Turning Paige Ch. 01

I couldn't believe I was doing this. What was I doing? Sure hanging out on that website was fun and all, good for some laughs, and there are some incredibly hot women on there too. But back to the original question, what was I doing getting off a flight to Charlotte to meet a girl from that cam site. It all started off innocent enough. She had been doing an raffle of some sorts for tips. I never even looked at what it was for, I figured that it was for an 8x10 glossy or a batch of home baked cookies. Something that was pretty common across the site. I'd had a few drinks one night, and got a little free with the tips, all the while not realizing that she kept adding tickets for me into her little fish bowl. Paige was awesome, beautiful, smart, funny, completely approachable and that sexy southern drawl of hers always made me smile.

When I got the email stating that I had won the raffle, I didn't believe it. The prize consisted of a date with Paige. I thought there was some mistake, and I emailed her back asking if she was certain. She seemed pretty amused by the fact that I didn't believe it at first. I very nearly replied saying that it was cool, that I'm glad she did really well and to not worry about fulfilling the prize, when I found myself looking at my calendar for time off. I put together some tentative dates and emailed them back to her, a day later I got a reply with a highlight on a particular long weekend. I put in for the time off from work, and looked for a flight to the nearest major city Charlotte, North Carolina.

The day had arrived, and despite my misgivings I was getting off the plane, looking around for the car rental agents. Once I had keys in hand I made my way to the lot to find the car, tossed my bags in the back and called Paige.

"Hi," I said, "It's me, Pete." She laughed. "I just got off the plane, and I've got a car, where am I going?"

"Does it have a GPS?" She asked, in her sexy little southern drawl. It did, and she gave me an address for a bed and breakfast in a little town about 30 minutes out of the city. "I'm out running errands as soon as I'm done I'll head home, get changed and meet you there so we can have dinner. Sound good?" I paused for a moment realizing just how silly a question that was. It sounded fantastic.

"Sounds great. I can't wait to see you." I said. A bigger lie, I hadn't told today. The thought of meeting her had me scared shitless. I was still wondering if I should just turn and go back into the airport and get back on a plane and get the hell out of here before I did something monumentally stupid. But I didn't, I keyed in the address she gave me, and I started getting instructions. A litany of 'this is crazy, this is crazy, this is crazy' started running through my mind. I gave my head a quick shake squelching it thinking, I'm allowed a little crazy in my life, and if crazy comes in the form of a beautiful blonde, claiming that she can't wait to meet me, all the better.

Within a few minutes I was on a highway out of the city, the suburbs looked similar to my native New England, if a bit more sprawling. The states are bigger down here, I thought. The suburbs melted away into rolling fields lined with still green trees, an oddity for a northern boy, this late in the season.

I passed through a small town that looked like it had jumped off the screen of an old 1950's movie. I even noticed a few very old cars which aided the illusion that I'd gone back in time. The GPS urged me onward. I got off the main highway and started north on a county road to my destination of Hickory. The directions got more detailed, as I entered the city, until I found myself on a tree lined drive, and saw the sign for the inn. The voice said that I'd arrived. A large white house with an oval sign in front greeted guests to the bed and breakfast. I pulled into the small driveway.

A woman was behind the counter at a small desk when I entered. She stood and welcomed me warmly, a trait I was noticing was common in these parts. She checked me in, and pointed to the stairs. "I'll show you up. I was surprised when your girl said that it was for one. That's usually the honeymoon suite." She said winking at me. I made some quip about preferring the local flavor of smaller inns when I travel. I followed her up the stairs as she showed me the small but cozy room, a small window-seat area showed the lush back yard full of pecan trees and gardens. The lady, she said her name was Paula, handed me the keys and told me to enjoy my stay.

I went down and got my bags, and brought them up, figuring I'd grab a quick nap since flying always made me tired, even when I didn't switch time zones.



***

My phone rang, waking me, "You all checked in sweetheart? How do you like it?" Paige asked.

"It's terrific, a little different than the usual road side motel."

"Well I figured you might like a little local flavor." She chuckled. "Are you ready for dinner?"

I looked at my watch, I'd slept for an hour longer than planned. "I just need to grab a quick shower. Where are we going? Is this a suit and tie night?" I asked.

She laughed. "Hell no. There's a great grill here in town, kind of like a sports bar you can wear jeans and fit right in. I wouldn't wear any of that Boston sports gear down here though, you'll stand out like a sore thumb. I'll be by to pick you up in about 30 minutes."

I hit the shower, shaved and dressed in my jeans and a button down shirt. The room phone rang just as I finished, and I answered it. Paula said that my party had arrived to pick me up. The sound in her voice led to believe that in for something special. I headed down the stairs, my jacket over my shoulder. She turned towards the stairs with a killer smile. I stopped dead in my tracks as the reality hit me. Paige stood there in knee high black suede boots as my eyes scanned upwards to the lovely pale skin of her legs, quickly hidden by the denim skirt with it's little white cotton ruffle edge. She was wearing a pink blouse and had a black suede jacket on. It seemed to take forever to take in what I saw, and in that time the smile on her face broadened. Her eyes sparkled. "Hi Pete," was all she said.

"Lord girl, if he doesn't start breathing soon I'm gonna dial 911." Paula said laughing.

"Don't worry," Paige said, "I'm a nurse I can handle a little mouth to mouth." She winked.

Paula laughed again, "I"m sure that'll get his heart started if nothing else will. Get over here fool and say hello to this lovely lady!"

I did as told, as I walked up to Paige she held her arms out and gave me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"That's more like it son, I thought I was gonna have to give you directions there for a minute." Paula laughed.

Paige still had her arm around my neck when she turned to the desk. "We're going over to Charlies for some barbecue, would you like us to bring anything back for you?"

"Oh no sweetheart, but thank you for asking." Paula replied. "You two have a good time!" As we turned to leave, Paula made a small shushing noise. "If there's going to be two for breakfast, leave me a note so I can make sure to cook up enough." She said with a wink.

Paige's mouth dropped open, but she smiled. "You dirty minded ol' woman." I just chuckled, as did Paula.

I whispered loudly, "I'll let you know."

"After the way I'm about to feed you, you'll be lucky if you're hungry by breakfast." Paige said giving my hand a tug. "C'mon." We went out to where her Jeep was parked and got in and headed through town. It seemed as if we were leaving town when we came up on Charlie's. It sat back from the road, and had a full parking lot. She pulled in and pulled the Jeep into a spot. We got out and Paige waited as I came around the car, she held out her hand and we walked in hand in hand. She found the hostess, and asked her if her table was still held. Meg had put it in her name.

"Sure is sweety, let me show you to it." She said.

There was a large center barbecue pit circled with a brick hearth and a huge smoke stack going up through the ceiling. To the side was a long bar, lined with TV's, games going on all of them. We passed that into a quieter area towards the back. There was a large round booth the hostess pointed to, laying the menu's down. Paige bundled her short skirt and slid into the seat. The hostess walked over to the bar and talked to a small brunette and walked off. She turned beaming a smile at us and practically trotted over to the table. She slid in next to me.

"Damn Paige, you didn't tell me he was going to be this damn cute!" She said, her hand squeezing my thigh.

"Hell I didn't exactly know either since all I ever saw was pictures of Tigger or tiger cubs. Hands off girl, don't you think I don't know where that hand is! You'll have to excuse her, but her method of introduction is by way of groping you under the table. This is my friend Meg."

Meg opened her mouth in shock at Paige. "That's not fair I only do that to the cute guys." She winked at me. "What'll I get ya Pete?" I looked over at Paige. "Oh I already know what she's having." I gave her my order and she slid out walking away in her tight jeans, giving a little more of a wiggle than necessary.

Paige laughed. "She is incorrigible, but all sorts of fun. Here," she said, handing me a menu, "I'd recommend the sampler. Try it all, find out what you like." She looked at me wide eyed. "You're not Jewish are you? This is gonna be mostly pork on here." I chuckled shaking my head no. "Good, I hope you don't like that shirt much, Carolina barbecue tends to be a bit messy, and oh so good."

I looked at the menu quickly and set it down, figuring I'd take her suggestion. I looked out across the crowd and shook my head slowly.

"What's the matter sweety?" Paige asked.

"Oh, nothing. Just trying to take it all in." I laughed. "If you'd told me a month ago that I'd be here tonight, I'd have told you that you were certifiable."

"You won fair and square." She said putting her elbow on the table, chin in hand, smiling at me. "I'm not going to lie to you, I was damn scared by the idea of it myself. This is my first time doing anything like this too you know. You could have been some psycho ax murderer for all I know." She paused and got all serious. "You're not are you?"

I laughed and shook my head. "No, last time I used an axe it was on a load of chord wood. I told my brother to never buy his firewood in tree lengths ever again."

"Well it seems to suit you." She said giving my upper arm a squeeze. My eyebrows went up. She blushed slightly taking back her hand. I just chuckled.

"Sorry, I'm just not sure what I'm doing... here... sorry." I shook my head again.

"Relax hon, nothing ventured, nothing gained right?" Paige said, as Meg walked back over with our drinks. We ordered, Meg didn't hold back on the flirting, and I noticed Paige watching her closely.

After a terrific dinner, I asked Paige what she had planned.

"Well, I wasn't sure what you might like to do. I'm sure if we can dream it up we can find it around here." Paige replied.

"Really?" I said my eyebrows shot up in amazement.

"Honey if you want to, there's a couple strip clubs on the other side of town." She said smiling. "Anything goes, it's your night."

I started laughing. "I don't think I have enough singles for that. Besides, the point was to meet you, not to go ogling other women."

"Good, because for some reason I find myself not wanting to share your attention. You wouldn't have been the only one ogling either." She added with a wink.

"The night is young, and you are far to beautiful to keep to cooped up. What shall we do?"

"Listen to you mister sweet-talker." She said smiling. "How do you feel about shaking your ass?"

"Did you bring enough singles?" I laughed. "So long as nobody points and laughs outright, I'm okay."

"No guarantees. C'mon, let's get out of here before Meg comes over here and rips your clothes off."

"Wait, you didn't mention that was an option!" I laughed.

"Oh please, if you want your clothes ripped off I'll bring you back later." She followed the statement with a smirk, "or I'll just do it myself."

We drove a while skirting the edge of the city heading south along a county road. We left the city behind us, and at a bend in the road, a large building appeared in the darkness, the lights burning as brightly as a bonfire. She pulled off the road into a dirt parking lot. The Barn Dance was just that, a huge old barn that had been converted into a club.

"Time to work off all that food." She reached into her bag and pulled out a few things, then stuff the bag behind the seat pulling a blanket over it. "Would you believe at my age I still get carded?"

"Yes I would." I said with complete sincerity. We went inside and I paid the cover and we found our way to a small table, eventually a busy waitress took a drink order, coming back quicker than I expected.

"Okay, so am I going to get crushed toes, or are you Fred Astaire?" She smiled.

I returned the smile, having listened to a few songs I got the feel for the pace. A little bit rock & roll, but mostly country. I held out my hand. "Guess you'll have to take your chances, won't you? Though I've always envisioned myself more as a Gene Kelly." I chuckled.

After a few dances, Paige smiled broadly, and I have to say I was doing a lot of that myself. She was flushed and fanning herself with her hand. "Let's take a break." We made our way back to the table. "Well well, you have a mighty fine two-step." She said as we sat.

"That whole line dance craze made it up north years ago. There was a girl..." I trailed off.

It was Paige's turn for raised eyebrows. "Sounds like there's a story there. It's alright sweety, don't fret." She said patting my hand, which slowly became a rub, she traced the knuckles with her finger tip slowly.

"It was a long time ago, as much as I would have loved for things to the way I envisioned them, I found out that I was the only one who envisioned them." I chuckled. The waitress made a pass to see if we were okay and left again. We hit the floor for some more dancing and I was having a great time. As with all good things it came to an end. The crowd had thinned down to just dozen or so die-hards, and I looked at my watch for the first time in hours and realized it was near midnight.

"I'd best get you back before you turn into a pumpkin." Paige said smiling. We drove back to the B&B in relative silence. Paige nodding along with the music on the radio. "You're awfully quiet over there. I'm not used to that, especially from you."

I smiled, "I'm just taking it all in. I have to ask myself why a girl like you isn't already taken, but then I ask myself why I am asking myself stupid questions like that."

"Boy, you think to much." She grinned. "There was a time I was taken, but didn't work out. Much like your story, things weren't the way I envisioned them either." She shrugged and got quiet. We got to the inn and she pulled up, turning off the engine.

I turned to her to thank her and she was getting out of the Jeep. Surprised, I climbed out too, walking around the front, she held out her hand to me, and I took it. We climbed the steps and stopped on the porch, Paige turning to me taking my face in her hands and kissed me deeply. I overcame the initial shock, and eagerly joined in, having day-dreamed about this often. We came up for breath what seemed like minutes later, and still far to soon. We parted as she looked up at me.

"I don't know why, but I had a feeling you'd be good at that. I was right." She winked. "I'll come pick you up in the morning. Don't sleep late." She grinned, turned and skipped down the stairs. She slowed looking over her shoulder at me with an impish grin and gave me a little bye-bye wave. She flipped her hair and got into the Jeep and drove away. I stood there rooted to the spot until the tail lights faded out of sight. I turned and went up to my room, still stunned by what just happened. I shook my head to clear it, and got ready for bed.

***

Morning came early around here, or so it would seem. I heard bumping and shuffling at 7 a.m. I knew it was 7 a.m. because I peeked at the alarm clock on the nightstand, wondering why anybody in their right mind would get up this early. It took a moment for me to remember where I was, and I smiled recalling last night, dinner, dancing, that kiss on the porch. Paige did say not to sleep in, so I resigned myself to getting up. Thankfully I smelled coffee all the way up here on the third floor. I got up and headed for the shower. I turned the water on, not waiting for it to warm up and got in. Nothing opens my eyes in the morning like a cold shower, which was sadly needed after last night. That kiss... was amazing.

I got out and noticed I had a message on the room phone. I never heard it ring over the shower.

"You coming down for breakfast or do I need to come up there and drag your lazy ass out of bed?" Paige's hollered into the phone. Shocked I got dressed quickly, and made my way downstairs. I turned the corner into the dining room and almost knocked Paula off her feet. I grabbed her arms to make sure she was okay.

"That's what I like, when you call 'em, they come a runnin'" She laughed. "Good mornin' darling. Sit yourself down, and we'll fix yuh some breakfast."

The sun filtered through pecan trees, lighting the room with a soft green-gold light, the table was set for two, a small pitcher of juice sat sweating on the table. My eyes darted around looking, Paula noticed and grinned. "Sit yourself down and relax, she's here." A chuckle escaped. She poured a cup of coffee from the pot on the sideboard, and pushed me towards a seat.

I sat down, still looking around, realizing I hadn't said a word since walking into the room. "Thank you." I picked up the coffee blowing on it to cool it down as Paula went off to the kitchen. I looked around and noticed that I was the only one around. How is it that a B&B could be empty on such a nice weekend in the fall? The weather was still nice, though a bit cool. If this were up north in my neck of the woods the place would be packed with tourists. A few noises of dishes clacking together in the kitchen brought me back. The swinging door opened and Paige backed out with two heaping plates in her hands. I started to get up, and she told me to sit back down. She was glowing, her hair pulled back in a barrette, the light shining on pale cheeks with just a blush of pink. Her blue eyes flashed at me along with a smile as she set one down in front of me, the other in the other spot. She reached over for the coffee pot and poured herself a cup.

"Good morning sleepy-head. I'd ask how you slept but by the time I'd have to guess pretty well."

I blinked at her, a smile creeping across my face. "I know this is going to sound bad but, what are you doing here?"

"You want me to go?" She sounded slightly offended.

"No!" I said laying my hand on her arm. "I'm just a bit confused, maybe I just need coffee."

"Well Aunt Paula mentioned breakfast last night, and I thought that would be a capital idea." Paige said smiling.

"Aunt Paula?" I said, "You're her niece?"

"Yea, that's how it works last time I checked."

I shook my head and started laughing. "Does she have any idea why I'm here?"

"Some, but not all." Paige smiled at me again. "Eat up before it gets cold, we've got a big day ahead of us."

I did as instructed and ate up, breakfast was fantastic. All that and she can cook too, I thought.

As I leaned back with my coffee cup, stuffed like a holiday turkey, I wondered what she had in mind. Thinking it would be easier to ask than to speculate, I did just that.

"Remember a while back when you mentioned how much you love photography? At some point I may have mentioned I could use some pictures done. I figured we could kill two birds with one stone. A friend of Megan's does some photography, weddings, senior portraits and such, and she's agreed to loan us her studio for the afternoon. Only thing we need to do is come up with a wardrobe, and camera. Since you have a camera, the only thing we need is a wardrobe. You did bring your camera like I asked, right?"