Michelle Hasker

"Can I get another?" Tobie sighed as the handsome bartender walked past her for what must have been the tenth time.

What in the world had possessed Erik to dye those gorgeous blonde locks green anyway? Sure it was Saint Patrick's Day, but that didn't mean he had to turn himself into a giant caricature of a leprechaun. Then again, the entire bar was decorated with rainbows, pots of gold, and green shamrocks. Even the beer she'd ordered had been green. Green, like the jealousy she felt when Bryan told her he was dumping her for a younger woman.

It hurt. It hurt even though she'd known he'd lost interest in her. Okay, maybe she wasn't model skinny and 18 anymore. She was a mature, woman with a curvy body. She was no size 6, but a 10 wasn't so bad was it? Apparently Bryan thought so.

"Another? Are you sure, darlin'?" Erik asked as he leaned close to Tobie. His hand brushed hers as he picked up her glass. She shivered, and wondered why his touch sent such a reaction through her body. Goosebumps chased each other up her arms and danced down her spine while her nipples tightened in awareness.

"What?" she asked, staring into these deep blue eyes. A girl could lose herself in those depths.

"Another beer?" he laughed, waving her glass in front of her.

Down girl, she warned herself. Don't make a fool out of yourself. Oh wait, Bryan already had.

"I thought I was invisible the way you were ignoring me."

Tobie blushed when he quirked his eyebrow. She hadn't meant to sound like a sullen, deprived child.

"I'd never ignore you, darlin'." Erik leaned over the bar and whispered softly, "I was just taking care of the others first so that I could grab an extra minute with you."

Then he winked at her and turned to get her another drink. Tobie felt the blush darkening over her cheeks.

"Um, Erik, you better make that a water. I think I've had too much." Tobie pulled her sticky green sweater away from her hot flesh. If she thought he was flirting with her, then she'd definitely had one too many.

Erik was built like a man who visited the gym everyday. Twice. His normally blonde hair and blue eyes only accentuated his Adonis look alike status. Maybe she should have paid better attention in ancient history.

"As you wish," he said with a smile, as he placed a bottle of water in front of her.

"Thanks." Tobie placed a large bill on the counter. The least she could do was give him a nice tip after harassing him.

Erik picked up the bill and reached for her hand. Tobie stared at him with her mouth open as he stuck the bill in her open palm, closed her fingers over the bill, and kissed her knuckles. An electrical charge shot up her arm and left her feeling breathless and as if her hair stood on end.

"No charge."

She must have blinked because he was halfway down the bar when she realized he was gone. "Damn," she whispered, fanning herself. She'd definitely had one too many green beers. Tobie spun around on the barstool and watched the live Irish band playing what she assumed was a jig. Several people were dancing, while others sat or stood to the side clapping in time to the beat.

She wanted to get up and dance. Oh yeah, she'd had too much to drink. Tobie searched in her purse for some crackers or a candy bar, anything to help calm the butterflies in her stomach. Hell, she groaned, her hand still tingled where Erik had touched her.

Tobie sipped on her water and munched on a pack of saltines while she watched the other patrons dance. Her foot tapped to the lively beat. If only she knew the steps she'd go out there and dance with them.

"A penny for them?"

Tobie turned her head in surprise. Why wasn't Erik behind the bar? He usually stayed until closing on Fridays.

"What are you doing?" She glanced around quickly. "Aren't you going to get into trouble coming on this side of the bar?"

"Nah," he smiled at her and sipped from a bottle of water.

Tobie stared mesmerized as his throat muscles worked. A tiny drop of water rolled from his chin, down his throat and into the open vee of the silly green brocade vest he wore.

"So where's your boyfriend?" Erik asked.

Tobie looked up at him and blinked.

"You know, tall skinny guy, rude, no manners."

"He is not rude. He's always--" She stopped in mid-sentence. Why was she defending him? "He dumped me for a younger, skinnier model."

"Ahhhh." Erik nodded his head and studied her face. "I guess we can add no taste to his list of faults."

Tobie laughed. "No taste? No, he's right. I could lose a few pounds."

"Then you'd look anorexic. Personally, I like some meat on my woman. Those skinny models have nothing to hold on to when you're making love."

Tobie was sure her face flushed as deep as the scarlet rug covering the floor.

"What's the matter? Don't you believe me?" Erik asked, leaning closer so that his breath brushed the side of her face.

She drew in a deep breath and bit back a moan as his scent mixed with his cologne sent desire straight to the pit of her belly. Tobie leaned back, but he followed her.

"Um." She bit her lip when her voice cracked. She cleared her throat and tried again. "Aren't you supposed to be working?"

"Nah, I'm on break for a few minutes."

"I see." She smiled, hoping he couldn't tell the havoc he wrecked upon her.

"Do you have another boyfriend lined up already?" he asked, those irresistible blue eyes searching hers.

"No. Just a date with the gym."

"Why don't you give the gym a skip and stay here for a little longer? I'll buy you dinner."

Tobie froze. She glanced behind her, then turned back to him. He was still looking at her. "Are you serious?"

"Yes." He laughed and reached for her hand. He put it between his, his left hand caressing the top of hers. "Stay, have dinner. Watch me work."

The way he said it made her flesh tingle and warmth steal over her. How he made the suggestion of watching him tend bar sound so sexy she didn't know.

"Okay."

"Thank you." He smiled and leaned over, brushing his lips over hers.

Hooooo baby. Tobie almost melted into a puddle. Erik stood up, winked at her and then returned to his place behind the bar.

The night passed quickly. Almost too quickly. She already had a crush on the gorgeous man, but now that they'd spent the last few hours talking, she'd gotten to know him better and was afraid she'd latch onto him to help ease the pain of losing Bryan.

She helped Erik wipe down the bar and clean up until another man called out to Erik. "Go ahead you two! The night is still young."

"Thanks, James!" Erik yelled back with a wave. He grabbed Tobie's hand and his jacket. "Let's go."

"Where are we going? What did you want to do?" Tobie asked, her breath coming quicker at the thought of spending more time with him. Geesh, what was wrong with her? She shouldn't drool over him just because he said he liked his women with some weight on them.

"Hmmm." He paused just inside the main door.

Tobie leaned against wall, trying to steady her shaky legs. If she had this reaction from him just holding her hand, how would she be if he kissed her? A real kiss, not the friendly kind from earlier.

Erik put his hands on the wall, pinning her between them. "I know what I'd like to do," he whispered just before he closed the short distance and kissed her.

His tongue pushed past her lips and parried with hers in a game of dominance. His hands slid down her waist and he pressed his lower body into hers leaving no doubt to his state of arousal.

Should she? Could she be so brazen? It wasn't like they were total strangers.

"Come home with me," he whispered, his voice seductive and low.

"You say that like I'm a stray you picked up."

"Trust me, darlin'. I don't pick up strays unless they are the small furry kind."

Tobie tried to hide her grin as she imagined him taking home a lost kitten or puppy.

"In fact, Princess is prolly wondering where her can of tuna is."

"Princess?"

"The stray tabby I found a few weeks ago. Just a kitten. I'm pretty sure the owners left her and any other kittens to fend for themselves."

Tobie's heart melted. How could a man who sheltered a homeless kitten be bad?

"So will you?"

"Will I what?" She stared into his endless eyes.

"Come home with me." He nipped at her lips.

"Okay."

It was worth it just to see the smile on his face. Tobie let him capture her hand again and lead her out into the night. She spent the short walk to his apartment asking him about Princess and telling him about her cats. He even suggested she bring Oscar and Echo over and see if they and Princess hit it off.

She didn't hesitate when Erik opened the door and ushered her into his first floor apartment. He turned on the light and introduced her to the hungry kitty trying to wrap herself around his leg while she meowed her demand for food.

Tobie bent down and reached for the kitty, calling her softly. Princess purred as she rubbed against Tobie's hand. Erik disappeared. A minute later she heard the sound of an electric can opener, and followed the kitten into the kitchen.

"There, now that she's taken care of, what can I do for you?" Erik grinned. "Some more water? A glass of wine?"

"No thanks." Tobie shifted. She felt nervous now that she was actually here. She clasped her hands in front of her and rocked on her heels.

"How about a movie?" he suggested as he moved down the hall, away from the living room.

Tobie realized he was as nervous as she was. Perhaps he didn't do this as often as she thought.

"How about a tour?"

"A tour?" He froze and turned to her with a panicked look on his face.

"If you don’t mind." Maybe once in his bedroom he'd make another move on her.

"Well, it's not clean."

"That's okay," she gestured with her hand. "You work long nights and probably sleep most of the day. When you aren't working out, that is."

Tobie blushed when she realized what she’d said. She cleared her throat and glanced down at her feet.

"Do I look like I work out a lot?"

"Yes."

"Good," he said, flexing his arm for her. "I bought a machine last year figuring it was cheaper and easier than going down to the sweaty gym and waiting my turn for the equipment."

"I need to see this equipment." Tobie laughed. "Maybe it would work for me, too."

"Why do you need to work out? You are perfect just as you are."

"No I'm not," she argued, then wondered why she was doing this. It would just turn him off, and she didn't want him turned off, she wanted him to make hot, sweaty monkey love to her.

Erik smiled and pulled her into his arms. "You have no idea how beautiful you are, do you?" he murmured against her mouth.

Tobie opened her mouth but he kissed her before she could answer. She moaned and leaned into him as his hands roamed across her back. As if they had a mind of their own, her hands settled on the nice firm cheeks of his ass. She squeezed them, eliciting a groan from Erik.

"I've fantasized about you ever since I first laid eyes on you. But you were with..."

"Bryan," she finished with a sigh. "The loser. I guess you won't believe me when I say that I've had a crush on you all this time?"

He grinned. "Oh yeah?"

She smiled. "Yeah."

"Then why were you with the loser?"

Tobie laughed. "I didn't know he was a loser. At least not at first. Besides, I was intimidated by your good looks."

"Are you still intimidated?" He asked pressing close to her.

Tobie swallowed as a tremor raced through her body. She wanted to feel his mouth on hers again, followed by his warm, naked body molding against her soft curves.

Erik scooped her up in his arms. Tobie's arms flew around his neck as she gazed up at his strong chin. She imagined what he would do when they reached his bed. All the scenarios involved him stripping her quickly and making mind-numbing love. They vanished as he dropped her on the bed.

"I need a shower. Why don't you put on the television and relax. I'll be out soon."

Tobie blinked at him as he walked away whistling. "What? Are you serious?"

"I don't have a television in my living room. I don't usually spend much time at home. Go ahead and put on a movie. I'll be back out to watch it with you."

Tobie watched him walk away. Was he serious? He'd worked her up, carried her in here, then walked off to shower? Oh hell no.

She scrambled off the bed, stripping as she walked into his bathroom. He'd given her very strong signals all night. She was not about to waste this once in a lifetime chance. By the time she entered the bathroom hot steam already filled the room. She stepped over to the shower and peeled back the curtain.

"Tobie?" His head whipped around, his eyes meeting hers. His surprise quickly turned into a smile and he lowered his gaze to take in her appearance.

Before she could ask him if he liked what he saw, Erik lifted her into the shower and pillaged her mouth with his while his hands moved to cup her breasts. He teased her nipples with his fingers sending pleasure rocketing through her. His hands were like magic. She moaned and arched her back.

"Sweet, sweet, Tobie. If only you knew how many restless nights you've given me."

"I'm about to give you another one," she panted and nipped at his bottom lip.

"We'll see about that darlin'."

Erik turned them both so that the hot water pounded on her back. He lowered his head and sucked one of her pert nipples in between his lips. Tobie moaned at the sensation. She arched her back, but choked as water rushed down her face and into her mouth.

"Are you okay?" He asked pulling her away from the spray.

"I'm fine," she whispered, embarrassed to the core. She didn't want him to stop, but was afraid he would stop to keep her from drowning herself.

"Good." He lowered his mouth and suckled on her nipple until her knees grew weak and she grabbed onto his shoulders for support. Tobie moaned and dug her fingers into his muscles.

"I love your uninhibited response to me," he whispered dragging his mouth down her abdomen as he kneeled. With his fingers, he rubbed along her moist folds. She rocked her hips hoping he'd give her some relief to the throbbing between her legs.

Erik slid his finger inside her canal at the same time that he sucked her clit into his mouth. Tobie let out a keening cry and grabbed the shower railing as stars burst beneath her closed eyelids. Her body shattered into a million pieces, as tremor after delicious tremor racked her body.

She rocked her hips as Erik's mouth continued to suck and lick at her sweet juices. He moaned against her lips and then removed his finger so that his tongue could tease her there.

"Erik," Tobie panted, her fingers tightening around the metal bar.

"I love the way you taste." He smiled as he looked up at her. "Will you let me make love to you?"

Tobie stared at him wondering why he even had to ask. "Duh. And I want you to do it now."

She reached down and tugged him to his feet. Her hands reached unerringly for his stiff shaft. They closed around him, and she began to move them up and down. She'd never done this before, but what the hell. He'd done it for her, she could certainly return the favor.

Tobie dropped to her knees and guided his thick cock into her mouth. With tentative strokes, she licked the small opening at the top, and traced the outline of the tip.

Water from the shower hit the back of her head, but she ignored it, instead listening to the way Erik's breath caught at the slight movement of her tongue across his shaft.

His hands fisted in her hair and tugged on her, silently urging her to draw him deeper into her mouth. Tobie complied; sucking him in as far as she could without gagging. He moved his hips, sliding in and out of her mouth as small sexy noises escaped from him. She smiled remembering how he'd thought she was so responsive. She felt his cock twitch and harden even more.

"I want to be inside you when I come," He groaned, pulling out of her mouth.

"I'd like that." Tobie grinned and let him help her up.

He lifted her up and then slid her down, impaling her with his cock. Tobie groaned, her eyes widening in pleasure as her muscles stretched to accommodate his size. He leaned her against the shower wall and braced his arm against it. She tightened her inner muscles, and held on as Erik lifted her up, then rammed her down on his long, hard length. Her stomach tightened and her breath caught, as he slammed in deeper with each thrust.

"Oh my--" she broke off with a cry as her orgasm ripped through her, taking away all coherent thought as she clutched onto him tightly, riding the waves of pleasure. Erik shouted, driving into her even further as he came. Tobie watched the ecstasy in his face as he peaked. He opened his eyes, and rested his forehead against her as he tried to catch his breath.

"That was amazing," he whispered in between breaths.

Tobie wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him with all she had.

"Stay with me, love."

"Okay. I don't have to work in the morning anyway."

"No, I mean stay forever," he said burying his face in her neck and kissing her.

Tobie shivered and moaned. "Forever," she agreed with a sigh.