Chapter 37

Another Match, Another First Date

"She's a little charmer, X. I had to blink twice a couple times to see her as a teenager. She seems more adult than..." said Aretha.

"Us cops?"

"Sometimes."

"Is she going to be okay?"

"Of course, but it will take a few sessions. I think she's in a good place with people who love her. She's never had that before."

"You mean Joe and Marta?"

"Yes. I can't really get into details."

"Of course not."

They sipped the rich red wine Aretha handed X to uncork when Margie left. Sitting on the overstuffed sofa, they angled themselves so that only their feet touched but could enter each other's eyes.

"Why aren't you married or have a boyfriend?"

Aretha took a deep breath. "Partly because I work where I do and partly because I'm pretty busy. I'm working on my PhD thesis."

"I want to hear about that, but first, what about work?"

"I can't really fraternize."

"But..."

"It's a boys club, men with maybe too much power to restrain their egos together amplifying their testosterone fed brains until they become ... well ... dangerous. To be seen as available to them puts me in an awkward and precarious position."

"Maybe I shouldn't be here."

"Please stay."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes X."

"You know there are a few women too."

"Yes, and I'm sure they take care to be seen as equals. I'm glad they're there."

"Me too. But why would you want me here?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

"Uhm..."

Aretha chuckled. "I like being in your presence. There's a warmth about you, a gentleness."

"I'm not always gentle. I can't be."

"I know. But you're tough when you have to be, not when it's some sort of power play between men. You've never been a bully, have you?"

"I hope not."

"See."

"You're beautiful," rumbled X quietly. Aretha felt the words between her thighs where the dampness increased.

"I think you are too, if you don't mind me saying so."

X smiled. "I can take it."

He closed the gap. His large, expansive hand gently stroked through her close cropped curls. She turned her head and closed her eyes. Soft lips met as equals, sharing pressure and giving and taking. Lips separated and smiled. Eyes smiled too.

They embraced at last, the kisses surging with need. Mouths opened to tongues. Hands lowered to undo barriers.

X lowered her onto her back and kneeled beside her. Her struggles with his buttons ended successfully. Removing his black silk shirt, once his hands became free, he unbuttoned and removed her silky dark red blouse. He kissed down her neck slowly, hands weighing the constrained breasts.

"Just a second," she breathed and began reaching behind her.

"Let me," volunteered X, unlatching the bra and freeing her substantial breasts. Unable to resist, he buried his head between them and licked up each side, teasing the edges of her areolas.

"Oh," moaned Aretha. When he at last took hold of her nipple and nipped and sucked it, she breathed in sharply and hummed an "Mmm."