Short Story: A Chance Encounter (closed)

[Sweetp4u]

OOC: This is another short story closed for Pooh and myself, hope you enjoy it

IC:

Her feet hurt, her head was pounding and she'd already burnt herself a few times tonight. Beth let out another sigh as she stood waiting for the Tuesday Night Special she'd put in a ticket for fifteen minutes before.

The guy was growing impatient, he had a delivery to make and didn't have time for cooks to screw up their orders. Only the cooks didn't get the grief when they screwed up an order, she did. Her tips dropped, if anything at all was left and her headache would grow worse.

"Please hurry John.." She muttered to herself as she got the man a free piece of pie. Another thing that would come out of her check, but a small price to pay to keep him from shouting at her again.

Behind her the door jingled a warning, another customer was entering. She glanced up momentarily to see he was being seated in Denise's section.
Thank you god! She felt a huge sigh of relief, she really needed a break. With the one customer left to her to contend with, it was enough for now.

Her eyes darted to the clock as she tucked her mouse brown hair behind her ear, it was two a. m., so why was a man entering dressed in a suit? She turned again to glance at the new arrival out of curiosity and caught a flash of a smile he gifted Denise.

Her heart stilled as she nearly gasped aloud. He was not a cover model, but he was well put together in the facial feature department. Appealing with the smile and his alert eyes... She wished she could see their color... Isn't that silly? As soon as Denise moved, Beth once more turned her attention to the window.

Even though she looked in John's direction, she wasn't seeing him as that smile lingered in her mind. Unwanted came a little lurch in her breathing and a sudden melting around her heart..

What was she thinking?! nervously she brushed her hands on her apron, her eyes tempted to look again, just once more. It had to be the hour.. Or perhaps the lack of dates in over two years.. And he looked too .. dignified? He had to be taken.

She peeked once more as she finally picked up the trucker's order, she wasn't sure if she believed in love at first sight.. But whatever she felt it wasn't exactly lust either. A woman nearing thirty did not go around staring at customers, even if she felt some sort of psycho mumbo-jumbo connection.. She set the plate down before the trucker, apologizing for the mix up and handing over the free piece of pie as well, her smile faint but in her mind she was wondering where she'd met the stranger before? Now that she could see him clearly without looking directly at him, she had a weird feeling of De ja vous.

 

[poohlive]

Reese shook the sleep from his eyes as he sat down. He glanced at the menu that had greese stains and coffee rings all around it. They almost seemed to be plastered on by some weird office building that purpose put together low brow Trucker's stops. They had to be authentic, complete with cockroaches in the kitchens, and grease stains on the menu's.

And waitresses? Reese stopped for a moment, turning, looking at the one woman who danced from one foot to the other, almost with impatience. A smile came to his face at that. Oh, she even pushed back a strand of loose hair. All she needed to do was chew massive amounts of bubble gum and talk in a thick jersey accent and she would be as complete as the coffee ring or the lazy beer bellied cook in the back who was sneaking outside for a cigarette between orders.

The woman looked beautiful, strikingly so. She seemed like some ray of sunshine that shone down on this dank and dirty place. He found himself wanting to pick her up and carry her out of here, never to return again.

Reese looked up to see his own waitress eyeing him with a hungry yet tired look. Flashing a simple smile, he looked down and order a simple burger and fries.

"Who is that girl?" He asked, pointing to her as some order came through the kitchen area.

"Beth. She's new here," his waitress popped a huge bubble as she said it. Reese had to bite his lower lip to keep from laughing.

"Beth?"

"Oh, come on, sweetie. You don't need her. You can have a full woman right here. I have a break in fifteen, we can use the girl's bathroom. No one ever goes in there."

Reese furrowed his brow as she let a simple finger trail along his arm. He pulled back as fast as he could.

"No thanks, just the burger."

He put his arm against the counter, watching Beth as she walked out to give someone their order. She had a smallish figure, a mouse-like way she moved, quick and small, but cute. Pretty.

Why hadn't he sat over there? By the counter... he could have talked to her. Sighing, he looked back at the greasy menu. Maybe in his next life.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

"It's my break time." Denise stated the obvious as she brushed by Beth.

"How many customers?" Beth asked without bothering to look up from tallying the ticket for the trucker.

"Just the one. His order is up, he ordered coffee, might need a refill. Be back in fifteen." Denise mentioned nothing of the patron asking about her, which was a good move or Beth might not have gone over there as nervous as she was earlier.

She chanced glances now and then, but didn't want to be caught staring. It was best to forget him anyway, she was a waitress, he apparently worked some where better off than she.. What could they possibly have in common?

"Order up!" John called from behind the counter with a ding of an old bell. She glanced over her shoulder, Yes he was still seated there and waiting. Was it her imagination or was he just looking at her?

Probably starved and sick of waiting.. like everyone else who came here and waited for John's cooking... Which wasn't that good nor healthy in the first place.
"Here's your ticket sir, anything else I can get for you tonight?"

The trucker shook his head and polished off his cup of coffee. She refilled it, grabbed the other order and sucking in a deep calming breath, she headed over. balancing his plate and the hot pot of coffee, she put on her best smile as she approached his table.

"Here you are. Your waitress is on break, but if you need anything just motion for me, alright?" She spoke softly with a southern accent. Georgia was home, but here lay opportunity within the bright lights of the city.. She handed over his plate, topped off his coffee and turned back to collect the trucker's tab. She felt foolish, knowing she didn't even wait for him to respond to her questions, she felt her face flame a little but managed to get the trucker paid and on his way out. Surprisingly he left her a few dollars in tips. She hadn't expected anything, maybe her luck was changing?

 

[poohlive]

Reese saw her come over to his table. He stood up straight, as if trying to make himself look better as she was coming over. He realized what he was doing, and blushed bright red. God, what was he doing?

She had a warm smile, and was very professional. He saw those wonderful eyes, a dark green emerald with almost a flick of gold. Those were pretty eyes, he wanted to say something, to ask her name, even though he knew it, to say how pretty her eyes were, to give her his number.

But, she walked away before his tongue could form a single syllable. Fool, damned fool for not saying anything. She even gave him an opening, he could have at least said hello.

Reese ate his food slowly, trying not to even think about it. His life full of regrets, such a businessman that he had never taken a good risk in his life. Here, was a wonderful woman, a risk worth taking, and all he could do was stare out of the corner of his eye.

In the end, he just laid down his money and left.

He put his tip next to where the truck driver sat though, a ten dollar bill. He left with a smile.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

She lost count of how many times her eyes scanned the diner, looking for him when she knew deep down he wouldn't return. People came and went, rarely did she see the same face twice and no amount of clock watching was going to make him arrive.

She knew he'd left the tip for her, having put it where it was found, but the honest side of her couldn't keep it all and made sure Denise got the tip. Even so, she had stopped to wonder many times since last night.. Why so much for a mere burger and coffee?

Was it something she'd done or said? She couldn't remember anything passing her lips towards him other than an offer to assist... Still it made her warm inside, a sweet man to tip a waitress that much for so little. She refused to think it was because he could afford the tip, in this day and age people were more frugal with their monies, even business men.

And why, Lord WHY! didn't she speak to him more? Had her one chance been then and only then? She felt a sadness inside her that really had no logical explanation behind it, no grounds to feel so depressed.. But she had and did. Although she smiled at her customers, the sadness lingered around her eyes. Why did she feel as if she missed something beyond words when he vanished last night?

Again her eyes searched the clock, it was barely going on seven. She worked late last night, but tonight she'd be off by nine.. Would he come in four hours earlier by any chance? And if he came in, would she find a reason to say hi? Everything inside her screamed "YES!" But she was certain that chance wouldn't come again.

That was her last chance to actually think about the mysterious generous man as the dinner rush came in, from all walks of life. Three waitresses on duty, she managed to keep the same route she'd had last night, a small part of her hoping as she mopped up some childs spilt rootbeer from a cushion.

 

[poohlive]

The moment he walked in, he knew he shouldn't have come. The place seemed to be filled with the noise of an actual diner, nothing like last night where he shared the place only with the help and another truck driver. He came in so early, eager to see Beth one more time, he forgot that he was going to go to meet her in a public place.

Already embarrassed, he turned to leave, but then he caught her in one of the booths, bent over, wiping something. For a moment he just stared at her lean figure against the table top, his mind racing at nothing and everything at the same time, until she stopped and turned to see him.

He put his head down, and walked over to one of the counter stools. Had she seen him? God, she must have known he was staring? Now she thinks he's some weird pervert that just wants to fondle her ass. He put his head between his arms and tried to control his breathing.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

"Oh my gosh! He's here! He's here?!

She felt her stomach coil up into a nervous ball as their eyes met. However brief it was, their eyes had met!

Almost forgetting what she was bent over doing, she started to finish up the job when she noticed where he sat.

"Thank you!.. "I hate you!" She was so nervous she didn't know whether to cheer or cry, but deciding that this was her job and her duty, she grabbed the towel, the rest of the ice cubes off the seat and hurried by him with a breathy, "Be right with you sir." A flash of a smile and into the back room where she ducked out of sight.

Her back to the wall, she stood looking up at the lights in silent prayer not to screw this chance up. Pam came through the swinging doors, her eyes catching Beth with a look of curiosity.

Saying nothing, Beth turned to the sink to wash her hands.. Once the room was clear and Pam back on the floor, she lifted up slightly to peer out of the bubble shaped window to the counter. He sat there, looking at a menu..

"Just give me courage to at least speak! She checked her breath and sniffed at her shirt to make sure she wasn't offensive smelling and then added. "Without making a complete ass out of myself too please!"

Tucking her hair behind her ear once again, she grabbed her order pad and pencil and exited the back room. She stopped along the bar to refill two coffee's, making idle chit chat with a few regulars before she stopped before the stranger.

"Hello, again." She smiled, hoping that she didn't sound like a frog when she spoke. "What can I get for you today, Sir?" She felt the butterflies dancing in her stomach as she got her first look up close at his eyes. They were a blue color, with faint rings of green really close to the pupil.. thick lashes.. dreamy eyes.. bedroom eyes to be exact..

She shook off her thoughts as best she could, wondering how she was gong to break the ice?

 

[poohlive]

He had two things carefully planned in his head on what he would say to her. Two phrases that could get him past the first part of speaking with her. Two sentences he had practiced and worked on for hours and hours, trying not to repeat the mistake of last night just staring at her dumbfounded.

One had been that she had the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen on a woman. And the other was, just a burger and fries.

As she stared at him, wondering, a smile just touching those pouty lips of hers, Reese could feel both of those sentences slipping away. God, no, he tried to reach out for them, desperatly grab for a few of the words, maybe a consanent. They were dripping down to the floor, long and forgotten. The Ee's had formed a pack all by themselves, flying off in a V pattern, migrating south for the winter.

He had nothing. Reese just stared at her, blank face, frozen. He was blinking, but nothing else move, no other part recognized that he existed.

And then he smiled, putting down the menu.

"You ever think about something all day, and hope it turns out one way, but... when you get there, when that moment finally comes, it turns out completely different than what you thought?"

God, he sounded like some bad soap opera.

"I'm... I'm sor- I just want a burger and fries."

He bit his lower lip, hard enough for a tear to form in his eye.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

She was worried for a moment there, he seemed reluctant to speak to her at all and then the sweetest, sexiest voice she ever heard, he finally spoke.

"You ever think about something all day, and hope it turns out one way, but... when you get there, when that moment finally comes, it turns out completely different than what you thought?"

She didn't really know what to say, his comment made her smile in understanding but she couldn't seem to get her mouth to cooperate and answer him.

Stupid! She muttered to herself the same instant he ordered,

"I'm... I'm sor- I just want a burger and fries." He set down the menu but seemed to hide by not looking at her.

"Anything to drink?" She managed to get out and still kept her smile intact.

"Just coffee.."

She took his menu and put his ticket in. She was so wrapped up in just the sight of him, his cologne, him in her station! that the noise seemed to fade into the background, she felt as if she was walking on clouds. Silently she filled his mug, but stood there cradling the cooling coffee to her apron.

"Oh.. uhh.." She set the pot down, "Yes. I know what you mean.." Another quick smile and she hurried away feeling like a complete idiot. She needed a few minutes to distract herself from his presence, to get calm again and collected.. Before she made a complete moron out of herself.. Just because she was a waitress did not mean she was ignorant!

She needed to relax, find a way to keep up the banter and laughter.. Who knows.. Maybe he'd come back tomorrow if she made him feel comfortable?
I hope so! She wished she wasn't so old fashioned she could just swallow her cowardice and ask him out.. She hadn't failed to notice the lack of a wedding ring!

 

[poohlive]

Reese ate in silence, still looking at her. She was barely 5 5, and a small lean figure. If he wanted to, he could probably pick her up with one hand. She had such a cute look to her though, like one of those quiet librarians with wild eyes that showed you inside those books were worlds of discovery. One simply had to look past the front cover.

He still couldn't say anything more to her though. It seemed that after a moment of clearing, the fog in his head came back, and he was forced back to simply staring and trying to form words in his head. Eventually he just left money on the table. A twenty dollar bill a tip now, and walked back through the crowded room.

He knew where she was, and would walk right by her, brush along her side. He would enjoy that, but as soon as he got closer, she turned on him and walked forward. They fell into each other's arms, as Reese bit his lower lip, embarrased as all.

He was hoping for a touch, and here her body had just pressed against him.

"I'm sorry," He said, "I didn't mean to bump into you."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

She turned to go get something and ran right into her mysterious stranger. Her eyes widened with surprise, embarassment came but not soon enough to stop the disappointment.

"I'm so sorry!" She rushed to speak, her hand still gripping his shoulder. She was having a hard time getting her feet back under her, but her efforts weren't really in getting up nor away from him. She could feel the icy cold water from the cup she'd been carrying splashing over her arm and hitting the top of her shoe.

"Y-you're done?" She glanced at his seat, his plate and cup stacked to be removed and his bill paid obviously. "Oh.. I umm.. sorry." She shifted and finally righted herself, a nervous chuckle boiling up. Releasing him, she stepped back, "Well.. I hope to see you again sometime.. I mean, uh.. Thanks for the tip the other night, that was generous of you...?" She fell silent, feeling a little strange having this conversation in the middle of a busy diner while on duty.

"My name is Beth by the way.." She held out her hand to shake his, flushing when she remembered she wore a name tag on her uniform.. But how else was she going to get his name??

She glanced down to see she'd splashed water on his jacket when they dumped together and felt her flushed cheeks grow even hotter. "I am terribly sorry for that.." Would he complain to her boss? If she could just find a job, a real job as an assistant.. She hoped she wasn't going to get a complaint, especially from him.. "Can I.. make it up to you or perhaps the cleaning bill?" She had no idea really what water might do to a suit.. If anything at all.. Was it water? Could have been sprite.

God! I am a wreck! She was still nervous, her hands still sweaty and her body was al lbut blocking him from the door. Some where behind him someone called her name, but her eyes stayed fixed on his, expectantly waiting.

 

[poohlive]

Reese looked down at the business card in his hand. He seemed to shake as he fiddled with the edges, one finger on each edge. It twirled nervously from one side to the other.

"Beth, I know... yeah. My name is Reese. I'm-"

Someone shouted from behind, Reese turned around, seeing more plates pile up, kids wanting something more to drink, and another customer come in and sit on one of the stools. She was so busy, he couldn't monopolize her time.


"You'll be here tomorrow, won't you? Sometime when it isn't as busy?"

God, what was he doing? He just wanted to give her the business card, and hope maybe she would call. He even put the hotel number he was staying at on the back. A simple call me, let's see what happens. She could just take it and he would feel better about himself. She could rip it up later and throw it away, but just knowing that he tried to reach out to her was better than nothing.

He couldn't do it though, and slipped the card back in his pocket. He would just come back for another burger and fries, be embarrased some more, fuddle around with words, and then just say goodbye like before.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

She felt her heart soar and then plummet to the floor, "I have tomorrow off.. "

"BETH!" John called again from the window, some where near by a kid was yelling and dishes seemed to suddenly want to break on the kitchen floor.

"I am off in two hours.. for two days..." She stumbled, she wanted to invite him over, she wanted to ask him back too! If she let him go, would he return? Did she dare hope for a third chance?

God, I can't risk it.. Can I? Can I even ask?

"What about after work tonight, coffee?" She stumbled out of her mouth before she realized she had gone and done it! "some where else too..." She didn't want to remain at work any longer than to meet him and go else where.. Would he accept?

 

[poohlive]

Coffee? With him? Alone, in a date? Had he misread something? All of a sudden those cute little moved with her hair, pushing it back behind her ear, or when she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. She even bit her lower lip, he could see her teeth now.

She felt just like he did. Oh, a whole weight lifted off his shoulders. Yes. He knew it, he knew it could not be as complicated as this.

Reese reached over, pulling her towards him. On purpose this time, not bumping into her, but a decent half hug that let him feel her form one more time against him.

"Call me when you're done," He said, putting the card in her hand. He kissed her cheek, once, and winked before he turned around. The diner had been swept away for a moment, leaving them alone again like the night before. Two people inhabiting a single universe. He liked it.

As he left, it came back with a rushing reality. That bell dinging over and over, sharp acrid smell of something burning. Children crying, active chatter, silverware tapping against plates. It all came to him, but he left the door before it sank into him.

At that moment, he was gone, and his whole world had turned upside down. He jumped into his Miata and drove back to the hotel.

He had to wait for a phone call.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

She was scolded for what happened, but nothing could diminish the joy inside bursting to be announced. She had a lighter step, a warmer smile and a quicker service after Reese had left.

Reese.. She inwardly sighed a few times, loving how the name sounded and rolled off her tongue the few times she'd whispered his name quietly to herself. She wanted so badly to be double jointed enough to pat herself on the back. That had to be the most crazy thing she'd ever done in her life!

It was thrilling! It was hard to contain herself and keep from watching the clock, but as the time grew nearer she again became nervous, anticipation eating at her.. Hoping she'd make a good impression but firmly assertive with the fact she'd just be herself.

A simple country girl with a decent education and a happy out look on life. She wouldn't pretend to be sophisticated or cultured.. but she wasn't going to share the embarassing stories either.

"Beth?" Denise stood behind her tapping her shoulder, "You've been filling that sugar bowl for five minutes.. and off the clock for fifteen.. You okay?"

Beth was startled a little to realize the time and how long she'd kept Reese waiting! "Oh, OH! Crap, I'm late. Thanks.." She hurried and handed over a few tickets she had to collect to Denise and quickly ran to the back room to change into her street clothes.

Picking up the phone and fishing for the card, she called the hotel.
"Comfort Suits..." Before the cheerful voice on the other end could finish, Beth hung up.

"Okay Beth.. get some control to your voice.. Relax..." She sat down, taking deep even breaths and letting them out slowly. She noticed the slight trembling in her hands and quickly fisted them in her lap.

She could do this, she had to do this! It wasn't a greedy lust monster, it was some other form of desperation combined with women's intuition.. She knew she had to call him, she knew she had to get Reese comfortable with her.. She some how knew he was for her..

"That is just so stupid!" She chided herself as she grabbed the phone again.

This time when the woman answered she asked for Reese's room.

It rang three times... No answer.. She gripped the phone tighter, her hands holding the cradle closer to her ear..

The fourth ring came.. "Come on.. please pick up.." She felt a stab inside some where.. had he forgotten?

The fifth ring was cut short by the sound of his voice fumbling to say hello.

"Hi.. It's Beth.. "

A silence..

"From the diner? If you want to come, I'll be outside.."

"A-alright.. be right there.." He hung up quickly..

Was he showering? Had he dozed off? She couldnt sit there pondering really, she had to get changed and out there! She hurried through the motions, getting her uniform in a bag, tying her shoes, fastening her hair back. She didn't know how far away the hotel was, she didn't think to look up that information.

Regardless she made good time, she was outside in the parking lot just as the sun was setting. She had no idea what he drove, or where he'd be coming from.. She had too much time on her hands waiting to wonder if she should back out.. If she'd even be interesting to him.. What would they talk about? And did she really want coffee?

 

[poohlive]

It rang.

His hand went to grab it, but at the last moment he stopped, pausing his eyes wide and scared. God, what had he done? Just given a stranger his number? How did he know she liked him, how did he know anything? All of a sudden things had changed, since he pretended to see a few tell tale signs of nervousness?

It rang.

His hand went to grab it, but at the last moment he stopped, his body frozn in place. She would be there, waiting for him, unsure why he handed her his number. She was calling to tell him she wasn't some fucking whore to be picked up like any white trailer trash. She was going to yell at him, she wasn't some easy tart he could just toss a few wealthy tips at. She was a good girl. She was-

It rang.

His hand went to grab it, but at the last moment he stopped, pulling it back to his chest as if the phone were a live snake. He could not do it. He couldn't go through that, having her reject him for no reason. He liked her, he did. She looked gorgeous, she smiled, laughed, was nervous around him. She wanted to go out for coffee, she wanted to hang out with him, she wanted to get to know him, she was calling him right now. She was trying to understand why he would just let the phone ring over and over again, unable to pick it up. She was wondering-

It rang.

His hand went to grab it, but at the last moment he stopped, his fingers flexing back and forth in an obtuse matter. It made him look like he was stretching before he picked up the phone. He had to make a mental check. The car was fancy, but she might like it. His clothes, not the suit he wore to those conventions, but a nice relaxed pair of pants and a simple shirt. He had brushed his teeth, put on deodorant. He had everything he needed for a date except a girl.

It rang.

His hand want to grab it, and at the last moment he picked it up.


The miata stopped right next to the diner, as the convertable top sunk down behind the backseat.

"Hop on in," He handed her a cup of coffee, "You've served me coffee for the past two days, I think it's time I return the favor. Anyway, I thought since you knew this place so well, we could go somewhere and just look up at the stars."

Somewhere, along, with nothing but empty desert around them, a great look at the twilight above them. With a warm cup of coffee and a new friend, what could be better?

Reese didn't know, but he was about to find out.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

They had talked about everything under the stars, and some beyond. She found they had a lot in common, even though they held different jobs. He made her laugh and smile often, he was a little shy but charmingly so.

The last thirty minutes or so, she had become more aware of him sexually than she had before. She had sat still, paid attention and even made him chuckle but behind her words and laughter she was watching the way his lips moved as visions danced within her mind.

Her heart was pounding, she was growing nervous more and more, and he made no moves towards her, he seemed to enjoy just talking with her. She was a good girl usually, she'd never gone anywhere on a first date in her entire life. She had respect for herself and high morals, but they were all fading away as the minutes ticked away.

Their coffee was gone, the night growing chilly. She was tempted to ask him to come back to her apartment and so she did, "Would you like to come to my place? I can make some fresh coffee and warm up?" It was friendly, her comment seemed to sound so innocent. Again her only thoughts were of kissing him.

 

[poohlive]

Why couldn't he just kiss her? He wanted to. Every fiber of his being wanted to grab her in his arms, dip her under the stars, and kiss her good and hard. It would be so romantic, so lovely, everything would come together. They could make love right here, hard sweaty love as the sky danced above them.

Just lean in, start the kiss. That's all he had to do, start the kiss. If she liked him, and he knew that she did, she would lean towards him, their lips would meet, and sparks would fly. Wouldn't it be perfect? Sparks flying everywhere, their whole lives gone behind them in a flash as their new life together could be seen.

"Coffee?" God, had he been so lost in her eyes he couldn't even hear what she said, "Yes, yes, I would love coffee. Please let's go. It is getting a bit chilly out here."

Reese took off his jacket, putting it around her shoulders. He paused there for just a moment, to take in her scent. It was lovely, coffee and syrup, a mixture of smells from the diner, but something else, something heavier that kept within his nostrils and wouldn't leave.

He loved that smell.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

She was quiet most of the ride, her mind working over the pro's and cons of inviting a stranger into her home. On one hand, she knew she would regret it for the rest of her life if she let him leave here. And the other, more cautiously city girl was hoping she had not picked up some sort of mental patient or murderer.

"Here, on the left." She finally spoke up, a mere whisper and point. She was nervous, she couldn't help but be a bundle of nerves.

What if he found her lacking? Too fat? Too thin? Did she need to check her breath? She hadn't thought about any of this while they had been sitting in his car talking... And another thing, who said he wanted anything more than that one cup she offered?

The engine cut off, both sat there a moment. Was he nervous as well? He didn't appear to be? She cast a quick glance out the corner of her eye and felt her pulse leap once again in response to his nearness.

No.. this was fate, working in mysterious ways. She'd never reacted to anyone like this. She rarely had a half hour conversation with someone she'd known for years, but they sat for several hours just talking.

He made her laugh, made her smile and sent her pulse racing..

"Ready?" She opened her own door, never expecting him to do so. Men had lost chivalry with the woman's movement, a sad loss if someone had bothered to ask her. She didn't give him a chance to change his mind, tugging his hand until he came along, she lead him up to her apartment complex and opened the main door.

The halls were silent except for their foot falling on the stairs, some where down one hall she could hear a tv on and some where were children giggling over something. Stopping at her door, she once again paused a moment, but only for a second before she opened her door.

"It isn't much and it might be a mess.." She made the standard lame excuses one would give to company when they could not remember the condition of their place when they left earlier. It wasn't a mess inside, but it was semi-dark with only a lamp lit in the far corner.

"Come in.." She smiled, ushering him inside and taking his coat. "Make yourself at home.. I will." She paused again her eyes falling to his mouth before raising to look into his eyes, "Make that coffee I promised you." She smiled, hung their coats and headed for the kitchen. "There is a light switch on the other side of the door.." She called as she picked her way across the apartment.

 

[poohlive]

Reese knelt down at the stereo, an old model that seemed to gather dust in the corner. It was just under a pile of magazines that he set aside for the time being. An old record player, and from the looks it still worked. For a moment he only let his hand slide across the glass door, before opening it up to see what she had.

"Light jazz... I see."

He picked out something sultry, a single saxophone playing with the beat of a drum. A melody that turned at his heart as he swayed to it.

By the time Beth came back in for coffee, Reese was already looking for a dance partner. He let her set it down, took her in his arms, and dipped her right there.

"I really have had a wonderful time tonight," He said, his hands on the small of her back, dancing with her, staring down at her eyes, thrilled with the very moment. She was right next to him, her body so warm against his touch, everything about her sparked brilliance.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

She could hear the stereo start up from the living room and smiled that he felt comfortable enough to put on an old record. She had an old love of music and the original sounds of vynal playing across the speakers.

"Coffee is just about ready." She said as she came into the living room still bathed in the dark, save the warm golden glow in the furthest corner.

"Do you like jazz?" Shebarely got her question out when he grabbed her up into a slow dance. She smiled as he dipped her down, "I see you are also talented with dancing, uncommon these days."

She didn't complain about it, instead let him lead her in slow circles in the small spaces of her living room. "I had a nice time as well.. " She wasn't sure if she should pry into his personal life, but she had noticed he wore no ring. Not too telling, considering, but he didn't seem like a man who was married.. Something about his shyness around her.

She got lost in the slow sway and brushing of their bodies, completely forgetting the coffee in the other room, the time or the other questions lingering in her mind.

 

[poohlive]

The sensual sound made every move seemed determined and ordained. It was like they already knew the dance, and simply moved with each other. Reese could not help but let his hands move around her body. The smoothness of her dress, the gentle curves of her hips, even her back.

As the song came to a close, Reese could only lean Beth against the back of the couch, moving over her. As he held his breath, his hands pushed past her shoulders and down her arms.

He smiled, kissing her. Their lips finally coming together, meeting, pressing against her.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

She gasped against his lips, her body bent at an angle she hadn't expected to happen this soon. She watched as his lips came down to meet hers and felt the roar on her head explode into a riot act on her senses the second their lips touched.

If one could melt, she would believe she had become melting butter there against that couch, trapped between him and a forgotten barrier. She moaned in protest the second he withdrew his kiss, but it wasn't long her disappoint lingers as he merely adjusted the angle and pressed on.

Her fingers snaked from around his neck to gently play at the nape of his neck. Unsure really how to proceed, this was not a one night stand to her, but something far more precious. She also worried she might scare him off if she went too easily where he led.

She broke the kiss, but her smile held, "Coffee now or later?"

 

[poohlive]

"Yeah," Reese kissed her once more, and then leaned back into the couch, his arms outstretched, "I'd love some coffee."

She tasted incredible. She smelled incredible, and his lips were still onfire. He let his tongue come out, her taste still on them. A sweet delight, like some precious candy. Home maple syrup, something he could not get enough of.

"I love jazz," He said, listening as the record continued, "Always been a fan. Something about the simple pleasures of just two instruments playing by themselves, making their own rhythm. That is some of the best jazz."

When she came back, he could only smile, and wink, "Hi."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

She stood in the kitchen, hoping that her weak knees would hold her up and wondering why she had come in there in the first place?

With half an ear she listened to him speaking, but not the words. They made no sense to her as she wasn't focusing on what he said but the tone of his voice. It only made her crave to hear him say her name, whisper it.. to gasp it into her lobe... to hear him say anything at this point..

Was she acting like a slut? She couldn't really say, she could turn him down right now. She knew it with conviction, she was not some cheap fling.. she didn't see him as such neither..

No, it had to be more.

Coffee! She finally remembered what she was there for and proceeded to make his cup. Half way through she stopped what she was doing, setting down the cup.

She had to know.

Walking with a purpose out into the living room she was met with a bright sexy smile and a wink, "Hi."

"Hi yourself." She smiled back, suddenly shy she put her hands into her back pockets, rocking slightly on her heels. She studied him openly, her head tilting slightly to the side as she just stared into his eyes for the longest time.

Her hand came out, raised to her side and dropped as she spoke, "I have an.. odd question to ask you... " She wasn't sure really how to go about this? Terrified she'd scare him off, but dying to know the honest truth at the same time.

"Well.. First I have to.. touch you." She winked, keeping it light and playful as she approached him. "You don't mind do you?"

He said nothing, she wasn't sure how he was absorbing that question or understood her purpose or reason behind this task. But heedless of his silence, she approached until they were almost chest against chest, her hand moved slowly and clasped his. Keeping her eyes on his, she pulled his hand up, palm towards her.

"I know this is a bit different.. and not a line, honestly.. It's just that.." Her eyes fell to his palm, clean and soft. His nails well kept, a business man of some sort. "I was wondering.. If I did this..." Her head lowered slightly, her lips pressing to the soft curve of his open hand, "If it made you tingle.. " She kissed the tip of his fingers between her words, "And not just a ordinary tingle..but something more." She withdrew, her face hopeful for the answer, her eyes wary that he would laugh at her.