(Hanging my head in shame while offering you all chocolates) I'm so sorry about this latest chapter taking so long guys. I just...drifted away from this story, but I'm back and dang it I will finish it! :-) Hope you enjoy and thanks so much for reading.
Settled at an intimate booth within the busy nightclub, Haley tapped a foot along with the music the local yet proficient band on stage played. She recalled interviewing and writing an article about them a few months back. The group consisting of three men and two women were mostly a cover band, but a few of their songs including the one they were performing now were original. Haley along with just about everyone else present began to enthusiastically clap when they finished their set, giving several thanks before they exited the stage.
Music had started to play via the speakers surrounding the nightclub when her companion returned to their booth carrying a small yet packed tray. A grin was spread from ear to ear as she slid the tray onto the table and then slid her body onto the cushioned seat right next to Haley. Reaching underneath the table, she placed her hand on the closet knee that didn't belong to her and asked if she was missed.
That was a no-brainer.
"Duh." Haley smiled as the other woman laughed. Equally curious and amused brown eyes glanced toward the loaded tray-- sliced limes, a small paper cup filled with salt, two spotless shot glasses and a bottle of tequila. Hmm, what did that spell? "Determined to get me inebriated are you?"
"Well the sex on the grass was a bust since you didn't get to drink much of yours and I threw mine…um…away, so I thought I'd try something else. Ever did tequila shots?"
"No, but I've always thought it looked fun on t.v."
"You ready to have some fun with me Tiger?"
"Bring it Hummer Girl."
The fashion designer proceeded to give her a tutorial on how to perform a proper tequila shot. However, she first started with a little brief history lesson stating that Mexico, the birthplace of tequila in the early 1500's wasn't where shots were usually done. In other countries the alcoholic beverage was consumed with limes or lemons and salt, whereas in Mexico it was routinely downed straight. While carefully pouring about an ounce and a half of caramel colored liquid into the shot glasses, Brooke inquired if Haley knew why people routinely did shots with tequila.
"Um, because it's an entertaining way to drink it Professor Davis?"
Grinning, Brooke placed the bottle back on the tray. "That's true, but there's more to it. There are premium tequilas and…not so premium." She tapped their bottle. "The latter is what we have here although I noticed at the bar that Goodie had 100% blue agave, which is a cactus appearing plant tequila comes from. If the label states that the alcohol is 100% blue agave, it means that you have a real first-class aged tequila. This is the type of tequila you want to drink straight so that you can appreciate its taste.
"Salt and limes are introduced when the tequila is a lower quality. Licking salt lessens the burn of tequila while the lime or lemon is thought to balance and enhance its flavor. Premium tequilas don't usually contain a significant amount of alcohol burn so if they were consumed as shots it would be a waste of quality liquor. So in conclusion, drink 100% agave straight and reserve your tequila shots for cheaper brands. Any questions?"
"Two actually." With it appearing that she was trying to give the peace sign, Haley held up her index and middle finger. "First, what about the worm? Are there really worms in tequila?"
"That's sort of an old wives tale. If there is a previously living species within tequila, it's not actually a worm but the larval form of a moth that resides on the agave plant. If you discover a 'worm' inside a tequila bottle it's either because the factory that produced it had an infestation or it's a gimmick by the manufacturer. Genuine tequila is worm and larva free. Question two please."
"Damn girl." Haley shook her head in wonderment. "That thorough answer leads me to my second question. How do you know so much about tequila? What, did you discover a kick ass adult beverage course during college?"
"Alcohol 101. What do you wanna bet that class wouldn't be full?"
"Not even a penny."
Brooke chuckled. "About two years ago I dated a bartender for a couple of months and she loved to talk about her job. I swear you could test her on the history of every alcoholic beverage out there and she'd know something about it."
"So she taught your twenty two year old self how to do a tequila shot?"
"Um, no my sixteen year old self was familiar with doing that."
"Underage drinking games." Feigning disappointment, Haley clucked her tongue. "Bad girl."
"That's Hummer Girl to you."
"Pardon me."
"Consider yourself pardoned. Now," Brooke clapped her hands, "on with the fun! The simplest way to do a shot is to first lick the area between your thumb and forefinger so it'll be damp enough for the salt to adhere." After the pair did so, Brooke reached for a pinch of salt and sprinkled it on her moistened skin. Her dutiful student followed suit. "Next grab a lime wedge with the same hand containing the salt and hold it between your thumb and index finger. Grasp your tequila in the other hand." Each selected a slice of lime with their left hand and a filled shot glass with their right. "Lick it, sip it and suck it baby!"
Finished with her own in a matter of seconds, Brooke grinned while she watched as the junior editor managed to drain the small glass without having to pause. She clapped once the young woman bit into her lime immediately following the tequila gulp. "Very good! How was it?"
Haley smacked her lips together. "Different. I think I like it!" She touched her stomach. "There's a neat little warmth in my tummy." When asked if she wanted to do another, she nodded before Brooke could get the entire question out. Laughing, the tequila pro refilled their glasses. "What's up with body shots?"
Brooke almost dropped the bottle. "Um, yeah body shots. You wanna try a body shot?"
"Unless you'd rather not go--"
"Let's do it."
"I'm not drunk yet."
A smirking designer reached for her shot glass. "Are you implying that I need to get you drunk in order for a little somethin' somethin' to happen?"
"I believe I was putty in your hands the moment you whispered in my ear and caressed my tie." Brown eyes widened as Haley tried to figure out whether she replied aloud. Brooke's satisfied expression granted her with the answer. Damn, maybe I am drunk -- or dangerously close to it. Perhaps they shouldn't do any body shots. She looked toward Brooke just as she was crossing one shapely bare leg over the other. Unconsciously licking her lips she decided that one body shot wouldn't hurt.
"That's a coincidence. I was putty in your hands the moment I first heard your sweet voice over the phone." Well hello there Ms. Blush. A pleasure to see you again!
"How do we do it?"
One dark eyebrow lifted. "Three lovers including Kate Beckinsale's twin and it has yet to catch on with you?"
"Body shots nut. How do we do those?"
Snickering, Brooke replied, "I knew what you meant." Shot placed back on the table, she continued, "With body shots the sky is the limit. You can experiment in a variety of places. You just need to be careful of where you place the salt because imagine if your body shot partner has a cut or some kind of skin irritation and you lick and cover that area with salt. That could hurt like hell."
Haley winced. "Oh, yeah. I understand where you're coming from." She appraised the other woman's form. "You have any cuts I should know about?"
"Blemish free. Do me." Brooke flashed her a broad smile. "With a body shot I mean."
"They're so deep I could fill those lovely dimples with tequila."
"That where you want to start?"
"Nope." Haley had another region in mind. Ignoring the commonsense furiously knocking on her brain, she placed a hand on the back of Brooke's neck and gently tugged her forward. The fashion designer held her breath in anticipation of what her body shot novice friend would do, a soft moan escaping when a warm tongue laved her pulse point and the area surrounding it. Delicate fingers brushed salt over the dampened area and then Haley only hesitated for a second before she pulled Brooke's camisole outward just enough to nestle a shot glass within her cleavage. Lime wedge in hand, she quietly asked her to open her mouth.
"Are you ready?" With the slice of sour fruit in her mouth, Brooke nodded and with much vigor. The dimness of the nightclub assisting her with the courage to perform the body shot, Haley pressed her mouth against a lightly scented neck, leisurely licking away every grain of salt. Feeling Brooke's pulse beginning to rapidly thump against her tongue and spurred on by her throaty moans, she sucked tender flesh between her teeth, gently nibbling. Fingers threaded through the soft locks covering the back of her head and a hand pressed her tighter against the neck she didn't wish to leave anytime soon. The forgotten lime wedge was released and fell to the floor.
"Oh God," Brooke huskily murmured with her eyes shut in ecstasy. "You feel so good Haley." The soft warm mouth attached to her neck was missed immediately when Haley ducked down to wrap her lips around the shot glass. Its circumference snug within her mouth, she pulled it free throwing her head back so the liquid could slide down her throat. When she reached up to retrieve it, Brooke beat her to it, setting the glass on the table. Breathing a bit heavily, Brooke mentioned that the lime had fallen from her mouth.
Brighter than usual brown orbs gazed toward slightly parted lips glistening with limejuice. "Not a problem," was whispered as Haley moved toward her companion in slow motion, "I have a remedy." Among the best remedies in the world ensued when Haley's lips began a rendezvous with her own. Her heart raced, her chest heaved and she momentarily forgot how to respire as the tip of Haley's tongue first traced her lips to collect the limejuice. Although it was sour all Haley could taste was Brooke's sweet mouth now interlocked with her own. After a brief hesitance, she entered that enchanting mouth seeking out its tongue to dance with. It was impossible to decipher whose moans were the most audible as they embraced one another, the kiss further heating up with each passing second.
When Haley playfully tugged at her bottom lip, Brooke wondered if anyone would notice if she began peeling off the young woman's clothes right there in the booth. Because she didn't trust her fingers not to attack some buttons and a zipper, she pulled back after delivering several tiny chaste smooches. Having remembered how to breathe, she did so in abundance, hazel eyes assessing Haley with candid desire. Arms still loosely wrapped around the junior editor's neck, Brooke removed one to stroke her cheek.
"Ms. James you are driving me crazy."
The cutest little grin found its way to Haley's lips. "I'd apologize but then I would be lying."
"So it's correct to say that you like crazy girls?"
With eyes briefly shut she touched her forehead to Brooke's. "I'm quite fond of the crazy girl with the sweetest mouth in existence."
"How many mouths have you sampled in order to make such a bold affirmation?"
"Not many yet I'm confident that it's right. I'd be willing to wager every dime I own." Haley sampled the sweetest mouth around again. "Your turn."
"Huh?" Brooke was much too pleasurably distracted to comprehend what her turn referred to.
Haley indicated the tequila bottle by nodding in its direction. "Your turn for the next body shot. That is unless we're done playing."
A dimpled grin bloomed. "Tiger we're just getting started." Brooke gradually filled up her shot glass while wondering what parts of the other woman's body this shot would entail. By the time the liquid had neared the rim, she had her three areas selected. Glancing toward Haley's pristine white shirt, she asked if she minded undoing the bottom three, maybe four buttons. Once Haley had complied with her wishes, she pushed the table away from their booth just enough so that she could slip down to the floor, where she knelt between the other woman's jeans clad legs.
With an expression flitting between fascination, curiosity and insane excitement, Haley regarded her. "Howdy Hummer Girl slash Professor Davis. Whatcha up to down there?"
"You'll soon find out my favorite pupil. Could you hand me the salt, my shot and put a lime wedge in your mouth?" Carefully placing the cup of salt and filled shot glass on the cushion near Haley's left thigh, she watched the woman position the rind side of a slim lime slice between her teeth. Haley shivered when fingers brushed against the naked skin of her stomach, although she was far from being chilly. "Scooch down a little for me baby," a husky voice instructed, those fingers beginning to lazily circle her navel.
Having never heard the term 'scooch' before and much too turned on to inquire about its origin, the junior editor just guessed that it meant for her to shift her butt forward enough that she slouched in her seat. Obviously her guess was correct because Brooke didn't utter another word. Her shivering resumed along with a bit of soft moaning thrown in when the tip of a tongue drew a vertical path about an inch above her navel and then around it. Salt quickly sprinkled on the dampened skin was leisurely removed; Brooke's tongue swirling around her navel and then caressed the skin above only to return to the navel's perimeter. Meanwhile, her digits stroked along the sides of Haley's waist, twice 'accidentally' journeying upward enough to make contact with her bra.
Head thrown back, eyes screwed shut and lime wedge forsaken, the Alcohol 101 student released a guttural moan as an expert tongue dipped within her navel. "Damn. Brooke…"
"Cupcake!"
Haley felt as though a bucketful of crushed ice had been dropped on her libido when she opened her eyes to see her father and stepmother standing before their booth. Swallowing with much difficulty, she attempted a wobbly smile. Relax. It's not like she was giving you a blowjob. It was only some innocent navel lick--wait a minute-- The junior editor chanced a look north, barely stifling a groan. 'Was' is the wrong tense 'cause she's still licking! Surely Brooke didn't have an insurance policy with her name on it, so why was she desperately trying to kill her?
When Haley moved to sit upright a pair of arms promptly encircled her waist to keep her in her 'scooch' location. She growled and the fashion designer possessed enough nerve to quietly snicker. In that moment Haley vowed that she wouldn't allow Brooke to kill her because she intended to do away with her first.
Immediately following a couple more body shots.
And sampling her mouth a bit more. That was necessary.
"Are you okay sweetheart?" Charlene James asked, concern clearly written across her face.
"I'm just fine Char," she replied, flashing the redhead a smile that was barely more stable than the last one. On a positive note Brooke's tongue had retreated although she refused to let her go. "What's going on with you two? Enjoying yourselves?" Please let that have sounded casual enough.
The glowing couple spent the next few minutes discussing various activities they partook in. Haley was lucky that there wouldn't be a pop quiz afterward because she barely absorbed a word of it. She pretended to though by occasionally nodding, smiling and even chuckling whenever Goodie and Charlene did.
"Where's Brooke?" Goodie asked after they filled her in enough. "I told Char all about your acquaintance."
Getting better at it, Haley smiled with near ease. My hit list is too long now. Rachel, Peyton, Brooke and now my own Dad. She glanced toward the redhead whose grin was a tad too vivid for Haley's taste. Et tu Char?
"I was looking forward to meeting her," Charlene added, glancing around the nightclub as though the fashion designer would suddenly materialize.
"You um, you can la--" Haley bit down hard on her bottom lip as someone's warm breath was intentionally blown into her navel. If Brooke kept it up she would graduate to the top of the hit list. "Ah, you can later. She went…out to the deck to take an important call. C | B business you know."
"Amazing that she's so young and manages to run that company so efficiently," Charlene commented while shaking her head in wonder.
Haley nervously drummed her fingers on the table. "Yep. A-ma-zing." Unfortunately, her busy fingers drew attention to the tray.
Goodie and Charlene shared a look, grins tugging at their mouths. "Been doing tequila shots cupcake?" She nodded. "Only one shot glass?"
"And where's the salt?" The redhead asked. "It's been a very long time since I've done them, but if memory serves me correctly you can't have a proper tequila shot without salt." She winked, green eyes practically dancing with mischief.
Feeling like she was on the witness stand, Haley wanted to shout for a lawyer. "Um, neither of us has cooties so we were sharing the one shot glass." She faked a laugh, relieved when they joined in. "And we ran out of salt so Brooke was going to get more after finishing with her phone call." They nodded, seemingly buying that explanation.
Goodie glanced at his watch. "Well we have a shuffleboard date, so hopefully we'll catch you and your acquaintance a little later, 'kay cupcake?"
Haley tried not to appear delighted that they were leaving. "Hopefully Dad. Good luck with the game you two. Love you."
"We love you too." Charlene indicated her tequila tray. "If you happen to drink too many of those I'll have a limo waiting for you once we dock tonight and a hangover recipe for the morning." Smiling, she reached across the table to gently pinch her stepdaughter's cheek. Haley didn't respond as she watched in horror when Charlene leaned over to peer underneath the table, her smile growing. "And Brooke it's nice to meet you. Strange in this manner, but nice all the same." She stretched out an arm and the brunette released Haley's waist long enough to shake it.
"Likewise Charlene. And I also wish you good luck with your game. Whoever you're playing against, may you royally kick their rear ends."
The redhead laughed as if this were the most natural situation in the world. "Honey, Goodie and I will try our best."
Hands planted on his knees for support, Goodie looked under the table just as his wife straightened. "Hey Brooke!"
Only he was witness to the smile on her face. "Hey back at you Goodie!"
"Did you drive yourself?"
She nodded. "Rented a car while I'm in town."
"In that case you may leave your car at the marina overnight and ride in the limo we'll provide for cupcake. In the morning the limo can bring you two back to the marina to pick your cars."
"Sounds great. Thanks Goodie." Although from her viewpoint she could only see his wife's feet along with a few inches of shapely legs, Brooke continued, "And thank you as well Charlene!"
"Welcome honey."
**********
"There, there. Please allow me the opportunity to see that beautiful face again. I miss you," she attempted to coax while one-handedly massaging the nape of Haley's neck. "It's really not the end of the world baby."
Keeping her face buried within the arms folded on the table, Haley shook her head back and forth, a groan rumbling from her throat. "My Dad and step mom knew you were on the floor kneeling between my legs," she started in a muffled voice. "True it's not the end of the world, but it's so not good."
A tiny grin forced the corners of Brooke's mouth upward. "Not like you were caught with your pants around your ankles." When Haley quickly sat up with a glare affixed to her countenance, Brooke had enough sense to replace the grin with a neutral expression. "Stop that. You're too gorgeous for glares." She shrugged. "I'm just saying it could have been worse. They actually didn't see anything. Plus they were so cool about it. In fact, I'd gamble a seven figure amount that Goodie and Charlene burst out laughing the moment they slipped back into the crowd." Her hand searched for Haley's thigh and squeezed after a safe landing. "Now please kiss me."
"I dunno." Arms folded over her chest, the junior editor pouted, her lower lip thrust out.
"Baby," Brooke crooned, unaware of the pleasant tingle that caused in her friend's belly. "I said please. Pretty please gimme a little wittle kiss?"
Haley mulled it over and within ten seconds decided that she was finished pouting. Putting her lip back in place, she turned toward the other woman. "Complete two tasks and you shall receive your kiss."
Brooke softly chuckled, immediately eager to learn of these tasks. "Okay. What's the first one?" A full shot glass was pushed toward her.
"We're uneven because you never took your shot."
"Easy." Glass in hand she proved how easy the task was by emptying the barware like a tequila shot professional. Licking her lips she winked. "Final task?"
Haley held her hand out, palm facing upward. "Dance with me?"
Brooke blissfully pressed their palms together. "I'd love to."
With their hands remaining connected, the pair slid out of the booth and headed toward the active dance floor just as the last song was winding down to be replaced with another slow jam. Robin Thicke's song Jus Right from his latest album began to play over the speakers as Haley and Brooke decided on the perfect spot for their dance. Brooke wrapped her arms around the shorter woman's waist while Haley looped hers around her neck, their torsos coming into delicious contact.
It's just right, it's just right
A million words we never say
The way I truly feel about
The one I just can't live without
"I adore this song. He's kinda sexy for a dude."
Haley laughed. "I agree on both counts." She used short fingernails to lightly scratch the back of Brooke's neck as she enjoyed the warm hand caressing her back.
'Cause it's like that, it's like that
The way you move, the way you dance
The way I know the moment when
You need my love, you need my hand
And all I wanna do is see you
All I wanna do is please you
I'm hypnotized by everything you do
Hope I'm just right for you
Gazing into lovely hazel eyes Haley was quite aware that she was melting more and more by the second. She was surprised that she wasn't a puddle at Brooke's feet yet. Doubt discovered the path to her heart and began tapping. God what was she doing? She couldn't fall for this woman. It just wasn't wise. They barely knew one another and once the evening was over that would be difficult to accomplish considering that they didn't even reside in the same state. A two thousand plus mile distance does not a good nourishing relationship make. Softly sighing, Haley rested her cheek against a nearby shoulder.
And baby I know you're the only one for me
And it's right there on your lips
And it's right there in your kiss
And baby I know, you're the only air I breathe
And it's right there on your lips
And it's right there in your kiss
"Ah, kiss yes. Although this task hasn't officially completed may I get that kiss now?"
She asked so sweetly how could the junior editor possibly say no? Cupping her face, Haley graced her with a delicate smile. Eyes closing as she leaned in, she captured her lips in an equally delicate kiss. She moaned when their tongues commenced to dance along with their bodies, Brooke swiftly following suit. That mouth, those lips. Oh those lips were much too precious and sweet to live over two thousands miles away.
I take you here, I take you there
I take your body anywhere
Baby I work so hard for you
To make your fantasy come true
'Cause it's like that, it's like that
I got your front, I got your back
We'll take it slow, we'll make it last
'Cause it's like that, it's like that
A little bit sweet, a little bit of spice
A little bit naughty, a little bit nice
Tell me baby that you need me too
That I'm just right for you
God what was she going to do?