The Unforgettable Pleasure

"ROXY"

Downing another drink, I slid the shot glass back towards Ritchie, the barman. "Fill me up again Ritch."

"What's the magic word?" He teased with his usual cocky grin as he reached for the tequila bottle.

I pretended to think for a moment before giving him a sweet and innocent smile and replied,

"Alcohol."

He laughed and poured two shots. Moving nearer to me, he handed one over then clinked the second glass against mine before we tossed back the contents together. I knew Ritchie well by now. This club being my regular haunt, I often ran into him here both when he was on and off the clock.

We got on really well when I first met him, so well that we ended up spending the rest of the night chatting and drinking. Not that it ended there. After many drinks, we'd ended up going back to his place and hooking up.

He gave me a little wink before making his way over to some new arrivals at the bar. I don't usually keep in contact with my one night stands but with Ritchie, there wasn't much of a choice as I run into him so much. Luckily he isn't the type to make things awkward and that night was soon left in the past, these days us being just good friends. Something I'm happy about. He's a laugh and good company, after all.

I watched him serve some new customers for a moment before a familiar tune started up and an instant rush flowed through me. As I found myself standing and making my way across the room, my body instantly alive and moving to one of my favourite tracks.

The beat of the music coursed through me, the lights of the club illuminating the crowded dance floor. I'd barely been dancing for a few minutes before I felt a hard body press against my back. Hands gripped my waist, holding me closer. Before I could react, a voice I recognised called out to me over the music.

"Fancy seeing you here."

I laughed as I realised who it was and continued to dance, sure to sway my hips in just the right way so as to brush against him. I heard him groan before he bowed his head, speaking into my ear.

"If you keep doing that , you know what will happen."

A warm heat flushed through my chest at his words. I knew exactly what would happen, from a recent experience. I placed my hands over his, sliding them lower down my body until they rested on my hips.

"Maybe I want it to happen." I replied.

Before I could say or do anything else, he spun me around to face him. My long dark hair fanning out around me, his mischievous grin and the twinkle in his bright blue eyes instantly brought back memories of a few nights earlier. How he had touched me, kissed me, pleased me. He was definitely one of my better hook ups. One I definitely wouldn't mind another round with.

"Well I know I wouldn't mind a repeat of the other night." Dylan said.

"Is that so?"

I leant closer. My body pressed against him, as his hands made their way lower until they settled on my ass. My own travelling up his arms, resting on his broad shoulders. I felt the rumble in his chest as he let out a small moan. Tilting my head up, I let my gaze meet his before flicking down to his mouth. I remembered the feel of his lips against mine, the alcohol buzzed through me and I instantly wanted to feel them again.

I couldn't wait another second as I pressed my lips to his in a heated kiss. My hands finding their way into his short sandy hair, tangling it around my fingers. His kiss was firm and hungry, I felt his tongue brush my lips and parted them instantly allowing his access. I felt the heat coursing through me, pooling in my core as the kiss deepened. After what felt like an eternity, he pulled back to utter a single question.

"Your place or mine?"

"Mine's nearer," I replied, still breathless from the kiss and still desperately needing more. He smirked, grabbing my hand and practically dragging me through the busy dance floor towards the exit.

The cool night air was refreshing after the hot and stuffy club. I took a deep breath, savouring the sweet nectar of the oxygen passing through my body. Dylan's hand moved me forward once again. Reaching the curb he pulled open the door of one of the parked taxis, holding it open for me to climb in first. Laughing slightly, I climbed in shuffling to the far end and giving the driver my address while Dylan got in behind me.

The moment the door closed behind him he leant over pulling me into another kiss. His hands roaming over my body, reaching under the hem of my short gold dress, brushing against my thigh. We only parted when we arrived at my place and shuffled out of the taxi to make our way to my door.

Just as I turned my key in the lock there was a flash illuminating the sky above, followed by a loud rumble that was so deep it was as though coming from the centre of the earth itself. The skies opened, rain pouring down around us as the storm kicked in. I smiled to myself as a few drops of rain hit my skin before we crossed the threshold and entered my hallway.

I've always loved thunderstorms. The electricity in the air and the rumbles above soothe me. Each sound and each flash feels like my emotions are being unlocked and played through the sky, releasing me from them and making me feel alive and free. I embraced the freedom as a renewed energy began surging through my body.

I captured Dylan's mouth, not holding back as I met his tongue with my own, moaning against his lips. Without hesitation he lifted me. My legs wrapped round his waist as he pushed me against the wall trapping me between the cold hard surface and his warm firm chest.

Locked together, desire and need rushing through us we pulled at one another's clothes. Adjusting his grip on me slightly, Dylan carried me towards the stairs and skilfully made his way up them, holding me securely. He reached my room and walked us inside. Strolling straight to the bed, he lowered me on to the mattress and kissed me softly.

A flash of lighting illuminated the room as he straightened up, his toned and muscular torso on full display. A loud rumble sounded once more. Dylan reached forward, a large smirk on his face as he trailed kisses up the inside of my ankle, travelling upwards along my leg and inner thigh. The sweet tingle of his lips on my sensitive flesh caused me to moan as my breathing sped up.

His fingertips swept over my skin. Climbing higher until they hooked into the waistband of my underwear and slipped them down. He broke away from me to pull them the rest of the way off before casting them aside.

He groaned his approval as his eyes took in the sight before him. He made quick work of removing his boxers and climbed on to the bed settling between my legs. Bending my knees, I secured my legs around his waist, once more feeling his hard length pressing against my hips.

His mouth trailed kisses along my neck, occasionally nipping and sucking at the skin. I tilted my hips up in need as my blood rushed to my core.

"I need you... now," I begged. Grinding myself against him, desperate for the friction that would grant me a release.

" Condom?" he muttered

"Drawer." The word came out as a pant, as I inclined my head towards the drawer to my left.

He smiled and reached over pulling out a foil packet. Tearing into it, he quickly withdrew the condom and rolled it on. His eyes were darkened with hunger as he repositioned himself lining up to my entrance, in a single and powerful thrust he filled me. Every inch buried deep within me, his hips flush against my own.

I cried out in pleasure as his hard thrusts worked away the burning need inside me and his grip on my hips tightened into a sweet pain. Our moans filled the room, as we moved together picking up the pace, climbing towards our release, crashing over the edge and spiralling back down together. Breathless and exhausted we collapsed in a heap on the bed. The storm still raging outside, and within moments we were asleep.

A loud and repetitive buzzing interrupted my sleep. I rolled over to silence the annoying sound, feeling the heat of another body against my side as I moved. My eyes still clenched shut, I swatted my hand in the general direction of the alarm. Finally making contact with a solid object I felt for the off button.

A couple of seconds more of fumbling passed before it was finally quiet. My mouth was dry and my brain was foggy. Nothing unusual there, both were consequences of the night before.

Consequences that I was more than used to by now. It took me a few moments before I realised that it was saturday, mentally scolding myself for not having cancelled the alar. I rolled back over attempting to get comfortable once more in preparation for more sleep. When a small sigh came from the sleeping form next to me, I looked into Dylan's face. I couldn't help but take a moment to appreciate the finely sculpted face that was inches from my own.

He was very handsome, had a gorgeously formed body and great bedroom skills to go with it. It made him quite the catch. To any other girl anyway. Me... Nope. I don't do relationships, truth be told, I never have done. They just aren't my thing. I prefer to be free, not tied down, live with no rules or boundries being laid out for me. I can have fun with whoever I want. I have sex. No strings, no commitments. I like my lifestyle, it's not for everyone but it works for me.

It's this kind of attitude and behaviour that has caused me to be the black sheep of my family. My parents have always seen me as the disappointment. They are both partners in a law firm. They expected their children to have similar ambitions and desires for power, wealth and success. Of course my older sister Melody did just that, fulfilling their wishes she attended law school and is on her way to becoming a partner at another firm. But me... I dropped out of school at sixteen and immediately began working at a restaurant as a waitress.

My parents have never forgiven me for that, even after all this time. For throwing everything down the drain, as they see it. They don't care or accept that it just isn't my path to follow. The only person I have on my side who understands me and what I want from life is my best friend, Evan. We've been close since meeting my first year in secondary school, just a few months older than me we soon got close. He's just like a male version of myself. In face that's probably why we are such great friends.

Over the last ten years whenever I see my parents I get the same lectures as when I was still a teenager. Now thirty and holding down a good job as a planner for an events organising company, I'm still seen by them as the teen dropout who can never do anything right. By this point though, I'm past caring about their opinions. They have one perfect daughter to be proud of, I'm fine with being who I am these days.

When you live with something for long enough you give up trying to change it. I just happen to have that attitude regarding my family now. Even the relationship I had with melody has long fallen apart. We aren't close anymore and haven't been for some time. It's not that I don't like my sister, just that we have nothing in common anymore. Not since we were little kids anyway.

She's basically a younger version of our mother, career orientated, narrow minded and too... 'perfect'. In fact, the only thing currently not perfect about her is her lack of a husband. Now aged thirty-two, my parents were hoping she'd be married and about to pop out a few grand kids. However, due to her dedication to the job, men have been on the back burner for quite some time. Her loss in my opinion. Girl doesn't know what she's missing.

Smiling to myself at the thoughts of last night, I snuggled up into the duvet and closed my eyes ready to drift off. Suddenly a knock on the door startled me. I groaned as I sat up and swung my legs out of the bed. Taking note of how this was the second morning interruption that Dylan had slept through. Bloody guy could probably sleep through a hurricane. Shaking my head I grabbed my silky robe from the chair near the bed and made my way downstairs to the front door. Swinging it open to reveal Evan smiling back at me carrying two cups of coffee and a tray of doughnuts.

"So I figured you'd need these." He grinned shoving his way into the hall

" Oh do come in, Ev."

"Thanks, I will." He replied wandering into the living room.

It was pretty common practice for Evan to behave like this, he practically treated my place like his second home. But I liked that. I've always been comfortable around him. I can be myself with him and we know everything about each other.

Holding one coffee cup out towards me, he opened the lid on the doughnut box to reveal a row of jam doughnuts and a row of chocolate glazed next to them. My mouth instantly watered at the sight of the sweet treats. I took a sip of coffee as I sat down on the arm of the sofa and selected a doughnut. Taking a bite of the sweet and sugary treat I instantly felt more awake and energised.

"Good night?" He asked, throwing himself down on the sofa next to me, fixing me with a knowing look and picking a doughnut for himself.

"Yeah, thanks. Where did you get to in the end?"

"Had a date." He winked at me lifting his coffee cup to his lips.

I laughed before asking, "What's her name?"

"Fuck knows. Laurie, Lanie... Something beginning with L."

"Where did you meet her?"

"At that work function you dragged me to last week." He shrugged grabbing for another doughnut. I nearly spat my mouthful of coffee out as suddenly it clicked.

"Wait do you mean Leslie? Redhead, fake boobs, fake hair, fake nails... Well just ninety-nine percent fake basically," I ask him.

He took a moment to think it over before nodding, "Yup, that's the one."

"Wow, our standards are slipping dude." I laughed as he rolled his eyes before joining in.

Once our laughing had subsided he cleared his throat and added, "One of the worst dates ever."

"Even worse than the girl with the doll collection?" I asked fighting to keep a straight face as the fond memory sprang into my head.

Evan coming to my house one night, freaked out after a date and telling me the story of the room filled with dolls of all kinds. Barbies, figurines, baby dolls and creepy ancient porcelain ones all lining the walls of her room. His horror struck face was hilarious that night. He had run out of there without even giving her an excuse. It was a date that had made it to the top of his bad dates list and was still yet to be outdone.

"Okay, no. Not that bad, thankfully. But still not an experience I care to repeat."

Sniggering slightly his reaction I continued to poke, wondering what was so bad an hour this date. "So come on, spill, what happened?"

Evan groaned, placing his coffee cup on the nearby table.

"Don't make me relive it please."

"But that's the best bit! Hearing all the new things I can tease you about for the next week." I smirked as he cocked his brow.

"Yeah, I think I'll skip giving you anymore ammo to use against me. You already have enough to fill an entire armoury."

He wasn't wrong. Being friends for as long as we have, we each have accumulated plenty of embarrassing stories and memories to torture each other with. But hey, it's what friends do... What we do.

"Spoil sport." I groaned as Evan let out his familiar warm laugh.

"Roxy?" A voice called from the hall.

"You didn't tell me your hook up was still here." Evan whispered a book of pure glee flashing across his face.

I'd totally forgotten about Dylan. Throwing a cushion at Evans overly happy face I stood up and pulled the living room door open. Dylan was standing there, now fully dressed, his hair still messed up slightly and his blue eyes fixed on me.

"I wondered where you'd gotten to." He smiled moving closer to me , placing one hand on the edge of the door frame and leaning forward. "Was hoping for a little bit of a better way to wake up this morning." he said, his voice was low and dripping with suggestion. Before I even had a chance to reply Evan joined me in the doorway.

"Do you think he's referring to breakfast in bed?" Evan chimed in.

Dylan looked taken aback as he straightened up and distanced himself from me. The move was fast and rather funny to witness. He cleared his throat. His eyes flying between me and Evan as his brain did it's best to judge the situation in front of him and try to figure out if there was any reason to panic.

"Don't worry, you're safe man." Evan laughed casually leaning against the door. "I'm not her boyfriend. I think it's safe to say that if I were, you'd be sporting a black eye and a few missing teeth by now." Evan have him a small wink before making his way past me towards the kitchen.

I had to fight the laugh that was dying to escape at the awkward expression now on Dylan's face as he watched Evan's retreating form. As the kitchen door clicked closed he turned back to me.

"So that's your?"

"That's Evan. That's all you need to know." I shrugged.

I wasn't about to play the reassurance card with him. We don't owe each other anything it was just some fun. Simple as. Now it's time to get rid. He looked slightly taken aback for a moment before composing himself and giving a small chuckle.

"Okay, well I best get going. See you around I hope." He leant forwards and brushed his lips against my cheek before turning and leaving through the front door. Sighing I headed the other direction making my way to the kitchen.

"He's gone already?"

"Thankfully. "

Swinging the fridge door open I grabbed the carton of orange juice and a glass from the cupboard. Pouring a large glass, I settled on the bar stool by the counter as Evan threw a few slices of bread in the toaster. Once it was done, he placed some on a plate and skidded it across the counter towards me. The hot toast was welcoming to my still rumbling stomach.

"Could've sworn. I'd seen that one before," he said taking a seat at the kitchen table and taking a bite of toast.

"Yeah, I met him last week at the club and we hooked up." I shrugged. Evan raised his eyebrows in response.

"And you went back for seconds, that's unusual. Guy must be good."

"Wouldn't you like to know." I winked placing my plate in the sink.

Before I could say another thing, the sound of my phone ringing filled the room. Reaching over to the table, I groaned as I read the caller ID on display... Mom.

*******

I rifled through my wardrobe throwing an outfit together. My mom's words still ringing in my head.

"Family dinner."

To normal people that wouldn't be a big deal. But to me. Those two words were filled with all kinds of promise for an unpleasant evening. Knowing I would have to endure the usual interrogations and thinly veiled disapproving looks and comments from my parents. Evan had attempted to slip out while I was still on the phone, thinking he could escape. But to no such luck for him as my mother extended the invitation to his attendance too.

We'd spent the afternoon out and about enjoying what free time we had before it was time to go to the dreaded dinner. I heard a key turn in the door downstairs followed by Evans voice calling out from the hall.

"You ready? Or have you run away?"

"Still here, couldn't fit my suitcase through the window." I called back.

Shrugging off my robe, I picked up a pair of black skinny jeans and pulled them on. I had barely done them up when Evan appeared in the doorway. His eyes skimmed over me standing there in my bra and jeans for a moment.

"Damn Rox, you really pull that look off."

I'd known Evan for so long that I wasn't bothered by this kind of thing. We were friends and nothing more. Admittedly there was a time when it wasn't that simple. In fact we both were each other's first. We were so close it just seemed natural to take that step. He's always been a great guy and it's not like he's not attractive. For a little while we kept up a casual fling but it faded out as we started seeing other people. Luckily it never soured our friendship.

My parents encouraged us to be a couple for a while, hoping that he would be able to reign in my behaviour. They didn't realise he was just as bad as I was. Still to this day, they like Evan and find the fact that we are just friends hard to grasp.

I grabbed the simple purple cami top from where I left it on my bed and pulled it on over my head. It's delicate lace neckline sat low on my chest.

"Can you grab my jacket please?"

I inclined my head towards the black leather jacket hanging just inside the door as I picked up my black stiletto boots and slipped them on. Evan draped the jacket over the edge of the bed next to me. Standing back up, I pulled a necklace from my dressing table and hung it round my neck. Then put on my jacket, un-tucking my hair from under it and shaking it loose. Letting it fall into the natural wavy curls that it fell into without effort.

Evans outfit was simple, smart but casual. A pale blue shirt, no tie and a couple of buttons undone, paired with black jeans and black boots. His hair as usual was slightly unruly and messed up, as if he'd fun his fingers though it several times and he was sporting his rugged stubble. I gave him an approving nod as I swept past him and made my way downstairs.

"You're driving, I'm gonna need a drink." I called back over my shoulder as I reached the hall. Picking up my bag from the hall I pulled the front door open to see a cab parked outside.

"Way ahead of you love, there's no way I won't

be needing alcohol tonight." I laughed as he pulled the door closed behind him and we climbed into the taxi.

A short time later we found ourselves once again inside my parents immaculate and oversized home. My mom was sitting in the living room, impeccably dressed as usual in one of her navy blue pencil dresses that fell below the knee and had a modest high neckline. Her short chestnut hair rested on her shoulders, subtle silver highlights shone among the rich dark colour. My dad took up position near the fireplace. Unlike my mother, he was dressed down slightly. Smart trousers teamed with a white shirt under a dark green sweater vest, the colours accentuated his bright green eyes and salt and pepper hair well.

"Good evening Evan, it's lovely to see you again dear."

My mother greeted him with her usual overly sweet tone, rising from the chair and planting a kiss on each of his cheeks. Evan smiled politely returned a small kiss to her cheek before she released him.

"Roxanne." My mother managed a small smile, which became more of a pained grimace as she took in my appearance. Her grey eyes remained cold under her gaze as she addressed me. "You could have attempted to make an effort this evening," she continued, not making any further attempt to greet me as she retook her seat.

My father ignored the comment and me, as he moved towards the bar in the corner and poured himself a brandy. "Can I get you something to drink son?" He asked Evan as he grabbed a glass.

"A whiskey would be great. Thanks, Benjamin."

"Make that two. Please, dad." I said, slumping down into a nearby chair. My father paused in the middle of pouring the drink as my mother made a slight disapproving sound.

"Perhaps something else to drink Roxanne."

Here we go again, I sighed as I turned to face her. "Why is that mother?" I tried to keep my voice calm but I guess there was still a slight iciness that I didn't manage to keep out of it.

"Ladies shouldn't be drinking whiskey, perhaps a small glass of wine would be more appropriate. With dinner."

"A good idea darling." My father chimed in setting aside the bottle and handing Evan his drink. "Let's go on through to the dining room, dinner will be ready soon."

My father offered his arm to my mother as they walked towards the dining room, it was rather cute in a way. They have been together for most of their lives and still love each other so much. Once they were out of view I crossed to the bar and poured a large whiskey. Evan laughed as he joined my side.

"Being a bad girl are we, Roxanne?"

"Call me that again, and you'll be wearing this drink." I smiled.

"Not very friendly."

"Bite me," I replied with the same broad grin before downing the drink.

Evan reached round enveloping me in his arms and clutching me tightly to his muscular chest. "Come on, not much longer and we can escape. How about I take you to the club when we're done here?"

"Fine but first round is on you," I muttered against his shoulder. The vibration of his laugh was comforting.

Evan could always help cheer me up and get me through these moments. Especially the parent moments. I wasn't big on comforting hugs and big emotional displays. I guess because I never really had any growing up.

"Evan, Roxanne? Dinner is ready." My mother's voice rang out from down the hall. I pulled back out of Evan's arms.

"Coming!" I shouted back. "I'm going to need another drink," I whispered. Looking longingly at the whiskey bottle, mentally working out if I had long enough to drink the entire contents before either of them came to get us.

"Nope, come on. There will be some at the table, you'll only start a fight if you walk in with that." Evan took hold of my upper arm steering me away from the bar and towards the dining room.

"I might not make it that far." I sighed dramatically as he chuckled softly, pulling me further along the hall. "Promise me something."

"Anything."

"If it starts to look dark for me in there, just kill me."

"Don't be silly, you'll be fine. Just look forward to the drink you'll get later, I may even throw in a cookie."

I rolled my eyes turning to face him, then muttered begrudgingly as I entered the kitchen, "Better be a big one."

My mother and father were serving up the dinner as we entered. I couldn't help but notice that there was only the four places set.

"Where's Melody?" I asked as I took a seat at the table. Immediately at the mention of her name my parents faces shone with happy smiles.

"She couldn't make it this evening, she has an important case that she's working on."

"Of course she does." I muttered under my breath, secretly cursing how lucky she was to avoid tonight's fun filled evening.

The dinner passed in the usual manner. Questions about my job and more remarks about me failing to achieve my full potential. Along with a side of concerned comments regarding my lack of a stable and healthy relationship. Thanks to my mother removing the wine from my reach, I couldn't even get lost in the alcohol to make it more bearable.

Eventually, it was over and we made our excuses to leave. After receiving the usual simple and half hearted goodbyes from my parents, we left, climbing into a taxi and making our way towards the club.