This was not how I wanted to spend my Saturday night, but I didn't really want to start off on the wrong foot by saying no.
After getting fired two weeks ago, I wasn't sure any other magazine would hire me. I thought my name had been smeared through the mud, but lucky for me, I was able to weasel my way in unnoticed for my previous actions.
The HR rep at Flare First magazine recommended that I make my debut on their editorial team by coming to this thing. She handed me a ticket like the event was a challenge, a sort of test to make sure I'd fit into their group.
I wasn't exactly sure what I should be doing or who I should be mingling with, so I decided to just sit back and observe. My new job wasn't to interview or catch some public figure doing something they shouldn't be, not anymore.
At this point, I was starting over from ground level, editing articles written by their veteran staff. So, I did what I knew; I watched, making mental notes in case there was a questionnaire on Monday morning.
I didn't mind just watching, I actually liked it. You could learn a lot about someone from just standing on the sidelines. I think my weird fascination and ability to spot every tiny detail, mannerism, wrinkle and twitch, was the reason I fell into this line of work so easily.
There was a man at the table beside me who kept shifting his hairpiece when he thought no one was looking. His eyes would drift to this older woman sitting alone in the corner, and it was easy to see he had a thing for her.
Maybe they used to date or maybe it's only been a dream of his. Either way, there was something there, and he felt it, liked it, hated it, and revoked it.
Every time the woman's eyes would even come close to looking in his direction, the man would nervously glance down at his plate and pretend he wasn't paying attention. His hands vigorously rubbed the top of his thighs, and a thick sweat beaded up on the back of his neck.
He definitely likes her, it's obvious as shit.
A woman, sitting diagonal to my left, was spending most of her time staring down at her five hundred dollar plate. My first impression of her was that she was wondering how many calories she was staring at and if the food would add any cellulite to her extremely fit thighs.
She kept poking the vegetables, spearing a potato and bringing it to her lips, only to let it fall off and plop into the au jus sauce soaking her filet. I watched her do that over a dozen times, her mouth crooked and unsure, salivating at the smell, but not daring enough to let the euphoric flavors break her down.
Maybe I was all wrong. It didn't matter anymore what I thought I saw, it wasn't my place to speculate shit.
Letting my eyes troll the room, something sparkled over my right shoulder. Rolling my head towards the flickering beacon, my chest lurched and my cock began to throb.
With a softly cut jawline and big round eyes, her pouty lips and lean back made it hard to look away. The woman's hair was a deep burgundy, almost purple under the lighting, pulled half up into a purposely messy bun. The rose gold dress that stuck to her tight ass and unforgiving curves, twinkled like the surface of the sun.
I knew I was staring, but I didn't really care. Was it rude? Probably. Would I stop? Not a chance in hell.
Unaware of my lingering eyes in the background, she mingled with people like a high priestess. She would nod with each handshake, holding out her fingers like delicate pieces of silk. I had never seen such simple perfection.
I only saw one problem with this woman. . .
She didn't know I existed; yet.
Making her way to the bar, she dug the tip of her toe into the marble tiles as she leaned forward and talked to the bartender. Resting her chin in her hand, her gaze danced around the room over her shoulder as she waited for her drink.
Walking my eyes up over the pale pink pumps, the muscles in her legs were smooth and elongated. Instantly, images of all the things I could do with those legs flashed before my eyes.
I wanted to wrap them around my head as I tasted her, I wanted to feel them squeeze my waist as I drove my cock deep inside. I wanted to run my hands up the back of her calves as I held her legs up by her ears and fucked her till she felt dizzy and didn't know up from down.
If I was a caring man, a man with morals and decency, I'd leave her alone, taking pleasure in just watching her. But that wasn't who I was.
The night's still early, I might as well make the best of this.
Standing up, I fiddled with the cuffs on my sleeves and strolled to the bar with war on my face and submission in my gaze. I had plans for her, and we hadn't even said one word to each other yet.
The bartender slipped her glass across the reflective surface and the woman began to open her clutch.
“It's on me.” Handing the bartender a fifty, I said, “I've got her drinks for the rest of the night.” Smirking, I leaned against the bar and smiled at the woman. “It's only right that I buy you your drinks, a woman like you shouldn't have to pay for them.”
“Oh yeah, and why's that?” Closing her small purse, she stirred her drink and took a delicate sip through the straw. Running a slender finger around the outline of her bottom lip, she tilted her head and waited for my answer.
Her pupils expanded into black pools, drawing me in as her mouth folded into the sexiest frown. That was it, there was no way I could politely bow my head and walk away from her. Not without a taste of what those lips had to offer.
Because I'm going to fuck the shit out of you. . . The thought sat on the tip of my tongue.
“Because I'm a gentleman.” Holding an open palm to my chest, I dipped my head.
“Is that right?” Arching a brow, the woman turned to face me, her deep glare stealing any control I thought I had. “You know, it's not the first time someone has bought me a drink, but you are the first to follow it up with a bull-shit line.” Her lips twitched as a small untrusting smile teased the edges. “Just because you think you're smooth and savvy, doesn't mean you're a gentleman. There's one thing I know, real gentlemen are like unicorns; they don't exist.”
Feisty. I like feisty.
The hard muscle between my legs grew thicker as I stood next to this vixen. Taking in a breath of air, the floral scent of her perfume wafted through my senses, pulling me in a hair closer.
“Well, I'm going to change your mind.” The corner of my lip lifted towards my ear as I ran my tongue over my teeth. “But I won't lie, you're a beautiful woman, and I'm just a simple man trying to impress you.”
Giggling, she held out a finger. “Now that sounds more believable. But don't count your cards on changing my mind about the gentleman thing.” Resting her back against the bar, she looked out onto the dance floor. “Does smooth and savvy have a name?”
“The name's Ash.”
Flicking her eyes back in my direction, her lips curved into the prettiest smile. My cock jerked, ready to feel her wrap that sexy little mouth around my shaft.
“Nice to meet you, Ash. I'm Nola.” Holding out her hand, she waited patiently for me to take it.
There wasn't a peaceful bone in my body. I was tempted to tug her in so I could drag my teeth up her arm and over the supple skin of her throat just to make her shiver. I wanted to drive my fingers into her blackberry hair and tear her head back just to hear her gasp in surprise.
Jerky fingers itched to take what my body wanted. My cock was pulsing, anxiously hoping for her hand to slip down through the darkness and stroke him until he coughed out the bundle of heat that was burning in my gut.
Who the fuck am I kidding?
I'm no gentleman. . . But I'll play the fucking part to get what I want.
Taking her fingers, I held them softly as I kissed the back of her palm. “The pleasure is all mine.”
Nola's cheeks flushed as she batted her lashes and bit her bottom lip. I held onto her fingers a little longer than I probably should have, running my thumb back and forth across her knuckles. She didn't try to pull her hand away, merely letting it settle like a feather in my grasp.
We stared at each other in silence, the thick air a breakable thread between us. Her small fingers in my over sized hand felt like porcelain, and if I squeezed too hard her fingers would crumble to dust.
I want to break this woman.
Gentleman on the outside, dirty fucking bad boy on the inside.
While we stood there, our eyes darting back and forth between each other, my smile was pleasant; but my brain was screaming to fuck this girl.
“So, what are you here for?” Her voice crackled as she cleared her throat, gently pulling her hand free.
“Same as everyone else—opportunity.”
Thinning her lips, she rolled her eyes. “Opportunity. . . God, you sound like every other asshole in this place. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Everyone thinks there's always opportunity when money is involved.”
Smiling to myself, I swirled the liquor in my glass, watching the deep gold color. “Isn't there though?” Taking a drink, I put the glass back on the bar. “Money opens doors, it transforms into names on paper for a vote or that extra push to get what you want. How else could these jack-offs get as far as they have?”
“Some of us worked hard to get where we are.” Her gaze hardened and I could see it in her eyes that she thought I was implying that she was built from the same mold as them. “But I wouldn't call any of this opportunity, I'd call it taking advantage of the weak. And I'm not weak, I can tell you that.”
My lids lowered as I tipped my chin up and looked down the bridge of my nose at her. “Is that what you think?”
“That's exactly what I think. I hate watching people take advantage of others. I've watched one too many people lose more than just funding because they got blindsided. They picked the wrong person to invest with or they donated to the person who was great with words, but not so great with keeping promises.” Her pupils turned to pin pricks as her mouth went taut. “Those rats are a dime a dozen in a place like this, I can spot them a mile away.”
My lids hooded as I smirked. “You think I'm here to take advantage of these people, don't you?” Drawing my thumb over my chin, I couldn't stop myself from chuckling.
“Are you?” she asked, her glare so hot it seared my skin.
“What if I am, does it matter?” Her head tilted as I questioned the weight of her words. “Does that mean the drink I bought you is strictly just to get into your pockets? Does that mean I'm just another asshole in the crowd? Because you don't know me, maybe I'm the one with all the money.” The lie slid off my tongue with ease.
Money wasn't something I was rich with, but I had something else to offer that spicy little mouth of hers.
“I've never seen you here before, so I highly doubt that.”
“So you think I'm just another asshole then?”
Nola's eyes grew wide as she tried to stuff her words back into her mouth. “No, that's not what I meant. I just mean—”
“Yes it is.” Not letting her finish, I took a firm step closer, closing the gap between us. Nola's chest lurched as I loomed over her, pinning her to the bar. “You don't need to deny it. You're not going to hurt my feelings, I'm hard as stone.”
Her eyes lowered to the bulge in my pants, hovering there for a second. My lips split happily as she lingered on the muscle. I enjoyed myself right then, pleased with how her gaze traveled in the right direction.
Taking in a quick snap of air, she shot her eyes down to look at her feet. “I didn't mean for it to come that way. I've had a rough day, I'm not usually so rude.”
Grabbing her chin in my hand, I angled her head up. “No worries, I'm not offended.” Letting my thumb brush her jaw, the electricity jolted between us, sparking something deeper in my core. I wasn't sure what it was, but it sat there like a rock in my stomach. “So tell me then, if all these people are here for what you say they are, then why are you here?” Dropping her face, I let my arm rest on the bar.
“Me?” she choked the word out. “Because it comes with the territory. Some of us actually do care.” She looked flustered, visibly affected by how close we were. Her fingers nervously tapped the outside of her glass as she clutched the drink and took a long, wide-throated gulp.
She reminded me of Alice in Wonderland, holding a vial of liquid that said 'drink me', and hoping it would shrink her so small she could scurry away.
“Am I making you nervous?” Twisting my torso, I faced the room, giving her open space to run if she felt the need. Not that I'd let her get that far, I had already claimed her as mine for the night. Stretching a single finger across the glossy mahogany surface, I brushed the side of her wrist. “Or are you getting turned on?”
Choking on the alcohol in her mouth, she swallowed hard. “Excuse me?” Inhaling a deep breath, her eyes shot open wide. “No, no I'm not.” Pausing, she licked her lips and searched the crowd. “Okay, well, thank you for the drink, but I really should go do this whole meet and greet thing.” Standing up straight, she straightened the front of her dress and started forward.
Snagging her arm, I stopped her. “No need to rush off, I think they've had you long enough. It's my turn, and believe me, I'm way more interesting than all these people put together.” Taking a firm step into her, I slipped my hand around the small of her back and leaned over to whisper in her ear. “There's a nice little balcony off the back, maybe we could go outside and be alone for a little bit.”
Pressing her hands to my chest, I thought she was going to push me away. I braced for it, digging my heels into the floor. Only that's not what happened.
Her slender fingers slid up the center of my shirt, adjusting my tie, and straightening the knot at my throat. “I don't know what you're trying to do, but that's not going to happen.”
“And why not?” I asked, holding her tighter.
“Because I have an appearance to keep up, and running off with someone I just met isn't exactly how I work.” Nola tried to step away, but I gripped her firmer.
Fanning my hand open, I cupped the top of her ass. “No one has to know. It could be our little secret.”
Tracing my knuckles up her spine, my fingers hit the bare flesh just above the low v-cut in her dress. The way her skin felt against my hand made my cock jerk. It was soft and supple like hot velvet, forcing my body to come alive. My veins heated, my nerves popped and snapped, my muscles twitched dangerously, ready to throw her over my shoulder if she denied me one second longer.
I need to have this woman.
There was an animalistic desire that woke inside me, slowly stretching its arms up high and taking control. I didn't care about anyone else in that room, I didn't care about making a good impression with my co-workers—who still remained a mystery because no one was wearing tags or dangling media cards; all I cared about was getting what I wanted.
That was my downfall, my Achilles heel; once I had my eyes set on something, there was no stopping until it was mine. It wasn't a game, it wasn't a bet or goal I gave myself. It was a feeling that went deeper than the surface, it was stronger and more powerful than any other emotion. It was a dark obsession I couldn't turn off.
Need.
Need was more than just something my body experienced when it was hungry or tired or thirsty. Need for me was all-consuming, it could control me in ways you could never imagine.
I needed Nola. Period.
All I had to do was lay my eyes on her, that one action made her mine; even if she didn't know it. She wasn't having a choice in the matter. If I couldn't get her here, I'd find another way.
The craving would need to be satiated, the hunger would need to be fed, the thirst would need to be quenched. I was going to get what I wanted.
Giving me a tender smile, she shook her head. “No, I can't. . .” Her voice trailed off as she contemplated the idea. “I. . . I shouldn't.”
“You can and you should.” Wriggling my brows, my lips thinned. “All these people will still be here, it's not like I'm asking you to come home with me.”
Hanging her head, she looked up at me with those big doe eyes. “What kind of girl do you think I am, Ash?” Pursing her lips, she glanced between the crowd and myself. “Do I come off as easy?”
I wasn't sure if she was checking to see if anyone was watching her directly, or if she was trying to weigh the options in her head. But her eyes flickered with a hint of uncertainty, a sliver of fear as if the wrong person might watching her from a distance.
Don't worry about them. They're all a bunch of pricks with assholes for brains.
“I think you're a girl who knows a good thing when she see it and a woman who knows what she wants.” Pressing her harder into my chest, I softly ran my fingers across her forehead. “Besides, this shit is boring as fuck. Why not make the best of it?”
“You have fucking balls to approach a girl this way.”
“What can I say? I have no fear and a big heart. . .” Pausing, I wriggled my brows. “Among other things.”
Her fingers danced across my ribs, plucking at the thin fabric of my shirt. “You know what, screw it. This night didn't start out good at all, let's go.”
“Are you sure?” I asked, giving her one last chance to back out if she really wanted to.
“Stop talking and walk before I change my mind.” Tipping her head back slightly, she eyed me. “Unless you're having second thoughts. Are you doubting yourself now, Mr. Smooth and Savvy?”
“Not a chance in hell. I never doubt what I want.” A devious smirk emerged on my face as I took her hand and led her to the double doors hidden in the back of the ballroom. Squeezing my body behind the giant Chinese character partition, I tugged open one of the doors, allowing the warm night air to spill in around us.
The taste of a busy city filled my lungs as the scent of exhaust from the overcrowded street below mixed and blended with all the different aromas from the various restaurants lining the sidewalk.
I could smell french fries and pizza, I could smell chicken and sausage from the vendors hovering around the walkway, and the stuffy thickness of diesel from buses.
Tangling our fingers together, we both stepped up to the edge of the railing. Nola's eyes grew wide as she took in the vast expanse of high rises, all twinkling like a Christmas tree in December.
“Wow,” she said, letting go of my hand and curling her fingers around the railing. “You know I've lived here my entire life and I don't think I've ever really stopped to appreciate this. This view is beautiful.”
“It really is.” My voice dropped in tone, turning dark and sensual. Flicking her eyes over to mine, her cheeks turned rosy as she realized I wasn't looking out at the city in front of us or the water just under the horizon; I was looking at her.
Tipping her head into her chest, a soft smile spread across her lips. Her eyes fluttered back up, lids hooding as a sultry expression painted her face. “You're really laying it on thick, Ash.”
“Is it working?” I asked, lifting my thumb to her cheek and stroking it lightly.
Shrugging her shoulder, she snapped her head back to the city glistening under the full moon. “I don't normally do this you know.”
“Do what?”
“Let random strangers get me alone. I feel a little too vulnerable right now, we're the only ones out here.”
“You say that like it's a bad thing.” Stepping up behind her, I gripped the railing and wrapped my arms around her shoulders, engulfing her small frame. “It's not bad to let go once in a while. People deserve to have some fun, to have something to look back on and smile about.”
“What makes you think I don't have fun?”
“You're here.”
“So are you.” Her voice came out quick and hard.
“True, but the first time I saw you smile was when we were talking.”
Arching a brow, her nostrils flared. “So you were watching me too, that means you could be a serial killer.” Her back stiffened as I held her in place, her knuckles turning white as she clutched the railing.
“I'm a lot of things, Nola, but I'm not that.” Running my fingers up her bare arms, I felt her skin erupt in goosebumps. “What I am is a man who knows something good when he sees it. I know what I want, Nola, and it's not the food here. I'm an easy man to read, I don't like complicated.”
Her ass bumped against the bulge in my pants as she pressed herself into my chest. “So what does that make me?”
“Perfect, it makes you perfect.” Placing a light kiss just behind her ear, a shiver scaled her body. “I won't do anything you don't want me to, I'll stop if you ask me to. But I don't think that's what you want.”
Tilting her head to give me room, her voice lowered. “You don't know me, how could you possibly know what I want?”
Kissing her neck, I whispered in her ear. “I don't need to know you, your body has a voice of its own.”
“And what is it you think my body is saying?” Pushing her ass back, her hips swayed a little, rubbing the growing muscle.
Moving my lips over the shell of her ear, I ran the tip of my tongue around the curve and nibbled her lobe. “It's telling me you want my cock.”
Nola let out a loud laugh that echoed across the street and bounced back at us off the building. “You just say whatever the hell you're thinking, don't you? There's no trying to read between the lines at all.”
Running both my hands down her forearms, I touched her ever so lightly with the tips of my fingers. “I've found that being upfront leaves little room for misunderstandings. You know what I want, I know what you want, there's no guessing game here.” Resting my chin in the crook of her neck, I kissed her throat, moving up slow and steady.
Loosening her body, she fell back against my chest, letting her head drop onto my shoulder. “I don't normally do things like this. You're a complete stranger.”
“That's the best part, there's nothing linking us, no strings attached. It's just about the sex, about taking and giving. Doesn't that sound nice? No head games, no back and forth, just sex.”
Twisting her head, her eyes were glazed over, her body moving and rolling like a paper doll in the wind. Biting her bottom lip, Nola stretched her arm up around my neck and teased the ends of my hair.
“It sounds dangerous, and for some reason, I like it.”
Fuck yeah, my dirty girl, my bad little muse. I knew you wanted this too.
Slipping my hand over her stomach, I reached lower and cupped her mound. The sexiest coo spilled out of her lungs as her eyes snapped shut. Pushing my fingers against her sensitive button, I massaged her clit, keeping her dress as a barrier.
Her legs buckled, so I gripped her tighter and held her up. My finger kept rubbing firm circles, making her body squirm and her pulse kick harder.
“The second I saw you, I had to have you. Tell me you want this, Nola.” Biting her collar bone, I growled. “Let me here you say it. I want to know you want this, that you want my cock.” My hands moved all over her body, tracing the outsides of her breasts, and squeezing her ass.
“I want this, I need this,” she said, her words an audible exhale. “Fuck I need something good tonight.”
“Say it again.” Pressing her shoulders forward, I bent her over the railing. “Tell me you want to feel my cock in that tight little pussy of yours.”
“Fuck me, Ash, I want you to fuck me.” Spreading her legs, she pushed her ass back against my cock as her fingers braced the railing. “Fuck me before I realize what the hell I'm doing and run away.”
A husky laugh exploded from my mouth as I dug my fingers into her hair and tugged her head back. “You know exactly what you're doing.” My words cut through the air, forcing a big smile on her face. “And when I'm done with you, you'll be lucky if you can still walk.”
Veering her stare, she pushed back from the railing, grinding her ass up and down my hidden length. “Just shut up and fuck me.”
Her ass swayed back and forth as her legs went straight and her back arched hard. Whipping her head over her shoulder, her eyes were dark and alluring, making my dick throb painfully.
Shifting her dress up her legs and over her hips, her satin pink panties made my lungs hitch. Fumbling with the button on my pants, I freed my length.
Now this night was worth it.
Pulling a condom out of my back pocket, I tore open the package with my teeth as I splayed an open palm against her back to keep her still. With on hand, I slipped the thin skin down my length.
Pushing her panties to the side, I ran a single finger up her folds and creases. Nola was smooth and soaked, dripping with arousal. A single line of hair ran up the crest of her mound, her clit was swollen and pulsing against the pad of my finger.
Greedily, I held my shaft, ready to plunge deep inside her. Teasing her entrance with the tip of my cock, I spread her juice over the crown. Her body was trembling, her muscles shaking as her hips kept moving and rocking, ready to force me in if I didn't fuck her soon.
“Please fuck me, take me, Ash, take me like I'm yours.”
Throwing my hand around her throat, I held her face high as I bit her neck and spoke clear and firm into her ear. “Like you're mine? You are mine.”
Driving my hips forward, I slammed my cock inside. Her body went rigid as she moaned, dropping her head forward and clasping the railing with all her strength. Pulling back out, her pussy clenched tight, refusing to let my dick slip free.
Scraping her nails through my hair, I held her body up as I pistoned my hips hard and fast into her cunt. She was warm and wet, tight and throbbing, she was everything I needed right then.
Slipping my hand down through the top of her dress, I pinched her nipple, rolling the pebbled bead between my thumb and forefinger.
Nola groaned, her moan loud, casting its presence out into the world below. She had let go right then, not caring that we only knew each other's first names, not caring about the mass of people she should be intertwining herself into.
She let me have her, she gave herself to me, she allowed that feral desire to come alive, to take shape and just be free.
We're all animals no matter how you look at it. You can try and rationalize it, you can try and say we have self control, that's what makes us different than other animals.
But none of that shit matters.
I don't think it's wrong to take a beautiful woman if you want her. I think the best sex is unplanned, it's wild and raw, it's built off lust and attraction.
A moment where two people lost themselves to inhibition and unbridled lust, giving in to those feelings that made you human to begin with. The shivers, the butterflies, the anxiousness and release; all of it made the experience.
Grunting, I drove in hard, pulling out just to the crest of my cock. Nola's body was trembling, her moans growing in volume as the orgasm stirred inside her lower stomach, slowly drawing her into a state of delirium.
Climbing onto the tips of her toes, she held onto the railing, her knuckles turning white as she let out a scream that I would never have imagined was her if I wasn't listening to it with my own ears.
My cock twitched, drawing up my balls and making my stomach clench. I held on as long as I could, doing my best to make sure she got off before I blew my load.
Maybe I am a gentleman after all. . . Maybe.
Her body writhed, muscles turning limp as her breathing became ragged and uneven.
Pulling my cock out quickly, I tore off the condom and rested my swollen head between her ass cheeks and came. Pulse after pulse of thick white come covered both her cheeks, slowly dripping down her plump ass.
Squeezing from base to tip, I slapped her ass with my dick. “And that's how you make a charity banquet worthwhile.” Stuffing my length back into my pants, I tugged the small handkerchief out of my pocket and wiped her clean.
Nola stood up straight, trying to regain her composure. “You've certainly made this banquet one I won't forget.”
“Woo, yeah!” A loud scream came from below as multiple claps filtered through the air and reached us on the ninth floor.
Peeking over the railing, a small group of people had gathered below, and were looking up at us with giant smiles on their faces.
I expected Nola to get angry or embarrassed, running off back inside to escape the scrutiny of the crowd. To my surprise, she clasped her hands over her mouth and looked down at the people. Letting her hands drop free, she gave them a big smile and a soft bow.
The group gave her another round of applause, and I stood at her side just grinning. Noticing my absence, she snagged my hand and raised it high in the air. “Take a bow, Ash, this wasn't a one person show.”
And in that moment, I knew this girl was special. She accepted the clapping with grace, she didn't freak out and start panicking about who they were and if anyone else here would find out.
She just smiled and made it fun. Her playful spirit made my heart jump inside my chest, ricocheting off my ribs like a caged bird.
Taking my hand, Nola walked to the doors that led inside and turned on her heels to look me in the eyes. “Just so you know, I have never done this before. I don't want you to think—”
Holding up my hand, I stopped her from saying anymore. “I don't,” I said, slipping my hand around the back of her neck and pulling her in for a kiss.
It was just a kiss, a simple kiss that to most would mean nothing at all. But I felt something, I felt my heart as it beat and the air as it seeped into my lungs. I felt my body as her lips curved over mine and our tongues danced.
Pulling away, Nola adjusted her dress and ran her fingers through her hair to fix it. “How do I look? Can you tell I just got laid?”
“You look gorgeous, and yes, you're fucking glowing.” My grin lifted to my ear as I wriggled my brows to tease her.
Slapping my chest, she gripped the handle in her hand. “It's been fun, Ash, but it ends here. You know that right?”
Nodding my head, a twinge of pain jolted through my chest. “I get it, no worries.” She started to step inside, but I yanked her back, kissing her one last time.
I held on for as long as I could, sealing her mouth with mine. I knew it ended there. I knew that I would never see this woman again after this night.
So I kissed her, I embedded the feel of her lips against mine in my brain, of the scent of her skin in my nose, of the taste of her tongue in my mouth, and the feel of her body in my hands.
Not one piece of this moment would get lost. I wanted to make sure I took note of everything, because I never wanted to forget this woman.
She was special. I didn't know a fucking thing about her, but I could feel just how amazing she truly was. Nola wasn't like any other women I had met, and a part of me was going to miss having the chance to learn more about her.
And as I watched her walk off and disappear into the crowd, I blew her an invisible kiss.
She wouldn't see it, she wouldn't know it came, but I would.
My lips were a hidden marker on her skin, and if I was lucky, maybe one day I'd find her again.