Page 33 of More Than a Fling

“That’s good because I’m not into games,” Annie said.

He leaned in for a kiss—he had to. Her lips were soft and full, he lingered. Whispering against her mouth he said, “You taste like honey, and you smell like an orange blossom bush in full bloom, I have to have one more.” He hungrily covered her mouth with his. The passion ignited between them instantly. She slipped her arms around his neck and opened her lips wider as his tongue plundered. His breath fast and ragged, he reluctantly pulled away, but kept his arms loosely around her waist his hands resting on her hips.

“I guess I had better get back up there with the band, we should be about ready for our first set,” he said. “I hope you enjoy the show.” He lightly brushed his lips across hers one last time, then returned to the stage. A crowd had gathered and as far as Annie was concerned, there were a few too many adoring females gawking at Gabe from the front row.

“Hey y’all thanks for coming out tonight. We have the best fans out there, it means a lot, really. If ya don’t know, we’re the Lonesome Cowpokes, I’m Gabe, we got Rocker on drums, Jake next to me on guitar, Nate playing keyboards, and Billy on bass. Can’t go forgettin’ our sound man back there, Derek, couldn’t do it without him. Now let’s get to what brought you all out in the first place…”

Gabe’s smooth vocal tones reminded Annie of Jackson Browne, like melting butter, it was at once both soothing and sexy. She stood right in front of the stage holding a cold beer while swaying to the music. As the second song picked up, she was surprised to see Cal standing next to her.

“Cal. What are you doing here?” she laughed hugging him, glad for the company.

“Hey Annie, Gabe invited me, I hadn’t heard them play before so here I am,” he said.

“I am so happy to see you,” she replied.

“Are you ready for another beer yet?” he asked.

“Sure, let me give you some money,” Annie said.

“No, hell no.” Cal turned to fight his way through the crowd to get them another round.

“I’d like to dedicate this next song to a very special lady, this one is for you, Annie,” Gabe said, looking steadily at her as he began to sing Billy Currington’s song,Let Me Down Easy. The song felt like it was now their song. The words touched her soul deeply, as they had when he sang to her in the truck. It was so seductive that she was completely, utterly, under his spell. Their gazes locked and he sang as if she were the only one in the room. Cal came up beside her, but she only had eyes for Gabe. The rest of the world had ceased to exist.

“Earth to Annie, here’s your beer,” Cal said, touching her arm to get her attention.

She smiled brightly at Cal and he almost stumbled back. “That Gabe is one lucky dude is all I can say,” he said.

“Why thank you Cal,” she said.

Gabe had moved on to the next tune, but his attention didn’t stray far from Annie. She could almost feel the envious looks from the other women that were being slung her way and decided to soak it up and enjoy.

As the band began another song, Cal shyly asked Annie if she would dance with him. Looking at his earnest expression, she couldn’t say no.

“Why not?” she replied.

He took her into his arms as if she were a delicate flower. “I won’t break Cal, let’s cut the rug.”

“Cut the rug? What does that mean?”

Annie laughed, her eyes sparkling with mirth, “Never mind. It’s an old-fashioned expression for kicking up our heels on the dance floor,” she explained with another euphemism. “Oh, never mind, let’s dance,” she said pulling him closer and leading the dance. “Now dip me,” she commanded.

He obliged and her head came close to the floor, then suddenly she was upright again with him twirling her around. They continued to act up and playfully try out new dance moves. “Oh, now I get it, you were holding out on me,” she said, teasing Cal as the song finished.

Cal looked at her with such adoration that Annie realized how vulnerable and young he was. Maybe only a couple years younger than her chronologically, but light years younger emotionally. “Let’s go to the bar and grab another beer,” Annie said, hoping to change gears.

“Sounds good,” Cal agreed.

On stage the band was almost done with the first set and Gabe said, “We’re going to play one more song and then take a little break, but don’t go anywhere we have a couple more sets for ya’ll. Don’t forget to grab one of our CDs or a tee-shirt. We have ‘em on sale by the entrance, we’ll be happy to sign your copy after the show. Don’t forget to tip your servers.”

They ended the set with an upbeat honkytonk song that left the crowd energized and wanting for more. Gabe made his way straight to Annie and Cal.

“You made it,” Gabe greeted Cal.

“Yeah, you sound awesome.”

“Thanks for taking care of my girl,” Gabe said.

“It was tough, but someone had to do it.”

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