San Diego

Rollin Hand was above all else, an actor.  A professional who worked hard at his craft and was good at his job. 

He’d been recruited by “the Company” for a particular mission where it was necessary for him to become a mafia king pin, he’d been intrigued by the concept of the work.  He’d agreed to continue working with the team that was headed by Dan Briggs.  He was then trained in all aspects of espionage work.  The techniques that he learned astounded him. He also cultivated some important friendships.  Dan Briggs was the leader of the team and had been one for some time.  Barney Collier was the technical and computer genius.  Willy Armitage, was a world class body builder, trainer and driver. There had been others he’d worked with but these three individuals had become his constant teammates.

He’d become quite good at assuming his identities quickly and with ease.  His talent and flair for acting became important to the success of many assignments.  He’d been working for the Company for two years when he met a new recruit, Cinnamon Carter, the fashion model.

They’d been attracted to one another from the beginning and they had worked closely together during her first year with the team.  They became lovers quickly, both caught up in the intensity of the work and their passion for each other. 

He called Cinnamon when he returned from his South American assignment with Elena Del Barra.   He’d been attracted to the foreign doctor, but he knew it wasn’t his place to become involved with another spy, one in his life was enough.

The phone rang twice, then he heard her familiar voice. 

“Hello.” Her voice brought a smile to his face.

“Hello.”

“I thought you weren’t due back until Saturday.”

“Things went better than expected.  You busy?” 

“Not particularly.”

“Want to have an early weekend?”  He asked.

“I could be persuaded.”  She responded.

“I was thinking of driving down to San Diego.”

“I do like the Del Coronado.”

“Pick you up in a couple of hours.”

“I’ll be ready.” She said with a smile as she placed the phone in its cradle.

He picked her up exactly two hours later.  The trip to San Diego wasn’t long in Rollins’ mustang.  She moved close to him as they drove.  He told her about a friend who had a sailboat and had agreed to let him use it on Saturday.

They arrived at the famous hotel Friday afternoon as the sun was setting in the ocean.  At Rollin’s request, they were shown to an ocean view room with a balcony.

Rollin tipped the valet as Cinnamon crossed to open the French doors to the balcony to enjoy the seabreeze.  

Rollin joined her, admiring the view. 

“Beautiful.”  She said, taking in the view.

“Yes, you are.”  He said pulling her to him.  He kissed her lightly and she leaned back from him. 

“What would you like to do first?”  She asked with a smile.  “This was your idea.”

“Oh, I have a few suggestions.” He said pulling her back to him, kissing her ardently. 

She responded eagerly to his kiss.

They parted breathless and she placed her hand on his chest and moved out of his embrace.

“Why don’t we start with a walk on the beach and watch the sunset.”

He followed her as she moved back inside the room.

They shared a long walk, hand in hand, on the white sandy beach.

When they returned to the room, Cinnamon changed into a dressing gown. Rollin fixed them each a drink and went out to enjoy the view.  He sat on the small sofa that occupied the balcony.

 “I made dinner reservations for seven-thirty.”  He said as she approached, handing her a drink.

She nodded and sipped her drink as she joined him, pulling her feet up under her. He pulled a pack of cigarettes from his jacket, offered her one, which she took, putting it to her lips.  He lit hers and did the same for himself.

“So how was it?”  She asked.

“How was what?” He responded, looking at her.

“Your trip.”

He knew she could read him and he admitted to himself there was something bothering him.  “You know I’m not at liberty to discuss it, but let’s just say, I don’t make a very good psychiatrist.” 

“Oh?”

“It wasn’t all that complicated, but I don’t think I was very well qualified. Dan would have done a better job.”

“Why didn’t he go?”

“He knew her.”

“Her?”  She exclaimed.

Rollin knew instantly that it was the wrong thing to say.  The last thing he wanted was for her to think he was trying to make her jealous.

“Go on.”  She prodded with a smile.

“I just think Dan has a better handle on these types of things.”

“But I thought you wanted more responsibility.”

“I do, this one just got to me I guess.”

“She did?”

Rollin nodded and looked at her.  “Cinnamon, I was just in a difficult situation.”

She patted his leg and nodded.  “I know, Rollin, I just want you to talk about it. We’ve both been there and most likely we will again.  We both know that.”

He covered her hand with his and pulled her fingers to his lips, kissing them.

“I know. I just didn’t want you to get the wrong idea.”

She smiled and caressed his cheek.  “You don’t know what kind of ideas, I have.”

He met her mischievous eyes as she rose from the sofa.

Intrigued, he followed after her. 

She picked up her cosmetic case and carried it into the bathroom.

He removed his jacket and unbuttoned the first two buttons of his shirt, kicked off his shoes and removed his belt.  He heard the water go on in the tub, as the door stood ajar. 

He moved inside the door as he caught Cinnamon pulling the curtain across the tub.  He smiled at his reflection in the mirror and removed his clothes, dropping them on the floor

“Want some company?”  He asked, peeking around the curtain.

She smiled at him, as she reclined in the water.  “Mmm, only if you do my back.”

“With pleasure.”  He said, pulling the curtain aside.

She moved forward as he slid down behind her.  He ran his hands down her arms and into the water. 

She leaned back against him as he wrapped his arms about her, leaning his cheek against the side of her head. 

 She smiled as he kissed her cheek.  “Do I get your special treatment?”

“If you like.”

“I like.”  She said, as his hands covered her breasts.

He trailed kisses down her neck and he reached for the small bar of soap in the dish.  He dipped his hands in the warm water and lathered the bar with a washcloth.  He moved his hands to her shoulders, massaging them.  She leaned her head back at his touch and took a deep relaxing breath.  He slowly worked his way down to her waist and retraced his path. 

“How’s that?”  He asked.

“Wonderful.” She sighed. “You should do this more often.”

“As often as you’d like.”

She leaned back against him and his hands went around her waist and he moved his hands down to the top of her thighs. 

He kissed her neck and moved to kiss her ear, pulling her earlobe with his teeth. She covered his hands with hers, as they moved on her legs. 

He moved his hands back to her waist and she slid further down in the tub still resting against his chest.  She turned her head to look up at him.  He met her lips with a fierce kiss, his hand coming to her cheek. 

“I want you.”  He said, his voice thick with desire. 

“I’m yours.”  She said, kissing him again. 

“I don’t think I can wait much longer.”  He said, as they parted.

He moved to stand and she followed him, turning to him as the stood together.  He pulled her to him, kissing her hungrily.   She pressed herself against him, feeling his arousal against her.

They parted and she smiled up at him, her eyes reflecting her desire for him.  She stepped from the tub, taking the towel from the bar beside the tub, wrapping it around herself. 

Rollin watched her quick movements and stepped behind her.  He grasped her shoulders and wrapped his arms around her.  “Cinnamon.” His voice thick, as he whispered in her ear and kissed her neck.

His hand went to her hip and he scooped her up into his arms. 

He carried her from the bath and deposited her gently on the bed, where he peeled the towel from around her.  She smiled as she watched him. He touched her cheek and slowly moved his hand down her body.  

She leaned her head back enjoying his soft touch.  He traced her breasts, her stomach, hesitated at her hip and moved down her leg. 

He retraced the path with soft kisses, which brought a moan from her lips.  “Rollin.”

He crawled over her, until they were face to face.  “You called.”  He said softly. 

She smiled up at him.  “Mmm...” She said nodding her head.

He kissed her, moving inside her at the same time.  She moved her hips toward him as he slowly penetrated her. 

“God, you feel good.”

Her arms went around his neck and she closed her eyes.  He began moving against her, slowly, kissing her breasts, tickling each with his tongue. 

His motion was increasing as he was nearing his peak.  His hands went to either side of her as he quickened the pace. 

She brought her knees forward and wrapped them around his legs, so they moved together with ease. 

 He kissed her again and she pulled at his lip with her teeth, as he parted from her. 

Cinnamon’s breathing was heavy as Rollin moved inside her.  She grasped his backside as his short thrusts brought his release inside her and her hands pulled him further inside her, bringing a low moan from her lips. “Oh Rollin.”  She sighed.

He looked down at her closed eyes and the satisfied smile on her face and kissed her, lightly.

He laid against her, his cheek to hers, catching his breath.  Her arms went around him and held him. 

 After a few minutes, their breathing returning to normal, he pushed himself above her, smiling down at her.

“You really are good.”  She said looking into his blue eyes.

He grinned and kissed her deeply.  “Glad you like.” 

“I really do.”  She said touching his cheek.

He kissed her palm as he withdrew from her and laid beside her, taking a deep breath and staring at the ceiling. 

Cinnamon’s hand covered his and he pulled it to his lips, kissing her fingers.

“What about our reservations?”  She asked, not wanting to move.

“Ever heard of room service?”

She laughed, “I think I just did.”

He laughed and rolled back to her, moving his hand over her, pulling the towel back over her.

“You know, I think they have twenty-four hour room service here.”

She smiled,  “I’m glad.”

Late Saturday morning, they drove to a small harbor, just south of San Diego, where his friend, Jerry, kept his boat.  Rollin wasn’t the world’s greatest sailor, he only ventured out when the sea and wind where calm.  He’d been caught one time in rough weather and had promised himself, never again.  Today was the picture perfect Southern California day.  Light wind and crystal blue skies. Cinnamon was anxious to see the craft before she gave it her blessing.  They drove slowly down the dock to slip 24 near the end of the pier.  There, tied to the pilings, sat a 21 foot sailboat.  Rollin put the car in park.   “Isn’t she a beauty?”  He said pointing the boat for Cinnamon’s approval.

“Very nice,” she conceded. 

“I knew you’d like it.”  He said exiting the car and moving to open the door for her. 

Cinnamon grabbed her bag and her hat as he closed her door, then reached for the basket and jackets that lay in the back seat.  They had stopped for sandwiches and drinks on the way down.

He led the way to the boat.  He stepped on board and then turned to offer her a hand. 

“Welcome aboard.”  He said pulling her to him for a quick kiss.

She smiled as they parted.  “I might like this after all.” 

She looked about the boat, noticing the cabin.  “Shall I store the provisions, captain?”  She asked formally.

“Please do, then come back and give me a hand with the lines.” 

He watched her as she disappeared below deck.  He busied himself with making sailing preparations. 

She emerged a short time later having familiarized herself with the boat.  Cinnamon believed in being prepared for any eventually, her work had taught her that.

Rollin was preparing the sails for the pending departure.  “All set down there?”  He called to her.

“All ready.  What do you need me to do?” 

He moved back toward her and the console.  “Could you go untie the bowline?  I’ll start the engine and get the stern line.” 

“Can do.”  She said standing on the starboard side of the boat to step back on the pier and made her way to the bow of the small craft.

Rollin started the engine and let it idle.  She untied the bowline and moved back to the stern of the boat.  Rollin helped her re-board and reached to untie the stern line.  He moved back to the console and put the engine in slow reverse.  They backed slowly away from the pier. As they cleared the pilings, Rollin swung the wheel around and put the throttle in forward gear.  They moved slowly out of the pier area and out into the channel headed for the Pacific Ocean.  Cinnamon watched Rollin from where she sat behind him.  He was relaxed and in control of his world.  They made their way out into the channel and into the open ocean.  Once there, Rollin cut the engine and gave her the wheel and went to raise the sails.  He accomplished his task as the sails came to life in the breeze.   He returned to stand behind her at the console as she watched the sails fill.  “I can see why you enjoy this so much.”  She said smiling as she leaned back against him.  

“I’m glad you like it.”  He said putting his arms around her, kissing her neck.

They stood like this for a long time, just enjoying each other’s closeness and the speed of the boat under them.

After a while, Cinnamon returned to her seat, letting Rollin guide their craft through the water.  She enjoyed the sunshine and the seaspray.  They navigated the ocean for a couple of hours when Rollin suggested they anchor up for lunch.  He brought down the sails and put out the sea anchor, so they wouldn’t drift too much.  Cinnamon prepared their lunch of cold sandwiches, fruit and a chrisp chardonnay, Rollin had picked out. 

They picnicked in the console area of the boat. 

Rollin took a sip of wine and a bite of his sandwich.  “You ever noticed how much better food tastes when you’re near the water?”  He said. 

“Or on the water in this case.”  She responded.

“The salt air must bring out the flavors or something.”  He went on. 

“Could it be that you’re just hungry?”  She mused.

“Maybe, but this sure is good.”

They continued their lunch, enjoying the view and each other’s company.  

Rollin moved a little closer to her to refill her glass.  “You’re getting sunburned.”  She said noticing the redness of his face. 

“It’s just a little windburn.”  He said.

She reached for her bag.  “I think I have some lotion in here for that.”  She said sorting through the items. 

She found the bottle and poured some in her hand.  “Here, this will help.”  She said reaching to spread the lotion on his face. 

He appreciated her attention, even though it was unwarranted in his mind.  He smiled at her when she was through.  “Thanks.”  He said.  “Do you have any more of that?  I think I could use some all over.”  He said with a hint of devilishness.

“You might be surprised, what I have in this bag.” 

“Really?”  He said intrigued.

“Really.”  She said matching his stare. 

He leaned to her placing a tender kiss on her lips.  “Care to explore below decks?”  He said as they parted. 

“Not much room down there.”  She said not liking the confined area. 

“How much room do you need?”  He asked.

Cinnamon pulled out a large towel from her bag and placed it on the floor for the console.

“How do you feel about outdoor activities?”  She asked.

Rollin smiled broadly. “Fine by me.”

She also brought out the bottle of lotion.  “Now what was that about a massage?”  She said smiling at him.

“You do think of everything, don’t you?” 

They returned late Saturday afternoon as Cinnamon had mentioned that there would be band playing that night.  They both were looking forward to an enjoyable evening.  That was the plan.

She was dressed in an off the shoulder dark blue satin gown.   Rollin wore black tie as befitted their location.  He whistled as he returned from the balcony.  “You will certainly make the papers in that.”

She smiled.  “You like it?  I picked in up last week after a shoot.  Amazing the deals I can make.”

He looked at her appreciatively, “I can only guess.”  He continued. “Ready to show off some of your moves on the dance floor.” 

She chuckled.  “Good thing I didn’t buy new shoes.” She said picking up her evening bag.

She picked up her wrap and slipped her arm through his. 

He gave her a lopsided grin as they left their room.

They walked the short distance to the main area of the hotel and continued through to the large verandah that surrounded the hotel. 

The band was popular with the many locals and it would be a crowded affair.  Rollin had called ahead to secure a table. The hostess showed them to table just off the left side of the bandstand.

Dinner was a buffet style service, not unlike what was done for the brunch that was served on Sundays.  But they were under the stars tonight, with the crash of the waves in the background. 

A chilled bottle of champagne awaited them at the table. 

“You do believe in being prepared.”  She said looking at the wine cooler.

He smiled. “Comes with the training.”

He reached across the table to light her cigarette.

“Thank your friend for the sailing trip this afternoon.  It was quite an adventure.”

He met her eyes, with a trace of a smile as he remembered their amorous afternoon.  “I’ll do that.” 

He reached for the bottle and filled their glasses. 

He took up his glass and touched it against hers.  “Thanks for coming here with me.”  He said taking a sip.

“Certainly, I always can make time to be pampered.” 

“Is that what I’m doing?”

She nodded.  “It’s one of the things I like about you.”

He smiled and leaned toward her.  “What are the other things?”

She looked down at the table then cut her eyes at him. “That, I will have to tell you privately.”

“I’ll remember that.” 

She smiled provocatively at him as she noticed the people beginning to help themselves to the buffet.

Rollin followed her eyes.  “Shall we?”

They spent most of the evening on the dance floor in each other’s arms. The crowd disappeared for them as they moved about the floor.

“Dinner was wonderful.”  She said.

Rollin nodded.  “I thought so, too.”

He opened the door to the room.  She moved inside, dropping her wrap in a nearby chair.  

He pulled her into is arms and kissed her.  His hands went to her waist and he held her to him.  Her arms went about his neck and they began to dance to a music that was all their own.

As they moved he looked down at her and kissed her.  “You are so beautiful. Why me?”

She looked into his eyes.  “Rollin?” 

He stopped dancing and looked at her.  “You could be with anyone Cin.  Why me?”

Her hands moved to his shoulders. “I thought it was obvious.” 

He cocked his head at her. 

“I’m falling for you. Mister Master of Disguise.”

Rollin smiled broadly. “You are?”

“You make it pretty easy.”  She said. “Pampering me like you do.”

Rollin smiled and drew her to him.  “I do love you, Cinnamon.”

She smiled against his chest. 

He brought her lips to his and held her tight. 

They parted breathless and his blue eyes gleamed.  “I’ve never felt like this about anyone.” 

She smiled brightly and her hand moved to his face, caressing his cheek.  “I love you too.”

The weekend truly brought them together, both physically and emotionally.  Cinnamon shared her fears with him. On Sunday, they had walked and talked on the beach for hours, just enjoying each other’s company.  He, too, confessed his demons and they talked about their relationship and how they must not let it interfere with the work, since it meant a lot to both of them.  Rollin did sense, however, that Cinnamon had a long-term goal in mind.  She was not content to take a back seat in the missions.

During the short ride back to Los Angeles, she sat next to him, his arm about her. 

He pulled up in front of her building and turned off the engine. 

“You coming in?”  She asked.

He looked at her.  “I’d better not. I have an early call in the morning.”

She nodded and reached over and kissed him.  “Thank you for the weekend.”

He smiled.  “Anytime.”

She moved across the seat and he moved from the car, rounding it quickly to open her door. 

He took her hand and she moved from the car.  He smiled at her and moved to the trunk to get her bag.   Together, hand in hand, they walked inside the building.  

She opened the door to her apartment and moved inside.  He followed her and sat her bag on the floor. 

She smiled provocatively at him. “Sure you won’t stay?”

He wrapped his arms about her waist.  “I would, but you might never get rid of me.”

“Oh I think I can handle you.”

“Well you certainly did this weekend, didn’t you?”

She smiled as she leaned to him and kissed him.  “It was fun.”

He nodded his agreement and kissed her moving his hands to hers.  He sighed as he moved away from her, to leave.

“Maybe we can get together this week?”  He asked still holding her hand.

She smiled and moved her hand to the edge of the door.  “I’ll have to check my book.”

He smiled and kissed her hand. “I’ll call.”

She nodded as he turned to leave.  She watched as he strode down the hall to the elevator.  He looked back at her as he rounded the corner and gave her a wide grin.

She returned his smile and slowly closed the door.

The End

Elena Vorska

November, 2000

<return to retirement>