The scene through the rain-streaked windshield cast a surrealistic shadow on Vincent as he drove north on I-95. He smiled slightly as he watched the city slowly fade in his rear-view mirror. Five weeks in New York was more than enough for him. The job had gone well, everything considered. There had been obstalces to overcome. There always were. Nothing ever went as planned. It was how he lived his life. Every day was an adventure. Sometimes pleasant. Sometimes disastrous. But always an adventure. Now he was on his way to places he’d never been before. He didn’t know why, only that he needed to explore. It was if there were something magical drawing him out of the city and eastbound instead of on an airplane taking him back to his home on the west coast.
Late night was slipping into early morning when he arrived in Stratford. The town was like a different world than New York. It felt comfortable to him. Some towns just seemed that way. Vincent parked his rental car and started slowly walking down a deserted street. The neon lights of a lounge caught his attention and he went inside. He took a seat at the bar and ordered a shot of rum and a glass of ginger ale. As he sat sipping his drink and listening to the music in the background his attention was drawn to the attractive blond sitting at a table nearby. Something about her intrigued him. He met many people in his travels across the country. Rarely did he encounter someone with such a magnetic aura.
The bartender approached and set a fresh drink in front of him. He glanced up with an inquisitive expression. Before he could formulate the question he had his answer. The bartender motioned toward the blond woman at the table. “Suzanne bought you a drink.”
“Thanks! And be sure to tell her thanks, will ya?”
The bartender smiled. “I think she’d prefer thanks directly from you.”
Vincent nodded and returned to his drink. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to join her. He just didn’t want to intrude. He was a stranger in an unfamiliar town. Maybe she was waiting for a friend or a lover. Or she could be married. But she’d bought him a drink. It was unlikely she’d do that if she were waiting for someone in particular. He slid off his stool and walked to her table. “Thanks for the drink. May I join you?”
Suzanne smiled slightly and nodded. “If you want to.”
He sat down and reached in his shirt pocket for a cigarette. Suddenly he caught himself and pulled his hand away. Suzanne noticed his reluctance to light up. “You can smoke, if you want.” She reached in her purse and retrieved a pack of cigarettes. Vincent reached across the table to light her smoke. He noticed her eyes. The flame reflected sadness, yet strength and a hint of bitterness. He wondered what lay behind those beautiful brown eyes. She took a long drag on her cigarette and exhaled slowly. “I haven’t seen you here before. Are you from the city?”
Vincent assumed she meant New York. “No, I’m here on business. I was in New York. The job’s done and now I’m spending a few days exploring. I take it this’s home for you?”
Suzanne nodded. “Yes, I live here. I guess you could call it living. Really I just exist.” She looked away, nervously avoiding his gaze. “I’m not someone you want to know.”
Vincent drew a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. “Why do you say that?”
“I’m just giving you fair warning. There was something about you I noticed when you came in and I decided to buy you a drink. Sometimes I do that. I react before I think.”
“And so now that you’ve thought things through, you’re not sure you made the right decision?”
Vincent felt an instant attraction to the woman sitting next to him. He wasn’t sure why and was unnerved by what he felt. It had been an eternity since he’d felt such a strong sense of vibrance. He hoped she’d allow him to know her better. “If I’m intruding, I apologize.”
Suzanne looked at him as if to see inside his head. “It would be nice if you stayed, but you probably won’t. I’m not someone people stay around. Except for my kids, I mean.”
She smiled slightly.
Vincent returned her smile. “I’m not like most people. I’m just an old roadhand, sort’ve a modern day drifter trying to make a living and keep my sideburns long.”
Suzanne giggled. “I see you’ve managed that admirably. I like your beard.”
Vincent smiled. “Well I do tend to be a little extreme. I’m not much good with moderation. I can’t decide if it’s a blessing or a curse.”
“Maybe it’s a little of both?” Suzanne smiled at him. The sadness seemed to ebb from her eyes. “Tell me about you. I don’t even know your name.”
Vincent gave her an embarrassed grin. “Oh, jeez. I AM sorry ‘bout that. I s’pose I figured being as I knew your name you prob’ly knew mine. How’s that for logical thinking?”
Suzanne smiled and shook her head. “I think there’s more logic in your mind than that. Besides. The bartender knows me. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t know you.”
“You’re right. I’m Vincent.”
“I’m pleased to meet you, Vincent.” She extended her hand and he held it in hers. Suzanne’s hand was delicate yet amazingly strong. Vincent was even more intrigued. She reminded him of a goddess. Beautiful and strong, with an aura of mystery and passion all around her.
They spent another hour sharing conversation. Suzanne’s mood seemed to shift from coolness and apprehension to warmth and a bit of trust. Vincent was lost in her smile. It was a feeling he hadn’t experienced since he’d met Elena so many years ago. There was magic in the air. Of that he was certain.
As Suzanne stood and said good-by, they shared a look of sadness. “Will I ever see you again, Vincent?”
He smiled. “If it’s what you’d like, it will happen.”
“I’d like it very much. Want to join me for breakfast tomorrow? We could meet after I drop the kids off at school. Sound good to you?”
“It does! But your gonna have to give me some directions. I’m not yet familiar with the area.”
Suzanne gave him a mischievious grin. “I’d love to give you some directions!” She caught herself and blushed slightly. “Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that.”
“Well! Now I’m crushed! Just tease me and then send me away.... I get it.” Vincent smiled playfully. “No need to apologize. I feel the same way. Maybe we can share some direction sometime.”
“Yes. We just might. Why don’t I just pick you up tomorrow and we’ll go together? Where are you staying?”
Vincent hesitated. “Aw damn! I don’t know.”
Suzanne’s eyes mirrored the hurt she felt. “That’s okay. Maybe breakfast was a bad idea.”
Vincent reached out and took her hand. “Hey! I didn’t mean it THAT way. I really do want to see you again and I really do want to share breakfast with you. It’s just that I don’t have a place to stay yet. I came straight here when I arrived. Here’s my card. My cell phone number’s at the bottom. Just give me a call when you’re ready to go.”
Suzanne took his card and studied it for a moment. “Field Services Technicican, huh? What does a field services technicican do?”
“Well, it depends on the field services. I work on power generation projects. I s’pose you can say I’m one of the guys that keeps the electricity flowing.”
“Oh, I’m SURE you are!” Suzanne smiled coyly.
Vincent awoke to the sound of his cell phone ringing. It was Suzanne. They spoke briefly and he told her where he was staying. Minutes later there was a knock at the door. He opened it and saw her standing in front of him wearing denim pants and a body hugging tee shirt. It was a stark constrast to the burgundy dress and heels she’d worn the night before. She looked delicious dressed either way. “Wow! You must live close by!”
“Or I just drive really fast.” Suzanne gave him a smile. Vincent loved her smile. She seemed to be
in an upbeat mood, though slightly nervous. He found himself wanting to hold her close and kiss her passionately, but restrained himself.
A short while later they arrived at the cafe. Suzanne had been honest. She did drive fast. Not reckless, just fast. Vincent sensed it might have something to do with her need to feel free, if only for moments at a time. He knew all to well. Freedom’s where you find it. They sat in a booth near the window and were soon lost in conversation. Suzanne was easy to talk to, easy to share with. He told her about his work, his travels and some of the people he’d met. She asked probing questions and he gave her honest answers. He even shared his recollections of his first love, Elena. He explained how they’d met, fallen in love and shared a life together for awhile, until she went back to her life on the streets. It wasn’t a choice. More of a necessity. It was what she felt she needed to do to protect the man she loved from harm. She died a prostitute. Vincent never went to her funeral. Instead he went to her gravesite and sat in the grass near her headstone crying silently.
Morning melted into afternoon as they sat talking and laughing. Suzanne seemed much more comfortable with Vincent than she had at first. There was a passionate fire in her eyes. She glanced at her watch. “Oh! Wow! I’ve got to go.”
“I hope I didn’t cause you to be late.”
“No. It’s just that I’ve got to pick the kids up from school and then run some errands. I loved spending the day with you. Can we do it again?”
“I’d love that! When?”
“I can meet where we first met tomorrow night if you want?”
“I’ll be there!” Vincent watched as Suzanne sped away. He was definitely looking forward to seeing her again.
Vincent awoke early the next morning. The sun was up and it was a glorious day. He wanted to call Suzanne, but thought better of it. He had no wish to cause difficulty for her. Vincent sensed there was much in her life that could cause her difficulty and he had no intention of adding to it. Suzanne had carefully avoided questions about her life. He had no wish to coerce her into explaining whatever she didn’t feel comfortable sharing. She said she’d made mistakes in her life she was now paying for. He felt sure a day would come when he could help her find the happiness she wished for. But now he was content to spend time with her when he could and see where their relationship would lead.
It was a good day for exploring. Vincent considered driving up to Maine, but decided there was plenty to see close by. He stopped at a convenience store just off the Wilbur Cross Highway and bought a road map. Connecticut was an interesting mix of urban and rural. By day’s end he had explored much of the local area. He stopped for a late dinner in Danbury, then drove back to Stratford. The sun was setting as he cruised down Highway 25. Suddenly he had a strange sensation. It was if he could reach over and touch Suzanne in the seat next to him. It was a powerful feeling that almost took his breath away.
As Vincent entered the lounge he saw Suzanne seated at a table. She smiled. Vincent seated himself across from her, returning her smile and taking her hand in his. “Hi you!”
“I’m REALLY glad you came. I thought maybe you’d change your mind and leave for the west coast.”
“I’d never do that to you, Suzanne. Of that you can be sure.”
The conversation flowed easily as they sat together. Bits and pieces of Suzanne’s past came out as she found herself trusting the man she’d only recently met. The emotion she felt sweeping over her were terrifying yet she found herself instinctively trusting this strange, yet memerizing man from so far away.
Closing time came and they walked out together. Vincent put his arms around Suzanne and kissed her gently. She responded with another kiss, a passionate expression of what she felt for him. Vincent pulled her close and whispered in her ear. “I ache for you, Suzanne. I want you, I need you. You are so much in my heart. It is more than I can explain.”
“Oh Vincent! My feelings for you are so strong it frightens me to my core!” With that she pulled away and ran across the street. Vincent watched as she sped away. He was puzzled. He was sure he saw tears running down her face as she ran. He was sure she shared his feelings of love and could understand how difficult it was to trust a relative stranger. After all she’d only known him a few days. Vincent knew it was possible for emotion and love to appear suddenly and grow rapidly. Yet this seemed different. Much different.
He lit a cigarette and slowly drove to his motel. As he entered his room he hesitated and stared up at the sky. Whatever was meant to happen, would happen.
The ringing of his cell phone shattered Vincent’s dreams. He answered with a sleepy voice. It was Suzanne. “Vincent, I’m so sorry. Did I wake you?” Before he could answer she continued. “I never meant to leave you like I did. I was just so afraid. I didn’t know what else to do.”
“It’s okay, sweet lady. I understand. You were frightened by what you felt.”
“You DO understand. And that scares me to. I feel like an emotional basket case. I can’t explain it. I just want you. I want to be with you. I want to be with you now.”
“I want that to. I’m here for you. Yours to have as much as you wish.” The connection went dead. Vincent was no longer on the phone. A chill shot up his spine. He hoped she was alright. It was strange how the conversation ended. He lit a cigarette and sat on the bed contemplating what he should do. He could call her back, but that might create all manner of difficulty for her. He could sit and wait. That, he decided, was a better option.
Moments later there was a quiet knock at the door. It was Suzanne. He opened the door and she rushed to his arms.
“Hold me, my sweet Vincent. Please. Just hold me tight for a moment.” Her arms circled his waist and squeezed tight.
“I’m here, Suzanne. Everything’s okay for you?”
There was a long pause before she answered. “Everything’s fine now.” She leaned up and kissed him. Her tongue boldly challenged his. They kissed and caressed each other as they stood in the middle of the moonlit room. Vincent could hear her breathing quicken. He took her by the hand and led her to the bed. He slowly pulled her shirt up and off, revealing her gorgeous, supple body.
Suzanne caught her breath, kissed him again and began to unbutton his shirt, letting it fall at his feet. They slipped out of the remainder of their clothing. As Vincent’s levis fell to the floor Suzanne smiled. “Well! You’re not wearing underwear. I like that.”
Vincent gazed at her standing in the moonlight wearing nothing but her thong. “Oh, my sweet Suzanne, you’re a goddess. How do I seduce a goddess as majestic as you?”
“I’m quite sure you’ll find a way. You’re already well on your way.”
They embraced each other once more. Vincent could feel the heat of Suzanne’s magnificent body on his skin. Her breasts pressed tightly to him, her eager mouth finding his. They fell onto the bed, their hands stroking, caressing and exploring each other’s bodies. Vincent nibbled and kissed Suzanne’s neck, letting his kisses trail down to her chest. He slowly suckled first one breast and then the other. He could feel his erect cock rubbing her inner thigh as her soft hands caressed his back with a velvet touch. Suzanne’s breathing was rapid and ragged. “Oh! Vincent! I want you. I want you in me. I want all of you.”
“And I you, my godess.” With that, Vincent rolled over and pulled his lover on top of him. Suzanne buried her face in his chest, nibbling and kissing as the heat of their bodies blended in a wave of passion and love. Vincent’s hands explored Suzanne’s exquisite body as she moved to a sitting position, straddling his torso with her gorgeous legs. He slowly fingered her nipples, teasing each one erect as he drew gasps of pleasure from deep within her. Suzanne bent forward, kissing him once again and letting her kisses leave hot trails of arousal across his body. Vincent rolled her onto her side and they continued to stroke and caress each other. Vincent was becoming more and more aroused. Quiet squeals and moans escaped her lovely mouth as Vincent’s fingers lit pools of fire on her inner thighs.
Slowly
his touch moved to her quivering pussy and he let his fingers explore her wet love canal. He could feel her fingers closing tightly around his engorged cock and she slowly stroked him. She writhed with pleasure as his fingers drove her wild with erotic sensation. Suzanne could feel his hands everywhere, driving her slowly insane with pleasure. She was so hot she could barely continue stroking. She no longer in control of herself. She heard herself gasping and growling as waves of pleasure swept over her.
Slowly Vincent shifted position, licking and kissing her body. She could feel him move closer to her moist, quivering center.
He nibbled and licked her inner thighs. Suzanne moved closer, capturing his pulsing member in her mouth, her tongue eagerly exploring. Her lips drew his arousal higher and higher. She felt his lips and tongue find their intended target, as her steamy snatch quivered uncontrollably. His tongue was magical as he probed her mercilessly. Suzanne responded with more of the same for him. Her thighs wrapped tightly around his head and she felt herself pulling him farther into her. She released his cock and screamed with ecstacy. Her hips were pumping frantically as she felt his hands on her ass cheeks. “Oh god! Oh, baby! I.... oh... baby, I love what you’re doing!”
Vincent continued relentlessly. There seemed no end to the erotic torture. Suzanne was wild with passion. Screams and squeals filled the air as she thrust her thighs back and forth, savoring every nuance of sensation. Hot flames of arousal licked at every part of her body. Her body glistening with sweat. She thrashed and writhed on the bed as she found herself nearing orgasm. The release of pent-up emotion erupted in a burst of primal liquid. “Oh! Jesus, baby! Oh my god! I can’t stop coming! Oh! Oh! Oh! God!”
Suzanne felt herself being rolled over and she was on top of her lover. Vincent smiled up at her. She was like a goddess sitting on her throne. Suzanne frantically gripped his cock and guided it into her. Vincent thrust his hips upward, driving himself into her with a burst of strength and passion. Suzanne thrust her hips frantically as she rode her lover with wild abandon. His hands found her luscious breasts and he gripped them tightly, the flames of passion burning through his veins. Suzanne’s gasps and shreaks of pleasure blended with his guttural moans of animal pleasure. She screamed as the pleasurable sensations continued to drive her insane with desire. She heard Vincent’s primal scream and felt the release of hot liquid deep inside her. Suddenly she erupted once more in a volcanic orgasm that swept over her like molten lava.
Vincent collapsed on top of his lover, her body dripping with sweat as she lay panting and exhausted. “Baby, you are incredible. If it were any better it would surely kill me!”
Vincent took her face in his hands. She gave him a contented smile. “Suzanne you truly are a goddess. My only wish is to bring you all the pleasure you deserve.It is only right. It is what you’ve given to me.”
She spoke quietly, as she drifted slowly off to blissful sleep. “I’ll find you in my dreams.”
“You will my sweet. We will dreamwalk together.”
