Weeping Willows

A Feast for the Eyes

Chapter 15

As the car pulled up alongside of the already parked truck, they could see the men busy setting up blankets and getting out coolers. While the other three women exited the car to join them, Elizabeth reached into her bag and pulled out her SPF 90, supposed to be waterproof but must be reapplied hourly, sunscreen. Squirting a generous glob of the stuff into her hand she proceeded to slather it on like a thick layer of paint. The substance made her skin appear pastier if that was at all possible. In the middle of her ministrations the car door opened revealing a smiling Ryan as he leaned down inside bracing himself on the top.

"Were you planning on joining us sometime today?" He joked making her glower in his direction as the bottle farted out more goo onto her palm.

"Once I'm properly protected from the sun I will." At his inquisitive look she elaborated. "I burn like bacon in a frying pan if I go out in the sun without sunscreen. Believe me being unable to move for a week only to peel your entire body like a shedding snake the next week is no one's idea of a good time."

"Need some help? I could probably reach you neck and back a lot easier than you can." He stood there holding his hand out for the now slippery bottle waiting patiently for her to give in. With a put-upon sigh she handed it over while turning around and lifting her light shirt.

"Make sure you put it on thick."

"Grease you up like a pig at a rodeo?"

"Exactly."

"Yes ma'am."

Elizabeth sat there getting antsy the longer it took him to start. She had almost turned around to take the bottle back to do it herself when he finally moved. She couldn't help the small shiver when his strong hands spanned her exposed skin gently working the sunscreen across like an expert masseuse. She told herself it was only because the substance was cold on contact nothing more. He made quick work of his task since she didn't have much skin to cover anyway due to her outfit. When she heard the lid snap shut, Elizabeth dropped her shirt back down and took the bottle back.

When Elizabeth exited the car, she was stopped by Ryan's strong arm in front of her. He had it bent at the elbow offering it for her to take. He bowed slightly looking at her with a sparkle in his too blue eyes and a small smile tugging at his pale full lips. He swept his other arm out playfully.

"My lady if I may?" Elizabeth chuckled placing her hand lightly through the crook of his elbow to rest upon his forearm and played along. She sent him a coy smile in return over-exaggerating batting her eyelashes at him. He smirked down at her while flexing the arm she held over and over causing her to outright laugh at his antics. She had no idea what had gotten into him but found herself in a better mood then she had been.

As they approached the group everyone started bustling about making themselves busy pretending that they hadn't just been watching them. Elizabeth rolled her eyes at them but started laughing when she looked to Jan and Addison who were the only two still blatantly staring at them with big cheesy smiles. Ryan took her over to the two women then bowed low while giving her back her arm with a wink, then wandered off to join the other men. Jan and Addison giggled pretending to dramatically swoon while sighing with embellishment. Elizabeth blushed hoping there was enough cream on her face to hide it.

"Who said chivalry was dead?" She uttered flippantly causing the other two to laugh.

"Anyone who's never seen Ryan trying to flirt that's who." Jenny added as she came and sat with the rest of them. Jan and Addison chuckled at the declaration, but Elizabeth raised her eyebrow.