I was having one of those days. Everything I touched turned to crap. Two major clients cancelled on me, my secretary didn’t show up for work, the fracking cleaning people didn’t do their job the night before as evident by the overflowing trash can beside my desk, and my best dress slacks snagged on something in the hallway, leaving a two inch tear in an uncomfortable place. My head began to pound right after lunch. The lunch that I skipped, because I was running three days behind. The harder I tried to paddle, the more leaks my boat sprang. I called it a day at two. I glanced at the clock through a haze of pain, threw my day calendar against the wall, then broke open the Excedrin Migraine. I chased three caplets down with a gulp of Coke, picked up my blazer and my purse, and made for the door.
Today was blown. I’d had enough. The problems would wait until tomorrow. Besides, with the cancellations, I didn’t have the energy to work on that new project handed down from high above. I didn’t have the energy to focus on anything but getting rid of the pounding in my head.
When I got to the bottom floor relief set it. Sometimes it pays to play hooky. I charged out of the building determined to forget today. I was turning this into a me day. A little time at the spa, a little time at Victoria’s Secret, and a frozen strawberry daiquiri would turn it completely around.
Nothing will pick up a woman quicker than some serious pampering. The massage was beyond compare, the much-needed facial a piece of heaven, and the foot rub erased the remnants of my headache. Joey, sweetie, you’re always aces in my book. That’s why you always get such a tremendous tip from me.
The trip to Victoria’s Secret was necessary. Or so I convinced myself. After all, I was still running around with a two inch hole in my slacks and tired of trying to cover it up with the blazer. I could afford a new outfit or two. And Vicky’s Place was just the store to get them. I found a beautiful royal blue halter style dress. It was more of a summer dress; had a few butterflies in strategic locations on it. I fell in love at first sight. My normal choice would have been something in red. My power color. But this blue sundress was made just for me. I threw the slacks in the garbage later when I slipped into the ladies room at Chili’s to change. I can always get more black pants. No great loss. But this sundress…oh my. I scrutinized myself carefully in the mirror. Yep. I looked good coming and going. The pure lace underwear and the three inch heels I’d purchased with the dress made me feel like royalty. Just a few quick touch-ups to the makeup, and I was good to go.
I strode out of the ladies room a new woman. The headache was long gone, as was the sun which had slipped under the horizon an hour ago. My stomach reminded me again just how long ago breakfast was. I decided Chili’s was as good a place as any to fill my belly. Besides, they have two-for-ones on the strawberry daiquiris. I found an empty spot at the bar and slid on to a barstool. I recognized the bartender right off. Mickey. He’d been at his job for a while. He could make any drink ever thought up by mankind. And they were wonderful. And powerful. And he was easy on the eyes. Unfortunately for me, the wonderful dress I just bought which showed off my assets beautifully wouldn’t interest Mickey in the least. If I’d had a date, well…that would be a different story. My date would be the one Mickey would be interested in. I still loved him. He gave great makeup and styling tips along with his cocktails.
“Oh I just love that dress, Renee. Love it! That blue really shows off your skin tones!”
He noticed. Leave it to me to have a gay guy notice how great I looked.
“Thanks, Mickey. Would you fix me up with one of those fabulous strawberry daiquiris, please?”
“You bet, sugar. And for you…the good stuff.” He winked at me as his hands set to work preparing his magic. I watched for a few moments, then shifted my gaze to the rest of the people at the bar. It was the usual nighttime crowd. I recognized most of the people..but…wait. Wait a second. Who in the holy hell was that?
Sitting on the opposite side of the bar nursing a beer was one of the most interesting prospects I’d seen in a long time. I tried to get a look at his face but he kept it down in his beer. Not to mention that black cowboy hat. Who the hell wore a cowboy hat to go to Chili’s in the city? And was that actually a blue jean shirt he had on? Dammit, would you please look up so I can see your face? That beard…oh my. That wonderful beard…I actually felt butterflies in my stomach.
Mickey broke my concentration by slamming my drink down. “Ah ah ah, Renee. I know what you’re thinking.” He stood over me with a knowing smile.
I took a deep drink. “Come on, Mickey. I’ve had a crappy day. Leave my fantasy life alone, please.”
“Oh, tell Mickey all about it.” He leaned over as if genuinely concerned. “It can’t be all that bad, considering that number you’ve got on. Hmm. If I weren’t gay I’d go after you myself!”
We laughed together. Mickey was such a good friend. Then again, he was everyone’s friend. That’s part of what made him such a great bartender. “What’s with the guy with the hat?”
“Ah. Mr. Cowboy.” Mickey didn’t even turn around to look. “Yes indeed. I’d love to see what he’s got inside those Levi’s.”
“Mickey!”
“It’s ok, Renee. He doesn’t play my game. But I’ll bet he’d be real interested in playing yours.”
I sighed. “Mickey. When are you going to get out of my social life?”
“When you get one, sweetie. You’re too pretty and too successful to be by yourself all the time. I love talking to you, but a woman like you needs a man.”
“Mickey…” I said it low and threatening.
“Oh, sugar, you know what I mean. A man to have a little fun with. When’s the last time you got laid? I got some last night. Can you say the same?”
Ok. So Mickey shocked me on that one. Plus it was a bit more information than I wanted to know. While I was searching for a comeback, Mickey continued. “I can see by the look on your face it’s been a while. You should move closer to Mr. Cowboy and strike up a conversation with him. He’s been here long enough. I don’t think he’s waiting for anyone. The way he keeps tossing the beer back, I’m going to have to cut him off soon.”
Still trying to decide if I were angry or embarrassed or both, I glared at Mickey for a few moments. Then I decided what the hell. The worse thing that could happen would be for him to say no.
“Give him another one of whatever he’s drinking. On me. And, Mickey.”
“Yes?”
“Stay out of my social life, thank you.” I got off the barstool and grabbed my drink. Mickey smiled and winked at me again, then set off to fill my order. I looked down at my drink and realized it was almost gone. Mickey knew enough to get me another. Only I wouldn’t be sitting in the same place. I looked across the bar and decided the empty chair on his left had my name on it.
I walked slowly toward him, willing him to pick up his head, to no avail. Whatever was in his beer mug seemed to be a lot more interesting than the life going on around him. When I got closer I could see the thick dark hair peeking out under the hat. He had a full beard and mustache…but I still couldn’t really see what he looked like. I took my place on his left side. He didn’t even notice. While I was trying to figure out an opening line, Mickey made an appearance with a fresh beer and a new strawberry daiquiri. He laid both of them down in front of us, and finally, finally Mr. Cowboy lifted his head. He had a questioning look on his face.
“From the lady,” Mickey made an extravagant gesture toward me and turned to his other customers.
He turned to look at me. I was immediately captured by the most beautiful pair of crystal blue eyes. They were a wonderful contrast to his dark hair…this guy looked great. My eyes slipped down for just a moment to check out his jeans. I confirmed he had on the Levis Mickey wanted so much to see inside of.
“Thank you, ma’am.”
His voice. Deep pitched, smooth, very slight southern accent, more than enough to send a case of quivers to my unmentionable parts. He turned back to his beer.
Damn. I was beginning to feel like a hormone-driven teenager. My lacy underwear were moist. I thanked God once again for making me female. Easier to hide such reactions. What should I say to him? What would be appropriate? How do people do this? Frack me for being so rusty about this.
“You’re welcome.” How lame. It was the only thing I could think of to say. And it was much too late after his thank you. I was rewarded with another look at his face. Oh my God, his eyes were doing wonderful things to my insides.
He still had a questioning look on his face.
“Are you waiting for someone?” Great job, Renee. What a stupid opening. Not knowing what else to do, I smiled.
“No ma’am. I’m just trying to decide whether or not to eat something.” This time he didn’t put his face back in his beer. It was a start. Now I had to figure out how to keep him interested.
“You know, I came here for a bite myself. Would you care to join me?” Why, oh why did those last six words come out?! I don’t even know this guy’s name! He could be a serial killer for all I knew! Awe, shit…
He seemed amused. After a few thoughtful moments, he held out his right hand. “My name is Heath. I’d at least like to know who I’ll be eating with.” No smile on his face yet, but he seemed a bit more relaxed.
I shook his hand. “I’m Renee. I don’t normally ask total strangers to dinner with me.”
I was rewarded with a hint of a smile. The eyes, the beard, the strong features on his face…it took nearly all of my self control not to jump him right here and now. Good grief, Renee. What is going on with you? Was Mickey right? Had it been too long? When was the last time? Why am I thinking of this right now? Have I lost my mind?
Heath brought my thoughts to a screeching halt. “I would love to have dinner with you, Renee.” And, there it was. A full-faced smile. Oh my God. If I got any worse, my underwear were going to have to be tossed.
“Mickey can get us a table. I’m a little hungry myself.” The second daiquiri was starting to mess with my head. Served me right, drinking on an empty stomach. Coming off a migraine, to boot. I’d be doing good not to barf all over this gorgeous cowboy I’d just had the good fortune to meet.
I signaled Mickey to come over and asked him to get us a table. The request was a little out of his job description, but I knew he’d do it for me. He told me he’d be right back, and walked off with a huge grin on his face.
Mickey was good. Damn good. He got us a table near the back, a two-seater with a little privacy. I thanked him and slipped enough money in his hand to cover my bar tab and his tip. He leaned over and whispered “Good luck” in my ear, then left us to get a waiter. I was beginning to feel terribly unsure of myself, bordering on extreme embarrassment. After a minute of two of total silence between us, I sighed and broke it. “You know, Heath, we really don’t have to do this. I’m sure you have other obligations…”
He quickly lifted his head. If I could just hold his attention long enough to keep him from staring at his damn beer…”No ma’am. I mean, it’s okay. I don’t have anything else to do. I mean, this is fine!” The more he stumbled over his words, the redder his face got. Which made him even more attractive.
“Heath?”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“If we’re going to get through this dinner, you’re going to have to stop saying ‘yes ma’am’. It’s making me feel like an old school teacher.”
Heath lifted his eyebrows in surprise. “Oh, no…that’s…the furthest thought from my mind. You are…quite attractive.”
It was my turn to get the red-tinged cheeks. “Thank you. As are you. So now that we got that out of the way, tell me a little about yourself.”
Heath took another drink before answering. He sure took his time with answering questions. I was trying to decide if it were the beer making his thoughts slower or if he did it on purpose to drive my insides nuts. “No one special in my life, nasty divorce three years ago, two sons and a daughter I love with all my heart, and I ride bulls for a living.” He nodded his head and picked up his beer again.
Wow. Straight to the point. I could work with that. “Your life in a nutshell. Hmm. Let’s see if I can do the same. Never been married, serious relationship breakup five years ago, no kids, no one special in my life, successful investment banker.” I lifted my drink in his honor and took a sip.
He leaned his head to the right side. “Investment banker? Sounds like you make a few bucks.”
Ok. So he was blunt, too. “I do okay. Riding bulls? What kind of a career is that?” I figured that was fair.
“It’s the best natural high known to man! “ His expression relaxed.
“If you say so. I don’t think I’ll be trying it any time soon.”
“Have you ever been to a rodeo?”
The look on my face answered his question.
“You don’t know what you’re missing.”
Yeah, sweetie. If there are more men like you running around at a rodeo, I’ve got to put it on my to-do list. Definitely. I decided to try a different tactic. “How did you end up here?”
“Argument with my trainer. We don’t always see eye to eye. I needed to cool off for a few hours.”
I opened my mouth to make a comment, then closed it abruptly. I had no idea what was involved in a rodeo, wasn’t even sure what he meant by riding a bull for a living, and decided to keep quiet so I wouldn’t look like a complete idiot.
Saved by the waiter. He came by to take our orders. I found out Heath was a steak man. Steak and baked potato. Could it have been any other way? I ordered my usual Caribbean salad with iced tea. Heath ordered a Coke. I smiled slightly. I liked a Coke man; no Pepsi for me.
Dinner was great. Heath and I relaxed as the evening proceeded; I even got him to laugh at a few of my lame jokes. He has a wonderful, deep, infectious laugh. I couldn’t help but join him. We each talked about our day and how terrible it was. We both agreed the evening was worth the crap we went through this morning.
After the dishes were picked up and the bill and tip paid it hit us that the evening should come to a proper end. I was reluctant to let this mysterious and gorgeous cowboy go. Whatever happened next would be up to him. At least I’d gotten my hormones under control…for the time being.
Heath stood up from the table and straightened his hat. “Renee. Would you like to go for a walk? I’m not ready to get back home yet, and the evening is still young.”
My heart did back flips; my girly parts got all mushy with a longing for his touch. Should I? “That would be lovely.” My mouth operated before my brain gave the okay. What the hell?
He took my right arm into his and escorted me out of the restaurant.
My work clothes were becoming a pain to carry around. I’d stuffed my blouse in my purse, but the blazer simply wouldn’t fit. So I handled it as best I could, making sure my right arm stayed linked with Heath’s left arm. He smelled wonderful; I was trying to pinpoint the cologne he had on but I couldn’t. We walked for a few blocks in silence, taking in the evening sights and sounds of the city. He seemed to be completely at ease. I wish I could say the same. My brain was listing out topic after topic to start a conversation. I couldn’t decide where to start, so I walked in silence beside him. My feet were beginning to gripe about walking in the heels, but I wouldn’t dare say anything. This felt too good. If he wanted to walk in silence, I decided that was perfectly fine with me.
Then ‘she’ happened.
“Heath? Heath!” we both turned at the sound of her voice. “Oh, my goodness, Heath! I didn’t know you were in town!”
Next thing I knew this beautiful platinum blonde wrapped herself around my cowboy. Heath let my arm go to return the hug. “Jill! So nice to see you!”
I was hoping to God this beauty was his sister. As I watched her give him a lingering kiss on the lips my hopes were dashed. Suddenly I felt like a third wheel.
“How long has it been? Why didn’t you tell me you were in town? Let me look at you…you still look fabulous!” Jill stepped back to take him in. She looked like a living Barbie doll, perfect figure, beautiful face, beautiful hair.
Heath smiled and put his head down. “It has been a while. You look wonderful.”
Sigh. My chances were slipping by the second. It seemed like Heath completely forgot about me.
Jill stepped in really close. “You still riding those bulls?”
He nodded his head.
“When are you going to stop doing that dangerous foolishness and get a real job?”
“I have a job.”
She shook her head and smiled at him. “We really need to get together. How long are you in town?”
Heath suddenly remembered I was there. “Jill, this is my friend Renee. Renee, this is Jill. We’ve known each other for years.”
How well have you known each other? I wondered. Was that a tad bit of jealousy rising up in my heart? I graciously shook her hand and told her it was nice to meet her.
She brushed me off, as if I were a piece of lint on Heath’s shirt. “You still single, Heath?”
“Yes ma’am. Trying to stay that way.”
Another shot to my heart. I stopped listening to the conversation and started considering walking home. What was I thinking? I don’t even know this guy. Sure, we had a great time together at dinner. But that was that. Given his lack of conversation since we started our walk, I figured the magic had disappeared.
I watched the both of them in animated conversation for a few minutes, then shifted my purse and blazer. I watched a traffic light go through a few cycles. After several minutes I decided it was time to make my exit. It was fun while it lasted, and I’d have someone new to fantasize about when I had a few spare moments. Besides, I had a lot of work to do in the morning.
I waited for a break in the conversation. It took a lot longer than I’d anticipated.
“Heath,” I said, “It was very nice to meet you, but I’ve got a lot of work to get to. I’m going to leave you two to catch up.”
Those beautiful crystal blue eyes looked at me in questioning surprise. “I’m sorry, Renee, I didn’t realize I was keeping you from work.”
Jill was quiet for a moment.
“Oh, no. Not at all. I’m just going to have a long day tomorrow.” As I prepared to walk away, Heath slipped his arm over my shoulder. What’s this?
“I’m sorry, Jill. We’re going to have to catch up later.”
The look on Jill’s face was priceless. Neither of us expected that.
“Ok. You still have my number? Give me a call before you leave town.”
“Will do. You take care.” With that, he turned away from her and walked. With me by his side. What the hell?
I gave it a few moments, just enough time to where I couldn’t stand it anymore. “You know, I would have been fine walking home myself. Didn’t mean to tear you away from your friend.” There. That seemed neutral enough.
“Friend? She drives me nuts. You did me a huge favor.”
Hmmm. Should I touch that one? Maybe. “You two seemed to know each other very well.”
“She’s the ex-wife of one of my friends. She took him to the cleaners. Barely left him with enough to eat on. She’s not on my list of priorities.”
Oh. How quickly fortunes were changing tonight. I decided to drop it. After all, I was the one with Heath’s arm wrapped around me. My package seemed lighter.
“Would you like me to carry that for you?”
How sweet. “I’m fine. My apartment is only two blocks away. Care for a nightcap?” What in the hell possessed me to say that?!
“Sure. I’ve still got plenty of time.”
I let out a contented sigh and stole a sideways glance at him. His profile was gorgeous. That cowboy hat did him justice. That beard. How I would love to play with that beard. How I would love to have his arms around me. His hands. Rough and calloused. What wonderful things could he do to me with those hands…
“Renee?”
I snapped out of it immediately. “Yes?”
“You don’t think Jill-“
“No, no,no. Not to worry. That’s your business. We’ve just met. Each of us have lots of secrets, I’m sure.”
Heath stopped and pulled me to him. I didn’t resist. “Secrets. Secrets can be fun to uncover.”
And there we were. On the sidewalk. In front of my apartment building. Gazing into each other’s eyes. Face to face, just a few inches between us. The butterflies multiplied in my stomach. He took my breath away. I was frozen, willing time to stop, wondering if this was all real. He leaned in closer, and I realized he was going to kiss me. Should I let him? How can I not?
“Renee?” he whispered.
“Yes?” I whispered back.
“Can I kiss you?” he breathed.
Our noses were touching. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t…”
Slowly our lips melted into each other. He was extremely gentle, almost as if he were kissing porcelain. I was the one who wanted more, who urged him into a deeper kiss. He didn’t disappoint. It was when I felt his hands starting to roam I broke the kiss. I was a simmering mess. He pulled back to look at me, his arms still around me. “Wow…” he breathed.
“Yeah…” I whispered back. We stood there for a few moments, holding each other, looking each other in the eye.
“Heath,” I whispered.
“Yeah?”
“Let’s take this to my place.”
“Okay.”
We didn’t move. People were passing us on the sidewalk. The traffic light continued through it’s cycles. Time seemed to stand still. And still we were holding each other, standing right outside of the door to my apartment. His eyes had some sort of magnetic force which compelled me to keep his gaze. Finally he slowly lifted his right hand to play with my hair. It felt wonderful. My lacy underwear were completely drenched. I became more aware of his body, and realized I may be having the same effect on him. That’s when the smile spread across my face. He returned it. And together we turned to my front door.
Today was blown. I’d had enough. The problems would wait until tomorrow. Besides, with the cancellations, I didn’t have the energy to work on that new project handed down from high above. I didn’t have the energy to focus on anything but getting rid of the pounding in my head.
When I got to the bottom floor relief set it. Sometimes it pays to play hooky. I charged out of the building determined to forget today. I was turning this into a me day. A little time at the spa, a little time at Victoria’s Secret, and a frozen strawberry daiquiri would turn it completely around.
Nothing will pick up a woman quicker than some serious pampering. The massage was beyond compare, the much-needed facial a piece of heaven, and the foot rub erased the remnants of my headache. Joey, sweetie, you’re always aces in my book. That’s why you always get such a tremendous tip from me.
The trip to Victoria’s Secret was necessary. Or so I convinced myself. After all, I was still running around with a two inch hole in my slacks and tired of trying to cover it up with the blazer. I could afford a new outfit or two. And Vicky’s Place was just the store to get them. I found a beautiful royal blue halter style dress. It was more of a summer dress; had a few butterflies in strategic locations on it. I fell in love at first sight. My normal choice would have been something in red. My power color. But this blue sundress was made just for me. I threw the slacks in the garbage later when I slipped into the ladies room at Chili’s to change. I can always get more black pants. No great loss. But this sundress…oh my. I scrutinized myself carefully in the mirror. Yep. I looked good coming and going. The pure lace underwear and the three inch heels I’d purchased with the dress made me feel like royalty. Just a few quick touch-ups to the makeup, and I was good to go.
I strode out of the ladies room a new woman. The headache was long gone, as was the sun which had slipped under the horizon an hour ago. My stomach reminded me again just how long ago breakfast was. I decided Chili’s was as good a place as any to fill my belly. Besides, they have two-for-ones on the strawberry daiquiris. I found an empty spot at the bar and slid on to a barstool. I recognized the bartender right off. Mickey. He’d been at his job for a while. He could make any drink ever thought up by mankind. And they were wonderful. And powerful. And he was easy on the eyes. Unfortunately for me, the wonderful dress I just bought which showed off my assets beautifully wouldn’t interest Mickey in the least. If I’d had a date, well…that would be a different story. My date would be the one Mickey would be interested in. I still loved him. He gave great makeup and styling tips along with his cocktails.
“Oh I just love that dress, Renee. Love it! That blue really shows off your skin tones!”
He noticed. Leave it to me to have a gay guy notice how great I looked.
“Thanks, Mickey. Would you fix me up with one of those fabulous strawberry daiquiris, please?”
“You bet, sugar. And for you…the good stuff.” He winked at me as his hands set to work preparing his magic. I watched for a few moments, then shifted my gaze to the rest of the people at the bar. It was the usual nighttime crowd. I recognized most of the people..but…wait. Wait a second. Who in the holy hell was that?
Sitting on the opposite side of the bar nursing a beer was one of the most interesting prospects I’d seen in a long time. I tried to get a look at his face but he kept it down in his beer. Not to mention that black cowboy hat. Who the hell wore a cowboy hat to go to Chili’s in the city? And was that actually a blue jean shirt he had on? Dammit, would you please look up so I can see your face? That beard…oh my. That wonderful beard…I actually felt butterflies in my stomach.
Mickey broke my concentration by slamming my drink down. “Ah ah ah, Renee. I know what you’re thinking.” He stood over me with a knowing smile.
I took a deep drink. “Come on, Mickey. I’ve had a crappy day. Leave my fantasy life alone, please.”
“Oh, tell Mickey all about it.” He leaned over as if genuinely concerned. “It can’t be all that bad, considering that number you’ve got on. Hmm. If I weren’t gay I’d go after you myself!”
We laughed together. Mickey was such a good friend. Then again, he was everyone’s friend. That’s part of what made him such a great bartender. “What’s with the guy with the hat?”
“Ah. Mr. Cowboy.” Mickey didn’t even turn around to look. “Yes indeed. I’d love to see what he’s got inside those Levi’s.”
“Mickey!”
“It’s ok, Renee. He doesn’t play my game. But I’ll bet he’d be real interested in playing yours.”
I sighed. “Mickey. When are you going to get out of my social life?”
“When you get one, sweetie. You’re too pretty and too successful to be by yourself all the time. I love talking to you, but a woman like you needs a man.”
“Mickey…” I said it low and threatening.
“Oh, sugar, you know what I mean. A man to have a little fun with. When’s the last time you got laid? I got some last night. Can you say the same?”
Ok. So Mickey shocked me on that one. Plus it was a bit more information than I wanted to know. While I was searching for a comeback, Mickey continued. “I can see by the look on your face it’s been a while. You should move closer to Mr. Cowboy and strike up a conversation with him. He’s been here long enough. I don’t think he’s waiting for anyone. The way he keeps tossing the beer back, I’m going to have to cut him off soon.”
Still trying to decide if I were angry or embarrassed or both, I glared at Mickey for a few moments. Then I decided what the hell. The worse thing that could happen would be for him to say no.
“Give him another one of whatever he’s drinking. On me. And, Mickey.”
“Yes?”
“Stay out of my social life, thank you.” I got off the barstool and grabbed my drink. Mickey smiled and winked at me again, then set off to fill my order. I looked down at my drink and realized it was almost gone. Mickey knew enough to get me another. Only I wouldn’t be sitting in the same place. I looked across the bar and decided the empty chair on his left had my name on it.
I walked slowly toward him, willing him to pick up his head, to no avail. Whatever was in his beer mug seemed to be a lot more interesting than the life going on around him. When I got closer I could see the thick dark hair peeking out under the hat. He had a full beard and mustache…but I still couldn’t really see what he looked like. I took my place on his left side. He didn’t even notice. While I was trying to figure out an opening line, Mickey made an appearance with a fresh beer and a new strawberry daiquiri. He laid both of them down in front of us, and finally, finally Mr. Cowboy lifted his head. He had a questioning look on his face.
“From the lady,” Mickey made an extravagant gesture toward me and turned to his other customers.
He turned to look at me. I was immediately captured by the most beautiful pair of crystal blue eyes. They were a wonderful contrast to his dark hair…this guy looked great. My eyes slipped down for just a moment to check out his jeans. I confirmed he had on the Levis Mickey wanted so much to see inside of.
“Thank you, ma’am.”
His voice. Deep pitched, smooth, very slight southern accent, more than enough to send a case of quivers to my unmentionable parts. He turned back to his beer.
Damn. I was beginning to feel like a hormone-driven teenager. My lacy underwear were moist. I thanked God once again for making me female. Easier to hide such reactions. What should I say to him? What would be appropriate? How do people do this? Frack me for being so rusty about this.
“You’re welcome.” How lame. It was the only thing I could think of to say. And it was much too late after his thank you. I was rewarded with another look at his face. Oh my God, his eyes were doing wonderful things to my insides.
He still had a questioning look on his face.
“Are you waiting for someone?” Great job, Renee. What a stupid opening. Not knowing what else to do, I smiled.
“No ma’am. I’m just trying to decide whether or not to eat something.” This time he didn’t put his face back in his beer. It was a start. Now I had to figure out how to keep him interested.
“You know, I came here for a bite myself. Would you care to join me?” Why, oh why did those last six words come out?! I don’t even know this guy’s name! He could be a serial killer for all I knew! Awe, shit…
He seemed amused. After a few thoughtful moments, he held out his right hand. “My name is Heath. I’d at least like to know who I’ll be eating with.” No smile on his face yet, but he seemed a bit more relaxed.
I shook his hand. “I’m Renee. I don’t normally ask total strangers to dinner with me.”
I was rewarded with a hint of a smile. The eyes, the beard, the strong features on his face…it took nearly all of my self control not to jump him right here and now. Good grief, Renee. What is going on with you? Was Mickey right? Had it been too long? When was the last time? Why am I thinking of this right now? Have I lost my mind?
Heath brought my thoughts to a screeching halt. “I would love to have dinner with you, Renee.” And, there it was. A full-faced smile. Oh my God. If I got any worse, my underwear were going to have to be tossed.
“Mickey can get us a table. I’m a little hungry myself.” The second daiquiri was starting to mess with my head. Served me right, drinking on an empty stomach. Coming off a migraine, to boot. I’d be doing good not to barf all over this gorgeous cowboy I’d just had the good fortune to meet.
I signaled Mickey to come over and asked him to get us a table. The request was a little out of his job description, but I knew he’d do it for me. He told me he’d be right back, and walked off with a huge grin on his face.
Mickey was good. Damn good. He got us a table near the back, a two-seater with a little privacy. I thanked him and slipped enough money in his hand to cover my bar tab and his tip. He leaned over and whispered “Good luck” in my ear, then left us to get a waiter. I was beginning to feel terribly unsure of myself, bordering on extreme embarrassment. After a minute of two of total silence between us, I sighed and broke it. “You know, Heath, we really don’t have to do this. I’m sure you have other obligations…”
He quickly lifted his head. If I could just hold his attention long enough to keep him from staring at his damn beer…”No ma’am. I mean, it’s okay. I don’t have anything else to do. I mean, this is fine!” The more he stumbled over his words, the redder his face got. Which made him even more attractive.
“Heath?”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“If we’re going to get through this dinner, you’re going to have to stop saying ‘yes ma’am’. It’s making me feel like an old school teacher.”
Heath lifted his eyebrows in surprise. “Oh, no…that’s…the furthest thought from my mind. You are…quite attractive.”
It was my turn to get the red-tinged cheeks. “Thank you. As are you. So now that we got that out of the way, tell me a little about yourself.”
Heath took another drink before answering. He sure took his time with answering questions. I was trying to decide if it were the beer making his thoughts slower or if he did it on purpose to drive my insides nuts. “No one special in my life, nasty divorce three years ago, two sons and a daughter I love with all my heart, and I ride bulls for a living.” He nodded his head and picked up his beer again.
Wow. Straight to the point. I could work with that. “Your life in a nutshell. Hmm. Let’s see if I can do the same. Never been married, serious relationship breakup five years ago, no kids, no one special in my life, successful investment banker.” I lifted my drink in his honor and took a sip.
He leaned his head to the right side. “Investment banker? Sounds like you make a few bucks.”
Ok. So he was blunt, too. “I do okay. Riding bulls? What kind of a career is that?” I figured that was fair.
“It’s the best natural high known to man! “ His expression relaxed.
“If you say so. I don’t think I’ll be trying it any time soon.”
“Have you ever been to a rodeo?”
The look on my face answered his question.
“You don’t know what you’re missing.”
Yeah, sweetie. If there are more men like you running around at a rodeo, I’ve got to put it on my to-do list. Definitely. I decided to try a different tactic. “How did you end up here?”
“Argument with my trainer. We don’t always see eye to eye. I needed to cool off for a few hours.”
I opened my mouth to make a comment, then closed it abruptly. I had no idea what was involved in a rodeo, wasn’t even sure what he meant by riding a bull for a living, and decided to keep quiet so I wouldn’t look like a complete idiot.
Saved by the waiter. He came by to take our orders. I found out Heath was a steak man. Steak and baked potato. Could it have been any other way? I ordered my usual Caribbean salad with iced tea. Heath ordered a Coke. I smiled slightly. I liked a Coke man; no Pepsi for me.
Dinner was great. Heath and I relaxed as the evening proceeded; I even got him to laugh at a few of my lame jokes. He has a wonderful, deep, infectious laugh. I couldn’t help but join him. We each talked about our day and how terrible it was. We both agreed the evening was worth the crap we went through this morning.
After the dishes were picked up and the bill and tip paid it hit us that the evening should come to a proper end. I was reluctant to let this mysterious and gorgeous cowboy go. Whatever happened next would be up to him. At least I’d gotten my hormones under control…for the time being.
Heath stood up from the table and straightened his hat. “Renee. Would you like to go for a walk? I’m not ready to get back home yet, and the evening is still young.”
My heart did back flips; my girly parts got all mushy with a longing for his touch. Should I? “That would be lovely.” My mouth operated before my brain gave the okay. What the hell?
He took my right arm into his and escorted me out of the restaurant.
My work clothes were becoming a pain to carry around. I’d stuffed my blouse in my purse, but the blazer simply wouldn’t fit. So I handled it as best I could, making sure my right arm stayed linked with Heath’s left arm. He smelled wonderful; I was trying to pinpoint the cologne he had on but I couldn’t. We walked for a few blocks in silence, taking in the evening sights and sounds of the city. He seemed to be completely at ease. I wish I could say the same. My brain was listing out topic after topic to start a conversation. I couldn’t decide where to start, so I walked in silence beside him. My feet were beginning to gripe about walking in the heels, but I wouldn’t dare say anything. This felt too good. If he wanted to walk in silence, I decided that was perfectly fine with me.
Then ‘she’ happened.
“Heath? Heath!” we both turned at the sound of her voice. “Oh, my goodness, Heath! I didn’t know you were in town!”
Next thing I knew this beautiful platinum blonde wrapped herself around my cowboy. Heath let my arm go to return the hug. “Jill! So nice to see you!”
I was hoping to God this beauty was his sister. As I watched her give him a lingering kiss on the lips my hopes were dashed. Suddenly I felt like a third wheel.
“How long has it been? Why didn’t you tell me you were in town? Let me look at you…you still look fabulous!” Jill stepped back to take him in. She looked like a living Barbie doll, perfect figure, beautiful face, beautiful hair.
Heath smiled and put his head down. “It has been a while. You look wonderful.”
Sigh. My chances were slipping by the second. It seemed like Heath completely forgot about me.
Jill stepped in really close. “You still riding those bulls?”
He nodded his head.
“When are you going to stop doing that dangerous foolishness and get a real job?”
“I have a job.”
She shook her head and smiled at him. “We really need to get together. How long are you in town?”
Heath suddenly remembered I was there. “Jill, this is my friend Renee. Renee, this is Jill. We’ve known each other for years.”
How well have you known each other? I wondered. Was that a tad bit of jealousy rising up in my heart? I graciously shook her hand and told her it was nice to meet her.
She brushed me off, as if I were a piece of lint on Heath’s shirt. “You still single, Heath?”
“Yes ma’am. Trying to stay that way.”
Another shot to my heart. I stopped listening to the conversation and started considering walking home. What was I thinking? I don’t even know this guy. Sure, we had a great time together at dinner. But that was that. Given his lack of conversation since we started our walk, I figured the magic had disappeared.
I watched the both of them in animated conversation for a few minutes, then shifted my purse and blazer. I watched a traffic light go through a few cycles. After several minutes I decided it was time to make my exit. It was fun while it lasted, and I’d have someone new to fantasize about when I had a few spare moments. Besides, I had a lot of work to do in the morning.
I waited for a break in the conversation. It took a lot longer than I’d anticipated.
“Heath,” I said, “It was very nice to meet you, but I’ve got a lot of work to get to. I’m going to leave you two to catch up.”
Those beautiful crystal blue eyes looked at me in questioning surprise. “I’m sorry, Renee, I didn’t realize I was keeping you from work.”
Jill was quiet for a moment.
“Oh, no. Not at all. I’m just going to have a long day tomorrow.” As I prepared to walk away, Heath slipped his arm over my shoulder. What’s this?
“I’m sorry, Jill. We’re going to have to catch up later.”
The look on Jill’s face was priceless. Neither of us expected that.
“Ok. You still have my number? Give me a call before you leave town.”
“Will do. You take care.” With that, he turned away from her and walked. With me by his side. What the hell?
I gave it a few moments, just enough time to where I couldn’t stand it anymore. “You know, I would have been fine walking home myself. Didn’t mean to tear you away from your friend.” There. That seemed neutral enough.
“Friend? She drives me nuts. You did me a huge favor.”
Hmmm. Should I touch that one? Maybe. “You two seemed to know each other very well.”
“She’s the ex-wife of one of my friends. She took him to the cleaners. Barely left him with enough to eat on. She’s not on my list of priorities.”
Oh. How quickly fortunes were changing tonight. I decided to drop it. After all, I was the one with Heath’s arm wrapped around me. My package seemed lighter.
“Would you like me to carry that for you?”
How sweet. “I’m fine. My apartment is only two blocks away. Care for a nightcap?” What in the hell possessed me to say that?!
“Sure. I’ve still got plenty of time.”
I let out a contented sigh and stole a sideways glance at him. His profile was gorgeous. That cowboy hat did him justice. That beard. How I would love to play with that beard. How I would love to have his arms around me. His hands. Rough and calloused. What wonderful things could he do to me with those hands…
“Renee?”
I snapped out of it immediately. “Yes?”
“You don’t think Jill-“
“No, no,no. Not to worry. That’s your business. We’ve just met. Each of us have lots of secrets, I’m sure.”
Heath stopped and pulled me to him. I didn’t resist. “Secrets. Secrets can be fun to uncover.”
And there we were. On the sidewalk. In front of my apartment building. Gazing into each other’s eyes. Face to face, just a few inches between us. The butterflies multiplied in my stomach. He took my breath away. I was frozen, willing time to stop, wondering if this was all real. He leaned in closer, and I realized he was going to kiss me. Should I let him? How can I not?
“Renee?” he whispered.
“Yes?” I whispered back.
“Can I kiss you?” he breathed.
Our noses were touching. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t…”
Slowly our lips melted into each other. He was extremely gentle, almost as if he were kissing porcelain. I was the one who wanted more, who urged him into a deeper kiss. He didn’t disappoint. It was when I felt his hands starting to roam I broke the kiss. I was a simmering mess. He pulled back to look at me, his arms still around me. “Wow…” he breathed.
“Yeah…” I whispered back. We stood there for a few moments, holding each other, looking each other in the eye.
“Heath,” I whispered.
“Yeah?”
“Let’s take this to my place.”
“Okay.”
We didn’t move. People were passing us on the sidewalk. The traffic light continued through it’s cycles. Time seemed to stand still. And still we were holding each other, standing right outside of the door to my apartment. His eyes had some sort of magnetic force which compelled me to keep his gaze. Finally he slowly lifted his right hand to play with my hair. It felt wonderful. My lacy underwear were completely drenched. I became more aware of his body, and realized I may be having the same effect on him. That’s when the smile spread across my face. He returned it. And together we turned to my front door.
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