by C. Michelle
Dillon and Josh approach our booth. Before they have a seat, guys who are sitting at the bar recognize Josh and call out his name. He smiles and gives a lazy nod to acknowledge them, but doesn’t approach them. Dillon and Josh focus their attention on us; Kade introduces the guys to Emme and scoots her to the end of the booth. She positions herself to lean against the wall. Kade sits in the middle and pats the seat next to him so that Dillon can sit. I’m across the table from the trio and realize I need to move over. As I’m relocating as close to the wall as possible, Josh sits next to me and grabs my left arm in an attempt to have me be right next to him. His touch sends an electric piercing throughout my body. Immediately, I want more of his physical contact. Behave, Nina!
I feel my heart skip a beat. The whole weekend I did my best to keep him out of my mind and now, there’s no escaping him. It doesn’t help any that he has such a strong presence. As we sit side by side, I can’t help but inhale his clean, fresh, delicious scent. I wouldn’t mind getting high on him for hours.
Josh directs his interest solely to me. “Hey, lovely lady...I hope you don’t mind me tagging along with Dillon. He knows I’m a baseball fan and thought I would enjoy getting out for a while.”
Wow. His honey colored eyes with specks of green are mesmerizing. Fuckin’ shit, Nina…stop drooling!
“Are you kidding me?” Kade interrupts. “The more the merrier!”
Josh maintains a lazy smile that barely reaches his left eye. It’s absolutely adorable. “Thanks.” He doesn’t lose his focus on me. “It’s nice seeing you again. I had a chance to look at the proofs from Friday’s photo shoot. They look amazing.” Is that admiration I hear behind his words?
“Thank you. I can’t wait to see them.” I glare at Dillon who immediately looks away.
“Hey, do you always go to the gym I saw you at yesterday? It’s really nice, very upscale. It’s pretty cool of you to hang out with your mom.” Kade’s eagerness to find information about Josh is shameless, but I’m thankful.
“Actually, that gym is included in my mom’s home owner’s association. She’s never stepped foot inside until yesterday. Since she recently retired, I want her to get out of her condo and become more active, maybe even meet new people. I was giving her a tour.” Josh replies unperturbed to the insinuation that he might be a momma’s boy.
“Your mom is retired? Wow! She looks amazing and definitely too young to be retired. So, what about you? Do you live around here? If you do, we should all get together the next few days to watch the final games. After the Giants win tonight, it’s a given, they’ll be headed to the World Series again.” Kade smiles and winks at me as Josh places an order of Patrón double shots and a second round of beers for all of us. Is it just me or did the waitress’s boobs get bigger and her shirt get lower?
Josh truly is sexy. I love how he just took charge and ordered the drinks without asking. Some might think it’s rude, but I find it refreshing for someone to take the lead, usually that’s my role. The disappointment on the waitress has vanished and a predatory look with raw lust has replaced her expression. The waitress is now batting her eyes and pouting her lips as her tits keep getting closer to Josh. He ignores her desperate moves. He looks at me and asks if I’d like a chaser to go with the Patrón. I shake my head. No chaser for me.
I should chase her ass away from Josh. The nerve of her! She doesn’t know if I’m with him and is blatantly giving her rotten goodies out with a double coupon. What the fuck? How rude. I don’t know why her messy actions are bothering me, they just are. I don’t know anything about him. Get a grip, Nina! You’re just horny, that’s all. These over the top feelings will soon go away.
I take a moment to observe him as he’s speaking to the waitress and taking off his coat.
My, my, my…his chest and arms are muscular. An athletic build, not too bulky, built just right. His skin is lightly tanned, complimenting his spellbinding hazel eyes. He has a vein that pops out from his forearm to his right hand. His hands look rugged, but clean cut…very manly. I wonder what line of work he’s in. He has a straight nose and a masculine jaw structure that has the sexy five o’clock shadow. I notice him clench his jaw as the waitress leaves. God, I can’t stop craving him! His luscious lips are begging to be sucked on. My mouth begins to go dry as my lips fiend to caress the stubble on his face back and forth. I wonder how he would taste if I worked my tongue from his neck down to his—
“Nina! Snap out of it, girl! Are you listening? Josh said he’s down to hang out. Are you? How’s your work schedule this week?” Kade questions me in a serious manner as if he’s not dying to put me on blast for drooling over Josh.
I keep cool. “No overtime for me this week. So, I’m good, count me in. I’m glad everyone is so sure the Giants are winning tonight. With such enthusiasm, of course I’m down to keep the party going.” As if on cue, the waitress shows up with our tequila shots. Since when is she trying to be employee of the month? She’s smiling and focusing completely on Josh. Wow. This girl is determined to catch his attention.
We each grab our shot glass and lime wedge. Josh thanks the waitress and dismisses her politely. Before leaving, she makes it a point to let him know her name is Nicole, and that if he needs anything, she’ll only be too glad to oblige.
Whore.
Nicole walks away, swaying her hips as if she has an itch in her butt crack.
As soon as whore number one leaves, whore number two walks by our booth and says, “Hey, Josh! Long time no see. I’ve missed you. Don’t be such a stranger, kay?” She winks at him and then slides her hand from his shoulder to his arm as she leaves our area. What the fuck? I can sense Josh’s discomfort, but since he chooses to ignore her, we do too.
The trio across from Josh and I lick the webbed part of their hand between the thumb and index finger and add salt. I turn to my left to find Josh staring at me. I hear Kade doing a countdown to take the double shot of Patrón. At the count of three, while still keeping my eyes locked with Josh’s, we take our shots. It goes down smooth. No need for the lime with salt or a chaser. I slowly lick my lips; I’m ready for another one. I can’t help but smile. Josh is staring at my mouth with a look of…hunger.
Chapter 3 (Josh)
World Series
Look at that mouth, those perfectly shaped full lips. I got a hard on just by watching her take the shot. Nina’s beautiful and sexy. I’ve fucked plenty and never gave them a second thought. What is it about this girl? Why did she cross my mind all weekend? That gunk she had on her face the first time I met her along with the standoffish attitude she gave me has me intrigued. Well, she’s cornered now. I’m not letting her escape until I’m able to take a sneak peak past her guard.
“Wow. No flinching, no gagging, no chaser. You took it to the head like a pro. You’re pretty hardcore.” I point out jokingly.
“Just a little.” She smiles and shows off her perfect white teeth.
I notice Dillon and Nina’s friends are focused on the game. I decide to test the water. I question Nina about her work, family, and hobbies, the usual line up of questions, nothing too intrusive. Her answers are extremely vague. Her guard is shielded by heavy armory that I won’t be able to get through anytime soon.
A challenge. I’m up for that.
The rest of the evening goes by at high-speed. We continue to drink, enjoy each other’s company, and get more comfortable with inquisitions. Oddly enough, the only time tension arises is when the waitress arrives.
“Josh, what do you do for a living?” Kade asks. All of a sudden, all eyes are on me and everyone except for Dillon is hanging on my every word.
“I’m a contractor and own a construction company. My focus is on ecological construction of buildings that are beneficial or non-harmful to the environment, efficiency of resources is a main priority to my business.” I manage to reply even though I’m completely side tracked. Damn. I can’t stop staring at Nina’s lips. I just wanna taste them! Man…snap the fuck out of i
t.
Kade seems genuinely impressed. “So, you’re in an eco-friendly trade. Cool! I never would have pegged you as a tree hugger. But it’s awesome of you to try to preserve the world some people trash on a daily basis.”
I wonder what Nina would do if I were to bite her lip and pull her hair?
“Wait. What? A tree hugger?” I laugh. “That’s a first. I’ve been called many names, but tree hugger has never been one of them. I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“I’m sure my Cheesecake can give you plenty of compliments.” Kade says under his breath as he does his best to contain a chuckle from spurting out. I choose to ignore the comment, but an evil grin plants itself on my face.
“You seem young to own a construction company. How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking? By the way, I’m 26, Cheesecake and Em are 25. Cheesecake is a Gemini who actually celebrated the fifth annual anniversary of her 21st birthday. Of course, you already know Dillon is 35.”
I turn to Nina. “The fifth annual anniversary of your 21st birthday?”
“She doesn’t want to grow up and be an old hag.” Kade smiles fondly at Nina.
If looks could kill...Nina shoots invisible daggers with her eyes at Kade. He smiles and blows her a kiss.
I decide it’s best to change the subject. “Well, I’m 27. Is everyone ready for another round before the game ends?”
I turn to watch Romo pitch on the flat screen TV mounted to my left. On my right side, I sense some sort of altercation.
“Ow! That hurt!” Kade yells.
I turn to my right and see Nina’s angelic smile. She’s absolutely breathtaking.
The Giants win the 2012 NLCS and are headed to the World Series. Everyone at the bar basks in triumph. Fans are standing up, overfilled with excitement, and reveling in the victory. Caught up in the moment, we all get up from our booth, and join the enthused fans with high fives. As our group is preparing to down shots to celebrate, Nina turns to me excitedly and throws herself at me with a big embrace. Although I’m taken by surprise, I instantly wrap my arms around her waist. Immediately, I’m overtaken by her sweet, clean, powdery scent…she smells amazing. I lower my head and place it at the side base of her neck, inhaling her delicious fragrance. As she begins to back away from me, I tighten my hold. I can’t let go. She feels perfect within my arms. At that moment, I feel as if everyone has disappeared and it’s just us left standing. She gently glides her hands from my arms to my hands. Her touch feels heavenly. As I feel her retreating, I slowly move my head and lightly rub my cheek against hers, bringing our lips to a tempting proximity.
“I’m ready for my drink.” She whispers. Nina tilts her head back and stares into my eyes with a look of longing, as if willing me to kiss her.
I back away from her. She’s kept her guard up all night and now the drinks have taken a toll. I don’t want to be the cause of regret the following day. We separate and down our shots with Dillon, Kade, and Emme staring at us with shocked expressions and mouths wide open.
The celebration comes to an end. I discreetly hand my card to the waitress and pay for everyone’s tab. We agree to meet on Wednesday at a different bar for the first game of the World Series. I can’t get enough of Nina and want to remain by her side, but I grudgingly leave her behind with her friends. Dillon and I are the first to leave and head our separate ways.
Work has never seemed so vibrant and inspiring. Instead of waking up with a hangover, I wake up feeling refreshed, and enthusiastic, eager to begin a day’s work. The sooner I commence my day, the quicker it ends, and the faster tomorrow will arrive. And then…I get to see her again. I fall asleep with Nina as my last thought. She’s such a mystery, so succumbed to her privacy. I want to peel those layers of armory and unveil her true self.
After work, I decide to check in with my mother. Her home is a condo within the Millennium Tower located in the Financial District. She lives by herself. Early retirement wasn’t something she welcomed; she actually put up a fight and refused to go down without kicking and screaming. After persistent orders from her physician, she finally left her position as CFO of my company, E-Con Solutions (ECS). She has always been a workaholic. She’s goal driven and doesn’t stop until her purpose has been accomplished. Now that she is able to relax and enjoy life, she chooses to sulk in misery.
I call before I arrive. She tells me she’s at a nearby coffee shop and requests that I meet her there instead of her home. The place is quaint and smells amazing with a rich coffee aroma. My mother is sitting in a corner reading a health magazine. She looks up and waves me over to her seating area.
I hug her and plant a kiss on her cheek. She’s a stunning woman in her early fifties with gracious elegance. Her emerald eyes and fine features are captivating against her short auburn hair. She’s a natural blonde, but has always changed her hair since I can remember. I’ve never seen her with golden, long hair the way she used to have it before I was born. I’ve only seen pictures.
“How are you, son? How’s the company? Did you decide which supplier you’ll be purchasing the expanded clay aggregate from? I think—”
“Mom, can you please stop thinking about work? You’re no longer Celeste Ryan, CFO of ECS, you’re stressing out about insignificant things that aren’t a part of your life anymore. Prioritize! You’re the only mother I have, so now you need to make your health and well-being your main concerns.” I scold her like a child.
“Fine. When are you giving me grandbabies?” She folds her fragile arms in front of her chest and gives me a scrutinizing look.
Fuck. There she goes…
“When will you stop dating floozies? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you with the same girl twice. Why are you so adamant about not having a family? One day, I’ll die and you’ll be left alone if you don’t get over this relationship phobia you have. I’m not getting any younger, but don’t get me wrong, I still have my looks, and admirers from a distance, you know.” She says matter-of-factly.
“Mom, I’m gay. So, there goes your dream of being a grandmother.” I do my best to distract her.
“Bullshit. Pardon my vulgarity. Gay couples can adopt. I’m aware it can be a long and strenuous process, but it’s still a possibility. So, don’t give me that nonsense that having grandkids will never be a reality. Try again.” She means business.
“I’m impotent.” I keep my fingers crossed hoping she’ll drop the subject.
“Again…you can adopt. Keep trying.” She sighs heavily, clearly losing her patience.
“Woman, I have a criminal record from a few years back. So, I don’t qualify for adoption.” I try to maintain a grave face. I fail.
“Why did I have to raise such a smart ass for a son? Fine. I won’t bring it up again until our next visit. I love you. You know that, right? You’re my world and I don’t want to see you end up a lonely, old man with women who are only with you for your money.” She says with concern deep in her delicate features.
“Mom, that won’t happen. They’ll be with me for my devilishly, handsome good looks. If I have to endure meaningless sex with beautiful girls for the rest of my life, it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.” I try to remain tactful, but this conversation is a broken record. The least I can do is pull the woman’s chain for a bit.
“You expect me to socialize and meet new people. At my age, it’s extremely uncomfortable for me. I can handle networking for your company or financial negotiations, but other than that, I’m completely out of my element. But, I’m willing to give it a try to prevent you from worrying so much about me. All I ask in return is that you make the same effort and try to meet a nice girl who wants to build a family with you in the future. I want to see you happy. I’m not asking for much.” She maintains eye contact with me and I can see her holding back tears.
“Okay.” I lie.
I would promise my mother anything just to see her happy, but she’s already asked enough of me. I haven’t forgotten.
My tiny fib is en
ough to pacify her and drop the issue for the moment. We end our visit on a positive note and I remind her I’ll be checking to see if she’s going out and being active like she assured me.
The next day goes by at a snail’s pace. I’m anxious to see Nina later tonight. Due to issues at work, I realize I have to stay over and miss seeing her.
I’m pissed. Damn it! Why the hell am I so eager to see this girl? Calm down, cowboy. You just met her.
I end up leaving work fairly late; tonight’s baseball game has already ended. Nick, the project manager who stayed over invites me to a game of pool and some drinks. After the day I had today, I’m game. When we arrive at the bar, the first thing that catches my attention is the grungy feel the place has along with the walls covered with pictures of dogs. I could care less about the décor; I feel tense and need to relax. Immediately, I order some beers and head to the back for a few quick games. As Nick and I are preparing to begin our first round, two brunettes approach us. They appear to be in their early twenties. They’re both pretty, wearing tight jeans, low cut shirts, and have predatory looks on their faces. They ask to join our game. I have no problem with it since I’d rather be in the company of women than a man’s. One of the girls admits to never playing before and requests that I teach her before we officially begin. She positions half her body over the pool table as I come from behind to demonstrate the proper way of holding a cue stick before a shot. Deliberately and in slow motion, she backs up and grinds my crotch with her ass.
Right at that moment, I hear, “Hey, Josh.” The sound of my name distracts me from my teaching lesson.
I look up and see Nina and Kade standing right across from the pool table. Kade has a smirk on his face and Nina looks irritated. My heart sinks. The situation between this girl and I just looks wrong. It’s not the type of impression I want to make on Nina.
“See ya, Josh.” They both say in unison and walk away.
I excuse myself from the girl and hurry to catch up with Nina and Kade. I apologize for not being able to make it earlier to watch the game with them. I also explain that I recently got off work and just met the girl. They both tell me I have nothing to apologize for or explain. They say goodbye, but before leaving agree to still meet up to watch tomorrow’s game. Why do I feel guilty?