Captain Thor and I

[Thor's Hammer]

Captain Thor

The bellman brought my small bag and Mandy's three overstuffed ones up to our rooms on the 22nd floor. The rooms adjoined....with balconies that overlooked the beach. After I tipped the bellman, I stood at Mandy's door and said, "I suspect you are very tired from the trip. I rarely sleep much so if you want something, I will be outside on my balcony - I see that yours adjoins mine." I shut her door and heard the lock snick home. I entered my own room and headed directly for the shower. I never felt right until I had showered and shaved. I thought she would sleep for awhile and then we could see about dinner.

After showering and shaving, I pulled on a pair of trunks, slathered sunblock on against the tropical sun, grabbed my sunglasses and a book, poured myself a beer from the minibar, and settled down on the balcony....alternately reading and looking at the sea.

 

[chanaud]

Mandy

Through the thin walls, I was able to hear Thor taking a shower. I had a sudden flash of him bare-chested under the hot steamy water, which made my face flush at the thought.

I felt like an intruder. I was able to follow his every movement as he turned off the taps, rummaged through the room and open the sliding door to the balcony.

I showered to wash the jet-lag away and changed into a comfortable white hotel robe. Thinking a short nap would do me good, I tried to close my eyes. But, my mind was racing. I jumped out of bed and walked out the balcony.

Even though I see Thor sitting there, I walked over the edge of the rail, lifted my face towards the blinding sun and allowed the breeze to blow in my hair.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Captain Thor

The hotel was cleverly designed. Although our two rooms had an adjoining balcony, separated by a low metal fence, the balconies were sheltered from view from other rooms - I suppose that this was a suite configuration. 'Come to think of it, the rooms do have a connecting door.'

The sea and the view in general was spectacular. I put down my book, adjusted my sunglasses, and lost myself in reverie. A flash of white from corner of my eye caught my attention. Mandy, apparently not noticing me, was walking toward the rail that faced the sea. The rather stiff breeze ruffled her hair, pullling it away from her face. She was more than pretty, I decided, she bordered on beautiful. She was wearing one of those fluffy white terrycloth robes that the good hotels provide. The robe concealed her figure, but I remembered that she was......curvy.

Again I reminded myself 'Thor, she is a client. You never force your attention on someone who employs you. Besides, she is recently widowed. A person of honor would not take advantage....would he?' I enjoyed watching her leaning on the rail and enjoying the view. I did not speak....I wanted her to soak up the beauty.....

 

[chanaud]

Mandy

I can feel his eyes on me. Yet, I continued to stare beyond the white sandy beach. My mind was racing, "Maybe we should forget this whole thing." After a few minutes of struggling, reality set in. It all came down to finances.

My head still facing foward, I asked into the breeze, "So, what's next?"

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Captain Thor

"So, what's next?" Her question, with her back still turned to me, startled me. She had seen me and knew I was lounging there all along. I stood up and stepped lightly over the low fence separating the balconies. Three steps brought me quickly to stand just behind her. My bare feet made no sound.

'Next? That is entirely up to you. Do you want a nap or get a bite to eat?" I spoke in a low voice - one that I was told bordered on seductive, and waited for her to answer....... There was a third choice, but Thor's rules.....

 

[chanaud]

Mandy

His voice startled me, making my heart jump and lmy body to lean back slightly. The heat of his chest was smothering my back.

The corners of my lips turned slightly at his question. I really didn't want to do either. But, Thor has been so kind, I couldn't expect him to....can I?

"If you're hungry, we can go out for a bite to eat. You know I've never been to Rio. Maybe you can show me the town?"

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Captain Thor

The latin beat of Rio...it is seductive. But first, let me relax you. I have been told that my hands will be bronzed when I go. I give a great neck massage."

I placed my hand gently on Mandy's shoulders and waited.......

 

[chanaud]

"hmmmmmmm.. That would be nice..." Thank goodness, the thick white robe covered the chills spreading throughout my body.

I leaned back again, almost touching his chest. I can feel his breath quickening in my hair.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Captain Thor

My hands......slowly.......and very gently began to knead her shoulders. It is amazing how tension leaves when your muscles relax. I could tell that Mandy was wound up like a spring. The sudden death, the yacht....I was not surprised. I began at the base of her neck. My fingers were strong, but I kneaded with great gentleness. My thumbs pressed as my fingers worked to relax her muscles. She stood still...her head back ever so slightly, and gazed out at the sea. There is something mildly erotic about touching someone in a non-sexual way.

I could feel her relax.....a very soft sigh of pleasure escaped from her lips.

 

[chanaud]

Through half closed eyes, my mind started drifting away, imagining his long thin fingers closing in around my skin. I can feel months of tension jumping out of my body and over the balcony. Before I knew it, a relief escaped my lips. Surprised by the sound of the sound of my moan, I suddenly became aware of my surroundings.

A new sensation was taking over now. A sudden awareness of an actual man standing behind me, touching my skin. It's been so long since a man has touched me, I became uncomfortable and shifted away from him.

"I'm famished. Do you mind if we eat?"

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Captain Thor

I stepped away.....sensing her sudden discomfort.

"I'm famished. Do you mind if we eat?"

"I am sure you are famished." As I spoke, I reached for a portable phone and called the concierge. After a brief conversation in Portugese (multi-lingual Captain), I turned to Mandy and said, "A taxi will be at the front of the hotel in about half an hour. We have reservations at a place, I am assured, has both a good view and good food. How about it if we meet in the lobby in...25 minutes?"

 

[chanaud]

Mandy

"Thank you Thor, I'll be down in 25 minutes." I rewarded him with a smile and a hand on his arm, hoping he understood for my sudden disruption.

Twenty-five minutes seems like a long time. Not for a woman who has never been to Rio and three bulging luggages. I ran around frantically, holding up one outfit after another trying to find the perfect outfit for a fast-paced town like Rio.

I finally decided on red silk long sarong- shaped skirt decorated with creme colored hibiscus, and a matching red silk tank blouse. When, I slipped my feet in my low heeled strappy sandals, I noticed my colored toenails didn't match. So of course, I had to redo my nails. Waiting for it to dry, I noticed my 25 minutes were up. Since, I didn't have time to do my hair, I pulled it back in a loose bun, allowing little wisps of curls to fall loosely. With a touch of glossy lipstick, I was ready to go.

On the way down the elevator, I worried if Thor would be irate for my tardiness. I stepped off the elevator, I noticed Thor's back to me, so I tapped him on the shoulders.

"Pardon me senor, are you looking for a date?"

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Captain Thor

I put on an appropriate outfit for the climate. Lightweight slacks, an open-necked polo shirt, and a summery sport jacket. I ran a comb through my silver hair and headed to the lobby. I was always early. I thought, retrospectively, that I should have asked her how long she needed to get ready. The habit of command - first in business- and then sailing almost always took over.

"Pardon me senor, are you looking for a date?" The voice was familiar, but the person had been transformed. I made a little half bow and said, "This old sailor would be eternally honored if you would accompany him to dinner." With that, I took Mandy's arm and steered her to the cab. The red of her clothes blended, perfectly, into the beat of Rio. As the cab negotiated the streets to the restaurant, I engaged in idle chit-chat with Mandy. I asked the cabby in Portugese how long to the restaurant, and added that if we wanted a tour of Rio we would have asked for it. Startled at my command of the language, he stammered some excuse about a carnival, and we were at the restaurant within 5 minutes.

I paid the cab and escorted Mandy to our table. I had been promised a view, and this table surely had one. As an added bonus, it was in a corner of the restaurant, away from other diners.

 

[chanaud]

Mandy

I felt like I was on the perfect date. The restaurant was small but had a hint of romance. Looking around, I was able to tell, the locals frequented this establishment and it was certainly no 'tourist trap'. We walked past the entertainment, a Brazilian beauty was singing Rio's romantic songs, while a handsome man was sitting behind her and brilliantly playing the steel drums in low tones. We sat at a cozy table by the window, away from the center of the room. As we sat across from each other, I turned shy for some reason. I pretended to be mesmerized by the sunset while I kept stealing glances at this handsome silver-haired man sitting across me.

Our waiter stopped by our table and asked if we cared for some cocktails. Thor took control and answered something in Porteguese. "Uma garrafa de vermelho, por favor."

The waiter face lifted in surprise, "Si, senor" and left immediately.

When he was out of our earshot, I leaned in and whispered, "You surprise me, Thor."

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Captain Thor

"You surprise me, Thor." As she spoke, I touched her arm and smiled....'I am a man of many talents, Mandy. I have not lived this long without picking up a few skills."

I let my hand rest on her arm for a long moment and then traced her elbow as I withdrew my fingers. The tension was palpable. I knew we would, sooner or later, become lovers. There was no rush, however. Things happen in their own time.

The drinks arrived and I raised my glass high and said, "To Mandy, to our successful journey."

I ordered dinner (again, I tended to take over). As for the vino, I selected a Portugese red, from vinyards North of Obidos.

 

[chanaud]

His lingering finger tracing my arm brought chills to my exposed skin and raced under my blouse. I was hoping he couldn't notice the effect he had on me, as I felt my nipples hardening against my silk blouse. I knew what Thor implied when he spoke of his 'skills'. Usually, I would roll my eyes in response. For some reason, I knew Thor could back his statement.

Thank goodness the waiter was quick in bringing our wine. I couldn't find a response and was glad for the interruption.

"To us and our successful journey."

When I took the first sip, I felt the hearty sweet red burst in my mouth, while the effects traveled down my veins.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Captain Thor

"A brave little wine. I remember sipping this in a taverna in Lisbon." The electricity was almost visible. Something had connected between us. I (figuratively speaking) shook myself and began to prattle on about the trip, sailing, the price of wine in Rio, anything to divert myself from my thoughts.

I sipped the wine.....making sure Mandy's glass was full. A very excellent amberjack - accented with a light wine sauce - was the entree. I did not know that amberjack was found this far south.

"Mandy, tell me how you came into possession of your yacht. Did you sail it much before he died?"

 

[chanaud]

Mandy

"Mandy, tell me how you came into possession of your yacht. Did you sail it much before he died?"

I closed my eyes and breathe in deeply, before starting the story of how this yacht came to my life. He listend to me intently. His soft blue eyes never waivered from mine and he kept my glass full of this fabulous red.

I finished my story by telling him, "There must be a reason why this yacht was purchased without him telling me. I thought he shared everything, evidently I was wrong. He had a reason to hide this and our lack of money. And that is why I must be on this trip."

There was a long pause, my glass was empty, my amberjack untouched. Amberjack in Rio???

I had tears in my eyes. I tried to shrug it off...

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Captain Thor

I could tell (perceptive devil that I am) that she was distraught. I signalled for the check, paid, and took her arm to steer her to the door. A cab awaited us.

"Mandy, I must seem as though i am prying. Perhaps we will discover the answers to your questions tomorrow."

The cab arrived at the hotel and we headed to the elevator bank.

 

[chanaud]

Mandy

I glanced at ourselves in the large, mirrored elevator and noticed attractive we were together. It didn't seem a bit odd that we were so close when we were the only ones there.

The evening was still young. And by god, we were in Rio! No matter how distraught I was, I sure didn't want it to end.

I turned to him and took his hand in mine. "Thank you Thor for the lovely dinner and for keeping me company."

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Captain Thor

"Thank you Thor for the lovely dinner and for keeping me company."

BONGGGGGGGGGG!!!!! The elevator chimed our floor as I was thinking of a suitable reply. I wanted to do nothing more than make long, passionate love to this lovely woman. The difference in our ages felt trivial. However, I did not want to do anything to ruin what I felt, somehow, might be something that would last a long, long time.

To hide my indecision, I took her hand, bowed deeply in a continental manner, and kissed the back of Mandy's hand.

"The pleasure has been all mine. The company of a truly lovely woman has made an enjoyable evening into a truly memorable one."

I held the door open and motioned for Mandy to step into the corridor.

 

[chanaud]

Mandy

I felt my face blush at his gentlemanly reply. What was I thinking? He has gone over and beyone to keep me company. I knew he hadn't had any rest and probaly wanted some time alone before we hit the high seas.

We walked to my door and stopped before it. With my back to the door, I turned to him. Words came spilling out but they were the wrong ones.

"Once again Thor, thank you." I gave him a soft smile and bade him a good night.

I turned and fumbled with the hotel door entrace card. After several tries, the light flashed and the doorknob turned.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Captain Thor

I wached Mandy's back as she entered her room and then the door closed, shutting off my view of her retreating back. She had seemed somewhat confused......almost flustered as she bade me good night.

'If anyone says that they understand women, they are either an arrogant ass, a fool, or both,' I thought as I entered my own room. I sat for awhile, looking out through the sliding glass door at the moonlight sea, shimmering and seeming to stretch to forever.

Once more, I ran over my outline of the sail and finally lay down in bed. For a long time, my mind would not turn off - and the thoughts were not all of sailing.............

 

[chanaud]

Mandy

Alone in my room, I turned the TV on for something to do. The loud overbearing sounds of the Portuegese language filled the room and annoyed me. I switched it off and opened the glass door. The scent of the salt water filled my nostrils, calling me out to the balcony.

I sat on my chair for sometime, wondering what Thor was doing. There wasn't any sound from his room, so I assumed he was fast asleep. My thoughts turned to his shocking blue eyes. The memory of his fingers trailing my arm were my last thoughts as I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep...

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Captain Thor

Morning.........I loved the time just before dawn. I needed very little sleep and was usually fresh as a daisy. I threw on the fluffy robe the hotel provided, and stepped out on the balcony. The dim light from the hotel signage illuminated a figure sleeping on Mandy's lounge chair. I cautiously stepped closer, and then relaxed when I saw Mandy. She was beautiful in repose...sleeping like a baby. I went back into my room, picked up a blanket, and walked back and covered her gently. She would need her rest for the trip ahead.....it could be a bit rough in the North Atlantic this time of year.

With one last glance, I returned to my room and stepped into the shower.....