It is common for a tractor or combine to drive down main street in the middle of the day. Just another one of the 4,724 reasons I want to wave goodbye to Athens.
The next morning, as I piddle around my bedroom, a text alert pings my phone.
Adrian: Need to talk
Adrian: can u swing by store today?
Not even bothering to reply, I throw on some jeans and head into town. At her store I find Adrian is all out of sorts. Her appearance is disheveled, and her body language displays signs of stress. It could be the daily stress of running her store, but I fear it is something else. My friend is in need, and I’m going to get the bottom of this.
“Spill it,” I demand, placing my hand on her shoulder.
“I may have done something very stupid.” Adrian fiddles with a pile of paperclips on the counter in front of us. “I broke a rule, and you’re going to be so mad at me.”
The sound of the bell above the front door of the store interrupts her confession. “Delivery for Adrian Slater,” a young man calls as he approaches with a dozen red roses and baby’s breath in a large glass vase.
I take the roses and slip a tip in his hand. I bite my lip in an attempt to hide the rather large, knowing smile upon my face. I place the vase in front of Adrian on the counter, spinning it so the card is right in front of her. She pulls the card from the tiny envelope.
“You slept with Winston, didn’t you?” I state more than ask.
She clutches the card to her chest as her eyes dart to me from the opposite side of the counter. The look on her face asks me how I know without her telling me.
“There are only three possibilities with which you might have broken a rule and made me mad at you.” I signal air-quotes with the word mad. “Hamilton is in Des Moines, played a game last night, then according to the texts we shared until 2 a.m. was on a bus with his team headed to Tennessee for tonight’s game.” I hold up my fingers. “So that leaves two options. Although I would be very happy for you to have hooked-up with Savannah last night, neither of you swing that way, and she would not have sent you roses today.” I hold up my index finger. “That leaves one possibility. The two of you have spent a lot of time together setting up your business. You’ve made it no secret in the past that you find him hot. Therefore, I know you hooked-up with Winston last night. So, spill it. How? Where? How good was he? And where do you go from here?”
“Crap, woman! Enough of the third degree!” Adrian places the card back in the roses before she signals me to sit with her behind the counter.
“We had dinner with his parents last night. It wasn’t just the four of us. So, we snuck out; then we went to the park to walk and ended up on the swings.”
I nod my head, encouraging her to continue.
“Winston pulled me in for a kiss, things got heated, we drove, we parked, and I attacked him.” Adrian attempts to summarize the evening in a brief synopsis.
I know her too well. She’s having second thoughts about last night. “Nice try,” I chuckle. “Let’s start over, and if I’m to help you, I’ll need most of the details.” My friend tends to overshare of her sexual encounters. I don’t need to hear about my friend Winston.
Adrian’s eyes fog over as she settles in to share the entire evening with me. “When we hang up from our call, I descended the stairs happy to find Winston in gray plaid golf shorts with a solid Heather gray shirt and matching Sperrys. I smiled, knowing my sundress was a wise choice for the evening. Winston met me at the bottom step, commenting on my beauty. I remind myself ‘he claimed this was not a date’. My mother told us to have fun as we walked to Winston’s truck. In the safety of the truck cab, my nerves grew knowing a short drive then we would be at his parents’ place.”
“I asked him what was for dinner to break the awkward silence. He stated he wasn’t sure. His mother asked that he invite me to dinner, so the two of us could share all we’ve accomplished for the store.”
When we turned onto Winston’s street, I noticed several vehicles parked on both sides of the little road. Winston commented that someone must be having a barbecue in the neighborhood. In the driveway, he turned to face me after he turned off his truck. He placed his hand on my forearm, smiled my way, and urged me to just be myself. He reminded me I’d met his parents before, and they loved me. Then, he stated it’s just a simple dinner with some talk about my new store.” Adrian smiles at me. “He was very sweet.”
“I figured there’s no time like the present to start the awkward evening, so I opened my truck door. Winston jogged to meet me at the front of the truck and took my hand in his. I had no time to contemplate the meaning of such a gesture, as his mother popped her head out the front door.” Adrian’s eyebrows rise, while she looks for my reaction to Winston’s hand holding. I prompt her to continue, as I need more details before I can assume Winston’s motives.
“She acted excited we were there with a smile on her face as she invited us to follow her. Imagine my horror when a large group yelled, surprise. A simple, casual dinner with his parents-my ass. What the hell? At the time I was sure Winston knew all about this dinner party and knew I would never agree to accompany him if he told me.”
“Winston’s voice immediately caught my attention, as he approached his mom seeking an explanation. His mother merely pulled Winston further into the family room toward the guests, claiming It’s just a little surprise party to celebrate him taking over the theater. He quickly turned to me, swearing he didn’t know.” Adrian sighs dramatically. “His expression matched his words and he apologized to me. I barely had time to believe him before the crowd engulfed him, and I was pushed away from his side. When I scanned the crowd, I noticed many people I knew but have never socialized with.”
“Winston’s father rescued me by handing me a bottle of chilled water as I took a seat beside him on the sofa. He explained his wife got carried away. He told her Winston would hate this but claimed there was no stopping her when she had an idea. He told her she should contact me, so I was in on the secret, but he could tell by my shock that she neglected to do it.
“He ushered me out back. Large banners and balloons hung on the wooden privacy fence. The tablecloths, balloons, napkins, and cups all matched. I took a seat in a comfortable lounge chair on the outside of the patio seating area. While the crowd funneled into the backyard, Winston smiled my way attempting to walk over. Of course, he was stopped by several adults to congratulate him for taking over the family business. I felt out of place. If I had driven my own car, I would have left.”
“When his father announced it was time to eat at the large grill, Winston directed me to join him at a table with his mother. He filled a plate for me.” She pauses, scanning my reaction. “Can you believe that? Who does that? No friend of mine would ever do that.” I nod and Adrian continues.
“I noticed several guests filter out the side gate during the meal. Winston’s mother commented on my dress and about all the details he had shared with her about my store. I invited her to stop by and take a peek. I asked Winston to bring his parents by sometime.” She shrugs. “I felt like they thought I was his girlfriend. It was kind of awkward.”
“After dinner the crowd thinned. Winston decided we’d been there long enough and pushed me towards the door. I stated we should say goodbye to his parents before we left, he didn’t agree. He stated they were enjoying time with their friends and he’d see them later.”
“When he pulled from the drive he headed the opposite direction from my house. He stated he was embarrassed and sorry his mother sprung this upon us. He even claimed he was really looking forward to it just being the four of us. My stomach began to flutter at his actions. He wasn’t the same Winston we’ve hung around with during high school. I couldn’t tell, at first, if I liked the change or not.” Adrian absentmindedly fiddled with a stack of papers on the sales counter.
“When Winston turned off the truck, we were at the city park. He exited the truck, jogged to my side, opened my door, and helped me step down. Hand-in-hand again we walked through the grass and trees towards the playground.”
“You know me, I like to control situations. I felt anything but in control last night. The more he touched me and the sweeter he became, I felt more and more awkward. So, I let go of his hand and took a seat on the swing. I motioned my head to the empty seat beside me for Winston to join me and pushed off the ground. I love swings. I pumped my legs back and forth climbing higher and higher. Slowly I felt my control returning. I tucked my dress tight around my thighs to prevent any unwanted wardrobe malfunctions. Winston kept his feet on the ground, barely moving forward and back. When our eyes met—he was smiling.”
“I taunted him to join me as I swung past him.” A smile slips onto Adrian’s face at the memory. “His serious face prompted me to still my pumping legs and drag my toes to slow down. As I halted my swing and spun it sideways to face Winston, he extended his arms, grasped onto the metal chains of my swing, and pulled me towards him.”
Adrian’s voice lowers to near a whisper. “His intense stare caught me off guard. Before I could decipher it, his lips latched onto mine in a slow, simmering kiss. The heat and strength of his lips upon mine drew a low moan from me. He took advantage of my parted lips, slipping his tongue next to mine. As the kiss heated, my body grew hotter and hotter.” Her eyes search mine.
“So, you liked Winston kissing you?” I smile approvingly.
“I released the chain of my swing allowing my hands to rest on his shoulders. My body leaned into his, seeking more of a connection. Winston’s hand on the back of my neck pulled me tight against his mouth. We couldn’t seem to get close enough. I tangled my fingers in his thick blonde hair. I clung to him as if I might fall into a crevice without him.”
“Winston lowered his hands to my hips and pulled me forward. As if my body spoke a silent language with his, my legs slipped past his hips in the swing and I found myself on his lap. I loved the long groan that escaped him when I eased my pelvis forward and back a tiny bit. I sought this friction to sate the aching need between my own legs.”
Now begins the portion of Adrian’s story that I dread hearing. In order to help my friend, decipher her interactions with Winston last night, I need to know what happened. I hate hearing intimate details since Winston is my friend, it’s awkward. How will I ever look him in the eye after Adrian reveals these details? There are some things I don’t need to know about him. Leave it to Adrian to share every tiny detail while enjoying my embarrassment.
“Winston begged me through gritted teeth, to go easy or he’d explode right there on the playground.” Adrian’s eyes return to mine. In them I see a hint of vulnerability. This is new. My brave, strong, empowered friend for the first time has met her match. Silently I nod for her to continue her story.
“Winston is a controlling alpha male yet in the moment, I seemed to affect him. He let me set the pace. I connected my mouth with his. My hands grasped at his hair, clawed at his back, and clutched his biceps. He paused our kiss, placing his forehead to mine. My eyes were greeted by his blue ones. He took several minutes attempting to control his labored breathing, then suggested we get out of there.”
“Those are my favorite five words or at least they are now my favorite. I have no idea if anyone witnessed our little swing make-out session. At that moment I didn’t care.” Adrian giggles. “We scurried to the pickup truck needing the privacy its cab could provide. Winston opened the passenger door, placed his hands on my hips, and he lifted me up to the seat. I longed to melt in my seat as I watched him eagerly round the truck to the driver’s door. Instead, I slid across the bench seat needing to close the distance between us as he drove.” She shakes her head. “I vowed I would never be that girl. I can’t stand when needy girls cling to their man as he drives his truck. My body betrayed me. It sought what it desired instead of waiting on me to control it. I had no idea where we drove. As you know, we both live with our parents. I trusted he had a plan.”
“I must confess I love, love, love the fire Winston has ignited within me. Why haven’t I encouraged him before last night? Winston has always been a hottie. His commanding presence exudes sexuality. Until now, I’ve never found an alpha appealing. I tend to be the dominate one, I make the first move, and I control every aspect of my relationships.” Adrian shrugs, pretending to be embarrassed. “I know Winston well enough to know he’s always in control. I’ve enjoyed our work together on the business but worry we might not fit together as well sexually. What if I can’t submit to him? What if he won’t submit to me?”
I offer no answers or insight to my friend. I need to know the rest of the last night’s events. “Adrian, I need more information about last night. Continue telling me, and I will try to help you when you finish.”
“We parked in an unkept gravel driveway of a worn-down old farm house. The overgrown trees and bushes hid Winston’s truck from view of the nearby gravel road. After he exited, I slid toward the driver’s door and he lowered me from his truck seat. His hands tightened possessively on my hips, I darted my tongue out to lick my lips in anticipation of what was to come. Winston didn’t kiss me. Instead his eyes seemed to search mine. I stood frozen in his gaze. He broke the moment by grabbing a quilt from behind the truck seat.”
“He lowered his tailgate, tossed the blanket into the truck bed, then lifted me up. I sat frozen until he joined me. He spread the quilt out and motioned for me to join him on top it. Lying side-by-side, we looked up into the clear night sky. I needed his touch, so I took his hand in mine. I wanted him to stoke the embers he started within me. I didn’t long for words, I wanted actions.
I rolled towards him, placing my hands upon his hard chest. Let me assure you although he’s not a jock, Winston takes care of his body.” Adrian fans her heated face. “Remind me to thank Hamilton for inviting Winston to run and lift weights with him. He’s damn fine.”
I motion for her to focus on continuing her story.
“I placed a kiss on the corner of Winston’s lips. It’s all the invitation he needed. He rolled me on top him. Our mouths and tongues danced while our bodies touched chest to toes. I was acutely aware of his erection pressing hard against my waist. The goddess in me fed on such a reaction in him.”
“My hands played in his sandy blonde hair, lightly I scratched his scalp and tugged on the strands. I needed more, so much more. I sat up straddling his hips. The position caused wondrous pressure from his erection to the apex of my thighs. I paused, distracted for a moment before I placed my hands on the hem of his shirt and slid it up. I slowly dragged my fingers over his abdomen, ribs, and chest on my mission to remove the it. Winston successfully ab-curled to lift the shirt over his shoulders and head. His movement ground his erection causing friction where I needed it most. I allowed my fingertips to explore on their descent from his pectorals, over his ribcage, to the defined lines of his abdominals.”
I continue to listen but resist visualizing my two friends together.
“Winston distracted my explorations as his hands slid up my bare thighs. Climbing higher and higher my anticipation built as he neared where I wanted them most. I pouted when I realized his goal was the removal of my sundress and not to play in my panties. He continued his slow torture caressing my hips. I squirmed when he slid over my ribcage. Unable to continue his slow torture, he quickly extricated me from the dress and tossed it aside.”
“In the moonlight, I felt Winston’s blue eyes admiring my breasts. With my hands on his shoulders, I pulled him to me. My nipples grazed his hard and heated chest. I longed to brush them side to side seeking more friction from his nearness. He pulled my mouth to his as his large hands cupped my swollen breasts. He was tender at first, then pinched and plucked each nipple drawing a guttural groan from me.”
“Needing more, wanting more, I threw my head back enjoying his touch. He trailed kisses across one shoulder before he licked one rock hard nipple. I wanted to scream, my desire so overwhelming, so hot, so unexpected. He continued his assault. He plucked, pinched, and sucked from one needy globe to the other.”
While I’ve heard Adrian share her sex-capades in the past, this time is different. I’ve had my own experience with Hamilton now. Her descriptions bring back memories, feelings, and my body reacts. I struggle to focus on her to help her. I mentally gather my willpower to listen instead of daydream of Hamilton.
“My body acted on its own. It started grinding against the zipper of his shorts over his erection. I was so hot and so wet I knew he could feel it, too. My fingers fumbled on his belt then button of his shorts. Winston took pity on me. He leaned back, deftly unfastened his shorts, then placed my hand on him.”
“Of course, I moaned approvingly at the contact while I brought my other hand to join the first. He was rock hard under the silky soft skin of his shaft. As my fingertips feathered lightly over the mushroom shaped head, I heard his intake of breath through gritted teeth. I enjoyed the power I wielded at that moment. His most prized possession was literally in the palm of my hand. My every touch drew a response as it lengthened, it swelled, and he moaned beneath me. I had the power to melt this strong man to a puddle in my hands as I stroked up and down his growing length.”
Listen, don’t visualize. Listen, don’t visualize. I chant to myself.
Adrian seems to enjoy her retelling. Her cheeks flush and her eyes are half-mast. “I slid myself down to his thighs while I bent down to wrap my lips around him. Winston ab-curled to a sitting position, quickly reversed our positions, and tucked his fingers under the lace of my panties. In my shock, I panted as if I ran a marathon. I silently urged him to rip my panties from me and plunge inside. I’ve never wanted to be taken but it felt sublime.”
“Winston slowly slid my panties from my hips while he placed featherlight kisses in their wake. I whimpered at his torment. Once at my thighs, he quickly removed and tossed them aside. His warm lips climbed. As much as I would enjoy the oral pleasure he hinted to, I couldn’t wait for him any longer. I sat up, I clutched my hands to the sides of his head and tugged his lips to mine. With my lips and tongue, I attempted to convey my level of need for him to connect with me. I pulled him, but a hairsbreadth away and huskily whispered, ‘I need you inside, now.’”
A proud smile upon her face, Adrian continues. “I rolled him to his back, kissed the head of his cock on my way by, and straddled his hips with my thighs. I informed him I’m clean and protected, before I asked to skip the condom? In the faint light of the moon, I saw his furrowed brow as he processed my words. Winston stated he never goes without a condom. He asked if I was sure I wouldn’t get pregnant.”
Adrian never ceases to amaze me how comfortable she is with her sexuality or her private life. I never share such private matters with her or any of my friends.
Her story progresses. “I explained to him, I get my shot every three months like clockwork. I slid my slick folds along his shaft while I waited for his answer. Winston nodded. I lifted his heavy cock to my entrance and slowly slid down him. I moaned at the exquisite sensation as he filled and stretched me. ‘Y – E – S -!’ I drawled out as I impaled myself balls deep on his massive erection. I paused as he was seated to the root, enjoying the fullness.”
My cheeks heat. I’m sure she enjoys my discomfort as she shares her porno-esque retelling.
“Winston’s hands were on my hips, his fingertips bit into my flesh. I slowly ground myself against his pubis before I rose ever so slowly to repeat it all over again and again. Through gritted teeth Winston claimed he wouldn’t last much longer. I never want to be stranded. I removed one of his hands from my hip and positioned the pad of his thumb on my clit. As I rose and fell upon his shaft, I demonstrated the friction I desired from Winston’s thumb. To my delight, he was a quick learner. I placed my hands upon his chest. I switched from my up and down motion, to one of grinding. I balanced myself with one hand upon his chest, ground forward and back upon him, while his thumb circled on my clit, and I tugged on my nipple with my free hand. I felt the warm heat from my core slide outward. My thighs squeezed tighter and my toes curled. I ground forward in one more deep movement. Every muscle tightened. Sparks of white light erupted behind my eyelids; my fingers dug into his chest. I attempted to hold myself to earth as my body shattered into a million red-hot shards.”
Surely, she is almost done. There cannot be much more to their evening.
Adrian resumes. “Winston’s hands guided me forward and back, forward and back. He prolonged the delicious orgasm. My muscles spasmed. My walls contracted around his cock and he pumped up into me one last time with a deep guttural growl. I sat statue still as I began to float down from my high.”
Adrian chuckles as she recalls the next part. “I whimpered as the pain of a cramp in my right butt cheek hit me. I swatted at Winston’s chest as I attempted to form the words to beg for assistance. ‘butt…cramp’ I got out between shuttering breaths. Winston’s palms connected with my two cheeks and fingers attempted to massage. He felt the tightness in my right side, then focused all his attention there. When the massage didn’t work, he clasped my ankle and carefully straightened my leg. Like a key in a padlock, he unlocked the cramp. His hand returned to massage. I slowly melted upon his chest as my body softened and my breath evened out. We were still connected for several silent moments under the warm, clear night sky.” Her dreamy voice pauses.
I place my hand lightly on her shoulder. This draws Adrian’s attention from her daydream.
“I was almost asleep when Winston gently rolled us to our sides and withdrew from me. I didn’t like the immediate emptiness. I longed once again for our connection. I rolled to my other side and I wiggled my backside snug to his front. Winston secured his arms around my shoulders and my waist. With his warm breath near my ear, he whispered, ‘Are you okay? Did I hurt you?’ His words caught me off guard. I’ve never had a guy ask about me after sex. I guess I’ve never spooned with a guy after sex for that matter. I thought I should be the one to ask if I hurt him. I took control, took what I wanted, moved upon him with only regard for how I felt.”
“I pulled his arm tighter around my belly. Smiling to myself, I asked him how he liked going bareback for the first time? I felt the rumble as he chuckled against my back. He claimed he liked it so much he didn’t last very long then continued to explain how good I felt around him. I asked him where this left us. Voices of reason flooded back to me. I’m not one to regret sexual encounters, I need Winston’s friendship, he’s part of our group of nine, and feared I might lose it all.”
“His warm breath still warmed my neck. He struggled for words as he tried to whisper near my ear. He said I’m hot. He has thought I was hot for years. He claimed he even told me that I was hot. He needed me as a friend and he couldn’t lose me. I turned in his arms to face him. In a moment of temporary insanity, I told him the sex we just had was by far the best sex I’d ever had. I reminded him he knew me, when I wanted something I took it, and when I liked something I admitted it. I confessed I liked him, and I really liked sex with him.”
Adrian shakes her head. “His grin was barely visible in the light of the night when he mentioned we could try to be friends with benefits. I pressed my index finger into his chest for emphasis. ‘Fuck buddies!’ Can you believe he wanted me as a fuck buddy? When I didn’t answer his grin was gone. He asked what I had in mind.”
“I tried to quickly decide what I wanted. I confessed I didn’t know, I needed time to think. I cuddled a little closer to his chest. I admitted that I liked that I didn’t scare him when I came on a bit strong. He informed me, I do scare the shit out of him. His laugh was contagious as we lay in each other’s arms.”
Adrian sighs heavily running a hand through her messy hair. “Madison, I have never, and I mean never, been kissed like that before. It was slow, it was smooth, it was hot, and it reached to every cell in my body.”
I smirk. Before June, I would not have understood that such a kiss could exist. After Hamilton’s kisses, I know exactly what she means. I tuck my memories of Hamilton away, I focus on her at this moment. “So, this magic kiss swept you off your feet.”
My best friend enjoyed her share of hook-ups during high school. But not once did she describe an encounter with these oohey-goohey emotions tied to it. Last night meant something to her. “Please tell me you didn’t get R-rated on the playground of the city park.”
“We kept it PG-13 while at the park.” She traces an X over her heart with her index finger. She sighs a dreamy sigh at the memory. “The man gets an A+ for foreplay.” We giggle. “It was sweet, slow torture. I tried to relax and enjoy it, but he had me so worked up, I pounced on him.” Adrian rises from her chair to stare out the front window nearby. “Madison, I was a woman possessed. I stripped him, I rolled him over, I sucked him, and I impaled myself on him. I even suggested he forego using a condom. I’ve never done that before. I was out of control.”
“The poor guy didn’t stand a chance,” I tease. Adrian is the type of woman that just goes for what she wants. I’m a little worried for Winston’s condition after last night. He doesn’t strike me as they type of guy that likes to be topped.
“Honestly, I was so wrapped up in how I felt and what I wanted that I didn’t consider his needs at all.” She turns to face me, leaning her arms on the counter. “I was so excited that I had an orgasm. I’ve never had an orgasm from penetration. And what an orgasm it was. My muscles actually cramped so bad we had to rub them to loosen them. I’ve never…I mean all of it was an out of body experience. We even spooned. You know, like old people. I didn’t know it could feel so good. While he clutched me to his chest, we asked where we go from here, and we didn’t have an answer.” She shrugs as if it is no big deal.
“It might be hard on the two of you and all your joint friends if it was a one-night stand. Dating is good, I think. So, when is he taking you out?”
“He’s not.”
I’m confused. My brow furrows, and I tilt my head. “You’re not going out with him?”
She explains she told him she needed time to think about it. He knows she likes control and is impulsive—he’s letting her lead.
I challenge her. “What’s with all the uncertainty?”
“I’ve never allowed myself to feel this much before. He woke something in me, and now my world is all kinds of mixed up.”
“Adrian, I think that’s a good thing. I know this scares you, but it also makes you feel alive. You’re over-thinking everything. It’s like you’re a junkie, and you constantly need a fix.” My words of understanding describe my feelings towards Hamilton after our one night together. Unfortunately, unlike Adrian’s situation, I won’t have the opportunity to see Hamilton every day. “You should go for it. Just enjoy the ride.”
“How do you know so much about this?”
I understand her question. She knows I barely went on any dates in high school. She believes I have never had sex. “I’ve read my share of romance novels. I’ve even read a few erotic romance titles.” None of it’s really a lie. Just an omission of truth. I’m just not ready to tell her about my night with Hamilton. “I’m not mad at you. I’m actually excited for you. If I knew Winston would be this good for you, I would have set the two of you up a year ago.”
“So, you think I should date him?” When I nod, Adrian continues. “What if it doesn’t work out? Right now, we might just have the awkwardness of a night together. If we date, it could come between Winston and me while it effects all nine of us.”
“Stop being a wimp.” I blurt. “Go on dates. Have wild sex. Make public displays of affection. Adrian, you have to give it a shot. Feelings like last night don’t happen every day. You know this. You’ve shared details in the past. You can’t let the potential for happiness slide through your fingers.”
“Okay, Mom. Geez.” she expresses her annoyance at my mini-lecture. “I’ll think about giving it a chance.”
I fight the urge to share my recent fear with Adrian. She’d be very supportive and help me find out for sure. There’s just no way to keep Hamilton’s name out of it. If I randomly hooked-up with any other guy, I would confide in my friend. Of course, she would poke and pry trying to get every little sexy detail out of me. Unlike her, I believe intimate details should remain between two people. I can’t tell her the desperate favor I asked of our friend. She wouldn’t be able to keep a Madison and Hamilton hook-up secret from the rest of our group. Since I can’t tell her I slept with Hamilton, I can’t tell her how my fear grows exponentially with every passing day. I attempted to remain positive the past eight days, but I can’t not know any longer.