Apprehension: Part One

SPARKS

"Okay. Take me home, Shawn Blackwell of Norfolk, Virginia," she said. "You know there is a Naval base there? What am I saying? Of course, you do."

As they walked out of the bar into the chilly night air, she started to shiver slightly. He then pulled her into him to share his body heat.

"So, I am taking you home, right?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Who's home?"

"Where do you live?" she asked.

"I'm about ten minutes down the road. You?"

"I'm about thirty minutes, and I live in base housing."

"Mine is closer," he said.

"Then take me home. Do you have a couch I can pass out on?"

"Of course I do. In fact, I have a guest room."

He opened the car door for her, and she climbed in. He started the car.

"Nice car," she commented.

"Thank you. I like it."

"What kind of car is this?"

"How drunk are you?"

"I think I am pretty lots drunk," she slurred.

"It's an Audi. She's my baby."

"An Audi? I have an innie."

She laughed. Shane smiled and shook his head.

"Man, I wish I could have a baby. That came out wrong," she hiccuped.

"I could say something, but I will digress."

They drove ten minutes to his house. He helped her out of the car and led her into his home.

"Nice house. The fire department must pay well," she said.

"I make fairly good money. I'm a Lieutenant. They pay us well."

"Come on in. Have a seat. The bathroom is down the hall, second door on the right, if you need it."

"Thank you. You may have to remind me where it is, but I am sure I will need it at some point."

She plopped down on the couch and looked around.

"So now what?"

"We can go to sleep, we can have a drink, we can have sex. Whatever you want to do."

"I really shouldn't do anything but pass out, but let's have a drink," she said.

"Sounds good to me. I only had a couple since someone made me leave early. I saw you drinking tequila. Want to do a few shots?"

"Sure. And do you have something I could eat? Drinking makes me hungry."

And horny, she thought.

That's one reason she didn't go out. Too tempting. She was obviously right because she was sitting in a strange man's living room.

"Sure, let me go see what I can find."

He left the room, and she heaved herself off the couch. She always loved looking at people's pictures they had in their homes. It gives you a look into who they are. The first one she came across was of him with what had to be his crew—lots of fit, good-looking men.

Jesus Christ, is being hot a job requirement? she thought. When will the calendar come out?

There was what had to be a family photo. It looked like they were at a park. He was significantly younger, but she knew it was him between his smile and blue eyes. One was a little boy in a firefighter's helmet and turnout jacket. And there were the eyes. He was so cute!