Free Of Love and Deception by Melisa Hamling

party every year at this time, and a lot of friends show up for water sports, volleyball and grilled food.”
    “Water sports. Would that be boating?”
    “Of course. Boating, skiing, boogie boarding, jet skis—you name it, we can do it. So, how 'bout it? Will you accompany me, Ms. Kurtz?”
      “You can stop with the Ms. Kurtz business, Mr. Canton, if you want me to accompany you.” Daniella teased. “When do we leave and when do we come back?”
    “Friday after work and return sometime Sunday?”
    “Hm. I suppose that will work.”
    “Great! I'll inform my parents and I'll call you later.” As usual, Cruz hung up without saying goodbye.
      Daniella strolled back into the café.
      “Well?” Lori asked.
    “Well, what?"
    “Oh, pa-lease, Daniella.” Jill waggled a finger. “Don't act like you didn't just walk out of here with your phone glued to your ear. And like your head hasn't been in the clouds.”
    “More like the gutter.” Lori grinned. “Do tell us about your weekend. Did you play hide the cobra?”
    “Lori”
    “Rumple the foreskin?”
    “Can you sh—”
    “Musical flute?”
    Daniella could kiss Jill for mugging Lori's mouth with her hand when she did, because she was certain they were on the verge of being kicked out of the café for obnoxious behavior.
    Daniella held her tongue until they were out of the café before she informed the peanut gallery (Lori and Jill) of Cruz's weekend proposal. Thank God she waited because the x-rated expletives rolled off Lori's tongue all the way back to the office.
    ~~~
    Friday was hell at work. Daniella had a hard time concentrating on anything other than the upcoming weekend. Cruz would be by this evening to pick her up. She bought a new bikini, but wearing it in front of Cruz and people she didn't know made her uneasy.
    There was a rap, tap, tap on her door. Daniella glanced up to find Lori's hands and face pressed against the glass. She had her mouth open with her tongue circling round-and-round.
    “You're disgusting! And you get to clean that mess off the glass, Lori!” Daniella shook her head. “Well, come in will you? Not that you need an invite when you normally come and go as you please.”
    Lori flung the door open, and breathlessly threw herself against the counter. “I'm imitating you as I see you walking in Monday morning.”
    “Breathless? Really, Lori? You're totally demented, perverted, and… and a jackass!”
    “But you love me, and I'm so excited for you. This is it, Daniella. I just know it. You're going to marry him and pop out a couple of kids in the next few years.” Lori tapped her lips as if she were deciphering her next move.
    “Glad you can read my future, but I think it's too soon to be planning my wedding. It's not as if he's taking me to Paris or anywhere romantic. It's a friggin' beach party, dear friend.” Daniella glanced at the clock. “Oh and look. It's time to leave.”
    Lori slowly slid out of the chair and followed Daniella out of the building. “I want details when you get back.”
    “Yeah, sure.” Daniella waved her off and slipped into her car.
    ~~~
    Unsure of what the plans were for the evening at the cabin, Daniella decided to wear a good pair of light denim shorts and a dark blue halter with a deep v cut in the back that dipped down to the waistband of her shorts. She weaved a white diamond studded belt through the loops of her shorts and slipped on a matching pair of sandals. She paced the floor and jumped at the sudden loud knocking at her front door.
    After taking in several calming breaths, Daniella opened the door to greet one amazingly gorgeous man who smelled good enough to eat.
    Without a word or a hello, Cruz greeted her with a kiss. It was gentle and teasing at first, and then he sucked in her bottom lip before he stepped in further, slid his hands along her neck and dove in. His tongue thrust far and urgent, sending tingling bubbles through the middle of her abdomen, down south to the