Into You

by Sheena Binkley

  Simone walked over to us, and joked, “I guess you all are just going to ignore me.”

  “I would never do that. Might I add, you look scrumptious tonight,” Xavier complimented, gently grabbing Simone’s hand. He kissed it, causing her to blush.

  “Oh Xavier, always the charmer.”

  “Alright, we'd better get in line before it really gets packed,” I suggested.

  When we got to the end of the line, we saw Maya, along with Max and his fiancèe, Christy, coming towards us. The two had met while working at Suds. While Max still works in detail, Christy found a job at a pre-school while finishing up her last year of college. She plans to become a kindergarten teacher.

  “Hey, I’m glad you both could make it,” I greeted. I gave Christy a hug, then Simone did too.

  “Thanks for inviting us. I haven’t seen you all in so long. It’s a nice change of pace to be interacting with adults instead of pre-schoolers,” Christy replied.

  “Well, get ready to have some fun, chica, because it’s going to be bananas tonight,” Maya interjected.

  Vanessa looked at her funny then turned to look ahead at the line. I wasn't sure what that was about, but I’d find out later.

  As I introduced Vanessa to Christy, Max complimented how beautiful she looked. My hand quickly slipped to her waist, and Vanessa looked at me with widened eyes. Since Victor was behind me, no one could see what I was doing. I started massaging her lower back, making her smile. Everything about her was on point, and I wanted so badly to skip the club and go straight to my place. Hopefully, everyone would call it an early night so we could get there as soon as possible.

  After a 15 minute wait, we were finally inside. Victor headed straight to the bar, and I motioned for Xavier to follow him. I couldn't let him ruin everyone's night, so X and I both agreed that we’d keep an eye on him.

  “Okay, I need to know who’s drinking. But remember, we all have to work in the morning,” Jose said, grabbing his wallet.

  “Speak for yourself, Jose. I’m off the entire weekend,” Christy said, giggling.

  “I’ll take a shot,” Vanessa announced.

  “Count me in, too,” Simone seconded.

  As Jose got the drinks together, Maya and Christy started dancing near the table. Xavier tried to dance with Maya, but she pushed him away from her. She kept trying to get my attention, but that wasn’t happening. Simone promised Xavier a dance as Jose and Victor came over with the drinks.

  “Before we all get wasted, we have to congratulate our boys, Mark and Victor, on their new business venture! We hope that your restaurant is a huge success. Felicidades!” Max yelled before taking his shot.

  “Felicidades!” everyone followed.

  As “Baliar” by Deorro and Elivs Crespo came on the speakers, Maya jumped up and grabbed Christy.

  “Let’s go, chica!” she shouted, and they went on the dance floor.

  “I can’t believe she just took my girl,” Max teased then followed them.

  Simone and Xavier did the same, and Victor went to dance with Maya. I looked at Vanessa, who smiled.

  “I think it’s time to see what you got,” I said, taking her hand.

  “I was thinking the same.”

  We went to the dance floor, and I grabbed her waist. She began moving her hips, and I was already under her spell. She could definitely move. She gave me a sexy smirk then turned around and grinded on me. She brought a hand behind my neck and continue her assault on me. I didn’t mind it at all.

  After the song was over, we danced a little longer until I decided to take a break. I glanced over at Victor, who was still dancing with Maya. Hopefully, that’s all those two did. Maya was no different from Victor when it came to drinking: She’ll do anything when she’s drunk.

  I was grabbing a beer from the bar when Max came over and slapped me on the back.

  “Having a good time?” I asked before taking a sip.

  “Yeah. Thanks again for inviting us out. Christy misses the crew.”

  “I can tell. We miss her too, but she’s doing even better things now.”

  “She is. She loves what she does; she’s going to be a great teacher.”

  “I can tell.”

  “So, what’s going on with you and Vanessa? It’s obvious that something is happening with the way you were dancing on each other.”

  “Nothing’s going on.”

  Max looked unconvinced. “Look who you’re talking to. I had to keep my relationship with Christy a secret until she left Suds.”

  “We’re sort of exploring a relationship. We’re dating; that’s all.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, the guys in detail were running a bet to see who would ask her out first. I guess I’m the winner since I chose you.”

  “Really? You were placing bets on who would date Vanessa?”

  “Please, we saw how you looked at her when she first arrived. And even a blind man could see that she’s beautiful.”

  “She definitely is.”

  “So, don’t feel bad about what you have. Love can come at the strangest time in the most unusual places.”

  “We’re not at that stage just yet,” I told him.

  “I know, but I said the same thing about Christy. Now, look at us.” He grabbed his beer, slapped my back again, then went to find his fiancèe.

  I watched Max leave, wondering if he was right. I guess only time would tell.

  Vanessa

  As I watched Mark go to the bar, Christy came over and sat beside me. In the short time I’d spent with her, she seemed really cool.

  “Hey, I had to take a break. I haven’t been out in so long and it shows,” she said, laughing.

  I laughed with her. “I know what you mean. I didn't really have the chance to go out often when I had my consultant job, and the fact that I haven't been out in a while is becoming obvious to me now.”

  Christy looked in my direction with a smile. “You really like him, don’t you?”

  I looked at her and blushed. “Is it that obvious?”

  “Of course. That’s how Max and I were. When I worked at Suds, we couldn't show how we really felt around people because we didn’t know if it’d get back to work. We never went out with everyone else because we didn't want to slip up. Thank goodness we never did.”

  “Of course that doesn't matter now,” I pointed out.

  “Nope, not at all. I’m happy with my job, and while Max loves working at Suds, I think he’ll look for something else eventually. We’re planning on getting a house soon, so he has to get another job so we can afford one.”

  “I can understand that. But when you were there, was it difficult to hide your feelings when you saw Max?”

  “Boy, was it. I was always on edge, wondering if my expression showed how I felt when I was around him or if anyone picked up on my feelings. It was frustrating; that’s why I felt it was best to leave and find another job.”

  “That’s what I plan on doing. Not only do I want to be able to freely date Mark, I don’t want to be at Suds long.”

  “And you shouldn’t be. Sure it’s a job, but there are so many other opportunities to choose from.

  “I couldn’t agree more.”

  “But I think it’s great that you and Mark are dating. He's had his share of issues in the relationship department, but maybe you'll be the one who changes that.”

  “You think so?”

  Christy smiled. “I think so.”

  I looked over at the bar and saw him staring at me. Max came over to take Christy back onto the dance floor, and Mark followed, doing the same. I don't know what the future holds for us, but I’m going to enjoy the moments we’re sharing right now.

  Mark

  After dancing a little while longer, I decided it was time to call it a night. It was fun hanging out with everyone, but I knew if I stayed any longer, I wouldn’t be able to get up in the morning. It would probably still be difficult since Vanessa would be with me later, but that
would be worth it.

  I headed to the convenience store that I planned to meet Vanessa at with Victor and Xavier. I would have to drop those two off at Xavier’s before heading to my place. I probably should have told X to drive his car, but I wasn’t thinking t at the time.

  “So you had to meet your girl here because you didn’t want anyone to suspect you two are going home together. Am I right?” Victor asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Aren’t you two a little too old for the sneaking around stuff? Just admit it, and move forward.”

  “It's because of their work policy, doofus.” Xavier piped up.

  “And you’re too old for name-calling.”

  I sighed as I saw Simone pull up beside me. Vanessa got out of her car and came over.

  “You know, a great idea just popped into my head,” I said. Simone, can you take Xavier and Victor to Xavier’s, please?”

  “Are you trying to get rid of us?” Victor asked.

  “Yeah, I am.”

  Simone laughed. “Fine; get in you two, and let them have their night together.”

  They got out of my truck, and Victor pointed at us. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

  “That’s saying a lot, Victor.”

  Xavier laughed, and Victor playfully punched him. Simone waved goodbye as they got into her car.

  “I thought you were taking them back,” Vanessa said.

  “Change of plans. I couldn't wait to get you back to my place.”

  “And why is that?”

  “Because I want to spend every moment possible with you,” I answered, pulling off.

  We talked about the night and how much Vanessa liked Christy. I knew those two would hit it off; that’s why Max and I were planning a night out with our girls soon. It’d be a lot of fun to hang out and be an actual couple rather than sneaking around.

  We stopped to get a few snacks before heading to my place. One thing I’m starting to notice about V is that she likes to eat. At work, she’s either at the restaurant or somewhere snacking. There’s nothing wrong with that, though. I love a woman who’s not afraid to eat.

  “Thanks for stopping by Wing Stop. I was craving their Cajun wings and fries.”

  “No problem, but I hope you’re saving them for later.”

  “I can. What do you have in mind?”

  “You’re see,” I said, turning off the ignition. We grabbed our things and went to the door. I went to turn off the alarm, and Vanessa looked around, admiring the décor.

  “Your place looks incredible. Did you design it?” she asked after I came from putting her bag away.

  I looked around and smile slightly. “My mom was the inspiration behind the design. I purchased this place when I was 24. It was my first major purchase with the money I had saved from Suds and my job as a sous chef in Austin. She'd had a vision of my home being decorated in her favorite color. When she passed, I decided to decorate everything in that color as a tribute to her.”

  Vanessa smiled. “Well, it’s beautiful.”

  I looked around at the orange and brown colors splashed throughout the living room. The kitchen had a touch of cream, and the furniture was in cream as well. I wanted to do something out of the box, and I used my favorite color, brown, as well as hers, orange, to make it happen.

  I put the food in the fridge and went over to my stereo to turn on some music. Vanessa glanced at me as Prince Royce’s “Te Robare” came through the speakers. I held out my hand as she walked over to me.

  “Care for one last dance?” I asked.

  “Of course.”

  She put her arms around my shoulders, and I held onto her waist. She had a curious expression as she looked at me.

  “What’s on your mind?” I asked.

  “The song, what does it mean? I heard the word last night, but I can’t pick up anything else.”

  “It’s about forbidden love. The girl’s parents don't approve of the guy she’s with, so he wants to steal her away so they can be together.”

  “Hmm, sounds interesting.”

  “Sound kinda familiar?” I teased, turning her around. Her back was to my front, and my hands slowly moved up her thighs. I could tell she was smiling.

  “I don’t know about the parents’ part, but I think I can relate to the song.”

  Her dress slowly rose up to her thighs as I gently kissed her neck. I pulled her closer to me then turned her to look into her eyes.

  “Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure.”

  “Are you willing to take a risk with me? I know you said you would, but are you really ready? If you are, I just want you to know that I would never hurt you like that jerk did. I know we've only known each other for a short time, but there's something about you that makes me what to spend all of my time with you; I feel a certain way when I’m not around you, and all I want to do is kiss those beautiful lips of yours. I want to right now.”

  “Mark, I really do like you, and I feel the same way, but to be honest, I’m scared to be with you. I’m scared because things may not work out between us. I don’t want to give my heart to you and have it trampled when you get tired of me.”

  “You know I wouldn’t do that to you.”

  “You have to prove that to me. I need to know if I give you my heart, you won’t break it. I have been through too much heartache, and I want to be happy and live life the way I’ve always wanted.”

  “And you’ll have that and more. V, I really do care about you, and I can see myself falling in love with you.”

  Her eyes widened in surprise, and I took her hands into mine. “You can?”

  “Yes, Vanessa.”

  The song started to repeat, and I could tell she was becoming nervous. My fingers interlaced with hers as her breathing became shallow. She kept gazing at me, and I slowly pulled down her dress strap. I leaned down to kiss her as my hand moved underneath her dress. She moaned softly then gripped my hand tighter and asked where my bedroom was. I led her inside, using the moonlight to guide us there. I saw how beautiful she looked as her hand moved to my chest. I brought her fingers to my lips, kissing each one as she gave me a sexy stare.

  “You’re so beautiful,” I whispered.

  Her hands were moving to the buttons of my shirt, but I gently pushed them away. She looked a little disappointed, but I had another plan in mind.

  “Allow me to pleasure you tonight.”

  I led her to the bed while kissing her. I slowly unzipped her dress, letting it fall to the floor. She seemed nervous.

  “You don’t have to be nervous around me, V,” I assured her, holding her waist.

  She smiled as my hands explored her body. I lay her down on the bed and whispered in her ear.

  “I’ll be back.”

  She watched me go into the bathroom and come back with some baby oil.

  “When was the last time you had a massage?” I asked with a smile.

  She grinned. “It’s been a while. And as a matter of fact, I've only had them done professionally.”

  “Well, that’s about to change,” I said.

  "Before you do anything, I need you to be comfortable, too.”

  She lowered her eyes to my clothes then started taking them off. When she finished, she looked at me with a smile.

  “Perfect.”

  I kissed her again, and I told her to lie on her back. I unhooked her purple bra and kissed her back. I poured a bit of oil into my hands and began my massage. She exhaled as I rubbed the tense areas of her back, making sure she enjoyed the moment. Judging from her moans, I knew she was.

  I continued massaging the rest of her body, kissing her between touches. I moved to her ear, kissing the lobe before speaking. “How are you feeling so far?”

  “Really good,” she whispered.

  I gently spread her legs and started touching her middle while kissing her lower back. I wanted her to be prepared for what I was about to do. And when I did it, I needed us to be face-to-face.
/>   I turned her over and spread her legs again. Her eyes invited me in as I stared at her.

  “I hope you're ready.”

  “For what?”

  I gave her a wicked smile then placed kisses all over her chest. I moved to her navel, quickly sucking it before going to her clit. She gently grabbed the back of my neck as my tongue glided across her. I wanted to tease her a little, but she gave me a look reading, “don't tease me.” I smiled before my lips moved to her outer ones, kissing them before my tongue went inside of her. She leaned her head back, softly moaning, and I grabbed her ass to lift her up even more. I kissed her inner thighs before moving back to her clit, licking then sucking it.