Free Caught in the Flames by Kacey Shea

caress.
    “Is that Spanish?”
    “Italian. It means, it is sweet doing nothing. This was my first tattoo. I got it the summer I turned eighteen. My friend and I took our life’s savings and flew to Europe.” She chuckles that rough laughter. “You can imagine our parents weren’t too thrilled. We had been raised to grow up and find a spouse. Maybe spend a few years in college first, but then find a mate. Instead, Bets and I took off for an adventure. My parents tried to keep me from going. Insisted I was doing nothing with my life.”
    “So you got a tattoo about doing nothing?” I grin.
    “Yes. Though it was far from the truth. I ended up doing my fair share of Italian men that summer.” She waggles her almost translucent brow and I lean forward over the table. This woman is fascinating. Her fingers stroke the rim of her mug, and light bounces off the diamond on her left ring finger.
    “Did you marry one of those Italians?” Her eyes follow mine to her ring and she just grins.
    “My turn is up. Tell me about the captain.”
    I can’t help the way my face pulls into a smile just thinking about Chase. I take a gulp of coffee and try to put my feelings for him into words. “He’s the most attractive man I’ve ever dated. And I’ve always been a bit infatuated with his profession. But I didn’t pursue him. He asked me out, and, well, it’s only been a few weeks but I’m a goner. He really is the most perfect man.” I know I’m gushing and sound more like an infatuated teen than a grown ass woman but I can’t seem to stop. Kiki smiles warmly and then pats my arm before standing to move to the counter. She brings back the coffee pot and motions to my cup. I nod with a grin.
    “Beautiful men. They were always my downfall, too. And a man in uniform is difficult to resist. I’d warn you to be careful, but sounds as though you’ve already crashed and burned for this one.”
    “Is there any reason I should be careful with Chase?” I ask because something tells me if there is, this woman would know.
    “Oh, honey, there’s always a reason to be careful in love. Doesn’t mean the heart listens.” She smiles and I return it. I should excuse myself to leave now. It’d be polite after taking up so much of her morning, but I don’t want to take off just yet. I want to know more about Kiki—her tattoos, her stories, her life.
    “Will you tell me about another tattoo?”
    “If you have the time, dear. I’m sure you have other places to be than spending your day with an old woman.”
    “I have time.” At my answer her grin pulls into a smile that fills her entire face. Her eyes crinkle so much they almost close.
    “Well, how about this rose here . . .”
    I get so wrapped up in Kiki’s tales that it’s hours before I finally jog home. The afternoon sun beats down on my skin and the humid air makes it difficult to breathe, but there’s a lightness on my soul and even in my steps as I trot the familiar path home. I’m glad fate crossed my path with Kiki today. Rather than spending the entire day obsessing about Chase I gained a new friend, one whose wisdom and life adventures fascinate me beyond measure. I can tell she’s a little lonely, and who wouldn’t be, living in that house alone with no career and no family. But today I think I needed her company as much as she needed mine.

I love sex.
    At least from what I can remember, I love it. It’s been a while. A hell of a long while. It’s almost embarrassing to admit the last occurrence was after a little too much eggnog at Alicia’s parents’ annual Christmas party. Not to mention, that interaction was severely lacking. I’m basically running on eight months of self-inflicted celibacy and pent up sexual appetite. But tonight that changes.
    A slight delay in the original plan, but that’s okay. Chase called to apologize profusely for canceling our date Saturday night, but I understood. His career is important. Then, as he anticipated, he was