The Aftertaste

Chapter Twelve

AJ looks handsome in his sweater and jeans. He guides me through downtown, our fingers looped together. I feel like a schoolgirl, first date aura. I feel so free and safe in his space. Work is far from my mind, thank God.
We enter a casual restaurant and grab a seat on the patio. The air feels great on my almost sticky skin. I pray my hands aren't clammy.
"So you've avoided every work question, it was that bad?" AJ laughs. I sip my wine and roll my eyes. Something I've been doing a lot lately. I pray my eyes don't get stuck like that.
"The girl I took pictures for, she's a perfectionist. She literally drives me crazy. Get this, she proposed to her man."
The shock on AJ's face makes me forget my own shock. He laughs, loudly, throwing his head back.
"Doesn't that scream desperate? Ah, women are down 20 points after hearing that. So, do you plan on proposing to me?"
This time, I get to laugh.
"No no, I don't plan on getting married at all. Especially if I have to propose."
"What's wrong with marriage? I've been married before."
This is news to me. I feel like I've been hit with a bat. Why wouldn't he say that sooner?
"You have?"
"I thought I told you? It was fresh out of high school. I was dumb and reckless. Trying to prove a point to her family and mine."
He doesn't seem like the marital type. I stare at him, waiting for more details but he gives none. I guess I'll have to ask.
"Prove what?"
"She came from wealth so er- they expected her to be with someone who carried wealth or at least aspirations. At the time, I had neither, but I had the work ethic to buy an expensive ring. We got married and then things went sideways. She wanted a bad boy and I was just a working man."
I feel sorry for him but there's no sorrow in his voice. My own choices flash before me, every decision; good and bad. Did I do it for myself or to comfort those around me?
I allow him to redirect the conversation while I enjoy my shrimp pasta. He seems to mesmerize me without trying. I don't know if I'm just fresh on the dating seen or lack of attention makes me want this but I do. He's handsome and funny. The more I sip my wine and allow his voice to fill me, I want to kiss him. I wish I could call my mom and ask her but it seems childish and stupid. Grow up, Danielle. Make a decision for yourself for once.

•

AJ has a nice condo on the other side of town. It looks exactly like a bachelor pad. Everything I would imagine from a man like him.
"Okay, take a shot if you've never ran naked through downtown." AJ says, refilling our shot glasses. We've been taking shots and playing this game to learn more about each other. He has literally done all the things one could imagine. Every time I get a question, "never" is in the equation because I haven't lived, apparently. I take a shot and this time he does too.
"You haven't streaked before? I'm surprised." I burp laugh which causes more laughing.
"Running around with my manhood out, not something I could do. I'm a grow-er, not a show-er. I would have to be on the news for that."
"Well that is true. You could just grow before you do it?"
"You think it's that easy?"
I burp out a laugh, clearly the alcohol has kicked in.
"I mean, why not? Add water and it'll grow"
"You think I'm a chia pet?"
We fall into laughter and I allow myself to relax on his chest. The alcohol is warm in my system and I feel good.
"You're beautiful." He sighs, rubbing my chin. I feel chills.
"T-thank you."
His breath is warm on my face. I'm praying my breath doesn't stink. We lock eyes, his gaze makes me feel like I took another shot.
"Can I kiss you, Danielle?"
PLEASE.
"I'd like that.."
I feel like I'm whispering and yet he still hears me. Our lips connect, soft and comforting. I'm hungry. I lick his bottom lip, hinting that I want more and he doesn't question it.
Moans escape me as our chest touch, his hands finding the small of my back.
More. Please, more.
My body feels like it's lost control and I need some grounding. Is this okay?
He lifts me off the couch, stumbling us toward his bedroom, clicking lights off in the process. He moans in my mouth, and I can feel moisture between my legs.
"You're so fucking beautiful"
I moan a thank you into his mouth. The breathing is heavy in this dark room. I'm glad it's dark, the glow of his digital clock gets me high. His moist skin on mine, gets me higher. He lays me on the bed and I can see his outline standing in front of me.
My breathing is loud and I try to calm myself.
"I just..I'm sorry. Is this too fast?" He stutters.
"Too fast?"
"Well it's a first date and I have you on my bed, ready to rip you to shreds."
"Do it."
I don't know where the bravery came from but it's here. Do I really want to do this? Is it too fast?
My dress is off before I know it and his mouth is on my breast. I'm thanking God and Moses that I shaved because it would be embarrassing to think of his reaction to a thong full of hair.
His mouth is warm and wet. I'm a moaning mess of putty in his hands.
"Please.." I moan. I try to find his belt in the dark and he grabs my wrist.
"No." His voice is gravel and God he sounds so sexy.
The sucking and kisses trail down my body to the space below my bellybutton. I'm wet. I want to pull his pants down and taste him. Lick his chiseled chest and run my tongue along his neck. I try to pull him back up to me but he's holding my wrists down.
"I want to taste you, baby. If you move, I'll stop and we'll go to bed with your clit throbbing for me. Do you understand."
I nod my head in the dark.
"Do you understand?" He repeats, his voice aggressive.
"I-I understand."
His tongue slides from my ass to my clit and he takes me into his mouth. I'm a moaning mess. My throat feels dry as I moan for more. My hands stay as still as possible but I want to push his face deeper. He tongue fucks me, legs shaking beyond my control.
"You taste so good, baby. I want you to cum for me."
"Please don't stop.."
I'm grinding against him with passion, all my juices leaking out of me. The more his tongue flicks and sucks me, the harder I grind. I'm hungry for this. I want to cum so bad.
The room is steamy. His fingers find my entrance, digging into me as he continues to suck my clit. It's too much and I'm dizzy.
"I'm gonna cum, AJ. I'm gonna cum, my God."
"You better cum."
My body begins to shake all over. He places my hand on the back of his head and I force him deeper into me. I don't care if I'm suffocating him at this point. I need the release.
A scream rips through me as I release my juices into his mouth. He licks and sucks every drop, moaning with confidence.
"Damn, you are so sexy." He says, kissing my lips softly. I kiss him back. I can feel his boxers and dick on my stomach, so there more. I open my legs to allow him entrance and I hear him chuckle.
"No baby, one thing at a time. I got mine when you got yours. Let's get some sleep." He pulls me into him. My naked body feels cozy in his arms. I feel the hum of the fan rocking me to sleep.
This man will be the death of me.