For a Moment

Laura sat with her friends, basking in the glow of celebration.  Her dream had at last come true; she was in print. There were additional rewards, contracts and acclaim pouring in.  She had at last arrived.  She enjoyed the jeers from her table full of pals and even the new comers who simply wanted to have a little fun. The excitement the letter brought was palpable; coating the restaurant in loud laughter and congratulations.  She giggled and blushed; bubbling with her comical tale of her reaction both on the phone and with the letter.  She was intoxicated by happiness and pride.  She'd even permitted herself to indulge in margaritas.  Everyone teased her because tequila was her weakness and arch enemy. The warmth of the moment crawled through her body and filled her with utter contentment.

He sat back, watching; enjoying from afar, her success.  Absently, he twisted his stirrer for his cranberry and vodka.  He reveled in the robust honesty of her laugh.  He smiled to himself remembering a time when she had shared those budding dreams with him on a quieter more intimate level.  He scribbled on a napkin and set it aside, ordering two more drinks. Her friends stood and toasted her mercilessly to get her to drink more margaritas.  He chuckled, knowing it always got to her.  Laura would be sorry in the morning if she kept this pace.  

More drinks appeared.  Laura sighed heavily and tried to ignore them but the toasts and jokes kept coming.  The waitress stepped in next to her and laid his drink down; a cranberry and vodka and the note he'd written. She looked up scanning the crowd for his handsome face...


Finding him, she immediately felt her body warm. "Dom tequila." she thought. But to see him heading for her with that irresistible smile, she leaned a little on the table, feeling her knees go weak.  He came through the crowded bar and stood at the edge of her circle of friends, appearing almost nervous.  Only a few of them knew who he was to her.  He raised his glass, relieved when she reached for its mate on the table.  She turned to find him dangerously close. Her smile was tight and reserved.

"Beautiful success for a beautiful woman. You deserve it." without waiting, he clinked her glass and took a drink; a big one.  Liquid courage.

To both their amazement she opened her arms, inviting him in to join them.  He stepped closer and enjoyed the saltiness of the tequila as he lightly kissed her mouth, his hand gently catching her hip.  She lingered with her eyes bright with affection; even now, quietly thanking him.  Her heart was pounding in her chest.  Somehow her friends seemed to be melting away.

"Could I just borrow you for a moment?" he asked against the hollow of her shoulder, placing another delicate kiss along her skin.  Her flesh burst in to goose bumps.  She smiled childishly and permitted him to lead her away to the shock of the others at the table.  

"Be right back." she waved lightly. "I promise." She winked at the few who were flashing warning looks and whispering behind their hands to each other.

To a quiet back corner she followed him.  "Isn't this far enou..." 

He spun and pulled her to him.  His mouth was powerful and hungry.  His hands were cautious but pleading along the curves of her body.  He nuzzled her neck, inhaling her perfume.  Her breath came in startled gulps as she struggled with where to put her hands first.  She remembered craving the feel of his body against, inside her.  She moaned at the ecstasy he could bring to her all too easily.

"Let me..." he whispered, beginning to explore over her clothes.  Hearing her soft whimper, treasuring the firmness of her body as Laura pushed urgently against him.  He whispered on her skin how much he'd missed the taste of her, taking the opportunity to sample her soapy softly perfumed neck.  He bent, tracing the neckline of her shirt and telling her it needed to come off.  He wanted her.

She moaned and cradled his head, raking her hands through his thick dark curls.  His arms encircled her; lifted her up. She balanced against the wall and in his arms.  She said his favorite word: please.

He growled her name; once, twice; touched her arm...

Laura blinked as the waitress brushed her arm while placing the drink on the table.  Embarrassed, she laughed and stared at it and the  familiar slash of writing that marred the napkin underneath.  She leaned in and asked who sent it.  The waitress smiled and shrugged disappearing in the sea of familiar faces.  Laura scanned the bar but did not see him.  She glanced at others who gave her nods and eager smiles.  She returned them politely but insincerely.  Her best friend handed her another margarita and Laura was swept away again in her personal glory; out of her silly wish and daydream.  At closing time, her friend helped her into the waiting car.  Laura took one last hopeful look back.  Seeing no one, she sadly got in, tucking the now blurred napkin in her purse.  She did not see him in the shadows.  He looked, seeing the drink untouched.  He sighed, finished his own and slowly walked out.

The moment was lost.






Just a quickie.  Sometimes, they simply do the trick.  Thanks for spending some time with me.  I hope to visit with you again soon.  It's always such a good time, don't you think?