thanks to thatgranolagirl for the submission! :)

Twilight swept across the city, bringing with it autumn’s first chill.  Audra straightened the knit scarf around her neck as she walked towards the bar that was on the corner near the building in which she had her last class of the week.  Her professor had really put her on the spot today, and her ears were still burning from the unwanted attention.  She wasn’t accustomed to drinking right after class, but this was a necessary exception.  Her chilled hands pulled at the bronze handle of the aged black door, and in she walked, taking up a stool at the corner of the bar.  Setting her bag down on the original black and white tiled floor, she thought momentarily about how she liked that this bar had upheld most of its original décor.  She looked around, assessing the crowd around her.  Small groups together on couches, tables full.  The lights had been dimmed already.  Anywhere else she’d be self conscious about coming to a bar alone, but New York was different.  A city full of lonely people.  A curious thought indeed.

            Snapped out of her internal monologue, she looked at the bartender.

            “I’m sorry, what was that?”

            “What can I get you?” He was young, she thought, not any older than she herself was.  Audra silently wondered if tending a bar was why he was in the city.  Was he an out of work actor?  An artist?  Bar tenders always have stories—but doesn’t everyone in this city?

            “I’ll have one of those Pyramid Apricot beers,” she said after a moment’s hesitation.  It appeared before her in a fluid stream of no more than 4 motions.  He was good.  Audra thanked him, acknowledged with a smile.

            Not in the habit of drinking on her own, even after a year in the city, Audra busied herself with peeling a bit of the label away from her beer.  Halfway into her drink she began to think inwardly.  A year in the city, and sometimes she wondered why she even bothered to move out there in the first place.  Graduate school was one thing, but did she even want to be there anymore?  Having told herself ‘yes’ for so long, she left her family and moved somewhere she wouldn’t know a soul.  Southern charm can only get you so far, too.

            Michael had noticed her the moment she walked into the bar.  He hesitated in walking up to her, thinking she was meeting someone.  Her long brown hair cascaded down her back, and he wondered if it was as soft as it looked.  As he sat with his friends, half listening to their conversation, he thought about how sad she looked.  She wasn’t exhibiting any outward signs of distress, but there was something behind her eyes that tipped him off.  And he would know—it was his job to pick up on human emotion. 

            “Uh oh, who’s caught your attention this time?” James swirled the last of his lager in his glass.  Michael half smiled.

            “You think I’m so predictable?” Michael said, challenging James’ assessment.

            “Oy, come off it, just go up to her, we’re big kids and don’t need you anyway.” James shook his head, and took Michael’s drink out of his hand.

            “Right then.” Michael scooted his chair out from underneath him, and made his slow approach to the bar.  The petite brunette had rested her head on her hand momentarily, when Michael sidled up next to her. “Seat taken?”

            Audra smiled.  He was cute. “Go ahead.”

            “G&T, same as the last,” he said to the young barkeep.

            They sat in silence momentarily until Michael’s drink reached him.  He took a sip from it, and nodded toward’s Audra’s choice. “That any good?”

            “I like it,” Audra said, smiling her demure Southern smile. “Then again, I am partial to novelty beers and the like.  I think it’s an excellent fall choice.” A beat. “You’re drinking a summer drink.”

            “Ah, well, I’ve just come from a warm place, so I’m still of a summer mindset.” He was trying to avoid telling her that he’d just come from filming in St. Martinique.  Humility still pulsed through his veins, even though he’d been headlining movies for a few years now.

            More silence. “I’m Audra.” She extended a hand, and he gladly took it.

            “Michael.  You know… I was sitting over there with my friends, wondering to myself why a girl like yourself is here drinking alone.”

            Audra snickered, and took a quick sip from her Pyramid.  “Is it that sad?” Michael shook his head. “Well, to be honest, I don’t know many people here, and I don’t exactly connect with my room mate.  I also love this place.”

            “Ah!  So let me take a guess as to why you’re here.” A playful glint in his eye. “You’re an intern at a fashion magazine, working under a harsh but brilliant editor?”

            Audra laughed heartily. “You’ve been watching too many movies.” Her brown eyes met his, stunning she thought, blue eyes. “But then again, that’s sort of your line of work, isn’t it?”

            A sharp intake of breath. “You’ve found me out.”

            Audra felt herself opening up, despite the fact that she was talking with a seriously talented actor, whose popularity only grew by the minute. “Actually, I’m in graduate school here at NYU.  I’m studying Classics.”

            “And smart to boot.  So, Miss Audra”—he stressed her name—“Where are you from?  I hear a bit of an accent.”

Audra fidgeted with her coaster. “Texas.  Killeen to be exact, but I don’t expect you to know where that is.  And is my accent that pronounced?”

“Well, to my Irish ears, it’s slight.  It’s sweet though.” Oh lord, Audra thought.  She’d taken home her fair share of men since moving to New York, but this was something else.

“So’s yours.”  A comfortable silence overtook them momentarily.  Michael took this moment to resume working on his drink.  After a few sips, James and company came up behind Michael.  James clapped his hands on Michael’s shoulders, and looked Audra in the face.

            “If this guy’s giving you trouble, miss, just say the word.”

            Audra blushed, and looked at Michael. “No.” She had seen a few actors here and there, living in Manhattan for a year, but had never had this much interaction with them.  She might be in the big city, but she was still the shy down-home girl.  She found herself with very little to say.  Anyone else, and she probably would have come back with a witty retort, but not this time.

            “Alright then, mate, we’re gonna leave,” James squeezed Michael’s shoulder’s knowingly. “You know where you can find us.” On to the next bar.

            “See you, lads.” Michael stayed firmly planted on his bar stool.  As soon as they had left, Michael and Audra resumed conversation, exchanging pleasantries, telling each other small details of their lives.  Audra felt herself flush the entire time, and knew where things were headed when Michael ordered them another round.

            “Stay right where you are, I’ll be just a minute,” Michael said, chancing to touch Audra’s knee briefly before he stood up. “Ok,” she replied.

            Audra took a deep breath and exhaled as soon as Michael was out of sight, headed for the bathroom.  She felt her face, and tried to steady herself.  Could this really be happening?  She only just seen his new movie, and thought about how handsome she thought he was.  This was total serendipity.

            While Audra was still reeling from her encounter, a man in a suit approached her.  He placed himself between Audra and Michael’s stool, leaning against the bar cockily. “That guy bothering you?”

            Audra blinked in bewilderment. “No…?” The guy scoffed, and looked momentarily at the aged, stained mirror that was behind the bar.

            “You know he’s in here every couple of months,” the guy said. “I’ve seen him pick up women before.  Never the same girl.” Well, that stung a little bit. “Actors are all the same.”

            Audra felt brave, but maybe it was the alcohol talking. “And what are you?  An investment banker, a stock broker or something?” Audra assessed his Hermes tie and tailored suit. “Aren’t you all the same too?”

            “Lawyer, hon,” he said, grinning a Cheshire grin. “Let me buy you a drink.  Come sit with me over there, why waste your time with that guy?” Audra could tell he’d been drinking for a while.

            “No, thank you, but I’m having a drink with someone else.” Audra hoped that was the end of it.

            He wouldn’t give up that easily though. “Come on, what do you think is going to happen?” He wobbled on his feet a bit, placing his hand on Audra’s lower back. “He’s just going to take what he wants and never talk to you again.”

            Audra straightened in her chair, moving away from the slime-ball’s hands. “Don’t touch me!  It’s really none of your business.” Audra stood up, and made a quick grab for her purse, crossing the strap over her body.  She looked for Michael, but he was nowhere to be found.  She decided that she should wait for him at the end of the bar, near the bathroom, and as she turned to leave, the guy in the suit grabbed her by the wrist, pulling her back.

            “Bitch, I’m talking to you,” she could see the rage behind his foggy eyes.

            “Let me go,” Audra demanded through gritted teeth.  By that time, Michael had rushed up behind her, and took the guy’s wrist in his own hands.

            “I suggest you let the lady go,” Michael said in as calm a voice as he could muster.

“The fuck?” The guy was a head shorter than Michael, and he knew it might have been a losing battle.  The bar tender’s attention had been piqued. “Not in here, guys,” he said.

Michael dropped a twenty and a ten on the bar, a sum that certainly covered the drinks and tip.  Audra retreated behind Michael in relief.  She placed a hand gently on his back, slightly gripping his shirt.  He relished the slight touch, turned towards her, and put his hands on both sides of Audra’s arms. “Come on, let’s get you a cab home.” Michael kept his eyes on the fuming drunk as he escorted her out the bar.

            Audra and Michael stepped out onto a sidewalk to see that the sun had finally set, covering the city in chilly darkness.  Audra’s heart was pounding.  She put her arms around herself, and tried to steady her breathing. Michael spoke first, “I’m sorry I took so long, there was a line.” 

            Audra shook her head. “It’s fine, I’m just glad you got there when you did.”

            Michael looked at Audra and made an assessment of her. “I don’t want to be too forward, but let me see you home.  You look kind of shaken up.” Alright, maybe his intentions weren’t entirely altruistic…

            Audra nodded silently, and then motioned for a cab.  It was such a short walk, no more than 10 minutes, which she would have normally made on foot, but she was not up for arguing.  Audra stood there, her hand in the air like a dummy, waiting for a cab, and Michael stepped closer to her, and ran a knuckle down the line of her chin.  Audra’s heart beat faster again, and she didn’t know if it was the adrenaline from the bar, or just his touch.

            Their moment was cut short when the door to the bar swung open, and Mr. Suit’s face was red with embarrassment.  He staggered onto the pavement, and deliberately stood up to Michael, living little room for either to breath.  He was short compared to Michael, but the alcohol had clearly made him feel like he had the advantage.  “Who do you think you are buddy?” He pushed on Michael’s chest, sending him back.

             “Stop!” Audra yelled.  Michael pushed her back, out of the line of fire.

Michael put his hands up, “Hey, man, I don’t want to fight, just go home.”

“No.” He pushed him again. “You think you’re entitled?  I know you actors, you think women will follow you wherever you go.”

“Take a look in the mirror,” Michael said.  That was it—enraged and embarrassed, the nameless belligerent swung at Michael, but the alcohol had dulled his accuracy and reflexes.  Michael moved out of the way, and sent his own fist into the man’s face.  He staggered back, losing his balance.

“Don’t you even think about following.” Michael had taken Audra by the arm this time, and led her to the cab stopped at the corner.  He opened the door, and she slid in, Michael following suit.  Michael watched as the man stood up, viciously straightening his jacket and walking in the opposite direction. “Where do you live?”

“Corner of Mulberry and Spring,” Audra managed to say to the cab driver.  He silently took off as they headed for their destination.  Michael took Audra’s smaller hand in his, all the while watching the road.  Lightly brushing his thumb against hers, Audra could only think about kissing him.  She had a rule though.  No kissing in cabs.  It’s tacky.  In a moment they were in front of her apartment building, and Michael thrust a ten into the cab driver’s hand.  Audra stepped onto her familiar corner, looking up at her brownstone stoop.  Michael stepped out behind her, holding onto the cab door.

“This is it?” Michael asked.  Audra nodded.  You could cut the suspense with a knife. “Well, that’s where I’ll leave you then.” 

“Do you…” Audra started.  Audra looked at her shoes for a second. “Would you like to come up?  I know considering what just happened, it’s an odd request, but, I was having a really nice time up until… Nevermind.”  She shook her head. “Thank you for what you did, and for seeing me home.”  She turned to leave. 

“Wait.” Michael said, closing the door to the cab.  He tapped on the roof of the car twice, and the cab drove off.  Audra smiled, and he silently followed her up the stairs to her floor.  She reached in her bag, and grabbed her keys.  She struggled with the keys, as her hands were still shaking from the little altercation.  Michael watched in sympathy as she tried to fit the key through the door. 

Michael put his hand over hers, pushing the key into the lock.  She stood there, frozen, heart racing.  Michael was so close as he stood there gazing at her.  His hand didn’t move from its spot.  Audra turned and looked up at her protector, his blue eyes hungrily taking her in.  It was then that he noticed that her eyes were not brown as he thought, but hazel.  She bashfully turned the key, looking back at the door.  Without a word spoken, Michael tilted Audra’s chin back towards him, placed his hands behind her head and pulled her in with an intense kiss.  Audra let the door fall open as she put her hands on Michael’s narrow waist.  He stood much taller than her at 5’4”, and she stood up on her tippy toes. 

Michael gently snaked his fingers through Audra’s long brunette hair as his tongue explored her mouth.  He gently sucked on her bottom lip as they ended their first kiss.  Audra reeled as Michael retreated from her mouth, looking into her apartment’s long hallway. “Are we going to disturb that room mate?” 

Audra tried desperately to snap herself out of her trance. “Uh… Um,” she looked back herself as they slowly stepped across the threshold, his hands on her hips as she led the way.  He closed the door gently, and they were momentarily in darkness.  Audra reached for the light dimmer, and gave them a bit of light. “She’s a heavy sleeper, and she has kept me up on numerous occasions.  It’s not a big deal.”  Audra looked for her roommate’s keys, and found that she hadn’t laid them on their usual spot on the ledge to the kitchen. Michael was still behind her, hands on her hips, taking in the perfume smell in her hair.  Audra sighed and closed her eyes as Michael moved her hair to one shoulder, pulling her scarf off in a hunger driven manner.  His teeth grazed her neck, just below her hairline, and she let out a moan.  That was her weak spot, and he’d found it so quickly.  He kissed her, letting his right arm snake around her waist to rest on her stomach, while his left cradled her head.

Audra reached up and behind her, running her fingers through Michael’s hair—surprisingly soft—and it was then that Audra realized how awkward she felt, standing in the middle of her living room like that.  She turned to face Michael, all the while making baby steps to her room, pausing in front of her door.  “I think we’ve got the place for now,” she said, her hands in Michael’s.  At that, he stopped her from opening her door, and pushed her against the wall beside the doorjamb.  His mouth found hers again, and he took her wrists in his hands, pinning them above her head.  His knees wrenched her legs apart, pressing himself into her stomach.  He let her hands free, and began exploring the rest of her body.  His hands rested against her breasts, massaging through a shirt and bra what he knew to be her nipples.  This drove her mad, and she let out a moan into his mouth as he kissed her deeply.  The sounds she made were driving him wild with anticipation, as Audra could clearly feel as she put her hand over the bulge that had grown in his jeans.  He let out a sort of growl as she felt his length through his dark jeans.

They broke their kiss momentarily, and their eyes met as Audra brazenly undid his belt, slowly unbuttoned a line of buttons, and felt him through his boxer briefs. “Bed,” Audra said, drunk with lust.  Michael walked Audra backwards through the door, and threw it shut behind them.