by Anita Claire
Meredith continues with, “Jennifer is still happy with her sweet guy, who has a pierced dick. Kelly’s been having a lot of sex with Sean, but takes off on Tuesday to meet some Brazilian guy to have lots of sex with him. Juliette is feeling guilty since one guy is out of town which frees her up to date guy number two. And we understand you met a real guy, who took you on a real date. The only question I have, was he dressed like a super hero or a pink wolf when you met him?”
Hita gives Meredith an annoyed look, “No he wasn’t wearing a costume and I’m not into Furries.” With a sweet smile, she continues, “But David’s real cute, we’ve been texting all week. We’re going to an all-night gaming party tomorrow.”
“Do they have sex rooms at these all night parties?” Kelly asks.
Hita playfully smacks Kelly on the arm. “It’s a game party not a sex party. Will you get your head out of the gutter?”
By now our pizzas have come. “You guys realize if we continue to meet at eight p.m. to eat pizza, we’re all going to have butts a mile wide.” Jennifer says as she takes a big bite.
Kelly now turns her sights on me. “Snow, I never got to see your sister Leigh when she was in town. How was she this weekend?”
The other women all look at me as I get a chorus of; “Give me a Leigh story.”
“Leigh stories are better than watching television.” Isabelle says.
Shaking my head, “Leigh stories are so much more fun than actually being in the same room as Leigh. I have to say, she was in full waitress-killer mode this weekend. On Sunday, Leigh requested we have brunch at Hobee’s Restaurant. My mom wanted to make it a full family affair so I couldn’t get out of it. Of course, Leigh was real nasty to the server—sneering and speaking in a condescending voice. She was this young, sweet girl. You could see she was trying to keep up a smile, even though she looked horrified from Leigh’s treatment. Leigh is so blind to her own behaviors. She actually said, “What’s her problem? Did you see how she was behaving?” Of course, Leigh makes the poor server take her drink back multiple times. When it’s time to order, Leigh gives a very confusing order with lots of contingencies, the entire time the girl’s smile is slowly morphing into a grimace.”
My friends all nod and agree. “Yeah, it’s embarrassing to go to a restaurant with someone who acts mean to the employees.”
Smiling, I give a clever look. “When our server was out of eyeshot from my family, I excused myself from the table with the pretense to visit the bathroom. Then I searched for the poor girl and said, ‘I apologize for my sister’s behavior, she had an emotional breakdown earlier this year, she’s been institutionalized, we’re just now trying to re-introduce her into society.’ She gave me the sweetest, look and said, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry, thank you for telling me.’ After that, she was gushing over Leigh. ‘I’m so sorry…just explain to me what you want…I’d be happy to change it for you.’ At one point, she winked at me. Leigh just perked up and smiled as she ran that poor girl into the ground.
“I can’t believe you said you sprung Leigh from an insane asylum.”
“I think the PC expression is Psychiatric hospital.”
“Whatever, Leigh is certifiably a lunatic.”
“I hope your dad gave that server a big tip.”
Chapter 6 – Celebration
Nate: Cascal, 7:30 reservation. I’ll be at your place by 7:20
Juliette: See you then
Not having seen Nate for a week makes me nervous for our date.
Roger calls Mark and me into his office about five minutes before I leave for lunch. “Grab your stuff, we’re going to celebrate, the fix was posted on our production server, and the customers have accepted it.”
As we head to the parking lot, Roger says, “One thing I’ve learned is that you need to celebrate little victories, or you’ll just beat yourself into the ground.”
Of course, Mark brings Buddy.
Roger asks, “Mark, is she a service dog? How are we going to get her in a restaurant?”
“We’re heading over to Il Postal, they have outdoor seating in the back.”
“It’s in the fifties aren’t we going to freeze to death?” I say.
“They have space heaters. Well make sure you’re sitting under one.” Mark says.
We get in Mark’s car because Roger doesn’t want Buddy’s hair all over his. Mark’s car is real messy, just like his desk, plus it has a layer of German Shepard hair all over it. After moving a bunch of papers, clothes, and who knows what else, Buddy and I share the back seat. Not able to resist, I ask Mark “Do you sleep with Buddy?”
Mark shakes his head, “My girlfriend won’t let her in bed with us. She sleeps on the floor by my side of the bed.”
This is news, I’ve worked with this guy daily for the last few weeks and had no idea he had a girlfriend. It makes me wonder how she puts up with Buddy always sniffing her crotch.
Then I ask, “Buddy sounds like a guy’s name while your dog is a girl.”
Mark just shrugs, “I didn’t name her. Anyway it fits. She’s a good buddy.”
Chapter 7 – Date Prep
Getting home I pull out my sexy underwear. Then I stare at my phone. I haven’t heard from Zach since we spoke in the parking lot.
Staring at myself in my sexy underwear makes me wonder if I’m going to let Nate see me, or if I’m just dressed this way for emotional reinforcement. Pulling on a clean pair of skinny jeans, I choose a high heeled boot and a dressy form fitting scoop neck sweater, with a cute sparkly necklace. Staring in the mirror, I wonder how men see me. When I look in the mirror, I see my big eyes, light colored skin, and long, dark, curly hair. Do they see a women or a girl? Sometimes, I don’t yet know which one I am. Brushing my teeth and adding some Curly Girl to my hair, I reapply my mascara and eyeliner.
Sitting in the living room reading, I want to lose track of time but can’t. It feels like every five minutes I’m looking at the clock. Finally, the doorbell rings, I wipe my sweaty hands on my pants as I head to the door.
Nate has a cool look on his face, his eyes look hungry as he looks me up and down. Giving me a sexy smile he says “Hi.” His voice is deep.
Cocking my head, I give him a slow sweet smile as I repeat his, “Hi.”
He confidently invades my space with one quick step, his focus is now on my lips. Reaching out he cups my head, brushing my cheek with his thumb. He then grabs my waist, pulling me tight to him. Bending his head down, his lips meet mine as he gives me a deep kiss. His lips feel soft, his tongue feels strong. He tastes like a breath mint, though the feeling of his tongue against mine is pure sex. Slowly trailing my hand up his arm until it reaches his bicep, I place my other hand flat against his stomach; inching it up his chest until I can feel his beating heart. My core twists and my groin pulses from his strong, masculine contact. Hearing his deep raspy growl only makes me want to kiss him harder. Needing this contact, I feel relieved to now be in his arms as thoughts of Zach fly out of my mind. Way too soon he pulls slightly away, gulps, breathes deeply and in a gravelly voice says, “I’d really like to continue this in your room, but I made reservations. We should head over to the restaurant.”
My breathing is rough as I slowly nod in agreement, he releases me. Taking another breath to get my body back in control, our eyes connect as a shy smile spreads across my face. Searching for my voice I say, “Today was cold, I should grab a warm jacket.”
Nate chuckles and shakes his head, “It’s December, all you Californians are complaining about how cold it is. Do you realize there are still leaves on the trees, and it’s in the fifties?”
“Yeah, that’s what I mean, today never got warmer than the mid-fifties. They’re talking about the lows tonight getting down to the thirties.” I grab my warm leather jacket, “That’s really cold when you’re on the pool deck just wearing flip-flops and a swimsuit.”
“What! You swim outdoors, in the winter?”
“Well, the pool’s eighty, it’s just the deck th
at’s freezing. No one around here swims in an indoor pool.” As he helps with my coat, I continue, “I think I’ve only been in an indoor pool a few times in my life. They smell terrible, like too much chlorine.”
Smirking he watches me close and lock the door as he says, “When it comes to weather you are the toughest and wimpiest person I’ve ever met.”
“I think you just got a lot to learn about living in California. It’s a lot different than visiting California.”
Putting his arm around my shoulder and pulling me close, he says, “I think I’m going to enjoy your lessons.” Snuggling into his side, I feel fear and excitement. Every time I see him, I think he’s hotter than the last time. But I’ve never gone out with a guy six years older than me. Am I ready for this kind of relationship? Am I ready for Nate?
Chapter 8 – Dinner
Nate and I walk the three blocks to Cascal. It feels good being close to him. It’s like he has this magical ability to calm my mind, or is it his presence is so strong all my conflicts pale? The restaurant is packed. They have a table for two next to the window where we can look out across the plaza and onto Castro Street. Nate orders a bottle of Malbec while we take turns choosing an assortment of small plate tapas to share. The atmosphere is intimate, matching our mood.
My stomach is crammed with butterflies as I look at the strong planes of his face, and get taken in by his cool blue eyes. The wine relaxes me, while making me horny. Should I still be taking this slow? Have I decided to try out Nate while Zach is out of town? My mind, befuddled with alcohol, starts to swirl. Isabelle’s comment about the Bon Jovi episode from Sex in the City floats into my thoughts. Is Nate a player? Is he serious about me? I’ve only slept with Stephan and Chris… yeah and Gray, making me feel inexperienced and young. Kelly easily moves between guys, but I don’t want that, as I start overthinking the night.
Nate reaches across the table taking my hand into his. Gently he rubs his thumb against my skin, causing sexual shivers to run up my arm and down my core.
“Hey, I think I lost you,” he says. “What are thinking about?”
“You’re not like Bon Jovi from Sex in the City, right?” Shit, did I just say that out loud?
His thumb stops as he squints his eyes at me. “Come again?” he looks at me concerned, “What does some rock star from the eighties and a TV show from the nineties have to do with me?”
Covering my eyes with my free hand, I shake my head. “Saying it out loud does make it sound kind of crazy.” Nervously moving my hair behind my ear, I continue, “Bon Jovi’s character sleeps with Carrie. Afterwards he tells her he loses interest after he’s had sex.” Looking into his eyes, I ask what’s really concerning me, “You’re not one of those guys…that’s into the chase, then gets bored once he captures his prey?”
Nate blinks. He shakes his head slowly. “I was wondering when we were going to have this conversation. I like it that you didn’t want to sleep with me right away.” He smiles and shakes his head, “Well, I would have liked it if you wanted to sleep with me right away, but it’s nice to take it slow for a change. You don’t come across as a sexual adventuress.”
I’m afraid to say anything as I watch him format his next thought in his mind. “No, I’m not interested in sleeping with you once, then moving on. It’s way too early to make any promises, but I would like to get to know you more.” He leans in and twirls one of my curls between his fingers, “But I won’t rush you. We can take this as slow or as fast as you want.”
My entire chest is fluttering; am I ready for this conversation? Why did I bring it up? Though I did need him to affirm as I push the next question on my mind to my lips, “There’s no current girlfriend, or wife, back in Minnesota?”
He gets a big smile, “No current girlfriend, or wife, back in Minnesota.” He brushes his thumb a couple of times over the back of my hand and asks, “Any boyfriends or husbands I should know about?”
Gray’s face and then Zach’s flash across my mind. Neither of them are mine, as I answer, “I’m single. No current attachments.”
Finally, I give him my one condition. Looking down at my hand in his, I pause, then look back to his eyes, “I don’t share. If you want to sleep with me, you can’t be sleeping with anyone else.” I take a deep breath after saying this. Is this comment really about me, have I made my choice?
The atmosphere can be cut with a knife as his blue eyes look into mine, “Yeah, I can live with that. I don’t share either.”
I nod in agreement as I wonder if I just pushed this too fast. Then I say to myself, I’d still be making this decision next week. I just needed to choose. Nate is who’s here.
Our server breaks our thoughts. Nate asks if I want dessert. Shaking my head, I realize I just need to be close to him. Kelly always tells me to stop over planning my men. It all of a sudden hits me that she’s not talking about getting ahead of the relationship—something I never do—it’s about needing certainty too early in the relationship. Focusing in on Nate’s touch I smile and say, “Why don’t we go back to my place.” Immediately Nate says, “We’ll take the check now,” and reaches in his back pocket pulling out his wallet and handing over his credit card without glancing at the bill.
My cheeks hurt from smiling so wide as he signs the receipt.
Standing up, he grabs his leather jacket. He’s wearing jeans and a button down. His shirt is tucked in, which highlights how flat his stomach is. Having a hard time taking my eyes off his flat stomach, he says, “You coming?”
Nodding my head slightly, I stand up and grab my jacket off my chair. He helps me on with it as he looks down at me with a panty-wetting smile. Then he tilts his head at the door, “Come on.” He places his hand on my lower back, opening the door with his forearm. The cold air hits, causing me to shiver. He raises his hand from my lower back to my shoulder pulling me in close. He’s just tall enough that I comfortably fit to his side with my head leaning on his shoulder.
Chapter 9 – Stay … Just a Little Bit Longer
The sexual tension is high as we walk the three blocks back to my place. Silently, I pray Cassie isn’t home. Pulling out my house keys, I let us in. Immediately Nate blocks me against the wall, kicking the door closed with his foot. One hand is on the wall next to my cheek, the other is on my waist pulling me tight against him while his lips meet mine. He kisses me hard and deep, my groin throbs, his mouth tastes like wine, his tongue is strong and demanding igniting a fire down my core. My hands are flat against the wall behind me as I tilt my head up into the kiss.
Moaning into his mouth he releases the kiss as he whispers, “I want you.” Lifting my hands to his shoulders, I reach up, pulling him back into me, reigniting the kiss. My stomach is smashed against his core. The condo feels cold, I just want his warm skin next to mine. Reaching up, I pull his jacket off his shoulders. Responding, he releases my waist from his grip, pulls his hand out of the jacket arm, places that hand on the wall, moving his weight to the other side as he shakes off his jacket letting it drop to the floor. We continue to kiss deeply for a few more minutes.
At some point, he takes a deep breath releasing our lip lock and rubbing his cheek against mine. Rocking back on his heels he pulls my coat down my arms. Maintaining eye contact, he pulls me in tight again. His hand is on my lower back searching for the bottom of my sweater. Pulling his shirt out of his pants with both of my hands makes it easy to find his warm skin. At the same time, his hands find my back. In unison, our palms stroke the skin of each other’s back. He releases my lips, moving his head to my ear. In his gravely sex voice he says, “I don’t want your roommate walking in on us, can we move to your bedroom?” My heart thunders in my chest as he sucks on my ear lobe, making me noticeably shiver. Raising my chin, he rains kisses down my neck.
Trembling from sexual energy, I release him, step back. Staring into his eyes, I grab his hand and lead him to my room.
The window shades are up, shedding a soft gray light from the street lamps onto th
e bed. Nate pulls me to him by our connected hands. His mouth meets mine for another deep kiss. His hands are back under my sweater. His palms feel warm as they caress my back, I feel him release my bra. My stomach rolls from excitement. Reaching my hands to his front, I start unbuttoning his shirt, feeling up from one button to the next. His hand moves from the skin of my back under my released bra to my left breast causing me to gasp into our kiss. He holds the weight of my breast in the palm of his hand, then moves his hand so his thumb can massage my nipple. As the top button of his shirt releases, I place both my hands over his diaphragm, moving them up so I can feel the contours of his pecs. He must lift weights since they feel so defined. Gently, I move my fingers through his chest hair. His heart thunders under my palms. He pulls away from my lips. We both are breathing like we just sprinted a hundred meters. His eyes are glued to mine as he grabs the bottom of my sweater and pulls it up; I find myself lifting my arm so it comes off easily. He looks down at my chest, barely covered by my bra. Gently, he drags his fingertips, one on each side of my neck, down my shoulders and arms gliding my bra straps to roll down. As my bra drops to the floor, I shiver from his light touch, searing eyes, and the cold air. Leaning back for a better view, his pupils get large as he stares at my breasts which rise and fall with my deep breaths. Grabbing the waistband of my jeans with his index finger, he pulls me towards him. Our mouths crash into each other for another deep kiss. His hand is on my breast, massaging it, flicking my nipple with his thumb, twisting and pulling it with his fingers. His free hand undoes the top button of my jeans. My groin is pulsing hard, craving friction. With both hands I’m undoing his belt, the top button on his pants, and pulling down the zipper. I can feel the outline of his erect penis still housed in his boxers. This little bit of contact causes him to emit a low growl as his mouth leaves mine landing on the tingly spot where my neck meets my shoulder. My neck tilts back in response as he licks me from my shoulder to ear sending shutters down my spine and causing me to gasp again. Taking his hand off my breast, he places one of his hands on each side of my hips, pulling my jeans down.