New Beginnings

Rollin was exhausted from his ordeal in the testing chamber. The drug they used to simulate his death was powerful and he was glad for Willy’s assistance to the waiting car.  He climbed wearily into the car to sit beside Cinnamon for the ride to the airport and their quick flight out of the county. 

She was elated when she saw Willy helping him from the warehouse.  She wanted to take him in her arms and show him just how glad to she was to see him alive. She’d been concerned at just how the drug they were using would affect him, but hadn’t voiced those concerns, although her medical training told her that even simulated heart failure was dangerous.  She knew Jim would be close by, in case something went wrong.  She remembered two of their missions of the two years earlier where he’d been through similar ordeals.  A trace of a smile crossed her face as she remembered both assignments, she knew back then she’d lost her heart to him.

He gave her a weak smile as they neared the airport.  He was tired beyond his years, but he knew that would be a side effect going in.  She still held his hand, which he gave a light squeeze as Barney turned for the tarmac. He was looking forward to the long flight and some sleep.

She knew Jim would have Dr. Green standing by to examine Rollin upon their return.  She also knew he would not be the most cooperative of patients. Dr. Green met them in the terminal in Los Angeles.  He saw them as they walked from the baggage claim area.  He gave them a cheerful smile as Jim approached. 

“Welcome back.”  The doctor stated.

“Thanks Blake, good to be home.”  Jim turned to Rollin, who stood beside him. “You know the routine, Rollin, might as well get it over with.” 

Rollin frowned as he looked at Jim. “I’m fine, really Jim.”

Jim held up a hand.  “Sorry, can’t budge on this one.” 

Cinnamon stepped up to his side. “Oh go on, it won’t hurt much.” She laughed lightly, placing her hand on his arm.

Rollin gave her a look of resignation and nodded. With that he moved toward the exit, followed by the rest of the team.  “Try not to keep him too long, you know how he is.”  Jim said to Dr. Green as they walked. “I’m sure he’s fine.  I’d like to do some tests just to be sure.”

“Whatever you think is best, Blake.” 

“I’ll put him in for a couple days, give him some rest.”

Dr. Green nodded and quickly caught up with Rollin who was chatting with the others near the curb.

Rollin looked at the doctor as he approached.

“Don’t worry, Rollin.  We’ll come visit.”  Barney said, picking up his bag as Rollin followed Dr. Green to his waiting car.

Rollin was admitted to the company infirmary and Dr. Green began his battery of tests that lasted well into the evening. 

After an unsatisfying dinner, he watched a sitcom on television until he fell asleep.

He looked up from his game of solitaire at the quick rap on the door.

“Come in.”  He called. The door opened and Barney stepped though the opening. 

“Barney!  Willy!”  Rollin said with an easy smile. 

“Hey Rollin.” Willy said quietly.

Barney walked over and shook his friend’s hand.  “So how are you?” Barney said lighting a cigarette.

“Fine.  Just like I told him.”  He said taking the cigarette that Barney offered. 

“Well he just wants to make sure, your heart is nothing to mess around with.”  Barney said looking out the window.

“That’s right Rollin.  He’ll want you back in the gym.”  Willy said. 

“Oh he will.”  Willy stated.

“If you have anything to say about it, right.” 

Willy nodded with a smile.

Rollin smiled at his friend and shook his head.

“Don’t get your hopes up, Will.”  Barney quipped.

“I have to try.”  He said.

Barney nodded.  “So when do you get out?”  He asked.

“If I’m good, tomorrow morning.”

“So you’re being good.”

“The perfect patient.”  Rollin said with a theatrical wave of his hand.

“It’s the easiest way,” Barney conceded, “just let them do what they want and then get the hell out of Dodge.”

Rollin nodded in agreement.  “You guys seen Cinnamon?” 

“Not since the airport.  She hasn’t been by?”  Willy asked.

Rollin shook his head.

“She said something about a magazine problem.  Maybe something came up.” Barney offered.

“I wondered why you didn’t have any flowers.” Willy said. “Oh,” he reached into his coat pocket and withdrew some magazines. “We got you something to read.”

He handed the items to Rollin who glanced at them and set them beside his cards on the table.  “Thanks, beats the television.”

Barney nodded and crushed his cigarette out in the ashtray on the table.   “Sorry to keep this short, but I have to get back to the office.” 

“Sure, thanks for coming by guys.  I appreciate it.” 

Both Willy and Barney gave him a wave as the closed the door behind them.  Rollin crushed out his cigarette and picked one of the magazines. 

After a few more tests and another boring dinner, he flipped though the magazines that the guys had left for him.  He started thinking about what Barney had said about Cinnamon; maybe she was just busy, although that seemed to be happening a lot over the past several months.  He lay awake thinking about her and the time they had spent together both on and off duty, until sleep came. 

He was sleeping on his side with his arm under his head when she quietly opened the door.  She laid her purse on the dresser and moved to his bedside.  She kissed his cheek softly and smiled down at him. He looked so peaceful. She looked at him, remembering the past three years they had shared together. They’d been attracted to one another from the beginning and had acted on that attraction not long after they met.  Their relationship had cooled a bit over the past several months. There had been no cross words between them, but they had not been seeing each other as regularly as they once had.  She brushed it off on work and lack of time, but she wasn’t exactly sure why things had changed. 

When Rollin was asked once again to risk his life, above the rest of them, it worried her.  They had shared so much together; she didn’t want it to end.  It was time for her to make some decisions about her future.  Jim had approached her about training agents and even perhaps becoming a team leader, but she was unsure of just what she wanted.  She needed to work things out in her personal life.

Rollin was dreaming a delicious dream that included both he and Cinnamon.  He could smell her perfume and stirred in his sleep, rolling onto his back.  He then became aware there was someone in the room.  He opened his eyes slowly trying to focus on the individual.

She smiled again and reached to caress his cheek. 

“Cinnamon?” He asked hesitantly.

“Hi Rollin.” She said softly.

He blinked his eyes open and looked up at her. “When?” he asked, pushing himself to sit up.

I just got here.” 

“Sit down.” He said, scooting over a bit. “I was hoping you’d come by.”

She perched herself beside him on the bed.  “I’m sorry to be so late, I had a shoot, then dinner.  I would have been here earlier.”

“It’s okay, thanks for coming.” He said, noticing her dinner attire.

She placed her hand over his heart.  “How are you?” 

“I’m fine.”  He said grasping her hand and pulling it to his lips, kissing her fingertips. “No damage done.”

She smiled, “That’s good to know. I was worried about you.”

“You were?”

She nodded.  “I always worry about you.”

He squeezed her hand a little tighter.  “You do?” 

She nodded again. “Yes I do. You know that.”

He nodded slightly and smiled at her. 

“Tomorrow.”  He said, the disappointment creeping into is voice at her hasty departure.

“Good, you’ll be able to recoup at home then.”

“I suppose, any place is better than here.”

She looked down at him. “I guess it would be.”  She touched his cheek again, “I’ll check in again.”  She kissed his cheek softly.  “Go back to sleep.”

She moved away from the bed and picked up her purse. 

“Cinnamon…” he called out.

“Goodnight.”

“Sleep well, Rollin.”

With that she was gone. He turned back to onto his side and sighed, he wondered why she’d bothered.  Maybe it was over between them, he thought.  She’d been so distant over the past few months; he had hardly seen her.  Neither had said anything specific, nor did they have any firm commitment between them.  But he did love her. He knew that and he had told her that on at least two previous occasions.  Was he afraid to commit to her?  Or was he afraid that their affair was built on the lust for adventure they shared and not out of real feelings for her.  Maybe it was his fault; maybe he should have tired to be more like Jim.  Maybe that’s what she really wanted, not the nomadic lifestyle he led.

It was almost noon when he was finally discharged, told to go home, get some rest and to see Willy about a physical fitness program. He realized as he walked out of the infirmary that he didn’t have his car.  He was about to go back inside when a car drove up under the entranceway.  He recognized the blue convertible and it’s driver as it as it stopped in front of him.

“Need a lift?”  Cinnamon asked, removing her sunglasses. 

He grinned broadly and nodded.  “Actually, I do.” 

He reached for the door handle, placed his bag in the rear seat and slid inside the car. 

He smiled again, nodded and moved his arm to the back of the seat.  “Yeah, I’m all yours.” 

She smiled brightly.  “Good.”  She leaned to him, kissing him lightly.

He hadn’t been expecting that. “Cinnamon?”  He said, hesitantly.

She looked at him over her glasses, “Yes, Rollin, you are being kidnapped,” as she put the car into gear.

“Kidnapped?” 

She nodded as she moved out into traffic. “Yes, we both need some R&R and we’re taking it.”

“Yes ma’am.”  He said looking at her.

She drove them to Malibu, to his small house on the beach. 

She pulled into his drive and stopped the engine.  She turned to him. “Okay, you have two choices. First, we can stay here and see what you may have in the way of food or we can go and have a fabulous lunch somewhere quiet.”

He smiled, “I know the contents of my cupboards, so I think we’d better go for the second option.” He continued, “but I would like to change into some other clothes, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course.”

They ventured into his house.  She waited for him on the deck, smoking a cigarette, while he changed into some fresh clothes and looked quickly though his mail. He moved outside where she sat watching the waves.  He moved behind her and placed his hands gently on her shoulders.  She looked up at him.  “All ready?” 

He smiled down at her. “Unless you want to have a walk on the beach first?”

“Maybe later.”

He moved to sit next to her, taking her hand.  “What’s going on, Cinnamon?”    

“Mmm, what’d you mean?”

“All this sudden concern.”

She looked away crushing out her smoke, then met his eyes.  “I told you I was worried about you.”

“Oh.” He said holding her gaze realizing that it wasn’t time to get into this discussion yet, he mused.  “Now how about that fabulous lunch you mentioned.”

“Good, I’m famished.” 

He chuckled. “Me, too. The food at the hospital was not exactly to my liking.”

“Never is.”

He followed her back inside and they were off in search of a restaurant.

Cinnamon pulled into the deserted parking lot.   “You think they’re open?” 

“Oh I’m sure Tino will let us in.” 

They left the car and walked up to the quiet storefront.  Rollin peered in a window and saw Tino setting out silverware on the tables.

He opened the door and followed Cinnamon inside. “Anyone home?”  He called.

Rollin smiled at the restaurateur.  “Yeah, well, we do tend to stay pretty busy.” 

“And Miss Carter, how lovely you are looking.” 

Cinnamon smiled brightly and bowed her head. “Thank you Tino, it has been a long time.”

Rollin moved next to Cinnamon, his hand going to the small of her back.  “You think we could trouble you for a bite of lunch?” 

“But of course!  No trouble at all, would you like the terrace, there is a pleasant breeze and the orange trees are in bloom.”

“Sounds perfect.”  Cinnamon said.

Rollin looked at Cinnamon with a smile.  “Your idea.”

“Please Tino. Something light.”

“Very good.” He was off to prepare a bottle for them.

Cinnamon turned her attention to her surroundings, enjoying the fragrance of the orange trees.  “I’d forgotten how charming this place is.” 

“Yeah, very nice.”  He said pulling his cigarettes from his jacket and offering one to her.

She took it and he lit it for her and did the same for himself.

“So what did the good Dr. Green have to tell you?” 

“The usual, get some rest and go see Willy for an exercise program.” 

Cinnamon smiled slightly, knowing Rollin was not big on exercise. “You should, you know.” 

He frowned.  “Hell, I’m never in town long enough to stick with one anyway. Besides I usually have a swim now and again.”

She nodded knowingly.  “Right…”

He frowned again. “Can we not talk about my exercise habits? I thought I was supposed to be having some rest and recreation.”

Tino reappeared with a bottle of wine and wine cooler.  He presented it to Rollin for his approval.

He nodded at Tino “Your favorite.”  He said, looking at Cinnamon.

Cinnamon looked up at Tino. “You remembered, how nice.”

Tino smiled as he pulled the cork from the bottle.  “I never forget my good customers.”  He said pouring a taste for Rollin. 

He picked up his glass, swirled the wine and took a sip.  “Very nice, Tino, thank you.”

He poured them each a glass and returned the bottle to cooler.  Rollin raised his glass to her.  “To…” He hesitated.

“New beginnings.”  She said, softly.

She touched her glass to his, holding his gaze, as they sipped their wine. 

Rollin sat down his glass and looked to the ocean, remembering the many pleasant evenings they had spent there, together.  “Why did we stop coming here?”  He asked.

Cinnamon shook her head. “Good question.” She repeated.

He met her eyes again. “It’s been a long time, Cinnamon, too long.”

“I know, Rollin.  What happened to us?”

“Like you said, good question.”  He said picking up his glass again.  “I wondered why, you appeared out of nowhere, today.” 

“I knew you didn’t have a car, simple as that.” 

“No ulterior motives?”  He asked, sipping his wine.

She laughed lightly.  “Not really, I thought it would be nice and we could have a chance to talk.” 

“About?”  He queried.

“The price of tea in China, if you like.”  She said, he was not going to make this an easy conversation, she thought.

“Not a subject, I’m well versed on.”

“That’d be a first.”  She laughed.

He gave her a look.  “Very funny.” 

“I’m sorry.  We’re not making this easy are we?”

He looked over his glass and shook his head.  “I guess not.”

Tino reappeared with his notepad in hand.  “What can I get for you today?” 

Cinnamon looked up at him.  “Any suggestions, considering we just dropped in on you.”

Tino stopped her.  “My friends it is my pleasure to have you here.  I do have a veal scaloppini you might enjoy with fresh vegetables.”

“Sounds marvelous.” She said.

“Mr. Hand?”

“Sounds good to me.”

Tino nodded and returned to the kitchen.

Rollin looked after Tino has he ventured back to the kitchen, then back to Cinnamon.

“What has changed, Rollin?”  She asked, softly.

He looked at her, puzzled. “Changed?” 

“Between us. I mean we’ve been working together, it seems forever, but over the past few month things have obviously changed between us.  What happened?”

Rollin reached for his cigarette and took a long drag.  “I could ask the same question.  It seemed to me that you and Jim were beginning to get pretty close. He’s seems to have been paying a lot of attention to you.  I thought that maybe you and he…” He didn’t finish.

She laughed.  “Oh Rollin. You know very well that Jim wouldn’t dare get involved in any way with a team member.  It’s against the rules and you know how Jim is about rules."

Rollin’s eyebrows rose. “A secret?” 

She smiled slightly. “It’s about Jim.”

“And?” 

“He’s getting married.”

“Jim Phelps. Married?”

She nodded. 

“To whom?” 

“Her name is Mary Hodgkins.  She used to work in the codes division.”

“She’d have to be in the business.”  He mused.

Cinnamon nodded. “They’ve been seeing each other for quite some time, I take it.”  

“Where do you get all this information?”  He asked, obviously impressed.

“I have my sources.” She said with a satisfied smiled.

Rollin took another drag on his cigarette.  “I wonder how that is going to play with the secretary?”

Cinnamon took a sip of wine. “Barney’s been married for awhile. I don’t think there are any rules about that.” 

Rollin nodded, “But Paula is a gem.  What’s Mary like?” 

Cinnamon shook her head. “I’ve never met her, but I guess we will be soon.”

“We?” 

“I would hope we’d be invited to the wedding.”

“What if they elope? It’d be just like Jim.”

Cinnamon nodded her agreement. “Well wherever it is, let’s hope it’s well hidden.” 

Rollin stubbed out his smoke as she reached across the table for his hand.  “Now you don’t have to be jealous anymore.”

His eyes went wide. “Who’s jealous?”

Cinnamon smiled and shook her head, as she sipped her wine.

Rollin couldn’t help but smile a little. They’d had that conversation too many times.  “I’m not jealous of Jim.  Just the time he gets to spend with you, which has been considerable of late.”

She watched as he took her hand in both of his, rubbing her fingers.  “I know we have been busy the past few months.” 

“Where does that leave us?” He asked.

She picked up what remained of her cigarette and took a final drag.  “I’m not sure.” She responded. 

“I have missed you.“ He said earnestly. “I thought I might lose you to Jim. I thought that is what you might want, the stability…” He didn’t finish. 

She looked away.  “Jim is not you.”  She said.  “Jim is a mentor, a dear friend and colleague.  You…” She hesitated. “You have a different place in my heart.”

He smiled.  “I do?” 

“You know very well you do.”  She added softly.

Rollin looked at her.  “I was so happy when you came to visit last night, then when you left so abruptly, I didn’t know what to think.”

Cinnamon sighed.  “Yesterday was a fiasco. I had shoot I was scheduled to do and, of course, that went overtime, then I had a dinner scheduled with my accountant.  In fact, the last few months have been really awful.”

“Your accountant?”  Rollin noted.

“Yes, I’m thinking about getting out for good.”

“Out of modeling? Why?”

Rollin couldn’t argue with her, they had spent a lot of time on airplanes the last few months.

“You’re planning to make a change?” He asked, unsure he wanted to know the answer.

“Perhaps, Jim and I have been talking about a lot of things.”

“Like?”

“My getting more involved in strategy, training, taking on other responsibilities.”  She was being deliberately vague, but she knew he understood why.

“A promotion?” 

 She laughed, “Not exactly, but my role may change a bit.”

Rollin’s eyes narrowed, “You’re not getting out?”  He asked.

“Heaven’s no. We’re just talking about making some changes.”

Rollin looked relieved. He knew how much she enjoyed “the game”.

“That’s good to hear.”  He said with a relieved smile.

“It’s something I wanted to talk with you about.” 

 “Oh?”

“I wanted to know what you would think about it.”

“I would think that it would be up to you, Jim and the Secretary.”

“I value your opinion Rollin. I’d like to know what you think.”

Tino reappeared with their salads and refilled their glasses.

Rollin looked at his plate and picked up his fork.  “You should do whatever will make you happy, Cinnamon, simple as that.” 

She moved her salad about on her plate.  “You wouldn’t care that we might not be working together on a regular basis?” She said disappointed.

“You mean, leave the team?”  He said incredulously.

“Well, it won’t come to that, but my role will change my association with the team.”

“You can’t leave Cinnamon.” He said. 

“Why?”

“Because we need you, I need…it wouldn’t be the same.” 

She looked up and smiled at his hesitation.  “It wouldn’t?”

“No, it wouldn’t.”  He said putting down his fork. “You’re serious?”

“It is something that we have discussed.”

“I see.  When?” He said, resuming his meal.

“It’s not in stone yet, but I would think in the near future.”

Tino reappeared with their main course and they ate quietly, each considering their conversation. 

Tino cleared away the dishes and refilled their glasses. 

Rollin looked out to the ocean again.  “Why do you want to leave?”

She looked at him.  “Jim said the Secretary had requested me.”

“I guess I can understand why he would.  You are the best, Jim has always thought so.”

She smiled at his compliment, “Rollin, I know this may be a bit of a shock, but I think I’m going to do it.”

Rollin considered her situation for a minute.

“You’re right. I think you should do it.”

“Really?”  She said with relief.

He nodded with a smile. “Yes I do. You’ll be great.”

Cinnamon smiled, “I hoped you would say that.”

He reached for her hand across the table.  “I think it would be right up your alley.”

“You won’t be disappointed that we may not be working together as much as we have?”

“I didn’t say that.”  He said squeezing her hand.  “I’ve missed being with you Cinnamon, so much the past few months.”

She smiled softly and cut her eyes at him.  “You have?” 

He nodded.  “Yes, I have.”

“I’ve missed us, too.”  She said softly.

He smiled, knowingly.  “Shall we get out of here?” 

She looked at him, returned his smile and finished her wine. 

Rollin called Tino over and paid their bill. They made a quick exit to her waiting car and returned to his house. He suggested she put the top up due to the approaching rain clouds that had appeared over the mountains.

They entered his house and she turned and moved into his arms for a long kiss.  They parted both in need of air. 

He looked down into her green eyes.  “I have missed that.”

“Me too.” She said looking up at him.

He smiled and kissed her again.

“Now how about that walk on the beach.”  He said.

“Sounds nice.” 

They stopped on the deck to remove their shoes.  As they approached the waters edge, Rollin again noticed the dark clouds that were approaching from the mountains.  He took Cinnamon’s hand and they started off up the beach. 

They walked for a long time just being together and sharing their lives over the last few months.  Rollin kept an eye on the clouds and soon suggested they start back for the house.

They were by the surf’s edge, when the downpour started and they both were soaked to the skin.  Rollin stepped inside from the deck and pushed open the sliding glass door for Cinnamon.  They were both out of breath from running across the beach and the rain was coming down hard. 

She closed the door behind them as he went to grab some towels from the bathroom.  He returned with two oversized towels, one he handed to her. 

“Well that’s one way to end an early evening on the beach.”  He said, drying his hair.

Cinnamon nodded. “I guess we should get out of these wet things.”  She said assessing herself.

“Why don’t you go find a robe and I’ll make a fire.” 

She nodded her agreement and disappeared into the bedroom. 

When she emerged Rollin had built a fire, put on some music, opened a bottle of wine and thrown some pillows in front of the fireplace. 

He’d removed his wet clothes and wrapped the towel around his waist. 

He watched her as she moved toward him in her bare feet.  “Comfortable?”  He asked with a smile.

“Very.”

She joined him by the fireplace and held out her hands in front of her to warm them.  “Very nice.”

He reached to move a stray piece of hair from her forehead.  “You’re still wet.”

She shrugged, “I figured that was what the fire was for.”

He moved to the bottle of wine that sat on the floor and picked up their glasses. 

“There you are.”  He said, handing her one.

She looked up at him.  “You’ve thought of everything.”

He touched his glass to hers with a smile.

He took her hand and pulled her over to the cushions.  They went to the floor and watched the fire. 

Rollin leaned back against the sofa with Cinnamon leaning back against him, enjoying the wine, the music and the firelight.

Rollin moved her hair and softly kissed her neck.  She leaned her head back enjoying his touch. She sighed softly as he moved his hands down her arms.  He kissed her neck again and moved one hand underneath her robe.  He pulled her closer to him and she turned, looked up at him and kissed him.

She leaned her head against his shoulder, relaxing against him. “This is nice.”

“Hmm, huh.” 

The rain became a steady beat on the windows. 

His hand found her breast as he kissed her again. 

He gently stroked her breast and continued to place soft kisses on her neck.

“I have really missed being with you.” He spoke softly against her ear. 

She turned to face him.  “How much?” She said, pulling the sash loose at her waist. 

He smiled as she pressed her lips against his. 

“You’re about to find out.”  He growled as her hands pulled the towel from his waist.

He pulled her to him for a deep kiss and they slowly fell to the carpet. 

She looked into his blue eyes. “You know we’re risking carpet burn?”  She said, as he pushed the robe from her shoulders. 

He kissed her throat, “Not if we’re careful.” He said making his way to her earlobe.

She laughed lightly.  “Okay.”

He laughed as he propped up beside her on his elbow.  The thunder clapped outside as the storm continued.  “I was thinking it might be good that we may not be working together so much.”

She looked at him, questioning.  “Why is that?”

“That way we can’t be sanctioned for doing what we’re about to do.”

“And just what are we about to do?”  She said with a mischievous grin.

He cocked his head at her.  “Guess we have been apart too long.” He continued.  “I’ll see what I can do to make this memorable.”

She reached out and touched his cheek.  “It already is.”  She reached up and kissed him, pulling him down to her.

He trailed kisses down her body and back again and the music was interrupted as another clap of thunder sounded. 

She sighed as he moved down her body again, running his hand down her long smooth legs. He then moved to sit at her feet.  She watched as he took one foot and placed it in his lap and began a slow gentle massage of her foot.  As he kneaded her foot, she relaxed and shut off her mind and just let herself enjoy the sound of the rain, the warmth of the wine and the gentle caress of her lover.

 Rollin watched as she closed her eyes and surrendered to his ministrations. He picked up her other foot and began the same slow massage, moving his hips forward so that she could feel him hard against her foot. 

Finished with his massage he moved back over her legs, kissing his way back over her. He paused, kissing her kneecaps then stopped and kissed her stomach.  She opened her eyes and looked at him and he moved back down between her legs, which he gently parted, cupped her and moved his finger down into her warm moist folds.  She gasped as he touched her.  He slid his finger against her feeling the shudder that went through her.

He moved slowly started back up her torso, kissing her stomach again. He gently slid his finger from her as his firm organ replaced it.  He continued his movement against her as his lips sought her taut nipples.  He played his tongue over them teasing her.  Her breaths were coming short as he kissed her earlobe.

“Oh dear god, Rollin, please….” She called, desperately.

Hearing her passionate plea, he moved inside her, bringing another shudder from her and pleasured sigh from her lips. 

He placed his hands on either side of her so he could move freely against her.  Her hands went to his hips as she met his thrusts.  He looked down at her and kissed her eyelids. 

“I want you, Cinnamon, all of you.”  He leaned down and kissed her hard, her lips parting under his.

She pulled at his lips as he released her lips from his.  She relaxed even more and he thrust deeper into her. 

“Oh Rollin…” She reached for his shoulders and pulled him down to hold him to her as his thrusts grew shorter and more intense.  They were close.

Rollin, breathing hard, again, pushed himself above her and with one last long thrust, came inside her.  She was just a moment behind him as her orgasm washed over her.  

He lowered his perspiration-covered body, to lie against hers.  

“I really have missed that.”  He said against her ear.

She held onto him, enjoying their bonding, but couldn’t help but be amused by his comment.  “You aren’t the only one.” 

He laughed lightly, raised his head looked into her satisfied green eyes and kissed her. 

“Yeah?” He said moving a lock of hair from her forehead.

“Yes.”

He smiled and slowly withdrew from her and rolled onto his side beside her.

She took a deep breath and let out a contented sigh.  “Where are my cigarettes?”

Rollin knew her well.  He remembered to place a pack nearby.  He reached up on to the couch and presented the pack, lighter and ashtray to her. 

“You really did think of everything tonight.”  She said, taking the items from his hand.

“I just know what you like.”  He said, raising up on his elbow again to look at her.

She lit a smoke and put the items aside. 

“Yes, you do.”  She said blowing smoke toward the ceiling and giving him an appreciative smile.

He kissed her shoulder and looked up.  She put the cigarette to his mouth, so he could have a drag. 

“Would you like some more wine?”  He asked, looking at the bottle. 

“Sure, shouldn’t waste it.”

Rollin sat up and found the towel they had cast aside and wrapped it around himself.  Cinnamon followed suit as she pulled her robe around her. He reached for the bottle and refilled their glasses. He handed her one.  They both leaned back against the sofa

They sipped their wine and watched the fire as it was turning to embers. “Guess I’d better get another piece of wood.”  He said.

“It’s okay, I like the embers.”  

He moved his arm around her shoulders and they just enjoyed being. 

After some time, he noticed the music and the rain had stopped. 

He got up to look out the window.   “Looks like the rain has moved on, the moon is coming up.” 

He moved back to where Cinnamon sat.  He reached down to her and she let him pull her up into his embrace and they shared a long kiss. 

“What time is it anyway?”  She asked.

He glanced at the clock on the bar in the kitchen.  “Almost nine.” 

“Are you going to turn into a pumpkin?”  He asked.

“Not tonight.”

“You’re staying?”  He said as slow smile crossed his face.

“If I’m invited.” 

“By all means, Miss Carter.  Please stay.”

“See that’s all I need, a proper invitation.” 

Rollin grinned and pulled her to him for another kiss.

She withdrew from his embrace and crossed to the table where she had laid her purse.  “Do something for me?” She asked.

“Anything.”  He said.

She pulled her keys from her purse and tossed them to him. “Get my bag from the trunk?”

He looked down at the keys in his hands.  “Bag?  You came prepared?”

She looked at him innocently.  “I was a Girl Scout remember, always be prepared.”

He couldn’t help but smile.  “One thing, I need your robe.” 

“What?”

“I can’t go outside like this.”  He said looking down.

“I don’t know I kinda like it.” 

He crossed to stand in front of her.  “I like you better in a towel.”  He said reaching for the tie at her waist. 

He loosened the tie of her robe, and pulled the towel from his waist.  “Ladies first.” He said handing it to her.

She claimed the towel and slowly pulled the robe from her shoulders and handed it to him.  He pulled it on and tied the belt at his waist as she tucked the towel around her.

He looked at her appreciatively.  “Much better.”

“Go get my bag.” She said, pushing him toward the door.

He laughed as he walked to the door.  “No ulterior motives, huh?” He said closing the door behind him.

When he returned, she had replaced the cushions and picked up the bottle and glasses and put them in the kitchen.  The door to the bedroom was open and he proceeded to find her.  She was in the bathroom, fussing with her hair. 

“Here you go.”  He said handing the bag to her.

“Thank you.”  She said, dismissing him as she reached to close the door.

He shook his head and pulled the covers back on the bed and slipped underneath them. 

She emerged a few minutes later, in a sheer beige negligee. 

He whistled as she approached him.  “Much better than the towel.”

She laughed, “You think so?”

He nodded as she slipped in beside him.  “Hold that thought, I’ll be right back.”

He hopped from the bed and crossed quickly to the bathroom.

Cinnamon watched him as he crossed the room. 

He was back quickly.  “That’s the only problem with this house.  Only one bathroom.” He said.

She laughed at his remark.  “That’s probably why we always ended up at my place, isn’t it.”

“No, I think it’s because I usually drive.”  He said stretching back against the headboard. 

“Well maybe I should drive more often then, I like it out here.”  She said moving into his arms. 

“You’re welcome to stay anytime. Anytime at all.”

“I may take you up on that.”  She said moving her hand down his chest. 

“Maybe you could leave some things here.”  He suggested, kissing her ear.

“You wouldn’t mind?”

He looked at her, “No I wouldn’t.  I might even give you some closet space if you like.” 

“That means a lot coming from you, I’ve seen your closet.”

He laughed, “Just don’t overdo it.”  He said, stroking her cheek.

She nodded her agreement as they slid down further between the sheets. 

He held her close, until his thoughts returned to their earlier conversation.  “Cin. Does you taking on this new position have anything to do with you and Jim?”  He asked.

“Jim and I, what do you mean?” 

“Well I know that Jim has always been protective of you. I just wondered…”

She turned to face him. “I really can not believe you Rollin, I mean to ask me if I’m seeing another man after what we just shared. What are you thinking?” 

“I’m sorry,” he said looking away from her. “I just didn’t see this coming.  I thought that maybe you’d decided that you wanted him, not me.”  He said not meeting her eyes.

She looked at him and sighed.  She reached for his cheek and pulled his face back to look at her. “Rollin, you know Jim and I appreciate one another, he has taught me so much and we will be working closely together in the future.  But you are the one I share myself with, not Jim.” 

That reassured Rollin’s ego.  He took her hand, “Leave it to me to louse up a perfectly wonderful evening but sticking my foot in my mouth.”

“You do have your moments.”  She said settling back next to him.

He turned on his side to face her. “What can I do to make you forgive me?” He said showing her that infamous grin.

She shook her head as he pressed his lips against hers.  His hands made their way under her negligee, pushing it up as he kissed his way down her body.  

“How can I stay mad at you, when you…” She said as he kissed her.  “Guess I’m being such a girl.”  She said, chastising herself.

Rollin laughed softly.  “I like you being a girl.”  He said kissed her cheek.

She chuckled.  “That’s not what I mean.” 

“I know, but you don’t always have to be Miss don’t worry about me lady spy either. Especially when I’m around.”

“It’s my mask.” 

“How well I know.” 

His hands moved down to her hips and he pulled her closer to him.

 “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever made love to an ex-Girl-Scout before.”

“Actually, I think you have.”

He kissed her and trailed kisses across her shoulders.  He pulled the tie loose at her breasts, releasing them.  He smiled as they were revealed to him.  He kissed them lightly, teasing them erect.  Her hand was in his hair.  He pulled her close as he laid beside her looking at her. 

“You are so beautiful.”  He whispered to her.

She kissed him, softly, allowing his tongue to play with hers.

His hand made its way under her short gown, finding her moist and he tried to roll her onto her back but she stopped him, shaking her head, no. 

He rolled back against the mattress as she followed him and straddled him. He moved his hand back between her legs and he stroked her gently.  She leaned her head back sighed deep in her throat as she began to move against his hand.

She looked down at him and watched him, watching her. 

She leaned forward and grasped his shoulders, her breasts barely touching his chest.  

He looked up into the desire filled eyes.  “I need you, Cinnamon.” 

He increased the pressure of his hand and she shuddered as her breath was coming short.   She sat back and moved down on him, taking him inside her quickly.  She gasped, as her orgasm was quick as he entered her.   She fell against his chest and began to move with him.  He held onto her hips, steadying their rhythm. 

 Their lips met in a passionate kiss as she pressed against him. 

She went back to her knees to rock against him.  Rollin felt his release coming quickly.  He moved his hand back to her, stroking her again. Cinnamon bit her lip as Rollin came inside her and her orgasm overtook her and she collapsed against him.  He took her weight against his chest and held her.

She raised her head from his shoulder, still breathing hard, and kissed him. 

He looked into her eyes.  “I think you enjoyed yourself more that time.”

She smiled slightly, “I always enjoy myself with you, but that was especially good.” 

He laughed as she moved forward, allowing him to slip from her. 

She moved next to him so she could face him.  He kissed her softly.

She let out a long sigh.

“Okay?” He asked softly, kissing her forehead.

She nodded, but he could tell something was wrong.  “What is it?”

Her hand went to his face, caressing it. “I was so scared last time, Rollin.” 

“Scared, why?”

“About you, this heart failure thing.” Moving her hand to cover his heart. “It frightened me.”

He pulled her close.  “You shouldn’t be frightened, I’m fine. I told you that.”

“I know, you did, but I was afraid of losing you, losing us.” 

He pulled away from her so he could look at her and wiped the tear from her eye that threatened to fall.  “You’re not going to lose me, Cin.  I’m not going anywhere.  Not unless you want me too.”

Her eyes were moist.  “I love you, Rollin.  I have since the first time we met.”  She said softly.

“I love you, too.”  He said, “I don’t think I realized how much until you told me you might not be here as often.”

“It’s just a role change, Rollin, that’s all.” 

“So it’ll still be okay for us to do this, once in awhile.”  He said with a smile.

She smiled slightly as he tried to lighten the conversation.  “I would be very upset if we didn’t.” 

He rolled away from her.  “Good, cause I think I’m hooked.” 

Cinnamon smiled as he pulled the sheet over the both of them.  She sighed as she snuggled next to him and thought she was hooked too. 

The next morning, Rollin made coffee and teased her awake with a cup.  She opened her eyes, smelling the rich aroma. 

He held out the cup to her.  “Breakfast of champions.” He said with a smile.

She accepted the cup and watched as he got up from the edge of the bed.

“Where are you going?”  She asked, surprised at his not lingering.

“To read the Sunday paper, it’s a ritual.” He said turning at the door. 

She eased herself to the edge of the bed.  ‘Honeymoon’s over.’  She thought.

She joined him on the sofa to read the multiple sections of the Sunday LA times.  They sat on opposite ends of the sofa with their legs entwined. 

Rollin’s foot made its way slowly up her thigh, bringing a smile to her face. 

“Rollin…” She said without moving the paper she was reading.

“Mmmm.” 

“Move your foot.”

“Sorry.”  He said, not attempting to cover his chuckle.

She moved the paper down to look at him.  “I mean you haven’t even offered me breakfast yet.” 

He put down his paper. “My apologies, although my cupboards are still pretty bare.  Shall we say brunch?”

There was quick knock on the door.

Rollin looked up.  “Who the devil can that be?” 

He got up to see who the visitor was.

Cinnamon moved from the sofa and headed for the bedroom as he crossed the room.

She closed the door quickly. 

Rollin opened his front door to find Jim standing there, holding his cigarette and looking at Cinnamon’s car.   “Morning, Rollin!”

“Good morning Jim. This is a surprise. I must be a popular guy this morning. Come on in.”

Jim moved past Rollin into the main room on the house.  “Really?  I thought that was Cinnamon’s car.” 

“Yeah,” Rollin said following into the main room of the house,  “She showed up a little while ago to check on me too.”  He said stuffing his hands in the pockets of his robe.

“Guess we were all concerned about you.  Blake said he’d released you.” 

“I’m fine, Jim, just fine. Just taking a little R&R like he suggested.”

Jim noticed the papers tossed across the sofa.  “Looks like I interrupted your Sunday paper reading.” 

Rollin looked at the mess on the sofa.  “Just trying to catch up and it is part of a Sunday morning isn’t it.”

The door to the bedroom opened and Cinnamon stepped out.  Rollin looked at her.

“Rollin…. I couldn’t find … oh…Hi Jim.”  She said seeing him.

“Cinnamon.”  Jim replied, a little surprised to see her coming out of Rollin’s bedroom.

Jim looked at Rollin, then back at Cinnamon. 

“Now all we need is Barney and Willy and we could have a real meeting.”  Rollin said quickly.

Both Cinnamon and Jim laughed at his comment.

“Did you find the needle and thread, you needed?”  Rollin asked her in all innocence.

“No, I did not, that bathroom of yours is a mess.”  She said holding her button. 

Rollin looked at Jim and moved past him for the bedroom.  “Women.” He said.

Jim chuckled and leaned against the bar.

Cinnamon smiled at him.  “What brings you out this way?”  She said clearing a spot for herself on the sofa.

“Just checking up on our master of disguise. He okay?”

“Seems to be, trying to talk him into taking me to brunch.”  She said with a hopeful smile. 

“Good luck.”  Rollin said as he reentered the room carrying a needle and thread.

“I told you second drawer on the right.”  He said handing her the items.

She shook her head and looked down at where she needed to reattach her button. 

“What can I do for you Jim?”  Rollin asked.

“Not a thing.  Just wanted to make sure you were in good shape.  Ready to go back to work?”  He said slapping his shoulder.

Cinnamon looked up at Jim’s comment.  “So soon?” 

“Sure, Jim.  Ready, Willing and Able.” 

“Good, I may need you both next week.  I’ll be in touch.”  He said putting his cigarette in his mouth and starting for the door.

Rollin followed Jim to the door.  “See ya.” He called after him as he went down the steps.

He returned to living room.  Cinnamon turned to him with her chin in her hand. 

He plopped down beside her on the back of the sofa.

“That was close.”  She said. 

He smiled, “Yeah, but another gorgeous performance from you.”  He paused.  “How did you get dressed so fast?”

“Don’t look too close.” 

“Oh?” He smiled. “Something missing?”

She looked up at him with a wide-eyed innocent look.

He bent to touch his lips softly to hers.  “Now what about that brunch you mentioned.” He said kissing her as her hand crept behind his neck. 

She released him, “First, you have to do my back.”

Rollin smiled.  “It will be my pleasure.” 

THE END

Elena Vorska

July, 00

<return to retirement>