| AN ORDINARY LIFE Part Three-- Getting To Know You ~~~~~ The restaurant was busy as most were on a Saturday, but the fall evening was warm enough to make waiting outside pleasurable. Stevie and Methos took over one of the benches that were placed strategically around the perimeter of the waiting area. The smell of food wafted outdoors from the grill causing Methos’ stomach to growl loudly. “Hungry?” Stevie asked between giggles. Methos didn’t lie. “Yeah, I could eat a horse.” He glanced at his watch. “Shouldn’t be too much longer.” As if on cue, a tinny sounding voice announced, “Pierson, party of two, you’re table is now ready. Pierson, party of two.” “That’s us,” Methos stood up and took her hand. They walked to the hostess station, and a waitress directed them to follow her. She led them to a booth and handed them menus. “My name is Candace. I’ll give you guys a couple of minutes to decide. What can I get you to drink?” “I’ll take a margarita,” Stevie arranged her purse and jacket on the bench next to her. “And you, sir?” Candace turned to Methos. “Do you have Guinness on tap?” She nodded her head yes. “That’s what I’ll have then.” “I’ll be right back with your drinks.” She scurried off to fill their orders. Stevie opened her menu and perused the selection. “They’ve got quite the selection.” “This is one of my favorite places to eat,” he told her as he took a cursory glance of the menu. “Best steak here in Seacouver.” “Everything sounds so good,” she looked across the table at him, “I’m gonna have a hard time making up my mind.” “You better think fast, then.” He pointed to their waitress weaving her way back through the crowded restaurant. Candace sat their drinks down in front them and pulled her order pad out. “You guys ready?” Stevie shook her head. “You go ahead, Adam.” “I’ll have the Surf and Turf,” Methos began, “with a baked potato, the Caesar salad, and an order of onion rings.” The waitress jotted down his order and looked to Stevie. “Do you need a few more minutes?” “No, thanks.” Stevie pointed to a section of the menu. “I’ll take the petite sirloin with the baked sweet potato and grilled vegetables.” “How did you want your steaks cooked?” Candace asked. “Medium well,” they answered in unison. Methos watched his date sip her drink through lowered eyelashes. He was surprised at how comfortable he was around her. Unlike MacLeod and Joe’s attempts at setting him up, this one was going remarkably well. Stevie blushed when she noticed him watching her. Butterflies fluttered madly in her stomach making her feel like a teenager on her first date. This feeling was one she hadn’t felt in a long time. She and Ross had dated exclusively through high school and married when she was nineteen and he was twenty-two. She sat her drink down on the table and smiled at him. “Have you lived here long?” she asked hoping to break the silence that settled over the table. “I mean, your accent—“ she paused not sure if she was being rude to bring it up. “I’ve traveled a lot, but I’ve been living here in Seacouver on and off for the past few years,” Methos explained, not really lying, but not being completely honest. In this sort of situation, he only offered the barest facts until he deemed it necessary to do otherwise. “I have friends here in the area, so I put down more permanent roots. What about you?” “We moved out here after Ross graduated from college about six years ago,” she used her straw to stir her drink. “I grew up in a town about an hour from St. Louis.” “Any friends or family out here?” Methos asked. “Nope, Ross was offered at job as an engineer at one of the major chemical companies here, so we packed up and moved out here.” “Must have been a little scary, huh?” “Oh, my God,” Stevie laughed in remembrance. “I wouldn’t leave our apartment by myself, and I was absolutely terrified to drive anywhere. So, I sat at home and watched TV all day, and let me tell you I became a champion at video games.” “Really?” Methos was a little amazed. She seemed so self-assured talking to him now. It was hard to imagine her as she had just described. “You don’t seem like you’re easily intimidated.” “I finally got tired of sitting around, and I got in the car one day and started driving. I got lost more times than I care to remember, but eventually I got the hang of it.” The waitress arrived with their food, and they ate and talked. Methos offered up select details to the questions Stevie asked. After they were done with dinner, they pushed their plates aside and continued to talk. The waitress cleared away their dishes discreetly. They discussed and debated several topics discovering many shared interests. Methos was happy to find that she didn’t dominate the conversation like Monica had and she had well formed opinions and thoughts on all the things they talked about. His estimation of her grew when she listened thoughtfully to his words and responded with intelligent answers. Neither one of them noticed the previously crowded restaurant was now deserted. Only the employees and a handful diehard drinkers remained. Candace casually strolled by and laid their bill on the table. Methos pulled a credit card out of his wallet and tucked it inside the small folder, then handed it back to her. “Wow, looks like we’ve closed the place down,” Stevie looked around the nearly empty dining area. “Time sure got away from us, didn’t it?” “Time always goes by quickly in the presence of a beautiful woman,” Methos replied. He liked the way she blushed at his compliment. He signed his name on the receipt and kept a copy when Candace returned. He scooted out of the booth and held out his hand to assist Stevie from her seat. “Did you need to get home right away?” “Maggie’s spending the night with a friend,” Stevie answered. “I’m a free woman.” Methos’ hand rested in the small of her back as they walked out of the restaurant. Once they approached his truck, he hurried ahead to open the door for her, immediately scoring points in her book. The bright lights of Seacouver danced across the glass as they drove off into the night. “So where to next, Stevie?” “I don’t know,” she responded. “You decide.” Methos drove in the direction of the pier. The boardwalk was always interesting this time of night. He pulled his truck into the parking lot. The chill of the fall air surrounded them as they stepped out onto the boardwalk. Stevie pulled her jacket close around her. Methos’ hand at the small of her back guided her down the walkway. “It’s a beautiful night,” Methos said as they leaned against the railing. Stevie nodded as she looked up at the moon. “The moon is so full and bright. A harvest moon.” She casually slipped her hand into his and she smiled when she felt the pressure of his hand against hers. “I’ve had a wonderful time tonight, Adam.” “You know what? So have I,” Methos leaned his head down and kissed her softly on the lips. “I’d like to do this again. I mean a date that is.” “Me, too. Another kiss wouldn’t be so bad, either.” Stevie whispered. Methos sighed as he felt her hand caress his neck. Her fingers teased the skin along his collar and tangled in his hair. It had been so long since he been this close to a woman. She tiptoed up and kissed him back. Methos let his arms twine around her waist pulling her in close. “I’d have to agree with you,” Methos whispered. “A man who doesn’t argue, what a rare find that is,” Stevie giggled. “People are starting to stare at us.” Methos tore his eyes away from his date and discovered that the people on the boardwalk were indeed staring at them. “Let them stare,” his voice was louder than need be. “They’re just jealous.” “Adam!” Stevie grabbed his hand and pulled him along behind her. “What?” Methos protested. “It’s true.” “Yeah, well,” she said. “Why don’t we go listen to some music? There’s a club up ahead.” “As long as it’s not country. I don’t do country.” Stevie continued to lead him. “Don’t worry, neither do I. It’s good old fashion rock n roll.” They spent the rest of the evening listening to the band play. Stevie even managed to cajole Methos into getting up and dancing with her. Of course, his protests were more for show than anything. Dancing, whether for entertainment, ritual, or exercise, had always been a part of his life. Alexa laughed when he showed her the many kinds of dances he’d learned. She had teased him about all the free time he must have on his hands to learn the variety of styles he knew. Little did she know the truth of her statement. Stevie was surprised when the bartender shouted last call. The evening had rushed by. “I guess we need to get going,” she reluctantly sighed. “I haven’t had this much fun in a long time, Adam.” Methos swallowed the last of his beer, “Me either.” They wove through the diminishing crowd and into the night air. The boardwalk was nearly deserted. The stragglers from the various clubs and bars were trekking back to their cars. A chilly breeze blew off the bay. “I’m glad I wore this.” She pulled her jacket closed. “Fall will soon be on us,” Methos observed. “It’s my favorite season,” Stevie smiled as he nonchalantly wrapped his arm around her waist. “Falling leaves, sweatshirts, and hot chocolate. What more could a girl want?” “The simple things in life, eh?” “Those are the best things,” she observed. “The only bad part is all the raking.” “Yup, that goes hand in hand with the whole falling leaves scenario,” Methos teased. Stevie poked him in the ribs. “Ha, ha.” “What? I’m just stating the obvious.” “Are you sure you’re not a comedian?” Methos unlocked her door. “Nope, just a lowly college professor.” He hurried around to his side and got in. They talked and laughed during the drive back to Stevie’s house. As they got closer to her house, Stevie wondered if he’d expect to come in. Part of her wished he would, she missed the physical closeness of a relationship. Another part of her didn’t want to rush into this with someone she’d just met, although a quick glance over at Adam tempted her to change her mind. Sex, casual or not, only complicated things, and complications were something she’d rather avoid. Soon they pulled up in front of her house. Stevie enjoyed the way Adam opened the doors and held out chairs for her. She waited patiently for him to come around and open her door when they stopped. Hand in hand, they walked up the porch steps. Stevie rummaged through her purse for her keys. Adam’s hand on hers stopped her search. Stevie looked up at him, wondering if he was waiting for an invitation to come in. She decided to let him make the next move. She closed her eyes as his fingers left her hand and caressed her cheek. “Thank you for a truly lovely evening, Stevie,” he leaned down to brush his lips softly across hers. “I hope we can go out again.” “Yes, I’d like that,” Stevie murmured. Her resolve not to ask him in began to waiver, especially when she noticed the way he was looking at her. Methos gently kissed her again. She felt her arms going around his neck, as if of their own volition. The kiss deepened and soon his lips were trailing down her neck. Stevie moaned as he stirred feelings that had been banked for so long. It would be too easy to let the flow of emotions carry her away. By the end of the kiss, both were breathing heavy. “I’d better be going,” Methos reluctantly said. Stevie nodded, taking the reluctance in his voice for disappointment. “What’s the matter, Stevie?” “Nothing,” she whispered. “How come I don’t believe that?” Methos tilted her chin up so he could see her face. “Tell me.” “I said it was nothing, Adam,” Stevie tried to sound truthful. “Really.” Suddenly, it dawned on him what was troubling her. “I didn’t expect you to invite me in tonight.” Stevie couldn’t suppress her blush. “Um, uh, Adam, that’s not—“ Methos laughed. “I was right, wasn’t I?” When her blush deepened, he laughed harder. “Although I like to think that I’m a charming, good looking man I’m not quite so vain to think that you’d fall in bed with me on our first date,” he teased, “maybe our fifth.” Stevie grinned at him. “That’s better.” Methos kissed her one last time. “I’ll call you later.” “Goodnight, Adam,” Stevie called after him. She laughed when he turned to wave to her and almost fell over a landscaping timber. Methos waited until she was safely inside before he started his truck. The night had proved more enjoyable than he’d imagined. Stevie was definitely someone he wanted to get to know better. The physical attraction was there and she was intelligent and fun to be around. These were all things that he found desirable in a woman. Her perfume lingered on his clothes, reminding him of how her body felt against his. He chuckled when realized how giddy he felt. Now that he was dating again maybe he’d be able to get MacLeod and Dawson off his back, but then again if they knew he was seeing someone they’d bug him to death about that. Well, this is gonna be my little secret. ~~~~~ From such humble beginnings, a relationship was born. More and more, Methos found himself in Stevie’s company. In a few short weeks, he felt more alive than he could remember. They shared more than a love for rock and roll. Her sense of humor tended to be dry and sarcastic. They both loved staying up late and sleeping in. She discovered his hidden obsession with all things chocolate when she literally caught him with his hand in the cookie jar stealing the last double stuffed Oreo. They both liked to talk, but they also enjoyed companionable silence. One Sunday afternoon, he drove out to her place and found her in the barn, grooming her horses. Burying his face in her neck, he began tracing her collarbone with fiery kisses. Resting her head on his warm chest, she sighed. In the short time she had known him she already missed him when he was gone. “I missed you, Adam.” Lifting her chin to look in her eyes, “Show me, Stevie,” he challenged. Threading her arms around his neck, she drew his lips to hers and rekindled the fire inside him. His arms tightened around her waist, pulling her as close as their clothes would allow. “Believe me now?” His breathing was ragged as he shook his head yes. Their foreheads rested against each other, both them relishing the closeness of the other. “Want to go for a ride?” Methos quirked an eyebrow, “What kind of ride did you have in mind?” Blushing at his wicked glare, “You are an insufferable cad, Adam!” Shrugging carelessly, he added dryly, “It’s part of my vast charms.” Tossing him a saddle, she rolled her eyes, “Yeah, yeah. Saddle up and will see about your charms.” The two saddled the horses and set off out of the barn. “You ride much?” Methos repressed a shudder at her question, instead he casually responded, “No, not in a long time.” She sensed his uneasiness, “We could do something else if you want.” Methos shook his head, “I like to ride. It’s just been a while. But hey, they say once you learn, you never forget.” Stevie smirked. “They are smart alecks. Come on, let’s race,” she shouted as she urged her horse forward into a gallop. When in Rome, Methos thought as set off in pursuit of the other rider. Stevie looked behind her and saw that Adam was quickly closing the distance between them. She had ridden all of her life, and she appreciated watching another good rider, but the sight of Adam riding totally blew her away. Reining her horse in, she stopped to admire the scene before her. His body mimicked the movements of the horse and melted into them. He was a natural. There was nothing sexier than a man who knew how to ride a horse in her humble opinion. The look on his face was pure exhilaration as the wind caressed his face and hair. Methos held the reins lightly and allowed the horse to have its head. As the wind whipped around he remembered how much he loved the feeling. He closed his eyes and let the feeling sweep over him. Slowly, he brought the horse to a halt. Stevie stared at him in speechless wonder. “Did I do something?” he wondered. “That was the most incredible thing I’ve ever witnessed.” “Years of practice, I guess,” he revealed as he dismounted. Joining him she led the horse over to a patch of green grass. Untying the blanket from her saddle and unstrapping the canteens she walked over to where he stood admiring the view. Between the two of them, they spread the blanket on some soft grass near the pond. “This place is awe inspiring,” he said reverently. “Yes, it is,” she responded from behind him, meaning more than the landscape. “Take a load off,” she encouraged him patting the blanket next to her. “It won’t be too much longer before it’ll be too cold to do this.” His body relaxed into the now infamous sprawl, his head propped in her lap. “Thirsty?” She inquired, already knowing what his answer would be. Methos took the offered canteen and took a long swallow. His taste buds rejoiced at the contents of the canteen. Beer!! Smiling his appreciation he took another drink. “You are spoiling me, luv.” Gazing deep into his hazel depths, she wondered aloud, “When was the last time someone spoiled you, Adam?” His heart thumped wildly in his chest at those words. “Longer than you know.” Her hand tenderly ran through his cropped hair, soft and fine as a baby’s. “I think it’s time someone did,” she told him as he took her hand and pressed it to his lips. Stretching out beside him, her head resting on his shoulder, they enjoyed the comfortable silence that enveloped them. His hand caressed her back. “You have all day to stop that, Adam.” The sun’s warmth eased them into peaceful slumber. They lay in a tangle of arms and legs at peace with the world and each other. Stevie woke from their nap. Easing out of his arms, she lay on her side and observed the man on the blanket next to her. His long frame completely relaxed and sprawled across most of the blanket. “I bet you hog the bed, don’t you?” She whispered as she continued her study. His high cheekbones were sculptured perfection. Even though his eyes were closed in sleep, she had no trouble visualizing the green-gold gaze. And that nose—could it be more adorable? Her gaze drifted downward, noting his beautiful hands and strong chest. Those long legs, she pondered, visualizing his cat like grace. Deep in thought, she failed to notice her companion had woken up. His hands stealthily reached across the distance that separated them, capturing her. “Penny for your thoughts?” His hands roamed aimlessly over her body. Pressing herself closer to him, she returned his caresses, “I was just thinking what a wonderful day this has been.” Rolling on top of her, his lips teased along her collarbone, “Wonderful, indeed.” They continued to enjoy the caresses of the other. Hands exploring new territory, blazing trails of heat across each other. This was nice to be alone. Just her and Adam. No one to interrupt their play. “Damn!” Looking at her watch, she repeated, “Damn!” Adam looked up at her, surprised by her outburst. “Problem?” he asked and began to kiss her once more. “As bad as I hate to end this, Maggie will be back from her friend’s in half an hour.” Buttoning up her blouse, he helped her to her feet. Mounting the horses they raced across the field, both doing their best to beat the other. Shortly they were in front of the barn, and began the tasks of taking care of their mounts. “That must be a record!” Stevie dumped a scoop of oats in each of the horses’ feeders. Methos seized the opportunity to kiss her again. Soon, he had her pressed against the barn wall; her leg and foot caressing his long leg. The blare of a horn parted them reluctantly. Readjusting their clothes, they made haste to greet the little girl returning from her overnight stay with her friend, Madeline. As soon as the car came to a stop, Maggie launched herself into her mother’s arms, greeting her with a hug and a kiss. “Did you have a good time, Stinkerbell?” Methos teased. The little girl released her mother and went to charm the man her mother loved. “Yup! Maddy has the new ‘Backstreet Boys’ CD and we listened to it all night.” Stevie walked over to talk to Maddy’s mom, Julie. Julie whispered to her friend, “You owe me so much for that, Stevie.” Stevie acknowledged, “I know, I know. But it could be worse?” Julie raised an eyebrow, “How?” Stevie rolled her eyes, “Just be thankful it wasn’t Brittany Spears.” The two mothers shared a laugh. Maddy went to join her best friend, who was engrossed in deep conversation with Adam. “We even got to order pizza, Adam, and we had chocolate ice cream.” Methos licked his lips. “And you didn’t bring me any?” trying to sound hurt. “No, silly, it would’ve melted on the way here,” her tone serious. Noticing her friend, she pulled her over to where Adam knelt. “See, Maddy, I told you he was cuter than Ricky Martin,” her words loud enough for the women to hear. Maggie and Maddy ran over to the swing set and pleaded with Adam to push them on the swings. With a laugh he followed them and did just what was asked. Realizing they were alone, Julie bombarded her friend with questions, “So, who’s the hunk?” Deciding it would be easier to just answer the question than to dodge it she replied, “That is Adam.” Julie continued on with her verbal assault. “So, where did you meet him? Is it serious?” Holding up her hands in defeat, she filled her friend in on the details. “I bumped into him on campus and I hope it does get serious.” Julie hoped so too. She had witnessed how grueling the last two years had been for her friend. The girls were giggling happily as Adam pushed them higher and higher on the swings. “Come on, Maddy, we need to get home. Your dad will be home from the football game by the time we get there.” Maddy and Maggie both whined, declaring that they hadn’t gotten to play very long. “You guys just spent the night together and all day today!” The two little girls hugged and said their good-byes. Adam lifted Maggie to his shoulders, and walked over to Stevie and Julie. Stevie introduced her two friends. “Well, it was nice to meet you, Adam. I’ll call you later, Stevie.” Waving til they disappeared from sight, Adam made his own farewells. Although Methos had no memory of what it was like to have a ‘normal’ life, before he became an unwilling participant in the Game, he had gotten a glimmer of what it could be like. Evenings spent around a family dinner table, reading Maggie bedtime stories, curling up on the couch with her mother afterwards. He hadn’t shared this time with anyone, not even Joe or MacLeod. This was a time of peace; so rare, so promising he dared not share it with even his closest friends, not yet. He feared that if he put a word to these feelings they would scatter to the wind leaving him alone again. Reread Part Two Return To Chapter Index Continued In Part Four-- Pierson, Pity Party Of One (AKA Drowning My Sorrows) |