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Josh and I walked down the boulevard weaving in and out of pedestrians who walked towards us. It irked me how Californians could do that, they walked blindly forward not bothering to watch where they went or who they might bump into. Josh scanned the block ahead which was dotted with colorful umbrellas hovering over tables of lunchers.
“What does he look like?” He asked. I smiled as I spied Dan sitting alone at a table, sunglasses on, bald head gleaming in the sunlight.
“You’ll see when we get there.” I said. His hand tightened around mine. I could tell he was nervous and it was adorable! I led him to the table where Dan waited. As I approached he unfolded himself from his seat and lifted his 6’2” self up to greet me. He slid his arms around me and kissed my forehead.
“Hello darling.” He said. As his hands squeezed me I could feel him trembling. Dan was a big guy and physically fit, there wasn’t much in this world that would make him tremble – except Josh. I squeezed him reassuringly then turned to Josh.
“Dan, I’d like you to meet Josh.” I said. Josh stuck his hand out to Dan for a handshake but Dan ignored it, threw his arms around Josh and engulfed him in a hug. Josh’s arms stuck out behind Dan, he didn’t know what to do with them, afraid to hug back. I snickered to myself. Moments later Dan released him and Josh smoothed down his shirt.
“I’m so happy to meet you Josh.” Dan said and pulled a chair out for Josh. Josh sat.
“It’s quite a pleasure to meet you.” Josh said. I sat down next to Josh and Dan sat across from us. Dan smiled at me and I winked at him. “Lori has told me a lot about you. Including the fact that you are my biggest fan.” Dan nodded.
“Yes. I think I know everything there is to know about you.” Josh raised his eyebrows.
“Everything?” He teased.
“Well I will after Lori and I talk in private.” Dan said and winked at me. I blushed. Josh cleared his throat uncomfortably.
“Isn’t that scary.” He said quietly. I elbowed him. The waiter showed up out of nowhere and we ordered drinks.
“All kidding aside Josh, I think you are very talented.” Josh smiled.
“Well thank you, Dan. I appreciate that.”
“And Dan would know talent, Josh, he’s the stage manager at The Orpheum.” The Orpheum Theatre was a very old theatre in downtown LA, once used for vaudeville, now hosting local musicals and plays. The waiter set down our drinks and Josh sipped his coffee.
“I’ve been there before. That’s fantastic.” Dan nodded.
“You would sooo rock on that stage, Josh. What I wouldn’t give to see you do something there!”
“Don’t think I wouldn’t like to.” Josh said. “Touring takes a lot out of me.”
“Oh this might too.” Dan said taking a sip of wine and setting down his glass gingerly. “You think it would be easy staying in one place but you’re performing night after night, with hardly a break in between.” Josh nodded.
“You could be right.” He agreed. Dan turned to me.
“And most of the drama isn’t even on the stage!” He said. “You should hear what Luis’ latest fling did …” While Josh, disinterested in the goings on in the homosexual world at the Orpheum, read over the menu several times Dan brought me up to speed on what his friend Luis’ latest boyfriend had done to piss off Luis lately. “So now, at every practice Raul sits in the last row of the theatre and Luis ignores him on purpose.” I laughed at the poetic justice.
“Well, it’s his own fault.” I sighed. The waiter appeared and took our order then left as quickly as he’d arrived.
“So Josh, aren’t you in the middle of a tour right now.” Dan said to Josh. Josh snapped his head back to look at Dan. He had been staring off down the block.
“I am actually. But I have a few weeks off.” Dan nodded.
“I heard how you two met. Isn’t that funny?” I smiled.
“It wasn’t at the time. I was afraid I’d hurt her!” Josh took my hand in his and kissed the top of it.
“Oh honey, I think if she fell on you then you would be hurt more then she would. She’s become a female wrestler. You should have seen her before!” I squinted my eyes to slits and gave Dan a dirty look. He took the hint and cleared his throat. “Oh I guess I shouldn’t talk about that.” He said and then stuck his tongue out at me. Josh’s hand tightened around mine. I smiled at him.
“She is in wonderful shape.” Josh agreed and eyed me.
“Oh no! None of that in front of moi!” Dan teased. Our lunch came and we busied ourselves eating then when the bill came Dan snatched it off the table.
“I’m paying the bill Dan.” Josh said. Dan held it back, away from Josh.
“Oh God no!” Dan said, surprised. “I am honored to treat Josh Groban to lunch.” He pulled a credit card out of his wallet and handed it to the waiter. When the bill had been paid, we all stood up.
“What are you doing this afternoon?” I asked Dan. He unfolded his sunglasses and slid them onto his handsome, goateed face. He looked every bit a star.
“I am going to meet Chantel and we are going shopping.” Dan said. “I was going to ask you if you’d like to come with but you have other distractions.” He smiled. Josh slid his arm around my waist.
“If you’d like to go with Dan you’re free to go.” He said quietly to me. I shook my head. I was very thankful for Josh at that moment, though I had nothing against Chantel personally I couldn’t stand the way she acted around Dan.
“Well then, you two have a fabulous day.” Dan kissed the tip of his finger then rubbed it on my nose and with that he was off, long legs taking large strides down the block.
Josh and I watched him go for a moment then we turned and headed in the other direction.
“Okay, he looks like a rugged kind of guy but the moment he opens his mouth …” Josh said. I chuckled.
“I know it!” I said.
“What should we do now?” He asked as we made our way through the lines of people who trudged into stores and back out, packages in hand.
“Lets walk.” I said. Josh slid his hand into mine and we strolled the walkway until we found a park and, grateful for the lack of a crowd, stole off onto the path. We meandered slowly, taking in the budding trees and flowers. Finally Josh spoke.
“Tell me about your family.” He said. I shrugged.
“Not much to tell. My father’s gone, he passed quite a few years ago. And you know my mother’s gone too.” I said.
“That’s right, I’m sorry. How about brothers or sisters?” I shook my head.
“Only child.”
“Wow.” He said. I nodded.
“I know. So I make the best of it. It’s why I love radio. I can talk and talk and it’s like having a family. I’m usually not very lonely.” He stopped and turned to me. He lightly ran his fingertips through the hair that framed my face. I stared into his deep, brown eyes and found comfort.
“You won’t be lonely anymore if I have anything to say about it.” He said then bent down and kissed my lips softly. I had the urge to slide my arms around him and since I didn’t take the opportunity it passed and Josh began to walk again pulling me with him. We walked for a while and then we ended up back at his car where we then we back to my house. Josh walked me to the door. I leaned against it.
“So what are the plans for later?” He asked and leaned against the door jamb, his body dangerously close to mine. I could feel his heat wafting over me as he stood there, looking down at me, one hand on his hip, waiting for an answer. I shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other.
“I have some things to do.” I said softly. “I have to have my run for the day and then if there isn’t anything too pressing I’d like to write a little.” He nodded and moved in closer. I felt my cheeks flush pink with anticipation.
“And then?” He whispered as he used his index finger to tilt my chin upwards, his mouth meeting mine. I slid my arms around his waist as we kissed. He moved in closer, his forearms resting beside my head, his pelvis pinning me between him and the door. I could feel him harden as we kissed, our mouths open to each other, his tongue flicking lightly against mine. I moaned softly and clutched at the sweater he still wore from the night before. Passion engulfed me and I slid my hands up the back of his shirt and touched his blazing skin. He rocked his hips against me, spurring me on. He nibbled his way from my lips to my chin and then my neck.
“God, I want you.” I moaned. His arms wrapped around me and pulled me against him tightly.
“You can have me.” He said and sunk his teeth into my shoulder. I reached behind me and fumbled for the latch on the door. I finally found it and the door swung open. Josh picked me up and carried me inside pausing a moment to kick the door closed with his foot then set me down on the couch. Within moments I had my clothes off and began clawing at his. With his arms around me he pulled me down to the floor where we sat on our knees, bodies pressed together, arms wrapped around each other, mouths tangled, sucking, licking. The only sound in the room was of our heated struggle to be one. Josh, not letting go of me, eased me down onto the floor and began kissing down my neck. He trailed down my chest, between my breasts leaving little wet kiss marks. He ran his tongue down my belly, his hands following, running along my sides until he got to my hips then he slid then down under my ass. He ran his hands over my cheeks and while he sucked at my belly he slid his well trained hands between my legs and parted my thighs. My heart sped up a beat when his fingers wiggled their way towards my wet spot. He kissed downward and sucked in a breath at the slickness of me.
“Oh baby …” He sighed and slid a finger inside me. I gasped at the length of it.
“Oh baby is right …” I moaned as he slid his finger in then out of me, working it. I groaned. “Oh God …” He withdrew with finger and suddenly his mouth was on me. He pulled me apart and dipped his tongue into me.
“MmmMmm …” he said and then ran his tongue up the length of me. I moaned again. He teased me some, licking me lightly, flicking his tongue against me, dipping it inside now and then until I began to whimper in frustration. He decided then to indulge me by lapping at me furiously, drinking me in until I pulled at his curls as my orgasm began to ripple through my belly and spread downward through my thighs in waves of pleasure. I cried out as my body convulsed. Josh nibbled at me until I relaxed back on the floor then he pulled me up onto my knees again. He took my head into his hands and devoured my mouth with his. I pushed him backwards.
“Your turn.” I said as he lay back on the floor. I took his hardness into my hand and held it tightly. Dipping my fingers between my legs, I got them good and slick before sliding them over him, making him wet and slippery. Josh moaned as I stroked him a few times before bringing my mouth down to him and sucked the head of him into it. He gasped as my mouth engulfed him. Not bothering with the tease I sucked at him, my head bobbing, my hand stroking with the movement of my mouth. He clutched at the carpet under him.
“Lori …” He gasped. “Oh God …” He panted. His abdominal muscles tightened and he began to breathe in short spurts. “Do you want it? ‘Cause I’m close …” I moved quickly from his waist and hopped on top of him sliding him inside me all the way, so far it almost hurt. Goose bumps swept over me as he looked at me desperately, his face flushed, his chest heaving. I leaned forward onto his chest and began to rock my hips. He sighed in pleasure and slipped his hands around my waist, guiding me, urging me on faster. I rode him hard, my body lifting up and plunging downwards until I watched as his orgasm washed over him and he came, exploding inside me. I sat down firmly and felt him pulsating. He sighed heavily when he was gratified. I leaned down on his chest and he slid his fingers in my hair. Rolling over onto his side he pulled me with him. “Wow.” He whispered. “You sure you need to run? I think you’ve gotten plenty of exercise today.” I laughed softly and snuggled into his chest, his arms holding me tightly.
We lay there silently and it was some time before I noticed his breathing had become regular and he was snoring slightly. I wiggled my way out of his arms and went in search of a blanket. I found one in the guest bedroom. I snatched it and pillow out of the closet and brought it downstairs. I stuffed the pillow under his head and spread the blanket out around his body, tucking it in here and there. I was about to get up from the floor when I felt Josh’s hand tighten around my wrist.
“Where are you going?” He mumbled.
“I was going to get dressed.” He pulled at me.
“No, no dressing. Come cuddle with me.” I sighed and settled myself under the blanket sliding myself backwards against his warm, nude body. He curled himself into me and sighed satisfactorily. I lay there quietly until I heard him snoring lightly into the back of my neck. His chest rose and fell against me rhythmically and I knew he was asleep again. I gave him five more minutes before I tried to sneak away again. This time I was successful. I slipped up to my room where I changed into my running clothes, jotted a quick note to Josh on a piece of paper then, after leaving the note next to his peaceful form on the floor, I snuck out the back door. I put on my headphones and went for a run.
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I wasn’t sure if I should run for the whole hour or get back to make sure Josh hadn’t woken and decided to leave since I was gone. And I wasn’t even sure that if I had come back to the house and he was gone that I would be upset about it. The last week had been a whirlwind of activity and emotions for me. I had met a man who’s voice had entranced my soul without ever having set eye on him and then he worked his way into my heart and my body with his famous charm. It suddenly dawned on me that I practically knew nothing about this man with whom I’d shared my body and my bed. I felt my heart skip a beat and sped up my running to quell it. It had been a long time since I had dated or allowed a man into my personal life, ever since Jim left, and I wasn’t all too comfortable with the thought of letting myself go right at the moment. I pumped my arms and turned the corner. I was heading up the hill for home. My body was slick with sweat and the muscles bulged in my legs as I challenged myself to run faster while on a 50% incline. I was finally where I was in my life, my career was successful, my physique was next to perfect, and I seemed to actually like myself. I thought about the lump that slept peacefully on my living room floor, his head on a pillow that I’d stuffed under his head, his curls gently resting there, silhouetting his handsome face and I felt my belly doing flops and realized that there was something about that man that caused my body to react in a heated way. Well, I sighed as I spied the drive that led to my home, I might as well find out what it was and if things didn’t work out then what the hell, it wasn’t like I’d never suffered a heartache before …
I tiptoed quietly back into the house through the back door after seeing that Josh’s car had not moved from the drive. I crept into the living room to find that, like his car, his body had not moved either. Seeing that he was still and sleeping peacefully I went upstairs and took a shower. I slipped into a pair of running shorts and a tank top and made my way back downstairs. I lay on the floor, lifted the covers and pressed my backside up against Josh, pulling his arm over me, the way we had been laying before I went for a run.
“Where have you been?” Josh muttered lazily and pulled me tight to him. He sputtered when my wet hair pressed against his face and stuck to his lips. “Okay, the shower obviously.” He sighed.
“I ran while you slept.” He slipped his arm out from under the blanket, closed one eye and glanced at his watch.
“How long were you gone?” He asked, closed the eye and tucked his arm back under the covers and around my waist. He slid his hand up my belly and under my breasts.
“An hour.” I said and sighed as he moved his hand up under the curve of my bare breast and massaged it lightly.
“I missed you.” He said softly. I smiled.
“Did not.” I argued. He traced the outline of my nipple with the tip of his finger making it stand out at attention.
“Did too.” He said.
“Whatever.” I said finally, not wanting to argue over the fact of whether or not he missed me while I was gone.
“I woke up a few times and you weren’t here. So yes, I missed you.” I raised my eyebrows.
“And you didn’t leave?” I asked. He tightened his grip around me.
“No. I was waiting for you to come back.” I smiled. It was unusual to have a man waiting for me, it was typically the other way around.
“How can you sleep so long in the middle of the day?” I asked. I was still full of energy from my run and wanted to get up and do things. I began to pull away and he tightened his grasp on me.
“You woke me up early, remember?” I giggled.
“It wasn’t early, Joshua … it was late! And as you lay here motionless it’s getting later and later!” I squirmed against him. He chuckled.
“You want to wrestle? If you do, I’m game.” He slid his hands around my wrists and held them tightly. I yanked my hands out of his, pushed him over onto his back and held his wrists down tightly over his head on the floor. He smiled lecherously. “Oh baby …” He teased.
“You are so easy. You know that?” I laughed. He laughed too.
“Yeah, I know that.” He said. I released his hands and he pulled me down on top of him. He ran his finger down the length of my nose and then over my lips and to my chin. “And just so you know, when I say easy I mean with you. I haven’t been on a date in about six months.” His soft, brown eyes looking deeply into my blue ones. I smiled. Finally he said something personal about himself!
“Thank you.” I said. “I appreciate that. Nice to know you aren’t a ladies’ man.”
“Well I am.” He said and nudged me to move off of him so he could get up. “But I just don’t take any offers.” He got up and folded the blanket. He set it down on the couch and placed the pillow on top of it then stood with his hands on his hips. “I think I should head back over to my place. I need a shower and a change of clothes. I pinched my nose closed.
“God yes!” I teased. He came over to me and pulled me into his arms when he bent down and kissed me.
“So are we going to meet up later so I can take you to dinner?” I smiled up at him.
“Is that what you’d like to do?” I asked. He nodded.
“Yeah, it’s what I’d like to do.” He said. He pulled me towards the front door.
“Then yes.” He opened the door and fished his keys out of his jeans pocket.
“I will call you in a little bit and you can come over by me and see my place. Then we’ll have dinner. He pulled me in for another kiss, his lips lingering, my body starting to respond to him immediately beginning with a tightening of my nipples under my shirt. I pulled back. If I hadn’t he wouldn’t leave again, I would see to that! “Bye.” He whispered and then he was off, down the path that led to the driveway. I leaned against the door jamb, hiding my nipples and my obvious arousal and watched him go. He waved one last time before he sped off down the hill. I sighed, closed the door, and locked it before heading up to my writing space.
