Chapter 60

William stood at the oceans edge. After spending about an hour walking along the beach and exploring the tide pools, they had finally made their way back to the spot in front of Anya’s house. His hands were stuffed in the pockets of his board shorts, as he dug his toes into the sand. “Is everything okay?” asked Buffy, hesitantly.

“Yeah,” he said as he turned to look at her over his shoulder. He peeled his shirt off and tossed it to Buffy. “Hold this, will you?” he asked before turning back around and taking off, at a run, into the water. He ran until the water was thigh deep, and then dove under into a wave.

Buffy watched for him to come up. She realized that she was holding her breath and admonished herself for being silly when she spotted him. His shock of white hair was hard to locate within the foam of the wave as its crest rolled over, breaking. Buffy brought her hand up to shade her eyes from the sun. She watched as William continued to swim farther out into the ocean, diving under the waves as they approached him. She became fidgety, then downright anxious as he went further out. As the minutes passed, she lost track of him altogether.

Buffy frantically looked back and forth between Anya’s house and the horizon. Her heart was racing. Buffy closed her eyes and struck a deal with herself. She would count to 100, then panic.

1, 2, 3…..Buffy looked back towards the house and could see Xander and Anya looking out at her. She waved to them, motioning with her arm to encourage them to come join her. Anya merely waved back…..30, 31, 32…..Buffy looked back out desperately trying to shield her eyes with both hands….45, 46, 47…she looked back to see if Anya and Xander were on their way, no luck…she gathered up the bottom of her sarong and walked a few feet into the water, as if that would make a difference…64, 65, 66…Buffy’s stomach clenched and her eyes welled up, tears threatening to spill over as she endeavored to push down the panic….89, 90, 91…

“There! Was that, him?” she asked herself as a large wave once again obstructed her view. She waited patiently. “Yes!” she rejoiced jumping up while still in the water. Relief washed over her. But it was only temporary as, seconds later; another wave took him yet again from her sight. “I am going to have to kill him. I’ll just wait, patiently, until he comes out of the water and then he’s dust. Scaring me like that!” she murmured as she paced back and forth within the water.

The swim back didn’t take as long as the swim out to the kelp beds. Of course he was able to use the momentum of the waves to help propel him through the water on the way back. Although it wasn’t probably more than a quarter of a mile either way, it was a decent workout. He hadn’t been able to squeeze in any exercise for the past couple days due to the quick turnaround time of the London trip. He needed this.

William stretched out his stroke and found his rhythm, as he deftly cut through the cold saltwater. He loved the ocean. He always felt a deeper sense of connection to the earth when he was here, especially in the early evening hours. That was his favorite time. By dusk most of the sunbathers were gone. He loved to come down during low tide, sit at the base of the rocks, build a small fire, and quietly watch the sunset.

An image ran through his mind and a sense of peacefulness washed over him. He could see it clearly. In his fantasy Buffy was leaning back against his chest as they roasted marshmallows in the fire, her cheeks red-orange from the glow of the flame. He imagined a beautiful golden haired tot, asleep, curled up on the beach blanket beside them. William dove under the water as a particularly tall wave started to break over his head.

“He’s a really sound sleeper,” he imagined reminding her as he turned her around, then laid her down right there in the sand. She’d wiggle, tantalizingly beneath him, like she does, making his already hard cock impossibly harder. Then she would kiss him and ask him to make love to her. Then he would. He would make slow, sweet love to his wife under the stars, in the moonlight, by the glow of the fire. William felt like his lungs were on fire and he burst through the surface of the water taking in gulps of air. “Getting way ahead of yourself there, mate!” he thought, chastising himself as he stopped for a moment to tread water. He only had about 300 feet to go. He could clearly see Buffy, waiting patiently on the shore.

“Hold this, will you?” she mimicked, furious. “Scared him going to the friggin’ bagel shop?” she ranted as she stood there waiting for him to get closer.

“Whew!” William said as he stood up after riding in that last wave. As he walked closer to her he wiped the saltwater from his face and shook the water out of his hair.

Buffy’s resolve crumbled. Her anger melted. She just felt so completely overwhelmed, and she couldn’t restrain herself any longer. She ran towards him and throwing herself into his arms began sobbing, “We were so worried…thought something had happened to you!”

He wrapped her tightly in his strong embrace, mindless of the fact that he was wet. Her body trembled as she cried on his shoulder. “Buffy, luv, it’s ok…shh…I’m fine, pet. I’m a really good swimmer. I just went out to the kelp beds and back.”

“I’m sorry. I’m overreacting. It’s just that I couldn’t see you and you were out so far-” said Buffy, suddenly mindful that a few people at the edge of the water were watching them.

“It’s okay. I understand. It’s like I felt this morning. When I woke up and you were gone. I didn’t know where you were, or if you were alright. It scared me. We’ve found something wonderful. I think we’re both afraid of losing it,” suggested William.

“How did you get to be so smart?” asked Buffy as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

“I watch a lot of Nova on KBPS,” answered William in all seriousness before breaking into a smile. “Come on! How about we go back to the house and see what our sassy little hostess is cooking up for us.”

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Chapter 61

William and Buffy took their time strolling back to Anya’s. As they rounded the corner leading to the private staircase William came to a halt. He pushed Buffy up against the wall and pressing his body flush against hers huskily whispered in her ear, “I want you so bad.” As he pulled away Buffy could see the raw desire in his eyes and her body began to respond. “I was thinking earlier,” he said as rubbed his cheek against temple, “about making love to you on the beach, on the sand, in front of a fire.” He began to nibble on her ear, “you were beautiful, and it was glorious,” he told her.

“William, our friends, they’re all up there,” said Buffy, breathlessly. His mouth was now traveling across the full tops of her breasts. “They’ll see us,” she managed to squeak out, desperately trying to keep her wits about her.

“Not unless they come down here,” he tried to assure her as he ground his erection into her before crushing his mouth to hers in an intoxicating kiss.

She had missed him so much. The heat between them was scorching. He managed to unfasten the top strap of her swimsuit top and her breasts were pressed up against his bare chest. William reached down and slid his hand inside her sarong, he found the top edge of her bikini bottoms and slip his hand in, “God, you’re so wet,” he groaned as he slipped his finger between her folds.

“William, I-” she started.

“Shh. I’m shielding you with my body. No one can see. Want to make you come. Want to watch you,” he whispered softly as he looked into her eyes. He increased the pressure on the heel of his palm as it rested at the top of her mound. He used the pad of his thumb and began to expertly palpate her swollen clit. He could feel her juices as they spilled out, onto his fingertips. Her body beckoned for him to fill her and he slid two fingers inside. As he massaged her clit firmly he continued to stroke her inner channel pushing higher.

Her breathing was already ragged. Her lips were sensuously parted, they looked red and deliciously ripe, still swollen from his earlier kisses. Her hands were curled around his biceps, holding on, for now. He could feel that she was getting close. Her hips moved in rhythm with his hand. She closed her eyes and let her head roll back to rest against the wall. “No, look at me,” he demanded.

Buffy looked at him through hooded eyes, her face flush with excitement. He could feel her hold on him increase as she squeezed, her fingers digging into his biceps. He reached up with his other hand and pulled on her already erect nipple. Buffy moaned, her hips surging forward. William fastened his lips over the nipple, sucking it into his warm, wet mouth and circling it with the tip of his tongue. As he felt her body start to tremble he release her breast. “You should see yourself,” he told her, his voice low and gravelly from emotion, “so beautiful. So sexy.” William’s hand was completely soaked.

“More,” she managed to get out.

William slid in two more fingers and continued to massage her slippery channel. He twisted his hand on the upstroke trying to provide more friction and to heighten her pleasure, “Oh, God!” she cried.

“Come for me, luv. Let it go,” he encouraged her as he pulled out his index finger and used it to pinch her clit and push her over the edge.

“Oh…William!” she cried as she came juices flowing into his hand. 

He was smiling, filled with pride over the effect that he had on her, the pleasure he had managed to give her. He reached up with his free hand and pulled her in for a soft, almost chaste kiss. “Love hearing you cry out my name like that,” he admitted as he pulled his hand out of her swimsuit. He held her around her waist while she struggled to catch her breath. Then he brought his glistening fingertips up to his mouth and slowly, sensuously licked them clean while she watched. Before he completely finished, however, he stopped. His eyes locked with hers, he turned his hand towards her, her come still coating his palm.

“Taste,” he said.

She wrapped both hands around his wrist, and then deliberately brought his hand to her mouth. She never broke eye contact as she, bit by bit, lapped up the contents of his hand, like a kitten savoring cream.

William grinned and let his head roll back. “God you’re fun! Can I keep you?” he asked.

Suddenly the playful mood turned serious. Neither one said a word while seconds passed, maybe minutes.

“Have you though about it?” he asked.

Buffy swallowed, “About what?”

“About us going house hunting next weekend. You promised you’d think about it,” he reminded her.

“Yes. I’ve thought about it,” admitted Buffy.

“And?” he asked.

“It’s a big step, you know,” she said as she checked her appearance and straightened her sarong.

“I know. But, it’s one I want to take,” he assured her.

“It can be hard, living with someone. I mean, I would always be there. We’d have to figure out how to do all sorts of things together…paying the bills, household chores like cooking and laundry-” she started.

“Whether it’s my turn or yours to be on top,” added William.

Buffy rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help but smile, “It’s not all about sex, you know!”

“It isn’t?” he asked with mock astonishment.

“No,” she said shaking her head.

“Oh. Forget it then,” he said as he waved her off turned to walk away.

“Hey!” she said as she reached out to grab his hand. “Come here!”

“What? You expect me to come in this same ol’ place? No ma’am! I want to come someplace new and exciting. Lets see you put a little effort into this, use your imagination a bit,” he teased.

“You are a pig!” she said as she slapped him playfully on the chest.

“And, you love me,” he reminded her, nodding.

“And, I love you,” she agreed.

“We’re going to do this? Aren’t we, luv?” he asked her.

“Yes,” she said, “we’re going to do this.”

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Chapter 62

Buffy sat with Drusilla at a table, under the shade of an umbrella and watched the water volleyball game. “Are you sure you don’t want to join them?” asked Buffy. “Really, I’m okay now that my tummy seems all settled.”

Drusilla pulled her chair a little closer to Buffy and said in a hushed whisper, “I can’t swim.”

“No?” asked Buffy.

“Never been in a pool,” said Dru. “So, you see, you’re really keeping me company. Pathetic. That’s what I am. Never knew how much I was missing.”

“You’re still so young Drusilla. You have a lifetime ahead of you. Lots of time to experience things,” Buffy assured her.

“I suppose,” said Drusilla as she stood up and walked over to look out at the ocean.

Buffy followed her and ran her hand over the back of Drusilla’s head in a comforting gesture. “Dru? How do feel about the baby?” asked Buffy.

Drusilla turned around and splayed her hand over Buffy’s stomach and breathed in deeply, “I feel…hope.”

“Hope?” asked Buffy.

“Makes me want to believe that anything is possible,” confided Drusilla, “even maybe for me.”

“Of course, even for you. I believe in you, Dru. You could make any kind of life you want for yourself,” said Buffy as she pulled the younger woman into her embrace for a quick hug before they resumed watching the game.

After the game came to a close Xander mixed up a fresh pitcher of margaritas and Anya offered shower facilities to those who were interested. The guests alternated sipping cocktails and freshening up for dinner. As Buffy emerged fresh from her shower in her pale yellow sundress she noticed that William was in the process of visiting with Dawn and Conner while Drusilla was chatting animatedly with Parker.

Willow, Tara, Xander and Anya were gathered around the outside fireplace that was adjacent to the barbecue at the end of the yard.

William looked up and caught Buffy’s eye, motioning her over. As she joined him he handed her a margarita, “Had Xander pour you one before he added the alcohol. Don’t need to drink it if you don’t want.”

“Mmmm,” she said, taking a sip. “Crushed ice and lime juice! How could I possibly pass this up?”

“I’m gonna get myself a beer. You guys want one?” asked Conner.

“Count me in!” said William. “You don’t mind driving, luv?”

“Not at all. But I’m keeping track, just so you know,” she said winking at him.

Conner returned and handed William and Dawn a Bud Ice before taking a swig from his own. William looked at the label then cautiously took a sip, “You know there are quite a few American beers that are highly underrated. This, unfortunately, is not one of them.”

“Snob,” said Dawn. “This is perfectly good beer.”

“Well, here. Have two,” said William as he handed his to Dawn and went in search of some bourbon.

“So, how are you feeling?” asked Conner.

“Better. Still really tired. Still caught off guard sometimes with the nausea. Still adjusting,” explained Buffy.

“How did you like Whistler?” he asked.

“I liked him a lot, I think he’ll be a good OB” answered Buffy feeling a little preoccupied as she watched Parker and Drusilla.

“So, Doctor, you really think that I could volunteer at the hospital?” asked Drusilla.

“Sure! And, please, call me Parker. I’m not your doctor, there’s no need to be so formal,” said Parker.

“Well,” said Dru coyly as she crossed her legs and seductively rubbed her top leg against the one below. “I don’t have a physician here in the States and I do need one.”

Parker felt himself harden at the thought of just how he would go about examining this beautiful, innocent, young woman. He cleared his throat and said, “Well, I’m a trauma surgeon, I don’t exactly have regular patients. I could recommend someone.”

“Ahh,” said Drusilla, “that would explain all the blood on your hands. It’s your art. You make it with your hands day after day. I can see it. And to think, that yours is the last voice they hear before that final gasp, as that look of peace washes over them.” finished Drusilla dreamily.

“Actually, I’d like to think that I’m able to save most of the patient’s that find themselves in my hands,” countered Parker.

“It intoxicates you, doesn’t it?” Drusilla continued as she twirled a strand of her long hair around her finger. “That power to make life, or death. Even when you fail you find it exhilarating, empowering.”

Parker flashed her one of his charming smiles and tilted back in his chair. “Well, yes, I admit it’s exciting. Being in charge of the team, making the tough decisions. Even when I lose a patient, I try not to dwell. You know, I try to turn it into a learning opportunity. I wonder what decision, in those final moments was the critical one?” Parker finished his attention wavering a bit as he noticed Buffy looking over towards him.

“You’re fond of her,” observed Drusilla as she waved to Buffy.

“She’s made her choice,” responded Parker, resolutely.

“Now, now. You expect me to believe that you’ve given up so easily? Piffle!” scolded Dru.

“I’m trying to make amends, accept things and move on,” said Parker as he suggestively raked his eyes over her. “That’s my story. And, I’m sticking to it. As a matter of fact, I think I’ll go over and say hello to William and Buffy,” he said as he stood up and started to walk away. After taking a couple initial steps he turned and pointedly said, “I’ve enjoyed spending time with you.”

Drusilla smiled and seductively bit her lower lip.

Parker walked back over towards her so that he was standing in front of her, blocking her from view. He then nodded in the direction of Buffy and William, “Any suggestions?”

“What’s the current strategy?” asked Drusilla as she covertly rubbed the inside of his calf with her bare foot.

“I’m going for the ol’ ‘keep your friends close and your enemies closer’,” revealed Parker.

“Mmmm, Yes!” moaned Dru rolling her head back as if she were being pleasured. Drusilla stood up so that she could look him in the eye. “One of my personal favorites. Who would have known we have so much in common. I find the darkness in you terribly exciting Parker,” she said breathily. Drusilla then deliberately shifted her gaze from his face to the now evident bulge in his pants and suggestively whispered, before gliding away, “I expect I’ll be seeing…more of you.”

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Chapter 63

They had just finished a fabulous meal. Willow had recently won a high profile case for the son of a professional fisherman. As an extra thank you handling the case well, and keeping his son out of jail, he had brought Willow a large supply of fresh ahi tuna. Tara had marinated it in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice before cooking it on the grill. They served it with Spanish rice, flour tortillas, guacamole, salsa, fresh lime wedges and cilantro. She had even prepared a homemade flan for dessert.

“Gosh, Tara, you’ve really outdone yourself!” commented Buffy as she joined the others around the fireplace which was now lit.

“I’m so glad that you liked it. It’s good to see you eat,” said Tara.

“Well, I certainly ate enough tonight to make up for the past couple weeks,” said Buffy blushing slightly.

“Nonsense!” said Anya. “You’re supposed to eat a lot, you’re eating for two now. It’s a fabulous excuse! You shouldn’t be embarrassed by your excessive appetite.”

“That reminds me, I’ll be right back,” said Parker as he got up and walked into the house.

“Here, luv,” said William as he started to get up, “take my seat. I’ll grab another.”

“Actually,” said Buffy tossing a seat cushion from one of the chairs onto the ground in front of the chair, “I’m gonna sit here, in front of you. You, sir, can put those magic fingers to work on my shoulders.”

William sat back down. As soon as Buffy sat in front of him, he planted a kiss on the top of her head and began to knead her shoulders.

“Why don’t you massage my shoulders like that? I have tension! I have a really hard job, you know,” accused Anya as she looked at Xander.

“You know, you’re just making it hard for the rest of us, Will,” said Xander as he looked at William and shook his head. “Come on, Anya,” said Xander patting the ground in front of him. “Sit down and I’ll see if I can work those knots out.”

A few minutes later Parker returned carrying four cigars, “Thought we could have a smoke, you know, in celebration,” explained Parker. “Congratulations, William,” he said as he first handed William a cigar, and then handed one to Conner and Xander.

“You expect me to smoke this?” asked Conner, making a face.

William rolled the cigar between his fingertips then placed in under his nose and inhaled. “Cuban,” he said.

“Shh,” said Parker.

“Really?” asked Xander as he bit off the end and, unceremoniously, spit it into the fire. “Give me your light.”

Parker clipped off the end of his own cigar, lit it, and then tossed his lighter towards Xander.

“And not just any Cuban. This baby is an El Rey del Mundo, King of the World, one of the most popular and coveted Habanos around. Where did you get these doc?” asked William as he accepted the lighter from Xander.

“Saved the life of some bad-ass gang banger. He never paid his bill, but he drops a little package on my doorstep first of every month, like clockwork,” said Parker, smiling around this smoke. “So, you know your cigars. What? You have a big demand for these amongst your clients?”

“Probably do. But I wouldn’t supply them. I don’t handle that kind of merchandise,” responded William.

“Hey, why don’t you guys take those smelly things down to the beach. Pregnant woman here,” said Willow.

“A-And we want the baby to have clean pink lungs,” added Tara.

“Darn Tootin’, now scoot!” finished Willow with a dismissive wave of her hand.

“Why do I get the feeling that there’s a story there, Spike? Were you, like some famous cigar smuggler in a previous life?” asked Parker, ignoring Willow’s comment for now.

“Nope,” said William as he started to make his way over to the staircase. “Spent most of my time in Cuba smuggling arms and cocaine.”

“He’s kidding. Right?” asked Parker, turning towards Xander.

Xander grinned and replied, “Well Doc, I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you,” before walking off to catch up with William.

“Coming, Conner?” asked Parker before walking off himself.

“Go!” said Dawn encouragingly. “Go play nice with the other boys. Just don’t get into any trouble.”

“Are you kidding? I’ve got my hands full with you,” said Conner giving her a quick kiss before leaving to join the others.

Suddenly, all eyes were on Buffy. “What?” she asked.

“He is totally hot!” said Willow.

“Told you,” said Dawn smugly.

“And totally into you!” added Tara.

“Told you,” said Dawn smugly.

“And totally shot me down when I tried to advise him about the importance of asset protection!” announced Anya.

“Huh?” the five women asked in unison.

“Well, that’s either a sign of sheer stupidity or its temporary insanity brought on by the intoxicating effects of L.O.V.E. I see it all the time,” explained Anya.

“Spike’s not stupid,” defended Dru.

“No, he’s not,” agreed Anya. “Therefore, the prosecution rests. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, after examining the evidence put before you today in this court of law, you have no choice but to draw the conclusion that Mr. William Crawford, A.K.A. “Spike”, is obviously, totally and completely-”

“In luuuuuv,” finished Tara, Willow, and Dawn.

“Did you guys rehearse this?” asked Buffy, laughing.

“No!” said Willow, shocked. “Well, maybe we talked a little.”

“He-He seems really nice, Buffy,” said Tara quietly.

“And he seems genuinely excited about the baby,” added Willow. “Major good guy points there!”

“Spike will make a wonderful father,” said Dru softly as she reached for Buffy’s hand. “You’ve made the right choice, to do this together, really together.”

Buffy squeezed Drusilla’s hand slightly then turning to her friends announced, “William asked me to move in with him.”

Drusilla shook her head emphatically, “No, that wasn’t it!” she said in a hushed voice.

Buffy studied her for a moment while the others waited. Then, Buffy turned back to them and clarified, “William wants us to create a home together, to raise the baby together, to-to be a family.”

“Yes!” Dru cheered, a smile lighting up her face. “A family.”

“You know what? I feel like doing something wild and crazy. I mean, it’s not every day that people fall and love and decide to increase the population,” said Anya enthusiastically. “Ok, so, actually it is. But, heck, let’s celebrate anyways!”

As the men finished their smokes and started to make their way up the stairs back to the pool area they could hear music playing.

“Oh, no!” said Xander, stopping dead in his tracks.

“What?” asked Conner. “What do you mean, ‘Oh, no’?”

“Karaoke,” Xander responded.

“Anya has a Karaoke machine?” asked William, amused.

“I bought it for her. She likes to play ‘The rock star and the groupie’,” explained Xander.

William continued to stare. He raised his one, scarred eyebrow, but said nothing.

“I’ll explain it to you later,” said Xander hurriedly.

“Or, not,” suggested William as he resumed the journey up the stairs.

Drusilla was sitting in the chair, her attention fixed on the four women that stood in front of the fireplace “performing” for their attentive audience of one…

…Ooo, your kisses

R-E-S-P-E-C-T………

As the music died down the guys began whistling and applauding, and the girls broke down in a fit of giddy laughter.

“I vote for another pitcher of margarita’s and I respectfully request “Proud Mary”. Tina Turner Style!” said Xander as he clapped his hands together and walked over to the bar.

“I want to hear Spike sing!” requested Drusilla.

All eyes turned to William. “Oh, does Spikey want to sing us a widdle song?” asked Xander.

“Ah, no,” William responded, holding up his hand in protest.

“Oh! Come on. Show us what you’ve got,” challenged Parker.

“Yeah!” joined Conner, “I’m sure you’ll be…great! And, it’ll be…fun!”

“Et tu Brutus?” asked William, as he raised his eyebrow and looked pointedly at Conner.

“Sorry, but, better you than me,” said Conner shrugging and smiling sheepishly.

“What’s that one you used to sing me to sleep with? Remember, Spike? When we were living together? How did it go? ‘Early one morning-” began Drusilla.

“Pweese?” begged Xander clasping his hands together and blinking his eyes rapidly.

“Oh for heaven’s sake. Will you people give it a rest?” groaned William as he grabbed Buffy’s hand and pulled her out of her chair.

“Oh! Goody!” applauded Drusilla.

“Wait! Where am I going?” asked Buffy in a bit of a panic.

William moved her chair so that she was in front of the fireplace and pointed to it, “Sit.”

Buffy raised her eyebrows and cautiously asked, “Okay, then what?”

“Inspire me,” said William in a husky voice as he leaned over to steal a kiss.

“Ooo,” said Anya, as she grabbed Xander’s forearm, “we need to add that next time. Very hot, don’t you think?”

“Well? How did I do?” asked Buffy softly as William pulled away from the kiss.

He rubbed his cheek against hers and whispered so that the others couldn’t hear, “After this? Lets get out of here. I’m ready to take you home, let you have your way with me.”

“Anya?” he turned around and asked.

“Sorry, as much as I’d like to help. I can’t assist in inspiring you. Xander wouldn’t like it,” she quickly responded.

“No. I just don’t know how to get the bloody machine to work,” explained William.

“Oh!” said Anya jumping up from her chair and walking over to offer him assistance.

Within a couple of minutes he had chosen a song and Anya returned quickly to her seat.

“This is going to be good,” she leaned over and said to Xander.

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