TITLE    : It's What's Inside
STORYID  : its-whats-inside
SUMMARY  : Unexpected Surprises.
AUTHOR   : slow_n_gentle@lit
DATE     : 2009-12-07
CATEGORY : adult-romance
FLAGS    : h
TAGS     : |none|


<i>A special thanks to psyche_b_mused for making this an enjoyable read.</i>



*



Rob stirred from his sleep when he heard the phone ring. He jumped out of bed and stepped into his slippers as he pulled his bulky winter robe around him. He walked quickly to the kitchen to answer the only phone in the house.



"Hello?" He leaned against the wall trying to concentrate on the caller. He glanced at the clock over the sink. He rubbed his face in an effort to wake up. Calls at eleven at night were always dire emergencies.



"Rob, it's Megan. I'm at O'Hare. I would have called earlier, but I wasn't sure about my flight. It was delayed almost four hours. Can you pick me up?"



His heart pounded at the sound of her voice. She'd been gone so long. He unconsciously ran his fingers through his tousled hair in an effort to look presentable to the unseeing voice on the phone.



"I was worried you wouldn't make it again. I hope you're comfortable because it'll take awhile. We got hit with a lot of snow and the roads are a mess. If I'm not there in an hour and a half, call my cell and I'll give you a better estimate."



"Thank you. I'm at the VIP lounge of terminal five. It's where you picked me up last time. Drive safe. I'll be waiting for you."



Rob hung up and started a pot of coffee. The thumping of a tail against the cabinet door and shrill bark announced the furry four legged freeloader was up now and wanted out. The blowing snow pelted his face as he opened the back door only to have Mooch put her front paws on the porch and stop to yawn before continuing down the steps. Rob watched the short black mixed breed begin her preset route to remark her territory. 



He found her seven winters ago curled up shivering by the back porch. When she saw him, that bushy tail began thumping against the house and those big sad brown eyes stared at him. He'd brought her in the kitchen and warmed her up a can of beef stew in the microwave. After she ate, he watched her investigate the house before choosing to curl up next to his favorite chair. He ran an ad for a found short black dog with a white chest and four white boots. The body was like a Corgi with a curled tail like a Spitz. No one called.



The dog got her name from giving him that sad eyed look while he tried to eat. She always got some tidbit from his plate.



Rob returned to the bedroom and dressed in jeans and a red plaid flannel shirt. He ran the razor over his stubble and finished getting ready.



He let Mooch in and set down her bowl with a little food in it. The bushy tail waved as she devoured her unexpected late night snack. She drank some water and sat watching Rob's every move as if trying to understand the sudden change in their normal routine.



Rob filled his coffee mug and his travel mug at the same time. He stepped out in the garage and opened the overhead door. The blast of cold air made him wish he'd grabbed a coat. He looked outside and then at the Avalon. She'd probably be upset, but he doubted the car could make it through the snow on their country roads. He set the travel mug in the holder and started the truck. He'd let it warm up a few minutes before braving the roads. 



He looked in the bed of the pickup to see the six, sixty pound bags of sand still resting firmly in place over the rear axle. He dragged over the last two from the corner of the garage and tossed them on the stack. He hurried back inside to sip coffee and listen to the radio. As he suspected, the storm was the constant topic with power outage reports and an endless list of fender benders and driving warnings. He finished his coffee and pulled on his canvas winter coat and Navy watch cap.



"Let's go Mooch, Megan's back for Christmas."



The dog's ears perked up at her master's voice. She followed him out the door, happy to jump into the back seat of the club cab and curl up in the blanket placed back there for her.



Rob eased down the country road. The plow had been through earlier but the wind had blown drifts across the road in places making driving a challenge at times. At least the moonlight reflecting off the snow helped light up an otherwise very dark road. Once he reached town, the road improved. 



He turned onto the interstate. The road was plowed, but still snow covered. Rob settled into the right lane. He'd let the risk takers try to fly down the left lane. He'd most likely see them in the ditch some place up the road. 



He caught his reflection in the mirror as another car drove by; a disfigured forty year old man with graying hair. He lifted his head and touched his scarred cheek. The rough texture, running from below his eye to his chin, was bad enough in the summer, but the winter cold brought the blood to the surface making him look like a boiled lobster. He couldn't understand why she wanted to be with him. He had never gotten up the nerve to ask her. 



Each time he took her to the airport; she'd softly kiss him in the car and walk into the terminal. His heart would pound in his chest and his stomach would tighten into a knot as she walked away. He felt she'd never return. She never looked back; never stopped to wave one last time. She'd made it clear from the start, that what they had would have to be kept a secret. Only her sister knew about him.



He'd kept it a secret like she asked. He figured she didn't want anyone to know she was with someone like him. She was frequently on the cover of the tabloids at the stores for her affairs with different actors in Hollywood. It ripped him apart every time he saw her on those covers. He wanted to tell her what her affairs were doing to him, the sleepless night and stomach cramps so bad he couldn't eat, but then he'd convince himself that she'd leave forever if he made a fuss.



*~*~*~*~*



The announcement of more flight delays interrupted the quiet of the VIP lounge. Megan sat in overstuffed chair thinking about Rob.



"Can I refill that for you?" The waitress pointed to Megan's cup with the pot of coffee in her hand. 



"Yes, please."



"That was regular, right?" 



Megan nodded her head. The waitress began to pour.



"No, Decaf. I'm sorry. I just switched."



"That's OK. I'll bring you a new cup."



"Thank you." Her thoughts returned to Rob and the important conversation they were going to have.



"Excuse me Miss Langford."



Megan looked up to see a nervously young woman standing by her. Megan gave her a calming smile as she read the name tag. "Yes Heather."



The young woman's face glowed from the actress calling her by name. "The gentleman in the brown suit would like to buy you a drink."



Megan glanced at the man and smiled. "Heather, please tell the gentleman that it was a thoughtful gesture but I'm going to say no."



She saw Heather relay her answer to the man. His face showed his disappointment. She didn't want to hear his pickup line. She had the man she wanted...hopefully. 



"Is there anything else I can get you?" Heather waited anxiously to comply with her request.



"No, I'm just waiting for my ride." 



"Which hotel? I'll tell Tina in curb side to inform them you're waiting."



"It's a private ride. I've already talked to him. He said the roads were bad so it could take a while. Thank you for the offer."



Another plane must have landed because a handful of people came into the lounge. Heather left to take care of her new customers.



Megan returned to her thoughts of Rob.



*~*~*~*~*



Rob rolled up to the VIP pick up area. He lowered the passenger side window as a uniformed employee approached the truck.



"Sir the pickup area for terminal five is around the corner and about three hundred feet down."



Rob looked at the young woman and smiled. "I'm here to pick up Ms. Megan Langford. My name is Robert Coleman. Please phone the VIP lounge and have her informed of my arrival. We'll also need her luggage so please inform the Sky cap so he can bring it now."



Rob thought about how he met her. If he closed his eyes, he could see it vividly like it happened yesterday. It was like out of a movie. It was a beautiful summer day. He was working in the garden when Mooch started barking and running excitedly. He looked up to see a woman in a yellow dress strolling up the drive, her auburn hair blowing in the summer breeze. She said her car was stopped about a mile down the road with a flat tire. Being a gentleman, he offered her a cold glass of lemonade before driving her back to her car to change the tire.



When they returned to the car, he found the jack and spare tire missing from the rental. He called the only service station in town and waited with her until they arrive to tow in the car.



He took her to lunch while they fix her car. They talked about where she was going and how she got lost. He bought lunch and then drove her to the service station. She thanked him for his help and the wonderful lunch. She said next time it would be her turn to buy. He smiled and gave her his business card thinking it would never happen.



Rob was surprised, but thrilled when she called. She not bought lunch, but gave him a kiss before she left. She came back a third time for dinner at his house and spent the weekend. He made love to her that weekend. It was the first verbal acknowledgement of their love and the beginning of the long term relationship. It was during lunch before she left that she told him she was Megan Langford, the actress. While it thrilled him, he saw the sadness in her eyes. She told him their relationship had to remain a secret.



Tina saw Megan exit the terminal. She moved quickly to the passenger door and held it open. Megan sat down, then leaned over and pulled Rob's head down to her waiting lips. 



Tina waited for the kiss to end before asking where they would like the luggage. Mooch quit trying to get Megan's attention and began sniffing the luggage placed in the back with her. Tina closed the door and watched them drive off.



Rob was quiet as they drove off. It was unlike her to show affection in public. He glanced at Megan for an explanation but she was staring out the side window. She looked exhausted. 



"Sorry about bringing the truck, but I didn't think the Avalon would make it in the country. How was it out east, the storm hit there?"



"No, it was cool, but clear. My flight was delayed because of this storm. How have you and Mooch been doing?"



"We've been fine. We were in the office until noon. Hardly anyone was out so we closed and went home." He looked when she didn't continue the conversation. Her head was laying against the side window as she peacefully slept.



Megan woke up when the truck slowed down. Rob stopped at the top of the exit ramp, and then turned toward home. The town was dark except for the occasional street light. In less than a minute, they were through town and back in the country. He was relieved to see the plow had cleared the road again. He turned into the drive and pressed the garage door opener.



The Avalon sparkled under the garage lights. He watched her eyes widen. A smile appeared as she turned toward him.



"Thank you for cleaning my car. It looks beautiful."



"You had one car cleaning left from last Christmas."



Two years ago Rob came up with the idea that their Christmas gift to each other should be something special and preferably not bought at a store. Last year Rob gave her four car cleanings and a dozen massages. She gave him two Devil's Food cakes, six shoulder rubs and a naked massage. 



The minute Megan stepped in the house, she smelled pine. She stood on her tip-toes and gave him a kiss. "You got the tree!"



"Picked it up Monday on my way home. Wait he a minute." He went into the living room and flipped the switch. The tree erupted in a blaze of brightly colored lights and ornaments of every size and description.



He came back and stood behind her. Placing his hands over her eyes, making her giggle and hold her hands out in front of her as he guided her into the middle of the room before removing his hands. Her expression became one of a young child in absolute wonder of the brightly glowing tree. As Megan walked around looking; Rob pointed out the antique ornaments he bought at a flea market and the ones she sent when she was in Europe. She hugged Rob and laid her head on his chest. "It looks wonderful."



Rob rubbed her back and kissed the top of her head. "I'm ready for bed and you look exhausted. You go to bed. I let Mooch out and then join you."



Megan got ready for bed. She did feel tired but she'd been thinking about finally being with Rob ever since the plane left Boston. She dropped her clothes in the bathroom hamper and climbed naked into bed.



Rob locked up as soon as Mooch came in. He stripped down to his blue and white striped cotton boxers, setting his clothes on the chair in the bedroom. He flipped off the lights and slipped into bed.



Megan moved closer to him like she always did. 



He moved his hands to snuggle her to him, becoming aware of her nakedness.



She wiggled her butt against his groin. "It's been too long, make love to me."



Rob kissed the special place on her neck. 



She giggled as she curled her arm behind his head. She moved him to the sensitive spot at her neck and collar bone where he lavished kisses as he listened to her contented sighs. 



He softly kissed along her bare shoulder. His hand moved up her hip to lightly caress her breasts with his finger tips, feeling her nipples respond.



She turned her head; his lips sought hers. His tongue played over her lips as she parted them in invitation. 



Megan's hand moved across his hairless chest to run her fingers gently over the rough texture of the burns on his arm. She pinched it between her fingers causing him to emit a muffled groan. She moved her hand lower over the slight rise of his belly to the front of his boxers. She squeezed his cloth covered manhood, feeling it harden and push against the confining material.



Their kiss became demanding, more urgent. 



Rob's hand moved down to cup her mound. His fingers slowly moved between her moist lips, seeking her entrance.



She snapped the elastic on his boxers as she rolled on her back. "Slip those off. I'm ready."



Rob shoved them down his legs and kicked them off. As he moved between her spread legs, she grasped his hard member and guided it as he slowly pushed forward.



He moved slowly for a minute and then began thrusting faster and harder.



Megan's hips moved with equal urgency, their lust driving them on.



He heard her groan as she began slamming her hips into his. He went faster with shorter, harder strokes.



Her legs wrapped behind his thighs as she tried to pull him in deeper. He heard her gasp a "Yes" as her inner muscles gripped his shaft. Her arms wrapped around his back, holding him tight.



He felt his orgasm rushing forward as he continued to stroke into her gripping tunnel. He let out a groan as he slammed forward spewing his seed inside her. His lips sought hers as he closed his eyes and savored the feeling of their coupling.



He rolled on his side and brought her with him. Exhaustion prevailed and in moments they were asleep.



*~*~*~*~*



Megan tried to scrunch down from the cold, wet feeling on her neck. She started to turn, when something warm and wet slid across her face. Her eyes opened to see two big brown eyes at the end of a long snout looking at her. A pink tongue darted out to lick her face again. 



"OK, I'm up" she softly said, turning her head and wiping the slobber off with her hand.



The room was aglow with sunlight. She saw the clock on the dresser showing nine fifteen. Megan sat up and stretched. She stepped out of bed onto the cold wood floor. She moved quickly to her closet to step into her slippers and wrap the bulky, pink cotton robe around her.



She looked back in the bed. Rob had a gentle smile on his face as he slept. She prayed it looked like that again after tonight's revelation. She picked up her travel bag and followed behind an impatient canine that wanted out.



The outdoors was cold but bright as the sun reflected off the fresh white snow. She opened the door for Mooch who stepped outside and sniffed the air before moving off the porch to take care of business.



Megan started the coffeemaker. She poured herself a glass of apple juice and fixed a bowl of cereal. She started a list for the grocery store of what she would need. They could add to it when Rob woke up. 



She finished her cereal and placed the bowl in the sink. She hesitated for a moment, and then filled her mug, deciding one regular coffee wouldn't do any harm. She returned to the table. She removed a bottle from her bag and shook out one capsule that she took with her juice.



Mooch announced her return and Megan let her in. She went to her food bowl on the floor and looked at it. She barked and looked at Megan.



"I'm sorry, I forgot." Megan retrieved a scoop of dry food from the bin and placed it in the bowl.



The sound of a flushing toilet preceded Rob's appearance. He grinned as he looked from Megan to a tail-wagging dog. "Mooch telling you the bowl's empty?"



Megan gave him an exasperated look. "I didn't fill it while she was out. I forgot what a grouch she was about her food. Coffee's ready."



Rob filled his mug. He leaned down for a kiss before sitting next to her.



"What's the plan today?"



"I'm going to call my sister in a minute and then I'll tell you."



Megan picked up her bag and walked into the living room.



Rob began hearing a one sided conversation filled with yeahs, OK, yes. There was one "Just a minute I'll ask him".



Megan stepped into the doorway. "Is it OK if we go to Julie's tomorrow in the afternoon?" "Sure, that'll be great." Rob frowned as Megan returned to the living room. This was another first. They'd never visited her sister. She'd always come to Rob's house to visit.



Megan came back into the kitchen after her call and sat down. She took a drink of coffee before beginning.



"We need to go into town and do some shopping. I have some gifts to pick up for Christmas and we need to go to the grocery store. I thought we could have an early dinner at the diner before returning home. What did you have planned?"



Rob was dumbfounded. He looked at her in awe. "What did you do with the real Megan? Where is the woman who couldn't be seen in public with me?"



Megan suddenly realized she was changing too rapidly for Rob without the full explanation. She'd have to ad-lib until tonight.



"I'm sorry Hun. I realized I was over reacting. I'll put on jeans and a flannel shirt. If I tie my hair back in a pony tail and only use a little makeup, I'll look like your average country girl. Besides, there'll be a lot of new faces in town for the holiday. I'll just blend in with everyone else. I started a grocery list, it's on the counter. Is there anything else we need?"



Rob was suspicious of all the sudden changes in Megan, but wasn't going to question what he had wanted for a long time. He went through the kitchen and pantry with her adding more items to the list. 



The quiet of the house was broken by loud barking as Mooch ran in search of her master. Megan laughed as the dog impatiently waited for Rob to get dressed so they could walk down to the road for the mail. Rob put on his boots and slipped on his coat. Megan reached down and rubbed the dog's head before Mooch ran to the door again.



"You and Mooch enjoy your little walk. I'm going to take a shower and get ready to go. As Rob opened the door Mooch dashed outside and started down the drive.



Megan rinsed the last of the shampoo out of her hair. She applied the conditioner, and then let the hot spray massage the stress from her neck and shoulders.



Now he suspects something. Damn, I should have just relaxed and acted like I always do. Well, it's too late now. He'd start questioning me if I told him I changed my mind and wanted to stay home. Maybe I could-

<hr pg="2" />She screamed when a pair of cold hands grabbed her and pulled her to an almost equally cold naked body. Mooch barked and ran in to investigate.



Rob released her and stepped back. "I was hoping you needed someone to wash your back and any other place you wanted."



"Rob! I peed down my legs. You could have warmed up before you did that. Now I've got conditioner burning my eyes and-



*~*~*~*~*



His lips covered hers as he wrapped her in his arms. They stood in the spray cascaded down them; his fingers ran through her hair rinsing out the conditioner. He soaped up the cloth and began washing her neck, arms, shoulders, and down her back.



Rob stepped back and soaped the cloth again before continuing down one leg to her to her cute toes, and then up the other one to spend special attention on her chest. He washed himself before pulling her under the shower head with him.



Rob stood behind her and turned the knob for the handheld sprayer. Removing the sprayer from its holder, he turned the nozzle to gentle pulsing and moved it across her neck and shoulders. As the muscles relaxed, he moved the sprayer lower.



Megan sighed. "Thanks Hun. You seem to know just what I needed."



"Not all the time. Your muscles were really tensed. Is something going on with your work? You've been acting strange since the airport." He was afraid she would tell him about a new project she would be starting right after the holiday. She did that early in their relationship. That project lasted most of the year, with her getting a week off occasionally. If it hadn't been for her weekly emails, he would have thought she'd left him for good.



Megan was quiet as she stepped out of the shower and began drying off. She saw the concern on Rob's face as he stepped out of the shower.



"I'm sorry babe. I've had a lot happen in my life when I was gone this last time. Let's get dressed and go out and have a good time. I'll try to not let it bother me anymore. I promise I'll talk to you tonight about it before we go to bed. Now I want you to show me your town."



He wasn't happy with her answer, but nodded his head as he dried off and went into the bedroom to dress.



While waiting for her to finish, Rob went into the kitchen and called his office. Punching in the code, he listened to the one message from a customer. Rob called the man and got all the details of a minor car accident the man's daughter had at school. Rob told him to take it to Tom, the only body shop in town, after the New Year because they met for coffee last week at the diner and Tom told him he was going to visit his folks in Florida for the holidays. Rob wished his family a merry Christmas before ending the call.



"What do ya think?" Megan stepped into the room and twirled.



He looked her over closely. "I hate to say it babe, but even without all the makeup you're still going to turn heads."



Her eyes lit up and she grinned. "You're just trying to sweet talk me to get in my panties."



A shocked look appeared on his face. "Not I madam. I speak only the truth."



She laughed. "You should have been an actor. Let's go see the big town of Maple Grove. We have Christmas shopping to do for my nieces and nephew."



Their role playing seemed to brighten Megan's mood. On the way to town, she talked about the holidays when her sister and she were growing up. Until lately, there had only been those old memories. Rob had made the season special again with a decorated real tree like when she was a kid. He'd cook a great dinner because she couldn't cook. He'd even taken her outside to make snow angels and build a snowman. 



The stores were busy. The cars from town mingled with the trucks from the country. Rob found a parking space close to the grocery store. 



Megan took his hand as soon as they reached the sidewalk. She leaned in and stroked his arm when she saw a relaxed smile appear on his face.



Rob noticed her glistening eyes as they walked to down the street. He held the door for her as they entered the Big R.



He gave her a big grin as he made a wide sweeping gesture with his hand. "Welcome to the country town's answer to the department store. You can find clothes, to appliances, to baling wire all under one roof. What do we need?"



"The girls got their ears pierced this summer, so I need earrings. Little Jeff wants to play baseball, so I thought we could get him a glove." 



Rob took her to sporting goods. "Left or right handed?" 



A flip of the cell and the answer came back in a minute. "Right."



One present down and headed to the clothing section. "Julie said nothing expensive. One pair has already been lost."



They were directed to a counter over by the cashiers. On the way, Megan stopped to look at some jeans. She grabbed a couple of pairs and headed for the dressing room. She came back and handed Rob one pair and put the other one back. She tried on a ladies green plaid chore coat and a knit cap. He handed them to Rob when he smiled.



She picked out a couple of pairs of inexpensive earrings for each girl along with the boxes to wrap them in. The latest Hanna Montana DVD ended the shopping.



At the checkout Megan swiped her credit card through the machine. The cashier asked to see it. Megan nervously handed the card over and waited. The woman looked at the card, turned it over, punched in the number on the back and handed it back.



As they walked out of the store, she kissed him on the cheek. "I told you they would be too busy to notice. I need to go to the drug store now."



When they reached the drug store, Megan stopped him at the door. "Why don't you take those things to the truck? I'll only be a couple of minutes."



When he returned, he saw her in a lively conversation with the pharmacist and clerk. She picked up her package as Rob walked through the door. "I was just coming out to look for you." 



As they walked past the window she waved at the two still watching her in the store. They both smiled and quickly waved back.



They picked up what they needed at the grocery store. It felt good the way Megan put her hand over his as he pushed the cart, and her touching his arm as she asked a question or made a comment. 



They loaded the groceries in the truck and drove down to the diner. Rob led her to a booth where she could watch small town life. The people stopping on the sidewalk to talk to one another. The pace of their lives seemed slower, less stressful.



The waitress took their order for two specials and coffee, both decafs.



Megan was amazed at the amount of people who waved at Rob as they walked past. She watched as he smiled and waved back at every one.



"You know all those people?"



"I've been an insurance agent in this town since I graduated from school."



Megan was now curious. "What made you want to go into insurance? I went into acting because I discovered I enjoyed pretending to be someone else."



"After the fire at the Mason's, a man came to see me while I was in the hospital. He said what I did was a brave thing that few grown men would attempt, let alone someone only sixteen. He said I had a special quality for helping people that he admired. He gave me his business card and told me to come see him when I got out of high school. He'd be happy to teach me a career where I could continue helping people.



"After I graduated I went to see him. John Nichols ran the insurance agency that I now own. He taught me all about insurance. He also taught me the most important thing was to care about my customers. Their lives were literally in my hands. When he was ready to retire, he set it up so I could buy the business."



She thought about what he said for a minute.



"So this John Nichols taught you a career and then sold you his business just because he admired you?"



"I asked him about that years later." Rob took a drink of water. What John said still bothered him. "John told me it was the least he could do. He was the Mason's insurance agent. He'd found out that my family's insurance wouldn't cover for the plastic surgery I would need. He contacted the company that insured the Mason's property and tried to convince them to pay since I'd prevented anyone for dying in the fire. The company refused. They said I voluntarily went into the burning house and they weren't liable for payment. John changed his customers to other companies as their policies came due. When he hired me, he no longer carried that company."



Megan reached out and took his hand. "I can't believe anyone could be so cold. Do you ever think about the person you saved? Don't you wonder whatever became of them?" 



"Yeah, I do. The Masons moved away while I was still in the hospital. They sent a card before they left hoping I would get better soon. The little girl made me a crayon picture that they enclosed. It's in a frame on the bookshelf. 



"When I was in my late twenties I thought about trying to find her and see how she was, but then I remembered how long it took me to stop having the nightmares and she was only four at the time. I decided not to look for her. I hope she's forgotten about that night and went on to have wonderful happy life." 



Megan wiped her eyes with her napkin. "That's why I love you so much."



Rob took another drink of water. He was happy to see their food arrive. This conversation was bringing up images he never wanted to envision again.



They finished their meal in silence. Neither one felt like talking. He paid the bill and they left.



On the sidewalk, he stopped and looked into her sad eyes. "We can't go home feeling like this. It's Christmas Eve. We need to get some holiday spirit. Let's take a walk past the stores before we go home."



She leaned against his shoulders and held onto his arm. They'd only walked a short distance when a couple stopped them. Rob introduced her as 'Megan' to his customers. The couple talked to them a minute about their holiday festivities before wishing them a merry Christmas and going on their way.



Rob was right. By the time they returned to the truck, they'd been anointed with Christmas cheer from dozens of people.



"Thank you." She kissed his cheek. "It is contagious."



They were greeted at the door by an upset Mooch. Rob apologized profusely for being late before letting the dog out and filling the food bowl. All was quickly forgiven. 



*~*~*~*



Megan noticed the time and walked quickly into the living room and turned on the TV. The cheerful theme song of the Betty Winters Show flowed into the room. The announcer introduced Betty, who did a couple minutes of monologue before cutting to commercials.



Megan began to feel her stomach tighten as a wave of nausea hit her. She ran for the bathroom, barely getting the toilet lid up before her stomach emptied its contents. Her stomach convulsed again, bringing up more. The third time caused a dry retching followed by a series of coughs.



Rob heard her as he entered the kitchen with another armload from the truck. Running into the bathroom, he found her kneeling on the floor, her head cradled above the toilet bowl by her crossed arms.



"What happened babe? Is there anything I can do?"



"I need the bag from the drug store. Hurry!" She put her head down as the next wave hit her.



Rob found the bag and brought it to her. As soon as the coughing subsided she grabbed the box out of the bag and ripped the top off. She removed the bottle and shook it. Removing the cap, she poured an estimated two tablespoons down her throat. She laid her head down on her arm again and waited.



She heard him by the doorway. "Rob, go in the living room and watch the show. I'll be OK. I'll be in to see you shortly." It was a minute before she heard his footsteps leaving.



She laid there hoping the medication worked. She thought about how much her life would change in a matter of minutes. She'd only been considering the upside to her actions, not the downside if Rob didn't agree. Why wouldn't he agree? Isn't it what he wanted? He never came right out and said it but she always felt like he would.



She felt a hand rubbing her back. "I haven't heard anything from you in twenty minutes. Whatever you took must be working. Let me help out to the living room. I have some crackers there if you need them."



She slowly stood up and rinsed her mouth out in the sink. She swished some mouthwash to get rid of the horrible taste that remained. Rob hovered over her as she walked to the living room and sat down.



They watched the show in silence for the next half hour. After the commercial break the show returned with Betty sitting alone without another guest. She looked into the camera.



"For my last segment, I taped an interview with a good friend of mine. We've never done this before but as you will see she had her reason for requesting it."



Rob leaned forward when he saw Megan appear on the screen. Megan nervously nibbled on a cracker as she watched Rob's facial expression.



Betty began. "She needs no introduction. Everyone will recognize my next quest Megan Langford. As you can see we are taping this without an audience. I've only done live interviews but Megan requested this so she could be home when it aired. So Megan, what do you have to say that couldn't be said live?"



Megan turned to look at Rob. She grabbed the decorative pillow and nervously hugged it to her chest. 



"First off, thank you for agreeing to tape this. The reason I asked for this interview is to announce that I am leaving acting. I thought about this for some time before coming to this decision. I wanted to announce this on your show so that the man I love will know it's for real and believe me when I say he is the most important thing in my life."



Rob's eyes shot from the screen to Megan. She saw the questioning look on his face as she nervously nodded her head



Betty was visibly surprised by the statement. There was silence for almost a minute before she spoke. "Why leave the business? Many actors and actresses marry and keep on acting."



Megan saw Rob was now intently focused on the show, waiting for her answer.



"It's a demanding job that keeps you away for months at a time. Plus you have the tabloids constantly writing about imaginary affairs. I have been with Rob for almost five years now and I want to tell him he's been the only man in my life this whole time."



"So where is he Megan? Why haven't we seen you with him?"



"Because I've kept our relationship a secret and asked him to do the same. I know it has been hard on him that I won't go out where people might recognize me. I think he feels I'm embarrassed of him because he doesn't look like a Hollywood actor."



Megan looked from Betty into the camera.



"Rob, I didn't keep our love a secret because I was embarrassed. I could never be embarrassed of you. I wanted it a secret to keep the jackals from my world away from you. In my world you become used to the cameras constantly snapping and people writing fictitious stories about you to sell magazines. I didn't want them invading the life of the sweet, gentle man I love. Now that I'm no longer acting, I ask that they leave us alone. Rob, I'll be honored to be seen with you."



He felt her hand on his scarred arm. He turned to see tears running down her cheek.



"It's the truth. They would only see a scarred man with an actress. I don't even want to imagine what they'd write. What they would write is how I feel deeply in love with what's inside the man that wears those scars."



He saw her look at the TV and turned to look.



Megan turned back to look at Betty. "I have one more thing and then I'm finished." She turned back to the camera.



"Rob, you always said I was a strong willed person, so in front of millions of people I'm asking; will you marry me?"



Through hopeful eyes she looked at him; his eyes glistened.



"That was the reason for the Boston trip?"



"Yes." She softly said, her throat feeling dry.



"And the trip to California?"



"I told the studio I wasn't renewing my contract. I packed a few personal items and shipped them to Julie. The rest of my stuff is packed in a storage container sitting in a warehouse until we decide what to do with it. Now Mr. Coleman I asked you a question on TV and I haven't heard an answer."



"Yes!" 



*~*~*~*~*



She jumped into his arms. Her kiss was hard and filled with passion. He wanted to carry her into the bedroom, but that was only in the movies. He helped her up and they walked into the bedroom where he undressed her and laid her on the bed.



He removed his clothes and lay next to her.



Their lips transmitted the long felt feelings that had finally been said aloud. Their fingers explored and caressed one another as each sought to pleasure the other.



Her hand moved downward until she gripped his hardening member. Her hand stroked and teased until it was hard and ready.



His hand was between her legs touching and teasing making her nub grow and her tunnel become slick.



He moved between her legs. She guided him as he slowly pushed forward.



His movement was gentle and unhurried; a rhythm composed by love and filled with emotion. He returned to softly kissing her lips.



Her eyes closed as she basked in the sensation her lover gave her. Her hand lightly stroked his arm.



Rob opened his eyes as he broke the kiss. She looked so beautiful.



Megan opened her eyes. She smiled a peaceful smile at her man. "I love you." She reached up and tenderly touched his scarred cheek.



His eyes sparkled. "I love you too." He leaned down to softly kiss her lips.



Their movement remained unchanged; unhurried; their hips relaying the building electricity between them as their lips silently repeated their emotional bond.



The muted sounds of pleasure announced their impending orgasm. It moved like gentle repeating waves flowing over their bodies.



Rob reached down and pulled the comforter over them. Neither wanted to separate and break the magic.



*~*~*~*~*



Megan stretched out her arm to find the other side empty. The smell of fresh coffee brought a smile. She wrapped her robe around her and stepped into her slippers before walking into the bathroom and emerging a few minutes later feeling better with her teeth brushed and hair combed. She took her wrapped present and an envelope from her suitcase and set them under the tree.



Rob's warm smile greeted her as he pointed to a steaming cup of coffee waiting for her arrival. She sipped the elixir of life, feeling it bring its welcomed warmth.



Mooch nudged her, waiting patiently for some attention. She reached down and scratched behind the dog's ears until Mooch was satisfied and walked away. 



She asked for a glass of juice and left to retrieve her prescription from the bedroom.



Rob set the glass in front of her; his hand gently lingering on her shoulder. She touched it with her lips. 



She saw the questioning look on his face as he watched her take a capsule.



"They're vitamins Hun. Let's go in the living room. I need you to open your gift.



She handed him the envelope first. "I wrote this on the plane. I prayed you'd say 'yes'." It was a certificate for unlimited love and attention to make up for all those months apart. There was a second one for an unnamed special surprise involving whipped cream and chocolate syrup.



He arched an eyebrow and gave her a questioning look; then broke into a grin. 



Megan handed him a wrapped gift from under the tree. He tore back the paper and saw it was a book.



"You asked that we make our gifts special and not store bought. This was the only way I could explain my present."



Rob turned the book over and looked at the title.



"1001 Baby Names"



The look on his face said it all as he wrapped her in his arms.



"We have a few months before the doctor can see if it is a boy or a girl, or we could wait seven months and be surprised."



He removed an envelope from the tree and handed it to her. It was a certificate for a lifetime of happiness filled with love. 

<hr pg="3" />"I wrote it this morning. A year's worth didn't feel like enough."



*~*~*~*~*



The loving this morning was sweet and gentle. She had to remind Rob that she wouldn't break and the baby was fine. 



Megan showered and came out into the living room while Rob slept. She opened the blinds letting the day's bright sun fill the room. She looked at the picture on the bookshelf 



Two stick people, one big and one little, in front of a house with red and yellow flames covering it. The big one was holding the hand of the little one. They were both smiling.



She remembered Rob hoping the little girl grew up and had a wonderful life.



"You'll be happy to know she did grow up and is the happiest woman in the world. She went to acting classes and became a movie star. She met the man of her dreams and fell deeply in love. She gave up acting to be with him always. They got married and are going to have a baby in a few months. Oh, one more thing, the girl thought her last name didn't sound right for an actress, so she had it changed to Langford, Megan Langford." 

