Page 6 of Stumped

“How do you feel about birds?”

“Depends.”

“On the birds?”

I nod. “Because pigeons are the worst and I could do without crows.”

“Sparrows?”

“Cute.”

“Parakeets?”

“Pretty.”

“Eagles?”

“The band?”

She laughs, her warm breath brushing against my lips. “Both are solid choices.”

Then her mouth is on mine.

There’s no hesitation, just soft lips parting against mine. I moan, the sound surprising me, and I cup her jaw as our heads tilt to the side. I open my mouth and swipe my tongue out, brushing against hers as we lose ourselves to each other. The sounds around us fade away as Vera whimpers and I feel it all the way down to my cock. The kiss breaks and it takes me a few seconds to open my eyes. The commentator’s voice from the television filters through, along with orders being called out and patrons talking.

But my focus is still on the beautiful woman.

“Wanna get out of here?”

“I’m not fucking you because you kiss like that,” I toss her words back at her.

“You’d be lucky to fuck me, handsome.” Vera knocks back her drink and stands. I watch as she adjusts her dress and drags a hand through her hair. When her eyes return to mine, I can’t help but smile. “Come on, we’ve got places to go and booze to drink.”

Two. A delicious piece of ass

Vera

Standing outside, heart racing, I’m amused at how my night has turned out. I’m consciously ignoring the sweltering heat, because it should be illegal to be this hot at this time of night. Instead, I focus on my evening.

Should have known meeting my date at a sports bar was a dumb idea, but my dry spell has left my body and soul dehydrated. I wanted someone to fuck me hard and make me come until I saw stars. Instead, I was surrounded by idiots shouting at TVs, getting agitated as the cricket game—sorry,match—continued.

Then I met Elias.

Despite all the things he didn’t say, I could tell that he was hiding. Nobody wears a cap that low and sits hunched over like they’re trying to vanish into the woodwork if they’re not hiding. I know next to nothing about Indian celebrities and I honestly don’t care. Which is why I’mconvincedhe’s trying to stay lowkey with his whole outfit. My curiosity usually gets me in trouble and I’m pretty sure googling his name might disappoint me.

Instead, I text my cousin-slash-best friend.

Date ditched me. Got stuck with obnoxious cricket fans. Going bar hopping with a handsome stranger.

Tamara

SHOW ME THE HANDSOME STRANGER!

Driver’s licence, preferably. Those pictures are the worst. Kabir’s making me watch cricket, so I feel your pain

Can’t you distract him with your boobs or something?

Tamara