ROMANCE: The Bad Boy Meeting

by Kevin, Amanda

  “I met a girl I think you’d like to meet! She’s really pretty and seems like she could use someone like you.”

  When Rume said ‘someone like you’, Jude knew he was alluding to the fact that he was the type of guy who excelled and pulled women out of their shells. He helped the explore their own desires and wants, all while having fun. He was the type of wild fling women reminisced about years after it happened. He was only thirty-four but he’d had plenty of conquests thanks to his charming good looks and suave demeanor. Jude was the type of guy that women fantasized about when they read romance novels.

  “Oh?”

  “Yeah. She’s probably going to come back to the store soon. She seemed really interested. She’s a friend of Sara’s.”

  Jude knew Sara. They’d played together on occasion at the club, though never slept together. He hummed and stroked his beard again. Rume never steered him wrong. The tall man was good at setting people up and had an eye for romance like no one else.

  “Alright…I guess I’ll have to try and catch her then, won’t I?”

  “Do you want me to give her your number if she comes back and you aren’t here?”

  “I don’t want to scare her away. Remember how skittish Sara used to be? I think I’ll take my chances and leave it to fate.” He said with a grin.

  Rume nodded and went back to stocking the shelves as Red wrapped up his paddle. “She’ll be a good fit for you, Jude. Maybe she’ll finally make you settle down.”

  “Come on now, Red. You know it’s not in my nature to fall in love.”

  “That’s what they all say. Smooth criminals like you think they’re too good for love.” She said, clicking her tongue playfully as she tied a perfect bow around the box. “I used to think I’d never fall in love and then I met that goof ball.” She said, motioning to Rume, who stood up and smiled proudly.

  Jude chuckled and took the box from Red, shaking her hand and offering a tip, which she happily tucked into her bra.

  “I suppose if anyone was immune to love, it would be you, Red.”

  “Exactly. So don’t write this girl off yet. Rume says she needs you but I think it’s you that needs her.”

  Jude smiled thoughtfully and nodded before ducking out the shop, turning just in time to run smack dab into a tall woman with perfect midnight locks.

  Chapter Five

  Rebecca yelped and fell back as she ran into a very solid man. He was taller than her but only by a few inches, but he was built like a damn tree trunk. His shoulders were broad and he was made up of pure muscle. She should have known that she wouldn’t stand a chance.

  She fell back on her ass, grunting when she landed on the sidewalk. Jude cursed under his breath and reached down to help her up.

  “Oh god. I’m so sorry. Are you alright?” He asked quickly pulling her up, caught by surprise when he gazed into her sky blue eyes.

  They were the brightest blue he’d ever seen and there seemed to be flecks of silver and hazel mixed into the lovely blue of her iris. She accepted his help and pulled herself to her feet, brushing her butt off and smooth out the black skirt. She’d almost worn a white dress today and was thankful she’d decided against it.

  “I’m fine, I’m fine. These old buildings have such narrow…” Her voice drifted off as she stared into the handsome, sculpted face of the man who’d knocked her down.

  His face was covered in a will trimmed beard that made him look wise and sophisticated, though somehow still added to his youthful appearance. He was dressed in a tailored suit that ad obviously been fitted to his body and expensive leather shoes. His hair was a warm sandy blonde color and just long enough to pull back into a short ponytail. He looked just like the men she envisioned when using the new toy, she bought from Mystique only a few days ago.

  They stared at each other for a long time, clearly drinking each other in like a tall glass of water. Rebecca was the first to break her gaze and looked down at the box, which had come open. The paddle lay in the doorway, a pretty pink bow laying on top of it as if it were a gift.

  “I think you dropped your-“

  “Oh! Yes!” He quickly kneeled down and collected the box and its contents, clearing his throat a little as he tried to hide the paddle, unsure as to why he was suddenly flustered. Jude was never nervous around women. What was different about this one?

  “Oh, Rebecca! We were just talking about you!”

  “You were?” She asked, laughing nervously.

  “Of course, darling. We were talking about how nice it was to have some fresh new faces around her.”

  Okay. That wasn’t so bad. She was afraid they’d told this stunningly handsome man about the wonderful toy she’d bought recently. As much as she didn’t want to admit it, she loved pretty glass piece and had come to buy another one.

  “What did you need, darling?” Red asked, a knowing smirk on her face. She hadn’t met Rebecca yet but Rume told Red all about her.

  “O-Oh! Nothing. I didn’t come for anything!” She said quickly, clearly embarrassed.

  Jude laughed and held up the box, putting it together that this was Rebecca. Her long curls and delicate features certainly made him do a double take. She was everything he liked in a woman. Doe-eyed and beautiful with a touch of innocence.

  “We all come here for something. I’ve already made a fool out of myself so don’t hold back on my account.”

  She smiled nervously and stepped into the shop, watching as Jude followed her. She turned slowly and offered her hand. “Um. My name is Rebecca.”

  He smiled and took her hand, leaning down and pressing a delicate kiss to the top of it. “My name is Jude. I’m a regular here.”

  “Very regular.” Red chimed in, making Jude roll his eyes.

  “Don’t pay her any mind. Red is harmless. She’s just very opinionated.” He said with a chuckle.

  Rebecca smiled shyly and tucked some hair behind her ear, her fingers brushing over the white streak, hoping it wouldn’t put the handsome man off. She’d tried dying it and cutting it off, though nothing ever seemed to work.

  Jude noticed the way she touched the streak of hair and his smiled a little. “That was a really creative choice. My compliments to your hair dresser. It looks good on you.”

  Her heart stuttered a little and her eyes widened as a blush came to her cheeks. “I…Thank you.”

  He nodded and looked her up and down. “Listen. I know this is very sudden but sometimes when fate walks into your life you just need to take advantage of it and open the door.” He cleared his throat a little and smiled. “Would you come over for dinner tonight? I’d like to cook for you and get to know you a little bit. These two have been ranting and raving about how sweet you are. I’d like to see it for myself.”

  Rebecca was shocked but nodded slowly, tucking some hair behind her ear. “I...Sure. That sounds great.” God, she hadn’t been on a date since she met Jimmy .

  Jude clapped his hands and grinned, going over to the glass counter and stealing a pen from behind the register. He scribbled his address and phone number on a piece if pink tissue paper and handed it to Rebecca, smiling and tipping his head towards her.

  “It’s right here in downtown but if you get lost, give me a call.”

  She nodded and took the paper between her fingers, looking at it with wide eyes. She turned it over in her hands and offered him a smile, nodding.

  “I can’t wait to see you tonight, Rebecca. If we hit it off as well as these two think, we will I will be very happy.” He smiled and bowed a little before turning and leaving the shop.

  Once he was gone, Rebecca spun around and looked at Rume and Red with wide eyes. “What was that?!”

  Rume just grinned, covering his lips with his delicate fingers as if to hide it. “You’re welcome.”

  Chapter Six

  Rebecca was hesitant to call Sara and tell her about the encounter but she knew that someone else needed to know that she’d be at this man’s house. It was dangerous to go o
ut on a date without telling a friend. Especially since she’d agreed to this date without knowing much about the man she was agreeing to meet.

  When Rebecca told Sara about the man, Sara seemed far less concerned that she should be. When Rebecca finally paused Sara had chuckled and assured her that Jude was a good man. Rebecca knew she was going to regret asking how Sara knew but did it anyway. When Sara revealed that they’d met in the BDSM club Rebecca expected to feel apprehension and maybe hesitation to go to dinner with the man. Instead, she was surprised at how excited she felt at the prospect of being alone with him. It was a very new feeling and Rebecca wasn’t sure how to process it. She’d never wanted someone before.

  Sara told her to just take a deep breath and let things happen naturally. It was her turn to finally enjoy herself. She’d been so focused on everyone else that she hardly had time for herself. Tonight was her night and the only way she was going to make the best of it was if she made a promise to herself to actually enjoy it. With that promise she hung up and pulled into the parking garage of some of New Orleans’ most expensive condos.

  She was only a little surprised when she realized that Jude lived in New Orleans’ best neighborhood. Rebecca parked her car and stopped to take a picture of the not Jude had written her that had all of his contact information on it. She sent the picture to Sara and took a deep breath before getting out of the car and straightening her coral dress. It was tight and hugged her curves perfectly, showing off her shapely legs.

  The lobby of the condo building was large filled with marble statues. It was a beautiful building that was clearly a bit older. The condos had probably once been shops that were converted into homes. She took the elevator to the fourth floor and knocked loudly on the door to condo ‘456’. She heard Jude curse on the other side of the door and winced at the sound of a metallic ‘clang’ that she guessed was a knife hitting the floor.

  When he finally answered the door he looked just as dapper as he had in the shop, though he was a bit more casual. His suit was still perfectly fitted to his body and his hair swept out of his handsome face. He smiled warmly and opened the door, stepping to the side so she could enter.

  “I’m glad you came. I have to admit that I was a little scared you weren’t going to show up.”

  “Why wouldn’t I?”

  “I realize that the invitation was rather sudden and probably a little difficult to trust.”

  She smiled and set her purse down on the fine leather couch, taking in the modern interior. “A mutual friend assured me that you were an upstanding gentleman.” She said with a teasing smile.

  He laughed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Sara?”

  Rebecca nodded and smiled, settling on the couch. “She had nothing but good things to say.”

  “I suppose I should thank her then…I really wanted to get to know you.”

  “Well…Here I am.”

  Jude smiled and nodded. “Dinner is ready. I was just cutting up the bread.” He said, motioning towards a formal dining room.

  Rebecca stood and went to sit at the small, antique dining room table. The condo was small but well decorated and clearly cost way more than any house Rebecca would ever afford. When it came to the French Quarter you didn’t get much space but you got a ton of history. She settled in and Jude offered her a bowl of amazing smelling Jambalaya.

  “Family recipe.” He explained as she took her first bite.

  “It’s not too spicy. This is amazing, Jude. Do you cook often?”

  He shook his head and dipped his bread in the soup. “I don’t care to cook for myself. I like cooking for others but when it’s just me I prefer to order takeout.” He said with a little smile.

  Rebecca nodded and sighed. “I understand. I haven’t done much cook since my divorce.”

  “Well, perhaps we can inspire each other to cook again.”

  It was an awkward pass but sweet none the less. Conversation with Jude was surprisingly easy and Rebecca found herself laughing and making jokes for the first time in a long time. She wasn’t distracted by small things like the placement of the silverware and she wasn’t constantly fidgeting. For the first time since her mother died. Rebecca felt at ease.

  Jude was kind enough to bust out some expensive wine and as the night wore on she found herself drinking more than she should have, especially on a date with a stranger. Their conversation started out easy and they discussed their business and their home town. Rebecca was thrilled to discover that Jude was born and raised in New Orleans. She adored the city and was happy to have another local to chat with. All of her friends were transplants from other cities.

  The more wine she drank, the looser her lips became and soon she found herself grumbling about her failed marriage. She expected it to chase Jude off and was surprised when he simply nodded sympathetically and offered words of encouragement. They weight the conversation took of her shoulders was immense and she couldn’t even begin to describe how thankful she was. She’d talked to Sara about her divorce but there was always some hesitation and she always held back, afraid that she would eventually chase her friend away because she would eventually grow tired of hearing Rebecca whine.

  She sighed and finished off the last of her wine, shaking her head a little and offering Jude and smirk. “Enough about my failed marriage. Tell me about that paddle you bought the other day. Who’s that for, hmmm?” She slurred.

  He was just as tipsy as she was, though somehow maintained his composure a bit better. He leaned forward and put a hand on her exposed knee.

  “Well…Until I met you. I didn’t really have anyone in mind.” He whispered.

  Chapter Seven

  Heat flooded through Rebecca and she gasped softly, eyes fluttering half closed when he touched her knee. Heat rose to her cheeks and she squirmed under his touch, surprised at how much his words affected her.

  “Jude…”

  “Yes?” He whispered, scooting closer.

  “What…Are you doing to me? I’ve hardly known you for an entire night but you…You’re doing things to me that no man has ever- “

  He put a finger to her lips and leaned in close to brush his full lips along the shell of her ear. “Shhh…I know this is different for you. I know you’ve never experienced anything like this, but that’s the fun of it.” He whispered, smiling. “You keep yourself too guarded, Rebecca. It’s okay to relax and let yourself be happy once in a while.”

  He could read her like an open book. She hadn’t told him much about her life but he already knew that she’d suffered enough for two lifetimes. She was a good woman with a heavy heart, and he didn’t know how but he was going to help her see that she deserved love just as much as anyone else in this world.

  His fingers traced along her knee and ran up her inner thigh as he kissed along her jawline. She whimpered and closed her eyes, allowing herself to sink into the plush leather of the couch. Her legs shook as his fingers wandered further and further up her skirt until they were brushing the already damp fabric of her panties. He leaned in close to her ear so he could whisper sultry words to her.

  “Open your legs.”

  She did as she was told and slowly allowed her knees to part. He smirked and kissed the corner of her mouth, turning her head so that he could catch her lips in a full, desperate kiss. As their lips crashed together she saw stars explode behind her eyes. She gasped and threw her arms around him as his fingers brushed the delicate petals between her legs, urging her to spread them even further. She was happy to oblige and allowed him to pull her lacey black panties down just far enough for him to access her most intimate areas.

  This was too soon. She knew it was too soon. She should have been more guarded with her womanhood, but god did she want this. Jimmy ’s fumbling attempts at loving making never made her ache like this. She arched her back and pressed her hips forward as his thick fingers parted her petals and slipped inside of her. She was already dripping wet from his attention and as his fingers slid into her she c
ouldn’t stop the sobbing moan that left her lips.

  She bucked against his fingers, silently pleading for more as he slipped further into her womanhood, finding the most delicate spots and teasing them with skilled fingers. Her lips never left his even as she moaned and rocked against his hand. His fingers thrusted in and out of her until she was a sobbing mess, shaking and clinging to him for dear life. Part of her was afraid that if she let go she might float away.

  He kept his free hand wrapped around her shoulders, holding her close enough to his own body that she could feel the heat coming off of him. Just as the heat threatened to spill over and engulf her completely, she felt him pull his fingers out of her and she gasped, letting out a disappointed noise. She was about to demand that he continue when he kissed her tenderly and smiled softly.

  “Pull your dress up.”

  Unlike before, she didn’t hesitate to hike her dress up around her hips, her legs shaking. Jude kissed her neck wetly, guiding her to put her bare feet up flat on the couch so that she was exposed for the world to see. The window just across from the couch was open and wind was blowing in, ruffling the sheer curtains that did nothing to hide their arousing activities.

  Rebecca was aware that she should have felt something akin to shame but she couldn’t force herself to do it. She wasn’t ashamed. She was excited. The thrill that someone might be watching them was enough to make her quiver in his arms as he nipped the delicate skin of throat and dropped his hand between her legs. She was spread open now and she expected him to dip his fingers back inside her honey pot. Instead, he started to rub slow circles along the delicate bundle of nerves she’d only started to discover.

  No one ever touched her like this. Jimmy had been so focused on his own pleasure that he never attempted to push her over the edge. Her pleasure wasn’t a concern for him, but Jude was nothing like Jimmy . She hadn’t even touched Jude yet and here she was, teetering on the edge of her orgasm as he beckoned her closer and closer.