Page 28 of More Than a Fling

Gabe reached for Annie’s hand and interlaced his fingers with hers as they crossed the street to get in the line for their movie tickets. There were about half dozen people ahead of them for a new-release romantic comedy starring Jennifer Aniston, one of Annie’s favorite actors. They made small talk with the couple in front of them, but all Annie could concentrate on was the electricity from Gabe’s hand holding hers and how incredibly sexy he was.

She had to force herself to quit staring at him. His wide white smile dazzled her. Honestly, he could charm a snake from its burrow. When his eyes met hers, they held a warmth that made her toes curl. She hadn’t even been aware she had such a longing inside herself, but now it pervaded her entire being.

Upon entering the cinema, Gabe tugged her along to the concession stand and perused the candy display like a twelve-year-old kid. He smiled at the awkward teenager taking his order, who proceeded to blush a deep crimson and looked as if she wanted to crawl under the counter and hide.

“We’d like a big tub of buttered popcorn, a bag of Twizzlers, and a box of Milk-duds please. Oh, and an extra-large Pepsi,” he looked at Annie with a big grin, “Now what would you like? I’m willing to share… what is your favorite?”

“I think you’ve got it covered,” she said approving of his choices. “Milk-duds and Twizzlers are my favorite.”

“I guess that’s it then,” he said, smiling at the young girl.

“Extra butter?” the clerk managed to croak out.

“Yeah, why not,” he grinned at her, “and thank ya.”

“Sure.” She blushed fire engine red from Gabe’s attention before adding the extra butter and setting it on the counter next to the rest of the booty.

“That will be fifty dollars,” Annie whispered in Gabe’s ear giggling.

“Wouldn’t be surprised,” he agreed. “It’s worth it though; it always tastes better at a movie theater.”

“It’s true.” Annie said smiling.

The previews for the coming attractions were already playing when they entered the dark auditorium. “Front, middle, or back?” Gabe whispered in her ear.

“Back,” she answered immediately.

They took middle seats in the very back row and hunkered down together. Popcorn in Gabe’s lap, drink in the holder, candy in Annie’s bag, comfortable seats, sirens going off in Annie’s nervous system, best date night ever.

Between movie trailers, all you could hear were wrappers crumpling and people munching on their popcorn. Annie had to stifle a giggle. Gabe put his arm across her shoulders hugging her to him and said, “I feel like I’m on my very first date, and about sixteen years old again.”

“Me too,” Annie replied softly. “It feels kinda good.”

“Strangely enough it does, although I wouldn’t go back to my teens again for anything.” He kissed the top of her head as the featured film began.

“Thanks for picking out a chick flick,” she said.

“Don’t tell anyone, my reputation will be shattered,” he said.

“Your secret is safe with me.” They settled into the intimacy of the moment, as if only she and Gabe existed and everything else had slipped away. She leaned her head into the crook of his arm, her head resting against his chest, and breathed in the manly scent of him, earthy with a hint of aftershave and laundry soap. She wondered if she would be able to remember anything about this film, but she had no doubt she would remember everything about their date.

13

Bradley pounded his fist on the steering wheel in a rage as he drove around town. After hearing that Annie was staying at her sister’s, he had staked it out after he got off duty and had seen lover-boy ride up on his motorcycle and whisk her away. He had followed them in his gray truck, keeping a safe distance and remaining undetected.

He fucking knew it. How could she? He saw her looking all googly eyed at him in the ticket line. Smiling up at him, holding hands. He struck his dashboard again. She used to look at him like that. She would again, he was sure of it.

He intended to find out who the hell this guy was, trying to steal his girl. He could forgive her, but him, well that was another story.

Bradley decided to stop in and have a beer at Finnegan’s, a local bar, and wait out the movie. Maybe shoot a round or two of pool to cool his temper off. Slamming his truck door shut, he strode angrily into the bar and ordered a tall one from the bartender, who called him by name since he was a regular.

The cop crowd often hung out here when off-duty, and Bradley could always count on seeing a familiar face. He noticed a woman he had recently shared a wild night of sex with, he thought her name was Dee, smiling seductively at him. It wasn’t Annie, but he could close his eyes and pretend it was for a night of sex. A man had his needs. Hopefully Dee would still be around after he got back from seeing that Annie arrived home safely.

The woman in question got up from her bar stool and came over to Bradley, making sure he had the perfect vantage point for viewing her ample cleavage, almost spilling out from her tight knit top. “Hey Sexy, where have you been? You said you would call,” she pouted sexily.

“I’ve been busy, but I’m here now. I’ve got an errand to run in a little while, but if you wait here for me, we can go back to my place and pick up where we left off,” he said tantalizing her with his intense dark eyes.

“I’ll be here,” she replied breathlessly.

---