Here and Now

by Wasowski, Mary

  When the bartender handed her the drink, she looked over his shoulder and nodded appreciatively to me. I did the same in return and continued the lively banter with my grandfather until we were interrupted by the mystery girl.

  “Hello,” he said in a flirting tone.

  “Hello to you too. Thank you for the drink, it’s my favorite.” WTF? She thinks the drink was from my grandfather? Omg! I need to go before I embarrass myself more than I already have.

  He lifted her hand and chastely kissed it. “You are most welcome but it was from my grandson. You see, he’s had a really bad day and is in need of company, would you be so kind to take my seat and give him that?”

  Kill. Me. Now.

  “I would love to,” she said and took his vacated seat.

  “Grandpa, you don’t have to go.”

  “I think I do. Don’t worry about me, I’ll call for a car.” And before I could say another word, he threw down some money on the bar and left. As she sipped the martini, I could feel her trying valiantly to hide her laughter behind the glass.

  “Yes, this is embarrassing, probably my finest hour of humiliation.”

  “Ha! I think it’s wonderful. He obviously cares for you and is the perfect wingman for you.”

  “You think so?”

  “Absolutely. He’s great.”

  “He’s crazy but definitely made a crappy day better. So, what’s your name? I can’t keep referring to you as the leggy blonde which would be in bad taste.”

  “Do we really need names? Why don’t we have another drink and just be here in the moment?”

  “Suit yourself. Another round?”

  “Yes, please,” she crossed and uncrossed her legs making my dick painfully hard. She was beautiful with legs that I would love seeing wrapped around my shoulders as I feasted on her pussy. Shit! It’s got be the tequila. I left my player days back at the frat house. I keep waiting for her to slap me.

  “You know, my day wasn’t great either until I came in here and a nice man sent me a drink. It’s getting better by the minute but there’s always room for improvement.” After she downed the last of her drink, she placed the glass down on the bar and stood up nose to nose with me. “You coming?” she asked.

  “Not yet but you can bet when I do, it will be all over your sweet ass.”

  I hadn’t been back to my place in weeks, not when I had mom and dad’s house to play in. I can’t bring her back there for obvious reasons. My apartment is practically bare because it’s a temporary living space. My dad keeps telling me it’s time for an upgrade but who has time to house hunt?

  “Hey, I can see the wheels practically turning in your head. My apartment is not too far from here unless you’ve changed your mind.” Her words broke me out of my reverie.

  “No, it’s not that. I guess I was just figuring on where to go.”

  She laughs, “In between places?”

  “Yeah, something like that.”

  “Well, no worries. Take the next right. I’m up on the left with the red mailbox.”

  “Nice place, you live here long?”

  “For the last four months, I’m still getting used to it. Drink?” she offered.

  “No, I’m good.”

  “Let’s hope by the end of the night, you will be great.” Grabbing my face to pull me in closer, her lips were on mine taking a sweet and savage kiss. She didn’t breakaway as she led me into her bedroom falling back onto the bed and taking me with her. My body had settled over hers with my erection pressing in between her legs which she opened for me without hesitation. Once I ripped my mouth away, our clothes were next. Her body was curvy, and her naked legs did not disappoint. They were full of muscle but sexily lean and long. Just as I imagined when I saw her at the bar, her legs felt strong wrapped around me.

  “You bench press or something?” I asked before feasting on her.

  “Amongst other things, but yeah, a woman has to stay in shape.”

  “I’m not complaining, just the opposite. Stick figures don’t turn me on.” After my comment, it was like her body naturally melded into mine. “Do me a favor and grab on to the headboard.”

  “Why? Are you into kink or something?”

  “Who isn’t? but that’s not why I want you to do it.”

  “Okay, I’ll play,” she extended her arms high above her head and positioned her hands in between the wrought iron bars which were just about perfect. “Happy?” she asked with a sass to her voice.

  “Extremely, now I’m going to make you fucking scream,” I spread her legs even wider as I plunged my tongue deep inside of her.

  Her hips immediately bucked up and she shouted, “Oh, shit!” I thought silently, exactly right. Her body tightened as the evidence of her arousal slowly seeped out of her dripping pussy. I lapped it all up on my tongue as she continued to come. I took her mouth again making her taste what I just devoured, she was delicious. I didn’t give her a minute to breathe inserting two fingers inside of her. Her hands were off the headboard and I stopped. She screamed in frustration.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I can ask you the same question. You took your hands off the headboard, did I say you could?”

  “Sorry, it was intense.”

  “I’ve only just begun but I won’t continue until you place your hands back on the headboard.”

  “Okay, I promise. I will not move them until you say so, okay?”

  “Yes, right answer. My thumb was rubbing teasing circles on her clit as my two fingers continued to work her sex. She was writhing beneath me as she reached her second orgasm. I reached for my wallet and grabbed a condom coating my dick quickly not wanting to waste a second with her. “You can let go now. Put your arms around my neck and don’t take your eyes off mine. She did as she was told as I plunged inside of her body. This feeling was incredible and she was so much more than a one night stand. I wouldn’t worry about that at the moment. All I wanted to do was give her undeniable pleasure and listen to her come gloriously as she got closer to her third orgasm.

  “Hold on for me, I’m so close.”

  “I’m closer,” she panted.

  “Control! Come with me,” I finally was the one shouting. Her fingernails clawed into my sweaty back as we both found our euphoric release. I practically collapsed on her. I couldn’t move and didn’t want to. She felt amazing under me and I would give myself a quick breather before I would take her again.

  “Thank you, I needed that.” She let out a few breaths before getting up from her bed.

  “Um…you’re welcome. Come back here.”

  “Sorry, I have an early day tomorrow and need to get some sleep.”

  “Are you serious right now?”

  “Quite.” I frowned at her comment.

  “Oh, don’t feel so dejected. I really do have work in the morning.”

  “Yeah, me too, but do I really have to leave right now?”

  “Yes, you do.”

  “Can I at least have your name?” I asked as sudden unsettled feelings began to rage through me. I didn’t like the brush off. I tossed the discarded condom in the wastebasket by her bed and then pulled on my briefs and then jeans. I was usually good at reading women but this one was an enigma of sorts and I couldn’t help but be turned on. I asked her again and she still didn’t reveal her name to me. Once I was completely dressed, I turned and pulled her into me with her hands reaching around my waist.

  “I’ve never been asked to leave before and dejection is not what I’m feeling right now, quite the opposite you fucking tease.”

  “Good to know. I’m happy I can elicit such emotions but I’m tired.”

  “Can I see you again?” I asked with hopefulness to my voice. Name or no name, I wanted her.

  “Let’s just call this what it was, okay? I’m good with that, I promise.”

  “Maybe I’m not. Why won’t you tell me your name?”

  “Why is it so important to you? Haven’t you ever just wanted to let go f
or once and just live outside of the box?”

  “Yeah, I have and being here with you, I did.”

  I was getting tired of the back and forth and didn’t want to get pissed off in front her because my dick had other ideas. I conceded and kissed her again before releasing her. I didn’t believe for a second she didn’t want me again but I wasn’t going to push her any further. I grabbed my wallet and keys and left her bedroom without another word. I heard the shower turn on and knew I had a minute or two to look around before she finished.

  Her place was just as bare as mine but with a little more flair. I looked around her desk for a piece of mail telling me who the hell she was but I came up empty. I’m not that much of a stalker, so with her address already programmed in my phone, I hoped I would see her again.

  I drove home back to my place with blue balls and in need of a cold shower. The parents are always telling me to take advantage of life’s unexpected moments. Tonight with the mystery girl definitely comes close to that. Decision made. I need to find out more and see her again.

  I gave my body a good stretch before getting up from my bed. I tossed and turned half the night struggling to catch a few hours of sleep. All I could think of was that girl and the need to take her again and make her mine.

  It happened. It finally fucking happened. I met someone that I actually enjoy being with but the catch is—she won’t tell me her name and once was enough for her. It’s like love karma laughing in my face. Love? No, let’s not get crazy right now. Yes, the interest is there and that’s where I’m going to go to—for now.

  I hit the button on the Ninja and waited for my coffee to brew. This contraption was sick with lots of features to choose from. A gift from Emily when I moved in here. It’s cool and everything but I’m good with my old Mr. Coffee one a cup. Yeah, I think that got chucked into the trash with the rest of my dorm/graduate school necessities. Even with high tech gadgets, this place kind of sucked and maybe it was time to go house hunting or at the least, spruce this place up. My apartment was in the same building as my parents, but the one they owned was the penthouse. I have the less than the luxury model. It has everything I need. I thought as I looked at the bare walls and minimal furnishings. I sighed. I guess I do live like I’m still in college.

  “Okay, mom, you win. I will redecorate but hand over the pleasure of the shopping to Emily.” I shook my head knowing my sister will absolutely love the idea of spending my money. I was given full access to my trust fund once I turned twenty-five and finished graduate school. My parents have always been generous with both Emily and myself at the same time keeping us grounded. I dialed her number and Gus answered it.

  “Hey brother, what’s up?”

  “Not too much, is Emily there?”

  “She’s sleeping and so was I before you called.” By the sound of his voice, he wasn’t all that happy and then I knew why. It was barely six am.

  “Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t even look at the time. Go back to sleep and have my sister call me later.”

  “I’m up, tell him to give me a second.” A groggily Emily said in the background.

  “Okay, that’s better. Gus is making me coffee. Sorry if he was a grump, we got in late last night.”

  “It’s my fault, don’t get mad at your guy. Anyway, the reason for my call is to enlist your help on a project.”

  “Oh, yeah? What kind of project?” she asked. “Thank you, honey. I love you.”

  “Love you more. I’m going to take a shower.”

  “Okay, love. I’ll make this quick and then join you. Don’t use all the hot water up.” Her voice went from groggy to sex kitten in under a minute.

  Ewww! If I hit my head hard enough against the wall, do you think I can erase what I just heard from my baby sister?

  “Hey!” I shouted into the phone. “Earth to Emily.”

  “I’m here, sorry. I’m a newlywed for cripes’ sake. Oh, and don’t act like a freaking prude.”

  “I’m not, I just don’t feel like hearing my sister sex talk with her husband. It’s gross.”

  “No, it’s fucking awesome and I have to go, so tell me what you want.”

  I let out a frustrated sigh and then asked her. “Will you shop and decorate my apartment?”

  A thunderous squeal sounded on the other end of the phone making me hold my phone away from my ear. “Is that a yes?”

  “Hell yeah, it is. When can we start?”

  “Today, if possible. I’m going to have Alison call over to the Galleria and set up my account. Everything can be billed to me but let’s not go crazy.”

  “Oh, big brother, I’ve got this. Don’t you worry about a thing.”

  “I will try not to. Thanks.”

  “No worries, I love spending other people’s money. Now I have to go. Gus is waiting to give me some pleasure.”

  “You suck! You know that, right?”

  “I do, and Gus loves it.” She giggled.

  The call dropped and I think I just threw up in my mouth. Shaking off the racy images of my sister, a thought you should never have, I took a shower and got ready for work.

  Once I was relaxed all my thoughts went back to Blondie, yeah, that’s what I will call her until I know her real name.

  I filled my travel cup with more coffee and headed down to the garage. The doorman greeted me and wished me a good day. I waved back and once again thought of Blondie. It will be a fantastic day if I get to see her again.

  “Morning,” I called out to Alison who was directly behind me as I entered my office.

  “Good morning to you too. Okay, before we get started, I want to introduce you to your new assistant. Think of her as another version of me.”

  “And? why would I do that?” I asked as I placed my stuff down and turned on my computer.

  “Because she is my niece and is amazing.”

  “I guess it was too much for you working for my dad and me, huh?”

  “Not at all, it’s just time for you to build your own staff. Your father insisted and I had to move things along for you.”

  “Good old dad, okay, when do I get to meet her?”

  “She’s here taking a tour around the building with Jan from HR, and once she’s finished, I will make the introductions.”

  “Okay, sounds good. Any messages from Ed? Or anyone down at the EPA?”

  “Radio silence, sorry.”

  “No, the only person that is going to be sorry is Alex Depry, once I get my hands around his neck. Okay, please get Ed Fleming on the phone for me and patch him through to my private line.”

  Instead of going drinking with my grandfather last night, I should have been reading through these inspections again. My mind was in a haze as I tried to read but all my thoughts kept going back to Blondie. I started searching on Google for anything that would help me locate her and coming up with zilch. Grandpa knows the bartender pretty well, maybe I can take a look at the credit card receipts to find out who she is.

  Will you get a grip? This is just crazy. I have to focus on work and not this girl.

  “Rogan, I have Ed Fleming for you.”

  “Hey, what do you have for me?”

  “I tracked Alex Depry down. His record is spotless. I thought maybe I would stumble across some backdoor dealings but nothing. He’s a straight shooter climbing the ladder. I’ve heard aggressive but fair. He’s supposed to be assigned here but I haven’t met him yet.”

  “That’s odd. Do you know why that is?”

  “He’s a transfer from back east and is kind of in limbo at the moment until getting permanently placed. The Harrington Farm still has an operations trailer on site and I heard he may be going down there this morning to check the lines to back up his report.”

  “Perfect. I guess my day just got better because he can run but not hide forever. It’s time to meet the elusive Alex Depry.”

  “Watch yourself, Rogan. He’s still a government employee.”

  “So fucking what. He’s screwing with our
business for no cause and I want to know why that is. I’ll get back to you. Thanks, Ed.”

  “Alison, I’ll be back.”

  “Okay. Any idea when?”

  “Nope! But it will be after I squash the bug.”

  The drive over to the Harrington Farm didn’t take too long. I kind of ran every single light to get here. This trip would be worth the speeding tickets if I had been pulled over. I don’t know what would make this new guy flag us but his reasons are unwarranted and any member of my team including my grandfather can back it up.

  When I parked near the trailer, it looked like the guys were packing up their gear. They all knew me well and said hello. I found the foreman that runs Harrington Farms and asked him if the EPA inspector had been by. John said not to his knowledge but he just got here himself. I said okay and walked out to the fields that contained the new lines to make this farm great again. It would always be a thorn in my side knowing that greedy mother fucker Lockhart screwed over these farmers. My father took care of it and told me to let it go. He lost and we won but I can’t really celebrate the victory until our work gets the passing stickers.

  I was wasting my time here and began walking back to my car. I saw Mr. Harrington on my way out and not looking all that happy.

  “Hey, what’s up?”

  “Rogan, maybe you need to take a look at this,” he handed me what looked like a summons. “I can’t believe this is happening. It says that our lines need to be moved and relocated to another area that’s not in the protected zone. My family has been working these farms for five generations and not once did we ever come to know that we were breaking the law on protected property.”

  “Okay, slow down. Let me read this.” I took a few minutes to peruse the documents and nearly shredded them on account of being so angry. This screams corruption and when I find the person responsible for this, I’m going to hang him by his balls, beginning with Alex Depry.

  “Keep it together, Mr. Harrington. I am going to fix this.”

  “How? Son, you are cashing checks when you know the well is dried up.”