Running Rings

by Ruth G Juliano

  “I sure will,” Jen said, “Come and have a smoke with me, Don, I want to tell you something about Sharma, remember Sharma? See you two in there.”

  Brandon kissed Verity on the cheek and walked across the road with Jen.

  Verity looked at Adrian in his tuxedo again, “You look like you’re ready for the cover of The Know magazine. You look so very, very handsome.”

  “I saw you at the beach and in the park and in the street to talk about underwear and now you’re here. That’s just in a few months.”

  “I also saw you arresting someone, marching in full uniform for Anzac Day, and a few other places. That’s too many times, huh? Should I move interstate?”

  Adrian put his hands on Verity’s waist and pulled her close. He looked into her eyes and put his lips to hers. Verity put her hands on his shoulders and tilted her head to accept his tongue. It was so good to smell him and feel him that she started smiling while he kissed her. He opened his eyes and looked at her. “I kind of want you to stalk me,” he said.

  “I thought you were still considering friendship with me as a concept. Are we friends now?”

  Adrian nodded.

  “Lucky me,” Verity said.

  Adrian smiled, “Brandon told me that last year you were asking about me. That you wanted to know if I would be a dial-a-booty.”

  “That’s not exactly how the conversation went,” Verity said, “It was only the second time I’d seen you and I told him I found you very attractive. He told me you were too old for me, you’d slept with more women than he’d had hot dinners and you were up for anything.”

  “I’ll have to wear that,” Adrian said, “That’s the opinion men want to have about me.”

  “Then wear it well. I’m not a judgemental person. I take people as they are, like I learned from my sweetheart. I don’t presume to know what makes people tick or why they do what they do and it’s generally none of my business. I have immensely enjoyed the times that we’ve spent together, and stopping to talk to you in the street is nice. It’s nice to just be able to see someone I know and say ‘hello’. That’s all. I’m not asking for a major investment, just a small loan of insignificant amounts of your time which I will gladly repay you in full.”

  Adrian nodded and took a business card from his pocket. He looked at it and handed it to her.

  “Is this your mobile number?” Verity smiled. Adrian nodded. “You’re giving me your mobile number?” Verity smiled bigger. Adrian nodded. “Excellent, I can’t wait to put it up on all the women’s public toilets in town,” Verity said, putting the card into her bag.

  Adrian laughed and shook his head.

  “Do you always kiss your friends like that, Detective?”

  “Only the one who happens to look like a runway model in her royal blue, halter neck, backless, Jasper Nu gown.”

  Verity smiled, “You know fashion. Do you think I look that good?” She turned around in a circle.

  “My erection is telling me to have sex with you. Let’s blame that on the dress,” Adrian said.

  “Maybe I could come back to your place after the wedding.”

  “I don’t think I can wait that long to feel you against me, Verity. It’s been too long.”

  Verity stepped close to Adrian and moved her hands over his chest. She neatened his bow tie and moved his hair. “I thought you didn’t want to have sex with one person regularly. Three times sounds regular.”

  “I don’t want to be pressured by anyone. I have to do this on my terms, and I’d like to give you a third go.”

  “A third go, hey? I assume we’re still talking about sex. How completely unromantic of you, and, of course, totally fitting for your view of male to female relations.”

  “What?”

  “Nothing, I just think you’re cute.”

  Adrian smiled, “Well, I’m not. What’s this about you moving in with Brandon?”

  “It’s just an idea,” Verity shrugged, “He wants to save money for his future, so I’ve invested some money for him. If he had someone sharing his rent then he’d have more money to spend or save.”

  “That’s very thoughtful of you,” Adrian said, “He wants you to live with him because he wants to have sex with you.”

  “No he doesn’t. And even if he did, I don’t.”

  “And what about me? Do you want me as much as I want you right now?” Adrian replied.

  Verity smiled. Adrian was looking at her like she was the last something in existence and it made her feel enticing. “Do you think they would notice if we only made it to the reception?”

  “Not if we take some selfies outside the church first,” Adrian said, taking her hand. They walked across the road and stood in front of the church, watching other people walk towards the church door. Verity took out her phone and took some pictures. Adrian watched two people get out of a taxi, and held the door. Verity laughed and hopped into the back of the taxi. “Regis Hotel, please.” Adrian sat beside her and closed the door. He held her hand and took a deep breath. “I’ve never done anything like this before.”

  “Me either, I feel like I’m cutting class,” Verity said.

  Adrian looked out the window and squeezed Verity’s hand. “I do want to be your friend.”

  “With benefits?”

  “With whatever comes with it,” Adrian said.

  “I’m honoured that you gave me your number when you never give women your number. I won’t put it on any toilet walls. I will keep it sacred and only use it if necessary, I promise.”

  “Whatever you want,” Adrian said, still looking out the window.

  Verity leaned forward to look at his face. He glanced at her and back out the window. She patted his leg, “Is everything okay?”

  Adrian smiled out the window, “If I look at you, I’m going to want to kiss you, and I’m trying to suppress my hard on as it is. If I scare it away too much, it might not come back.”

  Verity laughed, “Good thing the hotel is very close by.”

  The taxi stopped and Adrian paid the driver. He took Verity by the hand through the revolving door and over to the counter. He opened his mouth to speak and Verity put her hand on his arm.

  “Allow me, darling. Hello, my name is Verity Sharpe, Sharpe with an e. I have a reservation,” she said. Adrian looked at her and she winked at him.

  “Certainly Mrs Sharpe,” the man behind the counter said, “I’ll just see where we have you housed.”

  “I asked for a high corner room if that helps,” Verity said.

  “I can’t seem to find your reservation,” he said.

  “Really? I made the reservation six weeks ago. I’ve flown up from Melbourne for a wedding, and due to a snafu I’m here instead of at the church and the ceremony has already started. Now I have a migraine and I’d like to lie down. The reception is here in the Caulfield Room.”

  “Our best room. I can only apologise that it doesn’t seem to be here,” he said, “I do have a corner suite available but only on the eleventh floor. Is that acceptable?”

  “Certainly,” Verity replied, “I’m keen to rest and don’t have time to admire the view as I’d like right now.”

  “Yes, madam. We can get you into a room immediately. Nine hundred dollars thank you,” he said.

  Verity smiled and opened her purse. She ran her thumb across some notes, took two from it and handed him the rest, “Here you are.”

  “Cash, we don’t see much cash, how superb,” he said.

  “I always carry plenty of cash. I think my husband and I will need a rest before the reception. It’s been quite an ordeal. Would you be so kind as to arrange a wake-up call thirty minutes before the reception commences so we can freshen up?”

  “Certainly, Mrs Sharpe. Here is your key, and again I apologise for the inconvenience.”

  “Not at all, you’ve been most courteous,” Verity replied, taking the key. She turned and looked at Adrian, “Perhaps we should have our big event at one of the Parks’ hotels instead.
We wouldn’t want our guests to be without accommodation. I suppose we’ll see the quality of the reception before we decide for certain, but it is a contributing factor for determination, particularly in regard to their accuracy and information storage.”

  “Come, dear,” Adrian offered her his arm, and she put her arm through his. They walked to the elevator being followed by a man in a hat and were ushered in. The man pressed the button for the eleventh floor and gestured to them when it arrived there. Verity looked down the hall both ways and turned left. Adrian followed her in silence. She located the corner suite and slid the card in the lock. The light went green and she opened the door. Adrian walked in and Verity came in behind him and closed the door.

  “It’s very nice,” Verity said.

  “Nine hundred dollars? Why do you have that much cash on you?”

  “My current boss insists that I always have one thousand dollars cash on me, so if he calls me to make a purchase I can do so.”

  “Fair enough,” Adrian said, and looked around again, “But this is just a room. Why is it nine hundred dollars a night?”

  “I don’t know, so I guess we should make the most of it.”

  Adrian smiled and put his arms towards her when there was a knock on the door. He shrugged and went to the door.

  “Mr Sharpe? Compliments of the house, Sir,” a man said.

  “Thank you,” Adrian said, and closed the door.

  Verity smiled at the tray with the ice bucket, strawberries and chocolates. “What’s in the envelope, Mr Sharpe?” she asked, taking it from the tray. She opened it and smiled. She took a piece of paper out, “As this was our error, please accept the room with our compliments and find enclosed your full refund of nine hundred dollars cash.”

  Adrian laughed, “Nice work, you big fibber. They sure got it up here quick too.”

  Verity put her hand to her mouth, “It was supposed to be a joke. We used to do things like that at university, just for entertainment. We had people thinking all sorts of things about us. I’m so naughty. Wow. I think I only got away with it here because I’m wearing a three thousand dollar dress and you look like James Bond. Oh well, it’s now a free nine hundred dollar room.”

  “I still think we should make the most of it,” Adrian said.

  “Maybe we should get naked so we don’t wrinkle our fancy clothes.”

  “I can assist you with that,” Adrian said. He moved his hands over her dress and found the concealed zipper on her side. He unzipped it and lifted the strap from the back of Verity’s neck over her head then lifted the whole dress over her head by the armpit area. He took the dress over to a chair and laid it neatly over the back, gently smoothing it down. He turned around, and opened his mouth and eyes wide.

  Verity looked down at herself and back at Adrian, “What’s wrong?”

  “I was so concerned about getting the dress safely off, I didn’t notice what you were and weren’t wearing under it.”

  Verity laughed, “What do you think?”

  “Of the bare breasts or the suspender belt? I’m partial to both. I’ve never seen a woman actually wearing an old fashioned suspender belt like that.”

  “It’s the silk stockings. They don’t use elasticated lace for the top.”

  Adrian swallowed hard, “I, uh, um, what?”

  “Let’s carefully remove your suit, shall we?”

  “I’ll do that, you wait right there and don’t move.” Adrian took of his jacket and went to find a coat hanger.

  Verity turned and looked at the champagne and strawberries. She’d never tried the combination before. She’d never been in a hotel room like this before either. “Should we drink this champagne?”

  “Maybe later,” Adrian replied.

  Verity turned around and Adrian was wearing only black, shorts-style, close-fitting underwear. “Hello, Adrian, and your sexy underwear.”

  “Have I told you how beautiful you are yet?”

  “Not specifically,” Verity replied.

  “Verity, you’re a beautiful woman. I’m honoured to be in this free nine hundred dollar room with you and your crazy personality, along with your beautiful breasts and long legs.”

  “It’s the high heels, they’re not that long, I’m only short, remember?” she said, stepping out of them, “See, back to five five again, giving you six inches clearance.”

  “You still have long legs, and I want them wrapped around me,” Adrian said, putting his hands on her waist. He lifted her up until her abdomen was at his face height and kissed her bellybutton. He slid her down his body and held her close. “I’m a lucky bastard,” he whispered.

  Verity smiled, “I thought I was the lucky one, you know, getting a third go and all.”

  Adrian shook his head and took her face in his hands, “Maybe we’re both lucky. I really want you, Verity.”

  “Take me, big boy.”

  Chapter 23

  Verity was startled as the phone beside the bed rang. She moved over and fumbled to pick it up. “Hello? Oh, yes, thank you.” She hung the phone up. “Thirty minutes until the reception starts.”

  Adrian inhaled deeply and stretched, “Come back over here.”

  Verity smiled and moved onto his chest, “I’m here.”

  “Did I dream that we made exquisite love for an hour and then fell asleep, Miss Sharpe?”

  “Yes, Detective, that was a dream, because we were actually having wild sex and passed out.”

  Adrian laughed and pulled her closer, “Five more minutes, you fibber.”

  “It was exquisite, like you were making love in keeping with the quality of the room. You have pleasures for all occasions, don’t you?”

  “Occasionally,” Adrian said.

  Verity smiled and rubbed his chest, “Seems a shame to leave such a lovely room.”

  “I believe check out time is ten in the morning, and I’m not working tomorrow.”

  “Do you want to spend the night together here? Who’s going to feed the exotic fish?”

  “What fish?”

  Verity laughed, “Sorry, it was a joke. We don’t have any fish.”

  “You’re crazy. Kiss me.”

  Verity rolled over and kissed him, “Hello, Adrian.”

  “Hello, Verity. I’m really happy to see you.”

  “I can tell,” she replied, “So how come you turned Jen down for a lay?”

  “Been there, done that, not going there again. I don’t want a lay. She begs me every time she sees me, and I don’t find her attractive.”

  “I think she is,” Verity said.

  “But you also think you aren’t, so I don’t trust your judgement,” Adrian said, kissing her again.

  Verity laughed, “I suppose we should get dressed.”

  “Considering we both smell like exquisite sex, maybe we should have a shower before we get dressed,” Adrian said.

  “Sure, you go first.”

  “I meant together.”

  Verity moved over, “No, that’s okay. You go ahead.”

  “There will be no one in that shower but you and me, and you can keep your eyes open the whole time. Take the power back.”

  Verity smiled and nodded, “Okay. Let’s try it. You only have three minute showers anyway, so it should be quick and easy.”

  “I’ve never had a shower with anyone before. I assume it’ll be weird because we’re in there washing our privates, but there’s a shower tap at each end. I want to help you get over your fear of showering with someone. It might turn out to be something you could enjoy and make use of in your life.”

  Verity moved off the bed and offered Adrian her hand. They walked to the shower together and took an end each. They stood with their backs to each other as they washed themselves. Verity looked over her shoulder a couple of times and he was still facing the other way. She took a deep breath, “I’m coming over.”

  Adrian turned and looked at her. He held out his hand to her and Verity took it. She stood next to him and looked at his
wet face. He smiled. Verity smiled too. She stood on her toes and kissed him, and he wrapped his arms around her. She closed her eyes. It was Adrian, and he was a good kisser with a strong body and it felt good to be wet with him. The shower was no longer scary. Verity took the soap from his hand and used it on his body. He smiled and took it back and lathered his hands to wash her too. They kissed under the water and touched each other with slippery hands. It was very arousing but they decided to behave to a degree.

  Verity blow dried her hair and Adrian went to get dressed. He came back and stood beside her at the two sinks in front of the mirror. “This is very educational.”

  “Watching me dry my hair, or the way I wrap my towel?” Verity asked, “I thought it would be a bit hard to explain to Brandon and Jen why it was wet.”

  “So you just want to play it cool here tonight?” Adrian asked.

  “They’re your work colleagues, so I don’t know how much you want them to know about your private life. I don’t want them to think I’m just someone you picked up off the street either, but however you want to handle it is fine by me.”

  “I met you last November in a club. That’s true. We had a one-night stand. That’s also true.”

  “And you also saved my life, put me through a six week training course for self-defence, had a planned spontaneous sexual encounter in my apartment, and gave me advice on what underwear to buy to make my bizarre boss happy.”

  Adrian laughed, “How’s that boss thing going?”

  “As I told you at the time, I think him giving me a five hundred dollar gift card to an exclusive lingerie shop so that I can buy work underwear is bizarre. He does and says a number of bizarre things, actually. But he’s fascinating to watch and to listen to, he pays me really well, and he’s training me how to be a Chief Officer. I’d like to get to that level one day. I’m young, I know, but that’s where I’d like to be one day, at that level.” Verity put the hairdryer away and went to find her clothes. She didn’t want to talk about the other things that Jake had her do for him right now. She turned and looked at Adrian who had his back to her. She smiled, “You’ve seen me naked.”

  “I know, but you’re getting dressed. I’m trying to be a gentleman.”