CH VI

It started to pour by the time I reached Club Nevada. People were huddling under the front porch of the club house, trying to stay dry from the rain needles that were falling. I was completely drenched and shivering from the sudden downpour.

Ugh my shimmery dress was now useless and I did not have any other change of clothes other than the plain jeans and t-shirt I wore to the cafe. I was upset with the weather but now even more was the thought nagging at the back of my mind. NO I cannot think about him right now, I have a job and my life to set straight first. I squared my shoulders and walked into the club, sandwiching myself amidst the group of bodies huddling to get in and trying to keep themselves dry.

"Hey you cannot just walk-in like that. we have been waiting here in this downpour for such a loooong time." hearing a nasally voice, I turned to look at a face caked with so much make-up you could not tell if she was young or old.

I glanced at her body, she had a curvy body, who knew which was real and false. I opened my mouth to answer, when I was cutoff by a deep voice that sent shivers down my spine, a good shiver that made my toes curl and he was close, too close to me, that I could feel his breath on the tips of my ears. I had never had such a reaction to anyone and it made me feel unsure about myself. I lifted my eyes to look at who it was, though I had a pretty good idea who could get this reaction out of me.

"She works here. Am sure that it's not a problem now that she gets in before you right."

I turned to face blue eyes with a smirk so delicious, looking at me. I was lost in his ocean eyes, everything else blurred out for me. I guess he enjoyed my reaction, as he gave a chuckle. Those eyes only moved away from me and I was broken out of my daze, hearing that nasally voice again.

"oh! ummm...yeah we do need waitresses to serve us as we enter, so yeah she can enter. But you can join me Joe. we have a lot to catch up on." she sneered at me with a look, but soon turned her heavy caked eyes towards Joe. Yes Joe, my Joe. WHAT?!?

No nah that ain't gonna work. Nope focus, I pep talked myself and ignored both the people kinda holding me from my work and life. I turned to walk away from the crowd, but was held back by a tug to my elbow. I followed the hand holding to notice Joe was the one holding me, with a look in his eyes that said hold up. I didn't know what to say and just stood there looking at those blue eyes. He though abruptly tore his eyes away from me and looked to this caked up bitch.

Oh my!!! What's happening with me? Am i really jealous? Ughh get a hold of yourself Sylvia!!! I was lost in my thoughts and didn't quite catch the chat that went on around me. I could not get caught in such things now, I pulled my hand away from him and walked off without another look into the club. I had to get to work before my boss actually fires me, caught up in all the daydream I was actually 5mins late. Ughh my life.

I turned or rather ran into the powder room, to get myself presentable. I needed some other costume, my dress was sticking to my body and everything was uncomfortable to say the least. Ugh my life!!! I suddenly realized I had never complained and now I was sulking, complaining and having debates in my head. Hmmpf!! all coz of blue eyes. yep it's easy to blame everything on someone else yeah and that's exactly what I did. I walk to the back door of the room to look at any good costume I could use.

Rummaging through all the dull and too glittery stuff, I finally fixed my eyes on a black silk dress, with a sequin bodice. It had an open back and a deep v-neck but nothing else was screaming at me and I didn't have the luxury to wait and check things.

I needed to get ready and on the stage pronto before boss decides to strangle me for holding his band up. I was the dispensable one according to him, he could get many people who are willing to scream into the mike. Just my luck I thought and tore off the wet dress off me to slip into the inviting silk. It felt like second skin on my body, it was dry and soft and felt oh so good against my skin. I fixed my hair a bit more and light make-up and voila I was ready.

I whooshed out of the powder room before anyone could catch me in my act of stealing a "club couture" as it was called. Every employee had to bring their own costume, that was the policy. But desperate situations called for extreme measures, that could even cost me my job, but i prayed not. One can hope yeah. with that I went to join the band on stage.

It was not a dull night, quite crowded actually. Maybe due to the sudden downpour when people were forced to look for refuge even if it was a dull club I assumed. I was doing my job, singing songs we planned and requests thrown here and there. The night prolonged and I found myself searching for someone. I was slightly put off when I could not find him among the crowd of onlookers.

I had more than the usual audience and Leary men were gaping at me, given I was wearing nothing like my usual attire. I was showing some skin and I was not too comfortable at that. I looked sexy I thought and with that spurt in confidence I straightened my back to continue my second job for the day.

I was submerged in singing one of my favorite classics, I did not see the drunken guy barreling his way towards the stage. He tripped and fell over the stage knocking me backwards into the band. I fell with a thud and by the time I could get over the shock I was being pulled back up. I felt shocks run through my body where I was being held and pulled. I looked up into blue eyes and could not hold back my smile. My knight in shining armor. Then I was confused, coz he was saying something and I could not hear him like at all. I shook my head to come out of whatever bubble I was in and then I heard his deliciously heavy baritone voice.

"Are you alright Levi? Are you hurt?" I could see genuine concern in his eyes. Before I could answer him, there was another voice.

"oh c'mon she just fell a little by this wimp. Nothing much could have happened. C'mon Joe let's go to your place." that nasally voice again.

I glared at her and I didn't even know why. I shook myself out of the stare and turned toward blue eyes. he distinctly gave a look to her that said "just shut the hell up" and it did actually. I was happy, no overjoyed at that. Then turned his eyes to me again, questioning me. My voice was gone, I lost my voice. I coughed to say something anything, but nothing.

"here drink some water. You will feel better." He passed a bottle of water.

When did he leave and come back. Woah he was fast I thought. I gulped down a good few gulps of water and turned to him again. It was like nothing else mattered when he was around me.

"Am fine. Just shocked is all. Am fine really."

I wanted to get out of this comforting discomfort and get back to work. He did not accept my response to be true. He just gave a nod at me. I thought he will now walk away with his girlfriend and it made me sad.

"Sir, she is totally fine and needs to get back to work." My boss appeared beside him.

He then turned towards me and gave me a look that said get back to work or else. I scrambled away from blue eyes and started to set everything back on the stage again.

I didn't realize that everyone was watching us on the stage now and I blushed at being the center of attention. It was uncomfortable to say the least, being I was wearing a bit revealing dress as well. "Boss could we take a 5 min break please" I fidgeted turning towards my boss.

There was silence and no response. So i looked up to see my boss staring at me with a blank look. He looked at me for a bit longer than I was comfortable while I had put my head down to the ground and grunted in response. I guess that was my answer and it was a yes. I was happy to get away from all the attention and drunken eyes. I released my breath when I reached the powder room, unknowing that I was holding it.

I stared at myself in the mirror and tried to forget all that happened. Blue eyes kept popping up and there was a smile on my face and cheeks were going red. Aarggh!!! what is with me. I needed to stay away from him. Yes that's what am going to do. I re-touched my make up, drank a bottle of water and was off to start another hour of work that was still left. Back on stage we started as though nothing had happened in the past few minutes and I was out of the spotlight. It was a relief.

But my eyes still searched for him, no my heart yearned to look at those blue eyes just one more time. He was nowhere to be found. Guess he left with his girl friend. Get a hold of yourself Sylvia, just cause he gave you a nickname, he is not interested in you he has a girlfriend. Then why did he ask me out on a date today. Ugh so confusing. Nope it's better to avoid him yes. Just ignore him, yes that's what I have to do.

My shift was almost done and I ran to get myself out of this delicious but uncomfortable dress. I was left with a few buttons on my shirt which I wore to the cafe, when my boss stormed into the room.

"Do you have any idea? For all that show you put here, I could fire your A**" he roared. I was bewildered and frightened out of my wits.

"Am s...ss...sorr...sorry boos sir....It will not happen again." I didn't know what I was apologizing for but it's better to do than argue with the boss right.

"hmm...." he grunted. He looked at me with a cynical eye from top to bottom and raised an eyebrow. I didn't understand his question and just stared at him with wide open eyes.

"Were you wearing "club couture" earlier? HOW DARE YOU?...YOU ARE..."

"No no no no..please boss sir....my clothes were all wet and i did not have anything else club worthy to wear other than this jeans and shirt. I needed something to walk on to stage and not upset you, so I borrowed a dress. I will get it dry cleaned and pressed and return it in prim condition sir. Don't worry sir. Please sir don't fire me sire. I need this job sir. Please sir."

I was begging him now. while he was still staring at me with fury in his eyes. After a long excruciating minute.

"Fine. This is the last chance. Don't make me regret it. Now scram." He bellowed.

I walked as fast as my legs could carry me out of the club. I was feeling down and upset about my life. I just hoped it doesn't get any worse during this day.

"Hey"

I felt a delicious voice next to me and the hairs on my body stood at attention. I felt a shiver run down my body. Gawd!! I could not understand why he had so much effect on me. I closed my eyes to clear my mind of all thoughts an took a breath in, his dreamy smell, and turned my head towards him to be dazed by those blue eyes.

"ummm....why do you keep staring at me like that? am sorry if am making you uncomfortable."

He shied away from me, starting to walk away. My hand reached out on its own stopping him in his steps. He looked deep into my eyes trying to read me. I felt a blush come onto my face and could not help giggle at his reaction. If only he had an idea what he actually makes me feel. No this is not the time or place. I looked at the time and around us. It was quite dark and I had to get to my next gig before I get late and lose my biggest opportunity.

"no please don't leave. Join me as I go for my next gig, after we can have late dinner out. ok?"

"yeah sure, if you say so." he shrugged nonchalantly.

We walked together in silence, it was not awkward but peaceful and beautiful. After the very eventful day I had, it was much appreciated and I enjoyed his company. Then it hit me like a truck load and i stopped abruptly and turned towards him. He stopped and turned to look at me with a frown.

"what's wrong? Are you ok?" his eyes held so much feeling.

"umm...you have a girl friend this is not right. Am sorry I don't want to come in-between both of you."

"what are you talking about....what girlfri..." and his eyes went wide as realization dawned on him about what or who I was talking about.

It was silent for sometime and then the silence was dissipated by his guffawing. He was laughing loudly and openly. It was nice to see and hear his laugh, but I was feeling very awkward being laughed at. I huffed and started to speed walk. I had to get to my job which was on the other side of the city and I don't like to be laughed at. He can completely enjoy his comic time all alone.

"hey Levi, come on, stop please. Hey am sorry a'right." I just huffed and walked even further.

He had the nerve to laugh on my face and then apologize. Not happening bro no nope. Not brother you know what i mean right. right. I was tugged back by blue eyes pulling me into his arms. he held me tight. It felt surreal to be in his arms. there were shocks running through my body wherever he touched and it was everywhere. I was mortified and am sure my face would be like a tomato right now or even redder. I could not move to get out either. I slumped giving up, my head hitting his chest. He just chuckled. Minutes passed us staying like that.

"You know she is not my 'girlfriend', she is just a family friend whom I have know for all my life. Given I did go out with her a while back but we broke off. Guess she never got the memo." he was grinning at me now. I lost myself in his blue eyes.

"oh ok."

Now being so close to him I could see him more clearly. His chiseled cheek bones, his square cut jaw, his blemishless smooth caramel skin was just wow. I wanted to touch him and I didn't know I had until his fingers were under my chin and lifted my face. Our faces were just mere inches away from each other now and I could feel the heat from his body. Just a bit more and our lips would touch. I wanted to feel his soft looking lips on mine. Wanted to play with the raven black hair lying messily on his head. The urge to run my fingers through them and mess them up even more, was overpowering my senses that, my hand moved on its own and tugged his hair, causing our lips to connect and I was shocked.

I felt electricity deliciously flow through our kiss to my finger tips. I wondered if he felt it too. It started slow and censual, soon it was demanding and sexual. He pressed himself closer to me one hand holding my neck and the other pressing me to him. I didn't know how long we were kissing but we had to break apart to breathe and that's what happened. When I looked at him I could see he had similar thoughts running in his mind. His eyes were wide as mine and grin so huge that showed his feelings clearly. I could feel his happiness from how close we were.

"Wow....did you feel that?"

"ummm...what do you mean?" I acted as if I had no idea what he was talking about.

"Those sparks or shocks, whethever you want to call it....it was just wow....i have never..."

"yes...yes I did....I thought I was the only one....ummmm"

I didn't even know what to say anymore. My mind was a jumble. My eyes fell on the simple but practical watch on my hand, my eyes bugged out of my head looking at the time.

"Oh my God!!! I totally forgot I have to get to work. Am sorry but we have to go now."

Saying that I pulled him towards the subway. Way to ruin a beautiful moment Levi, using the nick name he gave me. I liked it. way to go!!! Reaching the subway station, we got into the last train towards my destination luckily. He was busy on call with someone when we had got in. I didn't mind and guided him to vacant seats. I was in my own mind, remembering the kiss we shared. I felt my lips which were slightly swollen and am guessing red as well.

I smiled at the memory, yes it became a memory now. A beautiful memory as it was my first kiss full of all sparks and shocks just as he said and felt. I was grinning to myself.

"Does it hurt?"

He had a guilty look on his face like a kid who had done something that he/she was not supposed to. I was confused and looked at him for clarification.

"ummm....you were touching your lips and I thought probably I had hurt you with my ki...."

"no no no...no...NO...no no....not at all..." my face must be red now at being caught in my reverie of the incidents few minutes back. It became a little uncomfortable and I didn't know what to say to relax him. He was tensed and a frown was etched on his face.

"It's just that I have never kissed before and you were my f...."

"I WAS YOUR FIRST KISS?" I shouted in the quiet and almost empty train.

"sshhhh..." he silenced me and I realized I had shouted.

"sorry..." I spoke much quieter. "sorry..ummm...that's ...ummm...."

"yeah....i know...am sorry...if it was not what you expe....."

"hey it was my first too and I loved it....i mean i enjoyed it as much as you did..." i giggled and put my head down blushing. I was never comfortable talking about such things. So this was a little odd for me but it didn't feel that odd. I felt elated.

"Oh...am glad I was your first and you liked it...I thou..."

"No i loved it." I cut him off.

He was now full on grinning at me and slowly it changed into a smirk. Oh so sexy!!!. I was just grinning at him too, both of us in our own bubble. The sudden announcement pulled us out. My stop was the last and I was glad, else we would have surely missed my stop and so my job even. I got up to walk out when the train stopped and doors opened, but soon felt a warm hand sliding and holding my hand. From the shivers and sparks flying I knew exactly who it was.

We walked together to my destination with a bright smile on our faces. What were we? No idea. was it going to last? No idea. Was I going to give him a shot? Maybe. with these thoughts I wanted nothing more than this day to be over soon. I could not wait for our date to start. I turned to look at him who was already looking at me. we smiled and hugged each other to share a sweet peck, that sent bolts through our bodies causing us to shiver. It could not be more beautiful I thought.

"yes it cannot" had I said that out loud?

"yes you did" I just smiled sheepishly and pulled him towards my destination.