by Amy Brent
“One thing she can tell you is that she is here with me, and you need to stay the hell away from her.” They both turned to see Brad standing in the doorway, scowling.
She felt the tension in the air go up a notch as she watched the two of them size each other up. She could only hope he had missed the kiss.
“Lynn, now that we are friends please tell me you don’t know this piece of…” He trailed off as Brad stepped towards him, causing her to jump into action.
“Whoa whoa, ok you two enough.” She turned her back to Jessie, and focused on Brad.
“Let’s just go Brad, let’s just go home.” She moved to walk towards the door, jumping as she went.
As they settled into the car she knew he was angry. It’s not as if she had done anything wrong, at least nothing she could think of. She waited, knowing he would tell her when he was ready to. She felt her face flaming, mainly because when her back was turned to him, Jessie had taken the opportunity to let his fingers grace her exposed back, causing her to jump.
“Lynn, that guy is a piece of work, and he is no good. Remember the fight I had two weeks ago?” He waited for her nod. “Well he is the ass who jumped me… out of the blue and for no reason at all except I was in the same general area that he was in.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Stay away from him Lynne, he is bad news. What the hell were you doing with him out there anyway?”
She felt the burn of anger rise up slowly from her stomach. “Jessie, really? I went out there to get some air and he was there. I didn’t want to talk to him tonight but I didn’t have much choice did I. Besides, maybe you are overreacting just a little.”
Some part of her knew that was going to make it worse. Instead of responding, he simply pulled into her apartment letting her out. No goodbye he spun out and left her standing outside.
“Gee thanks for making sure I got in ok.” She whispered it to herself, hating the way the tears sprang to her eyes.
Jessie
He couldn’t help shake the feeling he had about her. Not his usual type, not even close, but she was still beautiful. Everything about her seemed different, certainly not like any of the women he was attracted to. Perhaps it was the cat and mouse game, or her indifference to him that made him want to see her again. Whatever it was he found it very interesting. Maybe it was the kiss, something he rarely did so spontaneously. The only bad thing in the whole mix was Brad Falcor. He was a sonofabitch who had a squeaky clean demeanor and perfect image on the outside but Jessie knew him differently, he knew of the black hole in his chest he called a heart.
He shook his head doing his best to not focus on him. It would only piss him off, and then he would do something stupid, like go to his house. After the falling out years ago he knew better than to let Brad get under his skin, if for any other reason than to not give him the satisfaction of ruining his career.
She was definitely too good for him. What man would just leave his date alone to fend for themselves anyway? He frowned thinking about how he had learned to avoid that situation entirely by never bringing anyone with him to those events. She had looked a little lost out there, standing alone and something made him want to reach out and pull the pin out of her hair and let it all fall around her.
He sat up with a star. “What the hell is wrong with me?” He spoke it aloud, shaking off whatever path he had been traveling down with that train of thought. She was just a girl, and not one he should be messing with anyway. Not because of any reason other than her boyfriend. He had to wonder just how serious they were though.
The afternoon sped by and he found himself immersed in the strategy for the next game. It was a full time thing, always trying to improve yourself, and always doing your best to keep the fans happy. He had a game with Brad’s team on Friday, and it was a rivalry that was outmatched. It was also his favorite game of the year. Nothing felt better than beating the rival team. They were about evenly matched but his grudge with Brad always pushed him to be on top of his game.
He let his thoughts drift to her again, and he smiled as he flicked the screen on his phone and silently dialed the number for The Times. It only took a little smoozing, but he was sent to her line quickly enough. He smiled when he heard her pick up on the other end.
“Lynn Alexander, how can I help you?” She was obviously busy, he could hear her rustling in the background and the telltale click of a keyboard.
“I’m not sure yet, you are quite a mystery Lynn Alexander.” He said it simply enough but he felt a sense of satisfaction in hearing all activity stopping on the other end.
“Who is this?”
“It’s Jessie, we met the other night… at the party.” He waited, still grinning.
“Oh yes, I see. What can I do for you Mr.… she trailed off?”
He sat up in his chair “Randolph… don’t tell me your memory is going at such a young age Lynn.”
“On the contrary, Mr. Randolph I tend to only remember things that are important. As I said what can I do for you?”
He felt the same discontent from before. She really didn’t like him at all. “I’d like to meet with you. I want to clear the air about me and… your boyfriend.”
He heard her clear her throat. “I really can’t do that Mr. Randolph, I’m afraid.”
There was a hint of something else there, as if she wasn’t being totally honest about her reasons. He never had to push this much before, but he continued on anyway.
“Still, that’s what I’d like to discuss. I’d like to apologize, and explain… please.”
“I have to ask you Mr. Randolph is that the first time you have ever had to say please?” When he didn’t respond right away he could hear a slight tinge of laughter in her voice.
“Well, since you said please and everything, then fine I’ll meet with you. Just tell me when and where.”
In my bed, and now. He wanted to say it, but he knew better. “1 o’clock. I’ll meet you at Tratorio’s. It’s near your office.”
He didn’t wait for a response, instead he hung up, before she found a way to get out of it. Lunch would prove to be an interesting affair after all.
Lynn
What had she done? She glanced down at the phone on her desk and the first stirrings of guilt crept in. Brad would be upset, angry even if he found out she was meeting Jessie Randolph. Truth be told she wasn’t even sure why she was meeting with him, but she had said yes and now she was committed. Eventually curiosity got the best of her, and she did a little research about her lunch date. Sometime later she went through her day, idly writing the latest column and wen the time came she made her way out of the building and across the street to lunch.
She didn’t give a care in the world what he thought of her, and she didn’t take the time to do make -up or anything so she was there, on time and exactly 1. He wasn’t hard to find, his height made him the first things she saw when she walked in. He gave her a smile and a nod, and she maneuvered her way across the room to him. He stood, moving around her to pull out her chair which made her blush.
“You pull out chairs and everything.” She arched a brow at him. “I’m impressed.”
“I may play football for a living, but I am not a Neanderthal.” He gave her a wicked smile as he settled back into his seat.
“We will see.” She retorted back, her blue eyes glittering as they met his.
The waiter came, taking a drink order and she ordered water as usual. She knew better than to look at the menu, she was on a very strict diet of watercress and cucumbers. She would order a side salad no dressing and be careful about dinner. She pushed the menu to the edge of the table, and sat back her eyes focused on Jessie.
He was studying the menu hard, and she had an opportunity to really have a good look at him. He was broader than she remembered, and more than just a little good looking. She watched his hair fall on his face as he flipped page after page. She noticed how he flexed with every move and she hated herself for being attracted to him at all. He looked up at
her and gave her a half grin, obviously enjoying the fact that she had been looking at him. Fortunately, the waiter came.
“You two are just adorable. What can I get you two sweethearts for lunch?”
She felt her cheeks burning, and yet he didn’t miss a beat.
“Have you decided sweetheart?” He blinked at her rapidly batting his eyes in her direction.
She cleared her throat. “Garden salad please, no dressing.”
“What about for you honey?” The waiter practically oozed appreciation for Jessie.
“I’ll take the lasagna, and bread. No salad for me though.” He handed the waiter the menu and she felt his eyes on her.
“Ok, I’m here, feel free to share with me whenever you are ready.” She paused as the waiter came back with a basket of bread, placing it directly in front of her. She sighed as she moved it across the table to him.
“So, you don’t eat bread or real food? How do you manage to have enough energy to show such distaste for me?” He smiled at her, which she halfheartedly returned.
“I eat food, thank you, just not like that.” She methodically placed her hands in her lap. Doing her best to avoid eye contact with him, it was more than a little unnerving.
“Well, I have to admit I enjoy your company Lynne, you keep me guessing what you will say next, which I thoroughly enjoy.”
“I am glad I amuse you Mr. Randolph. Now if you would be so kind to tell me what I am doing here?” She was trying not to look at him, or be drawn into his stare.
“How long have you been with Brad?” He was watching her again, and she felt the familiar rush of heat creep into her face.
“That’s none of your business Randolph.” She subconsciously played with the fork to her left.
“True, it’s not, but I want to know what I am up against.” He smiled as the waiter brought their food, and set the spread out before them.
She waited for the waiter to leave, more confused now than ever. She watched him put a thick smear of butter on his bread. She visibly heard her stomach growl. That only made her blush more.
“A year and a half, I don’t understand what you mean.” She set out slicing and dicing her salad adding black pepper and nibbling on it as she waited for his response.
“I think you do, if you think about it.” He never broke stride, eating with gusto and frowning as she ate her salad. “You are killing me sweetheart, here.” He handed her some bread which she eyeballed before taking it from him.
She picked at it, never really taking a bite of it. Bread was always her weakness, and she knew it.
“What do you want from me exactly Randolph, since we are so good and being honest with each other that is?”
“So you want me to be more specific then?” He smiled as she gave him a nod in agreement. “Well that’s easy enough sweetheart. See I want you.” He took a bite of the lasagna on his plate, swallowing it before he went on, never once looking up at her. “I want you naked, and in my bed… I want to run my hands over every inch of you until neither of us can take it anymore and then.” He paused looking into her face, his fork poised. “…and only then, I want to bury myself deep inside you, and not stopping until you beg me to let you hit your peak.”
She felt her body tremble with each word as he went on and on in great detail what he wanted. One thing was certain he wasn’t shy about anything. She also knew he was lying. He carried an air of confidence, but the truth of the matter was she simply didn’t believe him. She took another bite of her salad and moved to grab her jacket. Perhaps he didn’t know when he was being cruel, or mean. She felt her face flaming as she stood to go. Finally, she noticed the frown on his face.
“Where are you going Lynne?” He sat back and crossed his arms as he gave her a once over from head to toe.
“It’s not funny you know? You should be more mindful of what you say to people, especially when it’s hurtful.” She spun around to leave, taking long strides to get to the door, so that she could go back to work.
As she went back into her building she decided to just go how instead, calling her editor quickly, letting him know she was going home sick. Guys like him were always doing that, flirting with the big girl who they thought would fall all over them. She had been the brunt of that joke on more occasions than she could count on one had. T was humiliating, and it hurt. It was difficult enough to be with Brad, always trying to conform to the standards necessary. Sometimes she had to ask herself why he was with her in the first place.
She pulled into their apartment complex, more determined now than ever to lose weight, and fast. She silently cursed herself for eating the stupid bread. She slung her keys on the counter and she kicked off her shoes, throwing them onto the floor. He had a lot of nerve, and it made her even angrier how confidently he had delivered it. It was almost too real. She was still thinking when she heard the knock at her door.
She swung it open and glared at the person standing there.
“What the hell are you doing here Randolph, and how do you even know where I live?” She was furious and wasn’t quite sure what to do with the anger.
He didn’t say a word, but instead he walked in, kicking the door shut behind him. He pulled her to him his lips grinding into hers almost painfully. He kissed her hard and deep, taking her breath away. He pushed her then, until she felt the wall pressing against her back and he moved the length of him against her. She kissed him back, almost feverishly. Something was controlling her actions, she certainly didn’t know what was happening.
He moved back once to smile at her wickedly before his mouth made a decent on hers once more. He was everywhere at once his hands burning her skin as they traveled down her body and caressed her every curve. She heard a low moan in his throat as he nipped at her neck. She felt the air hit her breasts as he opened her shirt, exposing her. The nipples tightened as he ripped off her bra in one fell swoop, his hot mouth eagerly suckling at first one and then the other.
She was lost in the heated daze she was under. His mouth was alive, burning her, and she loved it. She felt his hands cup her breasts in one hand pulling it up closer to his mouth. Finally, she opened her eyes and blinked at him, suddenly regaining her senses. She tensed up, moving and shifting until she had escaped him. She was holding her shirt together and wiping her mouth with her other hand.
“What the hell was that Randolph?” She knew she was blushing, everything in her body was on fire after all.
“I am trying to show you that I was sincere Lynn, I do want you.” He took her hand in his then, pressing it against the rock hard length of him that was obviously excited.
She pulled back then, her body still throbbing from the excitement he had given her. Brad never… Oh God Brad. She felt the guilt roll in in waves. She had lost herself for a moment there, and much more and she would have succumbed to anything Randolph asked her for.
“This.” She gestured between them. “This can’t happen.” She lifted her eyes to his.
“Do you like when I touch you Lynne? I want the truth; don’t lie to me I’ll know.” He moved then just enough to look down at her.
“Yes… I’d be stupid if I said no. It’s just too much at once.” She said her voice wavering slightly.
“Too much? Oh my sweet Lynne I haven’t even gotten started with you.”
“Why are you doing this Randolph? I know I’m not your type, blonde and thin. I don’t understand your angle?” She waited for a response.
“What am I doing what? Try to seduce you? Uh well because I want you Lynne just like I said at the restaurant.” He frowned. “By the way I don’t like blonde and skinny, I prefer my women to have a little meat on their bones sweetheart.” He leaned into the door, and she could tell he meant it.
“I see…” She trailed off still not believing him.
“No you don’t that’s the problem. You don’t see you.” He took her by the hand and spun her around to face her reflection in the mirror.
“You, Lynne, are bea
utiful.” He stood there his hands moving once more to touch her. She felt a tear slip down her face as he moved back the hair from her face.
She felt something different stir deep down. He was a bad boy, always in trouble with the police. He had been in an altercation a few years back, broke a guy’s nose and been in jail. He was dominating and arrogant but in this moment, right now he was sweet.
His hands moved over her once more. Quietly he stripped her of her clothing, leaving only her panties on, his hands burning a path as he went. She felt his touch and was lost in the moment with him, wanting and waiting for more. He kissed the nape of her neck, his hands both slipping up from behind her to cup a breast in each hand. He gently tugged playfully on her nipples, causing her to feel a sweet ache begin deep down.
His touch was intoxicating as he slowly moved lower and lower until his hand found the juncture of her thighs. He moved his fingers carefully, and agonizingly slowly under her panties until they touched the core of her, causing her to whimper and arch up against his hand.
“That’s it baby, feel me.” He moved, rubbing his hand against the tiny button until she felt her knees start to tremble.
“I can’t.” She whispered. Feeling him move now and turn her around to face him. He kissed her deeply, only pulling away to pull her with him to the bedroom.
She hesitated, looking at him. If she followed him she was opening herself up to being exposed even more. She wanted to believe that he was sincere, that he wouldn’t look at her and make her feel like there was something wrong with her. It had been so long since anyone even noticed who she was, and what she wanted.
He held his hand out to her and she took it, moving with him into the room.
“Get on the bed Lynne, I want you.” He said it with such determination she did as he asked.
She heard his swift intake of air as she crawled across the bed and slowly laid on her back, but up on her elbows. He was standing there, watching her. She felt heat rush through her, and instinctively she pulled the blanket over her to cover her exposed skin. He wouldn’t allow it, quickly grabbing it and throwing it on the floor.