One Night Stand

by Corina Eichholz

  Axel

  I COULDN’T BELIEVE IT, EVEN after she’d stepped into the cab, disappearing from my life again, that she was real, that she was here. The brunette Goddess that had walked into my life that day when I was visiting family back home in Munich and then disappeared just as fast. She was back here in my life. I was in shock. When I felt her small hand brush against my arm and turned to look at who was speaking to me, she was the last person on my mind. Girls often came up to talk to me, especially when I was at work, this was where I met most of the girls that I took home but she wasn’t like them. Her big, warm, chocolate brown eyes had widened in shock and looked just as startled as I believe mine had looked. She was breathtaking, I couldn’t get over how stunningly beautiful she was, without even trying. In her white V-neck that highlighted her ample cleavage without bragging and tight jeans that hugged her curves and perfectly rounded ass. I quickly stopped checking her out and focused on her face, those big brown eyes, surrounded by long dark lashes that made them look even bigger, and her cute, perfect little nose and her round plump lips that sparkled with pink gloss that made them look simply edible.

  I wanted to feel those lips against mine again so badly but I had to restrain myself. I couldn’t do this here or now. But God, I wanted to. I never wanted anything as badly as I wanted her, she ruined me that night and she was all I could think about ever since. Sex wasn’t the same anymore; I always compared everyone else to that one mind-blowing night with her and nothing compared or even came close. I’d think about her and replay our night in my mind when I fucked other girls but still it didn’t help. I wanted her; no, I needed her and here she was. What were the chances? Things like this didn’t happen, it had to be fate, a sign that this was meant to be. To be what, I didn’t know but there was a reason for all of this, I knew it and I was going to figure it out.

  We both just stared at each other for what felt like an eternity until some blonde started shrieking and brought us back to reality. I was listening to the girls talking but my attention was fully on the goddess, Leah, her friend had shrilled. Her friend was driving me crazy and from the pained expression on Leah’s face, she felt the same. I immediately disliked her friend not only for interrupting the moment Leah and I were having but for leaving Leah all by herself, for some guy.

  I didn’t like the idea of this beautiful woman going into a taxi alone late at night. That made me uncomfortable and I would have driven her home right now if I didn’t have to work still. When Leah smiled that breathtaking smile at me, it was as if the world stopped turning and time stood still, I could get lost in that smile of hers. I’d rubbed her arm as I held her close to me and her skin felt just as soft as I had remembered, if not softer. God, I wanted her so bad.

  She took my number, shoving it into her pocket and left me, going into the waiting cab. Most girls would have jumped at my offer. Hell, I’d never had a girl say no to me before, which just reminded me that Leah wasn’t like any other girl I’d ever met. She had changed everything for me that night in Munich. She had come out of nowhere, taken me back to her room and gave me the best night of my life. Then when it was over, she just about kicked me out.

  Yeah, I’d had many, many one night stands but never had I tried to be intimate with a girl after, only to get rejected and never had one kicked me out after the deed was done. That was what I always did and having it done to me, had made me think about myself and how I treated women and I didn’t like what I saw. Leah had changed me and now I made it clear before I hooked up with anyone that it was just a one night deal. Surprisingly, they still kept coming at me, which I found strange, but at least I had peace of mind now.

  “Hey Axel,” Ashley said, coming up to me. We’d fucked once in the past but I’d stopped because I felt that she was getting too clingy but that hadn’t stopped her from continuously showing up when I was working and throwing herself at me. Ashley was a bleach blonde, easy booty call but I really didn’t want any of that, especially now. Now, I knew there was a chance for me to have the woman I couldn’t get out of my head and I was going to go all-in, for the first time. A first for me.

  “Hi Ashley,” I said dryly, I was not in the least bit interested and I wanted to keep thinking about Leah and how beautiful she looked when she smiled at me.

  “So, you’re getting off soon.” She grinned, pressing her boobs on to me. I backed up a step to create some distance but she didn’t get the hint. “Let’s go have some fun.” She winked and this time I lightly pushed her off me.

  “No, Ashley,” I told her disgusted. How had I slept with her in the past was beyond me. She was dressed so trashy and you could read “easy lay,” like it was written across her forehead. Which is probably why I’d done it before, but now, she just looked gross to me. She pouted at me but it did nothing for me.

  “Come on Axel, we had fun. Let’s do it again, for old time’s sake,” she said, not giving up.

  “I’m not interested,” I told her, looking at my phone. I was done and I was getting the hell out of here. She grabbed my arm but I pulled away, not caring if I hurt her feelings. “I’m clocking out and then I’m going home,” I told her. “Alone,” I finished, letting the words ring out loud and clear. I went back into the club to clock out and when I came back out, she was gone, thank God.

  The drive home to my apartment was only five minutes and I was so grateful for that, I was exhausted and still so confused about seeing Leah. I got into bed and checked my phone; it was already four a.m. and I still didn’t have any messages or missed calls from Leah. I was really hoping she’d message me so I’d know she got home safe.

  Why was I so worried about her? I didn’t even know anything about her besides the fact that she was mind-blowing in the sack. I also couldn’t believe she hadn’t messaged me, no girl had ever not jumped all over the chance of getting to talk to me when I gave out my number. It further showed me how different Leah was to other girls. Only now I wished she wasn’t so different, that she’d just message me and let me know how she was doing. That she’d give me a clue if she was as interested in me as I was in her. Because honestly, I had no clue if she was interested in me or if I was just some stupid one night stand to her.

  WHEN I FINALLY GOT INTO my bed, I was not only utterly exhausted but emotionally drained, confused and pissed off. I still couldn’t believe he was here or that I had his number on a napkin beside my bed! How could this be? But I guess that didn’t matter, what mattered most was what I would do now?

  I was so pissed at Chelsea for dragging me to that bar and leaving me for a guy. I was even more angry that if she hadn’t, I could have kept on living with perfect day dreams of my green-eyed man but now he was here and it was all real. What would I do about Chris? I still felt guilty about it all. And Axel! How do I handle that situation? There was no denying how sexually attracted I was to him and how much I dreamed of having one more night with him but I wasn’t that kind of girl. He clearly thought I was but there was no chance that was happening. So that left me with one option. Don’t tell Chris, avoid Axel and keep going on with life as usual. Just because Axel was living in the same city as me, didn’t mean I’d ever see him again, we had never crossed paths before, so the chances were slim right? I really hoped they were because I didn’t want my life getting any more complicated.

  I woke up cursing Chelsea. My head was pounding and I had to get to clinical. I usually loved clinical because it was all hands-on experience. I got to be out in the field and get a head start on what I’d always wanted to do. I jumped in the shower trying to wash off all the grime of last night and then put on my clothes for clinical. Running out the door I was thankful that it was only a ten minute walk away. It was mostly by appointment only but every now and then we would get a walk-in which was always exciting.

  I waited for my two o’clock to show up for his appointment but as usual he was late. Finally, the door rang and in walked Brody Adams, smiling his signature cocky smile. He was the star quarterback on the
school’s football team. He had a rupture in his tendon and had been coming in twice a week since then to work on stretching it and getting back into top shape. I had even created a recovery program for him to do daily. I loved working with his case. It was just his arrogance and cockiness that I didn’t much like but wasn’t that why I’d gone into this profession in the first place? To work with top athletes and he wasn’t even in the big leagues, so I could only imagine what they would be like. He smiled widely at me and came into the exercise room with me.

  “Mornin’ Leah,” he said, with all his southern charm. I couldn’t help but laugh at the big oaf.

  “Brody, it’s the afternoon,” I said at his foolishness.

  “Maybe for you Leah; I just woke up. So, it’s still the morning for me,” he said.

  “That explains why you’re always late,” I chided. He looked sheepish now and I liked it better than his cockiness.

  “Sorry, I’ll try harder to be on time,” he said softly.

  “Good because this time is important to help you with your recovery and I hate to see you missing any of it,” I admonished him and watched the thoughts going through his eyes. “How are the exercises going at home?” I asked him with a smile, so he knew I wasn’t mad.

  “They’re going well, thanks. I’m feeling stronger every day, thanks to you,” He grinned and I was happy to hear that.

  “Good, that’s my job,” I said happily. “But we still have lots to do. You’re not out of the woods yet,” I reminded him and directed him to the exercise equipment. The hour passed quickly; another reason I loved this job, the time always flew. I helped Brody up off the mat.

  “You did good,” I told him and it always seemed to mean a lot to him when I did.

  “Thanks Leah.” He grinned, standing up now, I smiled back.

  “Okay. See you at five o’clock sharp on Tuesday, Mr. Adams and keep up with your daily exercise program,” I encouraged him smiling. He nodded his head at me and then with his signature cocky grin, opened his mouth to say something I knew I wasn’t going to like.

  “Whenever you’re done with that tool Chris, let me know; I’d love to see you outside of the clinic,” he said before heading out the door. I just shook my head at him. It wasn’t the first time he’d made a comment about wanting to take me out or about not liking Chris, or both at the same time. I still didn’t know why he disliked Chris so much or if he just really wanted to go out with me but it still bothered me when he’d make those comments. Brody was nice enough and funny but I’d never be interested in a guy like him. He was too self-absorbed, cocky, and arrogant. Definitely not my type. Which made me think of Axel and wonder what he was like and if he could be my type. I quickly stopped that train of thought. No Leah, you are with Chris! I scolded.

  I couldn’t stop thinking about Axel now, after last night he was the only constant thing on my mind but I had to get a grip, because Chris would be picking me up at any moment for our Saturday night sleepover. I grabbed my purse and left the clinic saying goodbye to my supervisor and my other classmate who still had clinic for another two hours. Chris’s silver Benz was parked out front of the clinic already waiting. I quickly jumped in and pushed all thoughts of Axel out of my head, as I went to kiss his waiting lips.

  “Hey baby,” he said with a grin, his dark brown hair falling into his eyes. I wanted to cut it so badly.

  “Hey,” I said, forcing out a smile.

  “How was your day?” he asked, eyeing my appearance. “You look really tired,” he commented, making me feel self-conscious. I subconsciously touched my face.

  “Yeah, I’m pretty exhausted,” I admitted. “It was a long day and Chels pressured me into going to a bar with her last night,” I told him honestly.

  “Well let’s just stay in tonight then,” he said sweetly. I used to love how sweet and attentive he was but then I got to feel like he only wanted to be out with me when I looked good. He always wanted me to dress a certain way and would always tell me he liked it better when I wore makeup. At first, I liked it that I was a trophy to him and he prized me but now it just frustrated and annoyed me. I decided to be happy that we weren’t going out instead because I actually really didn’t want to go out tonight anyways.

  “Sounds good, but can we go to my place?” I asked hopefully. I knew Chris didn’t like my place; it was too small for his big, rich boy lifestyle.

  “Lee, come on,” he said frustrated now, his knuckles tight as they gripped the wheel. “You know my place is so much nicer and I have a huge TV and bigger bed, it doesn’t make sense to go to your place,” he complained, the annoyance clear in his voice.

  “I know but it’s so loud at your place with all the guys and I have a ton of papers to do and it’ll be a lot easier for me to do them at my place,” I protested, I really did not want to go to his place. He sighed, frustrated with me, and I felt even smaller under his gaze.

  “I’m going to be honest with you Lee, I really don’t want to go to your place,” he stated simply. “I feel like we’re always going to your place and you won’t come to mine and give the guys a chance. It’s not fair,” he told me, making me feel guilty.

  It was true that we often went back home to my apartment but I felt that we just as often went to his place. The guys were nice, never serious and always looking to have fun and party but nice all the same. The only problem was that when they were around Chris, Chris just wanted to party with them and I either got no work done or ended up alone in Chris’s room while he partied with his friends downstairs or at a bar. There was no point in going over if I actually wanted to get any work done.

  “Chris, I really have a lot of work to get done,” I started, trying to get my strength up. “I’m sorry but I really need to go home to get it done, you don’t have to stay over if you don’t want but I have to stay home,” I told him, holding strong. He rolled his eyes at me, one of my biggest pet peeves.

  “Fine, I’ll stay at your place tonight,” he groaned. “But next week we’re staying at mine.” I couldn’t guarantee that I’d be able to stay at his place, it all depended on my workload.

  “Fine,” I agreed, just to appease him for the moment. He drove us the short distance to my apartment and got out; rushing up the steps to my apartment before I even made it out of his car. Waiting impatiently, he tapped his foot for me to unlock the front door. I unlocked it and followed him up the flight of steps to my door.

  “What do you want for dinner?” I asked, opening up the mini fridge to see the scarce amount of contents it held. “Does pasta sound okay?” I called to him from the kitchen as he lay on my bed watching something on TV.

  “Nah, I want pizza,” he shouted out. I didn’t want to order takeout; I’d already spent too much money last night. Especially with having had to take an unplanned cab home. I didn’t want to splurge on pizza when I could easily make us a nice pasta with everything I already had here.

  “I’m trying to save money Chris, is there anything I can make us instead?” I asked walking into the bedroom where he was sprawled out watching a football game.

  “Babe, I really want pizza,” he stated firmly. “We’re already staying at your place when I don’t want to, the least you could do is get me some pizza,” he said making me feel guilty and like I owed it to him.

  “Fine,” I sighed, giving in and made the call to the pizza restaurant for delivery, ordering one pepperoni pizza, Chris’s favorite. I’d always loved Hawaiian but Chris thought the idea of pineapple on pizza was disgusting. So we never got it and always got the same pepperoni pizza. I worked on my paper until the buzzer rang that the delivery man was here with our pizza.

  “Can you get it?” I asked Chris, who still lay in the same position watching the game. I hated to stop in the middle of a train of thought and risk losing it completely.

  “Babe, they’re in the final quarter,” he whined.

  Ugh, I wanted to groan at him, instead I got up and buzzed the delivery man up and went to the door to pa
y him. I brought the pizza in and only then did Chris get up to grab a slice and eat in my bed without a plate or napkin. It was a habit of his that I hated. I often woke up the next morning with crumbs in my bed. To my disgust, on more than one occasion, I had woken up with broken chips stuck on my face. I didn’t bother saying anything, I had told him enough over the year how much it bothered me and he had yet to change his ways and I knew he probably never would.

  I finished one of my papers and decided to take a break for the night. I got up, stretched, and then went to join Chris on the bed, ready to relax and enjoy the rest of the night with him. I looked at my nightstand to check the time and spotted the folded up napkin with Axel’s phone number written on it. I was thankful it was turned upside down and Chris hadn’t noticed it. I guiltily snuck it into the drawer of my nightstand.

  I cuddled up next to Chris, trying to forget about Axel. I kissed Chris’ neck just to distract myself. I was super horny. It had been over a week since we’d last had sex and seeing Axel had rekindled memories that left me thirsting and aching to be touched. I nuzzled my face into his neck, only for him to push me away.

  “Babe, please, I’m exhausted,” he told me, the same thing I’d heard so many times before. I knew then that I wouldn’t be getting any sex at all this week. It was tough. Often, I felt lucky if I got sex more than twice a month, if I got it at all. I found it strange that Chris never wanted to have sex with me and was always too exhausted. It made me wonder if I wasn’t any good and it was a constant source of our arguments.