by Abbi Hemp
I stepped forward and put my arms around her waist, hugging tightly. After a few seconds, I pulled back and gave her a quick peck on the lips.
“Good night, Mercy. So great to see you again.”
“Yeah,” she said. “You too.”
“Hold on.”
I stepped to the street and hailed a cab for her.
“Thanks again,” she said as she got in the back.
“No problem. Talk to you soon.”
After I closed the door, I watched the driver pull away, merging with traffic. I thought briefly about heading to a strip joint to blow off some steam, but with her on my mind, I decided against it.
She’ll come around, I told myself as I made my way home. We’ll finish what we started.
THIRTEEN
Mercy
Back at the apartment after my dinner with Tyler, I wondered if I should have invited him over. My phone rang. I glanced at the screen and saw Roger’s name. Ugh.
“Hey, Roger,” I answered. “What’s up?”
“You never called me back about our second date. You’re not backing out on me, are you?”
“No, I’ve been busy with work and stuff.”
Tell him about Tyler and get it over with!
“How about tonight? We could grab a bite to eat.”
“It’s late,” I said, walking into my kitchen. “I’ll call you later in the week, okay?”
“What’s wrong? You didn’t like our first date?”
“It was fine, but I’ve got a lot going on right now.”
“Yeah, that’s what you said.”
Both of us fell silent for a few seconds.
“I’m going to jump off here,” I said. “I’m getting ready for bed.”
“Alright. I’m not going to stop trying to get that second date.”
“You can keep trying, but I’m not making any promises.”
“Later on, Mercy.”
He ended the call before I had a chance to say anything. Roger had looked me up a week earlier, and I had gone on a date with him out of curiosity, wanting to get information on Tyler.
Now both men were interested in me, and I didn’t know what to do. In Afghanistan, I had leaned toward Tyler, but maybe that had been a mistake? Roger was much easier to read.
After pouring myself a glass of water, I retired to my bedroom and get ready for sleep. It was early, but I did have to make it to work early the next day. My skills as an editor were in high demand.
I worked for a publisher of trashy romance novels, which was as far away from journalism as one could get. While I told myself I didn’t care what other people thought, none of my friends or family knew about the job.
As I laid under the covers, memories of that night in Afghanistan flooded my mind. We had been so close to fucking, taking our blossoming relationship to the next level. Had I been too hasty?
The look on his face after the explosion would always be etched in my memory. Why had both men come back into my life so suddenly? Was it a sign I should be with one of them? Which one?
I had slept with one man on and off over the last year, one of the few male writers of romance novels, but I had broken it off with him a few months earlier.
He was okay in bed, but I couldn’t stand him the rest of the time. It wasn’t even worth the trouble. At the same time, as a woman, I had needs and desires.
Tyler had stoked my fire by arriving out of the blue. Or maybe it was Roger who made me so horny? No, he’s so annoying. I should call Tyler.
When the thought hit me, I reached over and grabbed my phone off the nightstand. I turned on the screen, tapping and swiping until I saw his name in my contact list.
Should I call? It’s so late…
My finger tapped the screen, starting the call. I put the phone to my ear, my heart beating faster.
“Hello?” he answered.
“Hey, it’s Mercy.”
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, it’s fine, but I thought it might be better.”
“Huh?”
“You know, the night I left in Afghanistan. What we were about to do.”
“Ohhh,” he said, drawing it out. “Fucking. What about it?”
“Are you really going to make me say it?”
“I love it when women talk dirty.”
“Do you want to come over and fuck me?”
The words sounded extra dirty coming out of my mouth.
“I’m on my way,” he said then ended the call.
What have I done?
I sat up and threw the covers back. After getting got out of bed, I rushed to the bathroom. Am I making a mistake? I barely know the man, but that night in Afghanistan had been so special, even if we were interrupted.
As I looked at my reflection in the mirror above the sink, I swished mouthwash back and forth and decided I would have fun with him for a night. After that, we would see where it went.
I’m still young. This is no big thing.
I spit into the sink before washing my hands.
What should I wear? Why did I do this?
I decided to stick with the two-piece pajamas I was wearing. They were soft and comfortable and a bit sexy. Maybe if I unbutton a few buttons…
After baring a bit more of my cleavage, I went around the house, making sure everything was in place. Should I light candles? Start some music? Pour some wine?
I heard the buzzer.
This is it. Calm down and enjoy yourself.
I took a deep breath then pressed the button to open the security door downstairs.
Oh, shit! What if Roger calls or decides to come over? I should have gone to his place. Why am I such an idiot?
I walked over to my front door and opened it an inch, hoping Tyler and not Roger walked in.
FOURTEEN
Mercy
Tyler stood in the hallway. I smiled and stepped back.
“Come inside.”
He moved forward quickly, shutting the door behind him. I stood in my living room with pajamas and no socks on my feet, my heart fluttering as emotions from the past appeared.
Our eyes met as he stepped forward. He put his hands on my waist and pulled me toward him. My soft body pressed against his hard one, the perfect combination for love.
I stood on my toes and kissed him, wanting that warmth and sexual heat from my memories to turn into reality. His reaction told me he wanted the same. He’s so good.
While he unbuttoned my top, I fumbled with his pants. His dick had haunted my dreams many times, and I wanted to touch it again, have it inside me.
As our clothes came off, we kissed as much as possible. Once finished, I took his hand and led him to my bedroom. We did not need candles and soft music. This is it.
We kissed more as I walked backward toward my bed. I reached it and sat down on the edge of the mattress, the same way I had in Afghanistan. Will he?
A lustful look fell over his face as he dropped to his knees in front of me. Once again, those strong, thick hands ran over my smooth, silky skin, getting my blood flowing.
He trailed a path down my thigh with his tongue. I knew its eventual destination, and I couldn’t wait. The closer he got to my pussy, the faster my heart beat.
His tongue made contact. I ran my fingers through his hair as he explored every inch of my tender, pink flesh. Tingles radiated throughout my body.
I remembered the explosion in Afghanistan and laughed. He stopped and looked up at my face, looking so cute and preoccupied with pleasing me.
“What’s so funny?”
“It’s nothing. I was just hoping there’s not an explosion before we get to it this time.”
He rubbed my thighs with his hand a few times, saying nothing, then stood. I saw his massive cock bouncing up and down in front of him like a young sapling.
I watched intently as he covered it with a condom. He crawled on the bed. I scooted back, spreading my legs and expecting the moment.
He held himself up with o
ne huge arm and held his cock with the other hand, positioning it for penetration. I stared up into his eyes.
While the pleasure so far had been incredible, I noticed other feelings as I stared at him. Never to be one who believes in wishy-washy love, I pushed them aside.
His cock penetrated me. Everything else faded away. I saw his face and felt his hard, thick cock sliding in and out of my wet pussy like we were made for each other.
As I stared at his face, I ran my hands down his back to his ass cheeks. They were so hard and strong, just like the rest of him. He leaned down and kissed me on the lips.
I forgot about thinking of my decision as a mistake and enjoyed the moment. He thrust in and out of me, faster and harder, sending chills through my entire body.
“Don’t stop,” I begged, so close to coming.
The desperation on his face pushed me over the edge. My pussy tightened around his thick cock as my whole body shook. He continued pounding me as I moaned in pleasure.
“Fuck. Yes…”
His words made no sense, but I understood what he meant as his face scrunched up. He grunted and thrust into me one final time.
“Yes…” he hissed, breathing heavy.
Slowly, his thrusts stopped. He stayed inside me, staring into my eyes. Fear washed over me in that moment. What the hell am I doing? This guy is practically a stranger.
“Get off,” I said, propping myself up with my elbows.
“What’s wrong?” he asked as he pulled out.
I looked to the wall, wanting to see anything except his face, those blue eyes.
“This was a mistake,” I said, still looking away.
“Mistake? What do you mean? You wanted…”
“I know,” I snapped, cutting him off. “Will you please just leave?”
Guilt and shame mixed, forming an emotional cocktail I wasn’t ready to deal with, not with him still naked in my bed. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him crawl off the bed.
“What the hell?”
“Just go please,” I said.
“You wanted this too. I thought…”
His voice trailed off. I pulled a cover over my naked body.
Why am I so ashamed right now?
Tears welled up in my eyes.
“Will you please just leave? I’ll call you later.”
I glanced up at him.
“Whatever…Where’s your bathroom?”
“There,” I said, pointing.
“This is messed up.”
I said nothing, a melting pot of emotions going through my body.
“You’re making me feel used,” he said in a joking tone, still not taking me seriously.
“Welcome to my world,” I said angrily. “Please leave, okay?”
He grabbed his clothes then left the room. Tears flowed.
Why the hell am I crying? That was so wonderful.
The fact I did not understand why I was so upset made it much worse.
When I heard him leave a few minutes later, practically slamming my front door, I laid back and cried, letting everything out. It wasn’t him, but he had opened a floodgate that would not be closed easily. The mix of joy and sadness confused the hell out of me.
All my problems had started after I got back from Afghanistan. What had happened over there? I had seen brutality, the mistreatment of women and so much more.
None of my life made sense after I had returned from the dirty, dusty, crazy country known as Afghanistan. Gradually, the tears dried up, but I still felt bad.
Tyler will never speak to me again. Not after that outburst. I don’t blame him. I’m such a fucking idiot and loser! The sadness turned to self-loathing.
I thought about calling and begging him to come back, trying to explain how crazy my life had become after meeting him in Afghanistan, but I didn’t.
Why would someone perfect like him want a problem-woman like myself?
The answer would not come.
FIFTEEN
Tyler
The next morning, I woke up as confused as the night before? What the hell was Mercy’s problem? She had called me, invited me over, let me fuck her, and then went nuts crying? What the hell?
I picked up my phone from the nightstand and turned on the screen. No messages. Maybe it was a one-off? She didn’t seem like that type of woman, but what the hell do I know? Not much.
After throwing the covers back, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stretched my arms. She had been a good lay. I couldn’t deny that one bit. Why did I always attract the crazy women?
The look on her face when she came stuck with me as I went through my morning routine, gradually waking up and getting ready for the day. With no job, I had nothing but time.
Around lunch, my phone rang. I grabbed it excitedly, expecting to see her phone number on the screen, but it was one I didn’t recognize. Who the hell is this? I answered.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Ty-man, what’s up. Long time no hear.”
“Who is this?” I asked, not sure about the voice.
“Damn, bro. We lose touch for a year, and you’ve already forgotten me.”
“Oh, hey, Roger. What’s up. I didn’t expect to hear from you again.”
“Yeah, you made that quite evident last time we met.”
“What’s up?” I asked, getting straight to the point. “If this is about the past…”
“No, no,” he interrupted. “I want to talk to you about a new opportunity. What are you doing these days?”
“Nothing much,” I admitted.
“You did all that complaining back in A-stan, but you’re enjoying that money, aren’t you?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I said, not believing what he was saying on the phone.
“Look, let’s meet up, okay? This is a solid idea, and you’re the perfect partner.”
“I don’t know, Roger.”
“You fucking afraid?”
“Man, don’t do that to me.”
“Do what?”
“Try to manipulate me. It doesn’t work.”
He laughed.
“Not anymore, huh? Anyway, what do you say? At least hear me out.”
“Fine. When do you want to do it?”
“You got time now? I have a hot date tonight.”
“Sure, now is fine. Where you at?”
“Let’s meet at Lucy’s Diner on Fifth-Third Street.”
“I’ll see you there in half-an-hour,” I said then ended the call.
Whatever he had in mind, I was not interested, but he wouldn’t stop bugging me until I told him in person and made it abundantly clear we weren’t going to go into business at all anymore.
* * *
On the walk to Lucy’s Diner, I wondered what Roger might want. Why had two people with connections to Afghanistan come into my life at roughly the same time?
I had sought out Mercy, but Roger had showed up on his own? Was it just a coincidence? None of the world made much sense. Ever since I returned from Afghanistan, my view of the world had changed.
All I thought about was coming up with a way to get over the guilt attached to the money I had made illegally while serving my country. It didn’t matter how many times I told myself we hadn’t hurt anyone.
When it came down to it, I had participated in a scheme that had made many people wealthy. The money I received was enough for me to do nothing for a while, but I had to come up with my next step.
Mercy did not seem to be the type of person who would date someone without a job or any prospects for the future. And she was definitely someone I wanted to get to know better.
When I made it to the diner, I saw him sitting in a booth next to the front window. He nodded and smiled as I walked up to the door and opened it. I walked over to him and sat down.
“What’s up, bro?” he asked, more jovial than I remembered him.
“Same old, same old. What’s up with you?”
A waitress walked up, pad
of paper at the ready to take our order. He ordered a coffee with no sugar or milk. I did the same. When she left, he looked across the table.
“I’m looking for a partner.”
“I don’t want to be part of any of your schemes.”
He laughed.
“Damn, bro. Jump to conclusions often? This is totally legit.”
“Yeah? What is it?”
“I’m starting a security company. I’ve already got three big name clients lined up, and I need to find people like you who I can trust.”
“You want to hire me?” I shook my head. “Not interested.”
“No, bro. I need a financial partner.”
“Oh, so you want my money.”
“Well, yeah, but you too. I like how you think things through all the time. We made a good team back in Afghanistan.”
I took a deep breath and shook my head.
“It’s not for me. Not now.”
Do not tell him about hunting down Mercy.
He stared into my eyes, his brow furrowed as he studied me.
“Will you at least think about it? I’ll write up an official proposal with all the terms and details.”
“You can do that, but I’m telling you I’m not interested.”
“Before you even know the details, bro? That doesn’t sound like the Tyler I remember.”
“We all change. At least some of us do.”
“Harsh, bro, but fair.”
The waitress returned with our coffee. I took a sip while glancing out the window. Several people passed by, wrapped up in their own worlds, oblivious to anything else.
I finished my coffee as quickly as possible, ready to leave. If Mercy called, I didn’t want to be anywhere near Roger or his crazy plans, legit or not.
The mystery of the night before continued to play itself out in my mind as I sought answers. Roger rambled on about something or other, but I tuned him out.
After I drank the last of the bitter brew, I slid the cup to the center of the table then stood. He glanced up, making eye contact. I hated everything about him.
“I’m leaving,” I said. “You can email me the information, but I’m probably not going to change my mind.”
