California

"I want to see you." Henry's deep voice rumbled through the phone. I sat on the couch, staring as the faded sunlight painted the walls a deep gold. I reached for the glass of wine sitting on the coffee table.

"I want to see you too," I sighed, taking a sip of the crisp Chardonnay. "Come to California, Henry."

"I want to, sweetheart. I do. This is a busy time at Hidden Hollow. I'm in the middle of interviews for a chef to take over while mine is on maternity leave." The phone was silent for a moment. "You can come here, Ellie."

"I have work too."

"When's your spring break?"

"In two weeks."

"Come to Montana," he urged.

"Henry," I started.

"I'm buying you a ticket. You can use it or not, but I'm hoping you do."

I shifted down on the couch. "I don't want you to pay for my ticket," I protested.

"I can afford it and I know you can't. They don't pay teachers enough," he replied stubbornly. I closed my eyes and pictured his square chin with the tiny cleft. God, I wanted to kiss that chin.

"You know," I sighed, "that's not playing fair. I miss you."

"I miss you too, Ellie. God, I would love to come to California right now."

"Right now?"

"I want to lay California out in front of me and explore every peak and valley. I want to run my fingers through Sonoma and Napa. I want to wrap my hands around San Diego and Palm Springs and run them up to Long Beach."

My heart thudded as his raspy voice continued.

"I'd spend a long time in Long Beach," his voice dropped to a whisper. "A really long time."

"Really?" I squeaked.

"Mmm-hmm. I want to nibble my way down Santa Clara and expose San Francisco and Oakland. Twin cities."

"Um," I swallowed, "they don't really like to be called that."

"I want to lick my way around Monterey and San Luis Obispo while my hands stroked up towards Santa Barbara."

I shifted on the couch, warmth pooling in my stomach. "Henry."

"I love Santa Barbara. Do you know where I'd go next?"

"Yosemite?"

"That's a good possibility. I'd stroke Yosemite until I melted all the ice and it was as hot as the desert."

"Henry?" I whispered.

"Yeah?" Henry replied thickly.

"I'm not sure I like what this will make Fresno."

Henry's surprised laugh barked through the phone. "Montana. Two weeks."

"I'll be there."


This is a piece of fiction inspired by the Red Dress Club prompt: to write about sex without writing about the actual act. Because you always want to leave a little to the imagination.

This bit takes place before Ellie visits Montana which puts it right at the
beginning of the story. You have to love Henry's imagination. Yum.

For more Hidden Hollow, read Fictional Mandyland and catch up.