Let Me In

Chapter 5

I was at work at 6am the next day. Well, if you can call doing something you loved in a luxurious setting and getting paid for it 'work'. I loved the early shifts at Ph@t C@ts. The classes were always full, mostly made up of well-off businessmen getting in a quick workout before the office. I passed the reception desk on my way to the staff changing rooms and winked at my best work buddy. A couple of young women were leaning over the desk, looking at him longingly, giving him their best smile – his typical audience. He loved being 'centre stage'. Giacomo was tall and dark, with an athletic build; every inch, an Italian Stallion. Our Creator had also blessed my friend with so much charm, he could easily persuade Eskimos to buy ice from him."Morning, G.""Morning, baby girl. I'm taking you to lunch today, so make sure you keep that diary of yours free for me, ok?""There's only room for you, Big G," I sang in my sweetest voice. I'm sure I received a dirty look or two from his 'fans'. It only made me smile more, knowing they didn't stand a chance. The ladies' gaydar needed retuning. Either that, or they hadn't spotted G's 'Owen' tattoo in his bicep. I dumped my kit in my locker and headed for my first class.My full schedule helped the day to pass quickly. It also helped keep my mind on the job and off that night's date. I allowed myself to get a little excited during the final class. The forty-minute boxercise session attracted middle-aged businesswomen fitting in a lunchtime workout, and rich, yummy mummy types eager to get their figure back whilst Nanny looked after the kids. I was therefore surprised when Dave Hands walked through the door as I chatted to one of the ladies.Dave was a pain. Roughly ten years older than me, and with a wealthy dad, Dave didn't have to work. That was unfortunate for me, as he spent a lot of his time bumming around Ph@t C@ts doing little but be a nause-bag. Few of my female colleagues were fortunate enough not to have worked with him. Dave is what I described as a 'lurk'. 'Hands' was the perfect last name for him. He'd get too close when talking to you and was over-familiar; he'd make you feel uncomfortable and your skin crawl without even touching you. It wasn't just me who felt like that - it seemed he had this effect on most women, judging by how many migrated to the other side of the fitness studio when he took position. His recent behaviour towards me had seen my concerned manager swap my classes around; Dave had made a point of turning up to them all. He'd also asked various members of staff for my phone number, apparently to book one-to-one, personal training sessions with me. And now he was here, in this class. Butting into the conversation, as always."Afternoon, ladies. Thought I'd give this a go to boost my physique. After all, you girls are in such fine shape, it must be a good workout." He gave his stupid laugh whilst rubbing his hands together and swaying from side to side, like an ape who'd swiped the best banana. I pretended to laugh before heading to the front of the class to press 'play' on the sound system. Music blared out, bringing any hope he had of a conversation swiftly to an end.********************************* "Well, G. You really do bring me to the best places. They were out of caviar, so I opted for beans on toast instead."We sat in the greasy spoon café just up the road from my house, which also happened to be down the road from G's house, and our regular meeting place. G's body was a temple to him, except for one day a week when he'd eat utter junk.He flapped his hands, signalling for me to sit. "The food isn't important. Tell me about your date." The waitress plonked two steaming-hot cups of tea on the table. She smelt of soap and chips at the same time.I gave G all the details: the work at my house, the club, Nic and Nath, and arranging the date. He loved the drama."And I take it he looks good enough to eat?""For starter, mains, and pudding, 24/7. Blonde, messy hair...""Blonde? That's unlike you.""Maybe that's a good thing, considering the others. Very tall, well-built, funny. What are you doing?""I think I'm falling in love," he sighed, gazing at the ceiling.I laughed and carried on, despite G's mickey-taking. "He has his own wheels. Granted, it's a van with 'Joe Jones Builder extraordinaire' emblazoned on the side, but...""Joe Jones? Is he local"?I nodded, taking a sip of my tea. "Yes. Born and bred. Not sure why our paths haven't crossed yet".G started messing with his phone. After a few seconds he held it up and showed me Joe's picture. "Is this him?""Oh my God, yes! I take it you know him...please don't tell me you've been there before me.""No way! I went to school with him.""Really? You knew him and never thought to introduce me?!""We're not exactly best friends, Mai. We hung around in the same crowd at school. He turned all sporty and went on to college. The only sport I was into was nailing rugby types. After they'd showered, of course."I giggled at the thought."Most of our group grew apart. Then about three months ago Joe sent me a friend request on facebook. He's still a looker, always was - even as a gangly teenager. Always had girls following him round. His facebook page doesn't say much about him."A nostalgic look washed over G's face for a brief second. "At least you're not going to embarrass me in front of my school friend. You've actually had a conversation with him and found out his name, rather than luring him from a club back to yours for a fuck, before throwing his ass back out the door.""G!" The waitress frowned as she looked over."See. Even Beryl's disgusted.""She's disgusted by your dirty mouth. Never mind my feelings. Don't mince your words, do you?""The only mincing round here is when I walk my beautiful ass out of that door, baby girl. All I'm saying is...break your normal pattern. Let go a little. Maybe it's time to grow up and put the past behind you. Give your future a chance."*********************************The weather had taken a turn for the worse by the time we left the café. The sunny, blue sky had gone, replaced by grey clouds, and the rain was coming down heavily. I texted Joe, told him not to get out of the car when he arrived - just to honk his horn and I'd go out to him. No need for both of us to get wet.I'd donned my best tight jeans and fitted pink shirt, and scraped my hair into a high ponytail. All set to go, I relaxed on my bed for a while with my music on low, not for the first time that afternoon - butterflies always seemed to occur at the mere thought of Joe. Why was I nervous? I'd been on many dates before and had never felt like this. Yes, he was gorgeous and funny and mysterious, wanted by many women, but so were most of my previous boyfriends.Did I just use the word 'boyfriend'? Is that what I'd like Joe to be? My boyfriend?I'd promised myself I wouldn't let anyone get that close to me for quite a while. Is Joe the one I'd like to let in?My thoughts were broken by the sound of a car's horn. I ran to the hallway window to check if it was Joe.Wow! I could just make him out through the rain-spattered car windows. I expected him to pick me up in the transit van he used for work but he'd arrived in a shiny, black, sporty convertible with only two seats. I hadn't got a clue what model it was. I'd never been into cars, or their worth. I could just make out a Honda badge and some numbers on the back of its sleek body. I may have known nothing about cars but I could tell it was expensive. Far more expensive than what your average - but totally gorgeous - builder normally earned. I skipped to my bedroom, grabbed my bag, and threw my shoes on whilst making my way downstairs (nearly tripping as I did so). I quickly checked my hair in the hall mirror before heading out to Joe.Joe drove like a madman. Speeding through the underground tunnels leading into town we drove at twice the legal limit. I don't know which echoed louder, the twin exhausts' thunderous growl, the music blasting from the stereo, or me screaming in terror...or excitement - or both - whilst we weaved in and out of traffic. The grin on Joe's face told me it was all for my benefit, and that he was pleased with himself that he'd elicited such a hysterical reaction.We parked in the underground car lot at The Hanger. The Hanger was an enormous, old-fashioned building on the edge of town that housed designer shops, restaurants and bars; it was so-called because it was where planes were built and designed, post-war. Now it was where rich, young things came to drink and dine.Joe jumped from his seat and quickly opened my door. Taking my hand, he helped me out of the car. I found myself disappointed when he let go, once I was standing. I followed him to the lifts at the end of the car park, my shoes echoing as I tried to keep up to his long strides. He was chatting to me but my thoughts were elsewhere. Something wasn't right. Maybe I'd forgotten something? I quickly checked my bag. Purse, phone, lipstick...everything seemed to be there. Joe pressed the button for the lift as we stood in the lobby. Then I realised...my shoes on the marble floor had sounded strange. I knew what I'd done without even looking. I cursed; I shouldn't have rushed from the house so quickly...My eyes moved to my feet slowly, to a sight that confirmed my stupidity. Just as I'd thought. I had odd shoes on."Mai." Joe's voice seemed miles away. I was preoccupied with the patent black shoe on one foot, and the matt-brown one on the other."Mai?" he said again. I dragged my eyes upwards and found Joe holding the lift doors open. "Not falling asleep already, are you?"He followed me into the lift. I stood in a corner at the back; Joe took the other corner, smiling as he leaned back, his arms holding the bar behind him. His eyes devoured me. He looked glorious in his tight, white t-shirt, which showed his bulk, and jeans that hugged in all the right places. It would have been a perfect moment to slide over and take the kiss I'd been thinking about so badly; unfortunately, I couldn't take my mind off my shoe situation. Should I tell him? He probably wouldn't notice, being a man and all. I was probably fretting about nothing. But what if he noticed and I didn't said anything? He'd think I was an absolute loon. "Joe..." I made my eyes move from my odd feet. "I need to tell you something."There was a 'ping' as the lift door opened and four young lads squeezed into the tiny lift. The door slid shut and I saw the smile drop from Joe's face before my view of him was blocked completely. The small space quickly filled with the aroma of aftershave and alcohol. Great. My half-finished confession has now left Joe thinking ominous thoughts. I didn't want to own up to my stupidity with an audience. I peered round the guy before me, who seemed to be leaning on me more and more. I realised he was drunk, as were his mates. I smiled reassuringly at Joe."How you doing, beautiful?" said the tall, skinny drunk, contorting his face into a wink. He obviously thought my smile had been for him."She's doing just fine, handsome. Now, step aside so I can chat to my lady."Tall and Skinny's face turned red, and a grimace appeared. Oh, God. It's going to kick off in the lift! The guy turned slowly - and unsteadily - to face Joe. Puffing out his pigeon chest, ready to take him on, he physically withered when his eyes levelled with Joe's neck. His lips flapped a little before he thought better of it; he stepped towards the safety of his sniggering friends, allowing Joe to move next to me. Joe stood with his arms on the walls either side of my head, effectively caging me in."So, I'm your lady?""If you play your cards right, I might add you to the top of the list." He winked.I gave him a playful dig to the ribs and he doubled over, hugging his non-existent injury, bringing his face level with mine. He was tantalisingly close."I don't do sharing," I whispered, staring into his deep, blue eyes."Glad to hear it." He smiled, backing out of the emptying lift. The lads laughed as they pushed Tall and Skinny through the doors. "Now, what did you want to tell me?"I stood in the doorway. "I'm holding these open in case you need to make a quick getaway." Joe looked confused. "Take a look at my feet," I directed.His eyes skipped between my feet. It took a few seconds to sink in."Couldn't you decide which pair to wear?" A sexy, crooked grin spread across his face and his eyes twinkled with amusement. I, on the other hand, wanted the ground to open and swallow me up."You don't want to run away from the loony who can't dress herself?" He held out his hand and I took it. He led me from the cool lift into the bright sunshine that was glittering off the canal."Princess, I wouldn't care if you were wearing slippers and a sack. I'm just glad you're here."My heart skipped a beat at the endearment. I smiled up at him as we walked along the canal path, hand in hand.*********************************The whole date was awesome. Joe had chosen an old-fashioned place that was romantic and cosy. With its deep-red walls and open log fire, it was right up my street. The food was amazing, topped only by Joe's company. We sat on a tiny table in the corner of the restaurant; our conversation was effortless, and we took our time over the delicious food. He was so funny, with a wealth of stories to tell. He didn't give much away himself; he preferred to talk about me. I became incredibly turned on by the air of mystery surrounding him. What I was able to learn was that he owned his own house, and that he had an older sister. His mom lived near to him; he'd lost his father when he was young - something we had in common. He also admitted that he hadn't had a long-term, serious relationship in nearly four years. That worried me a little. I imagined women would have bent over backwards, literally, to have been in a relationship with him, and do anything to stay. I was beginning to wonder if there was something wrong with him. Maybe he was a bit 'weird' in the bedroom, or a psycho. 'Only one way to find out,' I thought, as I laughed at another of his stories.The restaurant began to empty. Waiters had cleared our plates and tidied our table a while ago; one was now hovering nearby in an attempt to get us out, but neither of us seemed willing to part company. Joe helped me on with my coat, and held the door open for me as I stepped into the cool, night air. He followed me out, then stooped in front of me. "Hop on.""What?""Come on. Jump on my back. I'll give you a piggy-back to the car.""I'll squash you. You'll never make it.""Are you kidding? Have you seen the size of these guns?" He brought his arm up and flexed his muscles. "Besides...I can't have you embarrassing me with your shoes." I gave him a playful dig then held on to his broad shoulders. I hopped and he caught me. My senses were in overdrive: the sight of the twinkling stars in the night sky; the manly scent of Joe's hair and aftershave; and the closeness of our bodies, as we made our way back along the canal, laughing and chatting like we'd known each other for years.At the car, Joe released me, and I slid down his body. He faced me and took my hands in his. Pressing me against the car, his strong, muscular body felt hot, compared to the coldness of the metal behind me."I really enjoyed tonight, Mai." His voice was low and deep, like a lion's purr. "I'd really like to do it again. Sometime soon, if you'd like?" His expression showed uncertainty. "I'd love to go out with you again," I whispered shyly. My positive reply seemed to encourage a change in his eyes; they turned from a twinkly, icy blue to a sultry, dark grey as his pupils enlarged. His hand slid up my right arm, leaving goose-bumps; his other hand reached for my chin. He tilted my face to his."I've wanted to do this ever since I first met you, when I saw you in that towel." He moved closer and his lips took mine.I felt like I'd been struck by lightning. Passion flowed through my body as his tongue parted my lips and searched for my own. He moved even closer and I became aware of his arousal, which only drove me to devour him more deeply. Mere seconds passed but it felt like hours when we pulled back, both breathless. Both smiling. Smudged lipstick on both our faces. I reached up and rubbed it from his lips with my thumb."Let's get you home." He stepped away to open the car door.The journey home was torture. Joe chatted, laughed, held my hand and stroked my knee - and I loved it. I responded to his banter in all the right places, luckily, despite the fact that my mind was wholly consumed with thoughts of what I wanted to do to him when we got back to my house. Should I invite him in? I knew we'd end up having passionate, hot sex if I did. I wouldn't normally give it a second thought, if it was what I wanted to do. But what would Joe think of me if I did? And why was I bothered what he thought?Pulling up outside my house, he again opened my door and took my hand. Leading me to my front door, I stood on the step and pulled him close with my arms around his neck."Thanks again for tonight. I had a great time."The urge to throw him into my house and rip his clothes off with my teeth was becoming unbearable."And thanks for paying. You really shouldn't have.""You can repay me by going out with me again." He brushed my nose with his. "You free on Thursday? We could...""I'd love to," I interrupted. "Whatever you were thinking, I'd love to."His eyes darkened. "You wouldn't be saying that if you knew what was on my mind," he whispered in my ear.I knew what he was thinking from what was hard and hot and pressed firmly between us. I moved my hips to apply more pressure. "Don't be so sure about that," I said, before parting his lips with my tongue and giving him a slow, lingering kiss.Whilst we were kissing I decided I wasn't going to invite Joe in. Crazy, I know, but I really liked him, and despite how much my body wanted – no, needed - him right now, I didn't want him to think it was just a 'quickie'. On the other hand, I wasn't planning to express my undying love for him, either. Maybe I could invite him in? Love? Where on earth had that word come from? Shit. I'm overthinking everything here - I really need to get a grip!Joe's hands moved to my ass, which he gently squeezed, pulling my body towards him as he did so. God, I wanted him, but I stuck to my original plan. I wasn't going to invite him in. I broke away from our kiss before I changed my mind."Thanks again, Joe. I'll call you tomorrow about plans for Thursday."He gave a half-smile as his hands fell away. A gap formed between us. I had to fight the urge to pull him back."I'll look forward to it. Goodnight, Mai.""Night, Joe."I unlocked the door to my empty house and shut it quickly, without looking back.