Page 92 of Intoxicated
“Oh?” His disappointment is palpable. This is better than admitting I’ve been toItaly,although I suppose that’s easier to pass off as studying abroad or a class trip than the whirlwind weekend I spent with a guy who drilled way better than this guy probably can. I admit, I didn’t see much of the Tuscan countryside. I was too busy. Inside. “Like I said, Big Island is much more interesting. It’s like being in a completely different place.” He haughtily sniffs, in case I missed the derision from before. “I’m planning a trip for Labor Day weekend in a couple of months.”
I smile and nod, but offer no opinion on that. Norealopinion. The words coming out of my mouth is a wistful, “Sounds lovely,” as if deep down I’m hoping he’ll take me with him. Which is what he’s starting to plan now, because look at him. He wants to take me. He simply doesn’t know if I’m theright oneto take to his precious Big Island yet.
If I play my cards right, I will be, but I’ll have to decide if I think it’s worth it.
There’s something I’m expecting Brian to ask me sooner. You see, it’s been six damn dates. This guy has a growing social circle that goes above his means. The guy is ambitious. I’ve already fed him a steady stream of experience in other areas beyond relationships and sex. Namely, he thinks I work remotely as a market and network influencer. I’ve namedropped more than a few people who made him double-take. I may or may not have included the Bentons the last time I did this. Hereallyliked hearing that name. I’m not surprised. Drew’s dad has a big software company in the area. Big as in money, not staff. Getting to work for him would be one of the big times for a software developer like Brian.
Trips around the world and dinners in tiki bars mean nothing to me if we’re not hobnobbing with the social elite. I don’t care where it is. Portland, Seattle, Honolulu, Rome… give me some glitz and glamor. Give me women in vintage stoles and carrying $5,000 clutches. I want to dress up in a flashy new outfit and look like I have a million dollars.
Is that too much to ask, Brian? I know you’re invited to the occasional shindig around town. How much do you want to put your networking dreams to work?
“You know, I’ve been thinking. About something that happens a little before Labor Day.” Brian motions for me to take his hand. His sweaty hand, I may tell you. Yet I pretend it’s the sweetest gesture as I take his sweat between my fingers and bite my bottom lip in excitement. (Yeah, right. I’m suppressing gas from that barbecue. I might as well look cute while doing it.) “I don’t know how you feel about parties, but…” He leaves me hanging. I pretend to look like I think he’s talking about some friend’s cookout up in Raleigh Hills. “There’s this soiree a colleague of mine has invited me to. Downtown.Reallyritzy. You might have to get a new dress, but I think you might like to go. As my date, of course.”
How do I properly convey my excitement? How do Icontainmy excitement? I can’t decide if it’s better to act super excited about something my character shouldn’t know much about, or to feign indifference in the hopes Brian would like to explain it to me.
Might as well go with the old tried and true.
“A ritzy soiree? Wow…” I let my voice trail off as if I’ve never considered such a wild fantasy.“Like the ones on TV, ma!”That’s probably what I look like. It’s probably what Brian wanted. “That sounds magical. I didn’t know they had stuff like that in Portland.”
“They’re not as common as they used to be, but there are a lot of old money families in the area that like to throw parties. It’s a black tie event, but… well, I do hate going to them by myself, and this next one is in two weeks. I’ll admit, baby, it’s a great chance for me to do some networking. I hear Alexander Benton is gonna be there, and I don’t have to tell you he’s like the holy grail of software design when it comes to benefits and promotions.” He chuckles. “One of the best tricks is having a pretty gal on your arm. So, what do you say? Are you available two weekends from now?”
OfcourseI am!
I let him feed me some of the details while he finishes his supper. After this, it’s either drinks at a club or going straight home. Apparently, I’m going to my apartment.”
“How about we meet at my place next time?” That’s what Brian says as his Audi idles in front of my building. My door is halfway open. I was prepared to step out and blow him a kiss before going inside. Instead, he’s caught me unawares in the passenger seat. “I’ve been trying my hand at Italian cooking. It’ll be like our first date.”
I giggle. “Here I was going to suggest we go to Thailand next time.” Seriously. There’s a nice Thai place around the corner from here, and I’m lazy.
“I’m serious, Cher. If you don’t think it’s too fast, I’d love to have you over to enjoy my view. I’ve been eating on the balcony. It’s not huge, but it gets a lovely view of the sunset.”
“It’s not huge, but it’s lovely,”is what I expect to hear when we finally sleep together. “That could be nice,” I say, looking away as if a virgin bride. “No funny business, Brian. Not yet, anyway.” I can wink too. Quite good at it, actually. My other eyenevercloses.
“Wouldn’t dream of asking you to go farther than you might like, baby.” He takes my hand to give it his customary kiss. I’m not surprised when he leans in for a kiss on the cheek. I’ve always let him kiss me on the cheek.
It’s when he goes for my lips that I’m surprised.
You see, Brian has not yet made this kind of move. He plays the consummate gentleman, and I have considered it a boon given my recent breakup with Drew. Ineeda little distance from sex right now. I may be dating men who give me different ends than just great sex, but it’s not far from my imagination that I may like it sometimes. Only sometimes, though.
I had been a little too lucky until now. At some point, Brian would ditch whatever FWB’s he’s undoubtedly been seeing on the side and make me his main, monogamous squeeze. He wouldn’t be the first with this pattern. I’m so used to it now that I hardly find it offensive. Guys sleep around. Big whoop. Even if I were looking for a real relationship, I wouldn’t have it in me to get mad about him ditching his previous dates because he’s decidedit’s timeto have me as his bedmate. He’s thinking that he’ll teach me everything he knows. You know, the stuff he likes!
A kiss out of nowhere wasn’t on my radar. This is something I expect him to do when I willingly enter his apartment with the lovely views.
“Ah… sorry.” He pulls back, hands on the wheel. “Don’t know what got into me.”
I bite my lips. Let’s say I’m protecting them from another oral attack. “No worries, Bri. I know you’re a good guy.” Yeah, right. Real smooth move, fucker. You’re lucky I’m working you like you probably hope I’ll work your dick soon. Only question is, what gets you off more? Coming in my face, or on my tits?
“Good night, Bri. Thanks for the Hawaiian food. I’ll see you soon, ‘kay?” I’m Miss Perky Big-Tits as I blow him a kiss. Deep down, though, I feel like I need a shower.
I take one as soon as I’m back in my apartment. I also brush my teeth, not that Brian tongued me or anything. God,whydo I feel this incessant need to scrub every inch of my body and to wash my mouth out with Listerine? He barely touched me. Everything is going exactly to plan, and absolutely nothing has surprised me.
Except that peck to my lips. For some reason, that feels like a step too far.
I haven’t kissed a guy since I last saw Drew a few weeks ago. When it’s a kiss likethat,well… I don’t know what my deal is. You’d think I was still hung up on the bastard.
Just because I can’t touch myself without thinking about him…
Just because I’m rebounding with a guy I met that same night…
