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  I shook my head. “No, but a buddy told me it was good.”

  “Oh, someone you work with?”

  I nodded. He was the same one who told me about how easy you are, I thought as I gracefully steered my Mustang across two lanes without slowing down. And he told me your trick – all I have to do is tickle the back of your knee, and I’m in.

  “How long have you been fighting fires?”

  “Years. Uh, ten, I think,” I said. “I started volunteering back when I was seventeen, and I knew it was the only thing I wanted to do.”

  “Why?”

  “Excuse me?” I turned and looked at her, surprised. Most women loved hearing that I was a firefighter. It was like they got wet instantly, just from thinking about my brawny self-rushing into a burning building and coming back with three children tucked under my arms, their chubby cheeks smeared with ashes.

  “I just have no idea why anyone would want to willingly put their life in danger like that,” Sara said, frowning. She sighed and stretched, pushing her breasts out even further. “I mean, it’s scary.” She wrapped her arms around herself and shivered. “When I was eleven, my parents’ house caught fire. We were all okay – I mean, even the cats survived. But it was so scary, I still remember how hot it felt to be trapped in that house before the firetrucks showed up.”

  I laughed dryly. “Well, without people like me, you wouldn’t have been okay,” I said.

  “So that’s why you do it, then? To help people?”

  I shrugged. In truth, that wasn’t the reason at all. I did it because it was like being in fraternity, even in my late twenties. I did it because chicks dug it, because I couldn’t go anywhere in the tri-county area without getting free drinks or pizza…or snatch, for that matter. I still remembered one time, years ago, when I’d gone to a strip club for a buddy’s bachelor party. The girls had been all over me, just because I’d still been wearing my shirt from work. They’d given me free lap dances (and more) all night long. If I closed my eyes, I could still remember the perfect pink lips of a stripper named Bunni wrapped around my hard cock, sucking like her life depended on it.

  “Yeah, I guess,” I said, after a long pause. “What do you do?”

  As I pulled into the parking lot of La Casa Miso, I shoved my car into park and climbed out, waiting impatiently for Sara and her tits to join me. She climbed out, almost stumbling in her platform high heels.

  “I’m a teacher,” Sara said. “Elementary school. When I first had Josiah, I dropped out of college, but then I went back to night school and finished up.” She looked at me, obviously proud of herself.

  “That’s nice,” I said.

  “Yeah,” Sara replied. Her voice took on a dreamy tone. “I just love the little kids, you know? They’re all so sweet and eager to learn. It’s like, who could possibly turn them down?”

  I snorted. “I’m not really a kid person,” I said.

  “Oh.” Sara sounded wounded. “I love them. I love being around kids.”

  “So I take it you want more, then?”

  Sara flushed, giving a delicious pink undertone to her pale skin. “I don’t know,” she said. “Maybe when Josiah is a little older…but I don’t know that I could go through the whole baby and toddler thing again.” She made a face. “I like kids, but really when they’re only old enough to take care of themselves.”

  I forced a laugh. God, she’s boring, I thought. A maître d appeared and showed us to our table, right in the middle of the room.

  “Look,” I said to Sara. “We’re on display.”

  Sara looked around, clearly embarrassed. She didn’t say anything, and I realized she was waiting for me to pull her chair out for her. Smirking, I slid into my seat and raised my eyebrows.

  “Waiting for something?” I asked snidely.

  Sara flushed again before sitting down and scooting closer to the table. “No,” she said. “Do you like wine?”

  “Wine is for chicks,” I said. “But I’ll get you a bottle if you want. You just have to promise to be good.” I leaned forward and raised an eyebrow.

  Sara shot me a confused look. “What does that even mean? And I don’t want a whole bottle,” she added. “God, I’m not some lush. I have to get home to my son!”

  Smirking, I reached for the wine list. “I think you deserve something nice,” I purred. “Just tell me what you like and I’ll get the most expensive bottle.”

  Sara flushed. “I like pinot noir,” she said. “Something about red wine always makes me feel sexy.” She gave me a look that set my balls aching with lust.

  Good, I thought. You’re going to be ripe for the taking by the time we’re through with the first course. And then I’m going to fuck you like you’ve never been fucked in your life.

  The sommelier appeared and I ordered a bottle of wine for Sara, plus a beer for me. When he returned with our drinks, I clinked my bottle against Sara’s thin glass.

  “To new friends,” I said, raising an eyebrow. “And promising beginnings.”

  Sara giggled. She closed her eyes as she took a sip of wine, making an ecstatic face. I smirked as I imagined what she would be like in the throes of an orgasm, riding my cock until I was soaked with the juices from her pussy.

  With that delicious image fresh in mind, I reached under the table until my fingers grazed Sara’s knee. Her eyes flew open and she gasped.

  “Alex! What are you doing?”

  I grinned and took a long swallow of beer, pushing my fingers higher and higher on her soft, creamy thighs.

  “I told you,” I said. “I think you deserve something nice. What, did you think I was talking about wine?”

  Sara’s mouth formed a small ‘o’ of surprise and she pushed my hand away, looking indignant.

  “I don’t know what kind of girl you think I am,” she said hotly. “But I would never sleep with someone on the first date! I don’t even kiss on the first date,” she said, standing up with such force that her chair fell to the ground behind her. “That’s just not decent,” she said, glaring at me.

  I shrugged. “Baby, you fucked Ernie Cousins and had his kid,” I said. “You’re a single mom, what the hell do you think guys think when they see that?”

  Sara didn’t reply. She looked stunned – almost like I’d slapped her across the face.

  “They think you’re an easy slut,” I said. “That’s what men think when they realize a woman is a single mother.”

  Tears sprang to Sara’s green eyes and her chin began to wobble.

  “I hate you,” Sara spat. “And don’t ever call me again!” Turning on her heel, she stalked out of the restaurant. I settled back against my chair, half-enjoying the rude stares from all of the other patrons. When Sara’s heels hit the marble foyer floor, she went crashing down in a tangle of limbs. Her tits popped out of her tight dress and my cock sprang into action at the sight of her big, pink nipples and round white tits.

  God, I’d love to put my cock between those, I thought as I watched Sara burst into hysterical sobs. The maître d rushed over and grabbed her arm, hauling her up as she fumbled with her dress. The whole restaurant was silent as Sara rushed out into the bright afternoon.

  “Nothing to see,” I called loudly, smirking and turning my face around the room. “Just a little too much wine, that’s all!”

  The waiter approached and gave me a cautious look. “Sir? Would you like the bill?”

  I burst out laughing. “Fuck no.” I said. “I’m starving! Bring me the escargot and veal parmigiana.”

  The waiter narrowed his eyes for a brief second and I relished the hatred I saw there.

  “Very good, sir,” he said. “I’ll be right back with your escargot.”

  So I’m not getting laid tonight, I thought as I took a long drink of beer. But at least I got a free show!

  Chapter Four: Molly

  “God, I’m nervous,” I said to Rebecca, tugging at my shirt to make it sit just right on my shoulders. “I look so bloated today!”
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br />   Rebecca shook her head. “You look great,” she said. “I’ve never seen you look prettier, Molly.”

  I frowned. “Something’s not right,” I muttered. “I just feel so awkward!”

  “Well, you look beautiful,” Rebecca said.

  Alex’s taunts flashed through my mind and I shuddered. How could anyone be so repulsive and so attractive at the same time? It not only didn’t make sense – it felt like a cruel joke from the universe.

  “I know what you’re thinking,” Rebecca said quietly. “And Molly, don’t. Don’t put yourself through the ringer just because my brother is an asshole.”

  I sighed. “Okay,” I said. “I promise I’ll try.”

  When the time came for me to leave for class, Rebecca handed me a little pouch with some essentials.

  “There’s floss in there, and mints, and some blotting papers in case your face gets too oily,” she said. “And I put in some hairspray, too. It’s windy outside today.”

  I hugged her tightly. “You’re the best,” I said. I meant it, too.

  Rebecca smiled self-consciously. “I just want to help, that’s all,” she said. “I won’t leave the door open in case you stay out all night!”

  I burst out laughing. “I highly doubt that,” I said. “We’re just getting coffee and it’s right on campus. I’ll probably be home an hour or two later than usual.”

  Rebecca raised an eyebrow suggestively. “Just have fun,” she said. “That’s the most important part, after all.”

  I shrugged. “I just hope I don’t get so nervous that I do something stupid,” I said. “God, I can’t believe this is finally happening!”

  “I know,” Rebecca said. “You’d better go, you’ll be late otherwise!”

  Grabbing my schoolbag, I slung it over my shoulder and went outside to wait for the bus. I didn’t have to wait long – in just a few minutes, I was bouncing all the way down the highway to my university.

  Class dragged on and on. I kept looking at the clock expecting to see that twenty minutes had passed when it hadn’t even been thirty seconds. Still, being excited was a good thing. Is that what I was feeling? Butterflies in my stomach, my heart beating as rapidly as a hummingbird’s?

  Am I excited, I wondered as I doodled my name on my notebook. Or am I just nervous? Is that what being excited is supposed to feel like?

  Somehow, Alex’s cruel words came rushing back to me at that very moment and I almost passed out. I can’t do this, I thought. Just then, the clock struck four.

  “Okay, everyone,” the professor called. “See you next week!”

  With a groan, I hauled my heavy body from my chair and walked towards the door. Other people pushed around me in a crush of desperate bodies and I was dragged along, powerless to stop myself.

  Dan was waiting in the student union, just like he’d said. When he saw me, he smiled.

  “Hey,” Dan said. “How are you? How was class?”

  I sighed with relief. Class was good – class was something I could talk about, and not feel flustered.

  “It was good,” I said. “I mean, you know, not really. It felt like it dragged on forever.” I flushed. Oh, shit, I shouldn’t have said that, now he’s going to think I’m obsessed with him!

  “For me, too,” Dan said. “I stayed up way too late last night and now I can barely keep my lids open.”

  “Oh,” I said quickly. “Um, do you still want to get coffee? I mean, tea,” I added. “If you’re not feeling well, we don’t have to do this today. We could do it later, or next week!”

  Dan laughed and put his hand on my shoulder. “Molly, relax,” he said. “I’m fine. I want to do this, okay?”

  I nodded. “Sorry,” I said. “I’m just nervous.”

  Dan gave me a friendly smile. “No reason to be nervous,” he said. “I promise, I won’t bite.”

  I flushed. "I didn’t exactly think you would bite me,” I said, shaking my head.

  Dan laughed. “Look, I get it – you’re nervous,” he said. “But really, Molly, calm down. There’s no reason to be upset about anything.”

  I nodded. “Okay,” I said. “Thanks for that.”

  Dan led the way across the campus to Port City Java, a hip little coffee shop frequented by students and townies alike. Immediately, it occurred to me how much Alex would hate some place like this.

  Get him out of your head, you’re with someone else, I thought as Dan led me towards the counter.

  “So, what are you having?”

  I looked up and scanned the board. “Um, I don’t know,” I said. “What’s good?”

  The girl behind the counter laughed. “Everything,” she said. “What do you like?”

  I wrinkled my nose. “I hate bitter things,” I said.

  Dan nodded. “Let’s get her a buttercrunch toffee java freeze, and I’ll have a chai tea latte with soy milk.”

  When I reached for my wallet, Dan laughed and shook his head.

  “No, Molly, this is my treat,” he said. “Don’t even worry about it.”

  We stood awkwardly by the counter and I listened to the whirr and buzz of the various fancy coffee machines.

  “What are you liking most about the program so far?”

  I shrugged. “Just being in it, honestly. It was always my dream to go to library school. Well, my dream and my friend Rebecca’s dream, too. She’s in the program but her schedule is totally different, we had to sign up for different sections because she works part time.”

  Dan whistled. “Working and going to school is tough,” he said. “What about you?”

  “I’m not working right now.” I blushed. “I actually got a scholarship, which is like, super rare for a terminal master’s program.”

  “Good for you,” Dan said.

  The barista slid our drinks to Dan and I smiled when I saw the chocolate-laden confection topped with whipped cream.

  “This looks amazing,” I said as I wrapped my hands around the chill plastic cup. “How did you know what I wanted?”

  Dan shrugged. “You look like a girl who likes her desserts.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “What does that mean?”

  “Hey, I didn’t mean anything bad by it,” Dan said. “Really, it’s cool. I have a sweet tooth, too.”

  I flushed.

  “Molly, if I didn’t want to be here, I wouldn’t, okay?”

  I nodded. “Okay,” I said.

  Dan led the way to a table and I followed behind. Now that my initial anxiety had worn off, I was starting to wonder just why I’d asked him out in the first place. Because Rebecca had told me to? Or because I’d actually wanted to?

  I felt like a jerk thinking of the truth, but I didn’t really want to date Dan. And now, if things went well, would I be stuck in some kind of awkward relationship that lasted way too long?

  Or what? Would we break up, and I wouldn’t even be able to go to class without thinking of him and how dumb I’d been?

  “What’s wrong? You’re frowning,” Dan said. “Everything okay?”

  I nodded. “Yeah. Um, I’m sorry. This is the first time I’ve done this,” I said.

  “Done what? Had coffee with a friend?”

  A friend? What?

  I cocked my head to the side. “Um, I’m sorry – I don’t know what you mean.”

  Dan laughed, but it wasn’t entirely a happy sound. He sounded a little embarrassed, actually.

  “Molly, you’re a nice girl,” Dan said. “You really are, but I’m not interested.”

  “What?” I couldn’t stop my jaw from dropping. “Then why did you agree to go out with me?!”

  Dan flushed and took a sip of his latte, looking truly uncomfortable. “Molly, I’m gay,” he said.

  “What?”

  Dan gave me a look. “Don’t make me repeat that,” he said. “I know you understood.”

  “I did…it’s just…you’re gay? Why didn’t you tell me?”

  Dan laughed nervously. “I didn’t mention it because I thought yo
u knew,” he said, shaking his head. “I thought you wanted to make a friend in your program. So you’re a little shy and awkward – that’s nothing to worry about. Plenty of people are shy and awkward, Molly.”

  I sank down low in my seat. “You’re gay,” I muttered. “I can’t believe it.”

  Dan gave me an awkward smile and shrugged. I hated to admit it, but the more I looked at him, the more I realized he was right. His hair was too perfectly tied with an Indian leather band, and his skin was flawless – even better than Rebecca’s, and she’s a total Sephora addict.