11 comments/ 49156 views/ 53 favorites Express Lane Ch. 01-02 By: RaLaWrites "Joanna, put that back!" I was never one to yell in public places, but this situation warranted the attention. I had recently moved from my hometown with my little sister, Joanna. It was my parent's idea: they figured since Jo was starting college and I was graduating that it would be better, safer and most of all, cheaper for us to live together. I wasn't all that keen on the idea, but Jo was my only baby sister. My irritating baby sister. Who was grating on my last nerve. We'd been here for no more than two months and already she called herself running the shots. Even little events such as going grocery shopping was a huge fiasco. Joanna made it that way -- if anyone ever had a case of the 'spoiled brat' syndrome, it was this girl. Some things we simply couldn't afford to buy, on my budget or hers. "But it's on sale, Larissa!" she whined. "You know I love Ben & Jerry's." I blew a strand of my wavy, light brown hair from my face. Damn, did I get tired of saying no to her. Not because I felt bad, but because I despised repeating myself. "Fine, get the ice cream. Don't come crying to me asking for extra money when you run out, though," I said as she tossed it in the cart. "Yeah, I know," she replied. I looked down at our grocery list. Everything was pretty much crossed off, except for one item. Thank god, I thought. This stress-filled nightmare is almost over, and then I can go hole up in my room and lock the door. "Joanna, find the spice aisle. We need basil for the spaghetti tonight." "I've never been in this store!" she spat. "How am I supposed to know where the spice aisle is?" I groaned. "How about asking someone, smart-ass?" She shot me a look before heading toward an employee. He had on the standard uniform; white shirt, black pants and red smock. He was stacking boxes in neat lines, and had his back turned to us. I felt for him. I knew what it was like to have to engage in effortless yet lackluster labor. The only good thing about it was that it humbled you, something little Joanna needed a big dose of. At that moment, I smiled. Wonder if this place is hiring. "Sir?" Joanna asked meekly. "I'm looking for the spice aisle. Do you know where... ooh." She stopped in mid-sentence, and I already knew what was up. That patented 'ooh' meant the guy was attractive. To her, anyway. I could see he and Joanna coming towards me from the corner of my eye, but I didn't turn around right away. Instead, I waited until they were directly in front of me. "Looking for the spice aisle?" a deep voice asked. I turned around. Joanna and I didn't share a similar taste in men, but this guy was undeniably good looking. The first thing I noticed were his eyes. Unsettling gray eyes, like heavy storm clouds on a rainy day. His hair was brown and razor-straight; not too long or too short. His eyebrows were full and seemed to be naturally arched. He had to have been six-foot two, because he towered over my five-foot eight frame. His build was on the wiry side and I wondered if it was by choice or a result of living a stressful life. He looked tired and weary, like he hadn't had sleep in some hours. Even with that, he still had the classic pretty-boy looks every girl fawned over. "Miss?" he said, flashing a quick smile. Oh, my. Were those dimples I just saw? "Um... yes?" "Two aisles down. You can't miss it." I didn't move. Joanna was ahead of me, but I didn't follow. Couldn't. "You need anything else, come see me." He winked and spun around, picking up where he left off. "Larissa! Are you coming or not? I got the basil!" Instead of turning around, I backed up the aisle and watched him work. His movements were fluid and swift, like he'd been doing the same thing for years. I wondered if he would look my way before I left, but he didn't. He was too buried in his work. I met up with Larissa and looked at the list. We got everything we needed. "Alright, it's time to head to the checkout." "That guy was hot, wasn't he?" Jo asked. She was always the one to say what everyone was thinking. Another little vexing quirk of hers I disliked but learned to tolerate over the years. "He was cute," I replied. An understatement for sure, but she didn't need to know how I really felt. "Cute, my ass! He had an awesome smile. And those dimples! Oh, his eyes." I rolled mine. It should already be apparent that Joanna was man-crazy and had been since she was little. "He was like a younger, hotter version of Josh Harnett," she swooned. "No he wasn't. Maybe the eyes, that's about it." Joanna smirked and continued to talk as we put our items on the conveyor belt when we reached the check-out. "I think I'll come here again. Are you with me?" "Just to shop. You on the other hand, need to find out if they're hiring," I said. "That's an even better idea," she whispered. "Being around him for eight hours a day wouldn't hurt a bit." I watched Joanna drift into her own little world, eyes towards the ceiling. "No, a second income wouldn't hurt. That's what you should be focused on." I glanced over my shoulder, wondering if I could catch a second glimpse of him before I left. Unlike Joanna, I was relatively conservative when it came to men and always took my time to get to know someone. Then again, who doesn't like eye candy? "What are you lookin' for, Larissa?" Jo teased. "Or maybe I should ask who." I was pretty much craning my neck to see him one last time. No luck. "Nothing and no one," I lied. "Now help me put these bags in the trunk." "Do I have to?" Jesus Christ, she was such a complainer. "Nah, you don't." She smiled. "Thanks, Larissa." Jo leaned against the car door as I put every last heavy bag into the trunk. I got in the driver's side door, closed it, then locked the other doors. "Hey, what are you doing? Open up!" I shook my head. "Everything comes at a price, little Jo. You didn't help me and that's alright. You'll just have to walk home." "Larissa, this isn't funny!" she screamed. "Open the fucking door!" I didn't say anything. Instead, I gave a caustic wave and took off, watching in the rearview mirror as she jogged behind the car, cussing up a storm. I know it seemed harsh, but I was determined to break her out of the 'princess' role our parents had put her in. Jo needed to grow up and god willing, I would be the one to guide her. **************** It was seven-thirty, and Joanna had still not come home. I didn't worry, though. She made several friends in the time we'd been living here, so naturally I assumed she was with one of them. The spaghetti was cooking and oh, did it smell heavenly. The mixture of different spices combined with the sweet tomato sauce made for a mouthwatering aroma. I decided to take a shower beforehand; at the age of twenty-two, everything my parents had instilled in me remained, right down to washing up before dinner. I changed into a pair of shorts and a tattered tee I had for years. I wiped the steam off the bathroom mirror and heaved a deep sigh. My light brown hair fell in waves past my shoulders. It wasn't my natural hair color; I was born with ebony locks but everyone agreed that the color I currently had looked better. I had dark brown eyes, fairly petite features and light golden brown skin. I had a very curvaceous frame; long, shapely legs and womanly hips made every outfit I wore look great. Joanna and I would have looked like twins, were it not for a few differences. Instead of the golden skin that I had, Jo's skin was a beautiful darker shade, like the color of creamy milk chocolate. We shared the same eye and hair color but Jo opted to go natural, unlike myself. She was shorter than me, but we shared the same features and mannerisms. We couldn't be labeled anything other than sisters. Well, as far as looks go. We were polar opposites when it came to our personalities. I heard the front door slam and subsequent footsteps thundering up the stairs. I knew Joanna was pissed at me but I couldn't help that. She needed to learn that pulling the 'I'm the baby' card wouldn't work forever. And definitely not on me. I was certain she wouldn't come down to join me, so I opted to bring dinner to her instead. I walked up the steps with her dinner on a serving tray, then gave a few light taps on the door with my foot. "Jo?" No answer. "Dinner's ready. Spaghetti and garlic bread, just like we planned." Silence. I shrugged my shoulders. At least I tried. "It'll be on the table if you want it, but it's going to get cold soon." The second I turned around, I heard her door click and creak open. "I'm coming downstairs to eat," she said in a monotone voice. "Be there in a second." I was cautious as I made my way down the steps and headed towards the dining room. Sitting down, I entwined my fingers together and closed my eyes. I was thinking too much; about wanting Jo to grow into a mature, level headed girl and if I was helping or hurting. About acing the finals that stood in between me and the degree I had worked hard for over the past four years. A light pitter-patter of descending footsteps made their way down the stairs. I looked up to see Jo sitting down in front of me, digging into the meal. Her eyes were on her plate and she acted as if she were eating by herself. Typical. "Jo --" "Don't say it, Larissa. I know I deserved it." My eyes widened. If I had a clip of a record scratching, I sure would have played it right then. This was the first time she'd freely admitted guilt, without having it dragged out of her. "I was only doing it to --" "Prove a point," she finished. "And the lesson has been learned. I have to pull my weight. I'll go back up to the grocery store to get an application tomorrow morning. How does that sound?" Fan-fuckin'-tastic! About time. "Good. So where --" "Justin's. I went to Justin's for a few hours." Justin was one of many new friends Jo made, and the only one of them that I could stand. He was courteous, helpful, and knew when he needed to leave. I couldn't say the same for her other pals. "Oh. Have fun?" "Yeah." We ate in silence throughout the whole meal after that, excluding when we asked one another to pass the garlic bread or salad. I took our plates and put them in the sink. She went up to her room; I went up to mine. It wasn't the ideal talk I wanted to have with Jo, but the fact that she established and came to terms with her ways showed that she was making some kind of progress. I crawled into bed and cuddled with my fluffy blankets. There was nothing better than turning on the TV and letting my thoughts coast away while stretching out in a big, soft bed after a long day. I was halfway through the show I was watching when my phone rang. Only one person called at this time of night. "Hello?" "Hey there." I smiled. Although I hadn't made as many friends as Jo, I managed to bump into two people I got along with. Danielle was one, Jaime was the other. He preferred to be called James in place of the name's Spanish counterpart. He was staying with his older brother but regularly informed me of his plans to go back to Spain, his home country. "Hey, James." "How has your day been?" "Tough. Jo's been a handful, for sure." He snorted. "I could tell within five minutes of being around her. She's... precocious." "I wouldn't call her that. I'd say it was the opposite. She acts like a child." "Well, she is eighteen," he countered. "That's pretty young. In a few years, the real world will become a shock to her system and that childishness will fade away." I shifted around in my bed for a moment. Two thoughts were on my mind. What if James was right? I remembered when I was eighteen. I might not have been as immature as Jo, but I damn sure wasn't looking forward to paying my way on everything. Sometimes being under your parents or older sibling's wing is comforting. I just didn't want her to get too used to that, so when the time did come for her to break away, she wasn't afraid to. The other one was: man, did James have a sexy voice! The inflections in his words highlighted his Latino heritage every time he spoke. It was rich, the kind of voice that would make you tingle if you focused on it and nothing else. I didn't want to pursue anything with James because I wasn't ready to. I hadn't been in a relationship since my sophomore year of college. I found them distracting and hard to maintain, and I wouldn't have picked having one over my education. I didn't even know if he was interested in me. "Larissa?" "Yeah," I whispered. "I'm here." "Just checking. It is getting late, you know. You should really go to bed." "Well, I'm not sleepy." He laughed. "Do I have to tell you another of my boring stories so that you will be?" James was a big fan of swimming and surfboarding. His enthusiasm would bubble over every time I mentioned it, which would lead to a thirty-minute story. But I didn't mind paying attention. In fact, it gave me all the more reason to lay back and listen to him talk. "Your stories aren't boring," I replied. James chuckled and I heard silence on the other line for a few moments. "Want me to put you to bed, Larissa?" I clenched my thighs together. Fuck yeah, I do. "Well, how else am I going to get there?" I asked sweetly. "Alright, fine. So, this happened a couple of years ago. I was all geared up, the sun was shining. I followed the weather for a week prior to that day, just so I could be sure there was nothing standing in between myself and a nice, big wave. I was wearing my shorts and necklace like I always did, and..." The thought of James' tanned, muscular body glistening in the sunlight only added to the dull throbbing going on between my legs. I slid my hand down my shorts and caressed my smooth mound, making my way down to my slit. I could hear the wet clicking sound as I spread my lips open. It amazed me, how wet I was just from listening to him. My fingers were coated in my juices, and I used my lubricated tips to fondle my clit. "Oh," I sighed. He stopped in mid-sentence. I had such a hard time being quiet while I was masturbating. "You alright?" he asked. "Sleepy yet?" "Ahh... Almost there," I assured him. I decided to put the phone on mute. That way, I could make as much noise as I wanted to without interrupting him. I pressed the button and let a pleasurable moan escape from my pink lips. "Like I was saying, I stood on the board and..." "Oh, yeah. Keep talking, baby. So sexy," I whined. I rubbed my delicate button with fury, listening to James all the while. "Oh, James. I'm... Oh!" I snatched the pillow that was under my head and covered my mouth with it. Jo was a heavy sleeper, but I was always cautious not to wake her up. When I came down from my euphoric high, James was done with his story. "And I ended up getting a few stitches," he chuckled. How was that?" "Oh, so good." I damn near had to force the words from my lips. "Great story." "Larissa?" "Yeah?" "If you wanted me to put you to bed in that way, you should have asked." My heart sunk in my chest. He heard me. "In what way?" "You know what I mean. But we'll talk about it some other time. Go to sleep." I'm sure if I'd have looked in the mirror, I would have saw that my face was rose-red from embarrassment. I didn't know how I would talk to James after this, but a part of me didn't regret doing it. "Alright," I agreed. "Have a good night." "Good night." ******************************* The next morning, I woke up to an empty house. I wondered how long it would take Joanna to warm up to me again but I wouldn't force her to talk. I concluded that a nice stroll on a rainy day would be just the thing to relax the agitated state that I was in. Rain had always been therapeutic to me; the heavier, the better. The park was a few blocks from our house. I knew the large crowds would be few and far between because of the weather, which was perfect. I strolled down a wet pathway with my umbrella in hand, humming to myself. I must have looked silly; a young black woman prancing through the park with a grin on her face. Good thing no one was around. My rubber boots squeaked and squished against the puddles and it made me feel like a kid again. I spotted an empty bench and plopped down, letting my mind drift as I closed my eyes. Ah, the sweet sound of pouring rain. For some reason, something or someone -- maybe it was my subconscious, told me to look up. I was smart enough to obey it, because across from me sat the most forlorn looking guy I had ever seen. He didn't have an umbrella or raincoat, so the torrents of rain splashed down on him. His straight brown hair was completely drenched. Water dripped from the bridge to the tip of his nose time and again, and his hands were shoved in his pockets for warmth. He must have sensed me staring because he glanced in my direction. His gray eyes were full of unhappiness, though he smiled at me. Two deep dimples emerged, then went back into hiding. The gears in my head clicked and I put two and two together: it was the guy Joanna and I gushed over in the grocery store. I would have know earlier, were he not dressed casually. I decided to walk over and sit next to him. "Um... you know you could catch a cold, not having on the right clothes in this weather." He let go what seemed like a forced chuckle and looked up at me. His dark gray eyes and long lashes threw me off for a second. "A cold's the last thing I'm worried about," he replied in a deep voice. He smiled weakly at me, then returned his gaze to the ground below us. "Yeah? Well, I can't suppress the good Samaritan in me. So here." I tilted the umbrella so both he and I were protected from the rain. "Thanks." "Mind telling me why you look so sad?" I inquired. "Is it the weather?" "Nah. I love the rain," he said. "Just family issues." I could relate. "Annoying siblings?" "Baby brother. Not annoying. Just... fussy. Cranky." He pulled out a box of cigarettes and offered one to me. I passed. "I hear you," I said with a nod. "I got my hands full with my little sister." "That the one who asked me where the spice aisle was?" he asked, lighting his cigarette. I was surprised he even remembered. "Yep." He pulled his free hand from his pocket and offered me a handshake. "Noah." How could I not accept? I shook his hand and smiled. "Larissa. Do you... want to come dry off at home? I mean, my house?" He guffawed. "Trying to hit on me?" "No! I was just --" "Being a good Samaritan?" He flicked his lit cigarette to the ground, and watched the moisture from the rain put it out. "Nice of you." "So is that a yes?" "I can't stay long but sure." He stood up and stretched, taking the umbrella from me to hold it over our heads since he was taller. We traveled at a much slower pace, making chit-chat on the way there. This was probably the weirdest thing that occurred since I'd moved here: running into some (fine) guy I was gawking at just a day ago. Oh, well. If this is weird, then I'm looking forward to seeing what bizarre is like. *** We arrived at the house a few minutes later. Noah waited at the bottom of the porch while I opened the door. "Decent house." "It better be decent, considering how much I pay every month," I quipped. I moved aside to let him in, then closed the door behind us. God, did it feel good to be in a warm house. "So, um. Got any towels? I don't wanna warp your floor or anything." He was standing on the frayed welcome mat near the door. I could see what he meant; the rainwater dripping from him was making a small puddle under his feet. "Sure. Hold on, let me grab some from upstairs." I peeked at him before venturing on up. He tilted his head and was shaking it rather comically. I guessed he was trying to get water out of his ears but I didn't even try to stifle my laugh. Sorting through the linen closet, I tried to wrap my mind around the day's events. The second most attractive man (James was currently at the top of my list) I've met was in my house. Sopping wet at that. At least I knew what to tell Joanna to get her to talk to me. I took off my own raincoat and boots, stripping down to the tight jeans and blouse I chose to wear today. Express Lane Ch. 01-02 "You can hang your jacket on the coat rack if you want!" I yelled to him. "Okay, thanks." I put my thoughts on pause and grabbed two terry-cloth towels, jogging down the steps. He was in the living room, looking at family pictures that lined the walls. One hand was raking through his disheveled, messy hair; the other was holding up the hem of his shirt. My curious eyes focused on his exposed abdomen. He wasn't chiseled from concrete, but the fact that he was even slightly toned surprised me. It worked for him. "These are really nice. Is that your sister?" I blinked a few times, changing my focus from his abs to his eyes. "My sister?" I walked next to him and gave him the towels. He tossed them over his shoulder. "Yeah," he said, pointing to a dark-framed picture. "Right there." A little girl with a frilly blue dress and matching headband was pictured sitting in a chair with her hands in her lap, grinning from ear to ear. "That's really fucking adorable." I nodded. "Yep, that's Joanna. I was in the studio the day that picture was taken. Our parents wanted both of us to be in it but Joanna protested. She wanted to be by herself." He flashed a lop-sided grin, showing off those dimples. "She was a pampered Princess?" "She's still a pampered princess," I explained. "Never stopped being one." Noah took one of the towels and patted his hair dry. "At least you know how to handle it. You really got on her ass yesterday in the store." Oh, lord. I was louder than I thought. "You heard that?" "Half the store heard it," he laughed. "But if it makes you feel any better, I thought it was justified. Times are too tough and money is too tight to splurge on the likes of Ben & Jerry's." Wonderful. I embarrassed myself twice yesterday; first at the store, then with James. I really need to learn to close my mouth. "Well, thank you. Though I can't say it makes me feel a lot better." He shrugged his shoulders and smiled, looking around. "Where is she? Joanna, I mean." I curled up on the couch, patting the cushion next to me. "Have a seat. Well... wait." I snatched one of the towels hanging from Noah's shoulder and covered the seat with it. "There. Now you can sit." "Thaaanks," he said with sarcasm. "You're very welcome," I said with a wink. "Anyway, she told me she was stopping by the grocery store to pick up an application yesterday. I don't know if she actually followed through." "Oh," he groaned. "Don't even mention that place. It's my day off." He covered his head and closed his eyes. "All I want to do is relax for a few hours before I pick up Rory." Noah's tone was incensed with irritation and anguish. Instead of keeping questions to myself, I decided to ask. "Is Rory your little brother?" "Yeah," he sighed. "My neighbor's watching him for me." I raised a brow. Joanna was difficult to deal with, but she could look after herself. "That's why I was in the park. It was cloudy when I got there, but it started raining a little bit after that. I wasn't too eager to go back home, so I just sat there and let the rain beat me upside the head," he joked. My smile was a sad one. This Rory kid must have been the devil incarnate or something and it was taking its toll on Noah. "Why didn't you decide to go to a friend's house once it was raining?" He scoffed. "Two problems with that. One is, I don't like to be around too much of anyone when I'm not in a good mood. The other is that all of my friends live in a different town and have lives of their own. I can't just stop through unannounced even if I wanted to." He pulled out another cigarette and placed it in the corner of his mouth, lighting it as he kept talking. "Me and Rory have been here for six months but I haven't had enough free time to make any friends. Not sure I want to." "Why?" Noah opened his mouth to talk, then stopped. He looked at me quizzically and asked, "Why are you so curious? What, you invite every rain-drenched guy that you find in the park to come back to your house?" "No!" I laughed. "You're the first." "Ooh, I've never been anyone's first for anything. Guess I'm special." He took a long drag, then pursed his full lips as he blew it. "If you have a no-smoking rule in your house, I've already bent it. Not to mention there's an astray on the coffee table." I didn't care; I was fixated on him. His lips, his eyes. They seemed to have gone from dark to light which intrigued me. Maybe he was one of those people who had moody eyes; when their mood changed, the color changed. They were slanted, similar to Josh Hartnett's. I chewed on my lower lip, studying Noah. He peered at me. "I guess that means you don't mind," he reasoned. "What? Oh," I said with a sheepish smile. "No, I don't care. I keep that there in case we have visitors that smoke." He chuckled and scratched his head. "You know Larissa, your attentiveness is a little suspicious. Not too many people would invite a wet stranger in their house. I mean, I've done it plenty of times but they weren't wet from the rain and I didn't meet them in the park." Any time he smiled, I had two impulses. One was to melt; the other was to lunge and kiss him. "I guess I have a bleeding heart." He turned towards me and brushed a few stray strands out of my face. "It's cute. A hot commodity in times of need, too." He stood up to stretch, then sat down again. "So when should I expect your man to walk in or call?" My face flushed. "There is no man," I giggled. "I have guy friends." "Fuck buddies," he corrected. "Is that right?" "Not really. We talk about sexual things when it comes up but we don't fuck. I'm a little conservative when it comes to that sort of thing," I confessed. "You're a good girl aren't you?" Noah said. I shrugged. "If that's the way you want to put it, yeah." "Well, don't worry. Someone will come along and corrupt your pretty ass before you know it." He flicked ashes into the tray, starting intensely at me. His penetrating gaze was getting me flustered and I squirmed. "Doubtful." "I'm willing to bet someone will. And when they do, it'll be good and thorough." Noah put out his cigarette and looked away from me. "Oh, you'll still be a sweetheart. Just a sexually liberated sweetheart." I crossed my legs Indian-style and smirked. "What makes you think I'm not already sexually liberated?" "You just said you weren't." "No," I corrected. "I said I was conservative with the whole fuck-buddy thing. It's not my style. When I'm in a relationship, I'm as sexually liberal as they come." He licked his lips and I swear, I wanted to run and hide. "Okay. I know where you stand on fuck buddies. How do you feel about kissing a guy you've only known for an hour?" I don't think I had ever felt butterflies that intense like I did at that moment. Butterflies and a tingling slit that was aching to be touched. "Don't know," I replied. "Never tried it." Noah leaned closer to me. Arching both his eyebrows, he was gentle as he cupped my cheek. "Well, I think you should." Though he didn't kiss me, his eyes were daring me to make the first move. I sat motionless; every part of me wanted to give in, but my instincts told me not to. Not because I didn't want him but for some other reason. I heard keys slide into the front door's lock and the hinges creaking as it opened. Joanna was home. Noah was quick in moving away from me and looked over his shoulder. I did the same. "Larissa!" Jo called. "Are you here? Justin and I just came back from the mall." She walked into sight, carrying a small bag. Justin shuffled behind her, carrying what seemed like four large shopping bags. She looked at me and continued. "I got some really nice stuff and..." her eyes went from me to Noah. "Uh, Jo." I stood and Noah followed suit. "This is Noah. Remember? From the --" "Grocery store," she finished. Her dark brown eyes were scanning his body in such an unapologetic way. "I know." I nodded. "Noah, this is Joanna." Noah reached out to shake her hand. "Hey." "Hi," she said in a cutesy voice. "Well, I should go. Put your number in there, for safekeeping." Noah flipped his cell phone open and looked at me. "I'll do it!" Jo took it out of his hand and typed in our number. "There." "Thanks," he said with a leery smile. "Nice meeting you." He held my hand for a moment and winked at me, then left. "You too. Don't be a stranger," she called after him. "Justin! What the hell are you doing? Close the door!" "No, I got it. Don't worry about it," I told him. Jo had that poor boy wrapped around her finger. He was fighting with the heavy bags but managed to give me a warm smile. "Thank you, Larissa." "It's nothing," I assured him. I took two of them out of his hands and put them at the bottom of the stairs. "I don't even want to know what's in the bags." "Clothes," she sneered. "And before you say anything, it was from the money Mom and Dad gave me." "Better be," I said. "Did you go to the grocery store?" "No but you obviously did. Justin, I'll see you tomorrow." I folded my arms and forced a smile with Justin, waving at him. The second he walked out I looked at Jo. "The only place I've gone today was the park. I ran into him there. That's beside the point. You were supposed to go." "I'll go first thing tomorrow." She sifted through the newly purchased attire and pulled out a yellow spaghetti-strap dress, beaming. "I bought this for you. It's cute isn't it?" I hated to agree with her but it was really nice. "Yeah, it is. Thanks. So what are you planning to do tonight?" "Going out with Lawrence." Ugh. "Where are you two going?" "I don't know, to the movies I think. He's going to choose since he's paying." Lawrence was an arrogant little bastard. I was out with Jo when she met him. Not only did he hit on her but he tried to coax me into becoming a member of his 'Team.' Whatever the fuck that meant. "Well, take your keys with you. I'll probably be sleeping when you come back," I told her. "Yeah, I got 'em. I have to get ready, though." I gave a thumbs-up and watched her run up the stairs. It didn't astonish me that guys were all over Joanna; she was a stunning girl. What threw me for a loop was that little Jo was going on dates and I wasn't. I didn't even know what a date felt like anymore, and I doubted that I would go on any in the near future. ********** A week had passed and my social life was officially flat lining. James had to work overtime this week and Danielle was visiting family in a neighboring state. Oddly enough, I wasn't bothered by their lack of communication with me. When I wasn't at work or in one of my classes, I'd sit next to the phone in case Noah happened to call. He didn't. Seldom did I go to the store he worked at; only to take Jo to get an application but I didn't see him. I was biting the plastic antennae of the cordless phone I held in my hand when it rang. I was so eager to answer that my clumsy ass dropped it a few times. "Hello?" I said in an enthused tone. "Hey, Rissy." "Oh." There went my enthusiasm. "Hi, Mama." "How are my babies?" "We're fine. Jo's at school, you know that. I have a day off and already went to class." Complaints about my Mom were at a minimum; when we first moved in she called twice a day. Now it was once a week. I could live with that. "So what are you doing with your day off?" "Oh," I chuckled. "You know, just sitting around. I um... I think I'm going to take a nap. It was nice talking to you, Ma." "Alright. I love you." "Love you too. Bye." I slumped against the chair I was in. Damn, I really need to make new friends. The high-pitched chirp of the ringer made me jump. It was probably Mama again, reminding me to tell Jo that she loved her, too. I answered. "Yes Mama, I'll tell Jo that you love her." "Well, that's nice to know but I'm not your Mom. Though I can be your Daddy if you want me to. Just say the word." It was Noah. "No thanks," I replied. "I already have a Daddy." "I hate when girls say that. You have a Father, sure. Not a Daddy." "What's the damn difference between one and the other?" I laughed. "Ah, that's the kicker. I can't tell you what the difference is. I'd have to show you." Silence hung in the air for a while until I decided to respond. "I think we should save that debate for another time. How you been?" "Shitty," he yawned. "I had to change shifts and duties because they're giving the ones I had before to some new employee. He or she hasn't come in yet." "Oh, that's too bad." "Actually it's pretty easy. Less demanding. I'll be working as a cashier in the express lane. You know, ten items or less?" I giggled. "Yeah, I know." "Anyway, I called to ask for a favor since you're Mother Teresa and shit. Mind watching Rory?" What's the harm in watching a teenager? "Sure, no problem. Do you have to work late or something?" "No, I have a date tonight." A date. He wanted me to watch his little brother so he could go on a date. I felt like a fucking fool, but the joke was on me. I never asked if he had a girlfriend or fuck-buddies and a flirtatious man like Noah really wouldn't offer up that kind of incriminating information. "Sure," I sighed. "Why not?" I'd hand Rory the remote, order a pizza and let him go nuts. Meanwhile, I'd be upstairs listening to Toni Braxton on my iPod while eating Ben and Jerry's. Fun all the way around. "Cool. I should be there in a half hour or so. See you soon." "Bye." I put on my headphones and heaved a sigh. Note to self: Stay single and no entertaining thoughts of having a relationship with anyone until graduation. Fifteen minutes later, I heard the doorbell ring. I smoothed the wrinkled shirt I was wearing and tightened the band on my shorts by tying them. There was no reason to run upstairs and change; there was no one to impress. I unlocked and opened the door. Noah stood on the other side, clean shaven and suave. I noticed a silver ring in the middle of his lip that hadn't been there before. His straight brown hair had been combed but still had that bed head look guys went for. He looked happy. He looked gorgeous. I felt miserable. "Hey Larissa. I should be back to pick Rory up in a few hours." I looked around, confused. "Where is he?" "Right... hey, Rory! No! No picking at the flowers." He disappeared from my line of sight and reappeared, holding a little boy. He had to have been no older than three. "I... I thought Rory..." I started, then stopped. Yet another thing I hadn't asked directly; I just assumed that Rory was around or slightly younger than Joanna. "Was older?" He shook his head. "I told you he's been fussy and cranky. Those are words usually used to describe babies or toddlers." I nodded and looked down at him. His hair was darker than Noah's but shared the same beautiful gray eyes and dimples. His chubby cheeks were so adorable that I fought the urge to pinch them. "He's beautiful. How old is he?" "Two. Say hi, Rory." "Hi!" He smiled, showing me his teeth. "For you," he said, handing me the flower he picked from out front. "Oh, thank you!" I picked him up and lightly tickled his chin. He squealed and giggled. "Teaching him to woo the ladies at an early age, are you?" "He's learning from the best." He looked down at his watch and rubbed his hands together. "I'm running late. Try not to miss me too much." "I'm sure he won't. He's going to have a good time with me, aren't you?" Rory nodded. "See?" "I wasn't talking to Rory," he said in a playful tone. "See you both later. Be good, Rory." I wasn't expecting Rory to be this young but it did explain a lot, especially why he needed to be watched and why Noah was so tired all the time. He had to run after a toddler daily and work full time. Suddenly, I didn't feel so bad about baby-sitting little Rory. But I was still pissed about Noah. Nothing would change that. ********** After a few hours of watching Cartoon Network, Rory was sleeping peacefully on my bed. He wasn't your average kid; sure he was rambunctious and full of energy but he was also mindful of others. I don't know how many times he asked me if I 'wanted to watch something else.' I crept downstairs and nestled into my favorite chair, looking for something to watch. The only thing that appeared to be semi-interesting was a movie I had never heard of. Ten minutes in, the phone rang. This was the most activity it'd seen all week. "Hello?" "Hey baby." James and I had been open with each other after that night he 'put me to bed.' We even took pleasure in playing with each other over the phone a few times. Phone sex was safe which is what I wanted, but he wanted the real deal. Which wouldn't come without a commitment from him. Which he was all too eager to give. "James, I can't really talk. I'm baby-sitting." "Oh. Whose child?" "A friend of mine's little brother." "Do you mind if I come over? Nothing big. Just to watch television or something." TV, my ass. "Alright. Only because he's sleeping." "Be there in a few minutes." Click! He didn't even say bye. I hung up and shook my head. TV? He could have just told me he wanted to fuck my brains out and I would have accepted that over 'just to watch television or something.' He was true to his word. Within five minutes, I heard a rapid knock at the door. I was headed towards it, then realized that I was about to have sex for the first time in months but wasn't dressed for the occasion. I told him to hold on, then ran upstairs. The thin-strapped yellow dress that Jo bought me fit perfectly and accentuated every sexy curve I had. My hair was wavy as always and instead of pulling it back into a ponytail, I decided to leave it loose and flowing. I got to the door and had about all of two seconds to look at James before he pinned me against the wall, pressing his lips against mine with fervor. His shaggy jet black locks framed his face, which had light stubble. Usually he was clean shaven but I guess he was too motivated to get to me instead. "Mmm..." I moaned and put my palms against his chest, which he promptly pulled off and slammed my arms against the wall by my wrists. He kneeled on the floor in front of me. I could feel his teeth clench the material of my panties and tug at them. "James." Once my cotton panties were around my ankles, he made me step out of them and tossed them to the side. His head went under my dress and I could feel his tongue flutter against my clit. "Fuck!" I tried to lift up my arms but his hold was much too strong. I needed to muffle my cries of pleasure; I didn't want to wake Rory. "James, let me cover my mouth. Please." "No," he croaked. The pointed tip of his tongue ran around my button in circles and moved away to probe my lips. I had to bite my lower lip so hard I thought I'd bite it off. Looking down at him on one knee was so damn sensual I could scream. Could but wouldn't. He stood up and only let my wrists go to lift my dress up. I was wearing a strapless bra that he unhooked right away. It fell to the floor and he kicked it in the corner, along with my panties. His dark eyes were glazed over with lust as he eyed my fleshy globes. They were perky, perfect handfuls and my nipples were like little chocolate buds, just waiting to be sucked on. He did just that; pushing them together, he slid his tongue from the left nipple to the right without stopping. He left a wet trail that made me shiver as a breeze blew through the foyer we were standing in. "Uh, Larissa," he purred. His dick was pulsating through his pants against my smooth, uncovered pussy. "Fuck me James," I whined. "Right now!" He unzipped his pants and let them fall to his feet. His tanned skin rubbed against my own golden brown skin and he grabbed my thighs. My legs enclosed around his torso and with one deep thrust, he entered me. Express Lane Ch. 01-02 "James!" My piercing screech made him cover my mouth. Supporting my body by resting his free hand on my lower back and left the rest to the sturdy wall behind me. James began to rock in and out of me at a mellow, calm pace. "Rissa, tell me you want to be my girlfriend. Please, baby." I inhaled sharply and my mouth felt dry. I didn't know if I was ready to commit to be with James. I knew he didn't have any qualms with it, but I didn't want either one of us to be hurt. He pulled all the way out of me only to slam every stiff inch of his member back into me. "Ah! I'll be your girlfriend." "Good," he said with a grunt. "Put your arms around my neck." I did and he carried me over to the couch. Instead of placing me on my back, James bent me over the arm of the couch and sped up, fucking me so rough that I was steadily screaming into the pillow in front of me. He was clutching a handful of my hair and dotting kisses up the side and back of my neck. "Oh, Larissa. I'm going to love getting to fuck this tight slit of yours whenever I want," he whispered to me. I've always been a sucker for dirty talk and that sent me over the edge. "Shit! Pull.. Pull..." I was telling him to pull out; we didn't have time to use protection but he understood what I was getting at. His moan was a long and strained one as he climaxed, coating my lower back and ass in his hot cum. "Oh Rissa," he sighed. "I knew fucking you would be good but damn." I looked over my shoulder and wanted to laugh. I had never seen him so happy before, nor had I seen a sight as erotic as this one. I got to my feet and gave him a soft, senuous kiss. "I need to clean up. Be back in a sec." Once I got to the bathroom to clean up, I heard the doorbell. Noah. My stomach churned. It had no need to since Noah wasn't my boyfriend. James was. I just didn't feel so good about it. "James, could you get the door?" "Sure," he yelled to me. I heard the hinges squeak and Noah's deep voice replaced the dead air. I didn't want to wake Rory so I carried him down the stairs instead. Noah's gray eyes had turned dark gray again, as opposed to how light they were earlier in the evening. I wanted to act like I didn't know why but some part of him was probably jealous of James. But he had his chance; there was no reason to him to feel that way. He took him from my arms and his eyes burned holes into James while he talked to me. "How was he?" "Perfect," I said. "I hope my kids will be that way." "Only if you have them with me," James chimed in. My giggle to his 'joke' was forced. We had been a couple for all of ten minutes and already he was hinting at children? Noah clearly shared my unhappiness with what James just said. He sneered for a moment before looking at me. "Well... I take it you had a good time." He spotted my bra and panties laying in the corner of the foyer. "Uh," I stammered, "Yeah. I can't complain." "Talk to you soon." He winked at me, then gave a stiff nod in James' direction. "Well, I think I should go home and get some sleep." James kissed my forehead and headed outside. "Good night, sweetie." "Night." I closed and locked the door behind me. I pretty much ran upstairs to my bed. My sleep that night should have been pleasant but it wasn't. I tossed and turned, thinking about everything that transpired. I had great sex with a wonderful guy and started a brand new relationship full of potential that I wasn't eager to explore. Instead, I wanted to know more about the Express lane cashier with the two year old brother who had no interest in me. At least I couldn't complain that my social life was non-existent anymore.