Chapter Thirteen
Darlene panicked. A date? The man wanted to take her on a date. Do him a favor? Lord, she’d sell her soul to go on a date with him. Oh, but there had to be a catch. Men like Joe Murphy didn’t date women like her. They dated young, breast implanted, anorexic, twenty-two-year olds.
She ran downstairs to her neighbor and knocked on her door. She was completely out of breath by the time she got there. She rang her doorbell.
“You all right, honey?” Mrs. Hanson asked. “You’re out of breath.”
“Well, you know it’s my night off, and I need a favor. I have a date.”
“Oh, my, how wonderful. Bring Devon down to me. I miss him on your nights off anyway. You get dressed, and don’t you worry about the boy.”
“Oh, Mrs. Hanson, I do love you,” she said, hugging the elderly woman.
“Let me get him. He’s had dinner already, and there’s no school tomorrow …”
Her neighbor stopped her, “He can even sleep over. You have a good time.”
“I meant to say that I’d be late he can? Oh, thank you.”
Darlene ran back up the stairs and gathered Devon’s things together.
“Mommy, what are you doing?”
“Would you like to spend the night with Mrs. Hanson? Mommy has some place to go, and she’ll be home late.”
“Yes! I love staying there. Yes!” he squealed and grabbed his favorite stuffed animal.
As they went to leave, standing in the open doorway was Joe Murphy. Darlene thought her heart would stop. Devon stood beside her.
“Who are you?” he asked Joe.
“Joe Murphy and you are?”
“Devon Russo. Are you here to see my mommy?”
“Yup, I am. Is that okay?”
“Sure. But I think I know your face.” Devon said, moving closer to him.
He studied him, and then broke into a big smile. “I know you. You’re a boxer. You’re kinda famous.”
“I’m a boxer. About the famous bit, I’m not so sure,” Joe said, smiling at the little boy. “How about a hand shake? Joe asked, holding out his large hand.
Devon shook his hand, and Darlene stood back and watched the whole scenario.
“Devon, is it okay with you that I take your mommy out tonight?”
“Sure, Mr. Murphy. I’m sleeping over at Mrs. Hanson’s tonight, so you can stay out late.”
Joe broke into a huge smile. He ruffled Devon’s dark hair. “I like ya, kid,” he said.
“Joe, could you wait here. I’m taking him to his babysitter. I’ll be right back and then we can talk. Please have a seat.”
“No problem. Bye, Devon, it was nice meeting you,” Joe said.
“Nice meeting you … Mr. …” Devon hesitated.
“Joe, Devon, you can call me Joe.”
“Nice meeting you too, Joe,” Devon said and hugged his toy.
He watched the little boy leave with his mother. He couldn’t help but smile as he watched them go down the stairwell. He took a deep breath. He’d gotten this far. She’d obviously agree to come with him tonight. He rarely needed moral support with any meeting, but tonight was different. He needed to show his manager he was serious.
He walked into her apartment and sat at her small kitchen table. He looked around. Her place was clean and neat. He touched a small drawing that her boy had left on the table. He remembered his crayons and paper, and how he loved to create drawings as a kid. He scanned the place again, and the sensations of home overwhelmed him. He hadn’t felt this safe in years. When he looked up, she was standing in the doorway.
“Hi,” she whispered.
He got up from the chair. “I need your help tonight, Darlene.”
“Okay. That help encompasses a date?”
“Yes, yes it does. I’ve been invited to a meeting with Tiger Desmond.”
“Tiger Desmond! Oh, my, God, Joe. That’s a good thing, right?” she asked, walking toward him.
“Yeah, it is.”
She stood before him and touched his face. “Christ, Darlene, I have no idea what the fuck is happening. All I know is right now all I can think of is fucking you. Being inside of you. Baby, this has never happened to me before. “
“Joe,” she whispered. “Me? You want me?”
“Yeah, more than life itself,” he said, realizing how true his words were.
“Fuck me then,” she whispered.
“God, how I want to. First, I want to make everything right between us. You deserve more. I was so damn wrong and …”
“Shh, right now everything between us is perfect.” She laughed and kissed his lips gently. “What time is the meeting?”
“Eight o’clock at the Coliseum.”
She smiled and laughed softly. “I think I have one dress that I can wear tonight. Joe, I’m not−I’m not like the other girls. I’m …”
He put a finger over her lips. “Thank God for that.”
“I’m thirty-three,” she also blurted out.
“Yeah, and I’ll be twenty-nine. A few years means shit, Darlene. I need you. I’ve never needed anyone.” He bent his head to kiss her, savoring the taste of her.
His tongue gently swept across her full lips, and she opened her mouth for him. He sought out her tongue and the minute he connected with hers, his body began to soar. He deepened the kiss and pulled her close as he wrapped his arms around her. He was amazed at how right she felt and how her body fit his.
“I want you,” he said as his tongue licked at her ear, and his teeth nipped at her earlobe. She shivered in his embrace.
“Yes,” she whispered, “Oh, God, yes.”
They walked together to her small bedroom. When they got to her bed, she gave him a sexy little smirk and pulled her T-shirt over her head. Beneath was a white frilly lace bra, the one that made her full breasts look amazing.
His eyes centered on her cleavage. If he could drool, he was sure he would. His hands came to her waist. He let them slide up her rib cage until he was cupping her tits. His head dipped down, and his tongue ran through the crevice of her cleavage. Again, she shuddered, and he experienced her need.
Her hands patted his head then grabbed a handful of hair, bringing his head up to meet hers. One of her eyebrows rose as she gazed at him. What did he see in those deep doe-like eyes?
He leaned into her again and took her lips as he crushed her body to his. His two large hands gripped her ass, and he pushed his pelvis into hers, letting her feel his erection. His hands slid up her back and unhooked her bra, releasing her breasts.
He backed away from her and took off his leather jacket, folding it neatly and methodically over a chair in her room. He then unbuttoned his white shirt and laid it over his jacket. He watched her eyes widen at the sight of his bare chest.
Her full breasts heaved up and down with each deep breath she took. Her nipples were hard. He licked his lips in anticipation. He couldn’t wait to suck each one. Quickly he unbuttoned his jeans but waited as he put his hand down the zipper and showed her how he touched himself. She gasped. He went to unzip them, and her hand came to his.
“Wait,” she said breathlessly. “I want to release that hard-on of yours.”
“Go right ahead, baby. Enjoy yourself.”
“Oh, I will,” she said as she got to her knees.
“Fuck,” he whimpered.
She unzipped his jeans and lowered them down his legs, and then let him step out of them. Seductively she looked up at him and licked the tip, tasting the precum.
She sighed, “Joe, do you ever wear boxers?” she asked as she massaged his balls.
“Yeah, baby, when I box.”
She broke out into a small giggle. Still looking up at him, she let him see her devour his cock as she sucked him deep into her mouth. “Mmm,” she moaned, as she tasted him.
“Ah, fuck,” he groaned. “Baby!”
Now her head bobbed up and down as she fucked him with her mouth, and an ample amount of her saliva dripped from
her mouth. One hand massaged his balls as the other one pumped the skin of his cock. He was close, but he wanted more. He wanted to bury his cock deep inside of her. He pulled out of her mouth and pulled her until they were face to face.
“Get your jeans off,” he said. He helped her unzip them. He had her down on the bed with her legs spread wide and wasted no time as he licked her from to ass. When he found her clit, he sucked it hard and made her to scream as she reached her first orgasm.
“Joe! Oh God, yes!”
“Mmm, baby,” he crooned. “Now for a good hard fucking,” His body came over her and then he plunged his cock into her. He pumped in and out of her and the need he felt, astounded him. Then he pulled out. “Fuck, I made one mistake of not using a rubber, I’m not making it again,” he said, jumping off the bed and getting his jeans. He grabbed a shiny foil pack from his wallet, ripped it open, and slipped on the condom.
“Ready?” he asked, smiling.
She giggled, “Do I look ready?”
He plunged back into her and fucked her as hard as he could, reveling in every thrust, every stroke, until his balls tightened.
Then he came.
His orgasm swept over him, nearly rendering him unconscious. The intensity was overwhelming as beads of sweat formed on his forehead and his body. When he opened his eyes, she was crying.
“Joe,” she whispered.
He studied her face. It was evident she’d experienced incredible pleasure too. He saw the small beads of sweat on her forehead.
“Good, Darlene?”
“Amazing,” she answered.
“Yeah, it was pretty amazing,” he repeated. He kissed her cheek, then her lips, her eyelids, and forehead. “Baby, I want to stay like this forever,” he whispered.
With his words, she began to cry, and it was quite evident they were tears of joy. “Joe, I−”
“What are you saying? You don’t like me?” he said, teasing her.
“Like you? Joe Murphy, I think I could love you.”
“Baby, if this is how love begins, I’m in it for the long haul. I have a chance tonight to get my career jump-started again, but I need a strong caring woman by my side. Are you that woman?”
“I’d love to be. It’s just that I’m me and not a beautiful debutant or sexy little teenybopper. I’m a single mother, not rich, not beautiful.”
“Whoa, baby. Stop right there. You’re beautiful. Make no mistake about that.” He swept a few errant hairs from her face then added, “I need you with me tonight. Let’s get showered and dressed. Afterwards, let’s talk about our future together. I’m a boxer, and I’m reaching for the stars. I’ve fucked up a lot in my life. You make me want to reach for those proverbial stars. I want to know if you are ready for me.”
She nodded. “I agree. We have a great deal to talk about.”
He pulled himself out of her and helped her sit up. “Wanna take a shower together?” he asked her sexily.
Darlene giggled. “I’ve never showered with anyone, except Devon.”
“I assure you, it’s more fun taking a shower with me and baby, there’s a first time for everything.”
Chapter Fourteen
Darlene had one black dress that she cherished. It fit her perfectly. It was mid-calf and shimmery and went with a pair of expensive, black high thin-heeled shoes she’d bought on a whim. Both were frivolous purchases, and now they seemed like lifesavers. Her thick, long wavy hair just happened to look perfect tonight. She was sure that destiny was on her side. He was already dressed and watching television when she came into the room.
“Holy shit,” he mumbled. “Maybe this was a bad idea.”
“Oh, dear, do I look that bad?”
He stood. “Are you kidding? No. You look that good. I don’t think the men will be able to take their eyes off you tonight. I should look at it as a plus for me. If I had any sense, I’d tell you to get back in there and change.”
“Into what, my uniform?” she giggled. “Oh, Joe, you’re so sweet.”
“Baby, I’m not sweet, just telling you the truth.”
She walked over to him and put her arms around his neck. “Joe, if you say so. I’ve never felt better in my life. Let’s go. Let’s see how this evening shapes up for you. But I want you to know I’ll stand by you no matter what happens.”
He took in her pretty face, and her words. His heart pounded in his chest, his eyes stung, and the possibility of having her in his life made his head spin. No one could get that lucky. Was his life finally taking a turn for the better? He couldn’t let her down. After tonight, he’d know if he was on his way back.
*****
He met Mack at the front door to the Coliseum and saw the look on his face. He held Darlene’s hand tight as they approached him.
“Excellent, Joe, you’re even a little early,” Mack said, taking a puff of his cigar. “And who is this lovely creature?”
“Mack, meet Darlene Russo.”
Mack held out his hand, took another puff of his cigar, and gave her an icy stare at her as he shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, Darlene. Actually, it’s a real pleasure to meet you.”
“Thank you, Mack. Likewise,” she replied. She took in his cold stare and made a note of it. Was he puzzled as to who she was?
He held out his elbow for her, and she took it, turning to smile at Joe.
“It’s okay, Darlene, he’s harmless,” Joe said, grinning.
“You think so, Joe,” Mack answered him. “She’s my kind of woman. She’s a real woman. Now, Darlene, if this palooka gives you a hard time …” The older, slightly shorter, bald-headed man smiled teasingly up at her.
She patted his arm. “Don’t worry, Mack. I can handle him.”
“I hope you can, honey. His whole career hinges on tonight.”
“I know, Mack. I think everyone will be impressed with him. He’s serious about the title.”
He squeezed her hand. “If you’re any indication of how he’s feeling now, I believe the guy’s going to wow the pants off them.”
They entered the private news box, and Darlene caught her breath as she took in all the celebrities and Tiger Desmond. The boxer made such an impressive figure. Joe was behind her and took her arm from Mack’s then walked with her to Tiger. They shook hands.
Darlene scanned the press box. Could he have more people with him? They were like cockroaches, and they came in all shapes and sizes. However, she’d heard only good things about the young heavyweight champion. Therefore, she wasn’t one to pass judgment.
“Tiger, this is Darlene Russo,” Joe said, pulling her close, laying claim to her in a way.
He held out his large dark hand. She shook it firmly, and he smiled at her warmly. Darlene thought he was a likable guy.
“Nice to meet you, Darlene,” he said.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Desmond.”
He laughed, “Please call me Tiger. Everyone does,” he added.
“Well then, Tiger, it’s an honor to meet you.”
The young boxer smiled. “May I borrow Joe for a few? I’d like to talk to him and his manager.”
She nodded then turned and kissed Joe on the cheek and whispered in his ear, “Good luck.”
A young, stunning, dark-skinned woman took her hand, “Hi, I’m Java. How about a glass of wine and something to eat?”
“I’d love that. Thank you,” Darlene replied.
Inside the press box was another private room, visible through glass windows from where they all sat. The people around her made small talk, and Darlene found it hard to concentrate or follow the conversations that flowed around her. Her mind and heart were on Joe. She watched them the best she could through the window from where she stood. Everything seemed to go quietly.
About forty-five minutes later all of them stood and shook hands. Mack, Joe’s manager, was wearing a grin that went from one side of his face to other; it was obvious the meeting went well. Joe and Tiger stayed back, talking, as the others poured out of the room. Th
en they left. Joe headed straight for her, but a gorgeous young redhead got in his way. Their conversation became heated. Darlene’s radar went up. She walked over and tapped the redhead on the shoulder.
“May I cut in, sweetheart,” she said sarcastically.
“Who are you?” the redhead asked, looking at Darlene through venomous eyes.
“I’m his date, and you?” Darlene asked.
“I am … I was …” She then stared at Joe. “Oh, Murphy, you’re so not worth it.” The redhead said. Then she turned to Darlene. “Really, his date? Well, you’re really not his type.”
“Is that because I’m not some airheaded bubble brain?” Darlene said calmly.
The redhead gasped, “I hope you two will be very happy. You know he’s a snake,” she said to Darlene and stormed out of the press box.
Joe could only grin as he watched her leave. “I wonder how she got in here.”
Mack came over. “So do I. Thanks Darlene. You handled that quite well. You’re an idiot, Joe, if you don’t hold on to this woman. Every head in here turned when you walked in with her. She’s got class, and buddy, right now, you need it.” Mack puffed on his cigar, winked at Darlene, and went over to the table of hor-d’oeuvres.
She turned to look at Joe. “So you’re a snake?”
He grinned, “A long story and one that’s in the past. Let’s talk about the future. I have two fights that are being set up. The money is excellent and depending on the outcome of those fights, the next bout will probably be the heavyweight champion one.”
“That’s wonderful, Joe. I’m so happy for you.”
“Good. In the meantime, Darlene, I want you, Devon, to get to know each other better and me. I hope it’s what you want too.”
“Will there be any more redheads?” she asked, smiling at him as he gently folded her in his arms.
“Maybe a few blondes … a brunette or two,” he teased.
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