The Desired Effect

Christmas Eve

The pair seemingly ignored the almost-incident with ease. Poppy did her best to pretend nothing had happened, as did Brandon. They finished up at the studio then hopped into his truck. It was mid afternoon and the sun was beginning it's gradual stretch downwards across the vast skyline.
"Ooh let me put a song on please!" beamed Poppy, thinking ahead to avoid any awkward silences. Brandon just nodded, knowing he had no choice in the matter. He stole glances of her as she bit her lower lip out of concentration, instantly flicking them back to the road ahead when she sat back, smug satisfaction across her lips. Moments later the blare of electric guitar pounded through the tiny speaker system. It was the distinct intro to 20th century boy, T.Rex. As Marc's voice kicked in and the track picked up pace, the pair of them lost themselves to the track. Heads were nodding, fingers and hands tapping enthusiastically along. There was no holding back, they we both singing along and enjoying the good music. For 3 minutes they were sharing this little bubble of happiness and laughter. Smiling at one another, feeding off of each other's passion and joy. Then as it slowly eased off and faded out, a strange mix of disappointment and frustration swirled in their stomachs.
"God Visconti is a legend"Poppy announced as she returned the volume dial to more suitable level.
"Hmm?" Brandon was clearly still to engrossed in the moment to think straight.
"Tony Visconti, he has to be one of the most underrated producers!" She repeated enthusiastically.
"Oh yeah for sure, Bowie, Morrissey, T.Rex, he only works with the greats" Brandon added, eyes on the road, sparkling with passion. The pair chatted about the great Visconti as their journey across town continued. The music changed to a more gentle Oasis track followed by the cranberries before they eventually arrived at Poppy's apartment building.
"Thanks for everything Pops!" Brandon announced as he slowly pulled up at the side of the road. Poppy popped her seatbelt and turned to face him.
"Nah it's alright, thanks for having me" she grinned back, watching him as he flicked the engine off and turned to face her better.
"Yeah but you're awesome, Visconti should watch his back" Brandon gave a smooth wink that somehow paid off. Poppy blushed and glanced down at the space between them. She wasn't usually this way but there was something about Brandon that made her putty in his hand.
"Anywayyy" she swallowed her nerves and leant forward, "thank you" she smiled before closing the gap and planting the softest peck on Brandon's cheek. The specks of stubble tickling her lips for a second before she leant back. His lustrous eyes locked with her slightly timid ones for a brief moment.
"Bye" Poppy blurted before turning but as she moved Brandon's hand whipped across to grab her wrist. Something in him snapped, he couldn't just let her leave. He stared at his hand gripping desperately onto her slender wrist. Pulling her gently but firmly towards him, her lips instantly connected with his. Their lips fighting for dominance as the passion spilled between them. All the pent up feelings now being released as they shared a moment of pure lust.

They momentarily paused for air, taking in one another's flushed faces. An unsure smile on both parts only prompted them to go in for the kill once more. Neither of them wanting the moment to end, his lean hands cradled her head and caressed her cheek as hers came to rest on his chest. At a suitable point, they slowly broke apart. Their lips tingling from the friction, ecstasy in their veins.
"I-if" Brandon cleared his throat, the kiss having left him speechless almost, "if you need anything you know where I am" he announced, watching as Poppy gingerly ran a forefinger over her reddened lips which only drove Brandon even more crazy for her.
"Yeah" Poppy nodded innocently, returning her hands to her side, "thanks" she turned, again doing her best to pretend nothing much had happened. "See you on Christmas Day" she offered as she hopped out of the truck, shut the door and began down the path. Brandon watched, astonished by what had just happened. He smiled and gave a casual wave as she finally disappeared into the building, leaving him feeling deflated and slightly overwhelmed at the same time. With a deep sigh, he restarted the engine and began his lonely journey home.

Saturday 24th December - Las Vegas, Nevada

Poppy was relaxing on the sofa in the living room of her large apartment. Now finally having some time to herself, she decided to call Jaz. Instantly Jaz rejected the call and face timed her instead, this made Poppy laugh and soon Jaz's cheery face appeared on her screen.

"Helloooo!" Jaz bellowed, her happy expression widened.

"How are you? It's been ages!" Poppy sighed as she greeted her friend excitedly.

"not bad, tell me about it! How's life working with the rockstars?" Jaz laughed, smirking at her comment, "I want to know everything".

"Have you got a week?" Poppy joked, "there's so much to tell you!" she teased.

"Oooh spill, come on!" Jaz encouraged her, her eyes fixed on Poppy's through the screen. So, with a sigh to prepare herself, Poppy began to fill her in. Over the course of 20 minutes, Jaz was almost fully back in the loop.

"So you kissed him?" Jaz repeated, trying to get the facts straight.

"Yeah" Poppy nodded timidly, "well he almost kissed me in the studio, then he actually kissed me later on and then I kissed him back" a smug expression crossed her lips.

"Is he a good kisser?" Jaz pondered, rubbing a hand along her chin as if investigating.

"Really good" Poppy blushed.

"Ahh remember you don't have to sleep with him just cos he wants to" Jaz lectured Poppy, "but if he's as sweet and hot like you say then just make sure you're safe" she chuckled.

"Jaz!" Poppy gasped, laughing at the bluntness of her best friend.

"Just go with the flow Pops" Jaz added, "just make the most of it, don't regret anything" Jaz advised wisely before the topic of conversion drifted back to a lighter subject. The details of the kiss and the almost kiss. Jaz was impressed and slightly jealous. After gossiping for almost 2 hours the girls decided to leave each other in peace seeing as it was getting late over in New York. Poppy decided to head out for a walk around the neighbourhood, her earphones in and explore the town.

As she strolled around, the music filled her ears but a certain someone filled her mind. No matter how hard she tried, her thoughts kept drifting back to him and the things she and Jaz had spoken about regarding him. She allowed the thoughts to come and go in her mind, there was no use in resisting she thought.

Meanwhile, Brandon was driving home after visiting relatives on the other side of town. They had a family gathering and face timed the Utah contingent of the Flowers clan. He missed his family but he was always so busy, he found it difficult to fit in regular, consistent visits. It's the only thing he despised about his career choice. He turned up the radio as his truck belted down the highway. It drowned out his thoughts and allowed him to enjoy the drive, admiring the expansive view of the city lights ahead. As he drew closer to home, he ran through his to do list for when he arrived home. All he could think about then was all the fun  he and the gang would have tomorrow.  He knew for sure that they'd have to go on a few of the roller coasters, get frozen custard and see the Bellagio fountains.