The Sequoias

Chapter 18

The rest of the day was uneventful and fun. We finished with the tree and headed back to the lodge. The drive down went fairly quickly and we got back just in time to stop over for dinner. My least favorite server was there and graciously asked to serve another table. "Well, that is fortunate. What would you like?"

The rest of the afternoon passed by nicely. We took some pictures and walked a lot. I was quite tired but very hungry. I looked over the menu and smiled at him. "The steak omelet with pancakes on the side." I set the menu down and sat back against the booth.

I ordered our food and relaxed as I waited with Lizzie for it to arrive. "Did you have a good time?"

"I did. Thank you so much. I love the places you take me." I sighed. "Now I just gotta get ready for tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

I shook my head and smiled. "Lunch with your mom."

"Oh." I smiled. How could I have forgotten? "I promise. It will be just fine."

"I know and I trust you. Just gotta make my brain shut up." I wanted to reach for his hand. I needed his touch for comfort, but I would have to wait.

I touched her foot with mine under the table and smiled. "It will be okay. You tired?"

That light touch was nice and needed. I nodded and yawned. "Very, but I don't mind. I had a great time."

"That is good. We'll come up again when it is not tourist season." Our food arrived and we both busied ourselves with eating it. When we were done I paid the bill and made sure we had to-go cups for our iced tea. "Ready for a shower and sleep?"

I nodded and followed him to the car. The trip back to the lodge was easy and quick. He unlocked the door and led us in. I headed towards the bathroom to start the shower.

I set my cup of tea on the counter and started undressing. I was absolutely ready for a nice warm shower and a good night's sleep. I wondered if she'd be too tired or maybe have some sore muscles from all of the hiking and walking that we did. I laughed to myself as I stripped out of my socks.

I stripped and got under the water. I was a little sore and started stretching. The hot water felt amazing. We had talked about starting to run regularly and I was thinking that was a good idea. I needed more exercise in my life. I started humming to myself and rubbing the muscles in my legs while I waited for him to join me.

Once I was undressed, I went to join her in the shower. I found that I was actually tired and needed to rest to be at my best for the next day. Spending time with both my mother and introducing her to my girlfriend would require me to be sharp and alert. I joined her in the shower. "Little sore?"

His voice startled me. "Hmm? Yeah, a little." I turned to face him. "I was thinking about starting that running thing we talked about."

"That would be a good idea." I smiled and stole a small kiss and a hug. The water was only a touch too hot and was tolerable. I smiled again as I pulled away. "Can we just wash and get out?" I yawned helplessly.

I nodded and handed him my loofah and body wash. His yawn triggered me to yawn as well. "Just sleep tonight?"

"Probably a good idea." I washed her rather quickly and intently. I didn't need to linger over any one part of her body. We needed sleep.

I pouted for a half a second, but he was right. I was already going to be a wreck tomorrow. I washed him quickly when he finished with me and washed and conditioned my hair just as quickly. I was really very tired.

I half laughed and shook my head. "I'll be in bed." I got out of the shower when I was done after stealing yet another small kiss that lasted just a little longer. I dried off, found pajama bottoms, and crawled into bed. By the time my eyes were closed I was sound asleep.

His kiss left me off balance and a little needy. I got out, dried off, and dried my hair as best I could. I shook my head and giggled when I saw him sound asleep. It wasn't even nine o'clock yet. I found some pjs and crawled into bed next to him. I was physically tired, but my nerves had my mind going a million miles an hour. I feared sleep would not come, but I laid down and closed my eyes. I snuggled into him and tried not to wake him. I was tempted to wake him up, but he must have been exhausted. I reviewed the last two days in my head and smiled. I must have drifted off for at least a little bit, the next time I saw the clock, it was just after eleven. This was going to be a long night. Feeling restless, I went to the kitchen area and found the makings for tea. I brewed myself a cup and contemplated going for a walk. I shouldn't do that without waking him and letting him know though. He would just tell me I was being silly, but the stress of meeting his mom was definitely getting to me. I finished my tea and crawled back in bed next to him. I pressed my lips against the side of his neck and nibbled a bit. He needed to wake up and keep me company.