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A Bartender, Drinks, and a Date Pt. 01

By: Tony155



The nightclub was subdued and fairly quiet when Nick arrived. Lively rock music was playing from the speakers scattered throughout and the thin haze of cigarette smoke was just beginning to thicken. Nick scanned the bar area for a place to sit and saw many unoccupied seats. He checked his watch and he was early. Nick looked up to find a large, burly man wearing a light blue polo shirt and jeans approach him.

"ID, please," he said pleasantly, but with authority.

Nick didn't think he looked under 21, but he wasn't going to debate the point.. He reached into his back pocket for his wallet and produced his driver's license for him. The bouncer studied it for a few seconds before handing it back to him.

"Five dollars cover charge," he said.

Nick nodded and put his license away before pulling out a Lincoln and giving it to him.

"Enjoy your evening," he said as he stepped aside.

"Thanks," Nick replied. He walked past the man and headed for the bar, taking a seat to the left side where he could watch the entrance for his date.

"What can I get you?" Nick looked up at the voice and saw a cute brunette wearing a thin white blouse and black slacks waiting patiently for his reply.

Your phone number? Nick kept his thoughts in check, reminding himself that he was going to have a date. "Smirnoff Ice," he said with a friendly smile. She smiled back and walked away to the other side of the bar. She bent over slightly to pull a bottle out of the cooler. Nick eyed her with interest, but looked towards the empty stage when she brought his drink to him.

"Here you go, that'll be $3.75," she said. He looked back at her and noticed rings on her left hand. His interest waned dramatically. He never messed with married women and he thought it would never be a good time to start. He handed her five dollars and told her to keep the change. Nick had brought plenty of money with him and he didn't plan on drinking much that night. He hoped his date wasn't a fish who would drink herself into oblivion. The only thing he hated more than drunken men were drunken women. But, his sister insisted Shannon was a "nice girl"so he would give her the benefit of the doubt.

Nick didn't mind blind dates and would go out on one occasionally. At 27, he wasn't ready to settle down and he only dated for companionship, not commitment. He tried to let his dates know this from the start so that there was no confusion about his intentions. His relationships rarely lasted more than a few months and they usually split amicably. But, of course, there were some who thought they could change him and help him realize that they were the only one for him. When subtle hints didn't work, Nick resorted to the blunt truth to get his point across, and then their feelings would get hurt.

Nick never felt sorry for them and would move on. What else was he to do? Why would they start to get serious with him when they knew he had no intention of being more than friends with them? He truly didn't know if he would ever want to get serious with someone again. He remembered what happened to him before and he saw what it did to his brothers and his other male friends. He wanted nothing to do with it, at least for now. Nick could honestly say that he knew of no one who was completely happy in a committed relationship. Oh, they may say they were, but if they were totally honest with themselves and with him, they would admit they weren't totally, completely happy.

He had twice tried that route before and each time was disastrous. Things went well for awhile in each case, but after that, they became clingy, demanding, and possessive. When he tried to reestablish his independence, the resistance with which he was met was stifling. After the second time, he swore he wouldn't get serious with a woman unless it was on his terms and when he wanted it to happen.

Nick had talked to Shannon a couple of times in the past week and she seemed pleasant enough. They decided to meet at O'Reilly's since it was close to both of their homes and they were familiar with it. Besides, if the date turned sour, he could always enjoy the live music that started after ten o'clock. He took a swig of his drink and checked his watch. She would be there any minute, he thought.

O'Reilly's was a very nice neighborhood bar that featured live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. It seated perhaps a hundred and was usually crowded on the weekends once the music started. Besides the music, they had three billiards tables and four electronic dart boards. Their food was mediocre, but the atmosphere made up for it. Besides, if they were hungry, there were numerous eateries nearby. It was a mutual choice for them to meet after dinner since Shannon said she preferred her own cooking to a restaurant. When she said that, Nick thought she was going to invite him to her home for supper, but the invitation never came. She described what she was going to wear that evening, so hopefully, they'd recognize each other when she arrived.

It was now past eight o'clock and Nick frowned. She was late. Nick was always very punctual and didn't care for people who weren't. He thought it to be rude and irresponsible and unless there was a good excuse, he was turned off immediately.

Nick took another drink from his bottle and glanced at the bartender again. She was quite pretty and Nick liked the way she moved. She was busy filling orders for the waitresses as she moved to and fro, up and down the area behind the bar. It was too bad about the married part.

It still wasn't too crowded as there were maybe twenty-five people there. There were three other patrons at the bar, Nick noticed, one of whom looked like a vagrant. He was wearing army fatigues and a knit hat even though it was quite warm for a May night. He was disheveled and had a duffle bag placed on the chair next to him. Unfortunately, the bag fell to the floor numerous times. Slowly, he would reach down, pick it up, and place it on the chair again. This happened three, maybe four times as Nick watched in amusement. Finally, on the fifth time, he reached down for the bag and kept going, falling to the floor with a dazed, perplexed look on his face. The bartender stopped what she was doing and watched as the bouncer moved to the man. He whispered a few words in his ear and helped him to his feet. With his hand around the drunk's upper arm, he guided him to the door and out into the fast approaching darkness.

Nick's eyes caught the bartender's as the scene ended. He shrugged and smiled, all the while sipping on his drink. A faint smile crossed her lips, but she then turned her attention back to her job.

Nick nursed his drink as he scanned the crowd. There were two couples at each of the billiards tables and two out of the four dart boards were occupied. The televisions were showing sports; baseball and basketball. There were many empty tables, but Nick knew it would fill up as it got closer to ten o'clock.

He sensed her presence nearby again, her soft perfume wafting under his nose. He looked left to see the bartender standing in front of him.

"Can I get you another one?" she asked pleasantly.

Nick looked at his bottle and saw he still had 1/4 of it left. He looked back at her. "No, thanks," he said. "I'll finish this one first." Her eyes were a very dark brown, almost black, but there was warmth to them.

"Okay, just let me know when you need another one." She smiled warmly again and went to the other side of the bar before he could say anything else.

Nick had seen her once or twice before, but she had never waited on him until this evening. He was definitely interested as he continued to observe her while she worked.

As the time went past eight-thirty, Nick decided to cut his losses and leave. It wasn't the first time he had been stood up and he figured it wouldn't be the last. He emptied his bottle and swivelled the chair to his right to exit.

"Going already?" a female voice said to his left.

Nick stopped and turned back to the voice to see the bartender sitting in the chair next to him. "As a matter of fact, I was," he replied. She was looking at him and her eyes were asking him to stay.

"I'm off duty. Why don't you keep me company for awhile?"

"Sounds like a reasonable request," he smiled. He sat down next to her. "Can I get you something?" he asked.

She laughed lightly. "I work here sweetie. I'll buy the drinks." She called to the new bartender, "Hey Joe, give me a coke and another Smirnoff's." Joe nodded and began to fill the order.

"Thanks," Nick said.

"No problem. What's your name, by the way? I'm Renee." She extended her hand to him and he took it lightly.

"Nick. Nick Wilkinson."

"Glad to meet you. I've seen you here before, haven't I?"

"Yeah, a few times, I guess."

Joe came with their drinks and Renee gave him five dollars. Joe smiled to her as he walked away. Renee sipped from a straw, leaving a pink imprint from her lipstick. Nick left his bottle untouched.

"Why were you leaving so early? The night's pretty young." She had noticed him looking towards the door many times and checking his watch. Renee liked his looks from the start, from his black hair and piercing blue eyes, to his neatly trimmed beard and very white teeth. His smile was his best feature, she noticed.

"You ask a lot of questions for a bartender," Nick mused. "I thought you were supposed to listen."

"Oh, I'm a very good listener. I was just curious." She took another sip and eyed him.

Nick was quiet for a moment before looking to the door once more.

"Looking for someone?" Renee asked, smiling to herself.

"Yeah," he admitted. "I was supposed to meet someone, but I guess she had other plans." He was mildly disappointed, but he was enjoying Renee's company, married or not.

"That's too bad. Have you been dating her long?"

Nick laughed. What's with all the questions?" He was amused by her interest in his love life.

Renee smiled at him. She liked his laugh. It was genuine and hearty. "Like I said, I'm just curious," she replied. "I don't get to ask customers questions too often."

Nick sat back in his chair and tried to look at the door without her noticing. He turned back to her. "It was our first date, or was supposed to be. We talked to each other a few times this week and this is where she wanted to meet. I don't know, maybe something came up." He shrugged his shoulders.

"More than likely," she agreed, nodding her head. "Who knows, maybe she'll show up sooner than you think."

"It wouldn't matter," Nick said.

"Why?"

"She should have called me. She's got my number and I've got my phone with me, so there's no excuse. I wouldn't go out with her now, anyway. She's over an hour late as it is." Nick checked his watch.

"Oh."

"I mean, would you go out with someone like that?" he asked her.

"I think I would if she had a really good excuse. Maybe she had to work late and couldn't call you."

"Maybe..."

"What does she do for a living?"

"She never said. We didn't get into much detail when we talked." Nick started to drink from his second bottle.

"I see," Renee said. The conversation waned for a few minutes as one of the basketball games caught his attention. Renee eyed him coolly, not knowing if she was boring him or that he just wasn't interested.

After a few minutes, he turned his attention back to her. "So do you always stick around after your shift is through?" He couldn't remember from his other times there.

"No, I usually go home right afterward, but I just felt like staying this evening for a while." She smiled at him again. Nick noticed it was genuine and sincere. He could tell the difference when it came to waitresses, bartenders, and the like. There was the professional smile and then, there was the way she was smiling at him now.

Nick raised his eyebrow slightly, taking the subtle hint that he was the reason she stayed behind. He was flattered, but as he glanced at her rings again, he didn't want to give her the wrong impression. He didn't know what her game was, but if she was going to cheat on her husband, he wanted nothing to do with it. His parents had divorced because his father screwed around and he didn't want to put another person through that same type of hell. He took another drink from the bottle and there was less than half left. Feeling a bit light headed, he was drinking faster than he should and he knew it. Nick normally only had one or two drinks in an evening, and now he was almost finished with his second one within an hour and a half. He motioned for the bartender and he walked over to him.

"A glass of water, please," he said. Joe left and brought it to him swiftly, glancing at Renee as he did so.

"I could have gotten that for you," Renee said.

"You're off duty," Nick replied before he took a couple of sips from the chilled glass. It felt good going down his throat. "Besides," Nick added, "your friend looked like he needed something to do." He pointed inconspicuously to Joe, who was leaning against the back of the bar looking bored out of his skull.

Renee chuckled, shaking her head. "You don't drink much, do you?"

"Not much," he laughed. "I'm a proverbial lightweight when it comes to booze. I hate beer and I despise hard liquor. This is about all I can handle. You're quite perceptive."

"I'm a bartender, remember?"

"Yeah, but you don't know me and you only served me once."

"I still know."

"Apparently." Nick looked at her drink and it was almost finished. "What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Are you a lightweight, too?"

Renee frowned for an instant, but recovered. "No, I'm not a lightweight at all. I'm a recovering alcoholic, but I've been sober for over four years now." She looked down at her coke and quietly took a sip.

"That's a bit strange."

"What is?"

"I mean, you're a bartender and you're still in recovery. Isn't that kind of an oxymoron?"

"Being in the bar is the best place for me to be. It's a constant reminder of what I was and how much I never want to be that person again. Besides, the money's too good to pass up."

"Is it hard?"

"Each day gets a little better, but I still struggle with it at times. I just have to take it one day at a time."

Nick looked at his bottle of Smirnoff's and then at Renee. He now wished he hadn't ordered it.

As if reading his mind, Renee said, "Don't worry about it, Nick. Just because I can't handle booze doesn't mean the rest of the world isn't allowed to drink. I'm okay with it." She touched his arm with the tips of her fingers. "Really."

The jukebox started to play some lively music and Renee's feet began to move in rhythm with the beat. Soon, her shoulders began to move and she was dancing in her chair.

Nick eyed her and smiled. Renee smiled back. "I like this song," she said.

"Obviously," Nick replied.

"Want to dance?" she asked suddenly.

"I'm a terrible dancer," he replied.

"Oh, come on, it'll be fun. I hate dancing by myself." Nick looked at the dance floor and there was no one there. She touched him arm again.

"I've got four left feet," he protested, but with little conviction. He liked her more and more. He looked down at his arm and saw the rings once again.

Her eyes followed his, but she didn't understand. "What?" she asked.

"What would your husband think?" he asked quietly.

Renee looked surprised as she looked at Nick, then to her hand. "My husband would think nothing of it because I'm not married. Never have been."

Nick looked at her in disbelief. "What about those?" he asked, pointing to her hand.

"Those are to help ward off some of the more amorous customers we have here. It's pretty effective." She glanced to the dance floor. "So, enough questions," she said as she grabbed his hand, "let's dance."

Renee gently pulled Nick out of his chair and they walked toward the stage where a small area was set aside for dancing. His thoughts were in high gear now that he had this news. He only hoped it was true. They reached the dance floor and Renee began to move with the music, swivelling her hips and throwing her arms around as she danced around Nick. Nick tried to keep up and show some semblance of rhythm, but it was no use. He was still having a good time despite it, though, as he watched Renee's hips and body flow naturally and move to the music. She was a very good dancer and didn't hold back as Nick enjoyed the show.

The song ended and they walked back to their chairs. After they sat down, Renee remarked, "That was fun. You're not a bad dancer at all."

"I don't know who you were watching out there, but it obviously wasn't me. But, at least I didn't step on your feet," he grinned.

They were quiet once again, drinking and taking in the atmosphere. It was beginning to get a little more crowded and the tables were starting to fill. The band who was scheduled to appear that evening had arrived and were starting to unload their instruments and equipment. Renee's stomach started to growl and she remembered she hadn't eaten anything since her one o'clock lunch. She hadn't eaten because of her shift and other reasons, but it was now protesting. She looked uncomfortable and Nick noticed it.

"You okay?" he asked.

"I'm just getting a bit hungry, that's all. Do you want to go somewhere and grab a bite with me? We can always come back if you want." She looked at him expectedly.

Nick thought about it briefly. He thought it would be nice to be alone with her for a while. "Sure, sounds great," he heard himself say.

"Good," she replied, "I hate to eat alone." Renee then turned to Joe. "Hey Joe, save our spots for us, would you?" Joe nodded and waved and turned his attention back to his customer.

They left the bar and turned right. "There's a nice restaurant down here," she said, pointing ahead.

"I know," Nick said, "I live around here."

"That's right, you do, don't you?" Renee replied.

Nick looked at her and couldn't recall telling her where he lived. Maybe he did, but couldn't remember. He pushed it aside as they walked down the sidewalk towards the restaurant. Renee's step was quick and light despite her tall frame and Nick had to make a conscious effort to keep pace. Her shoulder length hair was bouncing lightly and a small smile was etched upon her lips. They stopped at the door leading to the entrance of "Louie's" as Nick reached forward, grasped the door handle, and opened it for her.

"Thanks," she said as she ducked under his arm.

They were met by a stout man with classical Italian looks. "Good evening," he greeted them, "how many tonight?"

"Two," Nick answered.

"Smoking or non-smoking?"

"Non-smoking, please," Renee said.

"Right this way." The greeter led them to a small corner table, dimly lit and near the fireplace. After they were seated, he asked, "Would you care to see the wine list?"

"No thanks," Nick said, glancing at Renee.

"Very well, sir. Your waitress will be with you shortly." He turned and left.

Renee leaned over the table. "You could have had wine if you wanted. It doesn't bother me."

"Oh," Nick replied, "I've had too much to drink already. Water is good enough for me right now." But, he did worry that he offended her. He couldn't understand why he felt different around this woman than he had around any other girl he dated before. Maybe it was because he really wasn't dating her. After all, his real date didn't show up and he was merely keeping this woman company. Or had it gone past that? First, there were drinks. Then, there was dancing. Now, they were dining together in a nice restaurant. It certainly had gone smoother than any other first date he had been on in quite some time. He genuinely liked this woman and enjoyed her company, something he couldn't always say in the past about some of his other dates.


A Bartender, Drinks, and a Date Pt. 01



"So, what do you suggest?" Renee asked, breaking him from his thoughts. She had been pouring over the menu as he daydreamed.

"I don't have a clue," he answered. "I've only been here once, but I remember the manicotti being very good. Oh, and don't try the house salad unless you want garlic coming out of your pores for the next three days."

"Ooh and I love garlic," she cooed. "That's too bad. Maybe I'll try it some other time." Renee smiled to herself as she looked at Nick over the top of her menu. She had been there many times, but she wanted to hear what Nick would say. She liked him, too, and didn't want garlic breath to get in the way should she decide to kiss him later.

The waitress arrived shortly thereafter and took their orders; veal for her and manicotti for him. After she left, Renee decided to delve a little further into Nick and perhaps learn more about him.

"So, Nick, what do you do for a living?" Her elbows were on the table and her fingers were interlocked under her chin.

"Oh," he said evasively, "a little bit of this and a little bit of that." He smiled at his own private joke. "What about you?"

"You already know what I do," she answered, rolling her eyes. "Is it a secret or something? Will you have to kill me if you tell me?"

"There you go again, asking all kinds of questions. You would think we were on a date or something checking each other out."

Don't bet against it, Renee thought to herself. "What's wrong with a few innocent questions?" she asked.

"Nothing, I guess," Nick conceded. He was enjoying talking to her. "If you must know, I'm a parole officer for the state."

"That sounds very interesting," Renee said. "What do you have to do?"

"I have a clientele of about seventy-five people I have to keep track of. I have to make sure they're adhering to all the rules and regulations regarding their parole, be it their jobs, aftercare, meetings, and the like. I try to meet with them once a month or so to keep in touch and answer questions. Of course, I have to keep track of whether or not they're staying out of trouble. That's the main thing."

"It sounds like a lot to do."

"There's never enough time," he admitted, "but I do the best I can. My list keeps growing and growing."

"Do you like it?"

"What?"

"Your job."

"Yeah, I still like it, but I think I'll get burned out within the next few years. I've seen it happen to other officers and I can feel it coming."

"How so?"

"I can feel the tension slowly building. There are too many parolees to keep track of and then there's the time I spend in the field trying to track down the absconders."

"Absconders?" she asked.

"Parole violators," he explained. "I have to try to find and arrest them and they don't like to be arrested." He tried to relax, but thoughts of his job kept him on edge.

"That sounds pretty dangerous. Why...."

Nick interrupted her. "I really don't want to talk about my job anymore, if you don't mind too much," he said curtly. He then smiled. "I just like to keep my job away from my personal life. I try to leave it at the office. It'll be there for me on Monday." He took a sip of his water.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't mean to pry."

"You weren't prying, you were asking and that's okay. I just don't like to talk about my job too much. It's a depressing job at times. I really don't mind you asking me questions."

"I'm sorry," she said again, looking down at her lap.

"No need to apologize," Nick said softly. "You didn't do anything wrong." He looked at her through the flickering flame of the candle that separated them. Her eyes were still downcast as if she hadn't heard him. His eyes traveled from her face to her blouse. It was sheer, but she had a camisole or something underneath. He remembered watching her from a side angle and noticing her nice shape. Her bosom fit her frame nicely. His eyes went back to her face and he studied it momentarily, taking in her high cheekbones, her glossy brown hair, and her brown/black eyes that were beautiful and expressive. She had a small mouth, but had full blood-red lips that always looked like they needed to be kissed.

Why hadn't he noticed her before? He had seen her before, but had never really looked at her as he was doing now. He liked looking at her and he did wish to know her better. For whatever reason, for the first time in his life Nick wanted to be more than just casual friends with a woman. And it was all because his date didn't show up. He smiled at the thought.

Renee looked up and saw him staring at her. "What?" she asked.

"What about you?"

"What about me?"

"You seem to know something about me, but I know nothing about you except that you're a bartender and I'm a customer keeping you company for a while."

"Well," she countered, "I don't know that much about you. As for me, there's not much to tell." She stopped and didn't go further.

Nick waited or a few seconds, but she remained quiet, contemplating her next move. She felt her little charade had gone on long enough, although it had been fun pretending. She had gotten to know him a bit better because of it, but it was unfair to him to continue the ruse.

She looked at him and smiled. "I have something to tell you, a confession if you will."

"A confession?" Nick was intrigued.

"Yeah," she said, nodding her head. "I haven't been completely truthful with you about myself."

"Well, you haven't really told me much about yourself at all," Nick replied. It wasn't meant to be a reproach, but merely a statement of fact.

Renee smiled, a bit embarrassed. "Well, the truth is, I'm really Shannon, your date for this evening. Shannon looked at him warily and wondered if he was going to be angry at the revelation.

Nick face went from a puzzling frown to a slight grin as the truth began to sink in. He shook his head back and forth. "You're kidding. I can't believe it. You're really Shannon?"

"I'm really Shannon Renee Flannery. Connie asked me if I'd be interested in going out with you a few weeks ago. I wasn't sure how you'd react to me being a bartender, so we came up with this plan. I knew I couldn't get off work until late, so I made sure I was the one to serve you. Luckily, you sat down at the bar and I didn't have to trade with anyone. Connie showed me a picture of you so I'd know what you'd look like. I really liked your voice when you called and I really wanted to meet you. I hope you're not mad at me." Her eyes had a sadness in them as if she expected Nick to reject her.

Nick laughed out loud. "This is too funny for words. Here, I thought my date stood me up, but I was on a date with her anyway! This is a first. This is a definite first." He shook his head again. "Believe me, Renee, I...." Nick burst out laughing again. "You're Shannon, right?" he giggled. It took him a few seconds to compose himself. "Shannon," he emphasized, "believe me, I'm not mad. I think it's funny. I really do. You got me good on this one. I'll yell at my sister later. By the way, how do you know Connie?"

"We've been friends for years," Shannon explained.

As their food arrived, Nick thought about the whole situation again and smiled to himself. For the first time, he didn't feel the need to lay down his law about dating and commitment. If Shannon went to all this trouble to meet him, maybe it was worth his while to see how far it would go. He would definitely have to thank Connie for this one, after he chewed her out. It mattered little to him that a bit of deception was played on her part. She came clean at a good time and there was nothing wrong with that.

The food was excellent as Shannon knew it would be. In the back of her mind, it still worried her that Nick was upset with her little indescretion, even though he had assured her to the contrary. She wished she had been up front with him from the beginning because she knew how much she disliked head games when it came to the dating scene. But, he said it was funny and he wasn't mad, so she would just have to accept his word for it. She looked at him from time to time and it was quite apparent he was enjoying his time with her.

"How's your manicotti?" she asked.

"Excellent, just like the last time," he replied. "And yours?"

"It's fine."

Nick took a sip from his water glass and watched her over the rim. "So, whose idea was it? Was it yours or Connie's?"

"Oh," she sighed, "it was a little bit of both. A collaborative effort."

He shook his head again. "I had no clue, no idea. I was so focused on you coming through the door, and yet, I was talking to you the whole time. Unbelievable!"

Shannon merely smiled demurely and continued to eat her dinner. Although they talked little, they were very comfortable with each other, stealing glances now and then and liking what they saw.

They each declined dessert and waited for the check to arrive. Every time Nick looked at Shannon, he thought she looked prettier, if that was possible. From the start, he thought he was cute, but being with her and talking to her and having her right across the table from him gave him the opportunity to really look at her and study her features. If she did have Irish blood coursing through her veins as her last name suggested, she didn't show it. She looked like she came from Mediterranean descent as in Italian or Greek. Perhaps her mother's family had that background. Nick was finding he wanted to know everything about her; her likes, dislikes, and what made her tick.

The check arrived and Shannon snared it before Nick had a chance. "My treat," she smiled, as she reached into her small, black purse. She still felt a bit guilty.

"But..." Nick began to protest.

"No arguments," she retorted. "You can pay next time."

"Next time?"

"Yes. I hope there's a next time." A look of uncertainty crossed her face.

"I'd like that," Nick said. "You will be Shannon next time, right? No more Renee?"

Shannon laughed. "Yes, I'll be Shannon next time and every time after that."

"Good." Nick reached into his wallet and started to pull out money for the tip.

"No, I've got it," Shannon insisted.

"At least let me pay for the tip."

"Oh, alright," Shannon relented. She looked at her watch and was surprised to see it was almost ten-thirty.

Nick checked his own watch. "The band's already started. Do you want to head back?"

"I'm in no hurry," she replied.

Nick looked at her closely. "Would you want to do something else instead?"

The thought of taking him home crossed her mind, but she didn't want to send the wrong signals to him. She wasn't ready to bed him and she didn't want to give him the impression that was the reason. Shannon merely wanted to be alone with him for a while. And she wanted to be away from her job.. She had been there enough over the past week.

"I really don't know," she answered. "Would you want to take a walk or go for a drive?"

A walk sounded good to him. He had been in his car most of the day trying to locate a recent parolee, a baby rapist who hadn't met with him since his release, and that had been almost a month before. He wasn't going to arrest him, yet, he needed a warrant from a judge to do that, but he wanted to find out why he hadn't kept his appointments.

"How about a walk? I need to stretch my legs."

"Okay," Shannon agreed.

Shannon paid the bill and they stepped out into the warm May evening. They walked past O'Reilly's and could hear the band playing. It was loud and lively and from the looks of it from the outside, the patrons were having a good time.

"Where do you want to go?" Nick asked when they rounded the corner past the bar.

"Let's just walk around here," she suggested. "The neighborhood's pretty nice and there are streetlights everywhere."

"Okay," he shrugged indifferently.

They walked to the nearest corner and turned to the left and made their way down a tree-lined street. A stiff breeze started to blow and the limbs swayed back and forth from the force. Nick could smell a hint of rain in the air and he had a feeling a storm was approaching.

"We shouldn't go too far," he warned. "Rain's coming."

Shannon turned her face upwards and noticed the difference, too. "My house isn't too far from here. We can make a run for it if it starts up or we can go back. Whatever you want to do." She decided to leave it up to him.

"It shouldn't be here for a while," he said as they continued to stroll down the sidewalk.

It was but seconds later when Shannon felt the first droplets upon her face. She glanced at the sky, then to Nick.

"Okay," he shrugged, "or it's going to start now." He laughed lightly at his inability to predict the weather.

"Which way do you want to go?" Shannon asked. "My house is fairly close or we could go back to O'Reilly's." Just then, the rain began to get a bit heavier. Shannon made the decision for him. "Come on," she said, grabbing his hand without thinking. "I know a shortcut." She led him between two houses where they went to a gate. Shannon opened it quietly and listened for a second. Hearing no dogs, she and Nick hurried in the darkness through the back yard until they came to a fence. The rain was coming down harder as Shannon expertly hopped the fence with Nick following close behind. "This is my yard," she explained as a low rumble of thunder could be heard. They trudged up the slight incline to a screened patio where Shannon let them in. Wet, but not soaked, Shannon led him to a padded swing where they sat down in the dark.

"If you don't mind, let's sit out here and enjoy the rain," she said. "I love listening to it."

Nick said nothing and sat with her, moving the swing slowly with his right foot.

"Do you like rain?" she asked.

"Only when I'm not out in it," he replied, although he was enjoying this.

"I like it a lot. I like walking in a soft, spring rain, especially when there are no cars or traffic to spoil the sound of it coming down."

Nick made no reply, but he began to listen to the rain and the distant thunder. It did sound good to him, soothing and relaxing. Shannon's hand inched over and found his resting against his thigh. She put hers over his and gave him a tender squeeze. Nick enjoyed her touch as they listened in silence.

A few minutes later, Shannon shivered slightly from the breeze that accompanied the rain. Her clothes were still wet and she would have to change them before she caught a cold. Reluctantly, she rose from the swing. "Come on," she said, "I need to change out of these wet clothes." She unlocked her back door and they entered into the dining room.

Tossing her keys on the table while flipping on the lights at the same time, she said, "It's not much, but it's home."

"It's nice," Nick said as he looked around. It seemed to be about the same size as his house. Most of the colors were either beige or light blue, with a hint of yellow mixed in.

"I'll be right back," she announced as she walked towards the living room. "Make yourself at home."

Nick nodded and went to the living room, catching a glimpse of Shannon as she turned right to go into one of the rooms at the end of the hall. His clothes were a little damp, but not overly wet and he figured they would dry quickly. Shannon came out within a few minutes dressed in jeans and a pullover top. Nick could see the faintest indentation of her nipples poking through her bra and the thin top. He smiled as he tried to focus his attention elsewhere. Even though she wasn't very big, he loved what he saw, but he knew well enough not to stare.

"I feel much better now," she said as she plopped down on the sofa next to him, her right leg tucked under her left. She had pulled her hair back into a pony tail away from her face. Nick thought she looked much better with it hanging loose and on her shoulders, but he said nothing. Shannon noticed something amiss and saw the slightest of frowns appear across Nick's face for just an instant.

"What's the matter?" she asked as she turned her body to her right to face him.

"What? Oh, nothing," he said.

"Come on," she said, "I know people well enough to know something's wrong. If it's nothing, why did you frown when I sat down?"

"I guess I need to hide my face next time," he said. "It's nothing, really. "It's just that you look much prettier with your hair down and loose. I was kind of surprised to see it pulled back, that's all."

Instantly, Shannon reached back and tore the hair tie out and shook her hair free, combing it with her fingers to put it in place.

"You didn't have to do that," Nick said. "I'm not trying to tell you what to do with your hair."

"That's okay," she said. "I don't need it pulled back." She was very pleased that he noticed and stated his preference. She liked her hair either way, but for some reason, it was important to her to know how he liked it. And it made her feel good to know he thought she was pretty. Almost unnoticed was the chiming of her clock announcing eleven o'clock.

They sat in awkward silence as the ticking of the clock seemed to get louder and louder. Nick almost began to speak, but stayed quiet, looking at the pictures on the wall near her television. Finally, Shannon broke the silence. "I'm having a really good time with you tonight."

Nick broke into a smile. "So am I," he said sincerely. There were many things he wanted to ask her, many things he wanted to know, but he didn't know where to begin. He looked at her face as she calmly looked back. Why was she having this effect on him? He never felt this way about a woman this soon. If he did, it was much further into the relationship. He found he wanted to know everything about her and wouldn't be satisfied until he had the answers. "I'm going to have to thank Connie for setting this up," he said softly, still enamored with her expressive eyes.

Shannon blushed slightly and looked down. "You're not the only one who needs to thank her. I'm just glad I was able to stop you before you left O'Reilly's."

"I never would have thought of leaving if I hadn't seen those rings. I liked you from the start."

"When Connie showed me a picture of you, I thought you were very handsome, but you look even better in person." She hesitated for an instant. "But," she said, poking his arm with her index finger, "I like you, too." As she watched him, she had the overwhelming desire to be kissed by him, to feel his lips against hers and to be tickled by his mustache and beard. In a fleeting thought, she shamelessly wondered what it would be like to have his face between her thighs. It had been a long time since someone had done that for her.

Nick didn't catch the signal, but merely grinned at her. He noticed the rain pounding on her roof as the deluge had just begun. The moment was broken for Shannon and she was disappointed. Sighing, she noticed the sudden change, too, and pulled the curtain back to watch the rain streaming down the glass.

She let go of the curtain and focused her attention on her date once more. His eyes were studying her and his stare was intense. "See something you like?" she asked nervously. Maybe the moment wasn't gone after all.

He inched closer to her until their hips touched. "I liked what I saw four hours ago. That hasn't changed in the slightest."

"I may need some convincing," she purred, her lips pouting and aching to be kissed.

"You're very pretty," he said tenderly, his hand touching her face. His face was now just a few inches from hers. "So very pretty." He leaned forward and kissed her lightly for but a second or two. He then pulled back to see if she approved.

"Don't stop," she sighed, her eyes locked onto his.

Nick moved forward again until their lips met. Her lips tasted like sweet honey and he wanted to explore them more. Shannon's hand moved along the back of the sofa to the back of Nick's head and held him in place for fear he would stop and pull back again. His kisses were wonderful and she never wanted him to stop. Her lips parted and accepted his gentle assault even more as she tilted her head. Even the tickling of his soft mustache felt good and right. Her hand toyed with his hair, running the black locks through her fingers and gently massaging his scalp with her nails. A small groan escaped her lips as they parted again, much too soon for her satisfaction. Her eyes opened slowly to find him staring at her, grinning from ear to ear as if he had just discovered the most wonderful thing in the world.




A Bartender, Drinks, and a Date Pt. 01



"That was wonderful," he said.

"Then, why did you stop?" she asked coyly, pouting a little. It was she who moved forward this time, holding his face with her hands as she softly and tenderly explored his lips and mouth with her own.

Nick enjoyed the sensations and the touch of her lips against his. His senses were alive and more acute as he shut his eyes and reveled. He could smell her natural scent, light, soft, and fresh. The taste of her lips were intoxicating as he never tasted lips so sweet, so wonderful in his life. Even through the pounding of the rain all around them, he heard little moans from her as she continued to kiss him.

Their kiss finally ended as booming, crashing thunder rumbled and shook the small house. Shannon sat up abruptly as the lights flickered. "Uh oh," she said, but she was annoyed at being distracted from what she was doing. Another loud crash was heard, sending the house into complete darkness except for flashes of lightning.

"A transformer must have been hit." She pulled back the curtain and looked at the blackened neighborhood, confirming her suspicions. She looked back at Nick and saw his silhouette as the lightning continued to flash. "I better get some candles." As she started to rise, Nick touched her hand and pulled her back to the sofa next to him.

"We don't need any candles," he said. He reached forward in the darkness and touched her face, massaging her cheekbone with his thumb while his fingers played with her hair around her ear.

Shannon rubbed her face against his hand, sighing at his touch. "That feels great," she murmured as she began to melt. A few moment later, she slowly moved closer until her head was resting against the soft cotton shirt covering his chest. His hand left her face as he held her close to him. He kissed her forehead and she sighed softly again. "I love your touch."

It didn't take long before Shannon began dozing. She was tired from work and his touch was having a special effect upon her. Nick felt her slowly grow limp in his arms and her breathing became deep and regular. He didn't mind. He noticed the storm had subsided a bit as the rain continued to drum against the roof, but the thunder and lightning had ebbed.

Within a few minutes, Shannon bolted upright, wide eyed and breaking free from his grasp. "Oh my God!" she exclaimed. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep."

"It's okay," Nick said. "I liked holding you."

"I'm so sorry," she apologized again. "I've never done that before."

"It's okay," he assured her. "Don't worry about it." He really enjoyed holding her. "Come back here," he beckoned, reaching his hand to her. Slowly, she came back and Nick took her in his arms. He settled into the corner of the sofa, half-sitting and half-laying with her against him. She wrapped her arms around his mid-section and settled onto his chest again. Nick stroked her hair and cheek as she relaxed once again.

"I'll never forget this," she whispered before drifting off again.

They woke an hour later when the lights suddenly came back on. Shannon slowly lifted her head away from his chest, squinting at him until she could get used to the light once more. Nick's eyes fluttered open as the weight of Shannon's head lifted. He tilted his ear towards the ceiling, but heard nothing.

"I guess it's over," he said in a low voice. He checked his watch and it was after twelve-thirty.

"Yeah," Shannon replied. She pulled back the curtain and could still see it raining lightly. She looked back at him sadly. "I'm really sorry for falling asleep on you like that."

Nick laughed softly. "Don't apologize. I know you're probably tired." He looked at her closely and could see the tiredness in her eyes. "I should be going."

"Please don't," she said, reaching for his hand. "It's late and it's still raining. I'd hate to see you drive home in the rain."

"It's not far."

"I know, but..."

"I really shouldn't stay. You need your rest. You work tomorrow, don't you?" Shannon nodded. "Then, I should go."

Shannon looked down at her hands. She didn't want to bed him, but she still wanted him to stay, if only for him to be in the next room. "I have an extra room. You could stay here."

"I couldn't."

"Why not?"

Nick looked away and then back to her, focusing on her eyes. "It's not that I don't want to, Shannon, it's just that...I don't know." He looked at her helplessly.

"What?" she asked as she touched his cheek with the back of her hand.

Nick shrugged. "It's just that I've never felt this good after a date before and I don't want to ruin it."

"Why would it be ruined?" She was clearly puzzled by his reluctance to spend the night. She was having a great time, too, and couldn't understand what he was trying to say.

Nick thought long and hard about his answer. He had been to bed with a girl on their first date several times before and they were rarely satisfying to either one. Maybe it was bad luck or maybe it wasn't meant to be. He didn't know. He wanted to go to bed with Shannon and explore the rest of her body. His attraction to her was growing by the minute, but he didn't want their date to end like that. He didn't want to take the chance of jeopardizing what they had just started. Shannon was different. Nick knew he couldn't just screw her and have it be a simple notch in his bedpost. His feelings for her had eclipsed any thought of that.

"I couldn't go to bed with you," he said quietly.

Shannon sighed softly and smiled at him. She leaned forward and kissed him on his cheek, his soft beard tickling the tip of her nose. "I'm not asking you to go to bed with me," she whispered in his ear. "I just want you to stay the night."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Thousands of thoughts ran through Nick's mind as he looked at Shannon. Her perfume lingered at his nose, sweet, soft, and sensual. It reminded him of the spring rain that was beating against her roof once again. He now knew this decision might change the course his life was taking and he smiled. He was willing to take that chance now. It was time.

"Okay, I'll stay," he said simply, smiling at her and squeezing her hand..

"Come on, then." Shannon smiled and rose from the sofa, gently pulling Nick up to her. Wrapping her arm around his waist, she slowly led him down the hall to his room.



A Bartender, Drinks, and a Date Pt. 02



Bright sunlight blasted through the small Venetian blinds to the right of Nick's head. The songbirds had long ceased their incessant chirping as the early morning dew gave way to the mid-morning sun. Nick flipped onto his back as he began to wake. The bed Shannon had given him was very comfortable and he had no trouble sleeping at all, falling sound asleep minutes after she left him and went to her own room.

Shannon spent a restless night of tossing and turning in her own bed with thoughts of Nick swirling through her head like a whirling dervish. When she finally did manage to fall asleep, dreams filled her unconscious mind. She couldn't remember what they were about, but she sensed they were erotic in nature for her panties were quite damp with her special juices when she woke.

It was after nine when she decided to check on Nick, from whom she had heard nothing since she left his room. Perhaps she should have slept with him, she thought to herself. Then, maybe, she could have gotten some sleep. Her mind wandered to when she napped against his chest the previous evening, remembering how wonderful it felt and wishing it would last forever. Shannon pulled on a white bathrobe over her nightshirt and shuffled over to her other bedroom.

The door was wide open and she saw him lying on his back with his eyes closed. His pants and shirt were neatly folded on a chair and his shoes and socks were by the closet. Quietly, Shannon walked over to the left side of the bed and bent over to wake him, her hand reaching for his shoulder.

Nick could smell her as she neared. His senses were always more alert in the morning when he first woke. The perfume she had worn the previous evening was still light and fresh as if she had just put it on again, when in fact she hadn't. It tickled his nose invitingly and dared him to bury his nose in her neck once more. She touched his shoulder and shook him lightly.

"You smell wonderful," he said softly.

"Oh!" she squeaked, startled as she drew back.

Nick opened his eyes and looked at Shannon, who had taken a step backward in her surprise. She looked just as pretty as she did when they said good night to each other earlier that morning. There was nary a hint of mussed hair or displaced makeup, although she had worn little the night before. The fact was, she hadn't even taken the first glance at a mirror before she came into his room. The thought never occurred to her. She had never been vain about her looks and truthfully didn't think she was much to look at. She never looked bad in the morning, no matter how much she tossed and turned.

"Morning gorgeous," he smiled.

"Morning yourself, brat," she smiled back. "You scared me."

"Sorry." He sat up in the bed, the covers falling to his waist. His black hair was in disarray, but his eyes sparkled at seeing her.

Shannon sat on the bed near his hip and kissed him softly. "How did you sleep?" she asked.

"Like a baby," he replied. "You?"

"Not too bad. I had a lot of dreams." She pressed her thighs together and could still feel the wetness.

"Good ones, I hope."

"They were, what I can remember of them." She bit her bottom lip lightly while glancing at the alarm clock on the night table. "It's getting kind of late. I can make you some breakfast if you like."

"Why don't I take you out for breakfast?"

Shannon thought for a moment. "I don't know. I'd rather stay here and spend some time with you. I can whip up something in a jiffy. I don't mind."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure," she smiled. "Why don't you get cleaned up and I'll start." Shannon stood up. "The bathroom is on the left and there's plenty of towels and wash cloths."

"Do I look that bad?" he laughed.

Shannon turned a bit red. "No," she said, "I just thought you might want to, that's all. I didn't mean to imply anything. I'm sorry."

Nick wondered what that was all about. He noticed she apologized quite a bit whenever she thought she said or did something wrong.

"I was joking, Shannon. You didn't imply anything. I was going to ask you about a shower anyway." Maybe we could take one together sometime, he thought wickedly. He was about to get up and hug her, but he remembered he only had his underwear on. "Anyway, don't worry about it." He noticed a hint of sadness in her eyes, but it passed quickly as she looked away for a second.

"Well, go ahead and take a shower and I'll have it ready for you when you're done," she said softly. She turned to leave.

"Hey Shannon?" he called to her.

"Yes," she said, turning back to him.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome," she replied, flashing a broad smile. It had been a long time since she had received so many compliments. She thought back to some of her previous boyfriends, one in particular, in disgust. As a whole, they had nothing on this one. "I'll see you in a few." She turned and disappeared from the room.

* * * * *

When he emerged from the steamy bathroom, the aroma of bacon, eggs, and perking coffee attacked his nostrils. Shannon was busy at the sink when he came behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Nick buried his nose in her neck and hair, inhaling its freshness. "Hmm," he murmured as he kissed the slope of her neck. "You smell better than the food!"

"You're silly," Shannon laughed as she moved her head to the side, exposing her neck even more to him. She was enjoying the attention and the feel of his lips against her skin.

Nick was tempted to let his hands travel northward, but he thought better of it. The thought of putting his hands over her breasts excited him, but they didn't know each other well enough for him to try that. Besides, he really liked kissing her.

This continued for a few more seconds before Shannon wriggled free from his grasp. "Okay, okay, I have to get back to the food. It's almost done." She desperately didn't want any of the food to burn. Reluctantly, Nick let her go, but not before giving her a friendly kiss on her cheek. "The newspaper should be on the porch. Could you bring it in for me?" she asked.

"Sure." He broke away from her and got the paper. He placed it on the sofa and came back to the dining room where Shannon was serving up the bacon and eggs from two scalding skillets. "Need any help?" he asked.

"No, everything's done." Shannon put the skillets in the sink before pouring the coffee. "I hope you don't mind turkey bacon. It's the only kind I have." She sat down and waited for his answer, hoping it wouldn't upset him.

"I don't mind at all." He had tasted it before at his mother's and he liked it, but he did prefer the regular kind.

They ate quietly as Shannon picked at her food, toying with it as she watched Nick. He seemed oblivious to her attention as he focused on his plate. After a few minutes, he remarked, "This is really good. Thanks."

"You're welcome. I'm glad you like it." She sighed softly, content to have a man in her house. Not just any man, but a friend as well. She considered Nick to be a good friend, considering how reticent he had been to her suggestion about staying overnight. She sighed inwardly at the thought of him thinking she wanted him to stay because she wanted to go to bed with him. She hadn't heard of that before. Connie had told her he could be difficult and not easy to talk to at times, but she had seen none of that. Shannon found him to be kind and considerate, someone whom she inherently trusted. She wondered if he would refuse her should she ever ask him to go to bed with her. She hoped he wouldn't. That was not in her immediate plans, but she was being drawn closer to him by the minute. She never thought she would ever want to get close to another man after Jeremy, but she liked Nick a lot. She didn't fall in love easily, at least not anymore, but if he let her, she thought it quite possible for it to happen.

Nick did notice her studying him and it was a bit unnerving. It wasn't so much that she was observing him. Many of his former girlfriends had done that. It was the intenseness of her stare that rattled him. It was as if she were trying to bore into his very soul and find some key, some important link to his inner being. As he gave it some thought, he didn't mind being explored in that fashion, at least not by her. He thought about some of his previous girlfriends, ones who wanted to take their relationship a step further, but were rebuffed by him. He wondered what would have happened if he allowed himself to explore the possibilities of a deeper relationship with them. With some, he knew it never would have gone very far. The two whom he let into his life on a more serious note were ones whom he never should have let get past the first few dates. They were entirely wrong for him and he regretted his decision almost from the start.

There were a few, however, who would have been worth the effort, he felt. But, he was in his "asshole" stage of his dating life, not wanting to get close to anyone for fear of being possessed and held hostage from the freedoms of singleness he enjoyed. For some unknown reason, he had grown up some in the past few months and being where he was at this moment was proof of that. That was not to say he didn't have a little trepidation about Shannon or where they were going with this. It wasn't easy for him to admit he wanted and needed someone steady in his life. Thinking back to the previous evening when he was ready to spout his rules and regulations concerning dating, he laughed at himself and couldn't believe the turn around of his thought process. Shannon did stir something within him from the very start, but he couldn't quite pinpoint what that something was.

Nick came out of his thoughts to find her still staring at him. "Your food's getting cold," he said quietly.

"Oh," she said absently. "I guess I'm not really hungry." She pushed her half-filled plate to the side and rested her elbows on the table. "So, do you have any plans for today?"

Nick pressed a napkin to his lips. "No, not really. I just wanted to pick up my car from O'Reilly's, but that's no big deal. I have some laundry to do and the grass needs cutting, but that can wait. Heck, the grass may be too wet to cut, anyway. Who knows? I know you have to work today, so I'll get out of your hair so you can get ready."

"I don't have to be there until noon, so don't think you have to leave quickly." She glanced at the clock and it was nine forty-five. "Can you stay a while longer?"

"As long as you want," he replied seriously.

"Good."

They chatted easily for the next few minutes as Nick finished his meal. It was really quite good and Nick enjoyed a home cooked meal for a change. His own culinary skills weren't all that great, so he ate out often.

"Let me help you with the dishes," he said after he finished.

"No, no, no," she replied, shaking her head vigorously, "that's what the machine is for. You go sit in the living room. It'll only take me a minute."

Nick did what he was told and began to peruse the morning paper. It was but minutes later when Shannon sat down next to him as he heard the soft whirring sound of the dish washer.

"There, that's all done," she announced. Nick put the paper aside and threw his arm around her shoulder, drawing her closer. He hugged her and kissed her forehead. She smiled at him and nestled against his shoulder, sighing contented.

"You're not going to fall asleep on me again, are you?" he asked jokingly.

Memories flashed back to her. Memories she thought she had hidden away forever. Even though he said it light hearted, Shannon heard Jeremy's menacing voice. 

"You stupid bitch! Can't you do anything right?"

"I didn't mean to," she protested in a hurt voice as a frown appeared across her face. "I told you I was sorry."

Nick blinked and looked at her. "I was kidding, Shannon. I already told you I loved holding you. Why are you so sensitive?"

Shannon sniffed as she tried to keep the tears from coming. Why did she think of him again? She wanted to forget about that time in her life. She wanted to forget about him. "I'm sorry," she said quietly, her head down.

Sorry, sorry, sorry. That's all he had heard from her. Why was she always apologizing for things she said or did when none was warranted? Nick was suddenly annoyed with her and spoke before he thought about it. "Shannon!" he said sharply, maybe a bit too harsh. "Let's get one thing straight. You don't have to apologize for everything. You've done nothing wrong and I was only joking with you. Can't I joke with you? I joke around and I tease the persons I like. If you don't like to be teased and joked with, let me know now, because I don't know if I can handle all of these apologies."

Shannon winced from the serious tone of his voice and she cowered like she had done so many times before. Nick started to pull his arm from her shoulder and Shannon's survival instinct took over. She raised her hand to her face in reflex from the many times before when Jeremy would strike her whenever the moment possessed him. And it possessed him a lot.

He brought his hand up toward her face...

She imagined Nick's hand coming towards her face and she waited for the blow, fear gripping her. "Don't hit me!" she cried as she tried to turn her face away. "Please...."

* * * * *

Nick sat alone in his house that evening. Images of her terror flooded his mind and he was still shaken by it. He still couldn't believe she thought he was going to hit her. Crying in his arms, she told him of her relationship with Jeremy McAndrews, an engaging man with an enigmatic smile that always kept her guessing. She had loved him from the start and gave her heart, soul, and virginity to him willingly. His flashes of temper were disconcerting to her, but she got used to them. She merely avoided subjects and things she knew would irritate him. As their relationship progressed and him being the jealous type, he asked her to quit her job at O'Reilly's. He didn't like the idea of men flirting with his girlfriend. She was a waitress at that time. When she said 'no', they got into a heated argument before he stormed out of her house. 

He didn't speak to her for days, but started to hang out at O'Reilly's to keep an eye on her. She asked him repeatedly not to come there, but he refused. Things between them went from bad to worse. The violence was subtle at first; a pinch here or a twisting of the arm there. Shannon still loved him, but he was scaring her more and more. He wept and apologized profusely the first time he slapped her. He didn't the second time. Or the third.

Finally, she had enough after he blackened her eye and loosened a tooth after he didn't like the way she cooked a meal. She called the police that time and pressed charges. A restraining order was placed on him and he begged her not to pursue the charges. Standing up against him for the first time in six months, she went ahead with the case. He received probation and was ordered to go to anger management classes. He smiled wickedly at her as she looked on in disbelief, her eye still blackened. 

That had been a year and a half ago and Nick was the unfortunate soul who would be her first date since that horrible time. Connie and other friends had tried to fix her up, but she refused everyone. Why she consented to date Nick, she didn't know. Connie told her everything about him, the good and the bad, and she was hesitant, but she decided to go through with it anyway.

Tears were streaming down her face after she finished. "I don't want to lose you," she cried. Nick remembered keeping silent, but holding her to him. He didn't know what to think.

And he still didn't know what to think as he sat in his dimly lit living room. His mind screamed at him to cut his ties and go on. They had known each other for only a day and she was already coming apart at the seams on him. He didn't need this. He really didn't need this.

* * * * *

Somehow, he knew he would end up there. He could have driven to O'Reilly's, but he needed a walk to clear his head and fifteen minutes later, there he was, his feet knowing just where to go. He stood outside the bar and stared at the sign, not knowing whether he should go in or not. There didn't seem to be too much activity for a Saturday night, but it was early. Against his better judgement, he stepped through the doorway.

The familiar bouncer greeted him, but didn't ask for ID or a cover charge. "Is Shannon working tonight?" Nick asked loudly over the blaring jukebox.

The bouncer nodded and pointed to the bar, but Nick didn't see her. "She stepped out for a minute," he said before stepping aside. Nick walked past him, but felt a tug on his sleeve. "Hey buddy," the bouncer said when Nick turned back.

"Yeah," Nick answered.

"We're kind of fond of Shannon. Don't mess with her, understand?"

Nick looked at him, not really knowing what to say. What was wrong with everyone? He wasn't the asshole who made her his personal punching bag. He had only known her for a day, for God's sake. "I'm not going to mess with her," he said defensively. He didn't know what he was going to do with her.

"Good," he replied, letting go of his sleeve.

Nick adjusted his sleeve as he walked away. He checked his watch while doing so and saw it was almost nine o'clock. Nick suspected she would be leaving soon, but he didn't know what her hours would be that evening. He saw her as she appeared from the restrooms and their eyes locked momentarily. 

They were sad eyes, the same eyes he saw when he left her house. The same eyes that didn't expect to ever see him again. The same eyes that sought forgiveness for thinking he would intentionally harm her. And the same eyes that wished for him to be in her bed that night.

They met at the left side of the bar near where they sat the previous night. 

"I didn't expect to see you tonight," she said after she hugged him lightly. Truthfully, she didn't expect to see him again at all.

Nick looked at her sheepishly. "I decided to take a walk and I ended up here." He shrugged.

"I have to get back to work," she said. "You can sit at the bar with me if you like."

"Okay Renee," he smiled.

Renee? Shannon looked confused for a second and then it dawned on her. A wave of panic swept through her until she looked at Nick, who was still smiling. Slowly, she relaxed and understood he was joking with her. It's okay, she said to herself. He wouldn't be kidding with you if he was angry. He is not Jeremy. He is not Jeremy.

She smiled back at him as best she could and went back behind the bar. She would be working until ten o'clock that evening because of a scheduling snafu, but she would be off until Tuesday evening. The next hour went by slowly as it started to become more and more crowded in the smoky bar. Finally, her shift ended and they exited into a sparkling clear night.

They walked slowly as the crickets and locusts made their presence known. A gentle breeze whispered through the trees, causing the limbs to sway easily through the lights of the lampposts. He reached for her hand and held it as they made their way through her neighborhood once again. He looked at her and wanted to speak, but remained quiet. Nick squeezed her hand from time to time, trying to let her know he still cared about her, no matter how messed up she was.

"I'm really glad you stopped by tonight," she said softly out of the blue.

"Really?"

"Yeah. I wouldn't have blamed you if you didn't want to see me again." She stopped walking and turned to him. "I must have really thrown you for a loop this morning."

Nick nodded. "I didn't expect to see you tonight. Have you ever seen "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"?"

"A few times, yes."

"Remember when the French were throwing their livestock over the wall at King Arthur?"

"Yes."

"Well, King Arthur kept yelling to his troops to "Run Away! Run Away!" That's kind of how I felt."




A Bartender, Drinks, and a Date Pt. 02



"Do you still feel that way?" She waited for his answer, knowing for sure she'd be rejected.

Nick sighed. "A few months ago, I wouldn't given it a second thought. I would have been out of here so fast your head would have spun." Shannon lowered he head. Nick nudged her and they began to walk again.

"I've dated a lot of girls in the past few years," he continued. "With most of them, I had no feeling one way or the other about them. I liked them, sure, but I wanted no emotional ties with them. I wouldn't allow it to happen. Then, I met you last night. For some reason, something clicked in my head. It wasn't that I was horny and wanted to screw you. Hell, I could probably call two or three girls right now and get that." Shit, he thought to himself. I shouldn't have said that. "Don't get me wrong," he added hastily, "I find you very attractive and if the circumstances were right..."

Nick stopped, let go of Shannon's hand and squatted down for no apparent reason. He looked up at her. "God, I'm really messing this up," he said. "You probably don't have a clue as to what I'm trying to say. I don't think I have a clue, either." He picked up a pebble and flicked it away. "It's just that something's telling me to hang onto to you, but I'm not a patient kind of guy when it comes to dating, and yes, you scared the crap out of me this morning." His words were coming faster. "I've never dealt with anything like that before and I didn't know what to do. I still don't know."

"I thought you handled it very well," Shannon said softly, her hand reaching for his shoulder.

Nick straightened up. "I like you a lot, Shannon. I just don't know about the other stuff."

She sniffled and nodded and they began to walk again. They walked in silence, gently swinging their hands between them. They walked past a park and then came upon a cemetery. There were no gates or anything to block their path.

"Do you like cemeteries?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied. "I've walked through here many times. It's lovely and peaceful and no one ever bothers you."

"Maybe we can walk through here sometime."

"I'd like that."

Pretty soon, they were strolling her neighborhood and her house came into view. They walked through her front yard and stood on the porch. "Do you want to come in for a while?" she asked.

"Would you mind if we sat on your back porch?"

"Sure," she replied. "Let me change clothes first. I'm tired of smelling like stinking cigarettes."

After she changed into jeans and a tee shirt, they went to her back porch and sat on the swing. He held her hand again and they rested on his thigh as the swing went back and forth slowly.

Nick leaned over and kissed her cheek. "What do you want from me?" he asked.

Shannon was quiet for a bit. "I guess the main thing I want is your understanding. I just don't want you to give up on me. I'm not crazy. I've just had some bad things happen to me and I can't quite get over them." She squeezed his hand.

"Have you ever talked to anyone about this? You know, a professional."

"No."

"I think you should."

"I'll get over it."

"Will you?"

"Yes."

"How can you be so sure? It's been over a year and you're still having problems."

Silence.

"What's going to happen the next time I raise my hand to scratch my ear? Are you going to dive for cover?" He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. "I think you should see someone."

Silence.

"I'd like for you to see someone."

"Is that an order?" she asked suddenly. "Will you stop seeing me if I don't?"

"I'm only suggesting it because I think it can help you."

"Answer my question," she said in a low voice.

Nick sighed. If it had been anyone else, he would have been long gone. Somehow, he knew he needed to stick by her. He might never know why, but his instincts were telling him to stick around. He did know he didn't want to wake up someday and wonder what might have been. Nick didn't want to live with that type of regret.

"I don't give orders to anyone but parolees. I'm only offering a suggestion that I think might help you. Do with it as you please. And no, I won't stop seeing you if you choose not to seek professional help."

This surprised Shannon. She didn't expect a positive answer from him. She expected him to dump her, reject her, or tell her to piss off. "Oh," was all she said. She looked down at her lap in silence and tried to understand what he had just said. Shannon thought about what he said about seeing a professional, but she truthfully thought she could overcome whatever fear she had. She had to overcome it if she wanted to keep Nick in her life.

They remained quiet for a few minutes as Nick gently pushed the swing back and forth with his shoe. There was no breeze rustling the leaves and dogs could be heard barking throughout the neighborhood. Shannon listened to the sounds as she often did in the evening after work. It soothed and comforted her. She always thought she would be better suited for country living where the night sounds were endless and different all the time.

She touched his arm and sighed. "Thanks for talking with me," she said. "I appreciate it. Most guys would have just said 'to hell with it' and left. You've been so nice to me." She took his hand. "I know you mean well when you say I should see a professional, but I think I can work this out on my own. All I need is understanding on your part and patience. I'll need a lot of patience." Shannon managed a small laugh.

"I think I can handle that," Nick replied. "Will you get help if you can't work it out on your own?"

"Yeah."

"That's all I can ask for, I guess."

They sat back, gently swinging and admiring the stars. Shannon's head found his shoulder and chest and he inhaled. Her hair was starting to lose some of the cigarette smell and he could find traces of some type of wildflower shampoo.

"It's a beautiful night," he remarked.

"You know," Shannon said, "sometimes I sleep out here on the swing, especially when it's warm and a storm kicks up. It puts me right to sleep." Shannon smiled at the thought.

"I wish I had a patio like this," Nick said. "I've always liked camping and sleeping under the stars. Maybe if I can get some extra money together, I'll have one built."

"You like to camp?" she asked, thinking of an idea.

"Yeah, I used to go camping all the time growing up."

"What about tonight?" Shannon sat up and looked at him.

"What are you talking about?"

"Would you like to go camping tonight? I've got a two person tent in the garage. I've got sleeping bags. We could set it up in here and take it out to the back yard. What do you say?" she asked excitedly. "It won't take long to set up."

Nick didn't have to think twice. He wasn't going to debate the issue and think about right and wrong. If she was asking, she certainly had no problem sleeping with him, albeit clothed and in sleeping bags. Besides, it had been a long time since he had done anything spontaneous with a female. "Let's get started," he said.

"Great!" she exclaimed as she jumped up from the swing. She went to the door and turned on the light to the garage and the patio. Nick followed and she showed him where the tent was. He pulled it out of its storage place easily and carried it to the patio.

It was a tent like he had used before and he knew it would be easy to set up. It was perfect for two kids or one adult, but it would be slightly cramped for the two of them. He didn't mind, though. He thought it would be fun. He pulled the tent and the poles out of the protective sleeves while Shannon rummaged around for the sleeping bags.

She found the two sleeping bags and was about to pull them out when she spotted the two person bag wedged in the corner. It was warmer and softer than the two smaller ones and she had enjoyed its warmth and comfort the last time she used it. Suddenly, she had a wicked thought. The first thing that came to her mind was to tell Nick she couldn't find the two small ones and that the only one there was the double. She quickly nixed that idea, though. There had already been enough deception on her part. She decided to let him make the decision himself.

"Hey Nick," she called from the garage.

"Yeah," he called back as he ran a thin pole through the top of the tent.

"I have something I need to ask you. Do you want to sleep in separate bags or would you want to share a bigger one with a warm, sexy female?"

Nick thought for a second and decided he couldn't let a moment like this pass. "I'd love to share a bag with a warm, sexy female." He paused for the effect. "But, where is she?"

Shannon knew he was joking from the start and she was proud of herself for recognizing it. Grinning, she found a tennis ball and winged it at him, grazing him on the shoulder. "Ooh," she squealed, "I can't believe I missed!" Nick laughed and continued to construct the tent.

With Shannon's help, the tent was ready in about ten minutes. Shannon found a flashlight and a hammer and together, they anchored the tent next to her big elm that shadowed her entire back yard. After she tugged the large sleeping bag to the tent, Nick helped her spread it out. It covered most of the area inside the tent. They went into the house, used the bathroom, and then brought out pillows for their comfort.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Shannon asked as she opened the flap.

"Sure, it'll be fun," Nick replied.

After they entered, they kicked off their shoes and rummaged around to try and find the zipper to open the bag. Continuously bumping into each other in the dark, they laughed until the zipper was found.

"Maybe we should have used the flashlight," Nick suggested.

"Oh, now you say something," Shannon teased. She grabbed her pillow and crawled into the bag with Nick following close behind. After a few seconds of moving about and adjusting, they soon found themselves settled and facing each other. Shannon zipped shut the flap and they were now in virtual darkness. Nick was propped on his elbow and he could feel Shannon's warm breath against his face. He moved forward a few inches until he bumped noses with her. He kissed it as she giggled nervously.

"What are you doing?" she asked as she rubbed her nose. "That tickled."

"Just kissing your nose," he explained.

"Why?"

"Because it's the first thing I found," he laughed.

"You know, I could help you find other things to kiss besides my nose."

"Oh, you could, could you?"

"Of course," she said. Shannon reached forward until she touched the outline of his jaw. Using this as a guide, she moved forward.

"We could always turn on the flashlight," he suggested.

"Be quiet and kiss me."

Her lips found his as she kissed him tenderly and feather-like. She broke it off after a few seconds.

"That's for your understanding."

Shannon began to kiss him again, this time a bit more urgent and aggressive. Again, she broke it off after but a few seconds.

"That's for your sense of humor."

Next, she took his face in her hands and kissed him hard, their teeth clicking and lips mashing. This caught Nick by surprise as he caught his breath and tried to kiss back. Shannon would have none of that as she wanted to be in charge of the situation at hand. Ever so subtly, she pushed Nick on his back as she moved over top of him. She continued to kiss him fervently and passionately as her chest swelled and her breathing quickened. Her hair fell in his face and he brushed it aside and away from his eyes. It felt like the softest silk he had ever touched. She attacked his mouth, moving her head from side to side, savoring the taste and feel of his lips against hers. Playfully, she nipped at his bottom lip with her teeth, tenderly pulling on it.

Finally, she broke away, her face still only inches away from his. "And that's because I like you a lot and want you in my life," she said breathlessly.

Nick was out of breath, too, as he waited to find out what would happen next. He didn't know what to say or do. He certainly didn't expect that. Sure, he thought they would kiss and cuddle, but he didn't think he would be attacked by her. It wasn't as if he didn't like it. On the contrary, his excitement was quite evident and he was thankful for the cover of darkness. Although he still wasn't sure what to think about her problems, he was very much attracted to her and definitely wished to continue seeing her.

"How do you like camping with me so far?" she asked coyly.

"I like it very much."

"Have you ever taken a woman camping before?"

"No."

"Really?"

"Yes, really." He laughed lightly at a memory.

"What's so funny?" she asked.

"I was just thinking..."

"That's scary."

"Hey," he exclaimed, "that's not very nice."

"I've been accused of a lot worse."

"Probably with good reason," he shot back.

"Look who's being mean," she pouted. "Now, tell me. What was so funny?"

Nick paused for a few seconds in silence, not knowing if he should say anything. After all, it was his first sexual experience, sort of.

"Well?" she asked, not very patiently.

"I was just thinking about a camping experience I had when I was a teenager." He stopped again.

"Well, come on, don't leave me in suspense," she said. "Tell me about it."

"Are you sure?" he laughed. He still wasn't sure about telling her, but she had told him about Jeremy and that terrible time in her life, so he felt a certain amount of trust had been built between them. Besides, it wasn't a bad story.

"Of course, I'm sure. Tell me," she pleaded.

"Okay," he relented, "here it goes. In my last summer before I left for college, my parents, my sister and I went camping with my aunt, uncle, and their three kids. My cousin, Lori, is my age and we always got along really well. All week, we had a great time talking about school, going to college, studies, and things like that. She was going to the University of Wyoming and I was going to Duquesne.

"On one of the last days, my dad and uncle took the kids and the moms to town to do shopping and see a movie. Neither activity appealed to us, so we stayed behind. It was a really hot day, so we decided to go to the river to cool off. We brought along an ice chest of wine coolers we sneaked from our parents.

"Anyway, we went to the river and swam, drank, and had a lot of fun. I don't know if it was the heat of the day, the wine coolers, or a combination of both, but we started to get sentimental about leaving and going off in different directions. Out of the blue, she asked me if I thought she was attractive. Now, I've always liked Lori a lot, but I never thought she was anything special to look at. Maybe it was because she was my cousin and I never really thought of her in any way except that. She was pleasant looking and cute and I didn't think she would have any trouble getting dates. So, I told her, yes, I thought she was attractive. She then asked me why guys weren't attracted to her. I couldn't think of any logical explanation for that, so I told her I thought she was attractive and I would date her if we weren't related. Maybe I shouldn't have said that, but it was the truth because I liked her so much and knew her pretty well.

"She brightened up a bit. She then asked me if I thought her breasts were attractive. Even though I was a bit drunk, the lights and sirens were starting to go off in my head. I tried not to look at them, but she wanted me to, so I stared at them. She had a modest bikini top on and her breasts were kind of small, but there was nothing unattractive about them. They seemed nice enough to me, considering what I could see of them. So, I said, yes, I thought they were attractive. I was looking down and kind of blushing when I said this. The next thing I know, I'm looking up and she's taken her top off and is showing her breasts to me!"

Nick paused from his story, smiling as he remembered the details.

"Oh my," Shannon said. She was enjoying the story. She could feel little stirs between her thighs. "Keep going."

"They were really nice. They were small, but they had great shape. She asked me if I liked them. Of course I liked them! I was a virgin at that time and I had never seen a naked female before. She could have been flat as a pancake and I would have loved them. But, they were very pretty."

Shannon laughed in the darkness.

"Of course, by then, a certain part of me was getting quite excited, if you know what I mean."

"I can imagine." And she was trying to imagine what that certain part of him looked like when excited.

"Then, she tells me she wants me to touch them, that it's okay with her. So, I touch them and I think I've died and gone to Heaven. They were so soft! So, I'm playing with them and getting unbelievably horny. I mean, I'm ready to burst. Lori then reaches forward and starts playing with me through my swim trunks and tells me she wants to see it. I mean, I know it was wrong, but I wasn't going to stop. So, I pull down my swim trunks and Mr. Happy is straight up and ready to rock!"

"Mr. Happy?" Shannon asked, giggling, and getting a bit moist.

"I don't know. What would you prefer I call it?"

"A dick or penis would suffice, I guess."

"Okay, so my penis was ready to go and she was just staring at it. I'm still staring at her tits. Then, she starts touching it and playing with it. Well, it didn't take long before I made a mess. She squeals like she didn't know that was going to happen. Maybe she didn't. I didn't know what her sexual expertise was at that time. It was probably the same as mine, nil."

Nick stopped and looked down, a bit embarrassed.

"What happened next?" Shannon asked, getting more turned on by the story.

"Well, I was feeling braver, so I asked if I could see her...well...you know..."

"Her pussy?"

"Yeah," he said softly. "Anyway, she had her bottoms off in a flash and I got my first look at a totally naked female."

"Did you do it with her?" Shannon asked.

"No, we weren't that drunk. She asked me to touch her and she showed me what got her hot. I guess I hit the right spot because she got off within a few minutes." Nick shrugged in the darkness.

Shannon waited for him to say more, and then she said, "That's it? That's all that happened?"

"Well, yeah, pretty much. I mean, we got dressed and went swimming again, you know, to clean up a bit." He smiled. "We talked about it for a while, but neither of us ever regretted it. Of course, I've never been able to look at her in the same way since. She had a great looking body and her husband is a really lucky man."

"Where does she live?"

"In Montana, on a cattle ranch. She's got two little ones running around and the last time I saw her, she looked happier than ever."

"Does her husband know?"

"No, not that I know of."

"I can't believe you guys didn't have sex."

"Well..."

"Are you telling me you did?"

"Well, not that day..."

"When?"

"A couple of years later."

"You've got to tell me about this."

"I don't know, Shannon." He felt he had said entirely too much already. "I've never told anyone about Lori before."

"Okay," she said quietly, a bit disappointed. She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks for telling about the camping trip, though."

"Do you really want to know about the rest?" he asked.

"Only if you want to tell me."

Like he said, he had never told anyone about his experiences with his cousin, but he instinctively knew he could trust Shannon explicitly with this. "Well," he began, "it was Christmas break of our sophomore year. We got together at a family gathering. I could tell she was sad and we found a remote corner to talk. It turns out she was upset because she was having little luck in her dating life and she wanted a steady boyfriend.

"We left the party and we went to a bar where we talked and talked. Well, we did some drinking, too, probably too much. Well, maybe way too much. I took her home to her parents' house and it was still pretty early. Well, one thing led to another and we ended up in her bed loving each other. Twice. Maybe we never would have gone that far if we were more sober. I don't know. But, we never regretted that, either."




A Bartender, Drinks, and a Date Pt. 02



Nick fell silent. He now felt a little guilty for telling the story, as if he might have betrayed Lori. He sniffed and sighed lightly.

"You didn't do anything wrong," Shannon said. "It sounds like she really needed you then."

"We never regretted it," he reiterated. "But, she found Steve a few years later and they've been married four years now. I couldn't be happier for her. You know, she insisted I be in her wedding party. She told me she loved me as much as Steve and that I had to be part of her wedding. She also told me I would always be her first love. Isn't that something?" He laughed softly shaking his head.

"Yes, it is," she replied.

"Well, that's my story. I hope I didn't bore you."

"Not at all," she replied. "It was wonderful. You're lucky to have experienced it."

"Yes, I am," he agreed.

"Do you still keep in touch?"

"Oh sure. We write emails to each other quite often, but she's pretty busy with the kids and the ranch. I hope to go out there sometime for a visit. Maybe this summer or next, I don't know. We'll see how our schedules work and maybe we can swing it." He smiled at the thought of seeing her again.

Shannon settled on her back as her elbow ached from the weight of her head resting upon it. She put her hands on her stomach and looked into the blackness. She thought about his story and was finding she almost wished she was Lori, that she wished she could have experienced having Nick inside her. But, she dismissed it almost as quickly. At least she had him next to her right then and she wasn't in Montana on some cattle ranch. She laughed lightly at the thought.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

She debated whether or not to tell him. "Nothing you need to worry about," she replied.

"Come on," he countered, "you made me spill my guts."

"No one made you do that. You did it on your own."

"Yeah, but you wouldn't have left me alone until I told you."

"True," she had to admit.

"So, what was so funny?"

"Promise you won't get mad."

"Come on, Shannon! I won't get mad." He moved a little closer to her and he touched her shoulder.

"Well," she laughed, "when you were telling about the camping trip and your times with Lori, I started to get jealous of her."

"Jealous of Lori?" he asked incredulously.

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"Because I've never had an experience like that where someone truly loved me."

"But, we're cousins, Shannon. We knew each other pretty well when that happened. It wasn't like we were dating or something."

"But, you loved her, didn't you?"

"Without question."

"And she loved you?"

"Yes, I think she did." Of course she did, you dolt, he thought to himself. Otherwise, she never would have gotten naked for you. Or made love to you.

"That's not happened to me," she said sadly.

"How so?"

Shannon sighed heavily. "No one I've ever been with really cared about me. I was just a good screw for some and a punching bag for another. At least you've had that experience to remember. I don't have any fond memories."

"I'm sorry to hear that," he said sincerely.

"You're sweet," she said as a lone tear leaked from her right eye. She brushed it aside quickly, hoping he wouldn't notice. He didn't. He did notice the catch in her voice, however, and could sense the sadness behind it.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh, just feeling sorry for myself."

"Anything I can do?"

"I think I need to be held."

"Okay." 

Shannon moved until her head was against his chest. Nick wrapped his arms around her mid-section and held her tight against him. This is what I need, she thought to herself. She already felt more loved and needed by this man than she had ever felt from her previous boyfriends. She turned her face towards Nick's and kissed him, his soft beard tickling her nose.

"Do you think I'm attractive?" she asked innocently.

"I think you're very attractive," he replied.

"You're so sweet."

"It's the truth. Do you find it hard to believe that I think you're pretty?"

"Sometimes, yes."

"Well, you shouldn't. You're very pretty."

Shannon mulled over what he said. "What about my body? Do you think it's okay?"

Nick laughed. "Shannon, it's more than okay. It's very sexy. I really liked the way you moved and danced around me last night."

"Really?"

"Yes." Nick wondered why she was asking all these questions, but he assumed she needed some reassurance.

"I really enjoyed dancing with you," Shannon said. "Sometimes I like to forget and let myself go free. Maybe I get carried away at times."

"You seemed fine to me."

Shannon wiggled and settled into him more, sighing as she did. She loved being held, but she needed more from him that night. She needed to be loved, touched, and made to feel special. 

"Have you ever gone to bed with a girl on the first date?" she asked.

Nick was a little surprised at the question. "Yes, a couple of times. You?"

"No," she answered. "Jeremy was my one and only and we didn't do anything until our second or third date maybe. I don't really remember." Shannon put her hands over his and squeezed them lightly. "Have you ever made love while camping under the stars?" She bit her bottom lip and wondered what he would say.

Nick pondered her question. He was now starting to understand where the conversation was going and he was just beginning to understand how desperately Shannon needed to feel loved, wanted, and desired. Her psyche was fragile. He knew that and he had witnessed it. But, he also knew she wouldn't make love to a man or even suggest it unless it was entirely on her terms. Nick wanted and desired her at that moment as his heartbeat quickened.

"No," he answered, "but there's a first time for everything, don't you think?"

"Would you want to make it a first time with me?" she asked softly.

"Yeah, I'd like that very much."

Shannon sat up slowly and turned to face him. "I need you, Nick. I need this."

"I know."

Shannon pulled her tee shirt over her head and tossed it aside. She unclasped her bra from the front and discarded it quickly before she rubbed and pinched her nipples to get their attention. Shannon reached for his hand and guided him there, pressing it against her softness. His other hand soon followed and he marveled at her shape and contours. They fit perfectly in his hands. Nick loved breasts, especially small ones and it never mattered to him how small they were. He enjoyed doing this in the dark, using his imagination and sense of touch to guide him. He felt each bump around her nipples as his fingertips swirled around each little nub. Shannon's breathing quickened as she moaned lightly, losing herself in his touch. Nick leaned forward and kissed each breast, working his way from the top to the insides of her cleavage and then around to the outsides before gently lifting them to kiss the undersides as well. His lips missed nary a spot and Shannon sucked in her breath when his lips and tongue found her nipples once more.

"Oh God, that feels so good," she murmured. She was oblivious to everything around her except for what he was doing to her. 

Nick's mouth moved away from her breasts to her mouth where he slowly began to kiss her. While supporting himself with his left arm, his right hand went back to her bare breasts, carefully kneading and caressing them, alternating every few seconds. Shannon's hand slid down his chest past his belt to the bulge between his legs. He let out an audible groan as she found her mark. Caressing him much in the same way as he was doing to her, her hands rubbed and squeezed him through the denim. His kisses were more forceful now as his tongue lightly sparred with hers. He loved the taste of her lips as much as he did when he first kissed her.

After about ten minutes, they undressed. Shannon's hand found his erect penis and loved the feel of it. He wasn't as big as Jeremy had been, but that mattered little to her. Jeremy didn't know what to do with it anyway. She had the distinct feeling Nick knew what to do with his.

"Do you want the flashlight on?" he asked quietly. He wanted to see her naked body.

"No," she answered. "I like it like this."

She slowly began to masturbate him as she sat beside him cross legged, taking slow, deliberate strokes. Shannon could feel the slickness at his tip and it reminded her of her own moistness that had began to build within the last few hours. Nick rolled to his side and slid his hand between her silky thighs until he found her thin patch of fine pubic hair. Traveling southward, he soon came upon her clitoris where he pinched it lightly between his forefinger and thumb, causing Shannon to squirm. She wasn't ready for that, yet.

"Wait a minute," she said. "Stay where you are."

She reached around and unzipped the sleeping bag until it was wide open. She then maneuvered herself until her head was resting on his thigh and her nether regions were in direst line with his face. He inhaled and could smell her musky scent and it was intoxicating. He always loved the scent of a woman when they were naked. It always seemed to be more exciting and alluring than when they were clothed. She opened her thighs and scooted closer to his face.

"Enjoy," she whispered before she took his rigid penis into her mouth.

With his head resting on her thigh, he began to explore her with his mouth and tongue. He avoided her clit, he would save that for last, as he parted the soft, moist folds of her labia. She tasted fresh, almost as if she had just bathed, and he found her exhilarating. Shannon's mouth was working wonders on him and he found he needed to concentrate entirely on her in order to keep from gushing into her mouth. She was soaked from her own special secretions and Nick knew it wouldn't take much to rock her. He opened her carefully with his fingers and let his tongue explore the opening to her vagina. Stiffening his tongue, he pressed inward and felt her shudder.

Shannon let his penis slip from her mouth as she groaned loudly. "Oh, oh, Nick, please keep doing that." She found his penis once again and began to suck on it more vigorously.

Nick did as requested, darting his tongue in and out of her as her shudders became more frequent and intense. When he sensed she was getting close to the edge, he stopped and moved his tongue upward towards her clit. Once there, he continued his gentle assault upon her sex.

Shannon was disappointed at first at the switch, but soon felt the waves come back stronger than ever. Within minutes, she could no longer concentrate on Nick's penis as she let it fall from her mouth once again. The buildup was quick and dramatic as spasms began to go through her. Squeals and groans escaped her as she writhed and bucked against his mouth and she didn't care if the neighbors heard her or not. This felt too good to worry about anything except what was happening to her at that moment. Her hands were on both sides of his head, gently holding him in place and not wanting him to move away. Nick had no intention of taking his mouth away from there. It was rare when he could give a woman an orgasm so quickly and he was loving the feel and taste of her as she continued to moan and shake.

"That felt so good," she said shakily when the warm afterglow permeated throughout her body. "You were wonderful. Thank you." She shifted herself until she was facing him once more. She found his face and kissed him tenderly, savoring the taste of her own juices upon his lips. "I want you inside me," she whispered in his ear, her voice sultry and her breath warm.

"I may not last too long," he admitted.

"I don't care how long it lasts. You've already given me everything I could ever need tonight. I just want to feel you inside me."

Shannon moved onto her back and opened her legs for him as he felt around to try and position himself. She reached forward until she found his still swollen penis, its tip still moist. Shannon gently guided him towards her opening until it rested there. They stopped for a brief second.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

"More than ready."

Nick pressed forward slowly and it slid in easily as Shannon let out a tiny gasp when the head passed her opening. As she knew it would, it felt wonderful inside her. It never crossed her mind to think about having another orgasm. She was already blissfully satisfied and content.

Nick began slowly and carefully, not knowing what she liked or disliked when it came to intercourse. He was also mindful of his own impending orgasm and could feel the beginnings of it after but a few minutes. He tried to delay it as long as possible, but as most women would say, his dick had a mind of its own. When he tensed, Shannon knew he was about to let go. As he began to pulsate, she spread herself even wider and readied herself to accept everything he could give her.

When he finished, he collapsed beside her, totally aware that he had been in her for but a couple of minutes. "I wish I could have lasted longer," he said as he stroked her cheek with the back of his hand.

"It doesn't matter," she tried to assure him. "Just having you inside me was enough."

"Are you sure?"

"Most definitely." Shannon laughed lightly. She could feel his sperm begin to trickle down her thigh. "You made me feel so good. It's been a long time since I've felt this good. You're going to have a tough time getting rid of me now."

"Who said I wanted to get rid of you?" He pulled her close and kissed her. "You know," he continued, "that was the first time I've ever done that in complete darkness."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I really liked that. It was fun relying on my other senses, but I still can't wait to see you when the morning comes." His hand moved down between her thighs and caressed her vulva lovingly. "I want to make love to you in the morning. I want to see everything I missed tonight."

"I can't wait."

Shannon twisted her body until she was half laying on top of him, their legs intertwined and their arms wrapped around each other.

"Thank you," she said softly.

"For...?

"For loving me."

Nick was silent as he tried to decipher her meaning. He didn't love her and he hoped she wasn't implying that. You can't love someone after just two days, he thought to himself. He could only hope she meant loving her body and making love to her.

"You're welcome," he said as he held her tight and they stayed that way as they slowly drifted off to sleep in each others arms. 



A Bartender, Drinks, and a Date Pt. 03



Author's note: Dear readers, you may want to read the first two chapters in this series in order to familiarize yourself with the plot and characters. Thank you and happy reading. Tony155

Chapter 1

It was over the next few days and weeks when Nick and Shannon discovered more about each other and found what made the other tick. They found each other fascinating and they spent almost every free moment together. Shannon tried hard to overcome her fears, but she still imagined visions of Jeremy from time to time. She never let on as she battled her demons and Nick felt everything was fine. Outwardly, she showed no signs, but inwardly, she knew she couldn't defeat him without outside help.

What frustrated her most was the fact that Nick didn't do anything to elicit any of the fears she possessed. Their arguments, which were rare, were small and meaningless and there was never any real anger shown. But, Nick raised his voice at times and that seemed to be enough to trigger something deep within her. Shannon would cringe and shy away and hope he wouldn't notice. She hated the fact that she was unable to overcome her fears and thought herself as being weak.

It was after one such argument in early August where Shannon flopped down on the sofa and buried her face in her hands, defeated and feeling sick to her stomach.

"Are you okay?" Nick asked. They had been discussing her schedule and he had been upset that she had to work some very late hours on the weekend.

"I can't take it anymore," she cried softly.

"What?" he asked, not comprehending her statement.

"Almost every time we argue, I think something bad is going to happen. I keep thinking you're going to yell at me or hit me." She couldn't look at him.

"Hit you? You know I would never hit you! I didn't mean to..."

"It's not your fault!" she sobbed, interrupting him. "I thought I was strong enough, but I'm not. I've tried, Nick, honest I have. I just can't do this on my own. I can't go on being afraid."

Nick was bewildered. He hadn't the first clue that she was still in turmoil. Things had been going very well between them; at least he thought they were. He became a regular at O'Reilly's and enjoyed being with her and watching her work. She warned him ahead of time that being nice to her customers and flirting was part of her job and she got better tips because of it. He assured her it wouldn't be a problem and it wasn't. He was secure and confident in their relationship and jealousy never entered his mind. But, he kept his eye out for ones who wanted to get more than just friendly or had way too much to drink. Of course, Stan, the bouncer, did a great job and there weren't any problems. Their dates were always fun, light, and easy and he looked forward to being alone with her. Sure, they had arguments. Didn't all couples? Nick never thought of them as being serious and he wasn't upset with her for very long. The arguments themselves didn't last long and he enjoyed making up to her, be it a simple hug and kiss, or going to bed. Their lovemaking was probably the most satisfying aspect of their relationship and he loved their times together. But, sadly, all the love he could give her wasn't enough. He looked at her as she cried quietly. Slowly, he sat down and put his arm around her to comfort her.

"Please tell me you still love me," she said, her head still down.

"I'm still here."

"Tell me. I need to hear it."

"I love you, Shan."





A Bartender, Drinks, and a Date Pt. 03



"There weren't any good times that I can remember. Listen to me and listen well. I don't want to talk to you. I don't want to know you. I don't want you to ever come near me again. You are not welcome here nor anywhere else where I might be. And I want you to stop calling me. I do not want you in my life, ever. I thought I made that clear in the courtroom."

Jeremy smiled, but there was no happiness in his eyes. "Pretty harsh words there, Shannon. Come on, loosen up a little. All I want to do is talk, you know, get to know each other again."

Shannon glanced to Nick again and could see Stan out of the corner of her eye also.

"Do you not understand what I said? I do not want to talk to you, nor do I want anything to do with you. I want you out of my life and I want you to stay out of my life. Have I made myself clear?"

"Crystal clear," he replied, smiling as his clear blue eyes began to cloud over in hatred.

"I've got work to do," she said as she walked to the other side of the bar.

"Suit yourself, cunt," Jeremy mumbled as she turned away.

The night seemed to drag on and on for Nick as he tried to keep an eye on Shannon and Jeremy without making it look too obvious. Jeremy appeared to be behaving himself, although Nick could see him say something to Shannon every time she was near him. Just by her body language, Nick could tell she was scared, but she never let on.

A few minutes after midnight, all of the water he had been drinking that evening decided it was time to evacuate the premises. The line in the small bathroom wasn't too long and he was out in about five minutes. As he sat down at his stool, he looked to the seat where Jeremy had been seated and it was empty, his half-full bottle of beer still on the bar. Shannon wasn't behind the bar, either.

Nick thought briefly, wondering what to do. He scanned the dance floor, billiards tables, and dart board area and did not see Jeremy anywhere. He did not remember seeing him in the bathroom as he looked quickly around again. Stan was busy at the doorway with new arrivals.

Deciding not to wait any longer, Nick walked towards the hallway to which led to the kitchen and supply room. A waitress, a lively redhead named Hilary came from the kitchen. She smiled at Nick as she came closer.

"Have you seen Shannon?" he asked as she passed.

"She's in the storage room."

"Thanks."

He strode quickly down the dimly lit hall until he came to the doorway of the storage room. It was closed when he got there. His heart beginning to pound, Nick sensed danger since it was never shut. He tried the knob, but it was locked from the inside. Nick was sure something was wrong now as he tried the knob once more without success.

"Shannon!"

Nothing.

Nick took a step back ready to kick the door, but saw something out of the corner of his eye from the right. Stan was hurrying down the hall towards him, alarm written all over his face.

"It's locked," Nick hissed.

Not hesitating for a second, Stan barreled into the door with his shoulder, breaking the doorjamb into splinters with a loud crash. 

Looking left and right, Nick almost missed Shannon huddled in the far corner, her knees drawn to her chest. 

"Shannon, are you okay?" Nick asked softly.

Shannon glanced to her left before looking up to him. Nick followed her eyes and saw the crumpled heap of Jeremy on the floor, his head bloody and glass all around.

"I think I killed him," she whispered, her voice trembling. Even though the thought scared her, she still hoped the bastard was dead.

Nick moved quickly to her side and gathered her in his arms while Stan checked on Jeremy. Not saying anything, Nick held her close as he watched Stan moving about her assailant.

"He's breathing," Stan announced. "He's just knocked out." He pulled out his phone and dialed the police.

Nick turned his attention back to Shannon, who was now starting to cry against his chest. Nick held her close, letting her torrent of grief flow from her eyes. Her shoulders heaved and convulsed as he gently rocked her in his arms and kissed the top of her head.

After a few minutes of crying, Shannon sighed in Nick's arms. Still in shock from her ordeal, she pushed away and looked at Jeremy. Stan had gone back to the front to alert the boss and prepare for the police and ambulance's arrival.

"Are you okay?" he asked gently.

Shannon nodded. "He followed me when I needed to get more whiskey," she began, her voice trembling. "I was so scared. I didn't know what to do." She absently wiped her tear-stained eyes with the back of her hand. "He pushed me and locked the door behind him. I didn't know what he had in mind..." Her voice trailed.

The faint sound of sirens could be heard in the distance. Nick glanced at Jeremy, who was still motionless on the cold cement floor, his breathing deep and regular.

"I...I wasn't going to give him a chance to do anything," Shannon continued. "I just grabbed the first bottle I could find and hit him with it." She smiled faintly. "I guess I surprised him. I never fought back before."

Nick pulled her to him and hugged her tight. "I'm so sorry," he whispered.

"For what?"

"For not being here."

"You were here the whole night."

"But not when you really needed me."

Shannon pushed away again and looked at Nick. He looked miserable and it broke her heart. His eyes were brimming with tears at the thought of her being in danger.

"You're here now and that's all that matters," she replied. "You can't be with me every second of every day."

"I know, but..."

Shannon leaned forward and kissed him to try to quell his fears . "I love you, Nick," she said softly when their lips parted. "I'll always love you."

Before he could answer, they heard the footsteps of people coming down the hallway. Nick helped Shannon to her feet as Stan led the police officers and paramedics into the storeroom.

It would be over an hour before the last officer departed and they were free to go. She gave Stan a warm hug as they left, stepping out into a clear, star-lit morning. They drove to Nick's house in silence, her hand resting on his. 

Many thoughts raced through his mind as he drove. Thoughts of Shannon being in danger made him sick to his stomach. Feelings of guilt washed over him for not protecting her when she needed him the most. And feelings of the utmost relief were mixed in, knowing she was out of danger for the time being. He knew Jeremy wouldn't be in jail very long. He could only be charged with a misdemeanor assault. Because of his previous abuse of Shannon, he could possibly be sentenced for ninety days, but Nick doubted it. From his experience in probation, he knew judges in their county were reluctant to lock up criminals, preferring to give them probation. Nick could only hope for a sentence. Maybe that would deter Jeremy from bothering Shannon again. He could only hope.

His mind raced back to when they first met and how reluctant he was to get serious with her, or anyone for that matter. Commitment was the last thing on his mind at that time, but now, it weighed heavily. Nick knew he had to have Shannon in his life all of the time. He knew he couldn't bear to be without her and not have her near him all the time.

He never thought it possible and just a few months before would have thought himself as crazy to have such a wild notion as commitment and love. Those two words had not been part of his vocabulary for a long time, but now, it was all he could think of.

They pulled into his driveway minutes later and they were still silent as Nick switched off the engine. Her hand was clasped around his tightly as she stared at his outline in the darkness.

"I'm tired," she said softly. "Let's go in."

"Okay," he replied, his mind full of things to say.

Once inside, Shannon collapsed on the sofa, unbuttoning her blouse as she settled. "God, I need a shower," she exclaimed, "but I'm too tired to do it."

"I'll give you a hand," Nick suggested.

"I'd love that, but I'm too tired," she replied, knowing full well what his being in the shower with her would usually lead to.

"Come on," he implored, reaching for her. "It'll relax you. Besides," he smiled, "I'm too tired for anything else, too."

"Really?"

"Really."

The shower was exactly what she needed. True to his word, Nick was all business as he soaped her. Even in his exhausted state, he still managed a semi-erection as he cleansed her breasts and private areas.

Shannon laughed lightly at the sight and shook her head. "Only you," she mused. 

Nick smiled and gently kissed each nipple before telling her to rinse. While she rinsed, Nick quickly soaped himself and was almost finished by the time Shannon turned back to face him.

"I'm going to dry off," she said tiredly before kissing him lightly.

"I'm almost done," he said. "I'll be out in a minute."

"Okay."

A short while later, Nick slipped under the covers and into the arms of Shannon. "I don't want to work today," she whispered. "I want to stay with you all day in bed. I want you to make love to me all morning and not stop. I need you so much!"

"I need you, too. More than anything," he replied. "There's something I need to say to you." Nick raised his head from her breast.

"What is it?" she asked.

Nick reached behind him and switched on the small lamp. Shannon's covers had fallen to her waist and her sweet breasts hung loosely as she propped herself on her elbow.

God, she's so pretty, Nick thought to himself as he stared at her for an instant. He reached forward and touched her cheek.

"I've been thinking about this for awhile," he began, his words coming out slow and cautiously, "but now I'm sure." 

He looked down for a second before meeting her eyes once again. "I never thought I would be saying this. I need you, Shannon. I need you and I love you more than anyone I've ever known. You're all I think about and I have to have you in my life all the time. You mean so much to me and I can't waste another day not waking up next to you." 

Nick paused briefly.

"Please tell me you'll marry me."

Shannon blinked as if she hadn't heard correctly. "What?" She sat up and looked at him. "What did you say?"

"I want you to marry me," he replied.

Shannon's hand flew to her mouth as the realization struck. She gulped and tried to catch her breath. She couldn't believe he said that. He couldn't have said that. Not Nick. Not the Nick she knew. But then, she saw the look he was giving her and she knew he was serious. Shannon knew the events of the evening had a little to do with his decision, but she knew he loved her. He would never lie to her about his feelings and if he told her he wanted to marry her, he was being truthful. She knew how difficult it was for him to open up his heart to her and Shannon was forever grateful for the effort he put forth in their relationship. He was everything to her.

Shannon took her hand from her mouth and touched Nick's face as she smiled. In the back of her mind, she knew Jeremy would not be away forever and perhaps she would have to deal with him again. She hoped not, but one never knew in this crazy world. But, she did know the person next to her loved her unconditionally and without reservation. With that knowledge, she knew she could handle anything. Shannon stroked his cheek lightly before kissing him.

"You know I will," she said sweetly before kissing him again.