This is kind of a pre-quel to Bitter, but could be read on its own. It is a strong T-rating. Please enjoy.
Good Start
Chapter 1
Chicago, Illinois-1999
Mike Slattery walked into his favorite bar and looked at the crowd; immediately recognizing several friends and associates. After a long day at work, he ordered a beer and watched a game on the TV. He had kind of zoned out until he felt someone bump into him. He turned around and immediately recognized Christine Murphy; his partner's sister-in-law. A pretty brunette with shoulder length hair who barely came to his arm pits, just his type.
"I told you to leave me alone and you keep grabbing my ass." Christine said.
"You shouldn't have worn that skirt." The drunk man said. He was towering over Christine, until Mike stood up and towered over him.
"Leave the lady alone." Mike said simply. The man looked between him and Christine before walking away. Mike went back to his bar stool and beer.
"You do realize I can fight my own battles?" Christine said.
"I am sure you can." Mike answered. He didn't particularly like Christine but even he had to admit, the mini-skirt was hot.
"So, why did you step in?" Christine asked.
"Because I took a statement last week from a sexual assault victim. I bagged that same skirt for evidence. As hot as it is, I don't want to take a statement from you." Mike answered as he finished the beer. Christine must have nodded at the bartender because another beer appeared and Christine sat down next to him.
"I think I had the same victim in the ER. I helped with her SAFE exam." Christine admitted.
"So, what are you doing here?" Mike asked.
"Night off and I wanted to let some steam off. You?" Christine asked.
"Same." Mike answered.
"We could let some steam off together?" Christine suggested.
"Is that your best pick-up line?" Mike asked.
"We're both consenting adults." Christine remarked.
"Your brother-in-law would kill me." Mike said.
"My brother-in-law doesn't have a say in what I do. Neither does my sister, for that matter." Christine said. Her hand was grazing his leg and Mike suddenly didn't care.
"You and I hate each other. We only have Mackenzie in common." Mike said, speaking of the god-daughter he and Christine shared. Mackenzie was his partner, Pete's daughter and Christine's niece.
"Yeah, I know." Christine said before giving him a long and very passionate kiss.
"My place or yours?" Mike asked.
"Do you have a roommate? I do and what I would like to do would be awkward if she's at my place." Christine asked.
"No roommate and it's a block away." Mike answered. Christine drained her martini while Mike paid their taps and finished his beer. He helped Christine into her coat and they began the walk to his apartment. Snow was falling and fortunately; he had the next day off. As soon as they got into the apartment, Christine kicked her high heels off and he hung her coat up on the rack, all while kissing.
They left a trail of clothes on the way to the bed, and Mike was beyond thankful he had changed his bed linens and cleaned the place that day. It was one thing less to worry about. "Do I need to set an alarm?" Christine asked. Mike shook his head as he unhooked her bra.
"No. Off tomorrow too. We could stay in bed all day for what I care." Mike answered. He groaned in appreciation as soon as the bra came off. For being so petite, Christine was well-endowed, something he had failed to notice at Mackenzie's christening.
"We will see." Christine answered.
"I'll convince you." Mike replied. He had already figured out that the entire night would be a battle of wills with Christine and so he was not surprised when she climbed onto his lap and pushed him back into the head board.
"Shut up." Christine ordered. Mike nodded but his mind was blown. Christine's hand was working him and her nipples were at eye level. He knew that he would have trouble facing his partner during his next shift, but at least with Christine there was no hesitation. She knew exactly what she wanted from him.
By the next morning; he had convinced her to stay a few more hours and they stayed in bed the entire time. But, all too soon for his liking, she was sitting on the edge of the bed and was getting dressed. Mike sat up, pushed her hair out of the way and kissed down her neck.
"You could stay." Mike suggested.
"Mike; I appreciate the fun we've had. We both blew off some much needed steam, but this…" Christine said as she gestured between her and him. "This cannot happen anymore. It was a one time thing and we hate each other. Mackenzie is our only thing in common. See you at her birthday party." Christine said.
"Shit. When is it again?" Mike asked. Christine stood up and adjusted her skirt.
"Saturday at two. Laurie and Pete's. She's one and loves dollies but make sure it doesn't have anything that can choke her. No buttons or hair. And not a word of this to anyone, you hear?" Christine demanded.
"I get it. I'm not your type." Mike said.
"Oh, you have your uses but you are the sort that is only fun. You are a good screw and one that I will appreciate for a hot minute, but only for that minute." Christine said.
"Gee, thanks. Do you need me to walk you home?" Mike asked.
"Nah; I'll get a taxi." Christine said before she walked out of his apartment; not saying another word. All Mike could do was shake his head in disbelief. Christine had a way of getting under his skin and she tended to dance on his last nerve, and as weird as it was; he kind of liked it.