Just One Night …and forever

One

The music was so loud it felt like it was vibrating through her bones. The air was thick with the mingling scent of sweat, alcohol, and something erotic. Bodies, slick with sweat, were moving to the beat, limbs swaying to the rhythm, some graceful, some frantic.

Hannah, a bundle of excitement and nerves, hurriedly moved past swaying bodies to meet up with her friend who was already several feet ahead of her. “I don't think this is a great idea, Jade,” she said loudly as she got to the bar.

Jade laughed. She signaled the bartender and then turned toward Hannah, a mischievous glint in her eye, barely audible over the booming music. “Come on, Hannah,” she urged, leaning in close to be heard over the noise. “Tonight’s all about having fun and letting go. No excuses, okay?”

Hannah tried to protest, but Jade cut her off. “Nah no. If I let you, you are going to spend the rest of the year feeling sad over that person.”

“His name is Damon, Jade,” Hannah rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, right. Have I told you that I never liked him?” “Yes, you did. Countless times.”

“But you never listened. Trust me, you're better off without him.” Jade said as she ordered drinks for the both of them. “Just chill, have fun, get over him. You might even meet someone hot here, tonight.

“No, please. I’m still trying to recover from an almost traumatic experience.”

“I’m not talking about starting another relationship.” Jade laughed. “Just maybe, you might pop that cherry.” She leaned and whispered loudly towards Hannah, who gently nudged her away with a playful shove.

“Don’t be ridiculous!”

“And by the way, have I told you how stunningly hot you look tonight?”

“You have, Jade. A million times. Even though I’ve told you, a million times, that I don't feel comfortable in it.”

Jade blew her a kiss. “You're welcome hon.”

Hannah’s dress was a stunning sight. It elegantly clung to her body. Its fabric is a rich, electric blue that seems to shimmer under the soft glow of the light. The thin straps crossed over her shoulders revealing her back and leaving her skin exposed to the warm night air. It ended just above her knees, with a small slit on one side adding a touch of allure. It showcased her fair skin and fiery hair.

Hannah knew she had a great body, it was the exposure that made her uneasy. This was way far from her normal jeans and shirts. Jade did an amazing thing to her face with her makeup. She felt both beautiful and awkward at the same time. Honestly, she loved her friend so much but sometimes her exuberance could be overwhelming.

She sighed as Jade slid a drink across the table. “Drink up and arrange your face well and don’t be… ooohhhh” Jade dropped her glass and started moving her body to the music that came up.

“This is our song. Come, Hannah, let’s dance”

Excitedly, she held out her hands towards Hannah. With a mixture of reluctance and laughter, Hannah finished her drink in one swift motion and grimaced. She took Jade’s hand and followed her into the dance floor, their bodies moving to the beat of the song.

As the night wore on, Hannah found herself getting lost in the music and moment. She and Jade danced, laughed, and sang along to their favorite songs, their voices hoarse from screaming over the music. The drinks kept flowing, and Hannah’s inhibition started to fade.

She was having the time of her life, feeling carefree and alive. For the first time in years, she wasn't feeling crappy over a guy. Okay, maybe not in years, just 3 weeks but it felt like years.

Jade's voice pierced the din, her eyes fixed on something – or someone – a few feet away.

“Oh my my! Look at that body! Look at that face! He's so hot!” Hannah followed her gaze, but the stranger was a blur, his face indistinct in the dim light.

“He's giving me the eye. I'm going over.”

“Wait, what?

“I'll be right back, Hannah. That's enough for the drinks though.” Jade collected the glass from her hand. “Don’t miss me much.” She sauntered off with the stranger, leaving her alone.

The stool creaked as Hannah slid into it. She was an adult for Christ's sake and shouldn't feel alone and uneasy. She's going to do like her best friend advised and have fun.

“One shot, please.”

She took the drink and gulped it down. Took another and another, the liquor burning down her throat like a fiery kiss.

She felt sexy and free. The club was spinning. She giggled.

She turned, and she saw him.

Sitting just 3 seats away from her at the bar, he was bent over his drink. Muscles rippling beneath his black shirt like a Panther's sleek coat. His hair was so rich, dark, and curly, that her fingers itched to run through it.

She could barely see his face, but she felt drawn to him like a moth to flame.

Warning bells clanged in her head like a fire alarm, but she pushed them aside. She was here to have fun anyway, and what did Jade say again? Something about cherry and popping? She couldn't remember.

She stumbled over to him, her legs wobbly from the drinks, and almost threw herself into his arms. A giggle escaped her lips like a nervous bird. She tried to bring her senses to focus. How do you seduce a man again?

She leaned in close, her lips brushing against his ear like a whispered secret

“Want to go a round with me?” she whispered, her voice husky and seductive.

What was she doing?!

With eyes half closed, she turned him and placed her lips on his. She tasted vodka and a hint of chocolate as she deepened the kiss. The stranger took her hand, his fingers wrapping around her wrist like a vice, and pulled her close.

“Upstairs” he growled, his voice low and husky like a summer storm.

Hannah felt a thrill of excitement mixed with fear as he dragged her through the crowded club, the music, and lights blurring together like a kaleidoscope in a whirlwind, to a narrow hallway that led to an elevator. She felt the undeniable s****l pull in her abdomen, her heart beating so fast.

She didn't know how many minutes passed, or where they were going, but she wanted his hands all over her.

As they entered the elevator, she took his hands to her breasts and dragged his face down to kiss him. She pressed her body against him, feeling his arousal.

Excitement shot through her veins. She couldn't see his face, the lights here were very dim.

The elevator opened.

Then, they were inside a room. She was giddy from the hot sensual kisses all over her body. She felt the soft mattress beneath her back.

She was naked. Her breasts met cold air moments before being suckled by a hot mouth, she moaned loudly.

She remembered flesh meeting flesh.

She remembered hands roaming and touching places that had never been touched before.

She remembered the agonizing pleasure before the release.

Hannah woke up with a start, her head throbbing and her mouth dry. She sat up in bed, a strange bed, disoriented. She rubbed her eyes, trying to remember how she got there. The room was unfamiliar, the walls a deep gray, the bed a tangled mess of sheets.

Sheets that were wrapped around her waist, her breasts bare to the air.

No! No! A sense of foreboding went through her as she had flashbacks of the night before, the club, the loud music, her kissing someone. And then she saw him, the stranger, lying beside her, his face turned away from her, the white sheets covered just his bum.

Panic set in as she scrambled out of the bed, and winced from the pain that exploded in her head. She waited a few seconds for the pain to abate and her eyes to adjust. Her dress was crumpled on the floor, she grabbed it and held it against her, her heart racing. Where was she? Who was this man? God! What has she done?!

The man moved, and Hannah held her mouth with her trembling hand to keep quiet. After a moment, his steady breathing continued. She quickly put on her clothes, picked up her shoes and little purse, and fled the room.