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City Lights

By: JonB1969



A lot like a woman does, the city loses her ordinariness at night, and slips on her lights like a pretty evening dress.

I love to put on my city lights. 

I slipped on a long red sequined halter dress with a high slit. Stepped into red leather high heeled sandals. Sprayed a few puffs of perfume on my neck, felt the wet spots turn warm. Felt the silky caress of red diamond-shine lip gloss as I applied it, bringing out my full pouty lips. A pair of diamond-stud earrings completed my look. 

My red dress went perfectly with my smooth milk chocolate-brown skin. It clung to my slinky, curvy build, and brought out my long lines. My blue eye shadow brought out my deep black eyes. My nails, disappointingly short, I left unpolished. My long straight black hair, which went down almost to the small of my back, I wore down and natural.

I was all glittery and sparkly. Like the city. City lights glowed and sparkled all around me as I drove to the club. Green lights. Red lights. White lights. Even blue lights. The city lights glistened and sparkled, lending a romanticism to the city.

My long slim fingers felt burdened tonight by my rings, by all the jewelry Antoine felt the need to buy for me. I suppose he thinks that with a recent promotion in the firm where I work, I suddenly don't need him any more. Maybe I don't. What a stupid man he can be sometimes -- insecure, too.

I took them all off when I got in my car, except for a gold watch that I bought, and a dainty gold ankelet on my right ankle.

My girl friend Dawn and I met for dinner and drinks at the Blue Parrot, which sits at the apex of where two streets meet, like a triangle. Even the lighting in the club was a pattern of sparkles on deep black night, with candles on the tables.

We both got all dressed up for our dinner tonight. Dawn wore a long slinky black beaded slip dress, and matching heels, that went well with her pale brown skin and curly brown hair. It was a girls night out for both of us. No significant male others were with us. In Dawn's case, her man was babysitting her two kids.

We sat in splendour, laughing quietly at all the guys staring at us and practically drooling all over themselves. Not openly, though. It doesn't do to laugh out loud at brothers, and others, who show their appreciation for two beautiful sisters. Men's egos are as delicate as egg shells, I swear. 

But there was these guys at the bar, obviously out on the town together, just like us girls. And one of those guys kept looking at me. I could see the longing in his face, no, something more than longing... 

He was about medium height, with short scruffy blond hair, sparkly hazel eyes, with a look about him that just made me want to spread my legs and invite him over to find out what's in between. He wore blue jeans, a white t-shirt, and wire-framed glasses with small rectangular lenses. And he was white. 

What would my boyfriend say? No, I already know what he'd say!

I deliberately shifted away and recrossed my legs. Shifted away from his eyes.

Dawn and I gave each other little looks and giggled through our hands.

We ate, drank, toasted, laughed. Had a good time.

Then the waiter put the bill on our table. I just knew we had racked up close to, if not over, a hundred dollars on the bill -- for dinner, dessert, and a bottle of good, expensive wine. But I wasn't worried. Dawn said dinner was on her and she would take care of it. So I didn't bring anything with me but some petty cash. Just out of curiousity, I picked up the fancy leather folder, opened it, and glanced at our bill. It was just over ninety dollars. Not bad.

Then I noticed Dawn was rummaging through her purse, like she'd forgotten something.

"Shit."

"What's wrong?" 

"I forgot my credit cards."

"You're kidding." I let my face fall in my hands. I should have worried. I looked at Dawn again. "Please tell me you're kidding."

"Don't you have yours?"

"No. Because you said it was your treat."

"Shit."

I wanted to sink through the floor. A big red stop light was blinking on our ladies' night. I visualized myself doing dishes late into the night, wearing a little white apron over my fancy red dress, until our men rescued us.

All of a sudden the guy from the bar came over to our table, took out his wallet, and put a hundred dollar bill on our little leather folder.

We looked at each other, then I said, politely, "Thank you, but--"

Dawn stopped me. "What she means, is that we really appreciate you helping us." She looked at me. "Right?"

I swallowed my first reaction. I smiled instead. "Right."

There was a moment of awkward silence. The guy said, "Well. I hope you lovely ladies have a good night."

We chorused, "Thank you."

The guy grinned, then stuck his hands in his pockets and ambled back to the bar. But my pussy still felt all tingly, especially as I watched him stride his way back to his buddies at the bar. After he left, I looked at Dawn. "You sure are one lucky lady tonight."

Dawn had her face in her hands, totally embarrassed. But she had the nerve to look at me and say, "Not lucky. Just fortunate." Then she stood up. "I would say let's stay late and see the band. But I should check on the kids."

I also stood. I was very relieved. "Yeah. I have to leave soon, too. It's getting a little late."

Dawn smiled, then she gave me a short hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Good night. We'll have to do this again sometime." Then she left. I sat back down at the table, and slowly drank the rest of my wine, as I finished my dessert.

The waiter came over and picked up the check, with the hundred dollar bill. "Will there be anything else tonight, miss?"

"No, thank you." We'd had dinner, and dessert, and wine. What else could I want, besides that man at the bar? I gestured to the check. "Keep the change."

The waiter brightened up. "Have a good evening, miss."

I smiled at him. "Thank you." I finished my dessert, and drained my wine glass in one swallow. Then I went to the bathroom. I went into the stall, hiked up my dress, pulled down my panties, and noticed how the slit of my neatly groomed pussy was glistening. I could feel the heat emanating from it.

I was embarrassed and amazed. My boyfriend never made me this horny! And we made ourselves wait a few weeks before sex. Actually, I'd made my boyfriend wait a few weeks.

But now, this gorgeous man that paid the dinner tab, made me wet -- and I didn't even know his name!

I did my business, then collected myself as best I could. I placed both hands firmly on the edge, eyes closed, and repeated to myself, "I'm in a relationship."

"I'm in a relationship."

When a sister asked me if I was okay, I put on a perky smile and said, "Yes, thank you. I'm fine." I started to put on fresh lipstick and lip gloss. But that only made me wish that man was standing in the doorway to watch me.

Stop it, Yvette! I told myself. Like that would do any good.

By the time I put the tube of lipstick back in my purse, I was as wet and ready as I've ever been in my life.

And then, as I left the ladies' room to make a bee-line to the valet, he approached me. I nearly fainted as he came up and said, "Hope I didn't embarrass you back there."

"No." I smiled at him, ran my fingers through my hair. "My friend did. We were very lucky you came along."

The guy grinned. God, he had such a sexy grin. "I kind of got the feeling someone wasn't prepared for the night. This place gets a little expensive."

I rolled my eyes. "Don't I know it! But the embarrassing part was that my friend said dinner was on her, and then she goes and forgets her credit card."

My new friend rolled his eyes. "Well, I'm glad I came along at the right time."

I laughed. "Did you ever!"

He looked at me shyly. "What's your name?" 

I smiled at him. "I suppose you deserve that much. My name is Yvette." And I put my hand out to him, palm down.

He took my hand in his, raised it to his lips and kissed it. "I'm Billy."

When he kissed my hand, every part of me tingled. I barely kept a moan from escaping my glossy lips. "Nice to meet you, Billy." But then I saw the time on my watch, and saw that it was very late, indeed. "I'm sorry, Billy. I need to be going. It's late, and I have to go to work in the morning."

He looked more than a little disappointed. I knew just how he felt. 

He said, "Can I walk you to the door, at least?"

That's when I smiled a real smile. "Yes. That would be nice." I took his hand in mine and began walking with him towards the door, and outside into the night. I gave the valet guy my claim ticket. I turned back to Billy. "Thanks for waiting with me."

Billy said, "No problem. Hope the valet guy takes a while."

I laughed. "Oh, do you?"

Billy grinned a shy, nervous grin. "I was kind of hoping I might get to kiss you good night."

"I think we can arrange that. But why?"

Billy faltered a little at that. He slowly said, "Well, because you're a beautiful woman. And I've had my eye on you ever since you walked in the door."

"Really?" God, this white boy was so damn romantic.

"Really. From the second I saw you."

I smiled a very serene smile. I quickly dug out my mirror to check my lipstick. A girl has to look good. And then I reached out my arms to him. 

"Don't just stand there. Come here." 

He stepped into my space, I put my arms around his neck and started to kiss him, soft and light. I couldn't believe I was doing this, but it felt so right. Kissing this man in my arms made more sense than anyting I've ever done.

Finally we finished our kiss and he just held me, rubbing my bare back with his hands, my head on his shoulder. Right then the valet guy pulled up in my car, got out and held the door open for me. I pulled back a little from Billy. "Well, baby. Thanks again for rescuing us."

"No problem. Thanks for the kiss. It was awesome."

I winked at him. "Oh, no, baby. Thank you." I blew him another kiss over the top of my car, then got in, giving the valet guy a tip. I put the car in gear and drove away.

I saw Billy in the mirror, standing there.

I drove away from the club, feeling my wet pussy soak right through my lacy thong panties.

God, the more I thought about that gorgeous man, the wetter I became. His shoulders were so firm, so broad, his arms so strong, his hands so sure. His lips were so soft.

I stopped at a convenience store so I could get milk and a soda -- and take off my soaked panties. Pretending to be cool as a cucumber, I went into the little store and bought a carton of milk and a soda. I'd had some wine with dinner, but on a full stomach. Then I walked back out to my car. Oh so casually.

Checking to make sure nobody was looking, I reached under my dress and quickly tugged my panties down my smooth chocolate legs, then I finally stepped out of them, and climbed back into my car. I flung my little back-pack purse on the other seat, and my glass dildo rolled out and rested against the milk carton. I took a long pull off the cup of soda, and licked my lips, tasting my passion along with the soda.

I couldn't take it any longer. I had to scratch this itch. I reached over for the dildo.

I sucked on the dildo hungrily, easily imagining the artificial cock was Billy's. The glass was soon marred by a ring of red lip gloss. Then I spread my legs and slipped the dildo in my wet pussy. The whole thing slipped inside like a whisper. I mean the whole thing. God, I was wet.

Now, usually I can masturbate for a good half an hour before I make myself come, moving the dildo slowly to tease myself. But I was so intoxicated with lust over this white man that I fucked myself silly and came in minutes.

I licked and sucked all my juices off the dildo, then put it back in my purse. As I did so, I saw all the rings in the bottom of my purse. I reluctantly slipped them back on. My boyfriend Antoine was waiting for me at my home. In the driveway.

He was scowling, like he was my daddy, and I had stayed up past my curfew. I know. My bad.

I pulled up into the driveway and got out. My wet pussy dried up like a lake that hasn't seen any rain in ages. 

"You're late. Where have you been?"

I kissed him on the cheek. "I'm glad to see you, too." I ignored his question. None of his damn business that I was masturbating in my car because I had been kissing another man.

Antoine was tall, dark, and handsome, not quite as dark as me, but his skin was still a smooth dark ebony. He liked to keep his hair short-short, and he also liked to keep a goatee. I hated the damn thing cause it tickled me. But that man looked smooth.

Unfortunately, his smooth exterior hid a rough interior. He was suspicious, easily jealous, and a little possessive. Inside his grown up adult exterior, he sometimes behaved like a college fraternity pledge. And he was 37. I was only 33. We've been together about four years. We've been seeing each other exclusively. I think. At least, I've been seeing him exclusively.

"Okay, okay." He said, raised his hands palms-out to me. He turned his hands so he was holding them out to me. "I'm sorry. I was worried about you."

I walked right past him. I hated it when he acted like this.

"What's the matter with you tonight?"

I stopped and gave him my best turning smile. "I need to turn in. Like you just said, it is kind of late. Good night, boo." I blew him a kiss. Then I went inside, and locked the door behind me. I didn't care whether he followed me or not, or tried to follow me. 

I changed into a sky blue satin camisole, took off my makeup, and climbed in bed. I could feel my tears wet my pillow when I realized I would probably never see Billy again.

Then thoughts of Billy made me wet all over again. I quickly went to the night stand and yanked open the drawer.

* * * * *

The next day, I was at work. In my office. Daydreaming. Not about my boyfriend, but about Billy.

Like the song said, the very thought of him made me want to get undressed. Lord knows I dreamed about him last night. A lot.

I looked out the window of the office building. My office was large and roomy, thanks to my recently acquired upper management status. As I came in, my desk was directly ahead. Behind my desk and all along the wall were floor to ceiling smoked glass windows. To the left was a book case, and to my right was a black leather couch with a coffee table.

The view, as good as it was, only made me wonder where in the city Billy was. Baby, I had it bad. My boyfriend couldn't hold a candle to that man.

Tell me again, why was I seeing Antoine?

The reason I was daydreaming, instead of working, was because the work I was supposed to be doing, was on my computer on my desk -- which was, at this moment, totally frozen. DOA, not A-OK. I could have used my laptop to do the work, but I would much rather sit here and daydream about Billy.

Today, my outfit was much more conservative, this being for work -- a sleevless black turtleneck sweater dress, and knee high black leather boots with 4 inch stiletto heels, my hair pinned up in a very proper bun. Only I knew that I was wearing a bra, but no panties. I had slipped off my panties on the way to work, put them in my purse, thought about Billy at every red light, and felt my pussy glow like a neon sign.

My thoughts of Billy started getting intense. I abandoned both my desk and my work, grabbed my purse, and went to sit on the couch for a few minutes.

I looked at my watch. I gathered up my purse and left my office. I passed my secretary's desk on the way out, where Tera Lee sat, a wireless headset on. Tera was a petite little Asian woman, who looked cute as a button, no matter what she wore or what she looked like. Today, she was dressed in a fashion similar to what I was wearing -- a grey sleeveless turtleneck sweater, black skirt and black stiletto heels. 

"Tera, sweetie, I'm going to have lunch. If anybody calls for me, take a message. And would you please call tech support for my stupid computer again?"

"You mean it locked up again?"

I sighed. "Yes, again. So could you please call tech support for me?"

"Yes, Miss James."

"Thank you, Tera."

I took the sky-way across to the lunch room. I checked my makeup before I went in. My lipstick was still red, but a proper matte color, and I wore mascara and eyeliner but no eye shadow. I click-clicked my way down the hall and finally into the cafeteria.

I got a tray and went down the line, having the spaghetti today. I took a seat with some of the other female managers and we started girl-bonding. It was about half-way through my lunch that I noticed the CEO of our firm, Leo Baker, was making his rounds, introducing some guy. Leo was, of course, wearing a three-piece gray suit, but the other guy was only wearing khakis, a white shirt, black shoes, and a navy blazer. He carried a cell-phone clipped to his pocket.

Leo came over to our table. "Ladies. Sorry to interrupt your lunch, but I want to introduce Billy Francis. He's the representative for a new client."

Billy shook each ladies' hand in turn. When he came to me, I smiled at him like the was the best thing to happen since sliced bread. "And this is Yvette James, one of our partners."

Billy extended his hand to me and I took it. "Hello, baby," I said warmly. "Welcome to the company." Through the corner of my eye, I saw the women mouth 'baby' to each other.

Billy smiled a charming smile back at me. "Thank you." He reached into his wallet and gave cards to everyone, including me. "If anyone has any questions, that's my office extension and cell phone number."

"I have a question," I said. "When do we get free passes?"

All the other ladies echoed my question.

Billy chuckled. "Not to worry, ladies. My boss gave me free day passes for everyone."

"That's very generous of you."

"I'm glad y'all approve."

My already wet pussy started to dribble. "Aren't you going to join us for lunch?"

Billy smiled slightly. "I've already had lunch, thank you. I was just about to have some dessert."

Oh, lord. I had to consciously keep myself from spreading my legs instead of crossing them. Slowly and studiously, I crossed my legs tightly. 

Oh, if he wanted dessert, he was more than welcome to some of the chocolate cream pie between my legs.

*******

I was back in my office, chastising myself for making such a public fool of myself, when the intercom buzzed. "Yes, Tera?" I was sitting on the couch, with my laptop on the coffee table.

"The guy from the day spa is here to see you about your day pass."

"Great, I'll be right there in a minute, can you please have him take a seat?"

"Sure, Miss James."

I found my purse, and dug out my red lip gloss. Yes, I know, I'm supposed to be Miss Conservative Business Woman. But right now, I want to be Sexy Business Woman.

I finished with my lip gloss, then lifted the phone again. "Tera?"

"Yes, Miss James?"

"Please tell Billy to come in."

"Yes, Miss James." 

One minute later, Tera opened the door. "Miss James will see you, Mr. Francis. Won't you come in?"

Billy came in. "Thank you. Enjoy your day pass."

Tera smiled at him. Then she looked between the two of us. "Will either of you be wanting anything to drink? Mr. Francis?"

Billy shook his head. "It's Billy. And no, thank you, Tera."

Tera withdrew, and closed the door quietly.

I met Billy's eyes as he stood there.

I collected myself with a deep breath. "Billy. Please have a seat."

Billy came over and sat down next to me. "Hello, Yvette. You look nice."

I blushed. "Thank you, Billy."

"I got your day pass."

I took it excitedly. "Great! Now I can get my nails fixed."

Billy smiled back. "Your nails, hair, anything you want. We're a full-service day-spa."

"What other stuff you guys have there?" 

Billy handed me a brochure. "All kinds of amenities. Aerobics, Tai Chi, yoga. Swedish massage. Even got a swimming pool."


City Lights and Skyline



Rugby and I decided to take a trip to New York City. It was a wonderful trip, with lots of fun times and the inclusion of a particular nerdy bar. It was honestly the best time I've ever had in NYC, and I'm sure it was because I was there with someone who wanted me with them. Since it was the first time that he and I had gone away together, I was a little bit nervous, but we were only there one night so not much could go wrong. And it didn't. At all.

We were at the bar until about 3:30 in the morning, and then made our way out into the pouring rain to get back to our hotel (in Manhattan) from the bar (in Brooklyn). It was quite a feat. One of my old friends from high school was out with us (a woman I've had a horrible crush on for years), and it was so much fun. It was sad to leave her a the subway station when we got back to the place where the hotel was. It could have ended up being a really interesting night. But that's another post.

By the time we got into the hotel and into the elevator, Rugby and I could hardly keep our hands off of each other. I was wearing a teeny little dress that was short enough to give easy access to anyone who might want it. I know he had been staring at me the whole time we were at the bar, but was unable to give into the things he was thinking of doing to me. He came at me in the elevator and kissed me with a release that had obviously been building up. His mouth enveloped mine, and he pulled me closer to him with anything he could latch on to. I lost my breath and gasped for air during the few moments our lips parted, but I had never felt so desired. He grabbed my hair at the nape of my neck and pulled my head back. I felt his tongue dance around the skin on my neck and I wanted him right there. I felt his hand move down my stomach and up under my dress. He found my lips and delighted in the fact that they were already soaking wet.

"Someone's been thinking about this for a long time..."

"You know I have. I can't wait to use that dick."

His fingers are the perfect length for finding my spot. He rubbed his fingers in small circles and continued to pull my hair. The elevator doors ding'd open, but he didn't stop. My breath caught in my chest a little as I pictured someone standing in the elevator plaza on our floor, but we exited into an empty hallway. He didn't stop touching me the entire walk back to our room. We stumbled along the hallway, trying to coordinate our feet while he kept fingering me. He didn't stop when we got to the room, and I distractedly fumbled the key into the lock and finally opened the door.

I walked into the room in front of him and turned around when I reached the bed. I was facing him, and he was taking off outfit accessories, but never once broke eye contact with me. He came to me and pulled my head toward him with his hand on the back of my neck. As he kissed me, I felt him scratching my neck lightly and his fingers searching for the halter straps of my dress. I felt the knot untie and the fabric fall from my neck, shoulders, and chest.

He was more gentle now. His fingers gently lifted my face so he could survey which bit of my neck he was going to start on. I felt his lips hit my skin, warm and precise. He made his way down to my chest and then down my stomach. As he lowered himself in front of me, he finished pulling my dress off of my body. I heard the soft fabric hit the floor and he lowered me to a sit on the bed. He scooted my hips to the edge and pushed me gently so I was leaning back on my forearms. He lifted my thighs up and half-smiled at me. The kind of smile that's mischievous and enticing. I bit my lip and watched the lower half of his face disappear into the space between my legs.

I closed my eyes and tilted my head back when I felt his breath on me. I was so ready for him, and inhaled sharply when he finally stroked me with his tongue. There was no teasing this time. He had a goal, and wasn't going to stop until he reached it. I felt his tongue move seamlessly from my lips to my clit and everywhere in between. He would work on my clit until I came and then would let me come back down with long strokes on my lips or kisses on the inside of my thigh.

"I think you're probably ready now..."

"For what? What are you planning?"

"Don't ask questions. Get up."

I was less than excited to have the wonderful sensations stop, but curious about where we were going. He lead me to the desk in the hotel room and patted the surface so I would sit on the edge.

"The beauty of this is that we don't have to worry about making a mess." He winked at me in a playful way that made me smile and turned me on even more than I already was. Again, he gently pushed me back to leaning on my forearms. Then he put his fingers inside me and I felt them curve up to hit my g-spot. He put his other hand on the top of my pelvis and pushed down slightly. I felt his fingers working inside me, and could tell I was getting wetter and more ready for him. He paused for a moment and stood with his head directly over my pussy. My heart started to race when I knew what was coming, and I lay all the way down when I saw him let a little bit of spit drip down onto his hand. He always adds his own lubrication with this goal, and it's one of the reasons I know what was about to happen.

He started slowly, working my juices and his spit together until the wetness was almost unbearable. I could hear the familiar squishing noise of his fingers working my spot and knew the pressure was going to be building up soon. He pushed harder on my pelvis to bring my spot closer to his fingers. I could feel the familiar sensations start to build up inside me, and my breathing got shallower and more rapid.

"That's my good girl. You know you want to squirt for me."

"I do. Please don't stop..."

I felt the first wave hit me and felt him pull his fingers out to let the pressure release. He moved his fingers up to my clit while I came, and I could hear the liquid hit the floor beneath me. Now, usually, this is where my squirting ends with him. He had other plans. He put his fingers back in and started where he left off. I almost couldn't contain it. I started writhing on the desk as the orgasm built up again. When I came, the cycle started all over again.

"That's my girl. Show me how good that feels. You going to cum again for me? Let these fingers help you destroy this room? Fuck yes... good girl... you're so fucking hot when you do that. Do it again... you know you want to. Come on. Cum for me. Nice. Very nice. Good girl. You have more? It feels like you want to cum again all over these fingers. Don't hold back. Show me how this feels... that's my fucking good girl."

He made me squirt probably 5 or 6 times before he finally pulled his fingers out of me and examined his work. I slowly sat up and put my feet on the carpet below me, which was drenched.

"Fuck that felt good. I don't think I've ever cum that much or that hard for you before."

"Take a moment, because we're not done."

We paused for some water before we made our way back to where the bed was. I was getting turned on again with the thought of having him inside me and making him cum. I crawled onto the bed, but he stopped me by pulling me back by my hair.

"Where the fuck are you going? I said we weren't done."

He gave the side glance at me again, and I moved off of the bed. Our hotel room was almost directly across from MSG, so the streets below us were fairly busy, plus there was an office building directly across and the hotel itself wrapped around to the right of our room. In other words, there was ample opportunity to be heard and seen by almost anyone at all.

He opened the window and bent me over in front of him. I could feel his fingers dancing around my pussy again, as though there was the slightest chance that I wasn't still soaking wet and begging for his cock. Then he leaned his face next to mine and whispered to me.

"Don't you dare hold back. I want them to hear the wonderful things you're feeling." I knew he didn't want to keep it to himself. He wanted to hear me, and he wanted everyone else to, also.

With that, I finally felt his cock enter me. It was firm and solid and filled my tight pussy. He exhaled as he entered me completely, almost surprised by the tightness he was feeling.

"You like the way that pussy feels wrapping around you?"

"Fuck yes. It feels incredible. You ready?"

"Yes. Pound me so everyone knows it."

He wasted no time. He thrust hard into me, and fast. This wasn't about anything other than making each other cum. He dug his fingers into my skin on my hips and pulled me hard into him. With each thrust, I could feel all of him inside me. I bent my knees a little bit so he hit me in the right way. I could hear his skin slapping against mine. It turned me on to hear how hard he was fucking me as well as feel it. I came around him.

"That's my good girl. Fuck you're so tight. I'm going to cum... turn that pretty face around."

I felt him pull out of me and I got on my knees in front of him. He was stroking his cock, which looked gleaming and wet from being inside me. I licked his balls and begged for him to cum for me.

"Please let me have your cum. I'm ready for it."

With that, I saw him tighten up and felt his hot cum all over my chest and face. I loved the way it felt and he looked as satisfied as I was at the events of the evening.



City Lights Ch. 02



Sorry this new chapter took so long. Thanks to everyone who requested.

------------------

I woke up. My eyes slowly fluttered open. I was lying on my left side.

I rolled over on to my back. For a second, I didn't know where I was. Then I remembered I was in Billy's place. I smiled with the realization.

I turned my head to the right and saw Billy laying next to me, his chest rising and falling in a slow steady pace, indicating he was deep-deep-deep-asleep. My smile widened as I watched him sleeping.

Billy and I had fallen asleep after making love last night. Fallen asleep naked.

Mother Nature was calling, so I got up, slipped on a terry cloth bath robe over my naked body and silently went down the hall to the bathroom. As I sat on the cold-as-hell toilet seat and did my business, I thought about our relationship so far.

It was never this easy with Antoine. I haven't thought about him in ages. Haven't even given him very much thought at all.

But I couldn't imagine the last three years without Billy. It's been about eighteen months since we mutually decided not to see other people. And I don't regret that decision at all.

It seems like just yesterday that I started marking my territory. I started "accidentally" leaving things in his apartment - lipsticks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouth wash, that kind of thing. Next thing you know I've brought over entire outfits, shoes, boots, even a couple of fancy cocktail dresses.

I've been content to let our relationship be what it is. I haven't rushed Billy to take things to the next level. Any man who satisfies me with such depth and with such consistency as Billy does, deserves my unconditional love.

Finally finished doing my business, I stood up and flushed the toilet, then padded back down the hall to the bedroom. As soon as I went back in, I saw the time. It was nearly time for me to head back to my crib and get ready for work.

But that didn't mean I couldn't wake up my boyfriend in style.

Billy was laying there, covered to his waist, on his back. I reached over and pulled the blanket down until his cock and balls were exposed, these same male genitalia that's been giving me so much pleasure.

My mouth started to water when I saw that his cock was straight as a flag-pole. 

My left hand reached down and started rubbing my clit.

I reached over with my right hand and enclosed my long slender brown fingers around his pale white cock, running my fingers up to the pink head and back down again. Yes, his cock was firm to the touch, magnificently erect. I kept stroking him until I saw that telltale bead of moisture at the tip of his cock.

With one single movement, I shed my bath robe, leaving a little puddle of fabric on the floor, then I climbed back on the bed, straddled him and slipped him inside me.

Oooooohhhh, yeahhhh...

And then I started to move. Ooohh, shit.

I tried to move slow, but I cannot tell you enough how good it feels to have this white cock inside my black pussy.

Closing my eyes, I kept riding him, until suddenly I felt Billy's hands on my waist.

I opened my eyes and saw him, wide awake and staring at me. I grinned. "Good morning, baby. I hope you don't mind if I start the day with a little fuck."

He grinned, too. "Nope, don't mind."

I giggled and then resumed my motions. I was so damn wet. Billy's cock moved easily inside me as I moved my hips. Up, and down. Up, and down. Up, down, up, down, up, down...

We kept up our lovemaking for several minutes, me trying to move as slowly as possible. I looked at Billy. "Doesn't this shit feel so fucking good?"

He grunted as I slipped him back inside me. "Yeah. Really good."

I giggled sweetly. "Yes, it does..."

The squeaking of the bedsprings started getting louder and more emphatic.

Billy said, "Do you like that white dick?"

"Oh shit! Yes, baby, I'm coming! Yes! Yes! Yes! Ahhhhhh..."

Finally I rested on top of him, feeling his heart beat, watching his toned chest rising and falling, rising and falling. I kissed his chest and said, "I love you, baby."

"I love you, too."

I slipped his cock out of my pussy and laid down next to him, pulling the sheets back up. We laid there in silence, until I said, "Shit, I don't want to leave."

Billy chuckled. "Neither do I."

"Oh well, that's okay. I have a couple of outfits here, anyway."

"More than a couple, Yvette."

I giggled. "Yes, I know."

"You could just move in and save yourself the trouble."

I kissed his sweaty chest. "Not that I don't want to, but I hate moving."

"Don't worry, I understand. Besides which, I have some stuff at the office to resolve first."

"Like what, baby?"

"Well, as you know, I'm no longer the representative that visits your firm."

"I wondered what happened. What are they having you do?"

"They've got me traveling all over the damn state, all over the damned country just about, visiting all of the salons who use our products. It's pretty damned exhausting and I'm getting just about fed up with it."

"Are they sending you anywhere this weekend?"

"Yes, actually they are, and before you say anything, yes I know what this weekend is. Your dad's birthday. I was hoping to be there."

"You've got to be kidding me. Can't they get someone else?"

"Believe me, I've asked. And of course nobody else is available."

"Oh, baby, I know you've been looking forward to this."

"Yeah, I was. I found that book all about baseball that your father has been wanting."

"Have you tried just asking them to reassign you?"

Billy exhaled noisily. He sounded frustrated. "Yeah. I have asked. It's like talking to a brick wall."

"How long have you been with them, anyway?"

"More than ten years."

"Wow, that long? I would think you'd have your choice of assignments."

"I would think that, too. But that doesn't seem to be the case."

"Are you under a contract?"

"Nope. Free as a bird. I could quit today if I wanted to. Why?"

"Hmmmm..."

Billy chuckled. "I'm not sure I like that sound. It usually means you're thinking."

I giggled sweetly. "Yes, I sure am!"

"Okay, so what are you thinking?"

I rolled over on my side, resting my chin in my palm. "Companies tend to pay more attention to the other companies they do business with than they do to their employees. Maybe I can get them to see our way."

Billy grinned. "I do not believe you."

I beamed at him. "Well, don't thank me yet. I haven't done anything."

"I love you, Yvette."

"And I love you more, Billy. "

"If you can get me out of there..."

"Well, like I said, I haven't done anything yet. But let me talk to my boss before the meeting. See if I can't get Leo to steal you away if the rep doesn't agree."

"Right. One thing at a time."

I caressed his flat defined tummy. "So when are you due back from your work trip?"

"Sunday afternoon. Tell your Dad I said hi."

"I will, baby."

* * * * * *

It was ten-thirty. I had just gotten off a conference call with one of our other clients. I had managed to negotiate a new contract with them.

I moved from my desk to the couch at the other end of my office, feeling pretty good. The bright warm after-glow of sex was still coursing through me. Of course it also helped I was wearing red, my favorite color, and Billy's too. Red blazer, red skirt, black suede open-toed pumps with five inch high stiletto heels. And of course, my best red lipstick. My hair was pinned up and out of the way.

In the middle of my thoughts, the intercom buzzed. "Yes, Tera?"

"Miss James, Mr. Baker is here to see you. He says it's about the meeting with the salon company."

"Send him in, Tera."

Seconds later, Tera opened the door and Leo Baker stepped inside. I stood up and walked over, hand extended. "Why, Leo, that telepathy thing has to stop."

He chuckled. "Yes, I know."

Tera looked between us and said, "Is there anything I can get for you, Mr. Baker? Miss James?"

Leo smiled graciously at her and said, "Tera, it's Leo. And no, thank you."

"Okay. Leo. Miss James?"

"No, thank you, Tera. That will be all."

"Yes, Miss James." She quietly withdrew, closing the doors behind her.

I turned to Leo. "So. Tera said you wanted to see me before we met with the client."

"Yes, I did. I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page."

"Regarding what?"

"Well, I don't know about you, but that man they were sending at first, Billy Francis, I rather liked the way he took care of things for us."

I mananged to supress a smile. "Well, Leo, I won't deny I agree with you. We don't even get free products anymore."

Leo nodded. "Yes, my wife rather likes their products, too. So I wanted to see if we both agreed about asking them to bring Billy back."

I nodded emphatically. "Yes, I do agree. Let's ask them."

"Yes, but we're going to have to make it worth their while somehow. Otherwise, they might not agree to it."

"Yes, I thinking about that. It's nearly time for us to negotiate a new contract anyway. We might as well sweeten the deal for them."

"Yes, we might as well."

"But what if we can't get them to agree?"

"I've been thinking about that. How long has he been with them, anyway?"

My heart nearly skipped a beat. "Oh, a few years, at least, I would imagine. We've been doing business with them for more than three years, so I would think at least that long."

"Well, if you can squeeze it in before the meeting, go ahead and call Lana in HR and see if we can't steal Mr. Francis away from them."

"I think I might be able to find time to do that, Leo."

"Very good, Yvette. I'll leave you to it." He went to the doors, but paused. "And if I may, allow me to congratulate you."

"For what, Leo?"

"You don't talk about your home life very much, at least not to me. So I can only assume that it's because of a very special man that has made you glow this brightly. So please accept my heart felt wishes that you remain so happy."

"Thank you, Leo. You're right. And I hope so, too."

"If you manage to call Lana, just email me if you have the chance on what you were able to find out."

"Yes, Leo."

"I'll be seeing you at the meeting, then?"

"Yes, Leo."

He finally closed the door behind him. I went to my desk and sat down.

I was suddenly overcome with a need to clasp my hands in supplication and look out at the sky. "Lord, if you could, please, please extend your kindness to the man I love. I only want to see him happy. And while I think he's pretty happy already, I implore you to get him out of there. Please Lord."

I wasn't given to prayer as a rule, but I could use any help I could get.

* * * * * *

Eleven-thirty AM.

I sat to Leo's left, on one side of the conference table. On the other side of the table, sat the client. The meeting was nearly over.

The client's rep, one Alyssa Smith, said, "You mentioned one other matter to discuss?"

I leaned forward and said, "Yes. We'd like you to bring back Billy Francis to represent your company. He's the only person we want to be the liaison between us."

"I'm not sure if that would be possible."

Leo spoke up then. "Well, it would be a small matter to reassign just one employee, I would think. Contract renewal is coming up pretty soon. I'm sure we could come to some kind of an agreement."

The woman swallowed. "I'm afraid I don't have that kind of power."

"Well then, get me someone who does."

"Right now?"

"Yes," Leo said. "Call them right now. I don't have all day."

I winked at Leo. He grinned.

The woman stood, reached for the phone sitting on the table, and dialed a number.

"Georgia Davis."

"Miss Davis, this is Alyssa Smith. I'm at Leo Baker Public Relations."

"You're still there? What's the hold up?"

"Mr. Baker has a request of us."

"And what on earth might that be?"

Leo said, "We want your man Billy Francis to be the liaison to our company again. He was very capable and always got things taken care of for us."

"I'm afraid that would not be possible."

Leo frowned just slightly. "Miss Davis, it's one small favor we're asking. As I've said to Miss Smith, contract negotiations are coming up quite soon. I'm sure we could come up with a mutually beneficial agreement."

There was a very slight but noticeable pause. "I'm sure we could, Mr. Baker. But on the matter of reassigning Mr. Francis, I'm afraid that is not negotiable. I need him where he is."

"I'm sorry to hear that. We've been working together a while now. Think of how much time you're going to waste having to find a new PR firm all over again?"

"I'll have to consult with my staff. But I can't promise anything."

"No, I don't guess you could." Leo hung up on her. Then he looked at Alyssa. "I don't think we'll be working together anymore."

"I'm sorry you feel that way, Mr. Baker."

"As I said, we liked the way Mr. Francis did things. None of your other people seem as capable, and quite frankly I'm rather disappointed."

"He's just one man. Replaceable."

"I think this meeting is concluded, Miss Smith."

"As I said, I'm sorry you feel that way."

Alyssa stood up, collected her things and turned for the door. 

"Oh, and Miss Smith?"

She turned towards him. "Yes, Mr. Baker?"

"Eventually, I think you'll find that you, too, can be replaced."

She swallowed. "Thank you for your time today, Mr. Baker."

Alyssa finally left. Leo turned to me and said, "Well, I guess that just about covers that. What did you find out from Lana?"

"Good news. Lana told me that we actually need to hire new people, since we lost a few people last year."

"Excellent. Do you still have Mr. Francis' contact information?"

"Yes, I believe I do, Leo. But I'll have to look it up to make sure." Roll that lie three times fast.

"Yes, do that please, right away. Offer him whatever you have to."

Smiling, I said, "But Leo, what are we going to do about beauty products?"

"It won't be the end of the world. I'm sure Georgia Davis is re-thinking her position as we speak."

"Undoubtedly, Leo."

"Regardless, I want Billy Francis working for me."

"Yes, Leo. But I wanted to ask you what sort of position did you want to hire Billy for? I'm sure you would agree it would be bad form to hire him for a position that requires a lot of traveling."

"Hmmm, yes, that's a good point, Yvette. Get back with Lana about what positions we have open that don't require traveling."

"Yes, Leo. Right away."

* * * * *

Monday morning, the first thing I did when I got in to work was to call Billy's office.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Francis isn't available."

"What, is he in a meeting?"

"No, he's called in sick."

Startled, I just said, "Thank you. I'll try again tomorrow." I waited about a minute before I lifted my phone again, and this time I dialed Billy's home phone number.

"Hello."

"Hey, baby."

"Hi, Yvette."

"You okay? I tried calling you at work and they said you called in sick."

"Oh. Yeah. I'm okay, I just needed some time off is all."

"I can understand that. You still dissatisfied with your work situation?"

"As much as ever. Why?"

"How would you like to come work at my company?"

"I wasn't aware you guys were hiring."

"Neither was I, baby. But Leo Baker himself has given me the okay to hire you. The only question is what job."

"Any job without any traveling."

"Of course, baby. Leo and I have already spoken about that."

Billy was silent for a minute. Then he said, "Okay. But what about us? I don't want to put what we have in jeopardy."

"Billy, this stress you're under, constantly traveling, getting no rest, having no social life, I can tell that it's killing you. I just want to make sure you're happy."

"I am happy. But I won't deny that I've been thinking about changing jobs for a while."

"Okay. Get something to write with because I'm giving you Lana White's email address. She's the HR Manager. And yes, she knows all about this."

"Okay. Go ahead."

I gave him her email address and then said, "So, get on that laptop of yours and email your resume to Lana."

"Right... How did your dad like that book?"

"He loved it. He wanted me to tell you thanks."

"Good. I'm glad. I had to look high and low for that book."

"If I haven't told you before, let me just tell you now that the last three years have been the best three years of my life."

"Thanks. Same here. Wouldn't trade it for anything."

"I hope you won't get in trouble at work."

Billy laughed shortly. "What are they gonna do? Fire me?"

"No, but they might give you a bad reputation just because they can."

"No, Yvette, I won't get in trouble, as long as I remember to give them two weeks notice."

"Yes, well, get ready to do that, because Leo has given Lana permission to offer you anything to get you employed with us."

Billy actually laughed out loud. "That won't be very tough. But it will be a nice change from how my current employer treats me."

"Don't you worry, baby, I'll get you out of there."

* * * * *

Three weeks later:

Sunday morning. I came into the kitchen from the bathroom, and saw Billy standing there, looking out the window, dressed in his favorite black t-shirt and black cargo shorts.

Freshly showered and dressed in my favorite white top and shorts, I stepped up to him and slipped my arms around his waist from behind. "Hey, baby."

He turned around and smiled. "Hey."

"What's got you looking so serious?"

"Just thinking. I can't wait to go to work tomorrow."

"It's good to hear you say that. I think you'll like working at my company."

"Well, from what Lana said, I think I will, too."

"I think we should celebrate. Although after we do that I might need another shower."

Billy chuckled. "I promise, I won't mess up your makeup."

I giggled. "But I like it when we kiss."

Billy bent down and started nuzzling the nape of my neck, causing me to moan. "Ooooohhh, Billy."

"Mmmmm. Love the taste of chocolate."

I giggled and moaned again.

Billy reached up and slipped the straps of my top down around my arms, which caused goosebumps to appear everywhere. Then he ever so gently ran his fingertips along the curve of my breast, causing my nipples to harden instantly.

"Oh, baby," I gasped. "How do you do this to me?"

"After three years, I think I should know how to turn you on."

"Yes, you do!"

Suddenly his mouth gently sucked my breast and I couldn't say anything more than moans and shouts and gasps.

"Ooooh, shit! Baby?"

Billy grinned up at me. "Yes, Yvette?"

"Let's take this to the couch. We just cleaned up the kitchen."

He took my hand. "Whatever you say."

Once there in the living room, he pushed the ottomans up against his couch. I grinned up at him. "Oh, you naughty naughty boy."

He grinned back. "Guilty as charged."

I laid down on the couch. Billy quickly slipped my shorts off and began feasting on my pussy. 

"Oh, God! Oh God! Yes, Billy! Eat my pussy you fucking white boy! Yes, you like chocolate pussy!"

"Mmmmm... love chocolate pussy...."

"Don't. Talk. With. Your mouth. Full!"

"Do you know ... what I want ... to do now?"

"Whats.... Oh, God! .... What's that?"

"I want to fuck your black pussy."

"Mmmm, you want to fuck this black pussy, baby?"

"Yes, I want to fuck your pussy."

"Tell me how you want to fuck my pussy..."

"I want to get you on all fours so I can fuck you from behind. I'd ease my cock in real slow and get it all in there and pump it until you came."

"Well, don't just sit there!"

I let Billy man-handle me, putting me in just the position he wanted, on my knees, with my arms on the couch back, my ass high in the air.

There was a rustle of clothes behind me as he got undressed. Then his voice was right in my ear. "I should tell you, I got us something to try."

My reply was sultry. "What's that, baby?"




City Lights Ch. 02



"I bought a bottle of lube."

"Mmmmmmm...."

I felt him apply lube to my pussy, although I didn't really need it because I was so wet already. Then I lubed up his dick and resumed my position.

And then.... He entered me!

I don't know how long he fucked me. I couldn't even tell you how many times I came. All I know is that I enjoyed every fucking minute of it. We fucked and we fucked and we fucked and we fucked!

"Oh baby, how do you do this to me!"

Billy grinned as usual. "So, you want to go see your cousin this afternoon, or should I go ahead and mess up your makeup?"

"As much as I would want you to mess up my makeup, I promised her we would meet for coffee. You can come along if you want. I know you never resist a trip to the book store."

Billy sat down on the couch, exhausted. "No, I think I'll sit this one out. Besides, if I'm going to work tomorrow morning, I need to recover."

I giggled sweetly as I recovered my clothes. "Yes, you sure do, baby."

* * * * * *

Monday morning, Billy and I made a good show of arriving separately. I couldn't give anyone even a hint that our relationship was anything but business-related.

Besides, he had to go HR first and get the HR lecture and then the grand tour before he ever got to work.

So it wasn't until after lunch that I went where Billy's office was located.

He had been offered, and had accepted, a position in the Office of New Projects, a job that offered little if any travel.

I walked down the hallway, dressed in black - blazer, pencil skirt and patent-leather pumps, and stopped as I saw nobody at the cubicle outside his office.

Then I stepped to the door. A cute young thing with jet black hair and chocolate skin was in there, dressed in a white turtleneck sweater, black leather skirt and patent-leather pumps.

Billy himself looked like he could take on the world, in a navy blue jacket and slacks, with a white shirt and navy tie.

I felt a stab of jealousy and fought it down. It wasn't Billy's fault who he got from the secretarial pool.

I heard Billy say, "Well, first of all, you can stop with the Mr. Francis. Okay, Monique?"

I smiled.

"Okay, Mr. - Billy."

"Second thing, get used to reading all the tech news in the morning so you can tell me all about it when I get in."

"Yes, Billy."

That was when I knocked on the door.

Monique looked over and said, "Why, Miss James, I mean Yvette, how are you?"

"I'm fine, Monique, how are things going?"

"They're going pretty well, I think. We're just getting acquainted."

Billy said, "Monique, can you leave us alone for a minute?"

"Sure. Just let me know if you need anything, Billy."

"Thank you, Monique." The girl closed the door behind her, heels clicking on the hardwood floor, body moving her outfit.

As soon as the lock clicked, I said, "I'm going to kill Leo."

Billy chuckled. "What, don't you trust me?"

"Of course I trust you. I just don't believe you got Monique Smith, of all the secretaries you could have gotten."

"HR was probably just being nice."

"Yeah."

Billy suddenly sighed hard. "You see, this was exactly what I was talking about. I come to work here, and suddenly everything changes between us."

I smiled weakly. "No. Nothing has changed between us. Believe me, I do love you. And I am so glad to get you out of there. I'm going to have to learn to adapt is all."

Billy stood up. "By the way, how do I look?"

"Like my man."

"Good."

"By the way, as long as I'm here, how is everything goin?"

"Monique seems like a very good secretary. Things are going great."

I stepped up very close to him. "And let me be the first to welcome you the company..."

Billy chuckled. I leaned in to kiss him but suddenly there was a knock on the door.

"Come in, Monique."

"I have lunch, Billy."

I smiled and said, "I'll just be leaving you two alone to get back to work."

"Thank you, Miss James."



City Lights Ch. 03



This is probably the conclusion to City Lights. Feel free to comment below. :-)

Enjoy!

* * * * * * * * * *

I was lying on the bed, not a stitch of clothing on me, flat on my back, booty on the edge of the bed, legs spread as far as I could spread them, my long straight black hair spread out across the mattress, while Billy was standing, his hands supporting my lower back.

Billy was just as buck-naked as I was, his muscles standing out, his skin flushed pink with arousal, his dick so hard the veins were standing out.

His voice deep and husky, he said, "You ready?"

"I've been ready, baby!"

He supported my back as he slipped his big fat white dick inside my tight velvety chocolate pussy.

"Aaahhhhh, shit!"

"Do you like that big white dick in your tight chocolate pussy?" he asked huskily.

"Ooooohhhh yes, baby, it's soooo biiig!"

I licked my lips as I stared into Billy's eyes. We held that pose for just a few moments. I knew he liked to just pause like that so he feel his dick inside my pussy. Feel us mated together.

I thought it was so sweet.

Then I reached up and ran my nails over Billy's arms. That was my signal to him that I was ready.

He slowly moved his hips back. And then forward again. And back. And forward. Back. Forward. Back. Forward.

The bed springs started to squeak in time with Billy's movements. 

I bit my lower lip as I looked up at him. "Mmmmmm yeessss.... You fuck my pussy so good, baby...."

Billy didn't say anything back. He just held me steady in his strong arms while we made love.

"Oh my god, that feels so fucking good! Don't stop, baby...."

Billy growled out, "You...want me...to stop?"

I growled back, "You white mother fucker better not stop!"

Billy chuckled through his grunts. "Such...Language."

I giggled as I moaned back, "You damn well better fuck the fucking shit out of this fucking black pussy!"

"Always. Ready. To please..."

"That's a good boy! You always like this chocolate pussy!"

"Mmmm, yeah... so tight... so goddamned velvety..."

"Oh yes, I know, baby! Come on! Fuck it! Fuck it! Fuck it! Shit! Fuck my black pussy, goddamnit!" 

I was grabbing handfuls of the sheets and squeezing hard, digging my nails in. I was dimly aware I haven't broken a nail even once.

He grunted, "Oh man... feels so damn good."

"Oh yes I know, baby! Feels so good, doesn't it?"

"Yes. It. Does."

Meanwhile, my back was arched so far I could see the bedroom door. I knew what was coming. Or who would be coming. Me, specifically. Billy, too, probably.

I was so close! "Oh, God... I'm coming, baby! .... I'm coming....! Aaaahhhhh!....."

And then I collapsed back on to the sheets, still breathing heavily, chest rising and falling.

I gulped air. Then I looked up at Billy. "Oh, baby! How do you do this to me?"

"You're just a nasty black slut for white cock, is all it is."

I grinned at him. "For your cock, you mean. My cock."

Billy grinned too. "I have to say, your language is getting filthier every time. Not that I'm complaining, I'm just pointing it out."

I laughed out loud. "Yes, guilty as charged. You got me."

Billy guffawed as he laid down next to me. "You wouldn't happen to be feeling just a tad bit jealous, would you?"

"Jealous? At what?"

"Not what. Whom."

"Why would I be jealous?" I stared at the ceiling so I wouldn't have to look at Billy.

"Look, I'm not stupid, Yvette."

Affectionately, a bit teasing, I replied, "I never said you were...."

He cracked a grin. "It just seems like you're marking your territory a bit more than usual."

Smiling and blushing all at once, I nodded slowly. "I...might have been wanting to make sure the world knows you're my man." I kissed him. "I always do that. What makes you think I'm jealous?"

"Well, this all started about the time I started at your company... and got my new secretary."

"OK. You got me. I'm jealous."

"Why?"

"Just because you spend all day with that beautiful secretary of yours. I'm afraid...of..."

Quietly, he said, "Afraid of what?"

"That...that you'll stop thinking about me."

Billy got serious. "Yvette Tamara James, if you seriously think that I would dump you for my secretary...."

Impetuously I took his hand and kissed it. "No, of course I don't. I trust you, Billy. Maybe I don't know how to show it, exactly, but I do completely trust you."

He took my hand and kissed it back. "Actually I think it's kind of sweet that you're a little jealous."

I blushed. "More than a little."

"Is this a thing that black women do? Get passionately jealous every time another woman even looks at her man?"

"You are so perceptive. Just one of the many things I love about you."

Billy sucked on my fingers, sending chills coursing up and down my spine. He loved to do that ever since I started getting my nails done glamour-length. 

I closed my eyes for a second while he sucked on my fingers. "Mmmmmm....."

"So, is it?"

I opened my eyes again. "Okay, yes, it is a black woman thing. We like to make sure the world knows our man is 'our' man and nobody else's."

"Well, like I said, I think it's kind of sweet."

"Oh, do you?"

"Hell, yeah! Before I met you, nobody ever got jealous on my behalf."

"I'm glad to be the first. I just wish I was able to express it a little more freely at the office."

A faint smile appeared. "Yes, well, this was one of the many consequences I had been afraid of, but at the time you told me there was an opening at your firm, I just went for it without a second thought. All I wanted was to get the hell out of my old job."

"I have nobody to blame but myself. The road to hell is always paved with good intentions. I hope you at least like your new job."

"Oh hell yeah. The new job is much more right up my alley, experience-wise. Plus I've been learning new stuff and meeting all the clients you guys have. Not to mention the sizable pay raise."

I ran my nails through his short wheat-colored hair, smiling affectionately at him. "That's good, baby. I'm glad to hear that."

"The most important thing is that I think I have my work situation straightened out, at least."

"Yes. It's always important to feel some stability in your life. I just don't want you getting too attached to your secretary, is all."

"Yvette. Come on."

"Don't 'come on' me. We both know she's possibly the most beautiful woman in the building."

"Except for you."

I blushed, despite myself. "You mean you don't fantasize about her? At all?"

He shook his head briefly, taking my hand back. "Not when I have you here with me."

That did it. I melted. "Oh, baby. I love you so much."

"I love you, too."

"Seriously, I totally adore you, baby. I absolutely do not know what I would do without in my life. I would be foolish to do anything to change what we have."

"I know. Because I feel the same way."

"I know you do, baby. Now come here."

He climbed on top of me as I slipped my arms around his waist, kissing him as I raked my nails over his back.

Softly, I asked him, "Do you have to do anything today?"

"Nope."

"Good...."

* * * * * * * * *

It's a good thing that this morning has been a busy one. I haven't been tempted to call Billy and have a long sweet conversation with him about nothing.

But I've had clients in all morning. Important clients. Which is why I'm dressed up like I'm going to church, in a spanking white coat-dress and matching white patent-leather open-toed pumps, hair slicked back in a bun, but no hat, thankfully. There some elements of black style I would just as soon do without.

Finally at about 11:45, the last client left, giving me a few minutes to catch up on emails before lunch.

My secretary Tera Lee came in, dressed in a red satin short-sleeved blouse with a black satin pencil skirt with black suede Christian Louboutin open-toed pumps with sky-high rapier-thin six-inch stiletto heels, her hair also slicked back and pinned up in a bun, wearing a tiny little wireless headset. She was smiling. "Boy, finally, the last one, Miss James."

"I know, huh, Tera. Any more clients today?"

"Nope. No more clients today."

"Oh, good. Now we can catch up on our other numerous tasks for the day."

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, tell me about it."

"What's our schedule like for tomorrow?"

"We're in luck. No appointments tomorrow."

"Good. As soon as we're on lunch break, call the sandwich shop and order lunch on me. I'll pay for it."

"Oh, that's very nice of you, Miss James. Thank you."

"Not at all, Tera. By the way, nice pumps."

"Oh, thank you, Miss James."

"Are they new?"

"Why, yes. I just bought them."

"Are they Christian Louboutins?"

"Why, yes! I guess the red arch is a give-away, huh?"

"They look very pretty on you."

"Oh, thank you. But these are my first and so far only pair of Louboutins."

"I'm gonna have to see about getting you a pay raise when your next eval comes up. See if we can get you into Louboutins more often. He makes beautiful pumps."

"I know! And with such a high heel too."

"Yes. They are very sexy. And as my secretary you should look just as good as I do. Better even."

"Why, Miss James, you're too good to me."

"I try, Tera."

Suddenly, in the middle of our conversation, a male voice outside said, "Hello?"

Tera jumped slightly. Looking sheepish, she said, "I guess I'd better go back out front, huh?"

"That's alright, Tera. See who it is."

"Yes, Miss James."

I sat back down behind my desk and started to read all the emails I had been sent so far today. It was a long list. But no sooner had I even cleared the screen saver than Tera came back in.

I looked up. "Yes, Tera?"

"Miss James, there's a gentleman here to see you."

"Great. Does he even have an appointment?"

"No, Miss James."

"Well, who is it?"

"It's Antoine."

She didn't have to explain who that was.

For a second I felt like the floor had been yanked out from under me. Antoine?! What hell was he doing here?

I pulled myself together and said, "Go ahead and send him in, Tera."

"Yes, Miss James." She went back out again and came back seconds later, holding the door for someone.

And then Antoine stepped inside. He was looking the same as I remembered him - stocky, beefy, somewhat paler skin than I, hairline receding slightly. Some time ago he had decided to get rid of the goatee he favored. I wondered, dimly, who had convinced him to do that. He was wearing a navy-blue suit and spit-shined black shoes. I was impressed despite myself.

Trying to be nice, I got up, came around, and gave him a brief friendly hug. "Hi, Antoine. I must admit, this is bit of a surprise."

He smiled. "Yes, I thought it would be."

Still a smug bastard, aren't you, I thought. "Well, Antoine, I don't know if my secretary told you, but it's been a long, busy morning so please make it quick. We're closing for lunch in a few minutes."

His eyes widened for a second. Guess he wasn't expecting this Yvette. Too fucking bad.

He said, "I wanted to introduce you to my fiancee."

Well, I have to admit, I wasn't expecting that, either. But I was so relieved at the same time, so I just said, "Sure. Is she out in the lobby?"

"Yes."

So I followed him out the door and out to the lobby. Reluctantly, but followed him all the same.

Waiting for us, sitting on the leather couch in the lobby, was the probably the most beautiful blonde girl I had ever seen. She looked like she had just stepped out of the pages of a Victoria's Secret catalogue, wearing a simple long-sleeved black sweater, painted-on black jeans, and sky high black leather platform pumps.

She stood up and said, "Hi. You must be Yvette."

Suprised, I just said, "Yes. I'm Yvette. And you are?"

"Oh, I'm Deborah. Just call me Debbie. Antoine and I are getting married! Did he tell you that?"

"Yes. He did. Congratulations."

Oh my god, I was suddenly struck by an irrational need to pull this poor girl into my office, but then I figured, she's a big girl, she can take care of herself.

Debbie meanwhile, just giggled and said, "Thank you!"

I got the feeling Antoine just brought her by so could make me jealous. As if that were possible.

But Antoine said, "Come on Debbie, we have to get over to the wedding planner's office."

She said, "I know, hold on a minute!" She turned to me and said, "It was nice meeting you!" 

Being nice, I said, "And you, as well."

Suddenly she leaned very close, dropped her voice and said, "I've always wanted to try chocolate pussy. Maybe we can get together and have lunch sometime."

With a wink, Debbie stepped back and slipped her arm through Antoine's. Arm in arm, they walked down the hall.

As soon as the happy couple disappeared into the elevator, Tera said, "I was so happy when you said you'd broken up with him."

I smiled at that. "So was I, Tera. So was I."

"Which is why I'm so glad to see you so happy with Billy."

Again I had that sensation of having the floor yanked out from under me. "What?"

Tera laughed. "Miss James, I can put two and two together. I figured you were at least dating."

"And just who else has 'put two and two together'?"

"Nobody else that I know of. And the only reason I did is because we work together every day."

Shit. I should have known someone would have figured it out. The whole damn building probably knows. 

I stayed quiet for a long time.

Then Tera quietly said, "Don't worry, Miss James. I won't tell a soul. You're the best boss I ever had."

"Thanks, Tera. Now let's see about that lunch, shall we?"

"Yes, Miss James."

Meanwhile, I went back into my office. No sooner had I sat down, than my cell phone rang. Rummaging in my purse while the damn thing rang, I quickly snatched it up and pressed the green button.

"Hello."

"Hey, Yvette."

My voice changed. "Hey, baby. What you doing?"

"Been kind of a busy day over here. Just thought I'd give you a call while I had the chance."

"That's sweet of you, baby."

"What about you?"

"About the same. I've never seen so many people before lunch."

Billy laughed. "I know the feeling. I'm afraid I'm having to have a working lunch. I won't be able to come by today. I'm sorry."

"Oh, that's okay, baby. Tera and I are ordering lunch in. So I'll see you later, okay?"

"Yeah. Speaking of which, I was wondering, I know it's been kind of a long week, but what say we have dinner tonight at the Blue Parrot? My treat and everything."

"Hmmmm, that's a tempting offer. What say we have it at my place? That way we don't have to have cab money."

"Yeah, actually, that would be better. Six-thirty okay?"

"That would be fine, baby."

"Cool. See you then."

It wasn't until the sandwiches had arrived and Tera and I were eating that it suddenly hit me. I stopped in mid-bite, the sandwich still at my mouth.

Tera said, "Miss James? Are you okay?"

I carefully swallowed. "Yes, Tera, I'm fine. Billy wanted to take me out to dinner tonight."

"That's sweet of him. Where?"

"To the Blue Parrot."

"That's where you guys first met, isn't it?"

"Yes. It is."

"Hmmm....."

"Come on, Tera, let's eat. We've got to open up the office in twenty minutes."

* * * * * * * * * * *

What did that man have planned? I have to admit, it made me a little nervous.

It didn't cross my mind at first. But now, when I thought about, Billy had to have something planned. Something big. I was afraid to go over the possibilites.

That comment about having a secure job, and then wanting to take me to the place where we first met, couldn't be a coincidence.

I kept my thoughts to myself as Billy showed up right on time at six-thirty with dinner already done - a huge aluminum pan filled with chicken fettucine alfredo, along with a bowl of salad and a bottle of salad dressing.

He seemed oddly nervous as he came in, having changed to his favorite outfit - a black t-shirt and his faded blue jeans, with soft black shoes and his favorite black leather collarless jacket.

I wore a light brown oversized sweater, my left shoulder bare, with a pair of my own favorite jeans, no shoes, my hair down for once.

I met Billy at the door and helped him carry the salad to the kitchen counter.

He puffed, "Thanks."

"Baby, you didn't have to go through all this trouble. It must have taken you a couple of hours to make all this."

"No trouble, Yvette."

And no mention of why he was doing all this. At least not until we were halfway through dinner.

I observed, "Usually we have dinner at your place."

"I know. I thought it would be a nice change for you to sleep in your bed tonight, is all."

"That's very sweet of you. And considerate. I have to say, you're spoiling me here."

He chuckled. "By the way, Monique said Tera had told her how Antoine had dropped by."

"Oh. That." I rolled my eyes. "Yes, he came by. To introduce his stupid fiancee. Why?"

"Nothing. Just wondering why he popped up out of nowhere like that."

"You and me both. But don't worry, even if he had wanted to get back together, it wouldn't happen."

"You never talked about him very much, but I kind of got the feeling you two weren't exactly compatible."

I swallowed my bite of salad and then laughed. "Yes, you could definitely say that. Not compatible at all."

Cautiously, I thought, Billy said, while twirling pasta around his fork, "Now, us, on the other hand..."

"Yes?"

"I think we are pretty compatible, wouldn't you say?"

"Yes. I would say that. Definitely."

I suppressed a smile. He was definitely leading up to something. I just didn't know what.

I forced myself to be patient. He would get to it when he would get to it. Preferably tonight.

I was eating a bite of pasta when Billy suddenly put his fork down, wiped his mouth and got up.

"Where are you going?"

He smiled. "Forgot something. Be right back, don't worry."

He didn't go very far. In fact he picked up his jacket off the couch, found a pocket and dug something out of it.

My heart started to beat very fast.

Then he came over to the table, took my hand and stood me up. "Billy? What's come over you?"

It wasn't until I felt the cold metal that I realized he had taken my left hand, and very gently slipped a ring on my ring finger!

It was a pretty ring, silver, with a solitaire gem on it. I couldn't have cared less at that moment if it was diamond or cubic zirconia.

He was giving me a ring!

I looked down, in shock. Then I looked into his eyes.

"Billy? Baby?"

"Yvette, let's get married. I feel like I'm finally ready to take the next step with you. I hope you feel the same."

I laughed and then threw my arms around his neck. "Yes! I would love to get married! Are you kidding?"

Billy chuckled, right before I kissed him on the mouth. 

I lightly brushed his face with the back of my hand, as I looked at the ring. "I knew you were leading up to something, when I realized you had wanted to take me to the place where we first met."

Billy smiled. "Yep."

"How long have you been planning this, you sly devil?"

"Not very long at all, actually."

"Well, you'd better get used to spending more time at my place, huh?"

He cracked a genuine grin. "Yeah. Guess so."

I kissed him again, tenderly touching my lips to his. "I love you, baby."

"I love you, too, Yvette." He swallowed, clearly relieved that I had said yes. "Now that that's done, we can have more dinner."

Giggling, I sat back down at the table.



City Lights... Country Nights



Author's Note:

DG Hear, MistressLynn and myself are doing a mini writing invitational. We are each picking one song from Ray Price and using it as the basis for a story. I've picked "City Lights," DG Hear, "For the Good Times," and MistressLynn (aka MissLynn), "That's All That Matters." I will also be doing "A Girl in the Night."

We hope you enjoy the stories – Jake Rivers

"City Lights" has always been one of my favorite songs by Ray:

A bright array of city lights as far as I can see.The Great White Way shines through the night for lonely guys like me.The cabarets and honkytonks, their flashing signs inviteA broken heart to lose itself in the glow of city lights.

This story reprises some of the characters and the locale from my earlier story, Hey, Joe!  Thanks to techsan and Lady Cibelle for their editing help.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

I pushed the plate with the remnants of my filet out of my way, and sipped on the half glass of Riesling, sighing as I realized I hadn't really enjoyed the meal. Hell, for a fraction of the cost I might as well had had hominy grits for dinner. Smiling at my folly, I remembered I hadn't had grits since leaving the ranch in Bandera so many years before. I'd been back to visit my folks from time to time, but at six-four and two-twenty I needed more than grits to fill me up mornings.

The waiter came by and cleared the table and brought me the glass of asked-for brandy. Taking a sip of the slightly warmed up Remy Martin, I looked out the window of the Tower Of Texas at the vast array of lights spreading out over the hot summer night. Tracing the lines of the river, I thought I should have eaten at one of the many fine restaurants lining the banks of the San Antonio River. I knew the coolness of the river would have mitigated the summer heat enough to make the dining out bearable.

The waiter came back by with the credit card receipt and somewhat hesitantly asked me, "Aren't you Big Jim, unh," he paused and looked at my credit card again, "Big Jim Morris?"  "Yeah, but that was back in my rodeo days. When I realized I wasn't good enough to make a living bulldoggin' steers I dropped the 'Big' part. Now I'm just Jim Morris."

"I was asking because I overheard my mom talking to her sister about you one time. The time they were talking about was before she married my dad … from what she said you guys were close at one time." He added helpfully, "She was a champion barrel racer at the time."

I nodded and told him, "Well, say hi to her, okay." 

He left and I added a couple dollars to the tip. I didn't want his mom, Candy, to think I was a cheapskate. I'd been pretty wild during my rodeo days, and there were always girls hanging around. I always did my best to see that they left with a smile on their face. Candy was different. We'd been talking marriage for a few months but that talk ended real fast when she caught me with her nemesis, the only girl that ever beat her. She had left me with some bitter words and had gone home to her folks in Cheyenne. She never did go back to the rodeo business. 

At the end of that season I quit too and did just the opposite kind of work that my dad did: he bred bulls and horses for the rodeo and I bought them. I hardly ever did business with him the way it worked out. Buyers seemed to think I wouldn't do right for them if I bought from family.

None of the tables near me had been occupied, and I realized I had made a fine art out of being lonely. Down there, scattered around the city, the bars and honkytonks were flashing their bright neon lights as an invitation to loneliness – a loneliness I well knew. Suddenly tired of my thoughts I put the glass down and pushed back my chair, and left … carrying my sadness with me, like a cloak on a cold winter night.

On the elevator down, I made my decision. My dad wanted to retire, but hadn't been able to find anyone to take over his breeding business. Mom and dad kept getting after me to take the business over, but I knew Holly wasn't interested. Well, hell. Holly damn well wasn't around anymore.

Dad also worked as a vet tech in my mom's large animal veterinary business located where the ranch road came off the highway. My mom, Angie, had already retired. She and my dad, Danny, had sold the business to a recently licensed young vet and leased the building to him.

When I got back to my deathly quiet apartment, I gave dad a call and gave him the news. The vet that had leased the building hadn't wanted the apartment so it was sitting vacant. It was small – two bedroom, two bath – but was done up quite nicely with paneling and hardwood floors. My mom had stayed there when she started her large animal vet business before she had married dad.

A month later, I was in my truck pulling a rental trailer that held surprisingly little stuff to show for ten years of marriage. Pain and suffering might weigh me down but it did nothing to fill the big trailer.

BANDERA, TEXAS

Lights that say "Forget her love, in a different atmosphere"

Lights that lure are nothing but a masquerade for tears

They paint a pretty picture but my arms can't hold them tight

And I just can't say, "I love you" to a street of city lights.

It was nice not having to travel all the time, though for the bigger rodeos like the Calgary Stampede I'd still ride along with the driver since that was the place to make good contacts. I got tired of sitting alone in my apartment so I took to going to the Silver Dollar Saloon on Friday and Saturday nights. My folks knew the owner well and it was a popular place. There were always good dance bands, sawdust on the floor and great beer. What more could a broken-down rodeo cowboy need?

One night several months after I'd moved back, I was sitting at a small table in the corner hiding behind my beer. Someone played "The Road of No Return" on the jukebox and the old Ray Price tune made me think of Holly … something I tried not to do as much as I could. Except when it got to the part, "There were tears in her eyes as she told me goodbye." Holly damn well didn't have any tears in her eyes.

I'd been on the road to Idaho and Montana for two weeks, and when I got back, she was sitting on the sofa with her coat over her arm and two suitcases packed by the door.

"Jim, I'm going on a cruise with a friend I met, Bill Hunter. He'll be here any minute to pick me up. Don't go getting all upset because it might not work out between us and if that's the case I'll come back home."

Now I'd always thought of myself as a quick thinker but I'm sure I stood there with my mouth hanging open looking dumb. I was having trouble processing what she had said.

I tried, "You mean you are leaving here with another man?"

"Jim, don't be stupid. I already told you that."

"Let me get this straight. You are going on a cruise with some asshole – what was his name? Oh, yeah, Bill Hunter. I assume you mean you'll be sleeping in the same bed?"

"Jim, you don't have to be crude. Of course I'll be sleeping with him. But, it might not work out. Who knows, two weeks in a small room cruising the Med might make us hate each other and then I'll come back home … so don't get your balls in an uproar!"

Goddamn! Where did this woman come from and what did she do with Holly? Well, it didn't make any difference; Angie didn't raise a fool. I took her two bags and put them in the hallway. I went back and, grabbing her hand, I hauled her up and dragged her over to the door.

"Have fun, Holly, but don't worry about coming back home – I won't be here."

I pushed her out the door and locked it with the chain. Grabbing a beer, I sat where she had been sitting and tried to figure out what had just happened. A bit later, I heard her steps receding down the hallway with the hum of the wheels on the suitcase followed shortly by the ding on the elevator.

Sipping the beer there in our apartment, I tried to figure out what had gone wrong. I gradually got over it the next few weeks … mostly. About a month after she left I received divorce papers in which she asked for damn little. Turned out the guy owned more oil wells than I had fingers.

So, I sat at the small table at the Silver Dollar thinking that maybe love wasn't all it was cracked up to be. When I first started coming here I'd picked up a few girls for one-nighters – I wasn't in any hurry for an ongoing relationship. After a few weeks of that I gave it up … the emotional turmoil didn't seem worth the sometimes dubious reward.

After that, I just came for a few dances if someone caught my fancy – or I hers. I stayed away from the slow songs and made sure to escort each girl back to her table after one dance. I did like listening to the bands; they generally were quite good. I paced myself on the beer, maybe one every forty-five minutes or so. I got in the habit of peeling the labels off the bottles until one of the bar girls hinted that if I was going to keep making a mess on the table that maybe I should tip a little more.

For a few weeks – especially when I saw a girl that through her posture, her voice, her hair or something made me think of Holly - I'd try to analyze what had gone wrong. I finally conceded that maybe it was partly my fault with all the travel I'd been doing or maybe even it was no one's fault – it just damn well happened and so damn what?

I snapped out of it when a girl walked over and stood next to me. She looked down and finally asked, "Big Jim, you really don't remember me, do you?"

Well, it had been a long time since anyone not connected with the rodeo business had called me Big Jim, so I looked a little closer. I saw a gal about my age, mid-thirties, long blond hair and just shy of voluptuous. She was certainly nothing close to what I would call chubby but I sensed that under that tight red cowgirl shirt and those even tighter fashionably faded blue jeans there just might be a few curves on her curves.

I looked closer at her eyes, and was immediately transported back to my sixteenth year in the hayloft of Kelly Jensen's barn where we'd mutually taken each other's virginity. I remembered a beanpole skinny girl with the most brilliant cornflower blue eyes. They were of an intensity that had sucked that life out of an equally skinny kid that happened to be a foot taller than her. After that, we had dated through the rest of our sophomore year then her dad had died and her mom and two sisters had moved to Corpus Christi to live with her grandparents.

"Kelly? Kelly Jensen? That can't be you, but those eyes …"

She laughed, "Yeah, it's me. I've been trying to get up the courage to come over. I don't know why I was hesitant but seeing you sitting here looking a little on the blue side of lonesome made me hold back."

Remembering some semblance of manners, I jumped up and pulled out the other chair. "Sit down; please sit. Can I get you a drink?" 

She nodded at my beer and I held it up so Mary, the bartender, could see it. I sat back down and stared at Kelly.

"So, damn, it's you, Kelly." I always was real smooth with the girls. "So tell me, what happened to you? Last I heard you were down Corpus way."

"Well, I was. Then I went up to Austin to school and met a real nice boy. He was from over to Medina, just west of here. We got married when we graduated and he took over his dad's feed business and helped on his dad's farm. We had a little boy and two years later a little girl." 

She looked down to check the shine on her Justin's but I knew it was more than that.

She continued, "Then one night he was coming home a big semi with a load of hay blew a tire and hit him head on." With a tear in her eye, she added, "Damn it all – it was so quick. He was there one day and then … gone. I never got to say goodbye to him. I took over the business – I had been doing the paperwork anyway – and I still run it.

"I've taken it pretty hard. That was five years ago and it's just been the last couple of months that I've started going out. So far it's only been with my best friend from high school – you remember Julie Garner, don't you?" At my nod she went on, "I haven't actually had a date so far. But it's good for me to get out and I do like the music and dancing."

The band had just started a new set after its first break, so I stood and offered her my hand. She looked a bit surprised but then smiled and put her arms out. They played a couple of two step dances and segued into a waltz. I started to walk her back to the table but she pulled back on my hand and put her arms around my neck.

We danced slowly for a bit then she whispered in my ear, "Do you remember that first time in my dad's barn? I was so skinny that I was afraid you would laugh at how thin I was."

"Well, if you remember, I was just as skinny as you were." We both laughed at that.

She whispered again, "I haven't been with a man since Gary died."

Startled, I stopped dancing and looked at her. She blushed furiously and said, "Damn! I didn't say that out loud, did I. Tell me I didn't!"

I started dancing with her again and looked over at the band, "No, I didn't hear anything. I think the bass player missed a chord and that's what startled me – he is usually spot on."

We danced a couple more numbers then went back to the table. We chatted for a minute then a tall redhead I recognized at once came up. I rose up and asked, "You must be Julie, right?" 

"Yeah. Big Jim, isn't it? I saw you over at the lunch counter a couple weeks ago. I recognized you right off but I was with someone." She turned to Kelly, "You ready to go? I have to do inventory at the store tomorrow so I've got to take off."  

I was just going to offer to take Kelly home when she pulled out her chair, "Thanks for the dances." She leaned a little closer, and said softly, "And thanks for the other."

She gave me a quick peck on the cheek and was gone. I realized I'd never told her about Holly and she probably thought I was married. Well, it was probably for the best … I really wasn't looking for any entanglements. 

The next morning, Sunday, I walked over to the ranch and let mom fix me breakfast. Our house was about a quarter mile back from the highway and the veterinary building. It was a nice breakfast of ham steak, eggs and some left over cornbread she had. I'd told her about Holly and she hadn't said too much. She was never one to meddle. But, I knew she would always be there for me whenever I needed it.

I drove down to King Ranch to look at a couple of bulls for adding to my breeding stock the next day and wound up staying a week. They were hell on wheels for hospitality. I went hunting several times with them and took back a couple of Rio Grande turkeys they dressed and froze for me. They were a little overstocked on bulls and had done business with my dad for years so I left with the bulls at a much lower price than I had expected I would have to pay.

Driving back, I found my thoughts wandering back to Kelly more frequently than I would have believed. The next Friday I went back to the Silver Dollar and saw Kelly sitting with Julie and two men I didn't know. I wasn't sure which one she was with. When I started to walk by Kelly stood up.

"Jim, come sit with us?"

I noticed the man gave her a dirty look but he didn't say anything. "Jim, this is … I'm sorry, what was your name again?"

"Lowell." He said that a bit testy, like he had said it several times already.

"Anyway, Jim, this is Lowell. Lowell, this is Jim, my fiancé. Jim, why are you so late? You know we have a dinner reservation in a half-hour."

I looked at her with my right eyebrow raised a little when she smiled at me and jumped up, took my hand, and said, "Let's dance. We can get in a couple of dances before we have to leave."

I took her hand and walked her out to the floor. I didn't say anything but finally had to ask, "Fiancé?"

She smothered a giggle with her hand, "That guy has been pestering me all night. He thinks he's God's gift to women but I think he's a creep. You came just in time. Maybe I should get a ring I can flash."

"Okay, I guess we should go to dinner."

"Oh, Jim. You don't have to do that. Just give me a ride home."

"What? Being your fiancé doesn't even rate me a dinner?"

She smiled and said, "Well, you don't have to, but it would be nice."

After several dances, I took her back to the table. I shook hands with Julie and then with Lowell. At six four with a couple of inches of boot heel I can be intimidating. I told Lowell not to bother to get up and leaned into the handshake. He didn't exactly squeal but he did turn an interesting shade of white.

I drove to a steak house that was small and intimate. Around here, everyone fixed great steaks so I was looking more for the atmosphere. When we were seated, I asked her, "So, do you want a long engagement or a short one." I figured I'd yank her chain a bit for springing that on me.

"Thanks for being a good sport about it, Jim. I really didn't know what to do with that guy."

Trying to look as serious as I could, I asked, "What do you mean about being a good sport. Are you saying you didn't mean it about being engaged? You wouldn't do that to a guy that has always loved you, would you?"  As I said that, I realized it was somewhat true. I'd really liked her in school but one day she was just … gone. I'd never had any closure on it.

"But, Jim! I was just … I mean … didn't you … oh, Jim. I thought you were married to that - Holly something, wasn't it?"

Well, that popped my bubble. I deflated as quickly as a blown out tire. "Yeah, Holly. I'm sorry; I was just teasing you about the engagement thing." I gave a deep sigh and looked at anything but Kelly. "We broke up a few months ago – although to be precise I'd say she broke up with me. I'd rather not go into it now, if that's okay."

She looked sad and put her hand on mine, "Sure, Jim. I understand."

"The divorce won't be final for a couple of months. Maybe we should have a party then and celebrate," I said with some sarcasm.

"Jim, don't be cynical. I know it's hard but I understand what loneliness is all about." 

She had a tear in her eye as she said that but the waiter bringing our wine saved us. After that, we both tried to be upbeat and kept it light. The dinner was good and afterwards I drove her home. She lived on a small ranch west of town not too far from where my parents lived. As we drove past the vet building, she made the connection. 

"That's where you used to live, isn't it?"

"Yeah. Well, actually I still do. I live in the apartment in the vet building."

"Gosh, we're practically neighbors. The Adams family lives next to me about a quarter mile and their daughter Katie babysits for me when needed. My daughter Annie is eight and my son Timmy is six."

I pulled up in front of her house and offered to drive her babysitter home.

"Okay, come on in and I'll introduce you."

Since it was not too late, the kids were still up so I got the introduction to all three of them. Annie was a skinny replica of her mother from when she was young and Timmy was stocky and looked like a promising athlete. I had a cup of coffee while Katie Adams gathered her homework.

I was rewarded with a kiss on the cheek and a quick whispered, "Thanks for helping me out and being my fiancé for a night." 

I dropped Mary off and drove the short two miles back to my place. I saw the lights were still on, so I went back and had a beer with my dad and talked business. He had retired but couldn't stay out of it. I didn't mind since he knew more about the breeding business than I ever would.




City Lights... Country Nights



The next week I called Kelly to go dancing again, "If I'm there with you, you won't have to fight off Lowell." 

She laughed at that but agreed to go with me. We both had a lot of fun and laughed frequently. A couple of times I noticed she seemed a bit wistful, like she felt guilty for enjoying herself. I understood and didn't say anything.

The evening was marred only by an ugly incident. I'd gone back to the restroom and when I got back, a drunken Lowell was there, jerking on Kelly's arm insisting she dance with him. He was a mean drunk. I felt like beating the crap out of him but I had been around the block enough times to know that wasn't the best way. I twisted his arm up around his back and called over to Mary behind the bar to get the bouncer.

Lowell was taken away screaming, "I'll get you, goddamn stuck up bitch."

After that, Kelly wanted to be taken home right away. I could tell it really upset her. When we got to her house I offered to come in for a while, but she said, "No, I just want to be with my kids for now. Could you take Katie home for me?"

I had her wait for a minute while I wrote my home and cell numbers for her. "Please call me immediately if you have any problems with that asshole again."

Sunday morning she called and invited me over for dinner. "It's just fried chicken and mashed potatoes. That what the kids like."

The dinner was quite good. Annie was very shy but Timmy was just the opposite. He was very mature for his age and had a self-confidence that belied his age. Both were very polite and as nice kids as you could find.

After they went to bed, Kelly put on some soft music and we danced for a few songs. We wound up on the sofa and I found myself kissing a very different Kelly than the skinny girl of twenty years ago. I was sensitive to her body language and stopped at the right time while she was still feeling good about what we were doing but not getting nervous about it.

We stood by the door chatting and I asked her if she had any plans for the next Sunday.

"Nothing special – I'll probably just fry more chicken," she laughed.

"I have two Rio Grande turkeys I shot when I was at the King Ranch. My mom is going to fix one of them. She asked me to invite you over. Do your kids ride horses?"

"Yeah, they do. But I just have mine in the barn and she's too big for them."  "Well, come on over then. I can pick you up and we have horses that would be fine for the kids. We can all go for a ride before dinner."

"Okay, my arm is getting sore … you can stop twisting it now," she smiled.

The next Saturday night we drove into San Antonio for dinner at Boudro's on the Riverwalk for some blackened prime rib. Kelly had never been there before and really enjoyed it. A mariachi band strolling along the Riverwalk came by and I gave them some money to play, "Yo Soy El Aventurero" which had always been one of my favorites. She enjoyed that a lot since she had never heard it.

We had a nice drive back, not much conversation but a companionable silence. About halfway home, she impulsively leaned over and kissed my cheek and took my hand. I looked over at her and saw she was looking forward with a small smile on her lips. I was never that great at women's body language so I wasn't able to figure out what her enigmatic smile might mean. Oh, well. At least it wasn't a frown.

I didn't go in when we got back; she just sent the babysitter out. The next morning, I picked up Kelly and her kids and took them to the church she went to and then on to my folks. When we got there, dad was just setting up the grill for one of the turkeys I'd shot down at the King Ranch. From experience, I knew it would take a while, so after introducing Kelly and her kids, I took her over to see the vet building and my apartment while mom gave the kids some cookies she had baked. 

Kelly was fascinated by the large animal clinic since it was set up with hoists and a large table so that surgery could be performed on even the largest animal. When I showed her the apartment I sensed it wasn't the right time to try anything with her but as I showed her the view of the ranch out of my second floor apartment she leaned back into me when I put my arms on her shoulders. I nuzzled the back of her neck and she seemed to like that.

We went back and got the kids, and took them to the barn and adjoining corral. Dad had brought several horses in from the pasture for us to take the kids for a ride. Kelly had assured me she was a competent rider so I put her up on a spirited mare. The kids were both on docile ponies and I had my favorite, a lineback dun that handled my large frame with ease.

Kelly turned out to be quietly competent. Annie did okay but she didn't seem at ease. Timmy surprised me though; he had a natural seat and rode like he was part of the pony. I thought about working with him on his horsemanship but I'd have to talk to Kelly about that.

The turkey turned out perfect and mom had fixed all the trimmings. I knew my mom had never really liked Holly although she tried to get along with her. She did seem taken with Kelly. After dinner, Kelly helped mom clean up and dad and I took the kids over to the veterinary office and showed them around. Dad explained to them the problems of doing surgery on a large horse and showed them how the hoists worked.

I took Kelly and the kids home, and we all watched a Disney movie that Kelly had rented. Kelly didn't show any hesitation in holding my hand in front of the kids. I knew I was falling for her and it scared me to death. I had totally lost confidence in myself when Holly dumped me. I also sensed that Kelly was skittish as a colt about entering into a serious relationship. Some of that was a lingering grief for her husband but I thought most of it was concern for her kids. It was clear that they were the most important part of her life.

And that was fine with me. It was clear that Holly and I had rushed into marriage too soon and, in retrospect, the surprise wasn't that it hadn't worked out but that it had lasted as long as it did.

Dad seemed reluctant in totally letting go of the business part of the ranch but that was okay with me. We had a nice easy-going relationship and I didn't have any problem working it any way he wanted.

I was spending more and more time with Kelly and her kids and I was enjoying their company. I took them on several picnics and was pleased when I took them fishing at Medina Lake and Annie was the one that caught several bass to provide a great dinner for us. It was funny to watch her boss Kelly around in the kitchen while her mom was cooking her fish. Timmy didn't have the patience for fishing – he was more of the bull in the china shop, take no prisoners, full-speed ahead type. I got worn out just watching him.

Kelly and I continued going dancing at least one night a week, usually at the Silver Dollar. We didn't see any more of Lowell Brown and that was fine with us. We didn't really drink very much, maybe a couple of beers a night. I was pleased that she seemed to want to dance mostly with me. She never danced with a stranger – just with old friends.

It was about four months after I met Kelly when all of our lives were changed by a traumatic incident. I got a frantic call from her about two in the morning. Lowell had come to her front door drunk and angry. She looked through the window and was scared when she saw a gun in his hand, so she grabbed the kids and snuck them out the back door with them. She quietly had walked around the house and when Lowell broke in the front door, she ran for her car. 

Lowell heard her car start and came running out firing his pistol at her car. At the time of her call he was chasing her down the highway shooting at her car … one of the bullets had broken her rear window. I told her to drive to the vet building, around back where the door to my apartment was.

I called 911 and grabbed a shotgun off the rack and a couple shells from the shelf by the door. I loaded the twelve-gauge, ran down the stairs and stood in the shadows by my truck. A couple of minutes later Kelly came screeching in and I could hear Lowell's car turning off the highway. I pulled Kelly and her kids behind the truck and waited.

Lowell pulled in on the other side of Kelly's car and looked in it. I hoped I could reason with him, so I stepped out but still stood behind the hood of my truck. 

I yelled, "Brown, put the gun down! The police are on their way." 

I could, in fact, hear the sirens of the Texas State Police cars wailing not too far away. I fired one barrel of the Remington up in the air to get his attention.

Lowell dropped his pistol to his side then before I could react, he whipped it up and shot at me. I felt a hard blow hit my left shoulder and instinctively leveled the shotgun and gave him the other barrel. I had been hunting for too many years to miss at the short distance between us. The double aught pellets pretty much tore his head off.

Dad got there just as the two patrol cars turned in. He hadn't been able to sleep and had been sitting on the front porch of the ranch house enjoying the night and when Kelly had driven in so fast, he started running towards us.

It was chaos for a while but they called a helicopter for me – there was clearly no hurry for one for Lowell - and with dad's quiet voice explaining what had happened it settled down fast. I was out of there within ten minutes and shortly afterwards was at University Hospital in San Antonio.

There were no long-term consequences from the awful episode. My shoulder was torn up pretty good and even with a couple of operations, I never regained full range of movement. It also complained a lot on those cold, dark days of winter. I felt bad for taking a life but I knew I had no choice and would do it again with no hesitation to protect what I hoped would be my family. I wound up giving the shotgun to a buddy of mine.

The kids had bad dreams for a while and Kelly backed off from the closeness we had gained for several months but we all weathered the storm. Kelly was upset enough that she closed the feed store for a couple of weeks. She took her kids and stayed with her mom in San Antone. She turned quiet and reserved and not as affectionate. Annie had nightmares for a while but Timmy didn't seem bothered at all.

A month after the shooting incident I got the final divorce papers from Holly. The receiving of them was painful, like an injury that takes a long time to heal, but I didn't feel as bad as I thought I might. I guess time and distance could heal a lot of things. What had bothered me the most was that I'd no clue that it was going to happen. I knew I had been traveling too much but Holly had never complained.

I guess we were just too young when we married and got those two four letter words mixed up: lust and love.

The day I got the papers from Holly, I got a call from Kelly inviting me over for dinner. I told her about the divorce papers but her reaction wasn't what I'd figured it would be.

She looked serious and asked, "How do you feel about it, Jim?"

"I don't know. I guess like making a little doll of her and throwing it in the fireplace."

"Jim! That's not like you. I don't like hearing you talk like that even in jest."

"I'm sorry; I guess I'm a bit bitter. Come here and you can forgive me."

The kids were outside playing so I pulled her down to my lap. We kissed for a while but she started getting antsy so I knew she was expecting the kids to come in. She didn't feel comfortable yet showing affection to me in front of Annie and Timmy.

Kelly and her family came over to my folks for both Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Both were a lot of fun and I could see mom and dad both were becoming attached to Kelly and her two kids. Christmas morning she bundled her family up and drove to Fredericksburg where her mom had moved after leaving Corpus Christi. It's about an hour drive and she was going to stay up there for a week or so. After the 'incident' she had given more responsibility to the man working for her, so she didn't have to be there every day.

That Saturday night I decided to go on to the Silver Dollar. Not for the dancing but to nurse a couple of beers and listen to the music. I'd been there a little under an hour when I felt someone's hands on my shoulder.

"Hey, cowboy, wanna dance?"

I jumped up and there was Kelly, all tricked out in her dancing clothes and shiny Justins.

I took her up on her offer and pulled her out to the dance floor. I put my arms around her, holding her tight. It just felt so right. I knew then that I loved her … loved her in a deeper, more mature love than I'd ever had for Holly. 

I whispered in her ear, "I love you, Kelly." It must have been the right thing to say because she liked to have burst my ribs she squeezed so tight. 

She pulled my head down and kissed me with more that a little bit of fire. "Jim, the kids are still with my mom. Please take me home now." 

She sat next to me in the truck, her hand on my leg, leaning against my side. When we got to her place, I kissed her with all the softness and caring that was in my heart. I pulled back enough to look into her eyes, hooded in the darkness. 

"Kelly, is this what you want?"

"Yes, Jim. With all my heart."

I helped her out of the truck and we went into her house, going right to the bedroom. The only light was a nightlight in her bathroom and in the dimness of her room I slowly undressed her, gently kissing her body, as it was uncovered.

I remembered at the last minute that I hadn't planned this and I had no protection with me. Damn, I hadn't been with a woman since Holly left.

"It's okay, Jim. I know it's okay."

"Kelly, are you on the pill, or …"

"Jim, Jim! Just love me. I love you and want you with me forever." She looked at me shyly in the dim light, "Jim … I … I want to have your baby. I know it's the right thing."

I was somewhat stunned by what she said but after a quick reflection it sounded right to me too. She wasn't perfect, but hell, I wasn't either. I kissed her stretch marks, admired the full rounded hips, and made love to those breasts that showed the slight sag of motherhood. She was all a man could ask for and we shared our passion there on her bed.

She cried after the first time and I lay there with her in my arms, stroking her back and gentling her with soft words and loving touches. Later in the dark night a storm moved in and the noise of the sleet hitting the windows woke us to start a torrent of filling each other's wants and needs. The next morning we woke and looked askance of one another and saw the love we would share until the end.

The next morning I drove her to Fredericksburg to meet her mom. On the way, we made plans for getting married without either of us specifically asking about it. It was just the right thing to do and we knew it.

I got on well with her mom and saw the peace and happiness in Kelly's eyes as she saw how happy the kids were to see me and saw how much I loved them.

****** 

Now, in the autumn of our years we look back with thankfulness on the circumstances that brought us together. We moved to my folks' ranch after they died and Timmy took over his mom's place. After a couple of years on the rodeo circuit Tim – as he came to prefer – went to school to become a vet and took over the business at the front of the ranch. 

Annie became a pediatrician and lived in San Antone and Angie, the daughter of our love, was a vet tech working for Tim and living in the apartment that I had when I met Kelly. I seemed to see a lot of pickup trucks stopping by Angie's door but she says she is in no hurry, that she only wants to pick a man once in her life.

As time went on I came to understand that I had needed the experience of Holly to really appreciate what I had in Kelly.

Life has been good to us.



City Lights



"I sure could use a massage."

"Really? We can hook you up."

"Good. This job isn't all fun and games."

Billy nodded. "I know about that. A day at our spa will make all that pressure totally go away."

"Great!" I smiled back. My smile turned into a little frown. "My computer, on the other hand..."

"What's the problem with your computer?"

I gestured to my desk, and to the computer there. "Look, it's completely frozen."

"How long has it been like that?"

I glanced at my watch. "About an hour."

"Did you try re-booting?"

"Actually, no." I smiled, sheepishly.

Billy said, "Long way from the Blue Parrot, aren't we?"

I blushed. "Yes," I said softly. "We are."

"I have to admit, I didn't know you worked here. Seeing you here was a bit of a surprise."

"It was a surprise for me, as well."

"But a pleasant one. Right?"

"Yes." I blushed. "Very much so."

"Me too. Because I was kind of hoping we could continue that kiss."

"Any time you want, baby." My voice was soft, caressing the words. And then he reached his hand out to me. My rational mind was screaming at me to hold up. But another part of me, the stronger part, made me put my hand in his.

I let him pull me into a comfortable embrace, slipping his arms around my waist and pulling me so close my breasts were touching his chest. I lightly placed my hands on his shoulders. We paused, looking into each other's eyes. And then we kissed.

The feeling went straight to my toes! Billy held me and kissed me and caressed me and drove me insane. 

We had been kissing for the entire afternoon it seemed, when I felt something pressing against my hips. It was his erection. A good, strong one.

I didn't think twice. I unbuckled his belt and unzipped his trousers, letting his cock pop out. I stroked him up and down... up and down... My god, it looked so beautiful, especially in my hands. I couldn't wait to see what it looked like in my pussy.

Then I got down on my knees before him, spread his legs, and started sucking on his cock. Oh my god, I couldn't believe how good white cock tasted! I went to town, and gave him a loud wet blowjob.

And then, I couldn't believe it, when Billy gently stopped me. I let his cock pop out of my mouth. "What it is, baby? Is something wrong?"

He shook his head. "No. But I do believe I should return the favor." 

I smiled, and nearly melted. I sat on the couch, and spread my legs for Billy Francis. But he came over to me, took my face in his hands, and kissed me instead, the kiss of a patient man, almost tasting me, using his tongue.

I nearly melted as he kissed my earlobes, then my neck. I felt him caressing my arms.

I moaned out the words. "Oh god, baby."

"Been a while?"

"Since a man has taken care of me like this, yes."

"Glad to take care of you." His lips caressed my neck, as he put his hands on my breasts through my dress. That did it. I love having that done to me.

And then, he did the ultimate -- he slid his hand under my dress. His hand slowly slid up my creamy smooth thigh, and found my pussy. "You're not wearing panties."

I gave him a look of lust. "That's right, baby. Just thinking about you gets me all hot and bothered."

"Been thinking about me all day?"

My lustful expression deepened. "What do you think?"

His fingers found my clit, and gently rubbed it. "I think it's time for a real man to take care of you."

My pussy was aching, throbbing! I pleaded with him, sultrily, "Oh, baby, please fuck me!" 

He looked in my eyes, and groaned. "Don't have any condoms, Yvette."

"I don't care." I spoke clearly and explicitly, in a low voice, breathing heavily. "I want you to fuck me with your beautiful white cock right now!" I practically ripped off his blazer and threw it on the floor.

Billy put his hands around my waist, and pushed my dress up. I spread my legs for him willingly. Then he pulled me to the edge of my couch and moved in between my legs.

I felt the head of his cock press against my pussy opening.

I dug my nails frantically in his shoulders. "Oh god, Billy, put it in!"

And then he did. All of him went inside me.

My back arched, my eyes nearly rolled inside my head as his white cock slipped all the way inside me.

After a slight bit of adjustment, he began to move, slowly, teasing me. But I knew, the way he looked at me, that this was the best pussy he's ever had.

I tried not to make a lot of noise, but his smooth easy fucking had me thanking God for this wonderful private office with sound-proofed walls.

I also tried not to hurt him with my nails, but with each stroke I gasped and dug them in to hold on to him. 

It didn't take very long for me to reach that special place that women long for -- orgasm.

I dug my nails in this sexy white man's shoulders as I felt the waves come. UHHMMMMMMM...

I finally floated back down to Earth. I was in my office again, with this man between my legs, holding me, kissing me. Rubbing my back. "Wow."

"Yeah," he agreed. "More like whoa."

I laughed. We held each other for a little while longer, and then he let me hop off the couch. I rearranged my clothes and turned around to face him.

"I wish you didn't have a boyfriend," Billy said suddenly.

"Me too," I said softly. "Then you could be my boyfriend." And so much more.

"Yeah. So, what are you waiting for?"

"For someone to pinch me and end this dream."

Billy squeezed my arm. "See? No dream," he said quietly.

Trembling, I hugged him as tight as I could. "I know," I whispered. "Baby, you're turning me inside out, did you know?"

Billy nodded. "Maybe you needed to be turned inside out."

"I know I needed it." I took a deep breath, tried not to cry. "This is all a little too much right now, Billy. I'm sure you understand."

He nodded, unhappily. "Yeah. Sure. Let me know how your free visit goes." Then he picked up his blazer off the floor where it had landed and put it back on again. He combed his hair and wiped my lipstick off his face. Then he started for the door.

I stopped him with a touch. "This has never happened to me before, Billy. I'm so incredibly happy right now. But I still need time to sort it all out."

Billy smiled. "Right. But I'll tell you something. Don't sort too long." And then he walked out of my office.

I recognized the wisdom of his words as I looked at the day-pass. Unfortunately I didn't have time to ponder them. My phone buzzed again. I picked it up. "Yes?"

"Miss James, Mr. Baker needs you in his office right away."

I swallowed. "Thank you, Tera. I'll be right there. And call tech support, I know they haven't shown up."

"Yes, Miss James." 

I saved what work I had done on my laptop, then walked over to Leo's office. I was trembling down to the heels of my boots. I was so afraid that I was about to be fired for the shit I had just pulled. He was standing next to his own secretary's desk. "Leo, you wanted to see me?"

Leo saw me and actually smiled. "Yes, Yvette. I just wanted to tell you myself, what a wonderful job you've been doing so far."

I smiled. "Why, thank you, Mr. Baker. I appreciate that."

Leo smiled slightly wider. "And I'm also bumping up your salary."

All the breath wooshed out of me. "Thank you!"

"Congratulations, Yvette. And once again, great job."

I left his office, in a day dream. A raise!

* * * * *

I first met Billy on Thursday night. We had sex Friday afternoon in my office.

I still can't believe I pulled that shit! But damn, it was good.

I had Billy's card burning a hole in my purse still as I pulled into the parking lot of the day-spa. I also had a plan burning a hole in the back of my mind -- to completely change my look. I mean, every so often a girl has to try something new, right?

But you see, Antoine is one of the most conservative men I've ever met. He thinks salons are a waste of time, even though he goes to have his damn goatee trimmed once a week. To make a long story short, he's probably gonna freak when I come to the coffee shop later, sporting a brand-new hairdo and long nails, not to mention a brand-new raise, thank you very much.

So I strode inside to the reception desk and showed them the free pass. The girl asked me, "What are you interested in trying today, ma'am?"

"I want my hair and nails done."

Shazam -- just like that -- I was in a spanking white terrycloth bathrobe, and in the tender loving care of a dude named Henry. I told him I wanted my hair cut to just past shoulder length, and permed, too. Two hours later I was in the nails salon with my new hairdo getting a manicure. I didn't even recognize myself in the mirror. The girl asked me how I wanted my nails. I told her long. Well, she sure delivered. My new nails were a full inch long, polished a natural color to match my skin tone. Damn, not even my mother will recognize me like this!

* * * * *

Loaded down with information about their additional services, I changed back into my orange velour hooded top, matching pants, and flip flops, left the spa and drove to the coffee shop to meet Antoine.

I went in just in time to see Antoine's eyes go wide as saucers.

Antoine stood up and I gave him a quick hug. "What?" I laughed. "Don't you like my new look?"

"You're seeing someone," he said.

"Antoine, don't be silly," I said. "Maybe I just got a raise at work. Maybe I just wanted to celebrate and change my look."

"Maybe," he conceded. "Congratulations."

"Thank you."

We sat in silence for a few minutes.

Antoine said, "So, you got a raise, huh?"

I said, "Antoine, just because I got a raise, doesn't make you any less of a man."

Antoine looked at me like I had just said the sky was green. "You know I'm proud of you."

"Actually, no, I don't know that. Everytime I mention work, it seems like you disapprove."

"That's because I should be taking care of you, Yvette."

I'm sorry, but I actually laughed. "Baby, let me fill you in on something. I've supported myself almost every day of my life, starting when I was twenty, in college. You honestly expect me to just stop working?"

Antoine's face went slack. "Yvette, that's what a woman does. Let a man take of her."

I laughed again. "Baby, we're not even married. And in certain areas of your manly responsibilites, you have not been taking care of me. So I don't really consider myself beholden to you."

"Yvette, I'm sorry, but I think we should start seeing other people."

"Antoine --"

"Yvette, my mind is made up. We are obviously not compatible."

I snorted. "And you discovered this, when?"

"So I think it would be best if we didn't see each other any more."

I pretended to be shocked. Got all emotional. But I gave him the jewelry he bought for me -- which I had been carrying in my purse -- without a word.

Then Antoine left. I covered my mouth with one hand, so nobody could see me laughing. That was entirely too easy. After I finished my hot cocoa I went into the book stacks, savoring my new-found freedom. 

In case nobody ever told you, I can spend hours in a book store and not even realize it. I didn't even realize it was night until I looked out the nearest window. I put the book down and turned--

--And nearly bumped into Billy! He was dressed casually, in a black t-shirt and black drawstring pants with white stripes down the side, sandals with white socks.

"Hi, baby."

"Hi, yourself. Didn't know you came here."

"All the time. You too?"

"Me too. Whenever I can."

"I can spend hours in here." I smiled. "Like I just did."

"You'll pardon me for not recognizing you at first. You look different. But beautiful."

My heart nearly melted. "Do you like my new look? Seriously?"

"Yeah, seriously. Love it, in fact. Very flattering on you."

I laughed, tilting my head to one side. "Thank you, sweetie."

Billy looked at his watch. "I realize this might be too forward, but would you like to have dinner with me at my place? It is getting a little late."

I laughed and blushed. "Nothing is too forward, Billy. Can I follow you to your place, though?"

He nodded. "Sure."

* * * * *

About fifteen or twenty minutes later, I was in Billy's apartment.

It was a colonial style bulding, built of solid red bricks outside. Inside, his apartment was cozy, mahogany wood paneling and cabinets, and hardwood floors. Directly ahead of me as I came in, was a smallish kitchen. To my left was a couch and coffee table facing a low-end entertainment center. 

To my right, down the hall, was the -- gulp -- bedroom, and a bathroom.

Billy came out of the bathroom, no shoes but still wearing socks. "Have a seat, make yourself at home. I'm gonna start dinner."

The kitchen was small but had a bar where I could sit at and watch Billy. I did so and said, "Dinner sounds good," I smiled. "I'm hungry from all that book reading."

Billy laughed and nodded. Then he made himself busy. He went to the stainless steel fridge and took out a couple of little containers. "I hope you don't mind Italian."

I shook my head. "I love Italian food," I replied.

"Great," Billy smiled. "Oh, I forgot something." He put a CD on his little stereo, Tweet, and then turned on a small air scrubber. I got the feeling this was a routine with him. He went back to defrosting some sauce. "Would you like a glass of wine while you wait?"

"Yes, please."

He quickly got a bottle of rosee wine out and poured me a glass. "Hope that's okay, Yvette."

"Okay?" I repeated. "This is great!"

"So. Do I qualify for the boyfriend spot yet?"

I said, very softly, "It was yours all along."

Billy blushed. Suddenly his phone rang. He picked it up. "Hello...dude, what's up...really, no shit?...dude, I can't talk long, I got company.."

I smiled at that respectful reference.

"Yeah, I got company...I'm not a freakin' hermit, dude...yeah, later...bye." He hung up, and shook his head. 

I swirled the wine in my glass. "Billy, I have to admit, I've never had sex in my office before."

Billy blushed as red as the sauce he was heating up. "Well, I can honestly say, neither have I. I hope that makes me special."

I reached across, took his hand and squeezed it. "That makes you perfect, baby."

* * * * *

A little while later, as we were dancing to the music, I asked Billy, "Have you ever been with a black woman before?"

"No." He shook his head. "You're actually the first."

"How do you like it so far?" 

"I don't invite that many women to my apartment," he said quietly. "But you're the first black woman to be in my apartment."

I kissed him. Once...again...and again...and again..over and over and over...

I only paused in my kisses long enough to help him out of his black t-shirt. I stared into his eyes as ran my nails over his sculpted torso, kissing him again...

Then I felt Billy's hands move up from around my waist to my breasts, gently cupping and squeezing through my orange top. Then I felt him unzipping the zipper. He was so smooth our kisses didn't stop even though his hands brushed my nipples and made them hard...

Topless, we made our way over to the couch, still kissing...

Giggling, I kicked off my flip flops and then straddled Billy on the couch. As he feasted on my chocolate nipples I reached down between his legs and scratched with my long nails. He was hard in an instant.

"Mmmm," I whispered. "What do we have here?"

"I'm sure you know what to do with it," Billy gasped.

"I'll bet I do," I whispered sexily. "Come on," I said. I took his hand and stood him up, then helped him out of his pants and boxers. His erect cock stood out like a flag pole. I got down on my knees before him and eagerly began sucking him.

This was what I had been waiting for -- Billy's cock in my mouth. But when Billy's hips began moving back and forth, that made me even hornier. When he exploded in my mouth, I sucked it all down. Then I stripped off my velour pants, peeled off my panties, and laid down on his couch. And I spread my legs for him.

Billy didn't need further prompting. He moved in between my legs, kissing up my inner thigh as he moved him. The slit of my pussy began oozing juices.

Billy's talented tounge was soon tasting me. Not only that, but taking me to new heights of desire! I had one hand on top of his head, pushing him closer, and another hand searching for anywhere to hold on to, screaming, "Oh, Billy!"

He made me come twice just with his tounge, but then I noticed he was hard again. I pushed him back on the couch and straddled him again, my pussy just over his hard cock. His hands held my waist and lowered me gently down.

Finally I just screamed, "OH, BABYYY."

Good thing his couch was velour, or I might have fallen off. But he held on to me so close, our bodies still touching.

"I apologize in advance if I was too loud."

"No problem." He gulped air. Finally our breathing calmed down, and I came back down to earth.

Finally I stood up. "I have to be going home, Billy." I began collecting my clothes and putting them back on. 

As I put my shoes back on and found my purse, Billy reappeared with something in his hand. "What's this?"

"Something I was hoping to give you," he said. "Turn around." And he put something around my neck and clasped it. "Look."

He held a mirror up so I could see -- it was a diamond pendant on a silver chain! I said, diplomatically, "This is beautiful. But you should know, the last boyfriend I had liked to do this, too."

Billy nodded. "I doubt he gave you any of his mother's jewelry."

I exhaled. "You're not serious. I can't take this!"

"Sure you can," he said. "I'm giving it to you."

"Don't you think it's a little early to give me something like this?"

"We had sex the second day we met. I think we've blown away the relationship schedule."

I giggled and blushed. "I suppose we have. Good night, baby." I kissed him good night and left.