Chapter Seven

Black Velvet

August 18th, 1990

Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

Waking up the next morning Rufus stretched a little and was about to pull Alison back into his arms when he noticed she was gone. "Al?" he blinked a few times as he pushed himself up a bit looking around. "Alison?"

He laid back down and waited for a few moments and when she didn't come in he slowly got out of bed. Stretching his arms he slid the door open and walked further into the bus. Not seeing her, he went over to Mike and shook him.

"Hey….what!" Mike rolled over and squinted. "I'm fucking sleeping."

"Have you seen Alison?" he asked looking around.

"Ugh..she went running a couple hours ago…or something," he rolled back over.

"Hours ago?" he looked out the window noticing they were parked in front of a hotel. "Mike!"

"What!" he grew annoyed. "She asked to borrow my walkman and I haven't seen her since! She's not my girlfriend. I don't keep tabs on her."

Rufus sighed and he hurried and slipped his shoes on before jogging outside. "Al," he called out. He looked around the bus and didn't see her. He couldn't believe that she would just go off by herself in a strange town. That wasn't like her and not knowing how long she was gone for was making him nervous.

He started to walk around the hotel and to the back by the pool, but it wasn't open yet. It was only a little after eight. He wondered what time she could haven woken up. Deciding to cross the street Rufus noticed there were a few shops that lined the street and a large building off to the left. Making his way down the street he realized the shops were also not open. He slipped in-between the buildings and around back in the alleyways.

Trash and broken bottles lined the buildings and it smelled too. "Damn it, Al where are you?" he cursed as he walked behind the buildings. He made his way to the end of the street when he noticed a door behind the large building was propped open with a large rock. Getting closer he could faintly hear the sounds of classical music coming from within. As he got closer he peeked inside and saw Alison. She had her pointe shoes on and was dancing gracefully to the music. He watched for a moment as she extended her arms and legs before spinning a few times on one leg and then coming down. She stopped for a moment as if she were thinking.

Rufus stepped inside and smiled. "Try not to think too hard."

Alison looked up and saw Rufus in the wall of mirrors. "Hey," she laughed. "How'd you find me?"

"Wasn't easy," he looked at her. "I was getting kinda worried. I didn't know where you were."

"I'm sorry," she walked toward him. "I just went for a quick run around the block and then I saw this dance studio and the owner was coming in at the same time. We started talking and he said I could use the back studio to just rehearse a little bit today. I haven't danced in 3 weeks."

He looked down. "And you brought your shoes."

"I was optimistic," she laughed.

He placed his hands to her hips, "You looked good."

"And you're blind," she shook her head.

"You looked good from where I was standing," he wrapped his arms around her waist and started to kiss her neck.

"You're awfully grabby lately," she laughed as she turned her head to kiss him.

"Only with you," he smiled against her lips. "I got a surprise for ya."

"What? Tell me?" she turned in his arms. "Tell me."

"Mmm…I might wait till later, he laughed.

"Rufus you know I hate surprises. Come on. Tell me. Please."

"Well the guys and I were talking last night and we made a little extra money so we decided to stay tonight in a hotel," he smiled. "Hot shower, nice 'big' bed."

"Really!" she was excited.

"Yeah, we figured we could use one good night of sleep before we head back to Boston. What do ya say?"

"I say yes!" she jumped.

"You'd still have to share a room with me," he pulled her back in his arms.

"Mmm…that's no hardship," she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I've gotten used to you Humphrey."

"You gonna be here much longer?"

"A little," she nodded I need to work on my Fouetté en tournant."

"Ummm yeah," he laughed. "You….you do that."

"When do you have sound check today?" she asked.

"I have to be there at noon," he replied. "How about you and Suz check into the hotel and just relax by the pool. And I'll take a break around two or three and come see ya."

"That sounds nice," she thought about it. "It's been so hot lately. The pool sounds great."

"Yeah it does," he agreed. "There's an envelope with some money in it in the drawer next to our bed. Use that to get three rooms for tonight okay?"

"Alright," she took his hand and spun herself around standing on pointe. "I'll see you in a little bit."

"See ya in a bit," he laughed and watched her for a second. "And be careful. We don't know this town."

She stood on her toes and twisted around to face him. "Okay mom."

He rolled his eyes and walked out the back door of the studio. Walking back across the street he headed toward the bus when he saw Mike leaning against it smoking.

"Find her? Mike threw his cigarette on the ground and stepped on it before looking at him.

"Yeah," he nodded. "She's was in the dance studio across the street."

"Figures," he looked across the street. "She better bring back my walkman."

Rufus rolled his eyes as he walked back on the bus. "I'm sure she will." Entering his room he pulled the door behind him and grabbed his duffle bag. Turning it upside down he emptied out the entire bag. Looking inside he saw something stuck to the bottom under the flap. Pulling it out it turned it around and saw himself and Lily staring back at him. He recognized the picture instantly. It was taken in Atlantic City last summer in one of those cheesy photo booths.

July, 1989

Atlantic City Boardwalk

Atlantic City, New Jersey

"I think we're lost," Lily looked around as they walked outside of The Showboat Casino. "This doesn't look anything like where we were at this morning."

"We are not lost," Rufus turned around. "I know where we are at exactly. I came here all the time as a kid." Looking down the road he tried to find a street sign. He didn't want to admit it but things sure seemed different than the last time he was in Atlantic City.

"Oh then where are we Humphrey?" she laughed.

"We are where we are," he started down the boardwalk. "Come on we have to get back to the hotel before dinner."

"But we came from that way before and it just took us in a big circle. I think we have to go that way," she pointed towards the opposite direction. "I think we were closer to the water."

'Lil that's definitely the wrong way," he took her hand. "I think I know Jersey a little better than you, Miss California."

"Shut up," she pulled him. We're going this way. I'm hungry and I want to get back. Walking down the opposite end of the boardwalk she looked into the shop windows admiring the shoes and dresses she saw.

Rufus looked down the boardwalk and watched as a contortionist flipped onto his back and made his toes touch his head. Making a face, he nodded at Lily toward the freak show booth. "Look it's the bearded lady," he smirked. "She looks like Carol."

"Rufus!" she laughed hitting him in the stomach. "That wasn't nice."

Taking Rufus's hand she interlaced their fingers and swung their hands back and forth as they walked. "Hey look!" she pointed as she dragged him across the boardwalk. "Let's get our picture taken really quick. I've always wanted to do one of these!" She threw back the curtain and pulled Rufus inside. "Give me a quarter," she held out her hand.

Rolling his eyes he reached into his pocket for some change and handed her a quarter. "I can't believe you're making me do this." He sat back looking at the camera behind the glass. "Can't you just take our picture?"

"That's no fun," she leaned in. "Stick out your tongue!"

"What?" he looked at her just as a flash went off.

She started to laugh and quickly wrapped her arms around his neck and squished their cheeks together as she smiled.

Grinning, Rufus turned his head and kissed her on the lips as another flash went off.

"Last one!" she said quickly and smiled at the camera.

Rufus turned, looking directly at her, a smile playing on his lips as the last flash went off.

She turned and looked at him looking at her. "What?" she smiled.

"Nothing," he shook his head running his hand through her hair. "I love you."

"I love you too."

Crown Plaza Hotel Pittsburg

August 18th, 1990

Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

"Can I have some more of that sun tan lotion?" Alison pulled her sunglasses down and looked over at Mary Sue.

"Yeah, here," she tossed it to her. "It's it great to finally be able to relax and not sit on a sweaty bus all day."

"Mmm…" Alison nodded as she poured some lotion onto her arms. "And we would be leaving tomorrow."

"Eh," she brushed it off. "It'll be nice to be home for awhile."

"I'm so excited to get home." She sat the suntan lotion down and laid back further in her lounge. "I can't wait to get back to school and my art."

"Mmmm….school was just not for me," she shook her head. "And as much as Dusty and I fight I couldn't go for months without seeing that jerk," she laughed.

Alison sighed, "I don't know what I'm going to do once school starts and he's gone for months at a time."

Mary Sue looked over to Alison, "I'll keep an eye on him for ya."

"Thanks," she smiled, not wanting to think about it. "I'm sure it'll be fine." Closing her eyes she let her thoughts drift off as the sun washed over her body and warmed her. She had missed laying out and being by the water. It was the first summer since she could remember that she didn't spend at the boathouse. It had actually been months since she'd seen her family because she hadn't gone back to Hudson all summer. Just as she started to nod off she felt two strong arms pick her up under her knees and behind her back and she quickly opened her eyes.

"Rufus!"

He started to walk toward the pool with a large smirk on his face. "What?"

"Don't you dare," she held tightly on to his neck.

"Don't I dare what?" he loomed closely

"Please don't. I don't want to get my hair wet," she tried to get down.

He looked at her and laughed and she knew in that second he was going to jump. Holding onto him even tighter she buried her head into his neck "Too bad," he grinned and jumped in as he held her.

She felt the coolness rush through her as soon as her body hit the water. She looked over at Rufus under the water and he smiled at her before kissing her. She continued to look at him as she kissed him. He slowly brought them up and floated to the top. "You're not funny," she breathed.

"Then why did you kiss me?" he asked.

"You kissed me, I was just being polite."

"So you kiss back anyone who kisses you?" his brow furled.

"Of course," she kissed him again. "Especially if he's cute."

"Oh, good because I do too," he acted serious. "It's actually one of my favorite things to do."

"Shut up Rufus," she dunked his head under the water. She felt his arms circle around her waist dragging her back under the water. She kicked a little trying to get away and looked at him as he held her close. He smiled a little and she couldn't help but smile back. She pushed herself away and started to swim to the opposite side of the pool where she got out.

"You're no fun," he swam a lap across the pool.

"Too bad," she laughed as she laid back in her lounge.

Rufus swam a few laps around the pool trying to cool off and relax after a long morning of sound check. As much as he loved being on the road and performing, the thought of being in his own house and bed sounded really good. He climbed the ladder and walked toward Alison. He noticed that she wasn't paying any attention so he slowly started to climb on top of her as she laid on the lounge.

"Rufus!" she jumped up. "You're getting me wet! It's cold!"

"You were already wet," he smirked as his entire body leaned over hers.

"Rufus…." She wiggled under him. "It's cold! Come on! You're dripping all over me!"

"Kiss me," he puckered.

"Rufus," she looked over at Mary Sue. "Come on."

"What?" he knew he was getting to her. "She's seen us kiss before."

"Oh, don't let me stop you," Suz laughed as she got up and jumped in the pool.

Rufus puckered his lips again. "Come on," he laughed even harder. "I'll just stay here all day getting you wet."

She rolled her eyes and quickly pecked him on the lips. "Happy?"

"Nope," he shook his head as he leaned down and kissed her. "I want to kiss my girlfriend."

Alison leaned up and took Rufus's cheeks and pulled him down and kissed him soundly. She felt his wet body lean against hers and it turned her on. She smiled against his lips before kissing him again a few times before letting him go. "Better?" she grinned.

"Much," he ran his hand up her leg.

Alison shifted under him a bit to draw him in closer. "I'm so glad we're staying here tonight. I think I already took like three showers today," she laughed.

"A hot shower sounds nice. What room are we in?" he rolled to his side, keeping his eyes on her.

"218," she rolled to her side as well. "I have an extra key for you in my bag. I thought you might like to rest a bit before tonight. Suz and I stopped at the store across the street and got some groceries. I picked up some sandwiches and that juice you like and it's in the room."

"Thanks," he smiled. "You're always thinking of me."

"Of course," she nodded. "Your mom told me to take care of you remember?"

He laughed, "She'd never speak to you again if I didn't come home in one piece."

"I know! She's one serious lady when it comes to her only son. You're her world you know."

"Yeah I know," he rolled his eyes. "She's pretty serious about you too. She'd kill me if anything happened to you."

"Mmm, well so far so good Humphrey," she smiled. "You've taken excellent care of me. "

He smiled in return, "I'm going to go up and take a nap for awhile. I'm kinda tired. "You gonna stay down here with Suz?"

"Yeah," she nodded. "I'm going to try and get some more sun. I'll be up later. I want to take another shower before tonight."

Getting off the lounge he took a look around and stretched. "Don't let me sleep past five o'clock."

"I'll be up before then," she pulled her sunglasses back on and settled back into her chair. "Go rest."

"Okay," he waved good bye to Suz and then pulled the key out of Alison's bag before jogging up to his room.


Rufus could hear the crowd cheering for Lincoln Hawk even after their second encore. He pushed his guitar behind himself and took a chug of his beer.

"That's the fuckin' best crowd yet!" Mike hit is drumsticks against his leg. "Fuck!"

Suz ran in from backstage and wrapped her arms around Dusty and kissed him. "They're cheering for you baby!" she giggled, clearly drunk.

Dusty grinned and spun her around alittle. "Let's go party!" he hollered, raising his beer in the air. "Midwest tour '90 is over!"

"Woo!" Suz threw her hands in the air and danced around. "Hotel room party!"

Aaron grinned and started to pack up his things. "I'm so ready to party. We need something man."

Unlatching his strap, Rufus placed his guitar in the case and fastened it up. Tossing it on the cart, he hurried and unhooked a few of the speakers before he felt someone walk behind him.

"I got you another beer," Alison handed him a cup, smiling. "Nice and cold," she slurred a little.

"Have you been drinking?" he looked at her.

"Alittle," she pinched her fingers together. "Suz told me to."

"Sure she did," he laughed. "Do you hear the crowd out there? They're still yellin for us!"

She laughed, "That's because you're great! This is the best show you guys have done this tour. It's a great way to end."

"It sure is," he took a drink. "And we're having a party tonight back at the hotel.

"Yeah?" she laughed. "Who's coming? Us six?"

"You think you're so funny!" he set his beer down and tickled her. "No, some guys from the other bands are coming over. Whoever show's up."

"Don't tickle!" she squirmed. "I have to go to the bathroom!"

Rufus looked at her and started to laugh. "We wouldn't want you to have an accident."

Alison rolled her eyes.

"Go to the bathroom," he laughed. "And when you come back we can get out of here."

"Bathroom," she nodded, turning around and walking off the stage.

"Al!," Rufus called after her.

"Yeah?" she slowly turned around.

"It's that way," he pointed in the opposite direction.

"I…I knew that," she turned around walking out of the arena.

He laughed and shook his head as he started to pack up his equipment. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a couple girls walk back stage and go up to Mike.

"Hey ladies," Mike grinned and wrapped his arms around both of their shoulders. "What are you two doin' tonight?"


"Turn it up Humphrey!" Mike yelled from across the room. He was sitting in a chair with some girl in his lap. "This is a good song," he kissed her neck. "You should listen to it."

"I think I'm concentrating on something else right now," she turned and started to kiss him on the mouth.

Mike's hand reached down to squeeze her ass. "Mmm…you're right baby."

Rufus shook his head as he watched Mike make out with yet another girl. Pouring himself another beer he looked around and saw Alison in the corner talking to some guy from Hootie and the Blowfish. He could tell the guy kept inching his way closer to her and Alison was obvious to it all because she was drinking. He watched as he poured her another drink and held onto her hand longer than necessary. Eyeing him, Rufus quickly walked over to them and wrapped his arm around Alison's waist. "Hey I missed you."

"Hey," she smiled touching his hand. "I was just talking to…Jim here," she pointed. "I was telling him how amazing you guys did tonight."

"That so," Rufus eyed him.

Jim looked at Rufus and smirked at him as he eyed Alison up and down. "Yeah your girl is great company."

Rufus rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to Alison. "Wanna dance?"

"Yes," she smiled big. "Of course I do."

"Excuse us," Rufus glanced at him before walking to where the other couples were dancing. Alison wrapped her arms around Rufus as the song changed to Black Velvet.

"Mmm….I love this song," she titled back a bit, her midsection pushing into Rufus's abdomen.

Rufus looked at her as her eyes slowly closed. He opened his legs as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. "Girly rock band," he laughed.

"Shh…her band is all guys," she leaned up kissing him, her lips lingering on his as she swayed to the music.

Rufus held her closer as she rubbed her body against his. He could just about feel every inch of her through her dress as he slowly crept his hands up and down her sides. He could tell that she was a different person when she danced and never in his life had he seen her dance like this. For in that moment she was such a free spirit and he knew he was slowly, but surely falling in love with her.

"Black velvet and that little boy's smile…." Alison whispered in Rufus's ear. "Black Velvet with that slow…southern…..style."

Rufus broke into a wide grin as he felt her hot breath touch the side of his neck. "Alison…." He moaned as he turned his head to kiss her.

She kissed him back before she leaned further back again, her head leaning backward and her hair dangling in the air. Rufus took the chance to slowly kiss down the front of her dress.

"Suz!" Dusty turned her around and slowly stepped back. "Look at those two."

Mary Sue turned her attention to Alison and Rufus. "Damn!," she laughed. "Dirty dancing!"

"What the hell is in her drink?" Dusty ogled her.

"Shit I don't know," she smiled. "But I want some! Why don't you ever dance with me like that? Huh?"

"What and make a fool of myself. I don't think so," he took a drink of his beer.

"What! It's sexy!" she stomped her foot.

"Whatever," Dusty rolled his eyes. "I want some food."

Rufus turned Alison around pulling her body close to his so he could wrap his arms around her from behind. She draped an arm around his neck as she laid her head against his collar bone. "A new religion that'll bring ya to your knees," Alison continued to sing as she slowly dipped downward, bringing Rufus down with her. "Black velvet if you please…."

Rufus closed his eyes again, barely able to take it anymore. "Let's get out of here," he breathed into her neck.

"Okay," she nodded, turning around and taking his hand. Rufus opened the hotel room door and quickly walked down the hall to his own room. Alison opened the door and quickly closed it behind them.

Rufus pushed Alison gently against the door and kissed her soundly. She wrapped her arms around him and ran her hands through his hair. "Rufus…." She sighed, as he started to kiss her neck.

"Mmmm?" he ran his hands up her leg slowly bringing her dress with him.

"Nothing," she shook her head as her eyes closed again. She could feel Rufus's hand on the top of her thigh and her breathing picked up.

He continued to kiss her as he brought her dress up and over her head. He watched as it slowly fell to the ground. His eyes raked down her body and back up to her eyes. "God you're beautiful."

She smiled and brought her hands up to slowly unbutton Rufus shirt. She bit her lip as she undid the last button and pushed it off his shoulders. Rufus smiled back at her and pulled her by her hips back to the bed. He laid back and pulled her on top of him and smiled up at her.

She placed her legs on either side of him and straddled his waist. He placed his hands on her hips, his thumbs looping inside of her underwear. Alison leaned down and started to kiss him feverishly. Her head was screaming at her, but her body was bubbly with desire. All she could feel was Rufus's hot breath on her and his hands running up and down her body. As she kissed him she felt like she couldn't get enough of him.

Rufus's hands roamed up her back as he clasped the back of her bra and quickly unhooked it. He watched as it fell into his chest and he tossed it to the side. He flipped them over and he saw her how her chest heaved back and forth as she breathed deeply. Leaning into kiss her again he felt her hands at the zipper of his jeans slowly bringing them down. He was again surprised at her boldness, something that was returning every so often. He moaned deep in his throat as he brought his hand up to softly caress her breast.

Alison felt as though she was in a haze. She barely knew what she was doing anymore. Her body just sort of took over. All she knew was she was with Rufus. And that she loved him. She just wished her mind was more concentrated on what was going on at the time, and that her memories weren't vanishing after each second.

Rufus leaned up and took off his boxers tossing them with rest of his clothes. Laying back on top of her he propped himself on his elbows as he kissed her between the valley of her breasts.

Alison's head tossed back in pleasure as she ran her hands through his hair. She could feel his length resting lightly against her leg and she bit her lip, contemplating on what was about to happen.

Rufus worked his hands downward and again looped his fingers into her underwear and slowly teased them downward as he kissed her stomach. He pushed them past her thighs, down her legs, and over her feet. Kissing his way back up her body he finally met her eyes and looked down at her. Her eyes were glazed and he could tell that she wasn't really looking at him. He brought his hand to her cheek and her voice ran though her head. "Not here….not now. I want it to be special."

He bit his lip, his senses slowly coming to him. Alison was drunk and he knew it. Would she regret this in the morning? Would she even remember? He sighed as he felt her body underneath him, it took everything he had within him to slowly fight off the temptation. He couldn't do this to her. Not when he knew she was drunk. He knew her, and he knew she wouldn't want it to be when she was drunk after some hotel party. He took a long deep breath and slowly rolled to his side.

"Rufus?" she looked at him. "What…."

"We…we shouldn't do this," he swallowed hard, trying to concentrate on something else.

She pulled the sheets up over her. "You don't find me-"

"Sweetie," Rufus moved back toward her and cupped her cheek. "Of course I find you attractive," he knew what she was going to say. "It's just…you drank a lot tonight and…well you're not thinking clearly. I'm not sure if this is what you want right now. I don't want to take something away from you when you're not ready."

She looked at him, her lip trembling slightly.

"I want things to be special and right for you. I want you to remember and know what's going on," he tried to make her see. "You deserve that more than anything."

She looked away before looking back at him again, feeling slightly embarrassed.

Rufus could read her mind. "Hey it's okay," he pulled her into his arms. "Can I just hold you tonight?"

She nodded, not trusting her voice.

"This is nice too, you know," he smiled and kissed her temple. "I don't need anything more than this."


Alison awoke the next morning to a terrible headache. Swallowing, her mouth was dry and bitter tasting. She felt Rufus's arm around her stomach and smiled, but then soon became aware that it was touching her bare skin. She tensed for a moment and pulled back the covers, revealing that she was completely naked. Her eyes shot open wide as she tried to remember what happened the night before.

Concert….drinking….hotel party….drinking….dancing…..drinking…

She couldn't really remember much past that point. She had flashes of kissing Rufus against the door and his hands…god she remembered his hands. Biting her lip she closed her eyes and slowly turned around. Rufus was still asleep, his head resting on her pillow. She looked downward at the gap between them and noticed he was also naked.

Her breathing started to increase as she became more nervous. Did her and Rufus have sex last night? Did it hurt? Did they use….anything? Her mind ran a millions miles a minute and she didn't even realize that Rufus woke up and was contently looking at her.

"Hey," he smiled resting his hand on her bare stomach, his thumb lightly touching the underside of her breast.

Alison moved away slightly.

Rufus's brow furled, "What's wrong?"

She pulled the sheet up to her chest. "W-what happened last night?" she stammered.

Rufus saw her eyes dart back and forth and he could tell she didn't remember anything. "We didn't have sex," he shook his head. "It's okay."

She sat up a bit, pushing her matted hair back. "Then why don't we have any clothes on?"

Rufus looked at her. "You really don't remember what happened last night?"

Her lip trembled slightly and she held the sheet around her tightly.

"Hey," Rufus sat up and cupped her cheek. "Nothing happened last night. I mean, we got a little carried away for awhile. But we…I stopped us. I knew that wasn't want you would have wanted. We both drank too much, maybe you a little more," he smiled.

She swallowed, looking at her. "We really didn't?"

"No," he shook his head. "I wouldn't take advantage of you like that."

"Thank you," she took his hand. "I…I was nervous. Not being able to remember anything. Not knowing…."

"I bet," he understood.

"I'd want to remember," she smiled slightly. "I wouldn't want to forget if we did."

"Well you seem pretty alert now," he laughed, tickling her up her leg.

"Sorry Humphrey," she pushed his hand away. "The moods been broken."

"I was afraid of that," he laughed, turning toward her. "So, did you have a good time? You think you might wanna do this again?"

"I had a wonderful time," she nodded. "I'd love to come with you again….I…I just….I have school now. We're kinda at the same crossroads we were at 2 years ago," she swallowed hard. "What are we going to do?"

Rufus had been trying to push that into the back of his mind for sometime now, but he knew he needed to talk about it. "We'll make it work. We're not on the road all that much. And I think Aaron and I are going to keep our apartment in Boston rather than staying in the city. And you can come with us on breaks and I'll come see your shows," he gave her a tight squeeze.

She nodded, "I'm just used to seeing you every day now." She looked down her fingers lightly making circles on his chest. You know how I feel about all those…those girls that chase you after the concerts. They all want you."

"But I don't want them," he lifted her chin. "Come on now. What are you afraid of? That I'm gonna cheat on you? Sleep with all those girls? Forget about you?"

She looked away.

"Al we're never going to make it if you don't trust me," he sighed.

"It's just…I'm nobody special. I'm not beautiful like those girls that chase after you. I'm not offering you anything wonderful. I've…I've stopped us from having sex so many times because I'm not ready. I wouldn't blame you if you did."

"Hey, hey don't talk like that," he pulled her closer. "You are beautiful to me. And those girls can't even measure up to half the person you are. They don't want a relationship," he laughed. "Look at you here taking care of me, doing everything you do for me. I can't even begin to thank you." He kissed her softly, "And as for the sex…I know you're not ready yet and that's fine because that's you. You respect yourself, unlike those other girls. You have moral and values and are actually a real person."

"Rufus…." She blushed.

"Besides," he laughed. "I like the chase. And I almost got ya didn't I?" His hand reached down and squeezed her behind.

Alison's face turned redder when she felt Rufus's hand rubbing her ass. "You know….if you…if you want to. We…we could right now. It would be okay."

"Shh…." He stoked her cheek. "I want it to be special. I want to take you out, maybe a little dinner….some dancing," he smiled. "I want candles…music."

Her smile turned bigger as she snuggled under the covers closer to him. "That…that would be nice."

"Good," he ran his hands up and down her back. "I want you to be comfortable with me. I don't want you to feel shy or embarrassed about anything."

"I do feel comfortable around you," she looked at him. "It's just a big step you know. I mean I feel closer to you now and we've only been together for three weeks, compared to the almost 2 years we dated in high school. I'm here naked in bed with you aren't I?" she laughed.

"Yeah I guess you are," he laughed. "And I like it. I like it a lot!" He moved his hand around to the front and gently moved his thumb around her nipple. "Now I know what you have hiding under all those clothes," he joked.

She bit her lip grinning before lowering her hand and lightly stroking him. "Me too."

Rufus gulped his eyes opening wide as he was taken off guard. "Al…" he moaned.

"I'm comfortable," she grinned. "Are you?"

"I'm not going to be in a couple minutes," he eyed her.

She laughed harder. "We better get up. Or I might be tempted to stay in here with you all day."

"Mmm….and I don't feel like Mike coming in here yellin' at us for being late," he sighed.

"Ugh…"

He turned to his side and propped himself up on his elbows. "You get up first," he grinned.

"Why don't you?" she eyed him back. "You're already half way there."

"Alison!" he laughed. "I'm shocked at you."

"Good," she laughed wrapping the sheet all the way around her and pulling it off the bed leaving Rufus completely naked. She picked up her bag and walked into the bathroom. "I'll be ready in twenty. You might want to take care of that," she nodded to him laughing.

Rufus jumped off the bed and ran toward the bathroom.

"Ah!" she shrieked, trying to close the door.

Rufus laughed, as he stood on the opposite side of the door. "You can't leave me naked out here!"

The bathroom door opened slowly and Alison's hand reached out dropping the sheet on the ground.

Rufus growled and picked up the sheet sitting back down on the bed. What was he going to do with that one?


The Warfield

San Francisco, California

December 31st 1990

He turned around and saw the girl that was following him backstage. "Persistent aren't we?"

"When it's something I want." She pushed her body against his and kissed him hard on the mouth as they tumbled against the side of the bus.

Rufus was about to push her away when he suddenly felt his body responding to hers. He felt her large breasts against his chest as her hands tangled in his hair. He moaned in the back of his throat as her hands played with the hair on the back of his neck. "I can't be doing this," he kissed her along her neck. "I told you I have a girlfriend."

"But it feels so good," she started to unbutton Rufus's shirt. "I can make you feel good."

Rufus's hands moved down her sides and cupped her ass giving it a squeeze. "That so," he kissed her hard.

She pushed his shirt to the sides and started to kiss his chest. "Uh-huh."

Rufus closed his eyes, becoming alert to everything she was doing to him. He swallowed hard and pulled her back up before quickly pulling her shirt over her head and grabbing her breasts.

She started to giggle in excitement as Rufus fondled her. "Get right to it don't you Humphrey?"

Rufus started to nip her skin right above her breasts. "Mmm…what's your name?"

She titled her head back as Rufus made his ways up to her neck. "I like to keep the mystery." She unbuckled his belt.

"Mmm…come on," he kissed her behind her ear, his face in her hair. "Tell me."


**Black Velvet By Alannah Myles hit #1 on Billboards Chart in 1990 and was song #11 for the year.**