Her lips curve into a smile. “Well, since it’s the holidays, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.”
I nod back to her. “You as well. I guess I’ll see ya on Facebook.”
A loose strand of her hair falls forward and she quickly pushes it behind her ear. “Yeah, I guess so. Well, umm…goodnight.”
Before I could react she jumps out of the cab and shuts the door. I stare at her as she hurries toward the entrance of the hotel.
The cab driver hollers at me. “And where are you headed?”
Without a second longer to think, I instruct the driver. “Stay here. Don’t go anywhere.”
Before I lose my nerve, I burst out of the cab and run after Bridgette. Just as she opens the door of the hotel, I call her name. She spins to face me as her face fills with shock.
I take wide steps, striding toward her with much determination. On the last step before making contact, I tell her. “I forgot something.”
Her lips part, ready to say something, but instead, I grab hold of her, pushing her body up against the tall window glass of the hotel. She gasps, stunned by our closeness.
And at that moment, I press my lips unto hers.
The zing of sweet sensations fill my body as our lips dance with one another. My body presses hard against hers as I open her mouth wide, eager to taste every inch of her. Her soft lips part for me, brushing them against mine. My hands get wrapped up in the tangles of her hair, gently pulling as she moans under her breath.
The taste of her lips ignites my insides as I get lost in the wonders of her body. Her hands wrap around my back as I push further into her. I waited all night and by god, it’s the best damn kiss I’ve had.
Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. My mind comes back to its senses and I pull apart from her. She stares at me, wide-eyed with a smile. I don’t want to leave, but I have to.
Without saying a word to her, I turn back toward the cab and rush inside, giving the driver my address. I glance out the window to see her standing by the window, in complete shock. Her fingers grazing her lips as the car pulls away from the curb.
I turn away, letting out a deep breath as I shut my eyes. This is for the best.
CHAPTER 3
It’s been almost one year since I’ve seen Bridgette. After our encounter, she accepted my friend request and we’ve managed to keep in touch. Frankly, I thought she would have been pissed at me for leaving her so abruptly but she understood.
That’s what I like about her so much. She’s a freaking adult. None of these games that of these other girls play. We’ve never talked on the phone but we’ve emailed and texted each other. Sometimes a Facebook message here or there. But I haven’t heard her voice and it’s the one thing that I miss the most.
After our kiss, I dreamt of her. It was snowing and she danced as the snow fell from the sky. She looked like a Christmas angel rejoicing as the snow gathered around her. And during the whole dream, she laughed. Her voice chimed throughout the dream like a beautiful melody, singing to my soul.
On days that I wanted to mess with her, I’d poke her on Facebook and she respond with an angry emoji via text. It always made me laugh because I pictured her face. All scrunched up and reddened with heated anger. I knew the Facebook poking annoyed the crap out of her and that’s why I did it.
I never told anyone about Bridgette; not even by best friend, Taylor. There wasn’t really anything to tell. She was a girl I met, a fantastic girl, might I add. But nothing happened.
I still meet women and I still hookup with them, just as I’m sure she’s hooking up with guys. We don’t talk about it, but deep down, I know she goes on dates.
Who wouldn’t want to ask her out? They’d be damn stupid. I thought about visiting Chicago and going to one of her art exhibits but what would I say when I got there? Nothing’s changed. We are just friends, not in a relationship. I’d look insane for going all the way over there just to see her. Plus, my job has me traveling so much, I hardly have any time.
I scroll through my computer, reading a couple emails as my phone rings and I see Taylor’s face, my best friend, light up on the screen.
I hit the green button, answering his call. “Hey, what’s up.”
“Bro, guess what. I just booked a fight in Chicago.”
His words stun me. “Chicago?”
His voice raises with excitement. “Yeah, next week. Me, you, and Harley are going!”
“Wait, wait. Hold up. You’re fighting in Chicago?”
He huffs through the phone. “Yeah man. That’s what I just said. So tell your boss that you need to leave early on Friday so we can fly out there. Got it?”
I nod, completely shocked at the new plans I need to make. “Yeah, cool.”
Taylor hangs up the phone on his end and I just sit there, letting it all sink in. My mind goes immediately to Bridgette. Now’s my chance to see her.
Taylor’s been in the MMA business for a couple of years now and he’s finally starting to get some good exposure out of it. And me, being his best friend, I usually accompany him on all his trips. It really isn’t my thing, but I do it to support Taylor.
And it’s not just me supporting him. He’s got his girl, Harley, who’s tagging along as well. I’m not even sure if Harley and Taylor are officially a couple or what, but they sure do act like it. Always bickering like an old married couple. They try to deny it, especially when I’m around, but I’m not an idiot. I know people and I can tell when people are hiding the truth from me. I’m a lawyer, it’s my job to read people.
After letting it sink in, I text Bridgette, letting her know I’ll be out there next week.
Me: Hey, I’m headed your way. Next week. Would love to see you.
I place my phone down on my desk and let out a deep sigh. My fingers tap the desk as I wait for her to respond. God, I’m like a freaking girl, waiting by the damn phone. Could I be any lamer right now?
Embarrassed my own reactions, I turn the phone over, forcing myself to not let this girl get to me. Returning to my emails, I read a few of them and respond to the urgent ones.
A couple minutes later, my phone chimes with a new text alert and I immediately glance at it. A new text has been received from Bridgette. I open the message to see read her response.
Bridgette: OMG! Really? Wow! When, where? I need the details. We should def meet up somewhere.
I imagine her face as I text her the good news and a smile immediately spreads across my face.
Me: Yup, my best friend has a fight there so I’ll be there next weekend. It’s your turn to show me around the city.
Bridgette: You bet! My cousin will be in town visiting but I’m sure we can meet up. It’ll be fun!
Me: Okay cool. See ya next week
After out texts, I breathe as chills run up and down my body. A hint of nervousness hits my system.
I breathe again, forcing myself to focus on work again and finish going through these horrid emails. But somehow, I find myself picturing a beautiful woman standing before me, smiling just for me.
***
“Uhhh hello. Earth to Harley.”
My hands wave before her eyes, interrupting her fixation. She blinks rapidly as she shakes whatever trance she was in. “What, what?”
I laugh. “You were in another world. I was talking to you.”
“Oh, sorry.” Her eyes flash to Taylor and I can’t help but roll mine. I’m so sick of their ‘will they won’t they’ relationship.
Sometimes, I just wanna yell at both of them and be like, ‘stop pretending and just give into each other already.’
“What were you saying?”
“I was asking if you were ready to go.”
She exclaims jumping from her seat. “Yes! Just give me five minutes.”
She scurries into the bathroom while Taylor and I wait for her to do whatever girls do in the bathroom.
Taylor checks himself out in the mirror and I
pat his back. “You look good man.”
He nods, “Thanks, I try sometimes.”
I chuckle under my breath. “Yeah, I know you do. You should do it more often.”
Taylor jabs at me, hitting my shoulder. “Quit it, before I knock you out.”
A few minutes later, Harley returns from the bathroom, all dolled up, and I catch Taylor gawking at her. I smirk at him as he catches me staring at him and totally denies his feelings for her.
We all head out of the hotel room and turn toward the elevator. I glance at my phone to see a text from Bridgette, indicating she’s already at the club.
The three of us stride out of the hotel and grab a cab. We sit, allowing the vehicle to take us to our destination and I can’t help but get a little jittery. Thankfully, Harley and Taylor don’t notice my nerves, because they’ve got their own issues to work out.
Minutes pass as I let out a deep breath, feeling the cab slow to a stop. Taylor and Harley hop out as I pay the cab fare. I thank the driver and climb out of the car. The two follow me as we head toward the bouncers and walk into the club. Stepping inside, the sound of vibrating music beats throughout the club, bouncing off the walls. Cheers from clubbers echo throughout as we step down the stairs underground.
My eyes adjust to the darkness of the club and immediately squint as neon lights blast from end to end. Colorful lasers light up the ceiling as a wave of people flood the dance floor. Feeling the beat of the dance music, my body bounces to the rhythm as I lead Taylor and Harley. My eyes glance around for Bridgette, trying to make out her face in the mass crowd.
Making our way to the VIP area, I see her, standing by the corner booth and grin. I quicken my pace and head straight for her. We step up on the platform and I see Bridgette talking to a redhead tucked away in the corner.
Just as I make my way toward her, she catches sight of me, and gives me a huge smile. I wrap my arms around her, squeezing tight, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
I whisper softly into her ear, “Hey beautiful.” She laughs seductively as she slaps my arm.
I smile at her reaction and motion for Taylor and Harley to step closer.
“Taylor, Harley…this is Bridgette.”
Harley steps up to give Bridgette a handshake. “Nice to meet you.”
Bridgette smiles. “Same here. This is my cousin, Montgomery. She’s visiting me from Utah.”
Harley shakes hands with the redhead as I watch closely. “Nice to meet you, Montgomery. I’m Harley.”
Montgomery offers us all a warm smile. “Please, call me Emery.”
Taylor steps up and introduces himself to Emery as the group of us relax in the booth. I take a seat, motioning for Bridgette to join. God, she looks freaking beautiful. The last time I saw her, she had layers on, and even then she was hot. But now, I see it all.
Even though it’s late fall, the air isn’t too cold yet. Which is surprising for Chicago weather, but I’m definitely not complaining. She’s wearing a simple black dress, nothing too skimpy, which does her body wonders.
Her figure is pretty much the same as I remember but now I can finally see those smooth legs of hers. My hands itch to touch her skin as she crosses her legs in front of me, teasing me. I glance at her and curve my lips into a smile.
“You look good.”
She giggles. Her loose hair curls to the base of her neck.
“You cut your hair.”
Her fingers comb through it. “Yeah, I tend to chop it off during the summer months. Why? Do you miss my long hair?”
I shake my head. “Nah, this cut suits you. It’s sophisticated; classy. I like it a lot.”
Her cheeks blush a bright red just as a cocktail waitress swings by, leaving new drinks for us at our table. I peek over at Bridgette as she smiles.
“Jack and Coke, right?”
I nod. “Of course.” I take a glass and hand it to her, then grab mine. We clink glasses together and take a sip. I would do this all the time if I could. Spending time with her is easy. It’s not difficult. I have little to complain about when she’s around. It’s like we know exactly what the other is thinking. At least sometimes, I feel this way.
Right now, I’d die to know what she’s thinking. Is she thinking of me? How do I look? Maybe she’s moved on and she met someone else. But she wouldn’t be here if she did. She’s definitely not that type of woman.
Bridgette is kind, noble, generous. There isn’t a bad bone in her body and I admire that about her so much.
Harley gets up from her spot and shouts over the music. “I’m gonna go dance. Anyone want to join me?”
Bridgette raises her hand instantly. “I will. Rob come dance with me.”
She pulls me off the sofa as I groan, just wanting to sit and drink. “Fine, but only for one song and that’s it.”
The two of us scurry onto the dance floor just as a new dance song starts to play. I keep close to Bridgette, wrapping my arms around her waist as she presses her back against my chest. Her butt gently brushes against my groin, waking it to life. Seething through my teeth, I breathe, not wanting to embarrass myself in public. Get a grip, Rob.
She continues to press further against me as we move in sync to the beat. The crowd cheers and jumps up and down. Speakers from all ends of the club blast with deep bass as the song electrifies throughout the space. My body waves along to the beat as Bridgette’s arms lift in the air.
I close my eyes and feel the music, keeping Bridgette close as we sway to the song. Her hips wave as our bodies grind on the dance floor. I peek over to my left to find Emery and Taylor dancing with one another while Harley dances with a group of girls. Interesting.
A new song begins to play and I have no intention of leaving the dance floor. Right now, I am where I want to be. Where I need to be. My hands trail up and down Bridgette’s body as we swirl to the beat drops of the electronic music. She lowers her arms, wrapping them around the back of my neck, pulling my face close toward her neck.
I whisper softly in her ear. “I missed you.”
She turns to face me, wrapping her arms around my neck. “I missed you too.”
We smile at each other for a moment as we soak in the reality of our relationship. I care for this girl. Since the first moment I laid eyes on her. She rests her head on my chest as we dance. Not really matching the beat of the song but who gives a shit. We’re in the moment and if we want to slow dance, well then we’re gonna slow dance.
My heart pounds against my chest as she rests her head on it. Even though she’s short, it doesn’t feel that way. Our frames match perfectly. A one hundred percent match.
The rest of the evening goes smooth and somehow Taylor and Harley disappeared somewhere by the time Bridgette and I returned to our VIP booth. We found Emery dancing with a couple of guys. She’s a little spit fire that one. I can see where she gets her spirit from. It definitely runs in the family.
I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket and pull it out to see a text from Taylor.
Taylor: Left the club with Harley
A deep chuckle escapes my mouth as I respond.
Me: FINALLY!
As the club begins to wind down, I pay the tab for the table while Bridgette and Emery head to the ladies’ room. A few minutes later, they both return and we decide to head out. I lead the way as the two women follow close behind. I keep watch, not wanting anything bad to happen to either of them.
We climb up the steps out of the club and into the brisk cool night and I can’t help but immediately shiver. “Whew, it got chilly.”
Bridgette smirks. “That’s Chicago weather for you. One minute it feels like summer and the next, it’s below freezing.”
She raises her arms, hailing for a cab and grabs one in a matter of seconds.
Emery smiles at me before climbing inside. “It was nice meeting you. Maybe we’ll see each other again sometime.”
I liked her little innuendo and smirked as she crawled
into the cab. My gut sinks again as I look at Bridgette. Clearly she’s not happy about leaving either.
“You still owe me a tour of the city.”
Her brow arches. “Oh yeah? How about tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow?” I pause, thinking I need to change my flight. Yup, already changed.
“Tomorrow sounds good with me.”
“Great, I’ll text you where to meet.”
I pull her into a hug, pressing my lips onto her soft cheek. They burn at the sight of our skin contact as my body goes on high alert. Bolts of electricity flows through me causing my heart to freeze still.
I let her go staring deep into her brown eyes and watch as she gets into the cab and disappears into the distance.
CHAPTER 4
I couldn’t sleep that night. I spent the whole time tossing and turning, thinking of my day planned with Bridgette. The night we spent at the club dancing was so surreal. Dancing has never been an enjoyment of mine. I do it to impress the ladies but usually just one song, maybe two if I have a couple drinks in me.
With Bridgette, everything is different. The way I act, talk, and feel. Yeah, I’m attracted to her physically but that’s not the only thing that draws me to her. Her personality speaks volumes and I’m a lucky son of a bitch to have gotten the pleasure of getting to know her.
I sip on my coffee, watching the news as I prepare to get dressed for the day. The meteorologist announces the weather, indicating it’s going to snow later this afternoon. At least two to three inches. Dammit, I don’t even have a coat with me.
Pissed that I need to buy one, I turn off the TV and hop in the shower. Minutes later, I’m all dressed and head outside to the store to grab a coat. My flimsy little jacket doesn’t do shit in this cold and I hurry my pace as I walk to the nearest department store.
My phone chimes with a text notification and I find myself smiling as I pull my phone out of my pocket.
Taylor: Harley and I are on the plane. Enjoy your day with Bridgette. By the way, you owe me some details when you get back.
Christmas in the City II Page 28