Ride to Redemption Read online

  Mr. Ayers built his home overlooking the Irons Creek area of Dale Hollow. He is blessed with a 270-degree view of the main channel and the unblemished mountains that surround it. Additionally, Mr. Ayers has a nesting pair of bald eagles just one hundred yards away. We are entertained daily with their courtship rituals and fishing skills. Who would ever want to be indoors with scenes like this changing by the moment just six walled inches away? Therefore, the renovation project I’ve taken on has its roots in removing the confinement in the current living space and offering a whole new expansion of openness.

  Over the last ninety days, I’ve knocked out exterior walls and replaced them with sliding glass panels that disappear from view at the touch of a button. Air curtains are then installed along the entire glass wall length to optimize outdoor usage, from early spring to late fall.

  The outdoor living area I created here, boasts 5000 square feet of Tennessee Crab Orchard stone flooring cut 1 inch thick, trimmed and edged with Philippine teak wood. One-half of the area is under roof, boasting 14-foot high ceilings to match the home in architecture and shingle, while the other 50 percent is open. Thermostatically controlled Aqua Misters, installed along the ceilings interior perimeter, effectively reduce the outside air temperatures by 10 to 15 degrees on excessively hot days.

  The rest of the house sported all sorts of state-of-the-art technology, coupled with the artistry created in wood accents, from local artisans nearby. He spared no expense with his safety issues, as well.

  Aside, from his elaborate alarm systems, one of my favorite amendments to the home was a highly apportioned, safe room.

  I encourage most of my clients to install one of these 4’x6’ safes, which I build into a false wall, away from prying eyes. Safes, designed to hold not only valuables, but to act as a temporary safe room or storm shelter in the event of an emergency. Some clients have even created larger safe rooms equipped with shelving for personal belongings and pictures. The expanded room made for a much safer and more comfortable location during storms. Extra ventilation and digital hook-ups for TV, phone, and surveillance cameras only enhanced the whole project. As a final benefit to the safe’s special features, I installed a “back door” Trojan access known only to me. I could never fathom being responsible for one of my customers smothering to death while in my safe. If, during the course of a catastrophic event, the air supply is interrupted, the inhabitants are able to dial the emergency phone number I provide, with only one number programmed into it … mine.

  Thinking back, I may err too much on the side of caution. I’ve only had to access one safe through the back door and it was not to keep our clients out of harm’s way. Or come to think of it, maybe it was. Some pieces of that puzzle, which for now, remain to be seen.

  Just as I finished my final walk-through and visual appreciation of my trade, Candi called. “Hi, baby. I was thinking. We really need to get my leathers and my hat for our trip. Would it be okay with you to come up after work Friday?”

  “Of course, darlin’, we could go shopping Saturday morning and catch some lunch on the town. Would you be up for a moonlit dinner cruise tomorrow night? I just thought it might be a nice way to wind-down for the night.”

  “Sure, baby, I’m up for anything as long as it’s with you!”

  Her enthusiasm was contagious. “Great, darlin,’ that’s all I wanted to hear.”

  Thinking ahead, I asked, “Candi will you bring with you what you plan on wearing for our two weeks on the bike? I’m shipping clothes ahead at different locations so we can travel light. It’s a little complicated, ensuring we have all the warm and cold clothes we might need in advance. We can hash it out together.”

  “Sure,” Candi replied. “How many bags can I bring with me on the bike?”

  “Just one,” I hesitantly answered. “About the size of a large backpack.”

  “Well, D, that will just about hold my makeup and blow dryer … and oh … maybe my thongs.”

  “No worries, darlin’.”

  “Look,” she continued, “I understand the guy thing, D, really I do, but I will not wear the same clothes for longer than two days. Period!”

  “It will be fine, I assure you. I’ve done this many times. We won’t be wearing the same undies for more than two days in a row!” My flirtatious chuckle seemed to calm her to some degree. “There are ways around packing all your goodies.”

  “You’d better be sure on this one, Captain Courageous. I don’t travel light!”

  “We’re good, Candi, that’s why I’m shipping stuff ahead. There will be room for some finer things. I travel light, but classy, K?”

  “I trust you. You’ll make it happen.”

  “Another thing Candi, Could you find a sun dress in your wardrobe?”

  “Oh, suuuure,” she chided. “I can just see me in a sundress on the bike with it blowing up and over my hat and showing my backside to the world. I’d be on You Tube by nightfall.”

  “Chill, baby. It’s for this weekend. I’d love to see you in a colorful sun dress, while you’re at the lake.”

  “Oh, then in that case, I’ll see if I can dig up a few,” she announced, already mentally rummaging through her closets.

  “Oh, yeah,” I continued. “It’s called a helmet, not a hat. We ride in helmets that will totally flatten down your hair between stops. That’s what your makeup case is for.” I was getting a little frustrated with the wardrobe chitchat, so I changed the subject and reminded her of the lovely evening lake trip, I had planned for Friday night.

  Friday afternoon finally arrived and Candi texted she was on her way to the lake. Visions of sharing the beauty of Dale Hollow while learning more about her inspired me. Just what did she see in me? I pondered. How did I get so lucky to keep her coming back for more?

  Stepping down from the clouds, reality set in and the thoughts of just where our relationship was heading startled me. After only two fleeting encounters, I worried about the speed of our rushed rendezvous. We had become masters of stretching time and finding ways to make our encounters special. How could it move this far, this fast, in such a short time? Candi and I met quite by accidental avoidance, I could say. We bonded almost immediately. Our second rendezvous was primarily just lust, plain and simple. Now, on the cusp of our third outing, I contemplated just how to handle myself, during our time together. I was quite certain that our old friend, Mr. Lust, would be tagging along for the adventure, but I honestly hoped we could delve into getting to know one another in a more genuine way. I wanted to show her that my kindness and caring for her was not a show for her favors. Granted, being male, I loved every ounce of her wares, but I wanted this get-together to be special on all accords. I longed for Candi to get to know me, for me. Though sexual to the other side of the Big Bang, I embrace a woman I care about, with every fiber of my being, trying to shower her with kindness, appreciation and eventually, love. Some men might call that butt kissing, but I chalk it up to true heartfelt appreciation. If a woman is giving in and of herself, she deserves happiness and all the attention a man can offer. It’s a two way street … and like my last marriage attests, one way traffic, along a dead end road, in a marriage leads to disaster and doom. ‘Nuff said.’

  To enhance our weekend togetherness, just before she arrived, I picked fragrant rose blossoms from the red Double Knock Out roses, blooming off my front porch. I lined the staircase and hallway with petals all the way to the bedroom. There, I made a large, red heart out of the petals on the bed and placed a plate of freshly made brownies in the center. I also made a large smiley face on the floor using three chocolate covered strawberries for the eyes and nose. I trailed petals three feet away, ending with a well-placed upright bottle of champagne. I hope that this should propagate a soon-to-be very happy me.

  I felt that this last maneuver would take care of the lust portion of our first evening together. I now could focus on the discovery phase of our weekend.

  I chose to thaw some magnificent beef tenderloins
from the freezer. Marinated and grilled on the boat along with some seasoned veggies, I suspected, would provide a splendid meal. Toss in some more chocolate-covered strawberries and two bottles of Pinot Noir and that should be about enough, to ease her inhibitions and loosen her tongue. Perhaps then, we can both learn a little more about one another, while the waves of Dale Hollow lap against the gunwale, as the sun sets slowly behind the horizon. I really need to discover just what she hopes to find in me. I’m not a toy to be played with, and then just discarded, when the fun runs out. Huff!!!! Sounds like a woman’s complaint, I’ve heard too many times before. Go figure.

  Candi arrived at the main gate shortly after 6 p.m. Our full-time guard gave her an approving smile and motioned her through the gate and pointed her towards our humble retreat in the wilds, overlooking the waterfalls. I remotely opened my personal gate from the house phone using a six-digit code. Technology and innovation are so impressive. I sometimes laugh at society’s mindset, though. Even myself; I vigorously exercise each morning to stay in shape, but fail to want to saunter up the drive to manually open the gate. The developer in me loves those little household toys, though. I’m the big kid in the new-gismo house! Count me in for the next new thing that makes life easier, I’m in.

  Major was the first to greet her, and Candi was well prepared this time. “Hi Major, give me a hug!” She patted both hands to her chest. In an instant, Major jumped up and placed both paws on her tatas, while looking back at me for approval.

  “I’m jealous,” I shouted over the roar of the waterfalls. “I should get first dibs!”

  “You’ll get your fair share before the weekend is over, lover boy!”

  Gosh, between her smile and her humor, they just melt me. What a catch!

  Walking into the house, Candi immediately noticed the trail of rose petals leading up the stairs. “Just where does this lovely trail lead, D?” She asked, fully knowing the answer to her own question.

  “They lead to dessert later this evening … as defined by the subliminal message that I hope you’ll be able to figure out. Lead the way baby, I’ll follow along in a second with your overnight bag, that is, if I can find a dolly. Dang girl, you’ve packed enough for a month, judging by the weight of this bag.”

  Heading to the fridge, I grabbed a glass of already-poured milk and carried it carefully in one hand, while lugging her bag up the stairs with the other. To my delight, I found Candi propped up on my bed, eating a brownie with a twinkle in her eye. “I got your message loud and clear, baby. Mr. Smiley face has a problem that I would love to take care of, anyplace, anytime, anywhere.”

  Note to self: that worked.

  “I would very much relish the opportunity for you to take care of that urgent detail this second,” pointing at my now tented jeans, “but as much as I regret saying this; I hope to hold out for later. Here,” I directed, pushing past my lustful thoughts, “finish your milk and change into something casual, if you please. The lake awaits us, baby doll, and dinner, too! We’re running out of daylight, so hurry.”

  Heading back down the stairs, I was dumbstruck by the fact that I had just turned down making love to a beautiful woman who was quite ready, willing, and able … while totally sprawled out on my bed. Nevertheless, the truth is, if we suddenly get tongue tied and twisted up in the sheets, we may never make it to the lake and all my preparation for discovery might get lost in this fog-shrouded urgency of lust. Ordinarily, I would not fight this in this slightest, but I wanted to stick to my agenda and really get to know this young lady, choosing to be by my side today. It’s a matter of the utmost importance. It sure as heck ain’t easy, though.

  In just a few short minutes, Candi was down the stairs, dressed in a blue and white striped nautical top over a pair of white Capri pants. Her cute pair of Birkenstocks carried her to me. I could see adorning her ears, were diamond stud solitaires, at least one carat in size. On her ankle was a solid-gold bracelet with charms, while her arm sported a solid gold Cartier watch, graciously completing her breathtaking ensemble.

  “How do I look, D?”

  “You look like you’re ready to board a luxurious forty-foot yacht in the Caribbean somewhere. Stunning, is what I’m trying to say. My simple twenty-four foot Boston Whaler will be flattered! But we’re in the mountains of Tennessee, baby, so tonight we must forego the yacht club scene. We’ll just have to pretend, because we’re roughing it up here.”

  She gave a little roundhouse spin with a courtesy. I swear she sparkled right there in my foyer. For a moment I was transfixed on her and nothing more.

  “What’s the matter, cutie?” she chuckled. “Cat got your tongue.”

  “Whew,” I muttered. “Yep, in a manner of speaking.” She took my naughty reply with a grain of salt and cocked her head toward the door. “Let’s ride, baby.”

  The 10-minute drive to Willow Cove Marina was extraordinarily quiet. With few words, we made our way down the serpentine road to the boat slip at the dock. I don’t know if I insulted her by my over-the-top compliments of her clothes, or maybe Candi thought I was just another sexually deprived male throwing her a line of BS. Either way, she was lost, far away in thought … and further still, from me. It was a slight change from her forward demeanor at the house, but I let her conduct herself as she wished. No sense in this male trying to sort out female feelings, wrapped up in the moment. Most men are helpless in that department. We’re better off staying silent, waiting for opportunity to respond, rather than pry where we’re not wanted.

  We eased into a parking space, and I exited the cab of the truck. As Candi was gathering her things, I reached for her door to open it. Just as I did, she pushed the door open, looking me squarely in the eyes. “I’m sorry, but it’s been a long time since someone was so complimentary to me — you know — doing so many nice things. I just worry about ulterior motives sometimes.”

  “Look, baby,” I confessed. “I know I’m over-the-top. I know I might even be a bit overwhelming. Honestly, I feel like a kid in a candy store with no chaperone. I have handfuls of candy and don’t know what to do next.” I paused and let her catch up. “Candi,” I finally exclaimed. “I’m trying very hard not to screw this up. I want everything to be just right, and I might be over-doing and over-saying everything. Please know I’m genuine in my attempts to woo you into my life.” I hoped my humble countenance told my story from the heart.

  A broad smile appeared. “That’s all I wanted to know, D. All I care is that you mean what you say — naughty or nice — however your silly words come out.”

  I felt relieved in the moment. “Maybe I’ll just stick with naughty terms.”

  She had a playful joust retort; “Let’s make them naughty-cal at this moment.”

  Major, who I’d nearly forgotten, was already waiting by the boat, eagerly wagging his tail. As we stepped onto the pier, Candi could tell what had caught Major’s gaze. Earlier in the day, I had brought down the food and beverage coolers and set up the grill, so that all we had to do was lower the boat-lift and cruise off toward our sunset. My spoiled dog knew he’d get a perfect people-sized steak, too, and made no bones about it.

  “Welcome aboard, my lady, the unspoiled beauty of Dale Hollow Lake is yours to behold.”

  Candi smiled and shook her head slightly. “You really are over-the-top, my captain.”

  Idling through the no wake zone gave Candi time to take in the vastness of Willow Cove and the wide variety of boats moored here. On our right was an array of cruisers, to the left a wide assortment of houseboats. To the front of the dock were numerous ski boats and pontoons tucked away in their various covered slips.

  “What a diverse array of boats,” Candi breathed in a whisper. “Just like Tampa, I mean, almost like home.”

  Note to self: I don’t know what the immediate self-correction was about, but I will have to follow up on that later.

  Cruising out into the main channel, Candi could not get over how picturesque and still the lake was at sunset. �
��I could never imagine anything this beautiful where there are no houses or docks to scar the shoreline. It’s just trees, rocky bluffs, blue water and nature out here!”

  “Six hundred and thirty-plus miles of undisturbed shoreline, to be exact,” I stated. “Only a cherished few houses dot our lake shore’s. Those precious lots are not traded on the open market, if you know what I’m saying … clout pays and plays, even in this heavily protected environment. But for the most part, our lake is our lake with virtually no personal property to be seen.”

  Our destination for this evening was the Accordion Bluffs, where the water clarity is at least 18 feet deep and the overall depth is well over 100 feet. Anchoring just off the main channel, I found a comfortable spot to watch the sun set over Pine Island. I turned on the grill and opened the first of our two, well-traveled bottles of Pinot Noir. “Here, Darling,” I announced, as I handed her the sparkling wine glass, almost full.

  “To us,” she exclaimed, and blew a kiss in my direction.

  “To us,” I agreed. “And to discovery.”

  Cooking on my marine-rated, compact gas grill is quick and efficient. It takes relatively no time to heat up and can turn out three, 2-inch thick filets that are medium rare in under 12 minutes. Grilling the asparagus can be done in less than five minutes, but one must allow another five minutes to toss the spears in balsamic vinegar and sprinkle them with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio.

  Soon our meal was prepared and we were dining in 360-degree panoramic views. “Delicious dinner captain,” complimented Candi, “Kudos to the chef!”

  “You are most welcome, my lady,” I answered, while refilling her tall goblet. I could tell the ambiance of the evening was beginning to work its magic. The sun had set and the stars were filling the sky. Off to our east, the moon was rising quickly. Halfway through her second glass, it was time to let the discovery begin.