"You've got a package in the back room," Caroline informed me when I walked into the bar. I headed to the back of the bar, hoping it was the new microphone we had ordered for the band, but that wasn't what I found when I opened the door. Two dozen red roses placed on the vanity I used and a card sitting between them.
Date #2
Going to journey back to the 50s and 60s. Wear whatever you want. No bike necessary.
See you at 3 tomorrow.
Sorry it took so long.
~Steve
"I think you found a keeper Joe," Caroline said from the doorway. I looked up at her from the card with a huge smile on my face.
"How'd he know I was off tomorrow? I haven't talked to him in almost two weeks." I wondered aloud.
"He may have asked a little birdy before he wrote the card out and left." She smiled. "You should totally wear a dress. You know, for easy access." She winked.
"Oh my God, Caroline!" I shouted at her. "I can't even talk to you right now," I laughed, walking away and trying to hide my blush.
O.O
"I think you should wear that red dress you refuse to wear every time we go out," Caroline said through the speaker of my phone.
"I just feel like I am showing too much skin in that thing." I pulled said dress from the closet, taking a closer look.
"Joe, I bought that for you for Christmas two years ago. It's seriously begging to be worn. As for the skin showing, I say it's the perfect amount for a second date," Car chuckled.
"I'll try it on, but no promises," I laughed a little. "I gotta go. He'll be here in an hour, and I need to do my hair and makeup."
"Curl it. Oh, and do that one heavy lid liner thing you do with your eyes with the red lips," she shouted out.
"Okay Car. Love you. I'll text you later," I said picking up my phone from my dresser.
"I better get a picture!" she yelled at me before I clicked the button to end the call. I threw the dress down on my bed, grabbing a bra, a pair of boyshorts, and my black T-strap heels. I had just put on my underwear and bra when there was a knock at the door. I grabbed my robe, throwing it around my body as I ran to the front door.
"Hey, I'm so sorry. I swear I'm almost ready," I said, swinging the door open wide before turning to run back to my room. "Come on in and make yourself comfortable. I'll be right out, I promise," I shouted out to him as I started down the hallway. I could hear his footsteps as he entered the apartment and sat down on the couch. I hurriedly put on the red dress after ripping off the tags, deciding I really didn't have time to pick something else out. I buckled up my heels before giving myself a once over in the mirror to fix my hair over one shoulder. Caroline was right, the dress really wasn't too much. The top did show off more chest than I normally did, but I had to give it to Caroline, my boobs looked awesome. I chuckled to myself before grabbing my purse and walking out into the hallway. "I'm so sorry for making you wait," I said as I walked down the hallway towards the living room. I watched as Steve stood up from the couch in his khaki slacks and plaid blue button up shirt with a pair of sunglasses and a hat in his hand.
"You look beautiful." He took two steps towards me, "We ready to go?"
"Yes, we are." We walked out, pausing so I could lock my door before we headed off.
O.O
"Oh my gosh! They have a car show?" I nearly shouted as we entered the park and saw the rows of classic cars.
"That's a first," Steve said as I grabbed his hand and dragged him behind me as I tried to run towards the lot of cars.
"What's that?" I asked as I looked over a 1955 Chevy.
"Just not used to seeing girls excited about cars," he laughed, standing back a few feet and watching me swoon over the beautiful teal and white leather interior.
"I'm far from usual, Steve. I figured you would've figured that out already," I said as I walked up to him and looped my arm through his before walking calmly to the next car. "You aren't very observant for a Captain." I bumped my hip against his, making him chuckle and shake his head. "My Dad loved these types of cars. Always wanted to get one, but never did because we moved so much. He finally got a 1968 Chevelle after he retired," I explained. "He would always take me to shows like this."
"What's that?" Steve asked pointing over to the long, maroon car with white detailing on it.
"'60 Buick," I said matter-of-factly.
"And that one?" He pointed to another car.
"'70 Barracuda," I rattled off.
"Impressive." I looked at him knowing he was already watching me and feeling like a complete dork for the smile that was plastered all over my face.
"Oh my God!" I shrieked, letting go of Steve's arm and jogging over to the car that had been my favorite throughout the years. "A '49 Mercury," I answered him before he could get the question out. "I've always wanted one. It's beautiful don't you think?" I asked without taking my eyes off of the car's gorgeous curves. The car was flat black with chrome detailing and looked to have been chopped four inches.
"Do you wanna sit in her, miss?" I heard someone speak out. I looked up at the older gentleman who was standing behind the car.
"Are you serious?" I was shocked. I had to have been to plenty of these types of shows and you were lucky to get a look under the hood, let alone get the chance to get inside.
"Help yourself darlin'," The man said, gesturing to the driver's side door.
"Best day ever!" I exclaimed in a whisper as I looked up at Steve who was standing at my side. He jolted his chin towards the car with a smirk on his face. I walked up to the car, finding no door handles. I reached inside the open window, patting the door panel in search of the lever that would lead me to heaven. I pulled on the metal handle, popping the door open and eagerly, but carefully, sat inside before closing the door behind me. I ran my hands over the blue metal dash and black leather interior before placing them on the black steering wheel and taking a deep breath. I looked over to Steve who had all his focus on me as the older man stood next to him and talked. I watched as Steve's body stiffened before shaking the man's hand which made me want to get back to him, especially after seeing him so uncomfortable.
"Again, thank you for your service," the man spoke to Steve before walking away. Steve grabbed the baseball cap he had stuffed in his back pocket, placing it on his head and giving the older man a nod.
"What was that about?" I asked as Steve grabbed my hand and we began to walk through the rest of the throngs of show cars.
"Nothing," he replied back before changing the subject. "Hungry?"
"I'll never turn down a funnel cake," I smiled. I sat down on a park bench as Steve walked over to the vendor, coming back with only one funnel cake. "Where's yours?"
"I'm not one for sweets," he said as he sat down next to me and handed me the plate of sweet, fried deliciousness.
"Have you ever had funnel cake before?" I asked as I pulled off a piece and placed it in my mouth with a hum of pleasure. Steve didn't answer, but that silence answered my question on its own. "Come on, you have to try it at least once." I pulled another piece off, holding it out to him.
"No thank you," he tried to politely decline. I shook my head at him still holding out the piece, not taking no for an answer. Steve let out a chuckle before leaning in, sticking his tongue out to collect the piece from my fingers, his tongue grazing the side of my thumb. I had to resist the urge to let out a sigh as I watched his tongue pull the piece from my fingers. "Mmmm!" he hummed out in surprise.
"Good, huh?" I asked as I tore another piece off for myself. "Want some more?" I asked before placing it into my mouth. Steve let out a small laugh before nodding his head. "I'm a bad influence on you, Captain," I laughed as he tore off a large piece which earned another louder laugh from him. "I'll admit, I must like you a lot to be sharing this with you. Had you been anyone else, you'd be missing fingers right now." Steve gave me that adorable crooked grin, making my heart flutter in my chest again and I gave him another bright smile.
~.~
"What made you think to bring me here?" I asked as we walked down the sidewalk through the park.
"To be honest, Sam actually brought it up. I'd love to take credit, but he suggested it when we were on our way back from our mission." Steve looked away from me quickly, taking a pause before adding more to his answer, "He said something about the music being great and that he wanted to check it out. I thought you'd like it, the music and the setting."
"What mission?" I asked curiously.
"We've been searching for this guy for a while. Got a lead and couldn't wait on it. Sorry again, for taking off like that," he answered, still looking at anything but me.
"Did you find him?" I knew I was walking into uncharted territory, both knowing he couldn't disclose too much information on a case and also knowing he was already so secretive about his job.
"We chased him for a while, but the tracks kept going cold," he said as he finally looked over at me.
"What did that old man say to you back there that made you uncomfortable?" I asked, still wondering why he had changed his demeanor back there.
"I...I don't do well with public attention. I do my job to help people, I don't expect anything in return for that. The payoff is knowing I saved lives and that's enough." He answered. I could tell there was more, but for now I would leave it alone. I could tell just from Steve's body language that he was beginning to pull away, and the day was just too beautiful to ruin over something so small.
"Aw, look at that," I said taking a step off the sidewalk onto the grass and pointing at the elderly couples slow dancing on the dance floor in front of a small band. "If I could wish for anything in my life, it'd be to have that. That love that lasts through the years but never truly ages," I said, putting a hand over my heart and watching the couples smile as they moved around the floor. "I mean they may look old, but when you really look at them, you can still see their young selves still there." I was so lost in thought as I watched the lovers move around that I gasped as Steve's hand slid through mine, squeezing it slightly to gain my attention.
"Do you want to dance?" he asked as I looked up at him, his eyes sparkling in the sunlight peeking through the trees.
"I'd love to," I replied with a smile. Steve took the lead this time, walking me over to the dance floor and tucking his hat in his back pocket before reaching for my hand. The tempo slowed even more when the next song started, "Put your hands on my hips or lower back. Whatever is comfortable for you." I rested both of my hands behind his neck and waited to him to put his hands on my body. The thought excited me as I pressed myself closer to him. He rested his hands on me, his large hands splaying over my back, just above the curve of my behind. We swayed along with the music as I whispered the lyrics to myself, smiling because it happened to be one of my favorite Otis Redding songs.
These arms of mine, they are lonely,
Lonely and feeling blue.
These arms of mine, they are yearning,
Yearning from wanting you.
And if you would let them hold you,
Oh, how grateful I will be.
Steve and I locked gazes as I continued singing along with the song.
These arms of mine, they are burning,
Burning from wanting you.
These arms of mine, they are wanting,
Wanting to hold you.
And if you would let them hold you,
Oh, how grateful I will be.
Steve pressed firmly against my back, bringing our bodies closer as they swayed. He wore that lovable smirk on his face as our bodies collided with one another. My heels were not high enough to be eye to eye with him; I leaned back slightly to keep eye contact, but then decided to rest my head against his strong shoulder as we finished out the song together like lovers on a dance floor.
Come on, come on baby
Just be my little woman.
Just be my lover.
I need me somebody, somebody to treat me right.
I need your arms, loving arms to hold me tight.
I need your, I need your tender lips, to hold me,
To hold me together when I'm around you.
"I like that song," he whispered in my ear as the song came to a close.
"Me too," I said pulling my head back up to look at him. The tempo changed as the band began singing Mickey and Sylvia's 'Love Is Strange'. "Can I talk you into learning something else?" I asked as I took a step back from him.
He raised an eyebrow at me before saying, "Is the teacher giving me a choice?"
"Don't you wanna dance with me, Steve?" I said, trying to give him my best puppy dog eyes.
Steve rolled his eyes playfully before looking back at me, "What do I have to do?"
"Hands like the first time we danced. This is called the Cha-Cha" I instructed and he placed one hand on my hip, the other in my hand, leaving space between us so he could watch my feet. "So, first I want you to feel the beat of the song. Sway your hips a little bit." Steve quirked an eyebrow at me before he followed my lead and moved his hips slightly to he beat, his eyes darting around the area every once in a while to see if anyone was staring. "Good. Now watch my feet." Steve stopped moving his hips, standing still as he watched my feet.
I rocked forward first, did a triple step, and then rocked back with the opposite foot. I repeated the steps a few more times letting him follow my feet with his eyes as he tried to memorize the steps. "Okay, your turn." I stood still as I watched his feet move stiffly to the beat. Once he had done a few sets his hips loosened and his feet became more graceful, almost as if it was a natural movement for him.
"Doing good!" I encouraged him, making him look up at me with a smile. He kept his eyes on mine as his feet continued the same steps and I began to do the same without him noticing it. "Okay, pull me closer," I said as we continued the steps to the beat of the music. Steve moved his hand from my hip, sliding it over my back, wrapping his arm around me and pulling me tightly to him. The action nearly took my breath away and it wasn't from how hard he had forced me against his body.
"This better?" he asked as our eyes locked on each other's, the same moment my body collided with his and our legs mingled together now in a close embrace. I nodded a small nod, unable to do much of anything else. His thigh brushed against the inside of mine as he took a step forward and I rocked back. The smirk had fallen from his face, his full lips staying in a hard line while his jaw clenched and his eyes burned with intensity into my body. I felt on fire as our bodies continued working together and although I had danced many times and with many different men, I had never found it this arousing.
After the song finished, Steve kept me held against him, our eyes still locked and his jaw clenched in concentration. We were no longer moving, standing still in our embrace in the middle of the dance floor as the other couples danced around us. "Do you want to walk around for a little bit longer?" I asked, not moving at all.
Steve didn't reply as he dropped my hand, stepping aside but keeping his hand on my back. We walked around the festival for a little while, looking at different vendors until we found one full of greaser style clothing. "I've been looking for something like this!" I said as I ran ahead of Steve and into the tent. I went straight to the back wall display, finding a leather motorcycle jacket. I put it on, instantly falling in love with it and heading for the cashier to pay for it.
"My leather jacket not good enough for you?" he asked as he gave me a playful grin.
"Oh, crap! I forgot I still had yours. Remind me to give that back to you tonight." I had completely forgotten that I had his jacket back at my apartment. Steve looked like he was ready to reply when he was cut off by someone shouting his name.
"Hey, man! I thought that was you," a dark skinned man said as he walked up and patted Steve on the back. "Oh, is this her?" the man asked before looking over at me. "Hi, I'm Sam. Steve talks about you a lot. I mean... a lot!" he said, sticking his hand out and shaking mine. I looked out of the corner of my eye to Steve who was rolling his eyes before running a hand over his face and then through his hair in frustration. "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your date. Marleen and I were just heading over to see the band," he said, pointing at another stage across from where we were standing. "You guys should come with us. The band is really great," Sam said with a bright smile.
"That sounds great!" I replied, grabbing Steve's hand and giving him a smile.
"I didn't think we would run into him. I'm sorry," Steve said as we followed the other couple.
"It's fine. It's nice being able to put a face with the name." I squeezed his hand slightly.
Sam was right, the band was extremely good, but only played fast paced songs, which kept me from being able to dance with Steve again. The boys spent time chatting while I got to know Marleen. "Come on Marleen!" I said, grabbing her hand and pulling her out onto the dance floor to do the twist with me. I watched the boys as we danced. Gone was the smile that was on Steve's face, replaced with a serious one that looked to be lost in contemplation as he nodded along with whatever Sam was talking about. After the song ended we rejoined the boys, who had begun laughing at some joke Sam had cracked.
"You swing dance?" Sam asked looking over to Marleen. She gave him a puzzled look and shook her head as if she didn't know what he was talking about.
"You?" he asked looking at me this time.
"It's been a while but yes. How do you know how to swing dance?" I asked, looking over at Sam.
"My Mom was a dance instructor," Sam replied before looking over at Steve. "Steve, you tell anyone back at headquarters and I will push you off of a tall building. You may be strong, but you can't fly." Steve let out a chuckle, putting his hands up in surrender before looking over at me and shaking his head. "You wanna dance?" Sam asked directing the question to me. I looked over at Steve as if to ask if it was okay.
"You know I'm not getting out there," Steve joked.
"If it's alright with Marleen," I replied looking over to Sam's beautiful date.
"I don't mind. I honestly want to see this unfold," she joked. Sam grabbed my hand, pulling me out to the dance floor after Marleen took my purse and new jacket. Sam was a decent dancer and he was way better at swing dancing than I was. It was apparent I had gotten rusty over the past few years. Sam twirled me around, picking me up and swinging me around like a rag doll as the band played 'Rip It Up'. He even dipped me at the end of the song.
"That was fun." Sam smiled as he lifted me back up to my feet. "You've got to up your game man," Sam said to Steve as we walked back to our dates. "Well, Marleen and I have dinner plans so we've got to go, but it was wonderful finally meeting you, Jolene," Sam said giving me a hug before patting Steve on the back. After I gave Marleen a hug goodbye we went our separate ways. Steve and I walked through the park, hearing the sound of what was undoubtedly 'Rebel Without A Cause' playing off in the distance.
"It sounds like they are having a movie in the park," I said looking up at Steve who was walking soundlessly beside me. "What's wrong?" I asked, taking a step in front of him, stopping him in his tracks.
"Was just thinking," he replied, looking up at me. "You know Tony Stark?"
"Yeah, why?" He looked nervous for some reason.
"Well, he's hosting this party next weekend and I was wondering if you wanted to go with me," he said, nervously stuffing his hands into his pockets.
"Why are you acting so weird about this? Do you honestly think I would tell you no?" I wasn't sure why he was being so weird about asking such a simple thing. Wasn't it obvious I liked him...a lot? Was he not feeling what I was feeling? Those thoughts alone put enough doubt in my mind to make myself nervous.
"I'm just nervous about you meeting my colleagues," Steve replied, looking me over and seeing my now nervous stature. "What?"
"I'm sure your colleagues are wonderful," I replied flatly, the negative voice in my head now filling my brain with doubt.
"Jolene?" He spoke my name in a question making me look up at him. "What's wrong?" he asked, taking another step towards me and placing a hand on my arm.
"Is it your colleagues you are worried about or me?" I blurted out.
"Oh, it's definitely them," Steve snorted. "To say they are an odd bunch is putting it lightly," he smiled. "Most definitely them," he chuckled.
Seeing Steve laugh had been just what I needed to beat back the troublesome voices trying to dampen my mood. "I like you a lot, Jolene. I," he paused, pulling his hands up to cup the sides of my face. "I mean I like-like you," he said, emphasizing the first 'like,' making me smile. "And that right there is one of the many reasons I'm falling so hard." He smiled before leaning down, brushing his lips over mine chastely before pulling away. "You ready to blow this popsicle stand?" he asked, dropping his hands from my face down to grasp mine. Just as his hands laced through mine, it began to rain.
"Come on!" I shouted at him before letting go of one of his hands, still holding the other and pulling him to a run behind me. We ran through the park towards the entrance that was just down the block from my apartment. Once we got to the sidewalk, I released his hand, taking off at a faster pace towards my place. Steve stayed on my heels as I laughed and splashed through puddles as we ran. He ran past me when my building came into view, holding the door open for me after someone else had exited. As soon as my soaked and high heeled feet hit the smooth tiled floor, I slipped.
"I got you," he said as his arm wrapped around my back. He leaned down, placing his other arm behind my knees before he lifted me off of the floor and began taking the stairs two at a time. He didn't place me back on my feet until we had reached my apartment door. "Sorry, didn't want you to get hurt," he said without an issue; I had no idea how in the world he wasn't out of breath.
"Do you want to come in?" I asked as I pulled my keys from my purse.
"I'd like that," he said, pulling at his shirt that was soaked through and was now clinging to him. I opened the door, walking in and holding it open for him before slipping my heels off and walking down the hallway to the bathroom to grab a few towels.
"Here," I said, tossing a towel to him. "I'm going to get changed and see if I have anything you can use; then we can throw those clothes into the dryer for you," I said as I turned to walk back down the hallway. I dried my hair to the best of my ability before putting on my dad's old baseball tee and my tribal print cotton shorts. I searched through a drawer I didn't venture through very often, pulling out a pair of men's workout pants and a t-shirt. Steve was standing in the middle of my living room trying to dry his shirt with the towel I had given him. The sight made me giggle, which in turn caught his attention. "This should work for you," I said, handing over the clothes. "Bathroom is the first door on the right. I'll make us some coffee."
"You said you could dry these?" Steve asked, standing at the edge of the kitchen.
"Sit them on the counter there. I'll put them in after I'm done with the coffee." Steve gave me a nod before setting his clothes down and walking back to the living room. As the second cup of coffee brewed, I took his clothes, placing them in the dryer and coming back for the coffee to take to the living room. "They fit okay?" I asked as I handed him his cup of coffee.
"Yes, Ma'am. Whose clothes are they?" he asked before taking a sip of his coffee.
"My dad's," I said before grabbing the remote to the TV.
"Oh," Steve said as he sat his coffee down on the table.
"I know it's weird, he's gone but I still kept some of his and Mom's stuff. Does that bother you? I mean you wearing his stuff?" I rambled, running my finger around the rim of my cup instead of looking at him.
"It's not weird," he replied. I felt a shift in the couch cushions just before his lightly clenched fist brushed against the underside of my chin, applying just enough pressure to push me up to look at him. "I'm honored. He's one of the many heroes of this country. It's an honor that you'd even think I'm worthy enough to even share this with me." His eyes held an intense blue as they wavered between looking into mine. I gave him a smile before nodding slightly, his hand still pressed firmly under my chin keeping me from moving too much.
"Do you want to watch a movie or something? Until the rain stops, I mean," I said, reaching out and placing my cup on the table without looking. Steve leaned closer, the tip of his nose brushing against mine before he tilted his head to the side. I closed my eyes expecting the pressure of his lips, waiting with parted lips that begged to be claimed by his own.
"I just really want to kiss you," he whispered, his hot breath spreading over my lips instead.
"That sounds like a better idea." My eyes fluttered open only to see his were closed. I wasted no time, not wanting to give him the chance to back out, and placed my hands on the back of his neck, adding pressure to close the distance. His full lips pressed forcefully against mine, moving over them with a new found confidence as his hand skimmed along my jawline, over the nape of my neck and into my hair. He pulled me further into his lips, as if there was any way to make our mouths mold together more, making me sit up straighter, trying to meet his height. His hand massaged my scalp as the other rested next to my knee, pressing into the couch cushion to hold his weight. I parted my lips, tempted with the idea of slipping my tongue along his lip but was pleasantly surprised when his tongue met mine with the same idea. His tongue slid over mine, into my mouth causing me to moan out. He tasted of coffee for the most part, but there was an added sweetness to his taste. I moaned again, rolling my tongue over his, wanting to savor every taste.
My hands slid over his broad shoulders before coming to rest on his hard pecs and gripping the cotton material the shirt between our flesh. I pulled at the shirt in my hands as I lifted onto my knees on the couch, towering over him as our mouths continued their battle. I could feel the fire racing through my veins, my every nerve-ending standing on end as if I was anticipating something else.
I could fell the burn in my belly grow, catching me off guard at the new sensation. I didn't know exactly what all of this meant. I had felt attraction, sexual attraction before, but it never burned throughout my body like it was right now. I felt pulled to him so much it seemed as if i was standing on a cliff ready to let the wind take me off the edge, but within his embrace I felt safe, knowing if the wind came and I fell, Steve would be there to catch me.
Without thinking, I pushed against his chest, swinging a leg around to the other side of him, straddling his lap as we continued to kiss. His hand stayed in my hair, his thumb brushing against the tender spot behind my ear and his other hand sitting atop my bare thigh. My hands moved from his shirt to the sides of his face while I pulled my lips away from his. Our eyes both opened, locking on one another while i settled myself in his lap. The moment felt like it spanned forever, but it could have only been for a few moments as I only took two deep breaths before leaning in for another searing kiss.
Steve moaned into my mouth as his hands moved to my hips. His thumb brushed against the skin above my shorts, his hands concealed by the oversized shirt i was wearing. Lava was running through my veins, my body the volcano about to erupt. I wanted more, needed more. The throbbing between my thighs increased as I felt something press against me. My hips moved of their own accord, rubbing against the bulge that I knew was surely Steve's member. Steve's hands gripped my hips tighter as I rocked on his lap, our breathing erratic as our mouths moved in a lovers' dance.
Steve's grip tightened further, the pain pushing past a point of pleasure and only becoming pure pain. I pulled back with a hiss, dropping my hands from his face and grabbing his wrists. Steve loosened his grip, looking up at me. The intense look in his eyes had shifted from desire to fear in a matter of moments.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," Steve said, pulling his hands back and letting them on the couch at his sides. I climbed from his lap, sitting to the side of him. "I should go."
"Steve," I said grabbing one of his hands as he pushed against the couch to lift himself to his feet. "It's okay. Let's rewind. Why don't you kiss me instead?"
Steve gave me a light smirk before leaning towards me, his lips grazing over mine briefly. He stood up as his lips left mine, looking down at me before giving my hand a squeeze back, "I really should get going."
"But it's still raining," I said, trying to find any reason for him to stay.
"Jolene, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to melt. It isn't raining that badly anymore," Steve smiled.
"But," I began to speak but was cut off by Steve bending down and placing a kiss on my lips for another short moment.
"I respect you too much, Jolene." Steve stood back up, looking towards the door and then back at me. "You're tempting. You know that?" He said pulling me up to my feet. "I...I don't want to rush this. I'm going to go before you change my mind." Steve gave me a devious smirk before kissing my forehead and walking to the door. "Talk to you later?" he asked. I gave him a smile before nodding my head with my answer. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Steve." He gave me one more smile before closing the door behind him.