The Hourglass

Thirty-Five

I slept anxiously again. This time in anticipation of seeing Adam today. I'm nervous. As a general rule of modesty, I've never worn a bikini. I've always been a tankini or one-piece kind of gal. As I stare at my reflection in the mirror, I admit to myself that I'm nervous about being in a swimsuit around Adam. 

I'm wearing a simple black one-piece. It's modest, but I'm still nervous. I pull on my jean shorts and a T-shirt to make myself feel better for the time being. Adam already texted me this morning and said he would stop at the store to get everything he needed before picking me up. 

I focus on packing my bag with the essentials: sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, and a hairbrush. I'm unsure how late we'll stay, so I grab a pair of undergarments and a sweatshirt in case I want to change later.  

My cat meows at me and saunters across the bed to me, wanting affection. I pet her absent-mindedly and wait for Adam to arrive. I tell myself not to be nervous that he'll only see me before I get in the water and after I get out to dry off. Even though Adam has felt my nearly entire naked body, he hasn't really seen it. It was dimly lit in his house that night. That's very different from a bright sunny day. 

There's a knock on my door, and I look up, confused. Normally, Adam just texts me when he's here. So who's here? I wonder. I walk over to the door hesitantly. I look through the peephole and see what looks like Adam. Confused, I open the door, and sure enough, Adam stands before me. He's wearing a white surf shirt, blue swim trunks, and brown sandals. 

I want to laugh because seeing him dressed so relaxed and ready for a day at the lake seems so bizarre. I can't bring myself to laugh, though, because he's so handsome, even in a t-shirt and swim trunks. So I smile and take in his appearance. 

Adam notices me checking him out and looks shy suddenly. "Do I look okay?" 

"You look great," I say with a smile. "What are you doing, though? Why didn't you just text me that you were here?" I wonder aloud. 

He smiles, "I wanted to be a gentleman. 

I smile, confused. "You're already a gentleman," I protest. 

"I'm learning," he says. "And I'm learning that a true gentleman comes to the door." 

I look at him dumbfounded but flattered. "Well, thank you. I just need to grab my bag," I inform him. 

"I'll wait," he says, leaning against my doorframe.  I spin around so confused, but deciding to just enjoy it. I go into my room and grab my bag then meet him back at the door. He grabs my bag from me, says, "I'll carry that," and pecks me on the cheek. 

I'm bewildered, but it's nice, so I let him. I lock my door and we walk down the stairs. He, of course, gets my door for me when we get to the car, then he places my bag in the back seat. I'm so stunned I don't even know how to react. 

Adam climbs in the car and can clearly read my perplexed expression. His smile falters a little, "Am I being too much?" He asks. "Do you not like me treating you like a princess? I promise I'm not being sarcastic or condescending," he defends himself. 

"No," I say, panicked. "I love it; I've just never had anyone do it, and I'm so shocked that I don't even know how to respond," I tell him honestly.

He smiles in relief. "I just want to treat you with the respect you deserve." 

I watch him, unsure how I could be so lucky. So often with him, I forget this all started because of the hourglass. I don't even get the impression he needs me. But it's still on my dresser. "Thank you," I say sweetly. "I hope you know how much I appreciate it."