Love's Foolish Punch

by S M Mala

Molly realised she was falling in love with Jamie.

  That’s what had been knocked in her head when he punched her.

  And realising he was counting down until he never saw her again was the hardest knock of all.

  ‘What are you doing up?’

  Jamie walked into the kitchen when she was getting a drink of water. ‘You haven’t eaten anything tonight. Are you feeling okay? You locked the door so I couldn’t check.’

  He was standing in his underpants on the other side of the counter.

  ‘I was thirsty,’ she said, looking up at the clock. It was just after midnight. ‘And I didn’t feel hungry.’

  ‘It’s been a bit of a full on day, don’t you think?’ he said quietly.

  They both stood there, looking uncomfortable before Molly decided to go back to bed. She felt a little weird and knew it would soon transfer onto her face, the confusion.

  ‘My intention is never to unintentionally hurt you,’ he said, very quietly.

  ‘Just intentionally,’ she smiled. Jamie was shaking his head from side to side. ‘Or accidentally?’

  ‘Never.’

  ‘Two months this will be all over. Eight weeks on Saturday to be precise,’ Molly said, taking a sip of her water.

  ‘But before then, in twenty five days, it’s Christmas.’ He walked closer to her. ‘Pinch and a punch on the first day of the month.’ Jamie gently pinched then punched. ‘No return.’

  ‘I think you pre-empted the punch earlier.’

  Molly looked up at him, and she now knew how she was feeling.

  It could be because he had been her main company for the past few weeks that was making her fall for him.

  He was funny and cocksure as well as sweet. Everyone seemed to genuinely like him. Jamie was charming and sometimes quite silly with his honest comments.

  What wasn’t there to love about him? And he’d said it, weeks ago, that she’d fall in love. Molly wondered if it was his plan, but it was far too stupid a question to ask.

  It would also give away that she had.

  ‘Something’s going on in there,’ he said, gently tapping her head. ‘I hope it’s good things about me.’

  She couldn’t open her mouth, but he held her cheek in his hand and she kissed his palm.

  ‘Here’s the arrangement,’ she said, not know why she was doing it but looking at Jamie. Her actions wouldn’t make sense to a sane person. ‘We can kiss and touch one night a week. Thursday. And we don’t let it go too far because there’ll be consequences.’

  ‘Okay,’ he smiled.

  ‘And tell me if you’re sleeping with anyone or if there’s someone you’re interested in, then we’ll stop.’

  ‘There’s no-one else.’

  Molly couldn’t help but look disbelievingly at him.

  ‘There isn’t, Molly. Yes, there was that woman a few weeks ago, Cheryl. I’ve known her for years and Chloe. I don’t want to talk about that again.’

  ‘Don’t play me for a fool. I’ve had too much of that in the past.’

  ‘I’ll play you until we make beautiful music together.’

  ‘You and your charm offensive.’ Removing his hand from her face, she grinned.

  ‘And here’s my request,’ Jamie said, leaning down to look at her. ‘We sleep in the same bed as much as possible, all above board. I respect your wishes.’

  ‘And you’ve not told him a thing?’

  Bill was sitting opposite her at lunch on Thursday. ‘He might get the wrong idea.’

  ‘You thought it was best we kept it between ourselves and you’re right. I don’t want people to know if it’s a dismal failure, and others will think I’m clutching at straws.’

  ‘Molly, you’re a good writer. The format and script is funny. I showed it to a few people, and you might have something.’ Bill smiled. ‘I’m surprised no-one ever spoke to you about it before.’

  She let out a happy sigh then examined the man. He was very casual today and seemed to have this calm aura. Then she spotted his wedding ring and felt a little sick at the idea that Jamie had sex with his wife.

  It was then she realised it was more jealousy than nausea.

  ‘How’s Chloe?’ she asked brightly, taking him by surprise. ‘Is she well?’

  ‘She’s Chloe,’ he shrugged in response. ‘Not very happy but when is she?’

  ‘Oh.’

  ‘Our marriage has been on the rocks for ages and I know she’s seeing someone.’

  ‘Oh,’ Molly said again, and this time it was deeper.

  She hoped she didn’t sound too guilty in the response.

  ‘And we’re talking about separating for a short time.’ He looked saddened. ‘I’m not sure how I feel.’

  ‘I see.’

  Now her heart was racing fast, and she hoped he wasn’t going to tell her too much.

  ‘And how are you and Jamie?’

  ‘He’s wonderful,’ she sighed but this time it was bigger.

  She couldn’t wait to see him.

  It was Thursday, and it was their first planned kissing night.

  ‘My god, you’ve really fallen for him, haven’t you?’

  Just as she was about to smile, she re-ran Bill’s sentence in her head.

  ‘What do you mean?’ she quietly asked, leaning forward.

  ‘Nothing,’ he smiled then turned serious. ‘Remember a few weeks ago, I told you I wasn’t a fool. Well, I hope you’re not being made a fool of.’

  Sitting perfectly still, she looked at him mulling something over.

  ‘I told you before,’ he quietly said. ‘He only cares about himself. And he's not completely honest with you.’ Bill frowned. ‘I think he’s using you, I know he is, as bait.’

  ‘Bait for who?’

  Bill smiled, his face turning gentle.

  ‘He’s going to be so surprised how this turns out,’ Bill whispered as Molly sat back in her seat trying to hide her fear that he was going to suggest something. ‘Oh god Molly, don’t worry. I’m not going to try it on, though I wonder if he thinks I will.’

  ‘Why would he use me for bait?’ she asked as Bill laughed. ‘What am I missing?’

  ‘Ya a gal! Ya can’t box!’

  Arthur looked at her in disbelief when she revealed why she was looking trim. ‘Ya box a man?’

  ‘I gave my trainer a bleeding nose, and he’s like, six foot three!’ she said, now showing off as the others listened. ‘Apparently, I’m a natural talent.’

  ‘Where ya goin’ to do dis?’ the man said, shaking his head. ‘Ya tell ya parents?’

  Molly started to laugh as Nikos looked at her, over his half-moon spectacles and shook his head.

  ‘Listen darlin’,’ said Colin, beginning to chuckle. ‘You don’t want to get your pretty face smashed up, not to even mention your head.’

  ‘Oh, I was knocked out on Tuesday.’ The massive gasp from the office left her a little startled. ‘Only for five seconds and it’s fine. That won’t happen again.’

  ‘Molly,’ Nikos said gravely. ‘Why are you boxing?’

  ‘Got a free pass for ‘Punch Box’ and thought it might help me to tone up and keep fit.’

  She looked at the three men, the concern clearly evident.

  Then she got a surprise.

  Jamie walked into the cab office with a big grin.

  ‘He hit me,’ she said quickly as the three looked at Jamie.

  ‘Ya nat hit a woman, ya hear?’ Arthur said immediately, standing up and pulling his trousers up underneath his round belly. ‘It nat right!’

  ‘I didn’t do it on purpose,’ Jamie replied, looking flustered.

  Molly wasn’t quite sure how she was feeling. The last time she saw him was when he dropped her off for work the day before. They’d spent the night in the same bed where he held her in his arms.

  The thing is since he told her about what he did with his dick, she kept looking down to see what was going on. He’d cottoned on and put on a pair of track suit bottoms in bed to stop
her from gawping.

  But today, not seeing him for over twenty four hours, something stirred deep in her gut.

  ‘You like this boy?’ Nikos whispered in her ear.

  ‘Just a friend,’ she mumbled, looking at the screen and typing something into the computer.

  ‘Are you ready?’ Jamie asked. ‘I thought we could go for a drink.’

  ‘He’s taking you out?’ whispered Nikos, smiling brightly. ‘He’s a nice looking man.’

  ‘He punch her! He nat a nice man,’ gruffed Arthur protectively.

  ‘I’ve been wanting to do that for years when it came to that other man,’ hissed Nikos and Jamie caught what he said, raising his eyebrows in response.

  ‘I’m nicer than him,’ sniffed Jamie, letting out a big smile.

  ‘He’s your boyfriend, isn’t he?’ Colin asked with a cheeky grin.

  ‘I certainly am!’ he replied loudly, making the three men and few others on the switchboards look up. ‘She’s shy about telling people, that’s all.’

  Standing up slowly, she knew Jamie was in a mischievous mood. The smile was a giveaway. And she desperately wanted to be alone with him.

  Knowing everyone was looking, she got her coat and bag.

  ‘Nice duffle coat,’ he said, letting out a whimper. ‘It’s beginning to grow on me.’

  ‘What are you doing here?’

  ‘I now know where you work so I thought I’d come and get you. I was a little bit pissed off that you decided to do a shift after your drama class. Are you avoiding kissing Thursday?’

  ‘I’ll kiss you twice as much to make up for the hour lost. Anyway, it’s only seven o’clock.’ Then she turned to the others. ‘See you tomorrow. Have a nice evening!’

  ‘Nat let him box you up!’ said Arthur with full authority. ‘It nat right, ya hear?’

  Jamie escorted her out and then grabbed her hand, pulling her towards a corner before kissing her gently on the lips.

  ‘I had to wait to do that,’ he whispered then grinned. ‘Do you want to go for a drink?’

  ‘Not really.’

  Molly knew exactly what she wanted to do.

  She kissed him back, and this time slipped her tongue in. He was happy to do the same.

  It was very passionate, and he grabbed the front of her coat.

  ‘I’m not thirsty,’ he said, looking into her eyes. ‘Let’s go back to yours.’

  ‘And behave.’

  ‘I always behave in the right way, believe me.’

  ‘Why can’t we do this naked?’

  Jamie’s face was flushed, and she knew he was getting over excited. ‘I won’t stick it in, I promise.’

  ‘Your words of romance do it for me all the time,’ she laughed, pushing him back a little. ‘I’m hungry.’

  ‘God, so am I!’

  He lunged for her again and Molly laughed as his mouth tried to cover her lips and their tongues intertwined for a long time.

  Eventually, she pulled away and smiled.

  ‘Cheese on toast?’ she whispered.

  ‘Now you’re feeding me aphrodisiacs.’

  ‘Yes, sod champagne and oysters.’

  They looked at each other, and both stopped smiling.

  It was odd.

  She knew what she was feeling. There were waves of emotions in her chest, both love and lust. Molly realised Jamie’s would be just lust.

  ‘Let’s eat.’

  Getting up, she walked to her kitchen, realising he was following. Jamie wrapped his arms around her, standing behind.

  ‘Are you fooling me?’ she asked, remembering what Bill had said earlier.

  She got the impression he didn’t like the loveable rogue, Jamie.

  Or maybe he suspected he’d been screwing his wife.

  ‘About what?’ he asked, kissing her neck.

  ‘About anything?’

  ‘Not that I know of.’

  Molly turned around and looked up at him, wondering what to say.

  ‘Jamie, I meet Bill for lunch, occasionally.’

  There was no hiding the shock on Jamie’s face, and she felt his body freeze.

  ‘Why?’ he asked, releasing her. ‘I thought you met him a week ago and that was it. You never told me what he wanted to talk to you about.’

  ‘I saw him today as he’s trying to find out a few things for me regarding work,’ she said, telling the truth. ‘He has a child who liked Bert the Baboon.’

  ‘He told you?’ Another surprised expression appeared on his face. ‘Anything else?’

  ‘He said he wasn’t a fool but maybe I was when it came to you. Why would he say that?’

  ‘Does he know the truth?’

  ‘I don’t think he’s convinced we’re together.’

  Jamie turned around and walked to the fridge, pulling out the cheese and returning to the kitchen counter.

  ‘Did he say anything else?’ Jamie asked, opening the kitchen cupboard and getting the grater. ‘What other seeds of doubts did he plant?’

  Molly watched him grate a mound of cheese onto a plate and then stopped, putting everything down. He stood up straight and was deep in thought. Quickly he turned to look at her.

  ‘Will you please tell me?’ he asked quietly, looking earnestly at her.

  ‘I’m bait of some sort.’

  Her heart was pounding hard in her chest as Jamie shook his head.

  ‘I like you Molly, I do. Just be careful of Bill. I’m surprised he’s taken a shine to you, but he’s good at that. Making out he’s such a wonderful man when he’s not what he seems. Don’t get sucked into his bullshit.’

  It was the first time she’d seen Jamie look angry, and it wasn’t a vicious expression. This was more hurt and upset.

  ‘I didn’t mean to upset you.’ Molly stepped closer to him, reaching out to touch his face. ‘I’m so doubtful of everything, that’s all.’

  ‘And me?’

  ‘If I’m a fool, then I’m a fool for you, aren’t I?’

  ‘Fool for me.’

  Jamie sighed into her neck when they were in bed. ‘Yes, I like it.’

  He was kissing her throat, and she knew his wandering hands were on a mission. Right now they were placed on her knicker covered bottom but he kept giving it a good squeeze. She had on a sensible large t-shirt whereas he was in his snug fitting underpants.

  ‘What does he mean by bait?’ Jamie asked, looking straight at her. ‘Did you ask?’

  ‘I didn’t but he said that he and Chloe were thinking of separating and-.’

  He immediately pushed himself up and looked down at her. The eyes were now wide opened.

  ‘That’s news to me.’

  ‘Didn’t she tell you?’

  ‘I’ve not seen her since my Saturday morning quickie,’ he scowled. Molly felt a jealous pang but held it in. ‘And I’m not going to sleep or see her again. I’m not going to see anyone else while we’re together.’

  ‘Jamie, if they do part, that means you’re off the hook.’

  ‘Not necessarily. I was still banging her when he was married, unbeknown to him. Men like Bill don’t take kindly to having their things taken away.’

  ‘What’s going on between you two?’ she asked, pushing him off and sitting up. He rolled on his back and looked up at her. ‘There are a lot of riddles I’m not sure about.’

  ‘He fancies you, I know it.’

  ‘He doesn’t!’ Molly turned and let her legs dangle off the bed. ‘Not everything is sex.’

  ‘And talking of asexual, have you found out why that ex of yours wants to get in contact?’

  She sat perfectly still, not even wanting to think about it.

  ‘Have you deleted his number from your phone? Binned his email address? Anything positive like that?’

  ‘Jamie!’

  ‘Are you still in love with him?’

  Molly just shook her head from side to side, looking at her cat’s ashes in a wooden box.

  ‘Are you sure? I’d hate to think that you
were using me as a sex thing,’ Jamie said, and she felt his breath on her shoulder. ‘I don’t mind but that would mean we’d have to have sex. But I can only do it twice at most, like I said. My engine’s very good but not on restarts.’

  She had to laugh out loudly.

  ‘You’re very funny. How come you were so horrible when I first met you?’ she asked, turning her head to see his face was directly behind hers.

  ‘Mean and moody.’

  ‘More like bratty and sulky. Especially about how I dress.’

  ‘You’ve smartened up.’ Jamie started kissing her neck. ‘And I prefer you naked, if we're honest.’

  She felt his soft lips against her skin. Then the t-shirt started to ride up.

  ‘If I go naked, will you?’

  ‘Jamie Cohen,’ she sighed.

  Molly turned and looked at his smiling face before pulling off her clothing and removing her panties.

  His mouth dropped open.

  ‘You stick or touch anything you shouldn’t, I’ll karate chop your dick off, do you hear? Just concentrate on my lips.’

  ‘Fuck me!’ he said excitedly, pulling down his briefs and throwing himself on top of her. ‘This is great!’

  He was like an excitable puppy who she could barely control, his hands searching all over before being placed on her back and arse.

  Then the kissing got deeper and longer, each time making her head swirl. She tasted his lips and tongue, wanting to desperately kiss him all over.

  But Molly knew if she did, she’d fall further for his charm and he would definitely be sexually molested by her.

  Jamie would like that.

  His hand was under her boob and then covered it, squeezing it gently. Waiting in anticipation, his mouth moved down and sucked on her nipple. Automatically, her thighs parted wider, and she ground her groin into his. Something very hard was resting between her lady lips.

  Then he started to do something very naughty.

  He moved his dick, so it was sliding in between.

  She opened her eyes and looked at him, looking down at her.

  He continued to kiss her harder and upped his speed as she felt a tingling ticklish sensation between her legs. Molly caressed his back, gently scratching it before grasping his backside. Helpfully, she massaged it to speed up his little thrusts.