“Morning, Lowell.” My boss didn’t glance away from his computer screen as I walked in, but greeted me nonetheless. He had started calling me ‘Lowell’ the first day I arrived, after I told him that was where I was from. I guess it had kind of stuck, but I didn’t mind.

I walked over to my desk, which was in the far back corner of the large room. As a member of the film crew for Dallas’ local news station, I spent a lot of time filming and processing clips, so having a corner to myself was a nice way to gain the illusion of privacy.

In college, I had been a journalism major with no real idea of what I wanted to do with myself. I can’t say I had gained much traction by the time graduation rolled around, although I had found myself being more drawn to the behind-the-scenes aspect of it after helping my roommate film a show for our school’s TV channel.

By a stroke of pure luck, I had found this job while looking through a job board after a week or two in Dallas. I instantly sent my résumé, and I haven’t looked back since. I usually assisted with in-studio filming, but most of the time I processed and edited film for pre-taped interviews and such, making it TV-ready before sending it off to my boss for final approval.

This morning, I had to look over an interview that was filmed yesterday. Nothing too complicated, although the main thing I was struggling with was the fact that the guest’s microphone had malfunctioned, so most of the audio was pretty hard to hear.

Opening the file on my computer, I threw my headphones on and got to work fixing the mess.
I walked to my car, trying not to break into an all-out sprint as I was finally free from the office. That damn segment had been an absolute pain to work out, but I managed to make it work after hours of toying with the audio.

Unlocking the door, I hopped in and immediately started the car, ready to be home. After pulling out of the parking lot, my drive home was essentially a straight shot, which usually took me about fifteen minutes. Traffic was a little heavier than normal today, so it ended up taking me more like half an hour.

Ripping my door open and throwing my purse on the couch, I ran upstairs to change. My office’s dress code was very casual, but I couldn’t bear another minute with pants on. I shed my outfit and threw on a tank top bearing my college’s logo and some black booty shorts.

I looked at my phone and realized it was about 6:30 and that the game would start soon. It was Stars v. Blues, and although I still wasn’t the most active hockey fan, having two professional hockey players as my best friends certainly had educated me. Plus, I wouldn’t hear the end of it if I didn’t watch the game. Mostly from Tyler, honestly, but I’m sure Jamie would complain, too.

I went back downstairs and turned on the TV, darting to the kitchen to throw some leftovers into the microwave. Once those were heated up and I had grabbed something to drink, I sat myself down in front of the TV and watched the remaining minutes of the pregame show. They showed a clip of Jamie and Tyler bumping into each other during warmups, which is something they did for good luck, but I couldn’t help but roll my eyes as the losers both started laughing before skating away.

The game ended with the Stars winning 3-2 in OT, the game-winning goal by Jamie. Tyler hadn’t scored, but he had gained two assists, so I’m sure he’d be pretty happy, as well. I sent them each a “congrats” text, which I knew they wouldn’t see for probably another half an hour or so, and changed the channel. I was a sucker for cooking shows, so I quickly settled on watching “Chopped”.

A little over half-an-hour later, my phone buzzed and I saw a text from Jamie.

*Jamie: Thanks! The boys and I are gonna head out to celebrate. You in?*

*Cory: Usual place?*

*Jamie: Yup. Probably get there at about 10 or so.*

*Cory: K, I’ll see you then.*

I went out after games with the team on occasion, which was usually pretty fun. We always hit up this club in the heart of Dallas. It wasn’t too big, but it was big enough that they could make a scene without everyone recognizing who they were. It was always enjoyable to watch these grown men get drunk, dancing around and laughing. I liked to watch Tyler try to pick up girls, usually successfully. Jamie was a pretty quiet drunk, but now and then he’d try his luck at it, too, and just like his good pal, he usually didn’t have any issues.

I groaned at the thought of putting real clothes on again, but went upstairs, regardless. I picked out a plain, tight black dress with long sleeves and threw on a pair of heeled booties. They were cute, and so was the dress, but I still felt comfortable. I touched up my makeup and let down my hair, finger-combing my waves before shutting off the light and heading out. I knew I couldn’t get too drunk, as I had work tomorrow morning, so I drove myself to the club. Worse case scenario, I ended up taking a cab home. But I wasn’t really planning on drinking.

I walked inside, where the music was bumping and people were shouting over each other. The place was dark, as always, as lights in various colors shot out across the dance floor. The bar was in the back, so I maneuvered my way through sweaty patrons and pushed through until I saw a mass of guys hanging out.

“CORY!” Tyler ran up to me, already having had a little to drink. He had settled down since his ‘party days’ in Boston, but certainly still liked to have a good time. He pulled me in for a hug, lifting me off my feet.

“Ow, Ty, you’re squishing me.” He placed me back down and we walked over to the rest of the group. Jamie stood and I reached out to high-five him. “Nice goal there, Captain.”

“Thanks, I do what I can for the fans.” He started laughing loudly, joined by Tyler and some of the other guys who had all clearly had something to drink as well. “You want something to drink?”

“I’m all set. I have to work tomorrow, unlike you lazy asses.” I knew they’d have practice a little later tomorrow, as a reward for tonight’s win.

“Come on, mommmmmmm.” Tyler gave me puppy dog eyes and pouted, the innocent-child effect not portraying very well as he crossed his heavily-tattooed arms.

“Please? For the team?” I rolled my eyes at Jamie’s logic, suggesting that somehow me drinking would be in the name of team spirit, but caved anyway. I shook my head and Tyler shrugged grabbing a few shots from the bartender. Jamie grabbed one and threw it down, joining in with the hollering. Tyler grabbed my hand and tugged me towards the bar, as the rest of the team headed out to the dance floor. “What, no dancing tonight?”

“I’ll dance. But, actually, I’m kinda seeing someone.” I raised my eyebrows in shock.

“You are? But, wait, Jesse told me you guys just figured stuff out.”

“We did, but we hadn’t done anything for a few weeks anyway. It’s not like we’re dating or anything. I’ve just had her over once or twice.” I continued staring at him with a blank look on my face. “I just don’t wanna throw anything away in case it starts getting serious.”

“Oh no… Did you get her pregnant? Did you get an STD?” He scowled.

“No and probably not.” He rolled his eyes and sighed. “She texted me after the game and wanted me to come over later. But she said she wanted to talk first so I didn’t want to show up like a drunk bumbling bastard.”

“Fuck, Ty, you have feelings.” He feigned offense. “Like, you’re actually a fully-formed human adult.”

“Yeah, and you’re an ass.” He checked his phone and his expression changed. It was apparent his time at the bar was up. “Shit, she just texted me. Guess I’m checking out.” He patted my shoulder and started leaving.

“Use a condom!” I shouted after him, laughing to myself. I felt someone breathing in my ear and nearly jumped out of my skin.

“What’s that?” Jamie was right behind me, nearly scaring me to death. His breath smelled like alcohol as he stayed close. Turning to face him, he didn’t move at all, placing his hands on either side of as I rested against the bar. He leaned in close again, about to say something in my ear.

“Jesus, Jamie, you’re smothering me.” I laughed as he leaned into me, smiling.

“I want to leave.”

“Well, then why don’t you?” He turned his head so that he was still close to my ear, but his lips brushed against my neck.

“No, I want to LEAVE.” His hand moved from the bar to rest on my waist.

“Ohhhh, I see.” I pushed him away, creating some distance. “Let’s keep it PG for now, okay?” He moved away, following me as we worked our way through the crowd. I felt his hand graze my ass as he helped guide us through, until we finally reached the door. I unlocked my car and we both got in.

As we drove away, Jamie placed his hand on my thigh, leaning in to kiss my neck.

“Fuck, Jame. You gotta wait.” He groaned, speaking against my neck. “Wait until we get home.” He begrudgingly pulled away, sitting quietly. He wasn’t upset, but, again, ‘drunk Jamie’ is usually ‘quiet Jamie’. It’s also ‘loud-whisper’ Jamie and, evidently, ‘horny Jamie’.

About fifteen minutes later we pulled up to my place. Exiting the car, we ascended the stairs, Jamie hovering close as I unlocked my door and headed inside. I instantly headed into the kitchen, followed by Jamie of course, and grabbed a bottle of vodka out of the fridge. Unscrewing the top, I threw some back, cringing at the burn but instantly feeling the warmth spread through my body.

“I’ve gotta play catch up.” Jamie laughed as I put the bottle back in the freezer, closing the door.

“Let’s play something else.” Jamie walked over to me and effortlessly lifted me onto the counter, spreading my legs and placing himself in between them. I kicked off my shows as he placed his lips on mine, our make out getting hot and heavy right from the start. I wrapped my legs around his waist and pulled him closer as he worked my dress out from under me, pushing it up over my ass. The cold of the countertop didn’t bother me, as the warmth from Jamie and the booze provided ample distraction. I moaned into his mouth as he snuck his hand under my dress, grasping one of my breasts and massaging it.

I quickly pulled my mouth off of his, but only to finish removing my dress. I could see lust growing in Jamie’s eyes as he took me in, instantly placing is lips back on mine. I snuck my hands under his shirt, resting on his chest, and he got the hint to remove it. I made quick work of his belt and helped him push his pants off.

“Let’s move to the couch.” He didn’t wait for my answer and instead carried me to the (thankfully) nearby living room. Dropping me on the cushions, he hovered over me, kissing the center of my chest as he reached around to remove my bra. I could feel him hard against my thigh and felt myself growing wetter by the second.

Moving his kisses to my neck, Jamie took one hand and snuck in under my thong, slowly stroking me. I bit my lip to keep from yelling when he stuck one finger inside me, sighing against me as he felt how wet I was. He curled it in a “come hither motion” and my breathing quickened. I pushed him away, placing kisses on his shoulder. I bit him lightly as I felt myself getting closer to the edge, my eyes closing and hips raising as I felt that familiar pressure. With a loud sigh, I came, and moved my mouth from Jamie’s shoulder and back to his lips.

My body wanted more, and I could feel that his did, too. I pushed him off of me, urging him to stand up. He slowly stroked himself through his boxers, smirk on his face as I ran over to my purse and grabbed a condom. He stood up and removed his briefs, and I quickly helped him put the condom on before placing my arms around his neck and standing on my toes to reach his lips. As we kissed, he lifted me up and sat down, and I slowly sank onto him, shuddering with pleasure as I did.

We were both sticky with sweat and hot, but I wanted nothing more than to be as close to Jamie as possible. His hands tightly gripped my waist as he thrust into me, tortuously slow at first and then faster. I helped, gripping onto his shoulders for dear life as I felt myself tighten again.

“Fuck, I’m almost there. Fuck-“ He tightened his grip and lifted his hips, thrusting hard as he came, exhaling loudly. He thrust again, and I felt myself tighten around him, collapsing onto his chest. We sat like that for a minute or two, both of our hearts beating loudly and each of us attempting to regain a normal breathing pattern. I rolled off of his lap, lying on the couch and closing my eyes. Jamie slowly stood up, presumably to go throw away the condom.

I felt a blanket being put on me and the end of the couch dipping down slightly, but I didn’t care to investigate further as I fell asleep quickly from a mix of drunkenness and exertion.

Notes