The real version of himself, was the guy who didn't shower as much as he probably should, the one who ate with his fingers and tended to wander off. He wasn’t some big bad ass like he played on T.V.. He was just a dork, who really loved art and old blues music. It's why whenever he wasn't on set or attending an important event, he dressed down, wearing the same old clothes that he had owned for years. He liked his broke down steel toed boots, liked that they made him feel, just a bit, like his real self.
Deep down, he was the kind of guy who never really wanted to leave his apartment. He would much rather lay around, watching a marathon of old cartoons while binge eating chocolate. No one wanted that side of him, though. They didn't like that he didn’t care for parties or that he rarely wanted to be seen out in public.
The women in his past had been obsessed with the star lifestyle, but all he really wanted was a break from it. He wanted to find a woman that he could hide away with. A safe place that was nowhere near the fake world he lived in, every day. He needed a woman who wasn't starstruck. One that would never think twice about putting up with his bullshit just because of who he was.
He just wanted someone to realize that he wasn’t the characters he played or the image Hollywood had created for him. He wasn't some ego driven asshole, who only thought about his next role or about how much more money he could get in his next movie deal.
He loved what he had, had worked hard to get it but that wasn't at all he was. He wanted someone that he could talk to about real shit, the type of shit that doesn’t even matter, but kinda, does. He wanted a woman who could have fun with him, no matter what they were doing. One that thought finger panting on a Friday night sounded just as good, if not better than heading off to some boring ass awards ceremony. One that would rather stay in and watch a marathon of Ancient Alien’s, than to head out to some lame ass Hollywood Hills party. Pretty much, he just wanted a best friend that he could fuck.
So far, his love life had always been pretty shitty. Famous or not, he was still a pretty shy guy when it came down to walking up to someone and getting his flirt on. He always felt awkward around women. They were pretty and they smelled good. He didn’t know if he should just stare at them until they got the hint or walk over and sniff them. Usually, he did both and surprisingly, it had always kind of worked for him. Turns out, some women, really do dig weirdos. Most of the time, though, it was women making the first move, especially when they knew that he was famous. Again, though, that all felt fake.
The women who hit on him didn’t actually want him, they wanted a character, Murphy, from Brothers In Murder or Bo, from The Dead Are Walking. Hell, most women, wanted that psychopath Colt that he had played in The Hills Are Red. Every chick he had ever banged, more than once, had asked for him to morph into that rape-happy, knife welding, drugged out, piece of shit. No joke, he kept the gas mask from the movie on a hook by his bed, because that’s how often he had made that fantasy come true for a woman. He wasn’t sure, why any woman, would be into all that hate fucking but they were. Personally, he wasn’t though. Again, he was shy which meant he had to act his way through the interaction. He had to pretend he was aggressive, had to make believe he liked manhandling a woman into submission. He didn’t and he also didn’t like how fake it all was, how empty and how numb it all left him feeling in the end.
What he wanted to feel was a spark, a wildfire, even. He wanted something to feel legit, not fake or pretend. Something that would force that emptiness he felt inside to dissipate. Like it was right in this moment.
The woman in his arms was a live wire, throwing sparks into their kiss, every time she flicked her tongue. He was feeling more than a little something and it felt more real than anything had to him, in years. And, with the way she was holding him so close, he had no doubt, she was feeling something as well.
Penny's head was spinning. She wasn't even sure if her feet were still touching the ground. She felt weightless. Thank goodness for Able’s embrace, because it was the only thing keeping her earthbound, she was sure of it. He wasn’t simply kissing her, no, this wasn’t just a friendly peck, this was a full blown, knock you for a loop, mouth fuck of a kiss.
What was really shocking to her, the thing that really had her questioning herself was that she hadn't tried to push him away, not even once. Usually, if a guy tried to kiss her on a second date or even a third for that matter, she would freak. She didn't mean to, but it just never seemed to feel right, to her. As soon as their lips would meet, her stomach would turn. Even if she was kind of digging the guy. She could never stop her hands from coming up to push him back, her lips already explaining how it was too soon, or that she just wasn't ready to move in, that, direction.
It was rare for any man to hold her interest longer than a conversation. To her, it seemed that most guys ran pretty shallow, tending to be out for only one thing and she had no interest in that. Being a stripper didn't help, either. As soon as a guy found out where she worked, they would either completely hate the idea and look disgusted, or they would get a look on their face that showed they were enjoying it, just a bit too much. Either way, it killed any chance of a second date.
Not that she really ever went on dates in the first place. It was hard to meet new people when she was always working, sleeping, or hanging out with T.J.. However, she did often find herself lying to Cole about the amount of dates that she went on. Not to make him jealous, but because she felt like a loser not having any kind of social life. Everyone else around her seemed to, especially Cole. That man was always layered thick with female companions, He constantly stayed, just a wink and a smile away from his next, one-night stand. He was always bragging about this girl or that one, about his one-nighters and two daters. So in turn, Penny would make up guys or say yes to dates that she normally, would give a big fat no to. And all this, just so she could have something to add to her and Cole’s conversations.
When she actually did meet someone that she thought might be,’ okay’ she never brought it up around Cole, because without a doubt, he would find a way to fuck it up. He had a bad habit of pointing out all the flaws in the men that she dated. He would always say something about the way the guy looked, talked, dressed or smelled, and at first, she would just roll her eyes but she always found that it would sit with her just the same, and before too long, whatever Cole had pointed out, was all that she could take note of in her doomed suitor. So, she would end it. And if that didn’t kill it, Cole would just do what he always did. She could never be sure, but she was pretty damn positive, that he had bribed at least three of her dates, not to take her out again and when that hadn't worked, he had been known to use physical threats as a form of intimidation. Cole was a scary guy when he wanted to be. He was a trained black belt in jujitsu and could kick, just about anyone's ass, he took a mind too. Most men, knew when they were backed into a corner, and considering that she had only ever dated them a couple of times each, they obviously didn't think she was worth the ass kicking. She didn't blame them for their choice, in fact, she was pretty grateful that she got to see them make it. If they were that easy to chase away, she didn't want them around, anyway.
She wanted a man who would fight to be with her. She needed a guy that wasn't scared off by a little competition. One that was sure of himself and of the things that he wanted. Someone who, no matter what, would stick it out with her.
She also couldn't have a man who only wanted her because of the way she looked, sure she wasn't ugly, and her body was still holding up pretty well for her age, but that would fade, no one ever stayed stripper pretty forever. She wanted someone to look at her first thing in the morning when she was at her worst and still like what they see. She didn't want a man who couldn't take the ugly, right alongside the pretty.
More than anything, what she really desired, was to want someone, just as badly as they seemed to want her. She felt that way wrapped into Able’s arms. His kiss had her feeling that and so much more.
Finally managing t
o pull his lips away from hers, Able let out a soft chuckle. It was too cute how her body swayed a bit as her eyelids fluttered open.
"Damn," was the world that escaped her kiss bruised lips.
"Yeah, tell me about it," Able whispered, with a smile, pressing his forehead to hers.
Penny was swallowing hard, trying to catch her breath. Marveling at how solid Able’s chest felt under her fingertips . Gently, she slid her nails downwards, over the vintage, Cheap Trick concert Tee, he wore so perfectly. It had stains, and even a hole in one spot. She could tell just by looking at it, that he lived in the shirt. But, it was more in the way that he wore it, that had her knowing, it was one of his favorites. It set loose in all the right spots and fitted where it was needed. It was soft to the touch and he looked relaxed being surrounded in it. Like a childhood blanky that he got to wear around town. She stopped her fingers travels, coming to loop, two of them, through his belt loops. Forcing him to stay nice and close.
"Sorry if I moved too fast," he whispered, leaving chicken skin in his wake as he ran just the tips of his fingers up and down her arms.
"Please, don’t be… that was…," she tried, but her words failed her. His blue eyes had her in a haze as he looked down at her. He was shorter than Cole, but not by much. Just right, if you asked her.
"Amazing? Well, on my end, anyway."
Able smirked, sending a dimple popping out on his cheek. Penny almost didn’t see it through his wannabe beard. It wasn’t really a full on beard, more like a goatee, gone a bit wild. The word, scraggly, came to mind when her fingers reached up to rub across it. Surprisingly though, she found it very soft to the touch, not itchy, but silky and smooth.
Cole, couldn’t grow a beard, he never could. He had tried and failed, time and again. He was like one of the least hairy men she had ever met. Except, of course, when it came to that thick head of blonde locks, that he rocked so well. Ables' hair, didn’t look so much like he was rocking it, as much as it seemed like he had rock star hair. Picture a super dark haired version of Curt Cobain with a little Tommy Lee thrown in, and you got it. It wasn’t actually a haircut, it was more like a lack of any haircut, for an extended period of time. Even a little greasy, it looked sexy as hell, like he really just didn’t give a fuck. No way, did he spend any time in the mirror worried about what it was doing.
"I was gonna say fantastical, but whatever; amazing works to, I suppose." Penny shrugged with a grin.
"Good, I’m glad we agree. That means, maybe, you just might let me do it again, sometime."
She gave him a thoughtful look in return, loving his hopeful little smile.
"Maybe I will, but what are you gonna be willing to do for me, in return?"
Her coy grin had his brow raising.
"Name it," Able said it fast, and it was true. Right now, he was game for anything she wanted him to do; he couldn’t help himself. He was, way too far gone, for her playful smile and the taste of her that still, clung to his lips.
"Go swimming with me?" She challenged, with the jerk of her head toward the surf.
"Really?"
It sounded more like he was asking if that could really be a thing, which he was. He was already swimming in her beautiful hazels, so fuck it, why not?
"Yeah, I haven't been in the ocean in years. I mean, unless you're scared, that is." She teased, like a bully on the playground.
"Trust me, it’s not that I’m scared.” He said with the shake of his head.
“Okay, so too shy?”
“Yes, but no.”
“Then why not?”
“I don’t have any swim trunks with me.” He informed, wondering how far she would go with it.
"Well, I don’t see any swimsuit police around here. I bet, if we keep an eye out for them, we might just be able to get away with going in our undies. Again, though, if you're scared, just say so, and I promise, I won't pick on you … too much, that is." Penny giggled, pulling herself free of his arms.
"I think I'll manage, as long as you promise me one thing.”
“Oh, ya, and what’s that?” She questioned, turning back his way.
“You have to promise not to let me get eaten by a shark." He bargained, already tearing his T-shirt over his head.
"No worries, I got you. If a shark comes along, I promise, I'll punch that beast, square in the snout. You just watch and see; I’ll give him a good, right, talking to. I’ll tell him, ‘you leave my Holden be, ya hear’?!” She promised, through giggles, as she pulled her tank top free of her body.
She smiled a naughty grin, watching Able’s reactions to her actions. His eyes ravaged her as she shimmied out of her blue jean short, shorts. It appeared, that he was pleased with the newly visible flesh she had to offer, or at least, the bulge in his pant’s, would have her believing as much, anyway.
"’Your Holden’, huh? I like the sound of that." Able smiled, unbuckling his belt before pushing his faded blue jeans down his muscled thighs.
"I bet you do!" Penny quipped, throwing one last wink over her shoulder before taking off on a mad dash for the water.
She needed the coolness of it. Seeing him stripped down the way he was, had her heating up, just the way she shouldn’t be. His body was firm, consisting of tight muscles formed over every bone. His arms alone, had her mouth watering, not to mention the tent he was rocking in his underpants. He was definitely packing something down there, and she was sure hoping, it wasn’t just another Lunchable.
She pushed the thought out of her head. She needed to remind herself, that she wasn't the type of woman who would allow curiosity to outweigh logical thought. He was sexy, yes, fun, yes, beautiful, yes, oh God yes, but he was also leaving, very, very soon, in fact.
She would have her fun and enjoy his company but that’s as far as any of this could go. She had to keep, some kind of control over her racing heart and over her delusions of things that could never be. A little excitement with a stranger was fun, but for her own sake, she couldn’t allow it to go any further than that.
A school girl screech escaped Penny’s lips just as Able ran past her, diving head first into the blue waters. He was sure he hadn’t moved that fast in years, but he had been on a mission. He needed the cold the ocean could provide. After that kiss, his body had been on fire, and then add to that, getting to see her strip down to nothing but her skivvies, well just fucking forget about it. He was a lost damn cause to her.
As he surfaced, his eyes darted around the waters, his breath hitching in his chest when she was nowhere to be seen. It had him jerking in his skin when she finally did pop back up. He watched as a smile ripped across her features, the second, she laid eyes on him. God damn, she was beautiful.
"I forgot how amazing this feels!" She confessed as her eyes roamed over his slick upper half.
His hair, now wet, hung down over his forehead, trying it’s best, to block those beautiful blues of his. She had the worst urge to slick it back, so she did. Just her fingertips, brushed against the bothersome lock before she was forced to suck in a deep breath. Glancing down, she watched as Able’s fingertip danced down her collar bone. The traveling finger, kept on its course, sliding between her breasts, and down her tummy until his hands gripped her perfectly wide hips, yanking her to him, hard and fast.
Before Penny could even say, ‘yes please’, his mouth was on hers. The taste of salt water tinged their taste buds as they fisted one another's hair. Wet hands were everywhere as the waves crashed down around them. The water was cool to the touch, a little cold even, but Penny was burning up, just the same. Every inch of his skin that was pressed to hers felt burned, in the most pleasant of ways. Her core was throbbing and her stomach was in knots as his tongue twirled around hers.
Able was eating her alive, and she was gonna let him, too. His hands were all over her body, rubbing and stroking. Soft in some spots, harder in others. It was as if, he was mapping out her every bend and dip, but only, by feel.
As his teeth scraped across the se
nsitive skin on her neck, her claws raked across his bare back, earning her a low growl from deep in his chest. She let out a little giggle as Able’s hands gripped her ass, lifting her up until her legs wrapped around his trim waist. With her body good and leached to his, Penny went back for more of his kiss.
She never even noticed that they had made their way out of the water, until she felt like she was falling. At least her landing was soft. A bed of sand pressed to her back while Able came gently down over the top of her. Instantly, he dove back in for another kiss, pulling her thigh up to rest against his toned hip.
Penny’s entire body trembled, waiting for him to make his next move. Part of her, wondered if he would, while the other part of her, wondered what she was gonna do if he did. This was all happening so fast, it was so unlike her. She didn’t care, though, because right in this moment, with his weight over hers, she didn’t want to be herself.
His mouth tasted like heaven, and even the sand on her back felt like a feathered bed, begging her to just lay there and take, whatever the man above her decided to hand out. But, to her dismay, he didn’t make a move, he just kept kissing her.
Able was starving for her taste. He couldn't get enough of her lips or the way her body felt under his. He found himself wanting
to kiss every inch of her. It was only then, that he released her lips in order to attach her neck. Loving how her head instantly tilted back, allowing him full access to his new favorite spot. The sounds that escaped her lips, had him wanting to find each and every pleasure point, her body had to offer. He hit pay dirt when he found a little spot just above her collar bone, one that made her back arch and her nails dig into his scalp.
"Is that your spot, Livi?" He rasped the question into her neck, earning him the acceptable response of a breathy moan of his name. Or, the name he had given her, anyway. He stayed there, working over the spot, until she finally ripped him off, by gripping a hand full of his long, wet, locks in her fingers.
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