by Molly Bryant
Ben quickly closed the photo album and placed it back on the shelf. He turned towards me with a smirk on his face. His cheeks were pink. Is he blushing?
“Are you blushing, Mr. McGurthy?” I smiled.
“What?” he laughed. “No, why would I be blushing?” he asked.
“No reason, just messing with you,” I shrugged, letting it go. He knows what I saw.
“I flush when I drink too much,” he walked his confident strut then stopped directly in front of me. He held his right hand out. “Dance with me?”
“Come on now,” I leaned back. “I'm drunk but not that drunk,”
“You have to be completely inebriated to dance with me? Am I that bad?” he joked.
“I didn't mean it like that,” I said taking another sip of wine.
He grabbed the glass from my hands and set it on the table. “Just for fun, everyone is asleep. No one will see, promise,” his hand is back in front of me.
“Fine,” Staring at him wearily, I placed my hand in his to feel my stomach going crazy with anxiousness and the familiar sensation of sparks from his touch travel up my arm and through my body like a live wire. Could he feel it, too?
He quickly pulled me up off of the couch, my body crashed into his. It made my breath hitch into my throat. I relaxed, taking a deep breath in. He smelled so good. Gently, I placed my arms around his neck letting him pull me closer. His arms wrapped around my waist, his hands gripped the loopholes of my jeans.
“I'm not so bad,” he smiled at me.
“I know you aren't,” I smiled. “Under the cockiness, immaturity, and lack of respect for woman lies a completely normal man...somewhere,”
He pulled my jean loops tighter, then pulled me closer as he swayed his hips. His leg between mine as he leaned me back into a dip, I laughed aloud. He brought me back up, our noses nearly touching. I stared into his blue eyes to see them full of lust as he clenched his jaw tightly. His eyes searched every square inch of my face as though he was trying to memorize it. It made my body tingle with delight and my stomach ache with nervousness. He leaned me back again, only this time I let my head go back giving him permission to kiss where he pleased, but he didn't. All he did was trace the heated skin of my exposed chest, collarbone, and neck with his lips. His warm breath upon my skin caused me to exhale slowly, my breath came out as a soft moan. Ben brought me back up, my arms squeezed tighter around his neck. My fingers with a mind of their own entwined in his messy-blonde hair, I buried my face in his neck inhaling deeply releasing a slow breath onto his golden skin. He squeezed me tighter, holding me against his chest as we swayed back and forth as if he didn't want to let me go. I didn't want him to let me go...
He let a low growl escape his lips as he kissed the heated skin of my neck softly. His hands then cupped my face gently, looking into my eyes for a moment as he caressed my flushed cheeks with his thumbs. I parted my lips and he kissed me- a soft gentle kiss that ignited my senses. My legs threatened to give out from under me, I just held onto him tighter. I traced his lower lip with my tongue before sucking his bottom lip into my mouth. I want this. I have been alone for so long, I have missed this. I missed being held and touched. Even though his player ways disgust me, he is truly the sexiest man alive. I can't help myself as I am only human, I have needs and wants.
I pulled away for a moment, and completely silent, I smiled at him. He smiled back. I walked over to the stereo and turned it off. Full of enthrallment, I took his hand in mine then lead him towards the staircase which lead to my old bedroom. Halfway up the stairs he stopped. I turned around and looked at him.
“What?” I asked quietly.
“Shh,” he whispered against my lips.
He cradled my face in his hands once again, taking a moment to stare into my eyes. Ben kissed me with so much passion behind it, I melted. My legs went weak and he caught me, lifting me up bridal style, kissing me the entire way up the stairs.
And I thought that tonight was going to be the worst night of my life.
Chapter Three: Pimp Hand
I slowly opened my eyes as the sun was shining through my window, my head was pounding. I can't believe what happened last night... I touched my lips softly. Wait, did anything happen last night?
I smiled groggily. If it happened or if it didn't happen-how can you hate someone so much one second, and want them so badly the next? I can now see why woman flock after him. Not only is he gorgeous but he can also be sweet, funny, charming, and most of all he was an astounding kisser, or was he? Ugh, I sighed. Why can't I remember anything?
“Good morning, princess,” Ben said from next to me.
“Ah!” I screamed, pulling the covers closer to me. He was lying next to me with no shirt on. I relaxed a little as I stared at his defined muscles aching to be touched. I clenched my fist as my hand was wanting so badly to touch his washboard abs, possibly trace my tongue along the perfectly formed 'V' that let to a very happy place.
“Why are you in my bed, Ben...” I wriggled uncomfortably. “again, and with no shirt on?!” I was beginning to freak out inside. Why is this sexy player of a being in my bed with no shirt on?!
“Firstly, I am not wearing a shirt because you, Vanessa, are wearing it,” he smiled slyly. “Second-”
“I'm what?!” I interrupted him, then looked down to see I am in his blue button down dress shirt. I lifted the covers to my bare legs. “Oh my God, Ben what happened?! W-we didn't... you and I-I, we didn't-” I stuttered. Oh, please say we didn't have sex. I would have to scrub down with antiseptic in the shower while waiting for the army to come and detain me because of my subjection to diseases!
Ben rolled over, his face was smashed into my pillow while laughing.
“Is this funny to you?” I asked completely appalled. “I am not finding this as a joke! I'm going to die of some horrible disease, like... like syphilis, or, or contract something like scabies,”
“You are not,” he rolled onto his back. “I get checked.” he said non-chalantly.
“You get checked?!” my eyes went wide. “Do you understand how sick that sounds, Ben? Like-like you're a stray animal,” I huffed.
“Relax, Vanessa. We didn't do anything,” he placed his arm across his forehead then sighed.
“I can't believe this-” I stopped. What did he just say? “We didn't?” I asked shocked.
“No, we didn't,” Ben sat up on his elbows and looked up at me as I let out a sigh of relief.
“Why am I in your shirt?” I brought the blankets down from my chest.
“You looked uncomfortable in your clothes... and you're welcome,” he smiled. “Do you remember anything about last night? At all?” he eyed me.
I thought back for a moment. Drinking my wine, oh my goodness lots of wine... I suddenly felt a little sick to my stomach, I swallowed hard and continued to think. Um... the photo albums, him in all of the pictures smiling at me. I smirked. And... what happened next? Did we dance? Kiss?
“Did we dance?” I asked, turning toward him.
“Yup. Anything else?” he asked.
“Uh, no...” I said uncertain if I should bring the kiss up or not.
“Good, because nothing else did,” he stretched before removing the covers baring himself in his plaid blue and white boxers. I quickly turned my head and looked at the door. “You literally passed out in my arms in the living room while we were dancing. You went limp- like a wet noodle,”
“We didn't kiss?” I quickly turned my head to look at him. I was so sure that we had, it felt so real. I touched my lips again.
He stopped buttoning up his jeans to look at me. “Did you have a dream about me, princess?” he smiled widely.
I shook my head out of the daze and removed my fingers from my lips. “What?” I said sitting up straight. “No, dreaming about you of all people? Please,” I rolled my eyes.
He slowly and sexily walked over to my bed with the smirk that does crazy things to my insides. “You're blushing, Vanessa,”
He reached me and I squirmed, scooting back against the headboard. “What are you doing?” I asked him as he was now hovering above me.
“Was the kiss as I would like to imagine it was?” he whispered right against my lips.
I felt weak as I stared into his eyes. Don't fall for it Vanessa, not like you did in the diner. Don't do it... without realizing it, I parted my lips. I moved them closer to his, I could feel their heat.
“I take that as a yes,” he stood up and buttoned his jeans with an accomplished smile.
“You are such an ass, McGurthy!” I threw the covers off of me angrily. He had gotten me now twice!
“You are so easy, Vanessa!” he joked.
“Says who? You?” I picked up my jeans then threw them on as quickly as I could. “The one person who can't keep it in his pants!”
“That hurts,” he frowned just standing there staring at me.
I ripped his shirt off of me and threw it in his face. “Go away,” I said calmly.
“I'm your ride,” he put his shirt on.
I groaned out of frustration making him smile. I forgot about that.
“Let me know when you're ready, princess,” he closed the door behind him.
I was so irritated that I picked up my heel and threw it at the door.
“Player-code number twenty... 'throwers' are never a good thing!” he trailed off from the stairway.
I quickly turned around and pounced onto my bed ready to lose it. I grabbed my feather-down pillow, squeezed it into my face as I belted out a scream of pure annoyance, frustration, and anger. That Bastard!
As I keep the pillow there, breathing hard, an idea comes to mind.
I will give Ellen the story she wants! I tossed the pillow aside, baring a smile. Screw Ben and his 'player codes', I huffed. I will play his game, I will be sexy and irresistible... I will make Ben McGurthy want me, the same way I will make every other guy in Manhattan want me. Watch out New York, my name is Vanessa Montello and I. Am. A player. Ha!
~
I hurried and finished getting dressed. I fixed my bed head the best I could and ran down the stairs. I could smell breakfast cooking but to be honest I just wanted to get home, call Maria for some assistance, and I had some research to do. I am thrilled inside at becoming this new person, even if it is only temporary. I can't wait to mess with Ben.
I smiled as I entered the kitchen- just like the old days, mom was at the stove flipping bacon. I inhaled deeply.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” My mother said as she planted a kiss on my cheek. “Are you hungry? I made eggs, bacon, and toast,”
“Ugh, last night was enough indulgence,” I looked around the counter and spotted the bowl of fruit. “I'll just take a grapefruit,” I smiled as I grabbed one and set it on a plate, cutting it in half.
“You just missed Ethan, and Jackie this morning,” she sighed.
“They left already?” I frowned. I was looking forward to seeing them again before we all went home.
“Yes, Jackie is still not feeling well,” Mom said as she stood by the stove in her pink bathrobe.
“That's too bad,” I shoved a spoonful of grapefruit into my mouth.
I looked over to the kitchen table and had seen that Ben was sitting there reading the newspaper. He looked up from over one of the pages and smiled. Why not start now? I thought to myself. So I winked. He just kind of furrowed his brows, lightly shook his head and goes back to reading the paper.
That's right, McGurthy... eat you're heart out. I thought proudly.
“Vanessa!” My mom yelled; her eyes wide, the prongs in her hand pointed at me.
“What, mom?” I said. “Why did you yell? I am right here,”
“Honey, you weren't even listening to me, dear,” she laughed.
I looked over at Ben and saw he had the biggest grin on his face and was trying so hard not to laugh. I glared at him. Okay, sure, my wink might need some work. I shoved another spoonful of grapefruit into my mouth.
Keep laughing McGurthy... you won't be.
~
We let ourselves out and I walked to Ben's car. I felt him staring at me so I turned around to see he is still on the porch just staring at me.
“What?” my hands dropped to my sides.
He started to laugh. “Vanessa, that wink you did,”
“Ha-ha, yeah, yeah...” I blew him off. “Can we just go, please?” I gestured my hand to the white BMW.
I turned around quickly as though I am waiting for him to unlock the doors, but honestly I am biting my lip trying not to laugh. I could only imagine what my face looked like. I relaxed my cheeks as I heard Ben coming up to the car. After he hit the button I opened my door and slid down the gray leather into my seat.
“You okay, Vanessa?” he asked as he started the car.
I waved my hand. “Yeah, I'm just not feeling well,” I said glumly. “I think I'm coming down with a bug or something?” I shrugged. Lie- I just need a day or two with Maria and her expertise on all of this.
“I understand if you can't go out tonight, no big deal,” he said thoughtfully which left a pang in my heart. “We can stay in and work on 'codes'.” he pulled out of the driveway, a smile on his face.
“Oh, no...” I said quickly. “If it's a bug I would hate for you to be around when it really hits, it could be bad, really bad...” I shook my head. “Yeah, you know... to the bathroom every five minutes because of having to-”
“Okay, okay...” he squinted an expression of disgust. “I get it,”
I turned in my seat towards the window and smiled deviously. Perfect!
The rest of the car ride I just laid back in the seat with my head upon the headrest with my eyes closed. I was so exhausted from the night before, and not to mention extremely hungover. I wasn't entirely lying when I said I wasn't feeling all that well, it's all the damn wine.
“We're here, Vanessa,” Ben whispered into my ear. I groaned blinking my eyes open. I must have fallen asleep.
“Oh, sorry, I need to go lay down,” I mumbled.
“Do you need help?” he offered as he got out of the car.
“Nope, I got it,” I said as I shut the door. I stood there as a wave of nausea hit me. I turned around and got sick in the bushes lining my driveway.
Ben right at my back now, is rubbing it soothingly. “I don't think I should leave you-”
“I'm fine,” I stood up and headed to my door with a groggy smile. I felt much better. I can say that I am done drinking for at least a few days.
I unlocked my door and turned around. “I am fine, Ben. Really,” I said reassuringly.
He stood at the end of my porch with a worried look upon his face. “If you need anything, you will call me?”
“Honest engine,” I smiled. “I'll call you when I feel better in a day or two and we can get back to work,”
“Feel better, princess,” he turned and walked towards his car.
“Thanks!” I hollered and closed the door, locking it this time.
I leaned my back against the door and quickly dug my cell out of my purse as I headed to my bathroom. I needed to call Maria.
I dialed her number with my toothbrush in my mouth as I walked around my bedroom.
Ring...ring “Vanessa?” Maria said on the other end.
“Maria! Hi!” I mumbled excitedly with a mouth full of toothpaste. “I need your help,” I spit in the sink.
“Ooh, another makeover?” she squealed.
“Sort of,” I sighed. “More like an internal makeover,”
“I don't get it,”
I could just picture her on the other end of the phone twirling her brown curls in her fingers.
“I need you, Maria, to make me a player,” I smiled.
“Yay! It's about time, I can't wait until you and I-”
“Maria, just come ove
r as I don't have a lot of time,” I tossed my toothbrush back onto the counter.
“Okay, okay... on my way,” she hung up.
Within fifteen minutes, she was at my doorstep. I opened the door to a grinning Maria.
“This is going to be so much fun! Do you have a computer?” she asked with a smile.
“Yes, of course I do... my laptop is on my kitchen table, why?” I asked shutting the door behind her.