The High Road

by Lauren Runow

  After unlocking it, he opens his arm into his place as if to say Come on in then winks at me and stands still, waiting for me to make my move.

  With my eyes locked on his, I exit the car and walk toward him. “So you think it will be that easy?”

  “Don’t you worry, I’ll stay up as long as I need to earn the right to fuck you.”

  “Oh, so now it’s a right you have to earn? Glad to hear you don’t think you get it for nothing.”

  I enter his apartment and am flung around in his arms before I say anything else.

  “I told you I would earn it, and I promise you I will. Your night’s just begun, so be prepared. First things first. We shower.”

  “We shower? Together?”

  “Yes, together. We danced our asses off. This way.” He lets go of me and only holds my hand as he drags me back to his bathroom.

  I try to look around his place to get a glimpse of who he is, but it’s pretty bare. It doesn’t look like he’s been living here long. Then I remember him telling me he’s going through a divorce.

  The girl in me wonders why. He seems young though I have no idea what his age is. The questions bombard me as I ponder how long he was married and why it ended.

  Then I realize I know nothing about him. Not even his last name.

  Panic sets in.

  “Wait.” I stop just as we reach his bathroom. “I don’t know your last name, or what you do, or even how old you are.”

  He turns, pulling me toward him in an effort to reassure me. “None of that matters. This is all this will ever be. You.” His lips softly touch mine. “Me.” He leans to kiss my neck. “Having fun.”

  His hands are around my shirt, and in one swift movement, he pulls it up over my head before I can even think to stop him. “That’s it.” He throws it on the ground and reaches to remove his own. “Knowing too much will only complicate things. We both don't want that.”

  “But. Um. I’ve never done anything like this,” I admit.

  “I know. That’s what makes this even better. Just let go. Have fun for once in your life. Let me be the one to take you there.”

  He unzips his jeans, and I admire the chest I’ve felt dance against me the last two nights. Every muscle is defined and there’s almost no hair to be seen. A tattoo wraps around the back of his right shoulder and down half of his arm in an intricate design but I can’t tell what it is.

  I reach out to touch the design in question and he stops me. “Nope, don’t ask. Nothing personal, remember? Now strip.” He smirks as he pulls back the shower curtain, giving me some privacy while he turns on the water.

  I slowly unbuckle my own jeans and push them down my hips. Nervous that I’m stripping in front of this guy I just met, yet surprised that I’m feeling totally comfortable with the thought of being naked with him.

  When he looks at me again, I’m standing in my black bra and thong panties that have a thick lace band on the top of them. I love the way they hug my hips without digging in, and the hunger that fills his face shows me he appreciates them just the same.

  “Fuck me,” he breathes. “I knew you were beautiful, but I should have known that tight little body of yours would be so much more underneath those clothes. Can I remove the rest?”

  He walks up, not waiting for an answer. Leaning down, he wraps his hands around my waist and slides my panties down my thighs. My body quivers as he kisses his way down my legs before lifting each foot to remove them.

  Kneeling at my feet, he looks up, giving me the sexiest look I’ve ever seen before standing back up, running his hands up the back of each thigh. Feeling over my bare ass, he moves up my back to my bra strap where he unhooks it, sliding it down my arms until I’m completely naked before him.

  My heart pounds as his hands run up my sides until they’re barely touching me right below each breast. His thumbs brush on the underside of my left, then my right, tickling my skin in the most delicious way.

  The fact that he’s not grabbing them turns me on more than anything I’ve ever felt. Most men run their hands all over them; rubbing, pulling, nipping like savages, but nothing like this. I’ve never wanted someone to touch me so bad yet he’s keeping his thumbs barely teasing their presence.

  My head falls back when I move my chest slightly forward, welcoming his touch.

  Goosebumps run over my body when he whispers in my ear, “And we’ve just started.”

  He pulls me into the shower, and before I know it, I’m under the water that’s rushing down every inch of my body. With the water blinding me, Alex touches me all over but I don’t care. I gladly close my eyes, feeling the drops cascade down my face while his hands explore every inch of me.

  One hand pulls off of me, then the other. I’m tempted to pull away from the water to wipe my eyes, but before I do, his hands run up my sides again. They’re different this time—softer, silkier.

  I’m hit by the scent of a manly body wash. When he finally brushes his hands over my breasts, jolts of heaven run up my spine as his hands glide over each one.

  My head tilts back again, causing the running water to hit my face directly. I feel my knees start to give way when his hand slides down between my legs. His hands wrap around my waist, pulling me into him where his hard length runs along my lower stomach with no inhibition whatsoever.

  “You’re so fucking sexy but I’m not going to take you in this shower.”

  He turns me around, washing the soap completely from my body before shutting the shower off and opening the shower curtain.

  The rush of cold air makes my skin tingle and my nipples harden. Alex takes full advantage, wrapping his lips around one of them while placing a towel behind me and pulling my wet body directly into his.

  We don’t take the time to dry off as our mouths open to each other, allowing the other one in; licking, nibbling and sucking on each other’s lips. He lifts me up, carrying me to his bedroom, and tosses me on his bed.

  I yelp in surprise, but before I can protest his lack of romance, his lips find mine. His large hands pick me up slightly, pushing me back on the mattress. Reaching in his nightstand, he pulls a condom out, placing it on the pillow next to my head.

  I glance at it before looking back at him. Deciding to take matters into my own hands, I bring it up to my mouth, ensuring he’s watching my lips, and tug it open with my teeth.

  After pulling it out, I run my fingers down his body. Grabbing his cock with the other hand, I rub it against my clit.

  Fingers have never worked for me, but the size and softness of the head always does the trick. There’s something different about the width that if I run it along the right spot, I feel myself slicken with need to be inside me, and this time is no different.

  A moan escapes my mouth and his fingers reach to feel my excitement. With my lips locked to his, I start at the tip and run the condom down his length then position the head right at my entrance, letting him take over from there.

  Without hesitation, he takes the lead and slowly pushes himself inch by inch inside until he’s all the way in and his lips find mine.

  “You ready for this?” he asks between kisses.

  I don’t respond, but nod my head, grabbing his ass and pulling him in those extra few centimeters.

  His growl fuels my hunger, and when he eases out and slams back in, my lips part in a deep moan I’ve never heard my mouth make.

  Maybe it’s the build-up from the shower, or because I know this is just sex, but something feels different.

  Then it hits me. I’ve never just fucked to fuck. I’ve always been in a relationship with the guy, having feelings for him, or wanting to be who they want me to be so they’ll stay with me.

  Fuck that shit!

  I’m ready to be me.

  A surge of impulse floods through my veins as I push him off me, onto his back, and I climb on top of him. His laugh makes me smile and fuels me even more. I grab his cock, positioning it so I can slide down and start to ride him, not thinking abo
ut anything but getting myself off.

  It’s amazing, I’ve never felt so alive, so in control of my life and my body.

  Large hands grip my waist and hold me still as he slams up into me, causing me to crash to his chest and take what he’s offering.

  I’m unable to hold back, and the screams coming out of my mouth make me blush but I can’t help it. I just hope his walls aren’t super thin so the neighbors can’t hear me.

  Sensations take over and my arms can no longer sustain my weight. He flips me over to my back, opening my thighs wide as he pushes in again.

  He’s trying his hardest to have me only feel the length of him and nothing else. With my legs open wide, he slides in and out, not touching any other part of my body—it’s driving me insane.

  My orgasms have always been clit-based, but he’s hitting a spot inside that feels like triggers going off, exploding consciousness from my reality. In, out, in, out, just inside, not touching anywhere else.

  My eyes are squeezed shut but I feel like I need to open them just so I can roll them back in my head.

  It’s that good.

  When I finally do, he hits a little harder, grazing my clit with his body for just a brief second, making me jump from the awareness he’s brought back to the area.

  His slight laugh indicates he knows exactly what he’s doing. I don’t know if I should hate him, or love him forever for having this ability to drive my body to the brink of exploding into nothingness, yet not giving it to me.

  I can’t take it anymore. Everything’s too intense, too sensitive. “I. Fuck. I. Need. To. Cum,” I try to blurt out between thrusts, holding onto his arms for dear life.

  “You want me, baby?” he begs the question as he hits the same spot again, igniting a deep moan from my lips. “What do you say?” he asks in a teasing voice.

  “P-p-please…” I breathlessly stutter.

  “That’s all you had to say,” he whispers in my ear as he lowers himself, rubbing his body against my clit, instantly drawing an orgasm from my toes to my lips.

  I scream out as he slams in one final time, holding completely still as my pussy clenches around his cock in a manner I’ve never felt.

  “Oh, yes, fuck yes, clench me, baby.”

  “Wh—” I can’t get the words out; my head’s spinning and my body’s still spasming out of control.

  He laughs in my ear saying, “I told you I’d give you a night you wouldn’t forget,” he grunts into my ear, pumping a few times more with his own release.

  We lie in silence, entrapped by one another with nothing but our heartbeats and labored breaths.

  That was the most intense orgasm I’ve ever experienced, and I’m not sure if I can move yet. He starts to pull out, but I stop him. Holding him there for just a second longer.

  His laugh makes me blush, and I release my grip on him, wincing as he pulls out. Everything down there is a bundle of nerves that just went on the wildest rollercoaster ride imaginable.

  His lips brush mine before he hops off the bed and heads for the bathroom. My limbs come back to life but only enough to roll to the side. That’s where I lift my legs slightly and curl my arms under the pillow, feeling like I could pass out at any minute.

  My eyes are closed when the bed dipping heightens my senses back to reality. Chills cover my body when Alex’s hand brushes my hair behind my ear.

  “Are you enjoying your sex-high?” he asks with a sense of pride.

  I hum my response with a smile on my face, “Mmhmm…”

  “Do you want a ride to your car or are you crashing here?”

  Oh, crap, yes, I need to get up. I can’t stay here. That’s not what friends with benefits do. I open my eyes and start to get up. “Yeah, let me get my clothes on.”

  “Hey—” he puts his hand on my shoulder to keep me from moving “—I wasn’t trying to kick you out of my bed right this minute. You looked so comfy I wanted to make sure you didn’t fall asleep if you didn’t want to.”

  “No. No worries. I need to go. Fuck buddies don’t stay the night.”

  “Wait, what? Did you just say fuck buddies?”

  “Well, yeah. That’s what this is, right?”

  He shakes his head in disbelief. “Yeah, I’m just surprised to hear you say it like that. I mean it, stay for a little while. Enjoy your high.”

  I don’t respond. Instead, I get up to get my clothes, and within minutes, we’re at his car and he’s driving me back to mine.

  Surprisingly, I’m okay with it. Actually, I’m kind of glad to be going home. I know there won’t be an awkward morning after. No worry of smelly morning breath, and I’ll get an even better night sleep in my own bed after that amazing orgasm I just had.

  Yeah, I might be more than okay with this arrangement. Next time, though, I’ll bring my car so I don't even have to deal with the drive home. Just leave when I please.

  When we arrive, I start to open the door and step out, but he grabs my arm to stop me.

  “No kiss goodbye?” he asks and I swear I hear something sad in his voice.

  I look back, surprised. “Oh, sorry. I didn't know the protocol for something like this.”

  I lean over, kissing him on the lips before exiting his car without looking back, but a big smile covering my face.

  4

  Monday morning comes way too soon. Even though Alex dropped me off at 4 a.m. yesterday, I had to fight the urge to call him all day. My body yearned for another round, but my mind kept telling me to forget about him.

  Now, I’m sitting around the conference room table at work, listening to the weekend duty report from our squadron. First Sergeant Thompson starts off with some airman who’s new to the base that showed up an hour late and kept falling asleep on Sunday. Thompson was upset he’d been popping NoDoze all day, which was making him jumpy and irritable.

  I’ve heard this guy’s name being passed around, so I finally ask, “What’s the deal with Airman Riley? Didn’t he get a LOR his second week here?”

  For an airman to get a letter of reprimand that soon is crazy. Even though I’ve never met him, I’ve kept my ear open for anything else I hear about him so he doesn't cause more trouble.

  “Yes, actually, he did,” he responds.

  “Isn’t this guy older?”

  “Yes, he is,” he stares matter-of-factly.

  “And…? How old is he?”

  “Twenty-eight.”

  He’s twenty-eight and an Airman? That’s even crazier. Most Airmen are between eighteen and twenty years old. Regardless, a twenty-eight-year-old should be done acting like a fool—he should know better and be following the rules more.

  “Why did he enlist so late in life? I’ve heard he’s not very friendly with the other airman, either. What’s his story?” I ask.

  First Sergeant Thompson sighs. “He asked that I don’t share because he doesn’t want special treatment.”

  “He’s not going to get any special treatment if he keeps screwing up and gets another LOR, I can guarantee you that.”

  “But you don’t know his story yet.”

  “No, I don’t. Why don’t you enlighten me? We need to know what’s happening in our squadron, especially if this guy’s going to cause trouble.”

  “He joined for his brother.”

  “Okay, why is that important to me?”

  “His brother was killed in Iraq seven months ago. Airman Riley was the screw up kid in his family, and now he’s trying to honor his brother and finish out the military career he dreamed of.”

  My heart drops a little. That’s quite a story. And yeah, I feel sorry for the guy now, but that doesn’t change how I have to treat him. If he breaks the rules, he has to pay like everyone else. I just hope he does his brother’s memory proud and straightens up his act quickly.

  The door opens and someone from our squadron enters announcing, “There’s been a minor fight on the flight line. Everything’s fine now, but Airman Riley and Airman Jackson got into an argument over t
ools being used. Thankfully, two other Airmen intervened before it got out of hand.”

  First Sergeant Thompson speaks, but I interrupt him, “Send Airman Riley to my office, now. I’d like to have a word with him.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He leaves the office, and I put an end to our morning meeting to head back to my office and wait for the Airman.

  A few minutes later, there’s a knock on the door. Without looking up, I respond, “You may enter.”

  “You wanted to see me, ma’am?” a guy mutters under his breath.

  I look up to find nothing but a hat pulled low over his eyes. Everyone knows it’s protocol to remove your hat inside any military building, and the fact that he walked into my office so blatantly ignoring the protocol is enough to push me over the edge.

  “I’m sorry, should we just look in to kicking you out before you complete your first month with us? How dare you walk into my office wearing that hat, you—”

  My rant ends abruptly when his face tilts up and he slowly removes the hat from his head, holding it in his hand and looking me straight in the eyes.

  Shock is not something I’ve ever personally felt, but that’s the only thing that comes to mind as I look into the eyes of the man who rocked my world this weekend.

  “Alex…” I whisper in disbelief.

  “Hi, Jenelle.”

  “How are you here? How did I not know? Wait, did you know?”

  “Yes, I did,” he says, those blue eyes zeroing in on me the same way they did the night we met. “I knew exactly who you were. I first saw you at orientation and have kept my eyes on you every day since.”

  “So at that club…?”

  “Yes, I thought it was too good to be true that I just happened to run into you forty minutes away from base.”

  He walks toward me with that damn sexy smirk, and I immediately stand and back up in response. “We can’t do this.” I hold up my hands to stop him.

  “We already have.”

  He walks around my desk as I hit the back wall, panicking when I realize I have nowhere else to go.

  “I’m your superior, we can get in serious trouble fraternizing.”