A Night to Remember with Mr Stranger

Clara

I want to hook up tonight.

Bella distributed a round of tequila shots while Nita giggled.

I threw back the shot, twisted my mouth shut, and pushed out my tongue in an effort to hold back a cough. I groaned as I uttered, "It's so bad," my throat stinging from the alcohol.

Nita pushed a lime slice into my mouth and said, "Here."

I had pretty much established that I wasn't any better at downing tequila shots today than I had been in college after our second (or was it third?) round of them. I was resolved to recover some of my youth with my two best friends before I officially turned thirty at midnight, even though I knew that I was probably too old to do tequila shots.

Bella handed me a Corona this time, wishing me a "happy birthday, Clara."

We clinked bottles, and Nita grinned, "Cheers to being thirty."

I took a hefty swig and said, "Thirty and homeless."

Shaking her head, Nita. "You're not a stranger. You simply do not possess a place to dwell.

Because of Bella's unwavering positivity, Bella and I laughed.

A few weeks ago, my flatmate sat me down and informed me that I was being evicted since she had recently gotten engaged. I started to feel sick as I remembered our talk. Evidently, she and her new fiancé didn't want me to constantly be the third wheel. Even though it was understandable, I was still disappointed to have to leave my rent-controlled apartment, which was close to my favorite coffee shop and frozen yogurt business. You are aware of the saying. Location. Location. Location.

"How's the hunt going?" Do you want a lime wedge in your beer?" Bella inquired.

I took a sip and continued, "I put a deposit down on a flat this week." I only need to make sure the landlord isn't a psychopath by going to look at it tomorrow.

I'd located the flat via an online advertisement. It was promising; it was roomy, well-lit, and had a cute nook where I might set up an office. Since I worked from home and had a successful weekly gossip column, having a relaxing spot to write was a crucial component of my living area.

Nita threw her arm across my shoulders and said, "Enough adult stuff." We are here to rejoice.

After one more beer, I'll be legally drunk, Bella said as she scanned the establishment. Which means that we need to locate you a guy right away before the beer haze sets in.

In college, Nita, Bella, and I shared a room. When we were twenty-four, Nita, a serial monogamist, married, and the previous year, Bella married her longtime partner. They have attempted to hook me up with essentially every available male within a fifty-mile radius ever since they said, "I do."

As long as the guy wasn't anticipating a serious altercation, I didn't mind the setups. I preferred the way things were, and I lived by the adage, "Don't mess with a good thing." In addition, I wasn't exactly eager to be married after witnessing my sister go through a very acrimonious divorce with the man who was meant to be the love of her life.

I scantily scanned the bar. There were many guys around, but none of them excited me. I had to track down someone who shared my objectives. Fun, informal sex Without conditions.

I was about to give up when I spotted him.

My heart made a small leap of excitement as my breath stuck in my throat. He was drinking a beer while casually leaning on the bar. He appeared to be in his late 30s, and believe me when I say he was the complete thing. Stunning grin, short, dark hair, and height He appeared to have just left the office because of the flawless tailoring of his suit. I had a sneaking suspicion he'd look even better without the suit because I was a huge sucker for a man in a great suit based on the way it fit.

When he chuckled, his flawless jawline and cheekbones-which belonged on a GQ cover model-came into view. I swallowed, feeling a chill run up and down my spine as I visualized him encircling me with those strong biceps.

The sexiest man I'd ever seen looked like he belonged on the front of a magazine more than he belonged sipping a Heineken in a pub named Becky's. I bit my lip, unable to control the thought that I would climb up on top of him and ride his bike for my birthday. "Hello, Clara."

Bella waved her hand in my direction. I had been so enamored with Mister Perfect that I had forgotten about my friends.

I chuckled and pushed my head in his direction, saying, "Sorry." "I believe I have found my Mr. tonight. But don't continue to stare at it.

Nita and Bella were craning their heads to catch a glimpse of him before I could finish that phrase. I smacked my palm against my forehead in my brain, hoping he wouldn't see they were staring directly at him.

Turning around, Bella muttered, "Oh, he's hot." And he just has this thing about him."

She was accurate. He exuded an aura and a raw sexual allure that virtually flowed between us.

Nita continued, "If that object is a big bulge in his trousers, then definitely.

I saw Bella nod. He is pretty tall, I guess. Things might be proportional, in my opinion.

Nita smiled. "I think he just smiled at us."

I quickly sneaked a glimpse. He was undoubtedly glancing our way. Shit. Is he too good for me?"

Bella said, "You're gorgeous," with sincerity. He would be fortunate to date you.

I gave him a head shake. Never date. just birthday sex. Not a Mister Forever, but a Mister Tonight is what I'm looking for.

But really, take a look at him. Fuck. The abuse I would inflict upon him if I weren't married Nita bit her lower lip.

"Exactly. He's around a 12 out of 10. And I'm... I looked down at the black cocktail dress I was wearing, which barely covered my contours.

I was delightfully plump, not overweight. Curvy. ample, robust, if you will. However, it was obvious that I enjoyed french fries. Furthermore, I like dipping those fries in ranch dressing.

When Bella placed her hand on the small of my back, she prodded me out of my thought process. "You totally babe," I said.

Nita took my empty beer and gave me a gentle shove, saying, "Just go over there and say hi."

Normally, I'd be too nervous to approach a man that stunningly attractive, but the previous tequila shot we'd shared had evidently rendered my speech filter and common sense useless. I'd be damned if I didn't at least get a steamy make-out session because it was my birthday. Not for nothing had I shaved my legs and crammed my buttocks into a too-tight frock.

I gave myself a little confidence talk and was about to approach him when I noticed he had left. Fuck. Had I lost my opportunity?

My stomach dropped.

From behind me, a deep voice said, "Excuse me.

I turned and had a flush. He was standing there, all six feet and more of him, grinning. At me.

He extended a hand and introduced himself as Carlos. "I figured I should just introduce myself instead of trying to make eye contact through a crowd of people," the speaker said.

He was attractive, humorous, and straightforward. In full swoon, I was.

I put my hand inside of his. "Clara here.

I'm not one to be timid, so I stared directly into his warm, brown eyes, the contact of his hand sending a jolt of electricity through my body. He had large, powerful hands with a tight grip. When I realized he was talking to me, I was still having trouble getting rid of the thought of what those large hands were capable of.

I'd want to fetch you a drink."

I replied with a seductive smile, almost denying that everything was going so well. To get this guy, I must have had some seriously good karma.

He took in my curves as well as my little black dress, which left very little to the imagination, before turning to give the order. Do they have the air conditioning off? My chest began to feel warm, and between my knees, heat began to stream from my cheeks.

What beverage do you have?" Did he ask? Everything he said sounded impure, thanks to his pouty lips and Hollywood smile.

I answered, attempting to maintain my composure, "Whatever's fine." But no tequila, please.

"Earlier, I saw you take a shot. He grinned, and I put my palm on my hip in faux offense. "I don't think I've ever seen someone make a face like that before," I said.

"Do you always treat the women you meet in bars so kindly?"

He smiled and waved to the barman, saying, "I guess that's the reason why I'm still single."

I laughed and tried to figure out how this guy could be single.

He returned after a minute with two martinis. What is the occasion, then? In a toast, he raised his glass.

I clinked my glass against his and proclaimed, "It's my thirty-first birthday," before taking a sip.

Happy birthday, dear. What's it like to be thirty now?"

I smiled, eyeing him up and down. "I'll let you know at midnight." However, I believe it will feel absolutely incredible.

God, Clara. I shouldn't drink tequila because of this. I completely lost all restraint.

Carlos didn't appear to mind, despite my fear that I could come across as being overly assertive. He was giving me a sultry, intense look as he spoke, periodically lowering his gaze to my lips.

Just what had he asked me? Yes, he had inquired as to whether I had any intriguing pastimes.

I took a breath and grinned. Yes, I really do enjoy cooking.

How coincidental. I enjoy eating.

I shook my head jokingly. You are aware that your pick-up lines are terrible, right?"

He smiled at me with an awesome, mega-white grin that conveyed that he found me amusing and wasn't in the least bit upset by the fact that I was making fun of him.

Actually, I'm relieved that we ran into one another tonight. Your game really needs a lot of development, I said.

You're offering to assist?" The edges of his eyelids wrinkled.

I studied him while biting my lip. "Depends. Why should I care?"

The satisfaction of knowing I won't be out there harassing a vulnerable girl with terrible pickup lines?"

I sighed. I said, "Fair enough."

He drank again while keeping an eye on me from the glass's rim. "How do we start?"

As I tapped my finger against the glass' edge, I gave him a chilly evaluation. "You're going to need to put in a lot of work."

His laughing mouth twitched. "Clearly."

I put my drink down on the bar and turned to face him. It resembled getting hit in the face with a GQ magazine.

I took a sip. "Let's get started." I fixed my prankish gaze on his. What's truly going through your head right now?"

Carlos took a while to respond. His eyes sank once more before softly settling on my eyes after passing over my cleavage and lips. "I'm curious as to how a woman like you could be single at thirty. And I'd like to know if your cozy matches how sweet you appear.

My cheeks warmed up. Good, then. Perhaps he actually had some game.

Is that it?" I questioned myself, struggling to breathe.

"Tell me what noises you make in bed, please. And other really unsuitable topics that you shouldn't discuss with someone when you first meet them.

I could only manage, "I see."

Our knees touched the bar as Carlos leaned a little closer. Does that indicate where my focus is currently and which tasks I'll require the most assistance with?"

The magnetism buzzing between us is so strong that you could almost cut it with a knife. My insides felt like they were melting since it was just too warm in here. positively, not in the I'm going to throw my cookies way.

I took another sip of my drink and handed it back to the bar, saying, "Very much so." Time to switch to a safer subject. I said, gesturing at his suit as I tried to focus on the talk and not think about Carlos's package. "So, the martinis, the suit." Are you some sort of successful businessman?"

He made another low, sensual giggle and rubbed the back of his neck, saying, "Not exactly." "I work for the city as a civil engineer. You know, construction work and transportation. Really interesting stuff," he added in jest.

I grinned, glad he wasn't an executive from a company. I had slept with them more times than I could count. About as fascinating as a baked potato-dry and boring. No, I believe it's fantastic.

"Most women tune me out the moment I mention public transportation."

I grinned and continued, "Well, I'm not most women," looking back into his eyes.

He kept my stare for a time, then sipped his martini again and said, "I can see that."

Normally, I would be so relaxed and confident, but this dude was sexy on an entirely different level.

He leaned in closer and said, "I have to admit, I only ordered the martinis to wow you. I typically drink beer.

I made an effort to stop myself from gasping. Was he attempting to win me over? I didn't anticipate that.

What do you do then?" He asked, breaking up my train of thought.

"I publish a gossip blog."

Usually, when I say that, males become defensive because they assume it is a side job or a pastime. Carlos, though, nodded attentively as he absorbed every word I said. Additionally, there was a low fire crackling between us that was just begging to be ignited.

"That's significantly more fascinating than my job. How did you end up there?"

I sighed. I have always enjoyed writing. Although I had no intention of writing about famous people, a buddy of mine had a connection, and I seemed to be a natural at it, so I kept at it.

"That sounds like fun."

I placed my empty glass on the bar and said, "You'd be surprised."" I spend a lot of time researching stories while alone in my apartment wearing sweats. Don't get me wrong, though; I adore my work.

We had an easy time chatting, and after another hour of flirting and joking, I realized that it had been a while since I had so much fun. It was great to speak with a man who was so laid-back and who truly seemed interested in what I had to say rather than what I could do for him. His eyes were a fascinating hue somewhere between coffee and cognac. I didn't really need this close of a connection because all I wanted was a nice time, not a lifelong partner. Even so, it was pleasant.

He drank his last sip of martini. "Should we receive a second round?"

Before I could respond, I was jolted from behind, and in order to regain my balance, I put my hand on Carlos's chest. He was tough and strong below his shirt, showing that he didn't skimp on his workouts.

I bit back the urge to grab his shirt and nudge him in my direction. Instead, I took a step back and collected myself. Normally, I wouldn't be fooled by a person this easily, but there was something about him that made my pulse race like a teenager. I was done with drinking. I wished for Carlos. In addition, I was concerned that having one more drink with him would cause me to become shamefully intoxicated.

"Perhaps we could just leave this place? I sneakily remarked.

For a brief while, he appeared surprised, but he immediately recovered. "We could do that, too."

I told Carlos I'd meet him outside while feeling anxious and eager, then I went to find Nita and Bella. They had undoubtedly been watching the entire event because they were crowded in a bar corner.

As I approached, Nita exclaimed eagerly, "He looked extremely into you.

I smiled and said, "We're going to his place." Since I was currently sort of homeless, I hoped that we were. And I was pretty sure it wasn't cool to hook up on your soon-to-be ex-roommate's couch.

Bella gave my butt a little slap and said, "You go, girl."

I quickly gathered them together in a bear hug. I adore you guys.

Nita motioned for me to go outside and added, "Tell us everything tomorrow."

Carlos had a cab waiting for him outside. I thought I had never met somebody this attractive who also had manners until he opened the door for me, and I climbed inside.

As we sat in the back of the cab, anxiety was rising due to the unstated agenda that was taking place directly in front of us. I was all too aware of how near we were. I moved to sit next to him, pressing my body against his without being able to stop myself. I took a short breath when his solid chest leaned against my shoulder and wrapped an arm around me. Instantaneously, my body reacted, with my lady parts operating at full capacity.

Despite being such a gentle touch, the way he trailed his fingers down my arm and along my shoulder hinted at much more to come. My fingers caressed his oh-so-very-muscular thigh while I looked away from the rest of him. He was obviously well endowed, if the bulge in his trousers was any clue.

I swallowed because I felt dizzy from how badly I needed him. I had earlier drunk some liquid courage, and it was working perfectly. I couldn't help but wonder what he could do in the bedroom if he could make me feel this way when I was fully clothed in a cab.

Even though the trip was brief, by the time we arrived at Carlos's two-story colonial, I didn't feel like waiting any longer.

At his front door, he halted as he took out his keys. "I probably ought to caution you. I'm obligated to pay the nanny.

"The nursery?" I wasn't understanding since my mind was a little foggy from all the tequila shots. Was this some strange fetish for sex?

He said nervously, "I have a daughter. Is that all right?"

I'm not usually a big fan of kids. However, I was inebriated and had been daydreaming about Carlos being naked for the previous two hours, so I wasn't going to stress over any children he might have.

"Sure, that. I instantly responded, "That's okay with me," and he exhaled in relief.

As he paid the sitter, I had a look around inside as we entered. There were photos of him with a little girl with dark hair. I momentarily pondered her mother. But I wasn't here to learn about his life; I was there to take advantage of a custom known as birthday sex.

I tried my best to appear like I belonged here and that Carlos and I weren't going to have a super-classy, inebriated one-night stand when the babysitter peered at me while I was looking at the pictures. She ultimately left after a brief conversation in silence with Carlos.

His well-toned chest and biceps strained against the material of his shirt as he removed his suit jacket. I moved in his direction, eager to begin my birthday in style.

If this was how I rang in my thirty-first birthday, the year was going to start out very well.