Part 23
   Run For Comfort


  As I approached
The King of Klubs
Ben was standing post at the entrance.

He asked,
" Hey you, what you doing walking all alone in the dark?"

I said,
" Can't sleep! What are you still doing here? Thought it was only for the big shindig."

He said,
" It was, but Sam made me an offer I couldn't refuse."

I said rather sarcastically,
" What, lower pay?"

I laughed, but in all seriousness, Sam really isn't a tight wad.

I added,
" Seriously though, what did he offer?"

He said,
" Nothing big, just a little more than I was making, but it was the low key setting that got me."

I couldn't agree more.

I said,
"Yea, it is a chill kinda spot."

  Ben wasn't much of a talker, and neither was I.
So before the silence got uncomfortable, I decided to go get my drink on.

I said,
" Well Ben, I'm gonna leave you, cuz I needs me a drink."

I went inside, and was really glad to see that Jack was working tonight.
I'm guessing Wanda took the night off.

She did the Monday through Thursday shifts. Where as Mina, Jack, and myself did the weekend.

Wanda preferred the weekdays because she said it was a hassle serving and cleaning up after a bunch of drunk fucktards.
I thought it was hilarious when she said this.

Wanda is what they call an acquired taste, and I would have to be in a really great mood to tolerate her personality.
Tonight just wasn't the night to take her crued forwardness.

I sometimes have the mouth of a sailor, but Wanda's isn't just profane, she's down right obscene.
Which is why I'm glad that Jack is here.

I sat my ass at the bar, as Jack walked towards me.

He asked,
" What can I get you beautiful?"

I said,
" Crown, straight up."

Jack had a crooked smile that I thought was adorable, but I would never tell him.

He said,
" You got it!"

He was good looking in a bad boy sorta way, and certainly my type of exercise.
Well he would be if I had a type.

Who am I kidding, the only type of exercise I've been interested in is the hard core workouts I've had with Dominik.

  Although I did notice some similarities in those two, but in many many ways they were different. Aside from the whole demon thing, I'm sure there are some things they have in common.
I think!

Jack is lean, and pretty close in height. His body is definitely fit, but not bulky like Ben. His muscles flex when he lifts heavy things, or . . .
  When I watch him wipe the bar down, and his bicep protrudes from his shirt.

However, Jack did have something I loved seeing on a man.
He had a goatee, and body art.
Jack is a dish I'd like to order right about now.

The thought made me smile, and a heated blush rushed straight to my face.
I lowered my head hoping he didn't see that.

A few regulars were hanging at the bar as usual, but for the most part the place was quiet.

  After a few drinks,
I finally was able to unwind. I didn't want to go just yet, but I knew that it wouldn't be wise to walk if I stayed till closing. I debated whether I should bounce now, or....

  Sam came in through the back door carrying a couple of cases.
He was surprised to see me sitting here.

He said,
" Hey, my favorite eye candy. What brings you in on your night off?"

I wondered if Sam noticed my annoyed expression, Jack did.

I said,
" Sam, how many times do I have to remind you? You're my boss, it's not appropriate to call me your eye candy, cotton candy, or anything else that causes cavities!"

  Jack looked at Sam and shook his head

Sam chuckled then said,
" So sweet cheeks is out of the question, huh. Shannon, you're sitting at the bar having drinks. Which makes you a customer, which makes you eye candy for this old man."

I closed my eyes because to be honest, I really wasn't in the mood to explain the whole sexual harassment bid to him. Besides, I knew he was only kidding.

This teasing started a few months ago with a guy I dated. He gave me stupid nicknames, and Sam made jokes about it, but that's another story to be told.

Tonight I just wasn't in the mood for any humor at all.
Still I'd say that Sam is pretty cool in my book.

I had made my decision, and raised my finger to Jack
and said
" One more before I bounce."

He smiled as he poured me another drink.

He then said,
" This one's on me beautiful."

He gave me a wink, then turned to Sam
and said,
" Beautiful sounds better than eye candy old man. You should know this."

Sam waved him off, and continued to stock up the ice box.

I took my drink and shot it straight down, then went to the ladies room.

My head was filled with many thoughts.  
They were coming at me from every direction, and the alcohol didn't help either.
Needless to say that
I think coming here wasn't such a great idea, and I definitely needed to sober up.

One thing was for  sure, I needed to keep my thoughts of Dominik buried.

I walked out the door, and Ben started
rambling something about me needing a car. I really wasn't paying attention. I was gonna head towards the parking lot when Jack stepped out.

He asked,
" Shannon how are you getting home?"

My fingers did the walking and I said,
"My place isn't far, I'll be ok."

He said,
" Yea, but I won't know if you made it home."

His words made me think of Malekai.
I quickly pushed the thought out of my head.

He then added,
" Give me a minute, I'll be right back."

He went inside, and it didn't take him long to return.

I asked him,
" How far is your place Jack?"

Ben raised his eyebrows in disbelief.

Jack smiled, then said,
" Not far, my bike is over there."

He pointed towards the parking lot where Sam's car was parked.
Next to it was a blue, and silver striped
Ninja ZX something, something. I definitely knew it was nice, and shiny.

I turned to Ben, and told him goodnight, then walked towards the bike.

Ben whispered to Jack,
" You lucky fucker!"

  We rode out onto the street, and I asked myself what the fuck am I doing.
I work with Jack.
What if this gets weird. Damn, this isn't like me.

Oh who am I kidding, lately I don't know who I am.
I'm not sure if I  normally do things like this.

What I am sure of is I don't want to be alone tonight, and certainly not with Domi....

I pushed him out of my mind.

I rested my head on Jack's shoulder, and wrapped my arms around him.

There was no traffic at this hour, so it didn't take us long to get to his place.

He parked the bike on the driveway, and as I was getting off, I checked out the house.

  It was nice, and the landscaping was beautiful. The porch almost took up the length of the front part of the house, and a swing hung at the corner of it.

It didn't seem like Jack's style, but I could be wrong.

Then I thought, perhaps he lives with his parents, and I probably would have thought he might be gay, but then why would I be here.

Not that I think it's wrong to be gay. After all who am I to judge.

He asked,
"So, what do you think?"

  I was once told if you can't think of anything to say that won't hurt someone's feeling's, then keep your trap shut.
It went something like that, I think. Same message to it.
I simply nodded with approval.

He laughed and took me by the hand.

He said,
" This is my sister's house, I live in the guest house out back."

I let out a sound of relief,
then said,
" Oh man, I was wondering if you were a momma's boy still living with your parents, or possibly bisexual. "

His jaw dropped, with an expression of shock combined.

He said,
" Wow, I can't believe you thought I lived with my folks!"

I shrugged my shoulders, and said,
" Well, you don't look like a porch swinging, flower planting kinda guy. Unless you smoke them. Wait you didn't deny being bisexual."

Jack laughed so hard, but I didn't think it was that funny.

He said,
" No crazy girl, I'm not bisexual. I'm surprised you caught that."

Fucker, he's definitely got some jokes.
I must say that I really liked Jack's company, he puts me at ease.

He said,
" And no, I don't smoke either, but I am an adrenaline junkie.
That's why I opted for the bike instead of a car."

There are some things that trigger certain memories, and I managed to keep the unwanted ones away.

An adrenaline junkie! I could see that in him.
At least it doesn't make him a bore to hang out with.

He continued,
" I will say that on occasion, I do enjoy swinging on the porch, and having an ice cold glass of lemonade."

Surprise, surprise, Jack is full of them.

We headed towards the back of the main house. His place was as I had imagined it would be like.

A garage turned into an effeciency. It wasn't so neatly decorated, but it had what it needed.

The living area was small, but roomy enough to fit a regular sized futon, and a small table.
The kitchen had all the amenities in a compact version.
Still it wasn't overly crowded, and he kept it clean.

Towards the back of this garage slash efficiency, a wall, and double sliding doors were installed.
These doors led to his room, which was the only one separate from the rest. I'm guessing the bathroom was behind those doors.

Jack watched me as I walked towards the bedroom. I opened the doors and went in.

The room was a good size, big enough for a queen bed, and a couple of other pieces for a tube, and a lamp. The bathroom was obviously an addition.

I smiled, and again, nodded in approval.
I said,
" It's kinda cozy, I like it!"

Jack seemed a little nervous as he stared at me. I was beginning to think he was having second thoughts.

  I raised an eyebrow, but didn't say a word. I was giving him the opportunity to bale out.

After a few moments, I went to sit down on the bed.

As I took my boots off,
I asked,
" Jack, do I make you nervous?"

He answered,
" No, but you do seem a little devilish."

I licked my lips as I looked him up, and down.

I asked,
"Is that a bad thing?"

He was quiet for a moment, and stood by the door watching me.
I offered my hand, inviting him to join me. He walked towards me, but didn't take my hand.

I stood up, and said,
" Tonight is anything you want night. As long as you understand that it is what it is. No strings attached, no tripping over feelings, etc!"

He looked into my eyes, and I saw my own reflection in his.
My eyes were as bright as the flames of a fire.

This probably should have scared me, but it didn't. Then I wondered if Jack's comment had any thing to do with this. That is, if he had seen what I did.

I was distracted from my thoughts when he brushed his lips against mine.

The kiss was gentle, and sweet, and I had my answer.
Relief washed over me.

A warm feeling followed as his tongue parted my lips, seeking a deeper, and more intimate kiss.
I put my hands on his chest, pushing away from his lips.

Jack looked at me with questioning eyes.

I asked,
" Jack, are you ok with my terms?"

He said,
" You have no idea how long I've waited for a chance to be with you. If tonight is all I have, then let's not spend it talking."

I kissed him
then said,
" Then I'm all yours tonight."


I watched Jack as he walked out of the room. The view was definitely nice, and the tattoos only added to his beautiful body. Jack was indeed fit, and we'll packaged.

To think all this time he was right under my nose.
I let out a quiet laugh, as he returned and heard me.

He asked,
" What's so funny?

I replied,
" Nothing, I was just thinking of something."

He brought me a bottled water, and a washcloth.

He said,
" Turn around beautiful."

I did as he asked, then he wiped my back side.
I thought it was sweet of him.

We lay there talking for a bit, when he caught me completely off guard.

He asked,
" Shannon, who's Dominik?"

I was surprised with the question, but I remained cool.

I asked,
"Why do you ask?"

He didn't hesitate to answer.
He said,
" You screamed his name when you came."

I didn't react to what he said.

I then said,
"Sorry, are you ok?"

He didn't answer for a moment.

He then said,
" I don't know, I've never had that happen."

I really wanted to lighten up the mood, but how would I do that.

Finally I said,
" If it helps, I've never done that before."

Quiet laughter came from both of us.

Then I asked,
" You sure you're ok?
It's really nothing."

He didn't say anything.

I got up, and asked him,
" Mind if I use your shower?"

A simple nod is all he gave me.
Though this was supposed to be a casual roll in the sheets kinda night, I do feel bad about it.

However I really don't owe him an explanation, but I did apologize. It's the only thing I could do.

In the shower I thought about what had happened before we climaxed. In the dark corner of the room, there were eyes of flames watching us. It could have been my imagination, but I seriously doubt it.
  If I am right, then my watcher got more than a load of exercise.
  The intimacy between Jack, and I was unlike anything Dominik's ever had from me, or anyone else for that matter
I'm certain it was Dominik, and it could be why I wasn't frightened. I'm wondering why he was here tonight, and why did I see flamed eyes in my reflection when I looked into Jack's?


Jack was sitting outside when I was done. I went to join him, and wondered what was going through his mind.
I sat across from him, and lit up a cigarette.

My attempt for small talk wasn't as smooth as I wanted it to be.

I said,
" Wow, it is really quiet out here."

His crooked smile appeared, as he said,
" Yea it usually is, except for tonight with all the moaning, and groaning."

I said,
" You should have bound, and gagged me."

We laughed quietly, so we wouldn't wake his sister.

Jack's smile slowly disappeared, and his expression was serious now.

He said,
" Shannon, I know tonight is a casual fuck kinda thing, so don't worry about what happened. It just surprised me, that's all. Nothing like this has ever happened to me."

I said,
" It surprised you? Hell I didn't even know I did it."

It was quiet for a good moment.
Then I said,
" Still, I am sorry."

He replied,
" I'd like you to stay, but if you want, I can take you home."

I stood up, and walked to the door.

I said,
" I'm tired, gonna go to bed."

He watched me as I opened the door, but
  before I stepped inside, I turned to look at him.
Then I asked,
"Care to join me?"

His smile returned, and he followed right behind.

It had been long since I was held until I fell asleep, and it felt good.
No, it was more than good, it felt wonderful.


          ~💀~
       Written by
  Sarah M Gutierrez



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