The small bar had been pretty quiet and I chatted with the bartender, Zane. He wasn't from around here and had some great insight on places to see. A lot had changed since I had left.

I finished my drink and headed out. The air smelled clean. Taking in a composing breath and looked towards the sky. It was a little past 10 and the moon was bright. Who needed street lamps when the moon could guide you?

As I set back towards Del Sole, I could hear raised voices but kept my eyes up. Heading back to my car, I noticed the sparse parking lot. Overall, it was quiet and peaceful until I heard her name ring out in an agitated tone.

"Remi!" An unknown man yelled for her.

Chancing a look over at them, I could tell that the man with Remi was gangly even with his oversized jacket on. The shadow from the hood obstructed his face and I couldn't make out any other details.

At a glance, the man had cleared the distance between them in one long stride. I watched as she turned into him and they kissed. His hands coming up to capture her face as her hands came up to his chest.

It was as if time slowed. My thoughts raced back to what my uncle had said. He made it sound like she had been single. Maybe he had been wrong. I wasn't going to step in on another man's girl. My gut tightened with the realization that she was off limits. It shouldn't have mattered, but it did. 

I had only taken a step when I heard her yell at the man.

"What the fuck Ben!" Her defensive tone brought my attention back to them. Were they not together?

I knew that whatever was going on between Remi and this guy, Ben, wasn't my business. Watching them for a few seconds, I realized his touch was unwanted. His presence was being rejected and this guy was not getting the hint. As soon as he put his hands on her, I knew I needed to do something. My feet moved on their own as I stepped out into view and calmly made my presence known.

"There you are baby girl." Her back was to me, but I knew she recognized my voice, because I could see her physically relax. I didn't want to cause her any harm from my intervention, so I approached them slowly. She tilted her head and gave me a relieved smile. I wanted to let her know she had back-up. Where she took this, was up to her.

I wanted to be cautious but I also didn't want to set the man holding Remi's wrist into a rampage. The man she called Ben aimed his remarks at me. Dropping Remi's arm, he stepped around Remi to better take me on.

"Who the fuck are you calling baby girl?" Ben's chest was heaving with large breaths. I never broke my stare from Remi. I needed her to know that I'd help in whatever way she would let me. The corner of my mouth raised in a slight grin as I answered Ben.

"Remi, of course." I wasn't interested in the piss ant next to her. For all I cared, he could keep rambling on, I wasn't here for him.

"Hey babe, I'm sorry. I got out a little later than I had hoped to. I had a table that stayed late." Her tone had changed. She was much more comfortable and I wanted to believe that it was due to me stepping in. I felt cocky as her response rolled out of her sexy mouth.

"It's fine. I'd wait all night if I had to." Calling me babe, moving into more intimate conversation. I played along.

"The fuck? Is this who you're fucking now?" Ben's face scrunched like he had tasted something nasty. His eyebrows were stitched together as he scowled at us. The vile bite of Ben's words affected Remi as she grimaced. Was this what it all about? Sex?

As Ben backed away from Remi, I took the space. Sliding my hand around her lower back and cradling her to me. He was getting pretty worked up about the altercation with Remi and my sudden and unwanted company. If there had been something romantic between Remi and Ben, there wasn't anymore. 

The invisible padlock I'd placed over Remi shattered. Knowing that these two weren't together made me feel the need to protect her.

"I'm sorry, was I interrupting something?" My eyes searched over Ben who had his white-knuckled fists at his side. Then to Remi, who remained quiet at my side.

"Fuck this," his nasty tone jarred me. "Fuck you Remi." Instinctively, I pulled her closer. I watched him pound the pavement all the way to an old Duster. Blasting music as he peeled out of the parking lot.

After I was sure he was gone, my attention was returned to Remi. The blank stare on her face made me think that her thoughts were overwhelming her. I didn't need to think as I wrapped her in my arms. Closing my eyes and cherishing the closeness. She had been so strong and confident but who knew how long Ben had harassed her before I joined them.

"You okay, Remi?" Speaking to the top of her head, she didn't look up at me.

"Thank you," I barely caught her response. It wasn't an answer to my question and I wasn't certain that I wanted to push her.

"Remi," I leaned away from her to better see her face, "who was that?" She looked at my chest like she was in a trance. When she broke free of her stare she took a deep breath and looked up at me.

"Ben, my ex. He and I," she stopped. I noticed the swell of tears that threatened to overflow her beautiful green eyes before she tucked her head.

My palms itched. I needed to touch her, reassure her that I wouldn't judge or mock her. Upon it's own will, my hand raised to the side of her face. Smoothing over her velvet soft skin of her cheek as she tilted her head into my hand. Her gesture caused my blood to surge and my breath slam from my chest.

"He and I were together for three years." She seemed to have found her confidence as she continued. "My mom hated him, called him 'wonder boy' because she said she always wondered about him and why I was with him. She didn't see what I had seen in him." She stopped to look at her hands that had rested on my chest.

"What did you see in him?" Feeling bold, I figured it couldn't hurt to ask her. My hand easing to the back of her neck.

"Honestly," she laughed and threw her head back. "I don't even fucking know. He was mysterious and a bit of a bad boy. I wanted adventure and hoped he would give it to me."

"He didn't?" Not even sure why I asked.

"Nope. He turned out to be a real ass. Anyway, my mom got really sick and when it came to my free time, I wanted to spend it with her. He didn't like that so he found attention elsewhere. With his ex. Multiple times."

"Remi, I'm sorry." Her strong facade was gone and the damns of her eyes had let loose. Tears streamed freely down her cheeks. Cupping her head in my hands, I caught her tears with my thumbs. Wiping them away as they came. Ever so slightly her hands pressed against my chest but I wrapped my arms around her again. "A beautiful, strong woman like you deserves better than that."

She shuddered a breath and eased into me. Her breathing finally finding its pacing. My mind went blank and my eyes shut as she buried her face into my neck. When she asked me to take her home, there was no question in my mind that I needed to do that for her.

The ride to her place was filled with comfortable silence. Only a few blocks from the shopping center, she gave me turn by turn directions as I drove. Once we arrived, she instructed me on where to park. I didn't see me staying, but I would at least walk her to her door.

"Shit!" Her tone sounded amused and not irritated at all as she climbed out of my car, shutting the door behind her.

Shutting off the engine, curiosity had me climbing out of the car after her.

"I feel like my car is so lame sitting next to your sex box." She was digging in her purse when she said it. I was wearing the biggest shit-eating grin. Sex box?  I could accept that, but I said it aloud anyway.

"Sex box?" Reining in my amusement, she turned to me and pointed to my black sports car next to her white Toyota.

"Yeah, 'cause it's a fucking sexy little car!" She went back to digging in her purse. "Kinda like it's owner," whispered as she retrieved her keys.

A laugh erupted from my chest and I reached for her, capturing her hand in mine. She glanced at me in confusion. "So you think I'm sexy?"

Shocked she said "Fuck! Did I really say that out loud?" Her cheeks flushed and she burst into giggles. "Well shit, no point in denying it. Yes, I think you are incredibly good looking."

The feeling was mutual. Looking down at her, the only thing I could think of was that I wanted to kiss her. "What's your last name Remi?" Her lips looked inviting. Soft and pliant.

"Bennett." She smiled and inclined her head to look at me again. "Why do you ask?"

"Miss Bennett, you sure do have a dirty mouth," bringing her hand to my mouth as I whispered across her knuckles. Lingering with her hand to my lips. 

"You have no idea," equally as quiet as I had been, she was making it hard to leave her. My dick was the one thinking and no words came from my mouth as I watched her play with her keys before she finally spoke. "Come inside. Have a drink with me."

Still speechless, a nod was all I could manage as she pulled on my hand. Letting her guide me into her building and up the four flights of stairs to her apartment. Yet again, following her. My view that night had been amazing.

"Micah, I want to thank you. You didn't need to get involved with my mess but you did." She fidgeted with her keys for a moment before she turned and unlocked her door.

"Don't mention it. I'm happy I could help." My voice came out rougher than I expected.

"Do you mind if I change real quick? I need to get out of my work clothes," She asked as she pushed through her entryway and set her bag on the skinny table by the front door.

"Not at all. You're home. Get comfortable." What are you thinking? Get comfortable, she may come out with nothing on. Then again, what's wrong with that? My conscious was playing with me.

"You too, feel free to hang your jacket." She indicated to the hooks along the wall as she headed to her bedroom.

I took her offer and hung my jacket. Rolling my neck as my neck popped and relieved some of my tension I'd been carrying.

Her apartment was a decent size for being in the DC area and only one bedroom. Most of her furniture was modern but there were some pieces that looked like she had gotten from an antique shop. As I turned to settle into her living room I noticed she hadn't closed her bedroom door.

Was that on purpose? I almost hoped it was.

Facing away from me, she had stripped off her layers. Standing in nothing but a scrap of lace. She ran her hands over the irritated red marks under her chest and along her sides. Her bra had made angry marks on her delicate skin. My lungs were not processing my breaths, or maybe I wasn't remembering to breathe. I couldn't see her front but the swell of her chest spilled into view as she turned to her dresser to pull clothes out.

Turning my head, I tried not to watch her. A few more steps and I could sit on her couch and pretend I hadn't seen a thing, but I couldn't move. Looking back, she had pulled on cotton shorts and a thick strapped tank. Pulling the tie out and of her hair and letting it fall. As she massaged her fingers into her scalp I could hear her moan. I rocked back on my heels as I closed my eyes and lowered my head. Urges were causing my body to betray me and the sudden flush made my thin shirt too hot. Rolling my sleeves to my elbows and loosening my collar was about all I could do.

I could feel her eyes on me and looked up to her. "Sorry, not sorry for the show," she hid her amused smile behind her hand. Making her way to the kitchen she asked, "what is your drink of choice?" 

Searching the floor, I continued to avoid her eyes. "I seem to remember a similar conversation earlier tonight. Plus, I'm not sure you'll have my drink of choice." 

She had slipped on an oversized sweatshirt, hiding the curves of her upper body from me.

As she made her way towards the kitchen she dragging her hand along my chest, "Relax, Micah. Even if you sneaked a peek, I don't think I have anything you haven't already seen." Opening one of the cupboards in my kitchen she took a moment. "You're right. I don't have any wine coolers or fruity drinks. So what is your backup?" My smirk returned as I shook my head and answered her.

"Bourbon," I came around to lean against the counter of the island. Finally relaxing into her space.

"See, was that so hard?" She pulled down the half bottle of Knob Creek and the last bit of Jack Daniels. Sure enough, I was impressed. I didn't take her for a bourbon girl. "Surprised?" She asked.

"A bit," I confessed.

"Neat?"

"Please."

"Two fingers?"

"Sure. You sure do know your lingo." She poured our drinks and handed mine to me.

"My mother used to drink bourbon every once in a while. I also spent a summer tending bar in DC for a good friend. One of their bartenders had gone on maternity leave and I was able to fill in for her." She took a swig of her double shot of whiskey.

"Where is your mom now?" I asked the question tentatively. She had mentioned her a couple times tonight, but not in a current way.

"She passed away," she downed the remainder of her whiskey and poured another double.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Remi." Sipping my drink, I leaned back against the counter. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not tonight."

I placed my glass on the counter and came up behind her. Cornering her between in the crook of the counters. I straddled my arms to either side of her and pressed my face into her shoulder. The warmth she emanated forced me to close my eyes. I enjoyed the closeness. I whispered it into her hair. "Remi Bennett, What is your story?" 

The electricity between us humming. In this moment, there were no words but it's like out skin was communicating with each other. Layers of clothes only muffled it.

"Rose, actually." Her head rested against mine and warmth flooded over me at her mindless act of affection. My face still buried in the hair falling down her neck.

"Rose?"

"Rose Marie Bennett. My mom was the only one who called me Rose. It was my friend, Shay, who nicknameed me Remi and it has stuck."

She took another sip of her drink and turned slowly in my arms. Leaning against the counter, I was now almost level with her chest. "What's the story there?" I lifted my eyes to meet hers.

"It's kind of boring." She paused for a moment and continued when I made no effort to discourage her. "Well, Shay has always been terrible at remembering names. When we met I told her my name was Rose Marie. She didn't like it. We became fast friends but she could never remember my name. She said she would always remember me, but I would be her Remi, not Rose." I listened to her speak, but her words went in one side and out the other. Enjoying the closeness and the conversation, I was only half paying attention to what she was telling me. "'Remember' plus 'me'. Rem and me. Remi. For awhile I didn't get it, but it worked for Shay and I liked it, so it stuck."

"I like it." Without moving my hands I stood up. No longer looking up at her. Now she was looking up at me.

"I want to get to know you, Micah." She turned to get her glass and finished the drink.

"My favorite color is red. I grew up in Maryland. Played soccer, lacrosse, and I played basketball with friends on free weekends." I was smiling at the memories. "What else do you want to know about me?" Backing up to the island to sip my bourbon.

"What do you do?" I watched her as she hopped up on the counter, letting her feet swing freely. "I know you mentioned opening a club in the district, but is that a new venture or something you've been doing?"

"Kind of a new venture in the sense that I am opening a club here, but I already own a few clubs already. It's something I'm good at," I said as I nursed my drink.

"Where?"

"The clubs? I have two in Florida so far."

"What makes you so good at running these clubs?"

"Who said I was good?" I arched a brow at her. "Well besides knowing how to throw a wicked party, I practically lived in them as soon as I was legally allowed to be inside one." I took a large swallow of my drink, placed it on the counter, and went back to her. Standing between her legs. "My turn Remi."

"Ooo," she cooed, "I like purple roses. I have a weakness for Cherry Garcia ice cream. My favorite color is peach." Pausing to think about what else she could tell me on the fly. There I was, taking notes. Purple roses, pretty and unique. Just like her.

"Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

"Nope, I'm an only child. What about you Micah? "

"Same. I'm the only one but I have a ton of cousins and most of us grew up with each other. Practically having them as siblings." I chewed on my lower lip, trying to figure out what else to ask her. "What do you want, Remi?"

"Right now or in general? That seems like a heavy question to ask when we are just getting to know each other." She said as she slid a hand up my chest. I loved the feel of her hands against me. I shivered under her caress and her wicked lips twitched in satisfaction.

"Now," my voice was husky. Waiting and watching her mouth for her answer.

"Right now, Micah," sliding her fingers between the buttons in my shirt. Smoothly slipping a button loose one at a time. Her fingertips scraping over my heated flesh. "I want to end my bad day with a good night." Another button slipped free, more skin exposed. "Now, Micah, I want you." It was barely a whisper but I heard it.

Slipping my hand behind her head and leaned towards her, I needed to kiss her. I'd held back, but I relinquished control. I was tired of waiting. She closed the distance. The kiss was fervent and fully packed with heat.  Kissing her, now, was more amazing than I had imagined it to be.

Quickly deepening, she opened her mouth to my invasion. I took advantage and tasted her mouth. My tongue probing for hers. As my hand roamed down her back with the other tangling in her hair. Finishing the rest of the visible buttons on my shirt, she spread the shirt wide. Exposing my chest and stomach. Running her hands over the the definitions of my chest causing a fiery tornado of ecstasy to run through me.  

I'm not sure if it was the buzz of my booze or the high she was causing, but my body was on fire with need. My skin was more sensitive than it had ever been.

Making quick work of her sweatshirt. It was like she needed it off as much I needed to feel her skin. We discarded it to the floor.

Pulling me back to her mouth. I was melting into her with her arms wrapped around my neck. There was more need as our lips devoured each other. I could feel her fingers working at the front of my pants. Capturing my lower lip between my teeth, I let out a moan.

What happened to getting to know her? She was worth treating differently and here we were ready to shred each other's clothes. Damn my brain for thinking right now!

Pressing my forehead into hers, and I broke contact as I shackled her wrists, stopping her exploration.

"Wh.." she panted, "what's wrong?"

"You sure you want to do this?"

"You don't?" She blurted out. 

"That is not what I said." She had pulled away from me. Confusion written across her beautiful face. I needed to make sure she knew it wasn't because I didn't want her because that wasn't the case at all. "I like you, Remi. You're not like anyone I've ever been with before. The thing is," I sighed, "I want to get to know you. I just need you to be sure you want this."

She smiled back at me and arched her brow. "And I'd like to get to know you. Micah Moretti I don't want to take advantage of you." She re-buttoned my slacks and slid off the counter. Pushing me back with her fingertips. "Look, if you don't think you can handle me, I will happily handle myself."

I closed my eyes as my head rolled back as the image of her playing with herself overwhelmed my mind. My body was screaming at me for stopping its onslaught of her body. So ready to please and be pleased.

When our touch disconnected she lifted her tank, revealing her lower back and stomach. Stepping away and wandered towards her bedroom. Watching her walk away from me.

Actively teasing me, she slipped the cotton tank over her head with one hand and hid her chest with the other. "If you aren't going to help," she stopped and met my gaze over her shoulder, "then get out." She disappeared from view into her bedroom and her words left me bemused.

I needed to make a decision and I damn well wasn't leaving.

***

A/N: Thank you for continuing to read! If you're enjoying the story, please comment, vote, and add to your library!! <3