yes, I can't go through it again, to have you for a short time then watch you leave, it broke my heart, to go through it again would kill me" 
"Why didn't you say goodbye?"
"I.....I couldn't" she broke down; his closeness was making the goodbye harder "I love you, I couldn't watch you leave"
He had spilled his guts to his brother, revealed everything that had happened, even the sex.
Eric had listened then asked if he loved her, Gabe admitted that he did but was unsure if she felt the same,
They had won the bid for the small air cargo company, Eric suggested he went and dealt with it and if it didn't work out then they could hire a manager.
"I love you" he murmured softly as he wiped the tears from her face "I want to marry you, have children and grow old together, if you don't mind an old bore beside you forever"

Willow stared at him "You're willing to stay here with me?" 
"Forever darling, on one condition!"
"Which is?"
"We put power in the house; I will have to work from home sometimes"
Willow put her arms round him and hugged him tight "Deal"
"And if we can't expand when the children come along we will need to rebuild"
"As long as we cane stay here?"
"No problem, I'll buy this beach and the land around it, it will be our paradise, now that just leaves one more thing, we get married as soon as possible" his lips came down on hers, his hand slid under her top.
Willow groaned at his touch "Oh yes, I want lots of children"