Christmas in the City II

by Samantha Chase

  The girls chuckle as I stand next to them flashing my one hundred watt smile. Oh yeah, I got this in the bag.

  The hot blonde responds to me first. “We’re here celebrating tonight. Ruby’s just got engaged!”

  My eyes widen, “Oh yeah. Congrats. Now, which one of you is Ruby?”

  I glance between the three women, inspecting their physical natures, body language, and stance. It’s definitely not the hot blonde; she’s too flirtatious.

  My eyes pass over a brunette who’s pretty but her face doesn’t look like she’s just been proposed to. No sign of absolute bliss on that one. And last but not least, the tiny blonde. She’s cute and her smile gives it all away.

  Her voice screeches, “I am! Look!”

  She places her hand in front of my view, showing off her new diamond. The rock shines under the lights and I admit, her boyfriend did good. Good size, good cut.

  I nod, “Beautiful ring. Congrats Ruby.”

  She hops up and down with a drink in her hand. “Eeeek! I’m so happy!”

  “How about a round of drinks on me?”

  The girls cheer as I hail the bartender. “What are ya’ll drinking tonight?”

  All three girls yell in unison. “Sex on the beach!”

  I shake my head. Of course they are. Typical.

  A few moments later, the bartender hands us our drinks and I take a seat with them at the corner booth. My eyes pass over to the other end, as I catch my co-workers giving me the nod. I nod back, mentally telling them ‘I’m at work.’

  “So, ladies what’s on the agenda tonight?” How about some dancing?”

  Ruby chimes in first. “I can’t. I need to get up early in the morning. This is kind of an impromptu celebration.”

  I nod as my eyes move over toward the busty blonde. I offer out my hand as my smile curves along my lips. “I’m Rob.”

  She places her hand in mind. “Samantha.”

  Her voice is sultry, teasing in a way. She knows what she’s doing and she’s good at it. I didn’t plan on bringing anyone home tonight but that’s the joy of living life by the moment. Plans are overrated.

  Samantha and I hit it off immediately. She lives in the city but just moved here recently. I know she mentioned something about her job and where she works, but honestly I wasn’t really paying attention.

  My eyes keep finding themselves staring at her breasts in that low-cut top of hers. It’s a halter top and has that exposed back part that absolutely drives me wild. The mini skirt doesn’t help either and I must say, I give the girl props for wearing such little clothing during the cold winter months.

  Because it’s absolutely freezing outside. Ruby announces that she’s got to use the ladies so she stalks off with the quiet brunette. With Samantha and I all alone, I go in for my closing statement. Sliding next to her, merely inches away, I whisper. “Got plans later?”

  She smiles and breathes deep. Her blue eyes shimmer with heat as I place my hand on her inner thigh. Her breath catches. “I didn’t before but now things have changed.”

  My voice whispers toward her ear, as I lay a kiss on the back of her neck. “Oh yeah, and what plans might those be?”

  Her hands travel toward my pants as she rubs the growing bulge underneath them. I seethe a sharp breath through my teeth as I lift my head away from her. We stare at one another for a brief moment before I crash my lips onto hers.

  The taste of liquor fills my mouth as our lips tangle with one another. The blaring sound of music and laughter echoes from the distance as Samantha and I kiss in the corner of the bar. Her mouth opens wide allowing me to slip my tongue inside, welcoming that delicious taste of her.

  The sound of Ruby clearing her throat interrupts our kiss as Samantha pulls away from my lips. “Well, looks like you two had no problem hitting it off.”

  I wipe my lips clean as I laugh at Ruby’s sarcasm. Women. Always mad or jealous about something.

  “Well, I guess I’m done for the night. Time to take off. You ready Chloe?”

  Ahh…that’s her name; the quiet brunette.

  Chloe nods her head as she grabs her purse following Ruby. Ruby looks back at Samantha and I as she nods toward the door. “Sam, you coming?”

  Samantha waves her hand, “I’ll stay behind. I’ll call you in the morning.”

  Ruby huffs, “Fine. You go ahead and do that.”

  I laugh at her childishness and watch as the two women leave the bar. I grab my drink from the table and down the remaining contents of the glass, cooling my lips and coating them with the taste of whiskey.

  Just as the last drop enters my mouth, Samantha takes the glass from my hand and places it back on the table. At that moment, she crawls on top of me, immediately pressing her lips against mine. My hands travel up and down her bare back, rushing along her smooth skin as I revel in the taste of her lips.

  We kiss for god knows how long. I lose track of time as the two of us put a little show on for the crowd. The bartender’s voice chimes from across the way. “Hey, take that outside you two! This place isn’t a motel 6.”

  I break away from Samantha’s lips allowing her to climb off of me. She adjusts her top, slightly exposing one of her breasts and I can’t help but get excited as soon as I see it. I take a deep breath, calming myself down as she sits across from me, taking a swig from her drink.

  I glance at my phone, checking the time. 11:45. I glance over at Samantha and catch her combing her fingers through her long golden strands. She notices me staring at smiles.

  I bend closer, inching my face toward hers. “You wanna get outta here?”

  She smirks. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  We stand together and she gathers her purse and coat, turning toward me. “I need to head to the ladies room. I’ll meet you outside.”

  I nod, “Okay see ya out there.”

  She stalks off toward the restroom as I head back toward the bar to close out my tab. A couple of my co-workers are still around, struggling to find a catch for the evening.

  One of them asks me, “You heading out Rob?”

  I nod my head as I hand my credit card to the bartender. “Yup, I’m thinking Samantha and I are gonna get to know each other on a more personal basis.”

  He chuckles at my humor. “Man, I don’t know how you do it. Every other week, you got a new chick.”

  I shrug my shoulders and take my card back from the bartender. “I’m just skilled at the arts of seduction. Maybe I should teach a seminar on it.”

  He laughs as I say bye to the rest of my buddies. I bundle up my winter coat and head outside to wait for Samantha.

  Damn, I could really go for a cigarette right about now. It’s been a year since I quit smoking and damn was that a hard habit to break. Especially with all the drinking and the temptation that goes hand in hand with that.

  I stand outside the bar, adjusting to the cold air, waiting for Samantha until I see a woman talking toward the bar. She looks lost, out of place. My eyes study her closely and could immediately tell she’s not from around here. Her eyes fill with tears as a look of distress spreads across her face. Her long blonde hair blows in the wind as she looks around at the street signs. Oh yeah, she’s lost alright.

  She pulls her phone out of her pocket as her face turns to discomfort. “Shit.”

  I call out to her. “You alright?”

  She stops, looking at me as our eyes meet. Tears fill her eyes as she responds. “Umm…yeah I’m ok. Just a little lost.”

  I can’t help but feel for her. I take a step forward meeting her face to face. “Where ya headed?”

  She looks down at her phone, pressing the home button, mentally wishing the black screen to come to life.

  “This damn phone. Shit.”

  I nod toward the phone. “It’s dead, huh?”

  “Yeah, stupid thing doesn’t last longer than four hours. I’ve been meaning to get a new one but haven’t had the time
.”

  She looks away, clearly shaken with her confusion in regards to locality. “God, I’m so lost.”

  I huff. “Where ya headed? I’ll give you directions.”

  She sends me a small smile and my body heats instantly. “Umm, the high line in Chelsea, I think?”

  “Oh, you’re not too far. It’s about a fifteen minute walk.”

  Her eyes brighten as she listens attentively to my directions. “So, you’re gonna walk three blocks south and then turn when you get to the art gallery on the left. Then walk about another six blocks and turn—”

  Her doe eyed face turns nervous as I give her the directions. Clearly, she’s not gonna be able to remember this.

  Chuckling at her inexperience of the city, I glance back at the bar behind me, seeing if Samantha is nearby yet. Returning my gaze toward the lost girl, I ask her, “Hey, umm I know it’s a lot, so if ya want, I can take you there?”

  Her eyes shine under the moonlight, turning away and glancing toward the street. “No, that’s fine. I’m sure you have your friends or someone that’s waiting for you. I wouldn’t want to ruin your night.”

  She begins to walk away as I take a step toward her. “No, wait. You’re not. It’s okay. I’m sure my friend will understand.”

  She hesitates, glancing at me as her hair blows in the breeze. “You sure?”

  I nod with confidence. “Yeah I’m sure. Come on – it’s freezing.”

  I stride next to her as we walk in step toward our destination. Leaving Samantha behind was definitely not on my list of things to do tonight. But I can’t help but feel drawn to this girl. It doesn’t help the fact that she’s absolutely beautiful but not in a slutty kind of way.

  She seems classy, modest. Something that I’m not into at all. The less clothing they have the better and this girl is definitely out of the norm for me.

  CHAPTER 2

  I lead the blonde across the street and walk side by side as we head toward Chelsea. I can’t help but keep taking quick glances at her. She seems a little shy but that doesn’t stir me in the wrong way. There’s something about this girl that grabs my attention.

  I can’t really pinpoint what this feeling is at the moment. Curiosity, maybe? Perhaps it’s just a sense of adventure that I’m looking for. Whatever the case, I’m glad I made the decision to walk with her. I mean, a beautiful woman needs me help. What kind of man wouldn’t offer to help her? .

  “So, what brings you to New York? Business?”

  She laughs, “It’s that obvious, huh?”

  I nod. “Well, you’re not exactly the poster child of being a New Yorker.”

  “That’s true. Actually I’m here for business with a little bit of pleasure.”

  My heart skips a beat at the sound of the word pleasure as it rolls off her tongue.

  “And, what is that you do?”

  We pause at the crosswalk, waiting for the light to turn for the all clear to cross. “I’m an art collector.”

  Impressive. “Wow, that’s awesome. What type of pieces do you collect?”

  The light turns, allowing us to cross. “All kinds really. But I really love anything from the post-modern era. Gosh, those pieces absolutely speak to me.”

  Her genuine love for the arts brings a smile to my face. Listening to her chimes the beat of my heart.

  “And…do you paint as well, or just collect?”

  She bursts into laughter. “Ha-ha! I wish I could paint. I tried it out once but I’m absolutely terrible at it. More like morbid.”

  I laugh at her honesty as we walk downtown, making our way through the busy streets. The sounds of car horns blaring through the streets fade into the background as my entire focus goes to her.

  We turn the corner, coming across a couple, trying to take a selfie. She pauses, reaching her hand out toward them.

  “I can…take the picture for you, if you like?”

  The couple pauses from taking the picture as the woman smiles. “Oh, can you? Yes, thank you!”

  She hands my walking partner the camera and positions herself with her boyfriend or husband.

  “Ready? One. Two. Three.”

  The camera flashes as the shutter clicks, taking the photograph. The couple take back their camera offering another thank you. I nod to the couple with a smile and before we walk away, the man stops me.

  “Wait, do you want us to take a picture of you two?”

  The blonde and I glance at each other for a moment, hesitating. I smile at her as she blushes.

  I offer the man my cellphone. “Sure, why not.”

  He takes my phone as I position myself next to the beautiful blonde. My arm wraps around her body as my hand positions itself near her lower back. I stay absolutely still as if I’m frozen in place, unable to breathe. The proximity between us magnifies as we wait for the tourist couple to take the picture of us.

  The camera flashes just as I give a smile, hoping that this doesn’t make anyone in particular a little uncomfortable. I receive back my phone and glance at the picture of us. Both of smiling as we stand in front of the city’s lights. Her pretty round face smiles for the camera while I’m staring, down at her.

  She giggles as I show her the picture of us and she thanks the tourist couple. I put my phone back in my pants pocket so we can return toward our destination.

  As I take a step with her by my side, I offer out my hand. “I’m Rob.”

  She complies while giving me hers. “Bridgette.”

  We shake hands while continuing our stride.

  “Nice to meet you Bridgette.”

  “Same. So tell me Rob. What do you do?”

  A soft chuckle escapes my lips. “Ah...actually I’m an attorney.”

  Her eyes grow wide. “Really? I didn’t see you as a lawyer.”

  I give her an arched brow. “And what did you think I did for a living?”

  “I don’t know…banking perhaps.”

  I smirk at her. “Banking? Please…number crunching is not for me. No fun in that. Job is completely boooring.”

  “So…you like go to court and stuff?”

  I nod as we cross another street. “Yup, mostly it’s civil stuff with a little bit of personal injury. I do spend a lot of my time researching contracts and stuff behind the scenes. Not everything you see is done in the court room. That’s just for show.”

  “Show?”

  “Yeah, sizing up your opponent and showing them who’s boss. It’s all a game.”

  She pauses for a moment before replying. “Hmmm…it doesn’t seem like a game when someone’s life or freedom is involved. Surely it isn’t a game when a defense attorney is trying to get a killer to be set free.”

  I remain quiet listening to her argument.

  “I mean…I know it’s not like The Good Wife or anything but courting the law is definitely not a game. It’s far from that.”

  “You know what, you’re right. I shouldn’t have said that.”

  She smiles. “I didn’t mean to offend you or anything. It’s just I know people who’ve gone through it and it isn’t easy.”

  Just as I’m about to answer, my cellphone starts ringing. I grab my phone out of my pocket and glance to see who’s calling.

  Not recognizing the number, I answer the phone. “Hello?”

  A soft voice chimes from the other end. “Rob?”

  “Uh…yeah?”

  The soft female voice chuckles. “It’s Samantha. You just left without saying anything.”

  I glance over at Bridgette, catching her peeking at me as I talk on the phone. Returning to Samantha’s voice, I respond, “Uh sorry about that. How did you get my number?”

  “Oh…I got it from your friends. Yeah, I was looking all over for you and I asked someone about you and he gave me your number. He said you were talking about having a good time with me later so I thought I’d call and figure out what happened.”

  I stammer as I continu
e walking with Bridgette. “Oh…I had to go somewhere real quick, but I’ll be back. How bout I call you later?”

  “Okay, save this number. It’s my cell number.”

  “Sure thing. I’ll hit you up in a bit.”

  I hang up to find Bridgette staring me down. I shrug, “What?”

  She shakes her head looking away from me. “Girlfriend?”

  “No, not my girlfriend. Just someone I met tonight at that bar. She wants to meet up later.”

  “Oh...so you just randomly hook up with girls you meet in the street or at bars?”

  I huff. “It’s not like that. Yes, I met Samantha at the bar. And yes…I was waiting for her when I was outside but then I saw you standing there and you looked so helpless. I didn’t want you walking around this city by yourself. It’s not a safe place for a pretty girl to be all alone.

  “I can take care of myself you know. I grew up in Chicago. I’m not as helpless as I look.”

  “Really? You were on the verge of tears when we met.”

  She stammers. “That…was just a momentary lapse. I was a little overwhelmed.”

  I can’t help but laugh as she struggles to stand her ground. “Sure, whatever you say.”

  The cold winter air blows through us as we head toward the district of Chelsea. It’s mid-December and the city is covered with holiday lights for all to see. Even though it’s passed midnight the city streets are still heavily crowded. It’s always busy this time of year. Christmas music blasts throughout the streets and shops stay open late for those last minute holiday shoppers.

  I glance over at Bridgette and catch her in awe of the city’s beauty.

  “Beautiful.”

  She breaks her trance. “What did you say?”

  I clear my throat. “Uh, the city. It’s beautiful isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is. I’ve always wanted to visit New York. I’m so happy that I did. People think that living in Chicago is the same thing as living in New York, but it’s not. There’s something about this city that I can’t quite figure out yet. I don’t know…like it speaks to me, ya know?”

  I smirk at her. “Yea, I know exactly what you mean. Were you able to do a little sightseeing?”

  “I did…only a little. I mostly had to work during my stay here but nonetheless, I plan on returning someday. I’m not sure when, but definitely want to come back and stay a little longer than just two days.”