Dallas after Dark

by Brielle Harlow

  Scott lifts my head and slides the hair back out of my face. He bends down kissing me while he unhooks my bra and throws it across the room. His hands slide down to massage my breasts and then down, further still until his fingers are slipping into the sides of my lace panties. I lift my body up just enough for him to get them off. I feel flawless as his eyes scan my body drinking me in.

  “Scoot back,” he says, “and lay down.”

  I do what I’m told.

  I kick off my sandals and move back on the bed until I reach the pillows. I prop myself up on my elbows and watch impatiently while he takes his time sliding off his jeans and boxers. He takes his time climbing onto the bed too, stopping just between my legs which are slightly bent. As much as I want him to hurry I am enjoying the view. He moves his hands up and down my thighs, just the fingertips. I’m desperate for his hands to move higher. My pussy is wet and aching with anticipation. He is in no hurry as he leans forward resting on one strong arm to kiss me.

  It’s better not to rush. He kisses all the way down my body until his face is between my thighs. I am shaking now. I can feel his breath on my skin, the anticipation is maddening. He licks and kisses the soft skin at the very top of my thigh where leg meets body. His tongue accidentally brushes the side of my pussy and I shudder. Scott grips each of my thighs hard enough to leave a bruise and presses my legs all the way open. Finally his tongue hits the spot. He licks and sucks my clit until my hands are full of his hair. Just when my head is dizzy with desire he stops and makes is way up my body again. He kisses me hard on the mouth, the taste of bourbon and cigarettes.

  Scott leans over opening the top drawer of the night stand and pulls out a small gold package. He hands me the condom and waits for me to put it on him, I oblige. Once it is on he pushes me back on to the bed and lays down on me. His hard cock is pressing against me and I am rocking my hips to guide him in. He bites my lip pushing inside me with one smooth thrust.

  His thrusts are timed perfectly with my hips. We are seamless. He sucks my nipples into his mouth as his breath comes faster and faster. I moan and whimper as he pushes harder and deeper. I can taste the sweat on his neck.

  “It’s time to turn over.” Scott says in my ear.

  I eagerly obey turning over and getting on my knees. He lines himself up with me and I spit into my hand rubbing it on myself for good measure. He slaps my ass gently and pushes his cock into my waiting pussy. I thrust my hips back to meet him as hard as can. With my face buried into the pillow I use a hand to touch myself. He notices and growls his pleasure at the sight. Soon I’m crying out and collapsing onto the bed. His thrusts get more erratic and his breathing quickens. He lets out a low guttural sound and pushes extra deep holding it there. I can tell he finished. We slowly untangle and lay on the messy bed catching our breath and waiting for our hearts to beat normally again.

  Scott stands up gathering his clothes and dressing.

  “I’m gonna step out and have a smoke. You’re welcome to join me.” He says pointing to a door leading out to a small patio.

  Sitting on his bed in his room alone in the dark I feel the need to dress and make my exit. When he returns I’m sitting with my purse in the living room. I’m kicking myself for not following Scott in my own car. Now we must have the awkward car ride together. Maybe I should just walk. It’s not that far.

  “I hate to have to rush off but I do have some work to do in the morning. I think I’m just gonna walk back to my car. It’s not far and it’s a nice night.” I say as smoothly as possible trying not to make the situation more awkward than it is.

  “Wow, you’re all ready to go.” He seems genuinely surprised.

  “Yeah, I’m a bit tired.” I say looking anywhere but his face.

  “I will walk with you.” He says picking up his keys and cigarettes.

  It’s still warm out from the extreme heat of the day. I’d guess it’s about eighty degrees out. The streets are dimly lit by business signs and occasional headlights. The side walk is damp from automatic sprinklers. Scott makes conversation about random bands and events. I half listen. He seems afraid of silence the way he rambles, like if he stopped maybe I’d ask something uncomfortable. I bet he is afraid of questions like “So what does this mean?” Not that I even want to ask. It’s just odd that neither of us is saying anything more personal. Maybe neither of us has anything more personal to say to the other.

  After Scott’s silhouette fades away into the night I sit in the dark safety of my car. I pull out my phone and check the time. It’s almost four in the morning. I put my phone back in my purse on the passenger seat and turn on the car. Kings of Leon sing to me through my speakers on the drive home. The streets are mostly empty. I wonder what Scott is thinking as he walks back to his apartment. What will he think when he lies in the bed we messed up? Will I hear from him tomorrow like he said? Does it matter? I wouldn’t change what happened. It’s been a good night.

  I pull up to my own apartment complex and park in front of my building. There is no one out. I let myself inside turning on a nearby lamp. My apartment is very feminine compared to Scotts. I have an old upright piano I bought from a church for four hundred dollars back in college. I have an oversized white cloth couch with soft pink throw pillows and a matching chair. My violin rests on a stand near the window. The small apartment has two tall built in bookshelves that I have filled completely. I love books, the way the feel, the way they smell.

  Walking into my bedroom I take off my clothes and toss them into my wicker hamper. The belt and shoes go into my closet. My bed is a pale blue and white. I have far more pillows than Scott’s skinny two. I decide to turn on the shower. I smell like latex and sweat. When the water is hot I step in and bathe. I get out when my skin is as red as a lobster. After drying off I lie on my bed under just the white cotton sheet wearing nothing. I want to stay naked tonight.

  I wake to blinding light pouring in through the shades I forgot to close yesterday. I grumble and turn over. I’m not ready for it to be today yet. I reach for my phone on the nightstand. It’s one thirty in the afternoon. Crap. I have eleven missed texts and many emails. My mouth is dry and has a bad taste. I guess I should get up. I force myself out of the covers. After relieving my bladder I brush my teeth and wash my face. I’m a creature of habit. I do the same things every morning. In the kitchen I down a huge glass of water. I only have a slight headache. I’m surprised and grateful. I refill my glass and walk to the couch. It’s time to check my missed messages. Maybe one will be from Scott.

  No messages from Scott. Maybe he is still asleep. My heart jumps when I read who one text is from. It’s from Jesse the guitar player for Crash asking if I will be attending his acoustic show at The Green Lantern on Sunday. I just booked him that gig yesterday. I text back saying of course I would love to be there. I seldom miss the chance to see Jesse play.

  I spend most of the day working. I called numerous bands to set up shows. Now the sun is down and I’m trying not to think about the fact that Scott hasn’t called or texted me once yet. It’s only eight. Maybe he will text before I fall asleep later.

  Chapter Three

  Jesse Fitzpatrick

  I walk up to the bar and order a Shiner. I get them free whenever I play. It’s always part of the pay. I finished loading in all the equipment and getting it all hooked up. Tonight it’s just a few things so it didn’t take long. Most nights it’s a huge trailer of equipment including speakers, lights and a big sound board. Tonight it’s just two microphones, a keyboard and a guitar. I’ll be playing the guitar, my friend Jared will be on the keyboard and Leslie Reyes will be singing. Leslie is a tall blonde with fake boobs almost as big as her personality. She is incredibly loud and sweet. We have worked together a few times over the years.

  The local music community is a pretty close group. We all know each other. Which is why I was surprised the other night when I pulled up a little after two in the morning at Fallout and saw Ramona leaving with Scott. I was just
there to pick up some lights we let them borrow for the show. I’m cool with Scott and the other members of Jericho but he isn’t the kind of guy I would imagine Ramona with. She seems too…too quiet, too smart for him, too good maybe. Scott is usually strung out on something. Speaking of Ramona I wonder if she will be coming tonight. I asked her a few days ago and she said yes. I don’t know why but I can’t seem to stop thinking about her since I saw her leave Fallout with Scott. It felt like Sunday would never come.

  “Hey Leslie, where is Jared? I texted him and he hasn’t answered.” I ask. Normally Jared would show up early to help set up.

  “Didn’t you get my message? He isn’t gonna make it. His girlfriend went into labor.” Leslie says.

  “What? What the hell are we gonna do. I didn’t get anyone to cover the keyboard. I wish he would have let me know she was due soon. I had no idea!” I say having a small panic attack. I hate when things don’t go as planned.

  “It’s ok. We can get by with just the guitar for tonight.” Leslie says trying to be reassuring.

  “It’s the first night! I want this to be a regular gig.”

  “You already work five nights a week playing with Crash all over town. If it doesn’t work out you will be fine. I should be the one panicking!” said Leslie.

  She is right. I don’t need it. I just want it. We can still do well without the keyboard but I would still rather have it.

  The Green Lantern is a small bar hidden under a restaurant. It’s long and narrow. It’s hard to find, there is only a small green light outside by the front door instead of a sign. The Green Lantern serves drinks like cucumber martinis and infused shots. Once I tried the jalapeno infused tequila shots they were sampling, mistake. I stick to beer so I can focus while I play but there are always those people that want to buy the band shots. Sunday should be a calm night even for a bar though I hope.

  Big, curly hair on a tiny frame, Ramona is here. My heart jumps just a little and I instantly feel the need to hide it. I immediately look away like I don’t see her walking in. I’m not sure why this is my reaction. I start a lively conversation with the closest person to me just to look busy. Ramona always sits alone or with the same small group of friends but I don’t think they are here tonight. She will be sitting at a table alone. After a few minutes curiosity is killing me and I get up casually. I walk towards the front saying hello to people as I pass by. I want to seem like I come upon her by surprise. When I am finally close enough I see her face look up right at me. I catch my breath and play it off with ease. I throw my hands up feigning surprise to see her.

  “You made it.” I say leaning in for a signature loose hug. The kind everyone gives everyone. I can’t hold it for too long. Is that amber I smell? She smells so good.

  “Yeah, of course.” She says softly. She is so sweet.

  “How’s it going?” I ask darting my eyes around the room so I won’t stare. It’s hard to look directly at her.

  “Great! How are you? I hope you guys are ready for Summer Fest!” She says lightly touching me on the arm.

  “Good, good we‘re definitely ready. I wish we were more ready tonight though. Jared isn’t here tonight to play keyboard. His girlfriend went into labor.”

  “Really? If you’re really in a bind I could probably help you out.”

  “You know someone who could be here tonight?” I ask excitedly.

  “Yeah, I think I do.” Ramona says with a sly smile.

  I realize Leslie is sitting at the mic waiting for me, “Looks like we are about to start. If you know someone willing to help I would really appreciate it. I’ll catch you on the break?” I ask as casually as I can.

  “I’ll be right here.” She says. Sometimes I think she knows and she is tormenting me on purpose like a cat with her prey.

  I walk away and take my place at the front. Ramona is seated just in my line of vision. I look at Leslie sitting next to me and wait for her to call the first song.

  “How is everybody doing?” Leslie asks the crowd loudly.

  Her question is greeted by enthusiastic applause and cheers. Jesse and Leslie are big local favorites. Jesse alone takes home best guitar player every year at the local music awards.

  After a short introduction and greeting we start playing. We do a lot of crowd favorites like Simple Man and Everlong. We also take requests. That’s the trouble. Requests start coming in for songs that I’d rather have a keyboard for. We do a few of them with only the guitar but others I leave for the second set. Maybe Ramona will find someone to play with us.

  After a forty-five minute set we take a break. I head to the bar for some water and another beer. An attractive dark haired bartender whom I’m more than a little familiar with hands me a pretty pink and orange drink with strawberry slices on the side of the glass explaining it’s a new drink she made. Her name is Lexi. She’s a sweet girl. She works here and at Wise Guys. Several months ago on a particular drunken night I went home with her after a show at Wise Guys. I let her know I wasn’t interested in a relationship and that I was sorry if I led her on while I was under the influence. Lexi said it was cool and she understood. Ever since then we have hooked up on occasion. She does frequent a lot of my shows and sometimes I get the impression she wants more. Recently I have cooled on seeing her outside of work because I don’t want to hurt her.

  What I told Lexi was the truth. I haven’t been in a good place for a relationship however Ramona is different. Ramona makes me think about it. There is just something about her, it’s like we were destined to meet. The first time I ever saw Ramona I felt this buzz of electricity shoot through me. I literally saw her from across a crowded bar. I just turned my head and there she was. She is hard not to notice. Something about her, about her body language she demands attention. Maybe it’s the fact that she has no idea. Sometimes I feel like her modest, shy girl persona has to be act. She can’t be that oblivious to all the men salivating and waiting for an opportunity to be near her, to speak to her. Something about her pulls at me. That’s probably why I play it off, why I keep my distance. A year and half ago I got out of a long, difficult relationship. It’s taken a lot to get passed it. It’s taken a long time to heal but I think I might be ready now.

  “Hey handsome! Try this drink.” Lexi says flashing her best smile and scooting over her pretty creation, “I soaked the vodka overnight with strawberries and mixed it with fresh orange juice and a little pureed strawberry. I thought you might like to try it. I’m thinking of calling it a sunrise.” The bartender explains.

  “You mean like a tequila sunrise?” I ask wondering if the question is as rude as it feels.

  “It’s made with vodka.”

  “How’s it going tonight?” I say sitting down on a stool in front of her. I hope she doesn’t notice I don’t try the drink.

  “It’s going good! Everyone loves the show. Your usual?” She asks rhetorically reaching for a Shiner.

  “Please.”

  “So I’m wondering if you want to come over and hang out at my place after the show. I miss your sexy body.” Lexi leans across the bar speaking right into my ear, her full breasts popping out the top and the side of her small black vest. I look but I won’t be touching tonight. I just want to hang out with Ramona tonight.

  I stand up, smile and say, “I can’t, I have a lot going on.”

  Lexi looks disappointed and I’m sorry for that. I thank her for the drink and I decide to take it to Ramona. I pick up the pretty pink and orange beverage along with my beer and walk to Ramona’s table.

  “Hey! I got this drink at the bar. I thought you might like to try it.” I say offering Ramona the glass and taking a seat near her.

  “Thanks! This is a very pretty drink.” She says before taking a sip, “mmm it’s delicious.”

  “Mind if I try it?” I ask.

  “Of course!” Ramona says as I take the glass from her.

  “Wow! That is delicious, a little sweet for me.” I say handing her back the glass, “Did you
happen to find anyone that can help with the keyboard tonight?”

  Ramona smiles nervously and says “Actually, I can help you. I can play the keyboard for you. I have been playing piano since I was five.”

  My eyes must have been the size of the moon because she is giggling. Ramona plays?

  “What? You play piano and I’m just now finding out?” I ask completely blown away.

  “Yes, I play.” She says still smiling big.

  “Wow! I have to say I’m honored and hearing you play will be a huge treat.”

  “Are you kidding me? You honored? I am the honored one! Me playing with the handsome Jesse Fitzpatrick, the pleasure is definitely mine.” She says playfully.

  Ramona follows me to the stage and takes the seat behind the full size electric keyboard. Leslie looks surprised so I fill her in. I introduce the two women though I’m sure they have at least seen each other on past occasions. I show Ramona some of the requests we received during the first set and ask if she knows them. We start with Adele since we have several people that have asked for it tonight. Ramona plays the song with ease. I watch from the corner of my eye because I don’t want to make her nervous. I only look over directly twice. Song after song she nails it every time. Ramona even starts to sing along softly under her breath. No one else can hear because she has no microphone in front of her. I can hardly hear her but I can see her mouth moving around the words. I want to hear her. I wonder if she loves to sing, if she can sing well. Is her sound soft and delicate like when she speaks or is it full and round like her perfect ass? Focus Jesse, you can ask her to sing on the break. Try not to think about her ass. This is no time for a hard on.