All dressed up in a pretty black label
Sweet salvation on a dining room table, waiting for me
Where the numb meets the lonely
Emma was right, it only took her a few days to track down the culprit in his hometown in South Jersey. He was hiding, very poorly, at his parents' house in Cherry Hill. She turned him over then quickly hopped into her VW Bug and drove down the Garden State Parkway, taking exit 0 to Cape May. She rolled down her windows, enjoying the slightly warmer temperature and the smell of the salty air as the sun kissed her pale skin.
She got settled into her room quickly, unpacking her toiletries but leaving her clothes in the duffel bag. She dreaded the thought of having to refold everything again in two days and she wasn't there to impress anyone so a few wrinkles wouldn't do much damage.
She changed into denim shorts and a plain white tank top then slipped on her flip flops and headed out the door. She left her phone behind, knowing nobody was attempting to contact her anyway.
She originally planned to go hunt down a good lunch spot to satisfy the grumbling sounds her stomach wouldn't stop producing, but as soon as the ocean came into view, she decided a quick walk along the cool ocean water would be a better way to start her relaxing weekend.
The feel of the warm sand between her toes was unfamiliar but soothing and when a wave crashed down on the shoreline and the water made its way up over her ankles, she shivered briefly at the cold temperature but then relaxed at the feeling. She took in a deep breath, admiring the smell of the salt water. When she exhaled, her lips curled up into a relaxed smile.
She stopped walking and plopped down onto the sand, looking out at the water. Her eyes fell shut momentarily as she enjoyed the sound of the waves lapping on the shore and the seagulls up above her. Emma refused to move, realizing she hadn't felt this relaxed and calm in her surroundings in a long time. Suddenly, the sound of laughter startled her out of her silence and she whipped her head around to take in the sight of a handful of 20-somethings sprinting up the sand mentioning something about going to the tiki bar.
Emma pushed herself up with her hands and wiped the sand off of her shorts then followed the younger crowd in the direction of this bar in search of lunch.
The tiki bar was packed, despite it being later in the afternoon. She pulled one of the bar stools out and hopped on as a bartender with long dark hair and huge brown eyes handed her a menu with a genuine smile. Emma smiled back, taking the menu from her and flipping it open.
"I'll take a rum runner and a lobster roll with fries, please."
The bartender nodded and walked away to put her order in the computer before making her drink.
"You must not be from around here. I've never seen you before, and I would definitely remember someone who looks like you," the bartender stated boldly with a subtle flirty tone in her voice.
Emma smiled back, appreciating the compliment. "You're right. I'm from Boston and I'm just here for the weekend. My name is Emma."
"Nice to meet you, Emma. I'm Ruby."
"So, Ruby. Any good recommendations on where I should go out tonight?" Emma asked.
"Hmm, well it depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a good club scene, there are a few bars that are more inland that are a blast. But if you're looking for a more laid back crowd and some live music, we have a band here tonight. And I'll be bartending, so you should definitely come."
"Laid back and live music sounds good," Emma said with a smile. "It sounds pretty perfect actually. And if it means more of these delicious drinks you make, then count me in."
Ruby giggled and looked at Emma. "Well, then it sounds like a plan. Hey, I might be able to give you a few drinks on the house if you're lucky." Ruby winked and this time it was Emma's turn to giggle. She never had a girl flirt with her before, but she liked the way it felt, even if it was only temporary.
After Emma finished her sandwich and old bay fries then downed another one of Ruby's delicious island concoctions — this one was called a Dirty Banana — she told Ruby she'd see her later then took her time as she walked back to her home rental, enjoying the same route along the water again.
She opened the door and although it was a vacation, the empty home still made her feel lonely. She turned on the television and watched a few episodes of How I Met Your Mother before hopping into the shower. She thought back to those feelings of loneliness she was so used to and realized she knew what was bound to happen again tonight.
Every time she felt that loneliness, she was always so desperate to find an easy distraction for the night, and tonight wouldn't be any different, regardless of her new location, no matter how hard she tried.
She shaved her legs and washed her hair and body then coated her body in her favorite body lotion. The coconut fragrance in the lotion was perfect for a night at a tiki bar so she decided to skip the perfume she'd usually wear over her body lotion.
She curled her hair then made her way over to her duffel bag in only her bra.
"Shit, everything is wrinkled. Why do I do this to myself every time?" She cursed to herself quietly, suddenly irritated when she realized she'd look like a slob showing up at the bar in a wrinkled dress.
Since it wasn't appropriate to wear her red leather jacket, she opted for a skin-tight red dress instead. She turned on the shower and hung up the dress in the bathroom, allowing the steam to loosen up some of the wrinkles.
She put on a light layer of foundation, some blush and a couple coats of mascara to make her green eyes pop before applying some gloss to her lips and zipping up the side of her dress. She rummaged through her bag to find her stilettos and slipped them on.
Once again, she left her phone behind, only slipping some cash in her bra and heading out the door.
As soon as she walked up to the bar, Ruby smiled.
"Emma, you look amazing! Hot enough to turn even a gay man straight."
"Thanks, Ruby." Emma said with a genuine smile.
Ruby made her another fruity cocktail, even though Emma insisted she'd be fine with just a Corona. "Nonsense, if I'm going to give you free drinks, you may as well drink the good stuff."
"I really like you, you know that? And I don't usually like people…" Emma laughed.
"I like you, too. Now I have a question for you. What are your thoughts on smoking hot older brunettes?"
"Hmm?" Emma asked, cocking her head to the side in the direction of her new and only friend.
"That woman over there is totally eyeing you up and down and she clearly wants you. You should go for it!" Ruby smiled before walking toward another customer to take their order. Emma shrugged, not bothering to turn around to look at the person Ruby was describing. She was here to find an easy target to go home with and that was it. The woman probably wasn't even looking at her, Ruby just had an active imagination.
Emma grabbed her drink, leaving all her extra cash for Ruby on the bar, then headed over to the lounge chairs scattered along the sand near where the live band was playing. She kicked off her sandals and dropped down into the seat. The music fit the atmosphere and she continued sipping her fruity drink, momentarily forgetting the reason why she came to the bar in the first place.
Emma glanced over in Ruby's direction and that's when she saw her. A beautiful woman with shoulder-length dark hair, a tight black dress that hugged her in all the right places, and black strappy wedges that made her toned, tan legs go on for days. Emma swallowed then looked away, realizing the woman just caught her staring and was now headed in her direction carrying two drinks.
Emma's fight or flight reaction kicked in and she stood up, ready to flee. But her legs wouldn't cooperate. Instead, she was frozen in place and beginning to panic.
The brunette held the drink out to Emma and smiled. "I asked the bartender what you would like. It looks a little fruity for my liking, but I think it suits you."
Emma was mesmerized by the woman's confidence. The way she stood with her shoulders back, her voice firm and authoritative but also warm and comforting. She swallowed and tried to clear her throat before reaching out to accept the drink. "Oh, thanks."
"My name is Regina. Do you live around here? I've never seen you here before."
"Uh - my name is Ashley," she lied. She was so used to giving a fake name at the bar and that was the first thing that came out. "I'm only here for the weekend."
"Oh, then let's not waste any time," Regina said as her gaze fell over Emma's body, forcing the blonde to shift nervously.
Emma felt her pulse quicken, unsure how to handle this situation. Her breathing was jagged as Regina's words replayed in her head. All she knew was that she liked the attention and she had never laid eyes on a woman with this much confidence and sexiness. Any thoughts Emma had of a potential man went out the window in a heartbeat and all she wanted was to put her hands on Regina.
"Do you want to dance?" Emma asked, her voice a little shaky.
"That's the plan."
Regina grabbed Emma's hand and instructed her to leave her shoes. Emma nodded and kicked them aside as Regina removed her shoes and grabbed Emma's hand, pulling her forward toward the front of the stage where the band was playing.
A jolt of electricity sparked up Emma's side as Regina's hands settled on Emma's hips, pulling her closer. The smell of Regina's perfume was a combination of musky yet citrusy and Emma couldn't help but continue to breathe it in as their bodies were pressed together and moving in unison.
Regina's hands wandered up and down Emma's sides as the blonde grinded against her and Emma sighed. She never felt this way before — the craving, this need.
She leaned her head back and locked eyes with Regina before tilting her head and whispering in her ear. "Let's get out of here. I need you now."
As soon as the words left her mouth, Emma shook her head at how desperate she must have sounded. But Regina didn't seem to mind because she grabbed ahold of Emma's hand and yanked her in the direction of the street.
"My beach house is just up the road, Ashley."
"Hmm?" Emma said, confused for a moment.
"So are you going to tell me your real name, since we both know it's not Ashley? Or do you want to keep up the charade?" Regina whispered, biting down on her bottom lip.
"My name is Ashley." Emma said with a nod, continuing to follow the older woman in the direction of the largest beach house on the street.
"If that's your story, dear."
Regina quickly unlocked her front door and Emma felt her stomach flutter. She never felt nervous before, but she also had never slept with a woman, so she brushed it off and assumed it was due to that. As soon as Regina closed the door, Emma pushed her up against the wall and crashed her lips onto hers, realizing just how badly she needed to feel them against hers.
The taste of Regina's mouth was a welcomed change from the taste of the dark liquor she usually tasted on a man's lips. The feel of Regina's soft, plump lips felt like a plush pillow and Emma's breathing grew more jagged as Regina deepened the kiss.
Emma snaked her hands behind Regina's back, fumbling around to find the zipper that ran down the entire length of her spine. She finally got it down and Regina broke the kiss to help Emma get the dress off of her. Regina stood in front of Emma in a lace black bra and matching underwear and Emma let out a small gasp.
"Like what you see?" Regina asked as she stepped out of the underwear and slipped the bra strap off her shoulder slowly.
Emma was rendered speechless, her desire growing as her eyes stayed glued to the sight of Regina in front of her. Even in this setting, Regina's confidence still held strong and Emma knew she couldn't keep her hands off of her much longer. She nodded slowly then began to slip off her own dress, revealing the bra underneath but no underwear and Regina's smirk made her stomach flutter with nerves and excitement all at the same time.
Regina could tell Emma was nervous so she reached her hand out and tucked her hair behind her ear while her other hand went behind Emma's back to unclip her bra, letting it fall to the floor. "Relax, Ashley. You're in good hands, I promise."
"Emma," she whispered.
Regina smirked, raising her eyebrows in a know-it-all kind of way. "I knew Ashley didn't suit you. So, Emma, have you ever been with another woman before?"
Emma shook her head slowly and Regina offered a smile to try and calm the blonde's nerves, then grabbed her hand and guided her into the bedroom.
Regina laid Emma onto the bed and began placing soft, warm kisses and nibbles over Emma's neck. Emma bit her lip to try and contain the moans that kept escaping her throat, but it wasn't working. They kept getting louder and Emma's eagerness to be touched by the brunette hovering over her was on full display.
When their bodies pressed together and Regina began grinding slowly against Emma, Emma knew Regina could feel her racing heartbeat and tried to calm her breathing.
"It's okay, Emma. You're allowed to be excited. It's normal."
"This doesn't usually happen to me, I'm sorry." Emma's voice was unrecognizable. She wasn't used to hearing the uncertainty in her tone and was usually the one in control of her feelings.
Regina shook her head, smiling to herself hearing that Emma wasn't usually this turned on and knowing what effect she was having on her, before leaning in to kiss Emma again. She was doing her best to make her feel more at ease while also ensuring she was as turned on as possible. She wanted Emma to know how good sex is supposed to feel.
Regina ran her fingernails up and down Emma's inner thigh, entranced by the warmth radiating off her center. Regina realized she had never been so eager to please and she continued teasing Emma as she made a trail with her mouth down to the peaks of her chest, sucking gently after she took a hardened nipple into her mouth. Emma's moans grew deeper and Regina smiled as she continued trailing her lips and tongue down Emma's torso and over her hips.
When her mouth finally found the spot both women were eager for her to reach, they both let out a loud moan. The feeling of Regina's moan vibrating against her clit made Emma's hips shake and raise off the bed.
Regina placed her hands on Emma's outer thighs, attempting to keep her still as she devoured the blonde, eager to taste every inch of her.
Emma's hands combed through Regina's hair as she called out the woman's name over and over between deep moans and jagged breaths and her orgasm washed over her quicker than she ever thought was possible.
Regina didn't stop, even when Emma was begging and her body was convulsing from the sensitivity. Instead, she slowed her rhythm and then started placing feather-light kisses over Emma's center as she slowly came down from the high and her breathing slowed down.
Emma grabbed Regina and pulled her up so their bodies were pressed together again and she flipped them over with ease then kissed her with all her force, eager to feel Regina's lips on hers again.
Regina looked up and locked eyes with Emma. She admired her bright green eyes and how it complimented her pale skin and couldn't help herself as she brushed the strands of Emma's hair out of her face then trace her fingers over her cheek and watched Emma's eyes flutter shut at her gentle touch.
"How do you feel?" Regina asked softly.
Emma didn't answer at first, she just smiled and her cheeks flushed with color as she blushed. She felt an unfamiliar sense of comfort and couldn't hide the smile on her face.
"I'll take that as a good sign? Or did I repulse you to the point where you're rendered speechless?" Regina laughed and Emma shook her head.
"No, it was perfect." Emma whispered then kissed her again, unable to resist the way her body felt when their lips collided. She did her best to mimic Regina's teasing motions, trailing her mouth over her neck and collarbone and when Regina's moans echoed through the bedroom, Emma realized she had never heard something sound so wonderful in her entire life.
She trailed her fingers up and down Regina's folds and gasped when she felt how wet the brunette was. Knowing that she caused that was only adding to the fire Emma already felt inside her.
"Holy shit, Regina." Emma said out loud without even realizing.
Regina laughed and blushed slightly before muttering an apology. "I'm not usually like this."
"No, don't apologize. I like it. A lot. I'm not usually like this either."
Regina opened her mouth to speak but Emma's finger lightly grazed over her sensitive clit at the same moment and the only thing that came out of Regina's mouth was a loud gasp followed by many throaty moans as Emma's pressure got firmer and her speed picked up.
When Regina was almost at the edge, her hips thrusted against Emma's hand. Emma could tell she was close so she kept her speed the same but added more pressure and slipped a finger inside her, feeling the walls around her finger spasming out of control. Regina moaned Emma's name and grabbed her back tightly, never wanting her to let go.
Emma realized, for the first time, that this was a night she never wanted to forget. She did her best to take in all the sounds Regina made and the way she felt squirming in delight underneath her. Then she pressed her lips to Regina's again, praying she'd never forget the way they tasted.
Regina's breath returned to normal and she pulled Emma closer to her and wrapped her arm across the blonde's torso. Emma usually would object to this kind of affection, but right now, she didn't mind it. Instead, she curled up even closer to Regina and closed her eyes.