Mountains of Dawn

"Mike could pick you up at five o'clock."

"Five o'clock?" Judith looked at her wristwatch. "It's almost four o'clock now!" She had also forgotten how quickly Brian rode on the rising wave.

"I'm so anxious to see you…" he said, his tone deep and intense.

"Five o'clock will be just fine."

Mike, the chauffeur, greeted her warmly. "That old yellow dress looks fabulous on you," he murmured as he held the car's door open for her.

"You're here, too!" Judith said as she spotted Brian sitting in the left corner. Slowly, she removed the silk scarf from around her neck, exposing her naked shoulders.

"Yes, it's me. Hello, Judith. I was eager to see you," he said, his expression intent.

Judith sat on the edge of her seat, her knees tight together. "Hello, Brian." As the car started moving, she leaned against the back seat.

"So," Brian said without changing position. "Have you decided on the punishment to inflict on me for my mischievous actions?"

"What you did upset me, very much," Judith said softly. "But no penalty."

"I know you warned me you would hold it against me. And you did. But what I did, Judith, was stronger than… What I mean is that I felt compelled to do it."

For a moment, neither spoke, they just looked into each other's eyes.

"I tried to understand," Judith said. "I think I might be able to let go."

"You mean you can forgive me?"

"Something like that. I think I can-I can leave it alone. That's what I can do. Start fresh."

Following the meanders of the Murex River, the Cadillac proceeded smoothly toward Brian's residence.

"I'd like to hold you, Judith," Brian said, finally. He hadn't touched her, yet.

Judith moved close to him. In no time Brian's arms wrapped around her, his mouth on her hair and neck.

"You're dearest to my heart," he murmured. "There was no decent life for me after you left."