4 comments/ 25463 views/ 0 favorites Author of Love Ch. 01 By: Darknessreignsbeauty Gwen had always written about love stories and the special love between a man and a woman. But sadly, she had yet to experience it. At the age of twenty-four, she was a busy business woman who wrote romantic novels on the side. A born writer, she felt her social skills with the outside world were not always intact. Her focus, and always her main focus, was her literature. She was shy and timid, very socially awkward. Her dating years were long put behind her, forgetting men altogether to focus on her career. Standing five-foot, ten-inches, she was strikingly beautiful with her long waves of brunette hair the color of rich dark chocolate, smooth ivory-colored skin, and beautiful almond shaped crystal green eyes. She lifted her eyes from the menu and looked across the table at her best friend since childhood. Rachel was pleading, once again, for Gwen to come out for a fun weekend. "Gwen honey, I love you... but when are you ever going to get with it? Come with me and Jake this week end, please. I promise you, you will have fun." "Rachel, you know I need to finish writing this chapter. I mean, with this new project Brooks gave me I wont have time to finish it before my deadline." Gwen was trying to beg off nicely. "You can't hide behind your career forever Gwen. You can't just write about love and sex if you haven't even experienced any of it." Rachel tried another tactic to roust her friend into coming out. "Shh, people can hear!" Gwen was feeling her embarrassment rise. "Then let them hear. You are twenty-four and still a virgin! Honey, now you tell me how someone who is as hot and as young as you can still be a virgin?" Rachel toyed with the prongs of her fork while waiting for Gwen's reply. Gwen gave a soft sigh and stared down at her half-eaten dinner roll. The truth was, she never cared for people and the only reason she tolerated Rachel and Jake was because they have been friends since middle school. She picked up her coffee cup and took a drink, stalling for time and trying to think of a excuse to throw at her friend. "I work, alright I mean I work a lot more then you do Rachel and I am always so damn busy with reports and projects that I am simply too exhausted to deal with a relationship of any kind. "My writing relaxes me and keeps me sane so I don't rip my hair out every time Brooks asks me to stay late at the office on Friday nights." Rachel gave a sympathetic smile and took Gwen's hand in hers. "Do this for me honey, please. I miss hanging out with you, my best friend, my Gwennie." Gwen smiled softly and gave Rachel's hand a soft squeeze. "Fine. I will go out with you this weekend." "Oh Gwen thank you! You won't regret it. I promise." Rachel got out of her seat and gave Gwen a warm hug. "My going doesn't mean I will like it." "Hey! You finally agreeing to going out deserves a drink. Waiter? Could we have two martinis please?" "Rachel, you know I don't drink." "Well now is the perfect time to start!" Groggy and heavy-headed when she woke the next morning, Gwen was soon running to the bathroom where she puked out the roast beef from dinner last night. What was she thinking? She just lost all control last night. She was always so prepared and now here she was puking up her insides. And as she promised Rachel she would go out with her and Jake, there was no way getting out of it. She would simply have to work harder. Her life motto was work hard now work a little later. Pulling the silk night gown over her head, she turned the shower on, sitting on the toilet until the water heated up. Out of curiosity she got up and stared at her own naked body in the mirror. Her breasts were perky and small; the nipples pink and erect. She cupped them in her hands and imagined what it would be like if a man had touched them. She smoothed her hands down her abdomen, nearing the warm virginal lips. She slipped a finger in, it didn't feel as she imagined it would. She moved the finger around and let out a shocked gasp as her finger stroked her clit. She let her head fall back and played some more relishing in the feeling of complete shock and ecstasy. Her heart raced as her breath came in gasps and goose bumps started to form on her skin. This was it... there was no going back now, with sin and her own curiosity pushing her into now going over the edge. She slipped another finger in and worked faster on her swollen clit. With her own words from her novels playing in her head, she was living out her own fantasy. Letting out a soft cry she felt as if she were in heaven, as a climax swept through her entire body. For once, she had sexual gratification and knew what she had been missing, she yearned for more. Stepping into the shower she closed her eyes as daydreams of the lusty affairs from her novels played each scene in her head. The week at work was long and boring, the same act and fake smile with a nod and a good morning to each person who passed her by. By the time Friday came around she was eager to see what Rachel had in store for the weekend. She had just covered her computer and was locking up her desk, when the VP of Sales walked toward her. "Gwen, I need this proposition done by three as the guys from the New York office will be down here tomorrow and I need to look it over." "I am sorry Mr Downes, but I cant work on the proposition. I am seeing an old friend this weekend and I was really hoping to leave work a little early today." "What? You're my best man Gwen! I need you on this proposition." "Mr Downes sir, I have been staying late and working on extra reports for years. As sorry as i am to have to say no, would you please ask Jane to do it?" He pursed his lips, closed his eyes, and emitted a long sigh. "Well Gwen I guess I can ask Jane to work on it. Go on and have fun." She laughed and got up and gave her boss a big hug. "Thank you Mr Downes." He cleared his throat and she nodded knowingly, grabbing her purse and jacket as she smiled at him and said. "Thank you very much John" Dumbfounded, he watched her leave out the office doors. John Downes was a man in his late thirties, very business-oriented and a divorced father of two. His life was now exactly what he imagined it would be when he was studying business in college. He considered himself a handsome man with thick black hair and blue-gray eyes. He was the spitting image of his father. His taut jaw and natural Italian bronzed skin made him all the more desirable. He sat at Gwen's desk and decided to check the status on the reports he had given her earlier that week. He clicked off a document file and found her on line novels, the entire page engrossed with her personal literary accomplishments. Out of curiosity he opened one up and began to read. He was not one for prying, but there was something about Gwen that made him want to know more. The work day was over and he had already finished one story. It was terribly addicting like a soap opera of words. He was fascinated with Gwen she was proving to be not so mousy after all. He grabbed the link of her on line novels and decided to give the project to Jane before she took off. He chuckled to himself as he tried to imagine Gwen in anything except granny panties. "Jane? I need you to write up this proposition before you leave." "What? But Mr Downes, surely Gwen can do this. I am going out tonight." "Gwen left early, so you will need to do it." "But...but it's unfair Sir. I can't. I have plans." "Well maybe you should cancel those plans. I want that on my desk in 3 hours." "But Mr Downes..." "Three hours Jane. And by the way, I doubt Miss Torres will be stuck in this office very much, so be prepared to repay her for her years of commitment and generosity so that you can go out and get smashed. Have fun Jane." Smiling as he walked away, he called out over his shoulder. "Oh yeah, Jane bring me a coffee two sugars, two cream." "Yes Mr Downes" She muttered under her breath. He sat in his chair and typed in the link. He browsed through the vast list of stories to choose from. She sure had a lot of them he wondered were she ever found the time to write them. He chose a random one and sipped on his coffee ready for a deeper look into his employee's mind. Now at home, Gwen was surprised John had let her off early, she was even more surprised to find herself excited for the nights possibilities. She applied her makeup carefully, beautiful full scarlet lips and dark liner. Dressing in a black mini-dress, a fitted black leather jacket and black leather knee high boots, she wasn't sure where she was going but this outfit was a sure knockout for anywhere. Rachel parked the car in front of Gwen's and honked twice. Gwen popped her head out and waved. Rachel waited impatiently as she watched her friend struggle to walk in the leather boots she had bought her two years ago. "Wow Gwen! You look hot honey." "Thanks Rachel you look nice too. Where is Jake?" "Oh he couldn't make it so I guess it's girls night out." She smiled deviously and gave a quick wink. "Oh no! Where are we going?" "To a strip club." "I don't want to see women shake their tits at me." "Who said it was a strip club with women?" "Rachel! My first time seeing a guy's penis is going to be at a strip club? Just wonderful." Gwen sighed loudly and slumped in her seat. Rachel threw her head back and laughed softly. "Well Gwennie honey, what do you think girl's night out is?" "A movie and a pint of ice cream" Rachel laughed again. "Aw honey, you are so clueless." "Thanks." "Just relax you will have fun I swear. I've been coming to this place for years! They have some hot guys." "Whatever." With a smirk, Rachel backed out of the lot and headed for the red light district. Gwen was in for a real treat. Gwen squirmed in her seat as she noticed the streets were becoming further spaced apart. There wasn't very many people walking around this neighborhood. In fact there was a lot of neon signs and she even saw a few people wearing all leather outfits. "Rachel, where the hell are we?" "The red light district." "WHAT!" "Yeah, they have some of the hottest strip clubs here." "Rachel, I swear sometimes I could kill you." "Hey! I am doing you a favor here. I am showing you the male anatomy. I think I deserve a thank you." "Yes thank you very much for bringing me to a sex district with perverted weirdos, to go and watch a man shake his ass." "What makes you think you're not a pervert? Huh?" "I mean, you write those stories its all about sex. Don't try and play innocent Gwen. You have a dirty little mind." "My stories are about love!" "They're about sex, honey. Admit it." "No they are not!" "Honey; romance novels are woman's porn. If you didn't know that, then you really are clueless." "Quit calling me clueless" "I would if you weren't... but you are." Gwen crossed her arms and pouted. This wasn't going to work. She can't possibly be going through with this. Rachel stopped the car in front of a large building. There was a neon sign pointing inside which said, 'Boys, Boys, Boys'. Forcing herself out she dragged her feet toward the door. The sight was so foreign to her. There were women laughing and drinking, some eating and others drooling over the men as they got lap dances. "Hey, Rob! Get me and Gwennie a round of martinis will you?" "Sure thing Rach. So, this is Gwen huh? Well welcome to The Club." "Thank you," Gwen smiled shyly. "She is a pretty one ain't she Rob." "Oh yeah, very pretty. Like a model." "Should I introduce her to Mitch?" "What is she?" "She's a cherry." "Nah, better to introduce her to Cole instead first." "Darn it! I should have known that's why you're the Master Rob." "Honey, I never lose. What can I say." "Who is Cole?" "Gwen, Cole is a friend. Don't worry. He will treat you right, I promise." "Gwen? Have fun, huh." "Thanks Rob was a pleasure meeting you." "You too sweetie." Rachel grabbed Gwen's hand as they pushed past the oiled up men and the swooning woman. Walking past, all the men gave a nod toward Rachel. She smiled proudly and gave a quick nod. The entire place was loud, there was sounds of shrieking woman, classical strip music, and the sound of the DJ announcing the prices. It had multi color neon lights and fake fog, which didn't surprise Gwen at all. In the corner there was more women crowded around there then there had been at the front. "Gwen? Just stay here. I am going to get my friend, alright." "Okay. Wait! You're not ditching me, right?" "No, I swear. I'm just getting a friend. Now hold on for one second for me." "Kay." Nervously Gwen chewed on her long red fingernail as she wondered what the hell had she been thinking to agree to this. She was totally out of her comfort zone. She didn't belong here; she belonged back at the office working on that damn proposition... not here making a fool out of herself like all these other sex deprived women. "Cole? This is Gwen Torres, my bestie." Gwen looked up and saw the whole reason why the woman were crowded there... it was him. He was tall, he was rugged, he was just so damn hot. Tanned skin, perfectly chiseled face, a flat stomach with ripples of muscles. He was like a statue of a God. His face was smooth with only the slightest bit of stubble. His eyes were a honey brown and his hair was like wheat. He had to be about 6 foot, 4-inches to Gwen's 5 foot, 10-inches. He had huge pads of pectoral muscles and his arms were big enough to wrap around Gwen's entire petite frame. "Well hello Gwen," He looked down, smiling. "Uh... Hi," she stumbled, impishly smiling back. "You're right Rachel, she is beautiful." Cole laughed easily as his eyes meeting hers. She looked down and shifted from right foot to left, she had only imagined guys like this. But here he was... he was real, and he was saying she was beautiful. "Uh oh, I think I have a shy one on my hands." He grinned looking over at Rachel. "Gwen is shy at first but she's a real freak. You should read her romance novels." "You're a writer?" "Yes, and Rachel? Shut up about my work." He laughed and tilted his head to the side and placed his hands into the pockets of his fitted jeans. "Gwen... how about we go and get a drink on the house?" Rachel pushed Gwen over into Cole and she bumped into his chest so her breasts pushed against his bare stomach. Gwen flushed red as she felt her nipples go hard against his muscled torso. He made nothing of it as he grabbed her by the hand and led her to a private room. He shut the door behind them and they were completely alone, the sounds of the club were faint, and the only thing that could be heard was Gwen's shallow breathing. "I thought we could escape the craziness out there by being in here." Cole smiled and Gwen felt her heart beat faster and felt butterflies flap wildly in her stomach. "Don't you get a headache from all that party boy music?" she giggled. "Sometimes...please sit." He gestured to the only piece of furniture in the room which was a bed. She sat on the edge and nervously chewed on her fingernails. Cole eased himself down beside her and smiled as he reached over to pull off her jacket. "This dress is way too sexy to be hiding behind a jacket." "What about our drinks?" "I sent Rachel to get them." "What did Rachel say about me?" "Well she just said you're beautiful, and she described how you looked to me and asked if I would come and meet you. Naturally my instinct to meet any beautiful lady brought me to you and now here we are alone." Ignoring the compliment she asked, "Did she say anything else?" "She asked me to show you a few things.." "Like what?" "Gwen. have you ever kissed a man before?" "Does it matter?" "Yes to me it does" "Well then, no. I have never actually ever kissed a guy before," she replied embarrassed. "Would you like to try to kiss a man Gwen?" "Who?" He smiled and looked down at his body. "You want me to kiss you?" "Yes, strictly for learning purposes. I'm very curious if a virgin can kiss." As Gwen turned to move her head away, Cole caught her face between his hands and gave her a soft melting kiss. He slowly pushed her lips open with his, and let his tongue slither inside. Then, using his knuckles he softly stroked along the side of her face, barely touching her... making her get goose bumps. She kissed him back shyly, gasping in alarm as she felt his tongue mingle with hers as she felt herself getting moist. She tried to pull back, afraid... for she was getting turned on! Hating herself, she got more frantic with her kisses. Wrapping her arms around his neck and pushing her body against his, she felt his arousal press into her thigh. This alarmed her and she pulled away and stared at him confused. "For a virgin, you sure can kiss." "You're turned on?" "Well, you did kiss me back and you are sexy. I couldn't help but feel your nipples on my stomach earlier." Her face reddened with embarrassment. "I shouldn't be here," she said more to herself than to him. "Look; I'm just doing my job, okay? I'm getting paid here, and I wont do anything to you unless you allow me to." "You're getting paid? To do what?" "Well, Rachel asked me to take your virginity.." Cole left the sentence dangling in the air as Gwen was at a loss of what to feel next. She felt that Cole didn't like her for her... and this made the feeling of rejection far worse than her friend's scheme. She wiped a tear away and nodded. "Are you alright?" "I'm fine, thank you. Just keep the money. I'm going to go." "Wait, here....if you ever need me, give me a call. My price listing is on the card." Gwen grabbed her jacket and snatched the card from Cole. He stretched out on the bed and watched her leave, giving a sigh as he watched her tight ass walk out the door. He shouldn't have said anything. Here he was, hard as a rock, and the sexiest woman he'd ever seen, left... crying. He couldn't lie to her. And it was stupid for Rachel to ever consider such a thing. It was stupid for him to ever attempt it. Man! She was beautiful! How could any guy ignore a woman like that? He was quite surprised she wasn't married to some rich business man. "Another day, another dollar" he sighed. Gwen pushed through the crowd as she moved toward the door. Suddenly feeling a tug on her arm, she turned to find Rachel had grabbed her. "Gwennie what happened?" "You paid a man to have sex with me?" "Honey I thought... I don't know what I thought." "I'm leaving Rachel." "Wait Gwen! Gwen!" Gwen ran and once she knew she was a block away, she dropped onto the pavement and cried. Was she that big of a loser that people had to pay to get someone to have sex with her? And that guy... was he only doing his job? Maybe she was clueless... She felt stupid and embarrassed. Her whole life she'd been this loser and tonight proved she was right, she was a loser. She flipped the card over and over in her hand. Well at least Cole was honest with her. She wiped her tears away and tried to ignore the dampness between her thighs. Despite the embarrassment, Gwen felt somewhat happy that her first kiss was done and over with. She was exploring her sexuality and it felt good. Maybe she would give Cole a call sometime, right when she needed it most. Getting up, Gwen eventually flagged down a cab. On the entire way home she thought about Cole and how she could use him to her advantage. Sex with no commitment and no emotional involvement whatsoever, a guy who was a professional, who would take her virginity with no questions asked. It seemed simple enough to her. Author of Love Ch. 01 She was attracted to him, there was no doubt about that. She had to plan, set a date, and make him a proposition. She was going to lose her virginity and she was going to learn. Once she had learned what she needed from Cole, she would date and she will write. A fantastic opportunity why didn't she think of it before? She would do some research, get some birth control and then Gwen Torres would no longer be a virgin. As soon as she got home she went to on line blogs and read about different women's experiences with their first time. She was both fascinated and frightened, secretly hoping her first time wouldn't be excruciatingly painful like some of the other women's she has read about. Author of Love Ch. 02 When Gwen awoke the next day after her 'exciting' adventure from the night before, as she showered for the day which, thank goodness, was Saturday, she quickly dressed, grabbed a bagel and coffee, her car keys, and with her head up high... Gwen went shopping. She had a specific list in mind. She drove to the drug store in the strip mall down the street and went in. Glancing around nervously, making sure no one she knew was within sight of her, she grabbed a box of condoms and some water-soluble lubricant. Then, looking over her shoulder again, she went up to the female pharmacist and asked her for some of the "day after" birth control pills. 'Better to be safe than it is to be sorry', she thought. She noticed the long line at the front register and sighed as she turned around to head to the front. Sensing the embarrassment of the young lady in front of her, the Pharmacist offered to ring her purchases at her register. Gwen smiled her relief, paid for her purchases, and after thanking the woman, left with bag in hand. Her next stop was a lingerie shop. As she had never bought lingerie before, she asked the sales lady for assistance and recommendations. "We have a lot of featured items," the sales lady mentioned and showed Gwen to a rack bearing a sign that was designed like fire flames. "This little number is currently our hottest item. The lace see-through teddy comes in black, red, and pink. "We also have some very nice bra and thong combo's on sale. Do you know your sizes? If not, i really should measure you first." Gwen tried not to fidget as she was measured and merely nodded or shook her head, when the sales lady recommended something. At the end of this segment of her shopping trip, she left Seductions with seven bra and thong sets and one see-through black lace teddy. She put her purchases into the trunk of her car, then withdrew her list and studied it again. Just a few items remained... a dress and some candles to set the mood. She went into the nearby dress shop and found just what she was looking for on the first rack she stopped near. Securing her purchase in its box, she then headed back to the car so she could stop at the Candle Shoppe on her way home. focus was on the night that would change her life forever. That afternoon when she had finished shopping and gotten back to her apartment, with her mind focused on the night ahead and that it would change her life forever, she decided to give Cole a call. "Cole?" "Yes, speaking. Who's this?" "This is Gwen from the other night." "Who? I am really sorry. I met a lot of women last night, and sadly the names escape me." "Oh. Um....I'm the virgin." "Oh Gwen! Hello. What's up?" "I was really hoping we could discuss what happened last night. Could you meet me for lunch?" "Uh sure. Where can I meet you and when?" "At Lazolli's in a hour." "Yeah, sure I know Lazolli's. I'll see you then." "Okay thanks, bye." "Bye." She hung up the phone, placed a shaking hand over her heart and finally let out a deep breath, then moved into her room to begin dressing for lunch... for Cole. She wore a simple flowing white dress and had her hair up with just a few ringlets cascading around her face. This was the point of no return, the embarrassments of all embarrassments! Like Wendy in Peter Pan, she was now walking the plank. When she got to Lazolli's, she ordered two glasses of red wine and calamari for a appetizer. She sipped on the wine as she nervously checked the clock every few seconds. She needed this time to think how exactly she was going to word what she wanted to say. "Gwen? Hi!" "Hi Cole!" "Red wine, my favourite." She smiled as Cole lowered himself into the seat opposite. He sat and picked up his glass, taking a small sip as he savored the flavor. "I'll come straight to the point Cole. I wanted to apologize for my behaviour last night, it was rather embarrassing for me." He put the glass down and looked up at her feeling slightly confused. "I am sorry, I shouldn't have accepted the money; it was a stupid idea." "Actually, that idea is exactly why I asked you to meet me." "What are you thinking?" She picked up the dish of calamari and offered it to Cole, smiling as she watched him take some then dip it in the sauce that came with the appetizer "I've been thinking since last night and have decided the idea of taking my virginity was a excellent one. i mean, you are a professional and this would strictly be a professional matter." He sipped on the wine again and nodded. "So you want to hire me?" "Yes, that is exactly my intention. I assume you are free next weekend?" "I am." "Great, I will be needing you for three days. What's your price?" "Two thousand five hundred dollars." "Done. Cash is acceptable I presume?" "Cash is fine, in 50s and 20s" "Of course." "May I take your order?" "I will have the lasagna and Caesar. What will you have Cole?" "The spaghetti and steak...well done. And when you bring the lady's salad, would you bring another bottle of the red wine please?" "Very good Sir. I will be right back with your salad and wine." "Gwen? I am curious about something though. Do you mind if I ask why the sudden change of thought?" "I figured I might as well lose it with no emotional attachment...." Cole shrugged his broad shoulders and as he looked away briefly, he took another sip. "Here is all the information you need," she said handing over a envelope. "The cash will be given upon your arrival." Cole reached for the envelope then placed it in his bag just as the waiter arrived and placed Gwen's salad down in front of her then brandished the wine so Cole could inspect the label. At the man's nod, the waiter pulled the cork, then poured the red fluid into the empty glasses. 'This girl is just another customer, not very different from any other woman who frequents the club scene. But, if that is true, then why can't I stop thinking about her?' He pushed his personal feelings aside as this thought intruded. 'This is business, never personal. Keep it straight Cole.' His thought concluded. They ate in silence, but Cole hardly ate his food. He kept looking up at her, watching her. He didn't want to miss a single expression that crossed her lovely face. Gwen ignored him, keeping her eyes on her food, but she could feel his eyes... staring. Suddenly Gwen felt like blushing. He never agreed to meet clients outside the work place before, but Gwen was something else. She wasn't like any woman he'd ever met. And that kiss was the best he'd ever had; her lips were so warm and soft.... He would've taken her right then and there if she had asked him to. He shifted in his seat, nibbling on his steak, his eyes never leaving the cleft between her breasts. She blushed crimson as she reached up and brushed a ringlet out of her face and their eyes met and held... that look causing Cole to smile and set his mind racing. "Are you not hungry Cole?" She questioned with light concern. "Guess not," he replied pushing the plate away. "You look beautiful tonight Gwen, and I am not only saying that because you are hiring me." "Thank you Cole," she said smiling, then raised her glass and slowly took a sip of the red wine. "You don't seem like the type to drink..." "No, I'm not. But since I've hired someone to have sex with me, I decided that having a drink is not the biggest sin." "Have you ever had a smoke?" "No." "By God, you are a saint-like aren't you!" She rolled her eyes and downed the rest of the wine, licked her lips and smiled up at Cole with a devilish look in her eyes. He winked at her and withdrew the lighter from his pocket, then waved it around in front of her face. "You want to try it?" "What about cancer?" "What is this? I think it's Gwen being a chicken!" "Pfft NO!" She snorted defiantly, grabbing the lighter out of his hand. "Let me pay the bill Blondie, then we can go smoke this cancer stick." He couldn't help but laugh as he watched her strut over to the waiter. She smirked over at him as she paid for the meal, it suddenly became so very clear to him right then as she smiled over at him. He actually liked Gwen. He picked up his wine glass and drained what was left, then refilled his glass and drained the refill as well. As he emptied his glass twice, he kept telling himself that his line of 'work' was always business never personal; always business never personal. Gwen came back to the table, released her hair clip and shook her hair loose, tossing the ringlets away from her face. She then made to pick up her purse and curling her finger at Cole, she beckoned for him to follow. He downed the last sip of wine, picked up his bag and jogged after her. As Gwen walked in front of Cole, he noticed how the loose fabric accentuated the shape of her back side. He watched the fabric sway and cling, then slowly licking his lips he lightly laid a hand on her ass. Gwen gasped as she felt Cole's hand cup the cheek of her buttocks. Not satisfied with this touch, he pulled her around to face him and he brushed her hair away from her neck and skimmed his lips along her ivory smooth skin. A low moan escaped from between Gwen's lips as she felt his teeth graze her ear lobe, and his one hand squeezed the cheek of her buttocks again and he slowly ran his other hand up her body until he was able to knead her breast. The waiter cleared his throat, and Cole looked over at him and winked. Thoroughly embarrassed now and feeling the heat in her face, Gwen covered her face with her hands and practically ran out through the restaurant doors. Cole ran after her, just barely managing to grab her by the upper portion of her arm and spun her around, pulling her into his embrace. Gwen let her head fall against Cole's chest as her heart pounded wildly. She felt her arms wrap around Cole's neck as the sobs started. Cole lifted her chin up and nearly came undone at the sight of tears building in Gwen's eyes. "Gwen, honey what's wrong?" She buried her face in his chest and sobbed. He pressed his lips to her forehead and smoothed the hair away from her face. "Shh, shh, Gwen please tell me why you're crying." "I don't know who I am anymore..." she sniffled as she wiped at the errant tears. "What do you mean?" "I am a stranger to myself," she whimpered. "In a good or bad way?" "I don't know. I like the way I am feeling now that I am exploring, but it scares the hell out of me." "Gwen, you don't think I am scared? I don't just go and meet clients, I don't allow my emotions to rule me either. But when I'm around and with you, I can't control myself." "What do you mean?" she asked calmly. "I mean I don't know who I am anymore either...." She stared up at his confused face as he just shrugged, pulled two cigarettes out of the pack and handed one to Gwen. Cole then lit his own and took a drag. Gwen took his lighter and lit hers then took a drag, Cole tried to suppress a laugh as she started to cough uncontrollably. He lost it though and just started laughing out loud as he saw Gwen's face turn green. She glared at him defiantly, trying to regain control and stifle her coughing. She smoked the entire cigarette. Cole grinned as he watched the color come back to Gwen's cheeks, and he was surprised she had gotten the hang of it quicker then he had expected. "Would you like to come with me to the club tonight?" "I don't know, I haven't recovered from the headache I got last night from that awful party music." He smirked at her sass, flicking the cigarette to the ground. He wanted to spend more time with her was that so much to ask? "Come on Gwen, tell me one reason why you won't join me." He put his arms around her waist and pulled her close, nibbling on her bottom lip. She closed her eyes and sighed. Gently pulling her away from him, Cole whispered softly into Gwen's ear. "Will you come tonight? For me?" Her lips tingled from his kiss, she touched them. "You really want me to go tonight?" She asked dazed. "Yes, I really want you to go." "Okay I will be there." "Ah Gwen thank you! Thank you!" He picked her up and spun her around, she laughed sweetly and grinned down at him. Holding her in his arms, his smile faded as his face became serious. He moved a ringlet away from her face and quietly gazed down at her. "God, you're beautiful." She laughed easily and gave him a soft kiss. "Well thank you, you're not so bad yourself." "I mean it Gwen, you are just.....incredible." She blushed. "Cole this is crazy....." "What do you mean?" "We do not even know each other, yet here we are acting as if we have been lovers for years." "Yeah it does seem a little crazy doesn't it." "Why this connection then?" "Two people like each other; it can happen quickly all the time... don't you think?" "The only time I have ever seen this happen is in books and movies..." "Well babe maybe we are the real deal." "Maybe..." "Do you have your car Cole?" "Not tonight, I took the bus over. I don't like parking in this area....you can never find a space." "Come on, I will give you a ride. Where do you live?" "Over by first avenue." As they drove in silence, there was a slight tension between them. He placed his hand on hers as it rested on the gear shift. When there was a red light, Cole would lean over and give Gwen a rough, bone-melting kiss on her lips. "This is it here, Gwen." She stopped the car, and Cole bent to kiss her one last time before he got out of the car. As she readied to drive off, he tapped on her window. Gwen rolled it down and Cole smiled, and asked softly... "You want to come up?"