The Casual Rule

by AC Netzel

“You obviously haven’t looked in the mirror, Jules. You have the remnants of stubble burn all along your jawline and you have horrible sex hair. It’s messier than just woken up hair. I can tell the difference. Besides, there’s two wine glasses on the coffee table, you cooked dinner, and the place looks less filthy. ”

  “You’re insane,” I counter.

  She narrows her eyes and studies my face. “Holy shit, it was Khaki Shorts, wasn’t it?” she asks, slapping her hand to her cheek, her mouth gaping open.

  Am I wearing a scarlet letter? I’m speechless. Allie has been in the apartment less than thirty seconds and she’s already pegged out my entire evening, all the way down to the what and with who.

  “Well?” she asks, tapping her foot impatiently.

  I sigh, my hands twisting together. She’s going to find out eventually. I might as well get it out in the open. “Yes, okay?” I answer, annoyed.

  “Get out! I was totally bluffing. I figured maybe you made out with him. Holy shit! You did? Really?”

  “Yes,” I say quietly. I know I’m every shade of red.

  “How did it happen? Deets. I want the deets.” She giggles, jumping up and down, clapping her hands.

  I explain to Allie the sordid details leading up to Ben in my bed and how we decided to keep things casual. She stares at me with a wide grin. You’d think she’s the one who had sex with him, she looks so damn happy.

  “So how does he rate on the sausage scale... cocktail wiener, bun sized or foot long?”

  “Are you seriously asking me to tell you the size of his penis?”

  “Of course I am. Oh, maybe he's girthy... Kielbasa or Bratwurst?”

  “You’re insane. I’m not answering that question.” Allie’s curiosity for the inappropriate never ceases to amaze me.

  “Geez Jules, if you’re going to re-pop your cherry, you sure picked a prize to do the deed. Is he still here?” Her eyes scan the apartment.

  “No, he left last night.”

  “A fuck ducker?”

  “No. I don’t think so. He said he was meeting his trainer at the park at six. It was easier for him to leave last night than wake up at five and go across town to get his stuff.”

  “Do you believe him?”

  “Yes.” I nod.

  “Okay. That’s good enough for me. So this Casual Ben, he’s an exerciser?”

  Casual Ben? Great, Allie has already bestowed a new nickname. I guess it’s an improvement over Khaki Shorts.

  “You’ve seen him with his shirt off, what do you think?” I ask sarcastically.

  “Yeah, good point. I hope he doesn’t try to suck you into that world. Tell him you’re allergic to exercise if he ever asks.”

  “Yes, that’s a very believable excuse.” I roll my eyes. “I don’t think he’ll ever ask. Isn’t that something a couple would do together? We are most definitely not a couple.”

  “Yeah, you are… you’re a couple of fuck buddies,” she jokes.

  “Classy, Al. Real Classy.”

  “Just keeping it real. You can sugarcoat this all you want, but at the end of the day; you’re still fuck buddies. There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m certainly not one to judge. Anyway, I like this adventurous side of you. You deserve a little fun. So, how are you going to manage working with him?”

  “I told him I didn’t want Vivian to know about us, so we’ll have to keep it cool when we work together at Wisteria.”

  “How the hell are you going to keep your hands off that body? My hat’s off to you. You have more willpower than I do. If it were me, I’d be on my knees servicing him at the foot of Viv’s desk.”

  “Once again Allison, you have proven yourself to be the undisputed Queen of Demure.”

  She laughs. “Yeah, maybe I’d wait until I got him alone in the elevator. So when are you going to see him again?”

  “I don’t know. He said he’d be in contact.”

  “Good. You gave him your number?”

  “Crap. No, I didn’t.” I frown.

  “Do you have his?”

  “I can access it through work but that would be wrong.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with that.”

  “Shouldn’t I wait for him to call me?” I ask.

  “Jules, we moved off the Prairie a long time ago. Women don’t sit around and wait for the man to court them anymore. Besides, you said it was casual, so all bets are off.”

  “I don’t know. Maybe.”

  “Is he seeing anyone else?” she asks.

  “I don’t know.”

  “Do you want to know?”

  “I don’t know.” I shrug.

  “Do you plan on seeing other people?”

  “I don’t know.” I shake my head, placing my hands over my face.

  “There’s a lot you don’t know.”

  “I know.”

  “Both of you need to clear the air. Even in ‘no rules’ relationships, there are rules. Remember Jules, this is based on physical, not emotional feelings. You have to check your feelings at the door. If you’re okay with that, then okay. It creates an unbalanced relationship on both ends if one person is exclusive and the other isn’t. You need to be on the same page or there will be hurt feelings. Trust me on this, I speak from experience. Do you want to see other guys?”

  “Allie, I didn’t want to see any guys, remember? Ben just fell into my lap.”

  “More like he fell into your bed. How would you feel if you knew he was seeing other women, maybe having sex with them too?”

  “I hadn’t given it any thought. There wasn’t much thinking going on last night.”

  “I bet. Was he any good? Some good looking guys suck in the sack. They rely on their looks and get lazy.”

  “He was fine.” All the heat from my body has rushed to my face. Allie has always been very comfortable giving me play by plays of her sex life. I’m much less of a sharer.

  “Judging by the shade of red on your face, I’m guessing he was more than just fine.”

  “Okay…he was mighty fine.” I beam.

  “So you like him?”

  “I slept with him, didn’t I?”

  “That doesn’t mean anything. I’ve slept with plenty of guys that I didn’t particularly like. I knew they were good in bed, so I figured what the hell.”

  “Yes. I like him... as a person. Neither of us is looking for a relationship, but we click physically and we have fun …so I’m taking your advice. I’m having an emotionally detached whirlwind fling with a really hot guy, and I’m going to use him for his body.”

  “Mother Allie is so very proud. One bit of advice the Queen of Demure shall bestow upon you, be honest with him and yourself. Don’t ever confuse this as a romantic relationship. It’s fun and it’s sex. That’s all it is. If you go in with your eyes wide open, you’ll be fine.”

  “Duly noted, Queen.”

  ~o0o~

  While Allie sleeps off her Friday night sexcapades, I take out my laptop and log into my work computer. I feel like an idiot secretly checking through Ben’s Wisteria files for his cell number, but since I never gave him mine, there’s no means of communication. Since I asked him to keep it cool at work, a work email isn’t possible. I know they’re monitored.

  Like Allie said, I’m a modern woman. I got into this casual arrangement to avoid games. I’m going to be straight forward and give him my cell number. There’s nothing wrong with exchanging digits.

  I locate Ben’s number. Now I have to come up with a clever text that says “Here’s my number, don’t think I’m a clingy stalker.”

  I could go the funny route:

  *For a Quick Fuck Call 917-555-2653.*

  Nah, sometimes funny doesn’t translate well through a text.

  Maybe…

  *For a Good Time Call…. 917-555-2653*

  No, I sound like a bimbo. I might as well sign that text: *With love, Whore Girl.*

  Screw it. I’ll just keep it simple.

  * My cell number. Enjoy your
day! -Julia*

  Okay, it’s not exactly Pulitzer material, but it’s something. I click the send button and I’m done.

  I get a text back from Ben immediately.

  *Great. Thanks. Running out. Talk to you soon. *

  What the hell? That’s all I get? Hmm, I guess that’s how it’s done. Short and simple. Like Allie says, it’s fun and sex. No need for flirting or playful banter, although a little banter would be nice.

  Maybe this was a fuck and duck. No, no…stop. I’m thinking like a girlfriend. I’m not a girlfriend. He doesn’t owe me anything. No expectations, I have to remember that. I have to adjust to this new kind of arrangement. It’s actually quite refreshing.

  I look up at my laptop and check out my work schedule for the week. Vivian is really pushing his book through. Ben is due in on Wednesday to look over Marcello’s proofs and the final cover art. I guess I’ll see him then.

  ~o0o~

  Monday has arrived, which means another work week to get through. I haven’t heard a peep from Ben, despite the fact that he has my cell phone number. Allie caught me checking my phone a few times and felt the need to “school” me on the mechanics of casual relationships. She assures me this is normal. The only call I’ll get is a booty call. For as crude as that sounds, I’ll take it. Yes, this is nice. No expectations, no strings. Freedom. This is good. Yes, just what I need.

  If I’m to be completely honest with myself, I’m a little confused. I thought the sex was pretty spectacular, the kind you’re instantly addicted to, yet I haven’t heard a peep from Ben. Not a call. Not a text. Nada. Maybe I did suck in the sack and he was just being nice. Or worse, he has a long list of weekend screws and I was just a number. Was I the Friday entry in his “To Do” list… or rather his “Who to Do” list?

  Thoughts of that clingy woman-hating Cam-eel bitch flash through my brain. Is he with her? No, no…he said they aren’t involved like that anymore. I know who he sees shouldn’t bother me. But it does. It makes me feel a little cheap.

  Is there such a thing as monogamous casual dating? Would it be okay with me if he was out banging half of Manhattan at the same time he was banging me? I don’t know how I feel about that. I’d like to think I was a little bit special. If I ask Allie, I’ll get another dissertation on the rules of casual dating. I don’t know if I’m up to it.

  I know I’ll see him in two days when he meets with Vivian. Maybe I could pull him aside and ask, then decide. I know a boyfriend is not on my radar. I don’t want that kind of obligation, but I don’t want to be one of countless many either. That doesn’t feel like me. I need to hash this out with Ben…when our clothes are on.

  ~o0o~

  “Seeing Casual Ben today?” Allie asks, her brow arched.

  “How did you know?” I frown.

  “You woke up a half hour early and you’re wearing a shorter-than-usual skirt.”

  “You picked the wrong profession, detective.”

  We both know she’s right. I intentionally chose this outfit because I knew I’d see Ben. The white lace top with a white camisole underneath screams sexy virgin. The short grey pleat front skirt just covers the garter belt clipped to my thigh high stockings. It’s my way of feeling secretly sexy around him. My high heel black leather ankle boots with a side buckle tell you I have a naughty side. It’s the perfect combination of suggestive yet still work appropriate.

  “Allison Lewis, Private Dick. I like the sound of that,” she says proudly.

  “You would.” I laugh. “I’m running out the door. See you tonight.”

  “Unless you get your very own private dick, then I may not see you until tomorrow.” She wiggles her brows.

  “Allie…” I shake my head. Words escape me. Although I don’t think I’d mind one particular dick… Hopefully private for just me.

  ~o0o~

  Ben is the last appointment today. This day is going to drag. I haven’t heard anything from him since Friday night. I’ve reconciled the fact that this is the way it’s done. No communication unless we’re looking to hook up. Once I readjusted my expectations, I feel more comfortable about it. It’s a two way street. Although I would have liked a little more Ben time this past weekend. If I wasn’t such a chicken shit, I would have called him. I think as I get more comfortable with this arrangement, I’ll get a little more daring.

  I’ve stayed away from all salads and any sandwiches that contain lettuce, parsley, oregano or basil for lunch. I’ve checked my teeth three times. I’m not going through the greenery in the teeth debacle again. Once was enough for me.

  I look at the time in the corner of my computer screen and see it’s almost Ben O’clock. My heart races and my legs bounce up and down like a giddy schoolgirl. It’s time to do my Pre-Ben prep. I pull out the compact mirror from my desk drawer and check out all the angles. Hair, makeup and teeth checked. I’m good to go.

  At four-thirty on the dot, Ben walks through the office door. My heart has now relocated to my throat. I briefly close my eyes and inhale his Benessence wafting through the office. Damn this guy smells good. He looks perfect, just perfect, in a pair of dark jeans, and a charcoal turtleneck. His muscular chest sure can rock those turtlenecks. Yum. I look down at my hand and it’s trembling, actually trembling. I need to hone it in and relax. He’s just a man. Well, a godlike man who had his hands and lips all over my naked body.

  “Good afternoon, Julia. It’s good to see you again.” He smiles cordially as he extends his hand out to shake mine.

  Seriously? I had his not so little Ben in my mouth five freaking days ago and all I get is a courteous handshake and a “Good to see you”? I don’t expect him to bring flowers, but something a little less formal would have been nice.

  “Ben, good to see you.” I place my hand in his and we shake. I feel the spark again. I wonder if he feels it too. The warmth of his skin, even from this brief touch, has my body tingling. Couple that with his unique Benessence and I’m afraid I might just pull an Allie and service him at the foot of Vivian’s desk.

  “Ben, nice to see you again. Come right in. Julia, you as well.” I startle in my seat. I was so preoccupied ogling Ben that I didn’t realize Vivian had been standing in the arch of her doorway the whole time. Maybe that’s why Ben was so aloof toward me.

  Ben, the gentleman that he is, stands at Vivian’s doorway until I walk by him. It’s taking all my willpower not to jump his bones and straddle him. Ben looks forward and politely nods. This polite shit is royally pissing me off.

  The leather chair makes a loud, obnoxious squeak as I sit down. Fabulous, now they’ll think I broke wind. “Stupid chair,” I mumble loud enough for them to hear and adjust my position in the chair.

  Vivian and Ben are doing most of the conversing. She pulls up the photos Marcello emailed to the office on her computer screen. As Marcello predicted, there’s not a bad picture to be found. There’s one picture in particular that I really like. Ben is seated on a stool. His arms are crossed, showing off his biceps. His hair is a little messy, but in that playful, run your fingers through it, kind of way. His dark eyes are hypnotizing, like they could see right through me. And his smile… Damn, I forgot how much I love his dimples. God, I want him.

  While they’re busy discussing each photograph, I float in and out of the conversation with an occasional “Mmmhmm”. I don’t want to look at pictures anymore when real-life Ben is inches away from me. I can stare at him all day. He leans in toward the desk to get a closer look at the screen while stroking his bottom lip with his index finger. I’m so ridiculous; I’m actually jealous of an index finger.

  The attention to his mouth brings back memories of his soft lips all over my naked body, his warm moist breath on my neck, kissing me, licking me, playfully nibbling my hips, my breasts, and pounding his rock hard erection inside of me. Damn I want him and the bastard is sitting there cool as a cucumber, talking cover art. My hands are clammy and my skin flushed. How the hell can’t he feel the heat between us?

&nbs
p; “What do you think, Julia?” Vivian snaps me out of my daze.

  “Uh… I like that one.” I point to a random picture. It doesn’t matter which one I choose, Ben looks amazing in all of them. The camera was invented for him. There’s one picture that really shows off the stubble on his face. The stubble that rubbed its way across my neck, down my stomach to my inner thighs…. Damn it, I have to stop this.

  I shake my head and refocus, dragging myself back into the conversation. Blah, blah, blah is all I hear. Look at me, you bastard. Give me a clue you are thinking of me the same way I’m thinking of you. I am not going to be satisfied until I trip him up. I’m just going to have to work a little harder.

  “Vivian, will the photo placement be on the inside sleeve or back cover?” I ask, tilting my head while twisting a loop of hair around my finger, exposing part of my neck to Ben. I already know it’s going on the back cover. Ben’s face alone would sell the damn book. I just want Ben to look at my naked skin.

  “Back,” Vivian answers.

  “MmmHmm.” I nod. I purposely hum instead of answering with a word. Humming sounds like groaning and that will make him think of sex. I peek to my side, no reaction. Grrr…

  I’m so childish. I need to get my head back into my job.

  Legs! I know he likes my legs; he spent enough time kissing them. I casually cross them, tapping my foot in the air to draw his attention my way. My skirt rides up, exposing more of my thigh. Perfect! I lean back in my chair while Vivian explains to Ben the final stages of publication. Gently, I put my hand on my knee and not-so-innocently move it up and down, making small circles with my fingernail. The attention to my legs will make him think of sex. Ben glances at my legs for a brief second, straightens his posture then calmly continues his conversation with Vivian, never missing a beat.

  So… that’s the way it’s going to be. This man is frustrating the hell out of me. I’m stepping up my game, bringing it up a few notches. I may not be a natural born seductress, but I’ve watched enough late night cable movies to know how to get his attention.

  I place my hand on the hem of my skirt and oh-so-slowly slide it up until the band around my stockings and the garter belt’s clips are exposed. I sit back leaning away from Ben, allowing an unobstructed view for his eyes. I rest an elbow on the arm of the chair, leaning my chin on my hand, with a finger touching my bottom lip, as I nod along with the conversation.