Disclaimer: As before.
A/N: Took me a while to update, didn't it? Well, I hope this second part is worth the wait. You guys were so good at reviewing. Thanks to all of you!! I really appreciate it. And I thought it funny to let all of you know that the banana I'm eating right now is really good.
FIRST BREAK
(9:16 a.m.)
Kimberly's eyes fluttered open slowly at the touch of a hand to her arm. Quickly realizing she had fallen asleep, she straightened up. Her elbow slipped off of the arm rest and her feet stomped on the floor.
"Oh, God," she murmured, frantically looking around at all of the empty seats. "How long was I asleep for?"
Mr. Cross stood at her side with a smile on his face. "Only the last ten minutes or so. You're lucky Deputy Cleary wasn't in here to catch you, or he would have thrown you out!"
The half-conscious woman looked to the instructor apologetically. "Geez, Mr. Cross. I'm really sorry. I had a late night and-"
Mitch stopped her with his hand in front of her face. "Not that I wouldn't love to hear more of your excuse," he said sarcastically, "but I need a break just as much as you do. You've got 15 minutes to wake up, Kimberly the red light runner. There's a food cart right outside, and they sell some pretty good coffee, if I do say so myself." He nodded slightly, and then went on. "Just leave all of your stuff, aside from your money and what not, underneath your chair." Without another word and a tap on the back of her chair, he left the court room.
Kimberly sighed and shook her head. Gathering her papers and pen, she tucked her belongings under the seat and moved to stand up. "Man, I was lucky," she whispered to herself.
"I'd say."
Spinning on the spot, Kimberly gasped at the strong voice that took her completely by surprise.
"I had a buddy take traffic school once," the voice continued. "He nodded off for less than a minute and they kicked him out of the place without a warning."
Calming herself, she prepared to greet the approaching stud - err, Tommy. "Oh. Yeah? That must've been a real bummer." She stood up and stepped out into the aisle, just to the side of his path.
When he stood facing her, there was a silent awkwardness as the two looked at first each other, and then their feet. The quiet air was soon broken by Tommy, however. "So, how about a hug?"
Kimberly shrugged her shoulders tight to her neck and pressed her lips together before responding. "Sure," she managed, and relaxed as her arms wrapped loosely around his neck. She shivered as his hands encased her waist in a friendly embrace, but sighed inwardly as they both let go at the same time. A silent laugh escaped her lips.
Teetering on her toes with her hands now in her pockets, she struggled to find something to say. "So. wow. We both have traffic school on the same day. How weird is that?" She grimaced at the lameness of her own statement.
Tommy lifted an eyebrow and smirked. "Pretty weird. But the thing that gets me is, we were ticketed in the same *city*." He waited for her to react, but she innocently averted her eyes to the exit. "How long ago did you get your ticket?" By this time, the two had started walking out of the room and into the main building.
The brunette climbed the steps, her shoes touching the crimson tiles in unison with his. "Like maybe, four months ago. Why? When did you get yours?"
There was a look of disappointment on his face and he stopped on the top stair. "So, you've been back in AG for over four months and haven't said anything to anyone?"
"Oh," she breathed. She had momentarily forgotten about that slight oddity, and bit her lower lip. There was really nothing else to say, except, "Yeah."
"Huh," he breathed out ponderously, frowning as he began to walk again.
Kimberly lightly smacked her forehead with her palm and caught up to him just as he was stepping outside to the cool, crisp fall weather. "I meant to call someone eventually, but the first month was a little hectic. My apartment manager was being a real jerk about setting up a heater for me, and I was busy trying to find a job, and-"
"Whatever," Tommy said coldly, cutting her off. They now stood in line at the food cart just outside of the building, Kimberly a foot behind Tommy.
Kim let out a heavy breath. He obviously didn't care for an excuse, and she knew she really didn't have one. There were plenty of opportunities where she thought about calling but didn't; always putting it off till the next day and eventually forgetting all together. He had reason to be upset, but she never expected that he would shrug her away like he was doing now. "Look, I'm sorry I didn't try to contact anyone. I guess I was just a little anxious. I mean, it's been what, five years? It's not exactly like I'd be able to call someone up and just talk their ear off like I used to. I've become a lot more reserved. Independence will do that to you, but still. I know it's no excuse." Her fingers were interlocked at her midriff now, and she looked up, hoping to match eyes with him.
His head was still turned, and he acted like he had not heard a word she said.
Ashamed, and a little frustrated, Kimberly rolled her eyes as he moved forward in line, still giving no indication that he cared. She folded her arms and decided that she didn't want coffee anymore; she was too annoyed to enjoy it. Turning slowly, she found an empty bench on the other end of the rather large court yard in front of the place and took a seat. She watched a small bird hop around and peck at some scattered crumbs on the ground for about two minutes time, and then felt her bench being weighed down by whom she assumed to be Tommy.
She was wrong.
A somewhat short man with black slicked back hair and a bright, toothy smile winked at her. He wore a loose, orange silk shirt that exposed his rather hairy chest, a simple gold chain around his thick neck, and khaki pants that fit tightly around his waist but allowed room down his legs. His face was clean-shaven, and he had pretty blue eyes, but Kimberly knew his type: desperate and horny.
Before she could get up to move away, he spoke. "Hola, señorita Bonita," he greeted heartily. Eyeing her rather perversely, he asked, "What's a foxy thing like you doing sitting all alone?"
Choosing not to face him, she replied plainly. "Well, I *was* enjoying the solitude."
Sliding closer, the man introduced himself. "My name is Eduardo. Mi amigos call me Eddy, but *you* can call me anything you want." This was preceded by another perverted look-over and a gurgled purr.
"Oh God," Kim groaned, pushing herself to the end of the bench. "Listen Eddy, I'd really appreciate it if you could just go flirt with someone else. I'm not in a good mood, and I don't need a guy hitting on me right now, okay?"
Eddy laughed behind his teeth, his throat moving with the rhythm.
Kim gave a disgusted look and rested her head in her hands. Kim usually thought fondly of a man with an accent, but Mr. Spain over here was getting on her nerves.
His Spanish accent continued to leak from his mouth. "Oh, I can fix that," he said, taking her hand against her will. Lifting it to his mouth, he cooed, "La piel es suave al toque, su belleza más allá de compara. Sea mío, mi preciosa." Leaning in close, he wet his lips to kiss her hand.
With a squeal of disgust, the brunette pulled her hand away just in time and smacked him in the back of the head. Her face became contorted as she noticed the gel on her hand from his hair, and she wiped it frantically on the shoulder of his shirt.
Eddy laughed again, rapidly raising his eyebrows with appreciation. "¿Qué? ¿Tiene usted a un novio?"
Kimberly jumped up from her seat and yelled in a controlled tone, "Speak English!"
"If you have a boyfriend, I promise it will be our little secret." He flashed a wicked smile, his thoughts wandering where they shouldn't be.
"You don't *get* it, do you? I'm *not interested!* You freak me out! Please, just *go away!*" Heaving a sigh, she turned slightly and placed one hand on her hip and the other on her forehead. "Great. Now I've got a headache."
No sooner had she said this did someone join in and ask, "Is there a problem here?"
Kim turned around to find Tommy standing next to her, coffee in hand. He turned to her and she gave him a look that said "thank you!" Needing no further proof, Tommy set down his cup and stepped up to the creepy short guy that was apparently bothering Kim. "Hey, man. Can't you tell that she doesn't want to talk to you?"
Eddy stood up, only reaching to Tommy's chest. "What are you gonna do about it, esse?"
Tommy noticed that he was at least two inches shorter than Kim, and tried to stifle a laugh. "Just warning you to back off."
"Who are you, her novio? Porque she didn't say nothing about having a boyfriend, man! I was here first!"
The petite woman had to admit to herself that Eddy the pervert did look kind of cute standing up to Tommy like that. She bit the side of her index finger to prevent laughing out loud and tried to keep a straight face.
Tommy towered over the short man and said, "Look, buddy. Just back off. She doesn't want you here."
Eddy was bothered by his giant threat. "Don't tell me what to do, man! She can decide for herself if she wants me here! You ain't her novio!" By now, Eddy had raised his fists to his face as Tommy bent over him.
"Oh? What if I said that I *am* her 'novio,' and to stay away from my girl?"
Kim giggled, but quickly cleared her throat and made an expression that read, "Yeah, what if?"
Eddy backed up a bit and put down his 'dukes.' "Then prove it, esse!"
Tommy straightened and just looked at the man, while Kimberly shrugged and spoke softly. "Well, okay. So maybe he isn't my-"
"Fine. I will." Tommy said before his pretty companion could finish her sentence. He turned to face the wide-eyed Kimberly and approached her. He swiftly put one arm around her waist and pulled her as close as his brown leather jacket was.
"What are you doing?!" she whispered immediately.
He brought his face closer and whispered back. "Trust me. Just relax, and close your eyes. "He stopped talking as his mouth pushed against hers in an innocent, friendly kiss.
Kimberly's eyes were still open two seconds into it, but she slowly began to feel herself relax, her body becoming limp in his arms. As soon as he pulled his lips away from hers, she took her time in fluttering her eyes open, and staring deep into the mahogany pair that had captivated her in high school. She couldn't find the strength to break away, but the feeling must have been mutual, for Tommy had not yet let her go.
He gazed at her cinnamon eyes, and a smile tugged on one side of his mouth. He was tempted to lunge back into her face and kiss her more deeply, to taste her like he never had when they were younger, but he remembered the reason behind the kiss and quickly blinked the lusty thought away. Behind him, he could hear Eddy mumble "aye caramba," and Tommy cleared his throat, taking his arm away from Kim, who stood dumbfounded.
Facing the man again, Tommy said, "So now that I've proven who I am, why don't you get the hell away before I have to get rough on you."
With not another word said, Eduardo scampered off. Just as Tommy gave a satisfied laugh, he heard the officers yelling from the building that break was now over. Double checking his watch, he faced Kim. "Hey, we better get go-"
Still she stood, her fingertips against her lips and her eyes staring into space. She was jolted back into reality when Tommy's hand gently shook her shoulder.
Teasing, he said, "You can just pay back the favor later. We should get back." He smiled, and then turned, picked up his coffee, and made his way back to the court room.
Not quite over the kiss that practically saved her sanity, Kim licked her lips as she slowly began to walk back as well, her steps a bit lighter than before. "I never got to tell him that I liked his haircut."
A/N: Haha! Tha part was so much fun to write! Review this chapter, and you shall receive. the next! Take care. ~Jessica
A/N: Took me a while to update, didn't it? Well, I hope this second part is worth the wait. You guys were so good at reviewing. Thanks to all of you!! I really appreciate it. And I thought it funny to let all of you know that the banana I'm eating right now is really good.
FIRST BREAK
(9:16 a.m.)
Kimberly's eyes fluttered open slowly at the touch of a hand to her arm. Quickly realizing she had fallen asleep, she straightened up. Her elbow slipped off of the arm rest and her feet stomped on the floor.
"Oh, God," she murmured, frantically looking around at all of the empty seats. "How long was I asleep for?"
Mr. Cross stood at her side with a smile on his face. "Only the last ten minutes or so. You're lucky Deputy Cleary wasn't in here to catch you, or he would have thrown you out!"
The half-conscious woman looked to the instructor apologetically. "Geez, Mr. Cross. I'm really sorry. I had a late night and-"
Mitch stopped her with his hand in front of her face. "Not that I wouldn't love to hear more of your excuse," he said sarcastically, "but I need a break just as much as you do. You've got 15 minutes to wake up, Kimberly the red light runner. There's a food cart right outside, and they sell some pretty good coffee, if I do say so myself." He nodded slightly, and then went on. "Just leave all of your stuff, aside from your money and what not, underneath your chair." Without another word and a tap on the back of her chair, he left the court room.
Kimberly sighed and shook her head. Gathering her papers and pen, she tucked her belongings under the seat and moved to stand up. "Man, I was lucky," she whispered to herself.
"I'd say."
Spinning on the spot, Kimberly gasped at the strong voice that took her completely by surprise.
"I had a buddy take traffic school once," the voice continued. "He nodded off for less than a minute and they kicked him out of the place without a warning."
Calming herself, she prepared to greet the approaching stud - err, Tommy. "Oh. Yeah? That must've been a real bummer." She stood up and stepped out into the aisle, just to the side of his path.
When he stood facing her, there was a silent awkwardness as the two looked at first each other, and then their feet. The quiet air was soon broken by Tommy, however. "So, how about a hug?"
Kimberly shrugged her shoulders tight to her neck and pressed her lips together before responding. "Sure," she managed, and relaxed as her arms wrapped loosely around his neck. She shivered as his hands encased her waist in a friendly embrace, but sighed inwardly as they both let go at the same time. A silent laugh escaped her lips.
Teetering on her toes with her hands now in her pockets, she struggled to find something to say. "So. wow. We both have traffic school on the same day. How weird is that?" She grimaced at the lameness of her own statement.
Tommy lifted an eyebrow and smirked. "Pretty weird. But the thing that gets me is, we were ticketed in the same *city*." He waited for her to react, but she innocently averted her eyes to the exit. "How long ago did you get your ticket?" By this time, the two had started walking out of the room and into the main building.
The brunette climbed the steps, her shoes touching the crimson tiles in unison with his. "Like maybe, four months ago. Why? When did you get yours?"
There was a look of disappointment on his face and he stopped on the top stair. "So, you've been back in AG for over four months and haven't said anything to anyone?"
"Oh," she breathed. She had momentarily forgotten about that slight oddity, and bit her lower lip. There was really nothing else to say, except, "Yeah."
"Huh," he breathed out ponderously, frowning as he began to walk again.
Kimberly lightly smacked her forehead with her palm and caught up to him just as he was stepping outside to the cool, crisp fall weather. "I meant to call someone eventually, but the first month was a little hectic. My apartment manager was being a real jerk about setting up a heater for me, and I was busy trying to find a job, and-"
"Whatever," Tommy said coldly, cutting her off. They now stood in line at the food cart just outside of the building, Kimberly a foot behind Tommy.
Kim let out a heavy breath. He obviously didn't care for an excuse, and she knew she really didn't have one. There were plenty of opportunities where she thought about calling but didn't; always putting it off till the next day and eventually forgetting all together. He had reason to be upset, but she never expected that he would shrug her away like he was doing now. "Look, I'm sorry I didn't try to contact anyone. I guess I was just a little anxious. I mean, it's been what, five years? It's not exactly like I'd be able to call someone up and just talk their ear off like I used to. I've become a lot more reserved. Independence will do that to you, but still. I know it's no excuse." Her fingers were interlocked at her midriff now, and she looked up, hoping to match eyes with him.
His head was still turned, and he acted like he had not heard a word she said.
Ashamed, and a little frustrated, Kimberly rolled her eyes as he moved forward in line, still giving no indication that he cared. She folded her arms and decided that she didn't want coffee anymore; she was too annoyed to enjoy it. Turning slowly, she found an empty bench on the other end of the rather large court yard in front of the place and took a seat. She watched a small bird hop around and peck at some scattered crumbs on the ground for about two minutes time, and then felt her bench being weighed down by whom she assumed to be Tommy.
She was wrong.
A somewhat short man with black slicked back hair and a bright, toothy smile winked at her. He wore a loose, orange silk shirt that exposed his rather hairy chest, a simple gold chain around his thick neck, and khaki pants that fit tightly around his waist but allowed room down his legs. His face was clean-shaven, and he had pretty blue eyes, but Kimberly knew his type: desperate and horny.
Before she could get up to move away, he spoke. "Hola, señorita Bonita," he greeted heartily. Eyeing her rather perversely, he asked, "What's a foxy thing like you doing sitting all alone?"
Choosing not to face him, she replied plainly. "Well, I *was* enjoying the solitude."
Sliding closer, the man introduced himself. "My name is Eduardo. Mi amigos call me Eddy, but *you* can call me anything you want." This was preceded by another perverted look-over and a gurgled purr.
"Oh God," Kim groaned, pushing herself to the end of the bench. "Listen Eddy, I'd really appreciate it if you could just go flirt with someone else. I'm not in a good mood, and I don't need a guy hitting on me right now, okay?"
Eddy laughed behind his teeth, his throat moving with the rhythm.
Kim gave a disgusted look and rested her head in her hands. Kim usually thought fondly of a man with an accent, but Mr. Spain over here was getting on her nerves.
His Spanish accent continued to leak from his mouth. "Oh, I can fix that," he said, taking her hand against her will. Lifting it to his mouth, he cooed, "La piel es suave al toque, su belleza más allá de compara. Sea mío, mi preciosa." Leaning in close, he wet his lips to kiss her hand.
With a squeal of disgust, the brunette pulled her hand away just in time and smacked him in the back of the head. Her face became contorted as she noticed the gel on her hand from his hair, and she wiped it frantically on the shoulder of his shirt.
Eddy laughed again, rapidly raising his eyebrows with appreciation. "¿Qué? ¿Tiene usted a un novio?"
Kimberly jumped up from her seat and yelled in a controlled tone, "Speak English!"
"If you have a boyfriend, I promise it will be our little secret." He flashed a wicked smile, his thoughts wandering where they shouldn't be.
"You don't *get* it, do you? I'm *not interested!* You freak me out! Please, just *go away!*" Heaving a sigh, she turned slightly and placed one hand on her hip and the other on her forehead. "Great. Now I've got a headache."
No sooner had she said this did someone join in and ask, "Is there a problem here?"
Kim turned around to find Tommy standing next to her, coffee in hand. He turned to her and she gave him a look that said "thank you!" Needing no further proof, Tommy set down his cup and stepped up to the creepy short guy that was apparently bothering Kim. "Hey, man. Can't you tell that she doesn't want to talk to you?"
Eddy stood up, only reaching to Tommy's chest. "What are you gonna do about it, esse?"
Tommy noticed that he was at least two inches shorter than Kim, and tried to stifle a laugh. "Just warning you to back off."
"Who are you, her novio? Porque she didn't say nothing about having a boyfriend, man! I was here first!"
The petite woman had to admit to herself that Eddy the pervert did look kind of cute standing up to Tommy like that. She bit the side of her index finger to prevent laughing out loud and tried to keep a straight face.
Tommy towered over the short man and said, "Look, buddy. Just back off. She doesn't want you here."
Eddy was bothered by his giant threat. "Don't tell me what to do, man! She can decide for herself if she wants me here! You ain't her novio!" By now, Eddy had raised his fists to his face as Tommy bent over him.
"Oh? What if I said that I *am* her 'novio,' and to stay away from my girl?"
Kim giggled, but quickly cleared her throat and made an expression that read, "Yeah, what if?"
Eddy backed up a bit and put down his 'dukes.' "Then prove it, esse!"
Tommy straightened and just looked at the man, while Kimberly shrugged and spoke softly. "Well, okay. So maybe he isn't my-"
"Fine. I will." Tommy said before his pretty companion could finish her sentence. He turned to face the wide-eyed Kimberly and approached her. He swiftly put one arm around her waist and pulled her as close as his brown leather jacket was.
"What are you doing?!" she whispered immediately.
He brought his face closer and whispered back. "Trust me. Just relax, and close your eyes. "He stopped talking as his mouth pushed against hers in an innocent, friendly kiss.
Kimberly's eyes were still open two seconds into it, but she slowly began to feel herself relax, her body becoming limp in his arms. As soon as he pulled his lips away from hers, she took her time in fluttering her eyes open, and staring deep into the mahogany pair that had captivated her in high school. She couldn't find the strength to break away, but the feeling must have been mutual, for Tommy had not yet let her go.
He gazed at her cinnamon eyes, and a smile tugged on one side of his mouth. He was tempted to lunge back into her face and kiss her more deeply, to taste her like he never had when they were younger, but he remembered the reason behind the kiss and quickly blinked the lusty thought away. Behind him, he could hear Eddy mumble "aye caramba," and Tommy cleared his throat, taking his arm away from Kim, who stood dumbfounded.
Facing the man again, Tommy said, "So now that I've proven who I am, why don't you get the hell away before I have to get rough on you."
With not another word said, Eduardo scampered off. Just as Tommy gave a satisfied laugh, he heard the officers yelling from the building that break was now over. Double checking his watch, he faced Kim. "Hey, we better get go-"
Still she stood, her fingertips against her lips and her eyes staring into space. She was jolted back into reality when Tommy's hand gently shook her shoulder.
Teasing, he said, "You can just pay back the favor later. We should get back." He smiled, and then turned, picked up his coffee, and made his way back to the court room.
Not quite over the kiss that practically saved her sanity, Kim licked her lips as she slowly began to walk back as well, her steps a bit lighter than before. "I never got to tell him that I liked his haircut."
A/N: Haha! Tha part was so much fun to write! Review this chapter, and you shall receive. the next! Take care. ~Jessica