The Barbeque ©

The barbeque was winding down. The band had quit playing and Jack had switched to the stereo. People were starting to either pack up to leave or meander over to the fire pit. Jack was being the great host he always was, saying goodbye to those leaving and directing the others to the fire pit. Annie stood there trying to decide what to do, should she leave or stay with the half dozen remaining partiers. Jack had at first looked pleased to see her, then noticed she had a man with her. She had introduced him as her ex-husband. Jack knew the story behind that, they weren’t really divorced yet, but they hadn’t lived together for 6 years. He didn’t understand it, didn’t understand the relationship, didn’t understand how she could bring him here, to his party. She had tried to explain. Bob had lost his job and decided to move back to Minnesota to repair his relationship with his youngest daughter. He was renting a room from Annie until he could find an apartment. She brought him along because they had spent the day with relatives and quite honestly she didn’t want to show up alone. She wasn’t sure what Jack’s feelings were towards her. He confused her.

Bob had left early so that he could put out Annie’s dog. Annie was supposed to get a ride home with Jim, but he had forgotten and left. Annie saw Jack fiddling around with the station on the stereo.

“Jack”, she asked quietly, “Do you get many fireflies out here?”
“What?” He looked startled.
“I was just wondering if you get many fireflies out here”, she repeated trying not to sound nervous.
“I don’t know. I guess I really haven’t paid much attention”, Jack said looking uninterested.
“Oh, I guess I’ll just wander out behind the garage and see if I can see any”.

Annie felt hurt by the exchange. Jack seemed to be angry with her and she wasn’t really sure why. He had no right to be. They were colleagues, friends. She wandered back behind the garage, then ventured towards the brush at the end of the grass line. Suddenly something jumped out of the dark at her. She gave out a little scream, then realized that it was Jack and he was laughing hysterically.

“That was NOT funny”, she said slapping his arm while trying to sound angry.
“Yes it was” he said with that boyish grin on his face…. The one that made her melt.

She turned her back to him trying to feign anger while still making sure she could sense where he was at. He slipped up behind her wrapping his arms around her. He bent down and began kissing her shoulder, then moved up to her neck. He slowly, feather soft, kissed the back of her neck. She moaned softly. This was her sensitive spot. The one that if a man discovered and paid attention would soon realize if he kissed her there she would give in to his desire. Jack quickly realized this and took full advantage.

“You don’t fight fair” came the breathless announcement.

“I know, but I’ve wanted this for a long time… so have you”.