As Anne sat down beside her husband, she thought to herself "Geez, how did he manage to sucker me again? If it weren't for these great seats, I certainly wouldn't be here with him today..." She never cared much for crowds and the state fair was ever of much interest either...smelled like pig shit and too many people - but that was her opinion. Anne and her husband had had problems for over a year now.
3 months ago, she decided she'd suffered through this loveless marriage long enough and told him she wanted a divorce. Then suddenly, he had tickets to see Def Leppard and the seats were second row. She'd loved the Leps for years and he knew it. It just seemed too much of a coincidence. "Well, I won't be bought" she mumbled to herself as she reached down for her purse. "Hmmm? Did you say something?" "Nothing, just talking to myself" she replied, as she pulled out her compact.
Her reflection in the mirror was one she didn't like much anymore. Tiny lines were starting to form around her eyes and mouth and she frowned. "Geez, I'm getting old" and let out a sigh. "Anne, you're only 30 for God's sake. You're far from old and besides I love you anyway" and she felt his arm slip around her shoulders. "I know" was the only thing she could manage to say. Did she love him? She honestly didn't know anymore. They barely spoke and his touch made her skin crawl.
There were so many things about him she couldn't even stand anymore. Hell, even their sex life, which used to be phenomenal, was now lukewarm at best. Not to mention their opposite shifts at their jobs, between his garage band practices and her title of union delegate at her job, they barely spoke when together and had nothing in common any more. They passed like proverbial ships in the night and only spoke when necessary...money, job schedules, their son...oh, he really made this difficult. How do you explain to a 3 year old what was happening between them? Things were definitely going to be difficult.
Suddenly, it was like the whole world was filled with one long blare of sound. She jumped and realized that the band was coming onto the stage and she'd been so deep in her thoughts and misery that she hadn't even noticed them or the screams of the crowd behind her."Well, I'm gonna enjoy this. I won't let him ruin this for me" and she began to scream along with the masses of fans. Song after song, she sang along, jumping up and down, laughing at the guys' antics onstage and thoroughly enjoying herself. All the while keeping her eye on Sav, her favorite...and object of many fantasies.
Several times during the show, he stopped in front of her to pose for her camera and dazzle her with his smile. Wow, this was worth being here today, that's for certain.
Just as the band began their encore, her view was blocked by one of the security guards she'd noticed earlier. My, he was even uglier up close. She stopped singing and raised her eyebrows at him. He held out a small folded piece of paper. She took it and he walked back to his place in front of the stage. She looked at the crisp yellow paper and turned it over, then opened it. Written inside were the words, "We're staying at The Greenbrier Hotel. Please join us for some laughs. And bring your man friend too - Sav"
Her mouth dropped open and she looked up to Sav. He had a devilish grin and he winked at her. She slowly realized her mouth was still hanging open and she quickly shut it and felt her face on fire. "Geez! Oh wow!" She nodded her head and mouthed the word "Yes" ...knowing he could never heard an audible answer anyway.
After the encore, and all the bows and waves goodbye, the band left the stage and the masses of people began filing out of the grandstand into the fairgrounds. Anne walked hand in hand with her husband, hoping to persuade him into going to see the guys at the hotel.
The smell of corndogs and funnel cakes assaulted her senses, making her realize she was starving. They stopped at a small vendor wagon and ordered their food and found a small picnic table to eat. Between bites of her funnel cake, she began her persuasion, but trying to make it look non-chalant , hoping he wouldn't notice her eagerness and excitement.
"Ya know, this could really be fun."
He frowned and said, "Doubt it."
"Ah, but this is a once in a lifetime, hun"
His eyes became dark with anger and he snapped, "Now why do you think he passed you that note? Do you actually think he picked a girl out of the crowd to come up and chat?"
"Oh, be real, Chad. If that's what it's about, why did he pick me? There were plenty of girls there much younger and prettier than me. Many there that would make a better toy than this", pointing a sugar coated finger to her stomach.
She'd had a small poochy stomach since she'd had their son, and all the situps she'd done in the last 3 years couldn't get rid of it. But otherwise, she knew her form was attractive.
"Besides, I told you I'd never cheat on you. Don't you trust me? I could fend off some horny rock star if I need to, don't you worry about that!"
Now she was starting to get angry and he sensing this, he backed off. "Oh, if it means that much to you, we'll go. But let's ride some rides first..."
As they sat atop the brightly lit ferris wheel overlooking the colorful fairground, a cool breeze washed over Anne's body, causing her skin to cover in chill bumps. Brushing her curly blonde hair out of her eyes, she looked back across the fairgrounds and listened to the screams of excitement and laughter. Barely able to contain her own excitement, she touched the back pocket of her cutoffs, where the precious note was tucked safely. A bright flash of lightening caught her attention and she remembered the predicted storm. A loud clap of thunder made her worry.
"The storm is very close and won't we make an excellent lightening rod?" she laughed nervously.
Just as they walked hurriedly down the exit ramp, it was as if the sky had opened up and large cold raindrops pelted them mercilessly - stinging her bare arms and legs. They ran out of the park, laughing all the way to the car, wishing she'd found a closer place to park.
Once inside the safety of her Corsica, she turned on the heat and pulled her T shirt away from her wet body and groaned. She looked at her husband and couldn't help but laugh through her still dripping hair. They were definitely a mess. She dried her face with a tissue and tried fixing her makeup in the dimness of the dome light. After seeing that her mascara hadn't run too bad and the rest was salvageable, they made their way to the Greenbrier Hotel.
When they passed through the resort entrance, the massive structure loomed ahead, framed by well-kept trees and hedges. It's whiteness illuminated the grounds and the proportions were almost intimidating.
Anne pulled up to the front of the hotel and a valet waited patiently to see if she was a guest or a sightseer just stopping for a look. The structure was five floors high and the entranceway was surrounded by four enormous white marble pillars that ran all the way to the eaves of the fifth floor.
"Geez, what a place. How will we find them, Chad?"
"Why don't you ask Phil?", he replied, pointing to the front of the car.
She then realized that a car had pulled in front of them and Phil had jumped out, carrying a rather large paper bag, and as he bounded up the steps, she threw the door open and yelled "Phil, wait! Please!"
He stopped and
turned around, expecting an autograph request, but couldn't help but smile
at this soaking wet woman running toward
him, shoes
squishing with each step. "Phil, my name is Anne. Sav invited us here.
He gave me this..." and she brought out the wet, half-smeared note and
presented it to him as proof.
Laughing, he said "Sure, have the valet park your car. I'll show you the way." As they walked into the lobby, Anne's jaw dropped at the breathtaking sight.
Chandeliers bigger than her whole kitchen hung sparkling above them. Velvet sofas and oriental rugs made a comfortable waiting area. Oil paintings depicting the hotel's history hung on every wall. Once they got to the elevator, Anne realized in her excitement and awe, she'd forgotten to introduce her husband.
"Phil, I forgot, this is my husband, Chad."
Phil pinned the bag between his hip and the elevator door and stuck out his hand "Nice to meet you mate" and smiled graciously.” Looks like you two got soaked"
"Y-yes, and I'm freezing too" Anne nervously laughed as thy boarded the elevator.
Once they made it to the room, Phil unlocked the door and went in, yelling, "Sav, your company's here" and went over to the bar, handing the bag and keys to Joe. "Later guys, nice to meet you" and he left.
She looked around the elegant suite and here eyes stopped at the bar, where Joe stood with a short, dark haired woman who couldn't seem to keep her hands off him long enough for him to pour his drink.
"Oh my! What happened to you?" came a sexy accent from her side.
She turned and met the bluest eyes she'd ever seen. "Um...we got wet" was all she could manage to say.
He brushed a wet tendril of hair from her cheek. His fingertips sent a hot wave of electricity through her body and she felt a blush that seemed to run clear down to her toes.
"Ahem!" came from behind her.
"Oh, this is my husband Chad"
Sav extended his hand, "Nice to meet you Chad. Listen you guys are soaked, would you like a drink or perhaps some dry clothes?"
"Oh yes that would be great - both please, if it's not too much hassle" Anne managed to squeak.
"Chad, I'll help you find something for you two to wear while Anne makes herself something, ok?" Sav said, never taking his eyes off of Anne.
Although she felt too nervous to look at him, she could feel his gaze on her. They turned and left, making chitchat as they disappeared into another room.
"Asshole" she muttered.
The thoughts of divorce, court, child custody and then her son's sweet little round face came to her, and she pushed them away, and walked to the bar. She wondered where Joe had gone; his girl and bag had disappeared too.
She picked out a glass and began to make her drink, watching the red grenadine slowly blend with the orange juice and tequila, the swirling colors mesmerizing her so that she never heard the soft footsteps behind her.
Her skin prickled as a soft, hot breath tickled her neck and she felt the electric charge from the hands on her bare arms. She tilted her head to the side and closed her eyes.
"I want you" The words seemed to burn the tender flesh on her neck.
"Oh God, I can't...Chad...he's here" He turned her around to face him andlooked deep into her eyes, "We'll see" and he bent his head and kissedher gently. Her body seemed to become lifeless against him.
"Anne!" She jumped at the sound of her husband's irritated voice, the spell broken. Oh God no! and terror swept through her.
"Your stuff is here on the bed". He was still in a room somewhere and hadn't seen her transgression.
"O-ok, hon...lem-lemme finish making my drink" she called back. She knew Sav could tell she was shaken by the close call and she stammered, "I need to change."
"Yes, luv, you do that. There's a blow-dryer and all kinds of hair care stuff in the bathroom if you want to use it" Sav whispered against her ear, prickling the back of her neck once again.
As she turned to find her husband and dry clothes, he grasped her arm and pulled her wet, shivering body against him and devoured her mouth. His tongue caressed her lips and she parted them, a soft moan rising out of her.
His tongue did a slow, passionate dance in her mouth and then he pulled away, leaving her wanting more. She opened her eyes and looked into his. Oh, how she could drown in those eyes. "Go" he said softly.
She obeyed and went to find her husband.
After putting on the ragged T-shirt and sweats and hanging her wet clothes over the shower rod, she managed to get her long locks dry and untangled.
She came out into the living area to find Joe and his female friend, Phil, Sav and her husband in a friendly discussion of American football. "Oh, I see you found a subject you can fuss about. The Washington Foreskins" and she snickered, knowing her husband hated it when she called them that.
This brought a gale of laughter from the others. Chad playfully swatted her on the ass and patted his knees for her to sit down. She sat and he grabbed her hips and proceeded to buck against her. "Now this is more like it" he grinned.
Oh geez, here we go again and forced herself to smile. To humor him, she wiggled her bottom and said "Lap dance is 30 bucks babe" and grinned. She looked around at the chuckling men to see Sav's mouth turned up in a mischievous half smile, and she dropped her eyes in fear that everyone would see through her.
The chatter continued late into the night and several Tequila Sunrises later, Anne realized there was no way she could make the 2 hour drive home. So a phone call to the sitter confirmed they would be staying the night.
After the chatter died down and Phil had left for his own room, she decided to take a shower. The bathroom still amazed her with it's huge garden tub surrounded with mirrors and candles. She slipped out of the clothes and began to fill the tub. She lit the candles and turned out the light, a warm glow flickered over the marble sink and floors. She inhaled deeply, savoring the spicy cinnamon and closed her eyes. She thought of what had happened with Sav and sighed.
She was jarred
out of her daydream by a knock at the door. "Dammit, no
peace at all.
Who is it?"
Her husband's voice on the other side of the door "It's me, can I talk to you?"
She wrapped a large towel around her and cracked the door, "Yeah?" Her husband stood stupidly outside "Joe and I are gonna go out for a bit. We're talking about 'Nikki's Cabaret', if you don't mind. I think your little lap dance got him thinking."
"Yeah, go on
and be careful" and she shut the door, knowing it wasn't
entirely all
Joe's idea.
Slipping into the steamy water was like heaven and she closed her eyes, feeling the tension leave her body. Again, knocking..."Oh, dear God! What the fuck is it?" she yelled, jumping out of the tub and snatched the towel, barely covering herself as she flung the door open. "What?!" Only to see Sav standing in the thresh-hold. "Oh my God!" and she slammed the door and leaned against it, chest heaving.
"Anne? I'm sorry I frightened you. Can I come in?"
She turned toward the door, debating whether to open it. "Anne" came the soft sensous growl through the door.
She cracked it open and said "Y-yes?"
"Can I come in?"
She backed up against the sink, it's cold marble pressing against her ass. She quickly nodded her head, but avoided his eyes. Those eyes...deep blue pools that sucked her in. As he walked in, she could feel his eyes all over her, as if she wasn't holding the towel in front of her at all. He shut and locked the door behind him and slowly turned to face her.
"Come here" he whispered.
She hesitated, knowing that once this began, there was no turning back. She went to him and laid her head on his chest. He put his finger under her chin and tilted her face up to see her face. His soft smile, his eyes...so blue. She closed her own, feeling his hands run down her bare back, sending a wave of desire through her body. She dropped her towel and pressed against him, feeling his warmth through his clothes.
His hands slid softly down to cup her bottom and pulled her hips toward him. He drew a ragged breath of her hair. His head dipped down between her breasts and he sucked at the soft flesh under his lips.
"I want you" came the low growl as he raised up to claim her mouth again.
Her hands went up to his hair, oh yes she wanted him badly. The thoughts of marriage and adultery and her husband's angry face tried to squeeze into her mind and she pushed them back. "Yes, Sav...take me. I need to feel you in me"
She slid her hands down his hard chest and stomach and she helped him out of his shirt. Her hands lingered at the waist of his jeans and she looked into those beautiful eyes she'd tried so hard to avoid and whispered "I need you".
Her hand trailed further down to cup his hardness, then unbuttoning and unzipping to release him to her. She went to her knees and slowly took the tip in her mouth, tasting the salty precum. As she brought her hand up to stroke him, he reached out to the wall to keep his balance. She found the slow sensual rhythm that caused his breath to catch and his fingers of the other hand entwined in her hair. "Ah luv, so good"
She took his whole length and he pulled back, gently tugging her curls upward "Come here, luv" but she continued for she wanted to please him. "Come" he growled, tugging a bit harder this time.
Unwillingly, she stood and he swooped her up and began kissing her breasts as her hands found their way back into his hair. He sat her on the sink and gently pushed her, "Lay back" he whispered, and she obeyed, the mirror like a wall of ice on her warm skin. "Ooh! So cold!" she gasped.
"Sssh", he placed a finger on her lips and she opened her mouth to suck the tip, but he pulled away, "No, my turn."
She could feel his hardness at her opening and she raised her hips to meet him, but he again pulled back, shaking a finger at her "No, no, no" and grinned wickedly at her. He put that finger back to her lips and traced a path down her chin and neck, between her breasts, then circling around each one. His head lowered to kiss her breasts, his teeth gently nipping at their tips, causing a moan escape from her. As his finger found it's path down her stomach, she closed her eyes and wondered how this could be so wrong, when it felt so incredible?
His hands glided across her hips and down her thighs. Back up his hands slid, until they barely grazed her soft lips. She gasped as his fingers parted her and his tongue gently tickled her soft folds. Not stopping the rhythm that he'd found, he slid one finger into her wetness, feeling her desire mount. When he inserted the second finger, she let out a cry of pleasure. He could tell she was building, feeling her walls clamp down on him as she grabbed the back of his head and screamed in ecstasy. He softly kissed her wetness, tasting her juices as she came down, panting and moaning softly.
He helped her
off the sink and held her in his arms for what seemed like an eternity.
Her breathing slowed and her legs could now support her. She could hear
his heartbeat and she whispered "It's been so long since"
"Ssh luv, I'm
not done" He kissed her tenderly and she could taste herself on him.
He turned her around so she was facing the sink. She was amazed at the sight before her. Her face was pallid and moist, lips trembling. Her eyes seemed to be only the large black orbs of her pupils. She leaned over the sink to peer closer into this foreign face.
"Ah perfect, luv. Just like that" She looked into the mirror at him standing behind her admiring her and felt him part her with his fingers and gently slid himself in. "Ah, you are so wet and tight"
She lowered her head and closed her eyes, totally lost in sensation. "Anne, open your eyes. Anne, look at me" She raised her head and met his eyes in the mirror.
Slowly he began
moving in and out of her and she met each stroke, their rhythm becoming
faster. He reached down to touch her from the front, twirling small circles
around the nub and she bit her lip and her eyelids fluttered. "No, open
them Anne" and their eyes were locked
again. She
felt as if she were falling.
She could see the strain on his face and knew he was holding back. He increased the pressure in his fingertips and she felt herself building fast. "Oh yes, Anne, come for me" and his soft words sent her over.
Through her waves of pleasure, she could hear their moans made the perfect melody and harmony of their song of passion. Their eyes never leaving each other, both had peaked and both of their faces now pale, strands of curly hair stuck to damp skin, and the same black eyes.
He kissed her spine and they collapsed to the floor, panting. They sat against the sink, lovingly stroking each other until they caught their breaths and could speak. "Well, how about that bath? I think we both need one now" and they both chuckled, climbing into the tub.
They spent the next hour in the enormous tub, washing each others hair and softly soaping each others bodies. All the while discussing their failed marriages. She told of how lonely she was and craved passion and love more than anything.
He said he completely understood and gave her reassuring little kisses all over her face and neck. It felt so good to be wanted again. When he began to lather her left arm and hand, he rubbed the pad of his thumb over the smooth band on her finger and looked into her eyes questioningly. Startled and feeling cornered she said "What?"
Back came the thoughts of promised fidelity and betraying not only her husband, but son as well. "Nothing, luv, just wondering what you plan to do now....is all. You need to get out of this relationship you have, it's smothering your inner fire." He paused, waiting for her answer and she looked to him imploring "Such as? Where does a single mom go? Being totally alone is worse than what I have now."
"Listen, why don't you come with us? We're finishing up the tour in a few months and I'll be heading back to Ireland. I want you to come with me"
She pulled her hand away and stared at it as if it were some grotesque object she'd never seen before. She slammed it into the water to rid it of the foamy suds. Looking down at her golden band sparkling under the water, she felt hot tears in her eyes, and brought her knees up to her chest. Encircling her folded legs with her arms, "I don't know, we took vows"...but knowing she'd just broken those very vows and she sobbed into her knees. "Nothing makes sense anymore"
He stroked the back of her damp head with a touch so soft and loving, she wanted to fall into his arms forever and forget the life she had a mere 2 hours away. But she dared not move. He continued stroking her hair and whispered "They'll be back soon. I'm gonna let you finish your bath and give you some space. But please consider my offer" With that, he kissed her cheek tenderly and left her in the tub, quietly shutting the door behind him.
She sat in the water until it became too cold to bear, tears streaming down her face. "What do I do? I don't love Sav...could I ever? I don't know. Would he eventually love me, or would I be a toy until he tires of me? I don't know. Would he grow to love my son? I don't know." She wiped the tears from her face. "Do I love Chad? I don't know. How much longer can I endure this loveless marriage? I don't know."
So many uncertainties, it all made her head swim. All she did know is that she had precious few hours to make her decision. As Anne dried herself off and put donned one of the hotel's complementary robes, her mind was reeling from what she'd just done. She'd broken her marriage vows, but she wasn't regretting it. It all puzzled her greatly.
She stepped
out of the bathroom, unsure of what she'd tell Sav. She wanted the best
of both worlds, and that was impossible. She walked into the TV room and
he sat on the sofa waiting for her. "I made you a drink. I hope I did it
right. I used the bottles you left on
the bar," and
smiled a weak smile.
She sat next down next to him and tasted it, "Ugh! A bit too sweet" and they both laughed. She laid her head on his shoulder and sighed. "I know you don't have enough time to make the choice I gave you" and picked up her hand and softly caressed it. "It's really not fair, I know, but I meant what I said."
She turned her face and he kissed her tenderly, their desire building once again.
Theu heard a
commotion outside in the hall. Anne pulled away from him just as the door
flew open, revealing Joe and Chad, laughing and clapping each other on
the back. "I think the blonde liked
you, mate"
"Not as much as she liked you once she figured out who you were" and they laughed again.
Anne listened to them chatter away about their adventure, pasting on a fake smile. All the while, her mind and heart were in a ferocious battle. Finally deciding she could keep up the front no longer, she bid everyone goodnight and went to bed, crying herself to sleep. She stirred only a bit when her husband slipped under the covers beside her.
She awoke the early next morning and quickly penned a note to Sav.
Thank you for last night. I will never regret what we did. But although your offer is so very tempting, I must decline. There are no guarantees in this life and I cannot give up what little pleasures I have now for something that may or may not last and leave me more broken than I am at this moment. I'm sorry.
Anne
She quietly slipped the note under his door before going to wake her husband. They put their now dry clothes back on from the day before and left a formal note on the bar, with their phone number and address for the next time the guys were in town.
On the way home, her husband slept and she was thankful for the silence. It gave her the chance to replay last night's forbidden pleasure in her mind. She was frightened but yet excited at how easy it had been for her to be with this man.
After picking up their son from the sitter's and heading home, she was confident she'd made the right choice. Looking at his tiny sleeping form in the carseat, she wondered how she could've chosen anything else.
She touched
the note in her pocket, thinking that's what started it all. But her fingers
felt a stiffness that shouldn't be, that paper was soft and wet. She pulled
it out, realizing it wasn't the same note. Opening it, she found the familiar
handwriting and held it to
her chest,
tears forming in her eyes. She pulled into her driveway
slowly, so
as not to wake her sleeping passengers and began to read.
My dearest Anne,
I know we'll
miles apart when you find this. I came into your room last night and watched
you sleeping. I couldn't resist touching your face and hair. I kissed your
forehead and said things to you I know you won't remember. You said "Thank
you Chad. I love you" and curled up against your husband. Luv, give your
marriage another chance.
You're worth
it. Our time together was special to me and I will always
think of you
fondly. Maybe someday we will meet again under simpler
circumstances.
All my love,
Sav
She folded the note back up and turned the car off, smiling to herself. Yes, I am...we are worth it.
~ The End ~