He leaned in a bit closer. I could feel my heartbeat quicken. "You're quite adorable, Miss Shannon."
I smiled, starting to feel tingling sensations focusing on one area in particular. I wanted this man. Maybe it was the four Cosmos talking or everything I had been through that day, but I suddenly had the urge to say, "Do you want to get out of here?"
He looked at me, his eyes not giving anything away. "Absolutely."
He downed the rest of his drink and slid off his stool. He offered his arm to me. I rested my hand on it, feeling the hard bulk of muscle as I smoothly dropped my feet to the ground. I put my jacket on, covering my white strapless dress, and followed him to the exit. Where were we going? Then I thought, oh my god, what if he wants to kill me? Would they make a Lifetime movie out of my life? Sweet blonde gets abducted and murdered the day her fiancé breaks off their engagement. You couldn't make that shit up.
We stepped out together into the night. I really didn't even know what time it was. I was guessing ten or eleven? He pulled me from my thoughts as he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me to face him. His lips were two inches from mine. I felt like could just melt into a puddle in his arms.
"I'm going to kiss you now, Shannon," he said. His voice was deep and sexy.
"Mm-hmm," was all I could say in return.
He moved forward the two inches, closing the gap between us. I moaned as his lips pressed against mine. It was so foreign- another man's lips. But it felt amazing. I felt alive and desired. He pulled back slowly, rubbing his nose with mine.
"Let's catch a cab. Want to go to my place?"
I nodded my head yes. He smiled, grabbing my hand and leading me to a waiting cab at the curb.
"Twelve hundred Grandview," he told the driver. Ooh, I knew where that was. I felt slightly more at ease knowing that I wouldn't end up in a back alley somewhere. But at this point, my drinks had fully kicked in, allowing me not to have a care in the world.
We pulled up in front of his building and quickly exited the cab. He held my hand as we rode the elevator up to his floor. I just kept my eyes down; I wasn't sure what to say or do. I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Will we have sex? Obviously. Will he expect me to leave? How would that make me feel?
I told my inner monologue to shut the hell up and just enjoy the moment.
We stepped off the elevator and walked down a narrow hallway, coming to a halt at his blue door. He smiled at me as he unlocked it, pushing it open. He motioned for me to go first.
I stepped in, trying to take in my surroundings. It was a nice but small apartment, definitely a bachelor pad. It was filled with big heavy leather furniture and sports memorabilia. It even smelled manly. I felt his hand on my back, leading me down a short hallway. He pushed the door open to his bedroom. Ok, we're just going to get right to it then. I suddenly got nervous. What if I was terrible at this? I had only been with one other person before.
I turned to face Quinn, clasping my hands together behind my back. "So, what do we do now?" I asked. I could see the answer in his eyes.
He grabbed my face in his hands. "Now, we fuck." He bent down and kissed me again, his mouth devouring mine.
I was completely shocked at his words, but surprisingly really turned on. I wrapped my arms around the back of his neck, enjoying feeling the broadness of his body. His hands moved from my face, down my back, and to my thighs. He started lifting my dress up. My skin practically burned under his touch. His fingers moved closer and closer to my sex, creating a throbbing sensation as my blood rushed there. His hands skimmed my satin panties; he reached a finger in, pulling them quickly down my legs.
He helped me step out of them and then picked me up, swiftly setting me on the bed.
And that's where things got really fuzzy. The next thing I knew, I woke up, in a strange room, in a strange bed, next to a strange man. My head was pounding. I lifted the sheet. Holy shit, I was naked. I must have had sex, right? I strained, trying to remember any details, but nothing was coming to me. I wanted to get out of there immediately.
I slid out of the bed, and found my clothes on the floor. Luckily everything was in one spot. Thank god, there was my purse. I leafed through my wallet quickly, money and credit cards all accounted for. I grabbed the pile of clothes and stepped across the hall to a bathroom. I put back on my bra and panties, and then my dress. I looked more messed up than I had at the bar... but in a good way. My shadow of sadness was gone. I tried to make my hair look like I hadn't just been fucked. I groaned. Damn, I wish I remembered more!
I carried my shoes in my hands and tip toed out the front door into the hallway. I shut the door quietly and exhaled. Whew, now I felt like I could make noise. I dropped the heels onto the floor and not so gracefully stepped into them. I moved quickly into the elevator when the doors opened. Oh great, there was another couple already inside.
I felt their eyes on me; I started to feel really uncomfortable. It was seven a.m. on a Sunday, and I was obviously wearing last night's clothes. I pulled my phone out of my purse, just trying to keep my head down. I turned it on. A picture of Quinn's face looking up at me from between my legs flashed through my brain. I shifted uncomfortably as a bolt of electricity traveled straight to my groin. That's right, that happened, and it had felt really good.
The car finally arrived at the ground floor. I stepped out, thankful not to be judged by those people any more. I dismissed all the texts and missed calls on my phone and brought up the GPS. Where on earth was I? I waited for the app to bring up my location. Grandview, huh? That was only two blocks from my apartment. But there was absolutely no way I could go there now.
I could only think of one place to go. I reluctantly dialed Carrie's number. She is going to be so pissed at me, I thought.
"Oh my god, Shannon! Where the hell have you been?" she cried.
I cringed. "Well hello to you," I mumbled.
"No, you don't get to just disappear after what happened and expect me not to be upset! Are you ok?"
She was so overprotective. "Yes, yes, I'm fine. I just... need a place to go. Can I come over?" I asked, pushing my dress down, fighting the strong breeze.
She sighed. "Yes, come over. Where are you now?"
I didn't want to admit to her what I had done. Another flash of Quinn's broad chest hovering over me ran through my mind. I hoped pieces of the night would continue to come back.
"I'm at a friend's. I'll catch a cab. I'll be there soon," I said quickly. "Thanks, sis."
Her voice was softer now. "No problem. See you soon."
I hung up and called my usual cab company. There weren't very many cabs waiting on the streets on a Sunday morning. I waited in front of the building, completely sure every person walking by knew what I did last night. I just wished I fully knew.
Carrie was waiting for me out in front of her house when I pulled up. I paid the driver and stepped out. Ugh, now she was going to know what I did. She stood with her arms crossed, a glare in her eye. I kept my head down until I got to the porch. When I reached her, I took one look up and started crying. All my emotions came flooding to the surface. I felt her arms wrap around me.
"Here, let's go inside," she murmured.
I shook my head yes, following her in.
"I'm sorry," I said as we sat at her dining room table. I wiped away my tears. Get it together, I told myself. She had two mugs of coffee already set out. She was definitely my organized, well prepared, always good at everything, sister.
"Just tell me what happened last night. You made that announcement and then just took off."
I grimaced, recalling that part of the evening. "I went to a bar." I peeked up at her with one eye. I could see her take a deep breath.
"And judging by the fact that you're wearing the same clothes as yesterday, you obviously didn't go home." Her eyes didn't blink. Judgment.
I laughed spitefully. "Um no, there's no way I can go back there."
"Ok, so where did you go?" Again, with the eyes. I kept
mine on my coffee just to avoid her.
I crossed my legs under the table. Wait a minute, why was I so embarrassed? I was an adult. I boldly brought my eyes to hers. "I went home with someone. And I had fun. And I would do it again."
Well I would maybe change a few things about how the night went. I would want more control over the situation, and to be better prepared for the morning. But the drinking, and the bar scene in general had been so fun! And the sexy banter, and having drinks bought for me? Why had I been missing out on this all this time? I found myself getting excited for the next time I could go out. I was hooked.
Her eyes widened. "Were you safe? Did you use protection?"
"Yes of course!" I lied. I had no idea.
Wait, I suddenly remembered my hand around his dick, rolling down a condom. I remembered thinking it was much bigger than Josh's. I let out a small giggle.
"What's so funny?" Carrie asked.
"Nothing." I clasped my hand over my mouth. I had also suddenly remembered rating Quinn a nine and comparing him to Josh. I decided I would only give him a five.
She brought her coffee to her lips, eyeing me skeptically.
"What?" I cried. "I'm ok, I promise. In fact, it may be safe to say I've never been better."
She pursed her lips. "Well what are you going to do now?"
I sat quietly for a moment, letting that thought sink in. All I knew was that I couldn't stay in Minneapolis. I needed a fresh start. Maybe I could get a job as a bartender? As much as I loved my elderly patrons, I wanted to be a part of that scene I experienced last night. I felt the excitement building in my chest.
"Can I use your computer?" I asked excitedly.
"What for?"
"I need to find a new place to live."
Chapter 7
September
"So, do you think our genius plan will work?" I asked Johnny, finishing up my final duties for my shift. It was Sunday night, which was typically a pretty boring shift. But football had started, so a majority of the seats had been filled all day.
He grinned. "I don't know. I hope so. Did you see the sparks between them the other night?"
"Yes! They were both so obvious. But of course Lacey totally downplayed it when I asked her about it after he left."
Just then, the front door whipped open, and in walked Lacey. I had just seen her a few hours ago; she had worked the afternoon shift.
"Hey Lacey, couldn't get enough of us, could ya?" laughed Johnny.
"You know it!" she smiled as she took a seat.
"What'll it be?" he asked.
"Oh, I'm thinking it's an apple martini kind of night," she answered.
That sounded good. Plus, this would be the perfect opportunity to get to know her better. And perhaps nudge her in the right direction with Ben...
"Ooh, make that two, Johnny!" I called as I took the seat next to her. "I just got off. Did you have a good night?"
A huge grin spread across her face. "I did actually. I went shopping for a couch." She seemed to hesitate for a second, but then she finished, "With Ben."
I had been facing mostly forward, but her words made me whip my head around to look at her. "Ben Anderson? Why did you go couch shopping with him?" Holy crap, it had worked! I was trying as hard as possible to contain my grin.
She looked mildly embarrassed, but I could tell she was excited. "Well, he came in when I was working, and asked if I wanted company while I shopped. And I said yes," she smiled shyly.
I wanted to hug her, but I restrained myself. I tried to play it cool. "Oh my gosh! I thought he had a girlfriend." Yeah, a cheating bitch of a girlfriend.
"Well he does," she answered quickly. "Apparently she gave him an ultimatum, though, and is essentially demanding he propose."
Very interesting. Maybe I should tell him what I saw. I wouldn't want him to make that sort of commitment to a person who was already unfaithful.
"Besides, we just were going as friends. I like him, he's cool," she added.
Come on now. I looked at her, smirking. "Um, no. He obviously likes you! What guy offers to go furniture shopping with a girl he's not interested in?"
Johnny came over with our drinks. "Here you are, ladies."
"Thanks Johnny," Lacey smiled.
I couldn't wait to share the news with him. "Guess who Lacey spent time with today!" I cried. "Ben Anderson!"
Johnny smiled, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. He was good at playing it cool. "Really? Well that's nice, Ben's a good guy."
"It was just as friends," Lacey defended quickly. "I know he has a girlfriend or fiancée or whatever she is."
"Well that doesn't mean you guys can't be friends," he reasoned.
"I know," she sighed, leaning her head in her hand and supporting herself with her elbow on the bar. "And friends are what I need right now."
I felt her pain. It was not that long ago that I was in her shoes.
"See, it's perfect! And we're your friends too, right Johnny!" I cried.
"Definitely," he replied with a smile. "Well you girls enjoy your drinks. I'll check back in a bit." He walked over to the other end of the bar.
I took a large gulp of my drink. Delicious. Johnny made the best martinis.
"So do you have a boyfriend, Shannon?" Lacey asked.
I wanted to say, god no, but I didn't feel like explaining my story just yet. I tried to play it off by saying, "No one special right now. I'm a single lady." I wiggled my hand back and forth like Beyonce.
She nodded her head, taking a sip.
Time to deflect. "Let's do a shot!" I cried. I ran back behind the bar, and grabbed the items for a Lemon Drop.
"Ok," she said.
I quickly poured the shots and handed her a lemon wedge. "To being single ladies," I cheered.
We both tipped our heads back. As I sucked on my lemon, I caught sight of Lacey grimacing. "Oh, you're gonna have to get better at taking shots if you're going to be a bartender," I laughed.
She grabbed her martini, trying to chase the shot down. "Yeah, you're right," she grinned.
We sat there talking for a while, and I filled her in on what to do in her new city. I wanted to help her feel as comfortable as possible; it wasn't all that long ago that Jamie and I had this conversation. Johnny just continued to bring us drinks, and I insisted on showing her new shots to try.
"Here, lightweight! It's a Dirty Girl Scout, it's good," I said, forcing the glass in her hand.
She grinned, throwing her head back, then finished the rest of her second martini. "Oh you're right! That was a good one! You would never steer me wrong," she smiled lazily at me.
Uh-oh. I got my new friend drunk. "Which is why your next drink is going to be a water," I said, brushing the hair from her eyes. Her cheeks were bright pink. "You are such a lightweight!"
"What can I say? It's a blessing and a curse. It definitely doesn't take much."
My tolerance had gone significantly up since moving here, but I remembered the days where just a few shots could push me over the edge.
Lacey started to hiccup. "Oh no, I hate the hiccups!" She clasped her hands over her mouth, holding her breath.
I grabbed a glass, filling it with ice water. I didn't want to be holding her hair back later. "Here Lace, here's some water. You're not feeling sick, are you?"
Hiccup. "No, not yet. I just wish these damn hiccups would go away!" she pouted.
"Ok, well let me know if you do, I'll get you home," I smiled.
My eyes widened as a man came up, sitting in the stool directly next to her. It was Ben. Seriously, these two were like magnets.
Lacey spun on her stool. "Ben! What are you doing here?" she cried, pushing her index finger into his chest.
"I needed a drink," he sighed. "I had dinner with my family."
He looked completely stressed out. Had he found out about his girlfriend yet?
Lacey picked up her water. "Oooooh, I see," she said exaggeratedly.
God, she was so drunk.
&nb
sp; "And how many drinks have you had?" he asked, smiling.
"Just two."
Liar.
"But I also had a few shots."
Good girl. Maybe having some liquor in her system would loosen her up to make a move on him. I suddenly felt like I should give them time alone.
"Yeah, I didn't realize our new bartender couldn't handle her drinks," I teased.
She glared at me, jokingly. "I'm not drunk!" she exclaimed. "Just delightfully tipsy."
I shuffled off my stool. "Well, it's about time I head home. Are you going to be ok?" I asked Lacey quietly.
"Yeah, I've got my water," she replied, her bright blue eyes staring up at me innocently.
"I meant are you going to be ok if I leave you alone with hot stuff?" I whispered, bumping her with my elbow.
"Oh my gosh, yes!" she hissed. "We are friends!"
Sure. Friends. Sweet bird. I couldn't wait until I saw her again to see how the rest of the night went.
"Alright then. Well good night Johnny, Ben."
They called out good night as I headed out the door. I was excited for Lacey, but I couldn't shake this empty feeling inside. I decided it would be a waste to just go home after the drinks I had. I wanted the company of another person for the night. I drove back to my apartment, threw clothes and shoes in my Lucky Bag, and caught a cab to Barry and Will's, a popular sports bar. I was hoping to find a guy who had been drinking and watching football all day, and was at a point where he would make a bad decision or two.
It was already nine thirty, and the football game would probably be over about ten or ten thirty. I needed to make my move fast. I walked in to the loud spacious room, with ten big screens surrounding the walls. My eyes scanned the packed bar area. Who looked the most likely yet still attractive? I didn't want to go with a group; I wanted to find someone either alone or with just one other person. No, no, no, maybe, no, ooh, yes. There, with the glasses. He looked like a guy I could find in a coffee shop. He was good looking, had those ironic looking hipster glasses, and was wearing a Vikings jersey. He looked like he was getting a little sloppy, and was just hanging out with his buddy. Oh, and the spot next to him just opened up. Perfect!
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