West Richland Tavern.

[Wolfias]

Eric felt Tess touch his shoulder calming slowly, loosening his grip on Rex's shoulder. Straightening out his shirt he'd wrinkled, stepping back with a shaking of his head. Reaching out to softly caress her cheek.

''He needs to learn his behavior is unacceptable, and it's never to late to change Eugene is proof.''

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess watched Rex walk off and drew Eric into her arms, nuzzling her face to his chest. He faintly smelled like grease and paint overshadowed by whatever kind of soap he used.

"Thank you Eric, you didn't have to do that," she said softly and looked up at him,"Rex is a little off I think. Let's just have lunch and forget about it, okay?"

She couldn't remember the last time she felt so safe, he was special and quite quickly working his way into her heart, breaking her walls down.

 

[Wolfias]

Eric was surprised by the hug from Tess, albeit very welcomed embrace to him. As she was nuzzling his chest, his arms envelope her completely. She smells of sweet feminine things, her curvaceous shape fit him perfectly.

''You're welcome Tess, but I had to stand up for a lady. Especially when it's you.'' Looking down into her sweet face, as she looks up into his rugged face. He leans his head down, to tenderly kiss her on the forehead. ''I agree, let's have our lunch, while it's still hot.''

After a minute or so of holding each other, neither of them wished to be the first to let go. He knew he was being overly protective of Tess, but she won his heart the day they met. Releasing her from their comfortable embrace, Eric took her hand to help her sit down. He joins her on the cool shaded grass, sharing their lunch occasionally fed one another a bite.

 

[feistyphoenix]

After they were done eating Tess moved closer to Eric, sitting with her hip pressed against his. They talked and laughed for a few minutes before Tess reached for his hand, he seemed surprised by it but she grinned and turned his hand over to look at his watch.

"We better get going," she said, a little disappointment hung in her words. She was naturally a prompt person and lateness was a pet peeve. She had about 25 minutes to get back and get changed for work.

They walked to the truck hand in hand again and Tess wondered why he hadn't kissed her earlier. Well he did, just not on the lips. He excused himself and said he had to get lunch for Eugene so Tess stood in front of the truck leaning back against it sunning herself while she waited for him. She closed her eyes and lifted her face to the sunshine, feeling it envelop her body this way was comforting. She felt Eric's presence as he returned, his shadow passed over her as he stood close to her.

 

[Wolfias]

Eugene

Eugene rolls on his work stool to the shop computer, Eric transferred Raven's contact info. Tapping a Raven icon on the screen a file opens, grinning briskly rubs his hands together. ''Woohoo! Finally, a vacation where I get to know the beautiful Raven. Sadie jumps right up onto his lap, she yips pawing her picture Bro took with his phone. Eric photo shopped their heads on a photo, of a 60's biker with his rider on the back of the bike.

''Hahaha! look girl it's me and Raven with ginormous noggins! How's he do this anyway?''

He looks at Sadie as if he expects an answer, she tilts head at the photo whining. Turning her head, she licks Eugene on his nose, he grabs her little face, and kisses on the head. ''I know girl I really like her too. We're going to have fun on this little trip girl.'' Reaching up to touch Ravens face on the screen, tracing her lips with his fingertips he sighs missing her. Stroking Sadie's back slowly as he thought about Raven, the small kiss they shared, and the sparks they'd both felt.

Eric

Returning from the Loco Chili Pepper truck, Eugene's Grande Supremo Burrito in hand. Eric saw Tess leaning back sunning herself, sneaking as quietly as possible up to her. He had mischief in twinkling in his eyes, blocking the sunlight as he removed his wayfarers. Unable to resist the urge to slip his arms around her, Eric wanted to place a kiss on Tess's lips.

So that's exactly what he was going to do, stepping closer slips his arms about her waist. Drawing Tess against his toned muscular body, he didn't know if she'd gasp or giggle. Her body was so warm against his, Eric's heart raced as he really hoped this didn't startle her any. So he tilts his head to the right a little, placing a slow sensual kiss upon her soft warm lips.

God's the taste of her lips was amazing to him, Tess's body pressed to his was heavenly. Caressing her lower back her tank top slips up, beneath his large working mans hands. Her skin was warm soft and silky smooth, mouthing her lips slowly she would respond. He couldn't keep from letting out a faint growl, as their kiss continued the world falls away.

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess' eyes almost flew open when Eric put his arms around her but when his lips met hers she relaxed into him, running her hands up his hard biceps to his shoulders. His fingers on the sensitive skin of her lower back sent small currents through her hips and butt to her most engrogenous zone. Her back arched further into his much larger form, her hips rubbing against him. Her right hand traveled to his jaw and she held him there, massaging and exploring his lips and mouth with hers. She felt his chest rumble as the soft growl escaped his lips. She moaned softly in response trying to press herself against him more but he had her butt pinned against the truck. He was commanding but gentle and her whole body responded.

After a minute she pulled away, breathless. She looked up into his eyes and saw raw desire and admiration. Tess pulledhim in gently and kissed him again quickly but sensually before pulling back again.

"Eric, no one's ever kissed me like that before," she whispered and laid her head against his chest, feeling his racing heartbeat under her cheek.

 

[1millionsecrets]

She would close her eyes and make her way to the stage. She would stand on the hard. Wood's surface an run her and over the old metal of the microphone. Flipping it on, the low hum would dance through the tavern. She closed her soft eyes and gripped the microphone lovingly, knowing she was alone she hummed softly at first thinking what words she wanted to produce.

 

[Wolfias]

Eric

Eric loved the response to his kiss, as her hands travel up his arms. A delicate touch light, but direct in it's meaning. Feeling her arching into his body, he wanted to keep her pinned against his pickup. When her hand slid over his shoulder, up his neck to hold his jaw still. The moving of her smaller body against his, sent a wave of electricity through his loins.

Surely she must have felt the arousal in his groin, as their bodies were so tightly molded together. Her lips moving with his in concert with his this way, Tess moaning softly blends with his growl. A slow unintentionally seductive grin curls up Eric's lips, burning lust that lit his eyes was truly intentional. As she pulls away it wasn't very far, the pickup had kept her close.

Taking a slow slightly shaky intake of air, he sighs deeply having wanted to kiss her from day one. A beautiful glow of pure emotion lingers in Tess's eyes, she is already a vision of loveliness in Eric's eyes. As she quickly places a sensual kiss on his lips, as it's her turn to pull him close again. The sweet words that she whispered, it brought a lump into his throat.

Bringing his strong protective arms up her back, as she lay her pretty head against his chest. ''Tess, I've never kissed a woman like this before.'' Gently rests his chin on top of her head, neither of them wanted this moment to ever end. Hopefully this wouldn't be the last moment, this was something Tess and Eric truly needed.

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess contentedly rested her head for another minute before sighing.

"I really don't want to go to work," she said sadly.

She lifted her head to look at him again. The way his eyes pierced her made her want to put her hands all over him but she kissed him again instead, purposely pushing her hips into him, feeling his growing arousal. She bit his lower lip softly before pulling back.

"We should go," she didn't like it but it was the truth. Eric stepped back, giving her barely enough space to wiggle out from between him and the truck. She slid into the passenger seat and flashed him a flirty smile.

She held his hand almost the whole drive back, alternating staring out the window and at his handsome profile as he drove.

 

[Wolfias]

Eric

''I know...I don't want to take you back either.'' Eric looks back into her pretty eyes, reaching his right hand up to caress her cheek. Meeting her lips once again he smiles against them, as she very obviously presses against his. There was absolutely no way of Eric hiding arousal, the teasing little bite of his lower lip didn't help.

He really wanted to borrow Eugene's studio apartment, but now wasn't the time to rush into that quickly. ''Yeah, c'mon let's hit the road.'' Stepping back just enough so Tess has to wriggle out, walking around to climb into the drivers seat. Firing up the pickup it rumbles menacingly, drops the automatic trans into low giving it a little gas.

With his left arm extended to the top of the wheel, cruising along as Tess holds his hand Eric winks at her. Punching the gas the pickup blended into traffic, it corners like a sports car a damn fast one at that. Pulling slowly into the shop parking lot. ''I'll drop Eugene's lunch off real quick, be right back don't steal my pickup.'' Kissing Tess quickly a deeply, he was trotting into the shop and back in five. ''C'mon...I'll walk you the rest of the way.''

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess got out of the truck beaming and took his hand as they walked across the street. She hated seeing the dark Tavern door getting closer, it meant Eric would be leaving her side very soon. She pulled his arm across the back of her shoulders so she could walk tucked under his arm. They stopped right outside the door.

"Well I guess I will see you later then? Today was really great, especially that last part," she smiled slowly before kissing him again, teasing him with her tongue and running her hands up the front of his shirt, letting one rest over his racing heart. She liked that she could affect him that way.

She pulled back a little,"dont stay away too long," she told him innocently, a smile playing on her full lips.

 

[Wolfias]

Eric

Eric held Tess close as she pulls his tattooed arm across her shoulders, and cuddles right on up against his side. As the dark door of the Tavern loomed closer, it was inevitable she had to go back to work. ''I really enjoyed our little lunch date, yeah the last part was very nice.''

Meeting her lips with a barely audible groan, his tongue lightly grazes against hers. Eric ran his right hand slowly along her side, it didn't take much for Tess to wind him up. I could just go in with you, stay another hour or so? Reaching up to run his fingers through her hair, a smile curls upon his lips as he just watches her.

Eugene is going on a weeks vacation, I will running the shop.'' As she pulled back with a very temptingly innocent voice, with her hands on his chest like this she felt his heartbeat. Eric's response was instantaneous for Tess, and he very knew that she could as well.

 

[feistyphoenix]

"Actually there is something I need help with," her tone changed into a more serious business like one, "yesterday when that incident happened my door was removed from its hinges. Could you put it back on and swap the knob and lock out for one of the unoccupied rooms?"

She backed into the Tavern door," come on i'll show you," she said as she held the door open.

She led him upstairs to her room and luckily Troy had left the tools close by from replacing the locks.

"I have to change for the lunch shift," she told him as she grabbed her work clothes and the clean linens from the room she had stayed in last night. She threw the linens on the bed and took her work clothes to the bathroom to change.

Tess emerged fully dressed in her skimpy outfit from earlier and started making the bed.

 

[Wolfias]

Eric

Grinning mischievous despite the serious business like tone, Eric was feeling to good to be serious. Aha!...now I know of your deviously dastardly diabolical plan. Lure innocent little ole me in to be your ''Handyman.'' Following Tess dragging his feet like they're heavy as lead, playfully hanging onto the door facing like an oversized spoiled brat.

''Aww work, I dun wanna do thaaat! Nuuuuu don't make me doooo it! Finally knocking it off Eric chuckles deeply, he follows her upstairs making sure to watch her nice rear end. Placing his hands gently on her very shapely hips, upon reaching the top having listened to everything Tess said. Taking a flat head screwdriver from the toolbox, Eric walks to an adjacent door removing the knob and lock.

Returning to Tess's room with what she wanted, quickly he swapped out the knob and lock. Lifting the door leaned against the wall, he wasn't told about what happened. ''How the hell was this door torn off it's hinges?'' Replacement screws and hinges were in the toolbox, it wasn't much longer and the door was hung. ''Eh voila eet iz finished mon sheri''

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess had playfully swatted his hands away when he tried to grab her and pointed him in the direction of the door. When she was making the bed she heard him ask what happened and her face flushed red.

"Umm well I had a client and he broke the rules because he choked me until I passed out. One of the guys that works here kicked the door in to get him off me, I guess the guy really got his ass kicked after DJ got him outside," she explained it as simply as she could.

"That's why I didn't finish my shift yesterday," she averted her eyes from Eric's face. She didn't want to think about Mack touching her that way,"it's not the first time," she added with a shrug, " my ex used to hit me too."

It was the first time she had admitted what had happened to her to anyone in Richland.

 

[raiguy]

"I do probably need to head back to the Tavern, I know Tess wants to go over the dance we've been learning," Alexa said, smiling. "You get to see me dance."

DJ smiled and nodded. "We can definitely head over if you are ready. Or, we can wait a bit and take another shower, that way we don't smell like sex," he told Alexa with a chuckle. He wasn't sure anyone would want to be around someone who smelled like sex, and a lot of it.

 

[celestialdragon]

"A shower would be amazing," Alexa said, smiling back at him.

 

[raiguy]

DJ smiled before pulling himself up. He offered his hand to Alexa, helping her up, before wrapping his arm around her to walk both of them to the shower. He wasn't planning on taking a separate shower from her, but knew that they wouldn't have too much time for anything else if they played.

 

[celestialdragon]

Alexa smiled as they walked to the showers. She knew Tess was going to be pissed at her, she did kind of lie. She hasn't taken any money from DJ, but she felt that would spoil the moment, and besides, he's teaching her to fight and making sure she eats.

Plus, he's the first man to treat her like. . .

Well, a person.

And damn, that made her feel good. Confident even.

 

[wombat9966]

Troy looked at the clock. It was almost time for him to head off to work. He would have to be on his toes if Hannah's dad was going to be making appearances around the bar. Who knew, perhaps the truce had been called off and they would have to deal with both sides soon. He made sure his piece was well cleaned and in perfect working order. He also had a few backup items about his person just in case as well. Besides DJ wasn't the only one with moves and he had looked a little rusty the other night. That guy shouldn't have even landed half of those punches on him. He had been reckless and had waded in, instead of using his head.

Troy got dressed and headed out, starting up his bike and riding towards work. He hoped Hannah was in a better mood tonight.

 

[1millionsecrets]

Hannah had worked hard to dig herself out. Her wrist was tender but the cuts hidden from prying eyes. Her gaze remained low as she set up the tavern for opening. She faced the alchohal flicked on the lights and even the sign to prepare. Exhaustion was apparent on her face but she didn't.let it show any more than it had to.

 

[merryohmd]

With no one around the Tavern, Rex had grabbed his suitcase, exited via the kitchen, hopped the fence, and head back to the flop house. Once there he grabbed a couple of hours of sleep, got up, showered, decided not to shave, and headed out for the tavern. When he arrived he found the front door open so he entered and seeing Hannah at the bar called out to her. "Hey Hannah, I'm back and Tess told me you hadn't replaced me. Is there something you want me to help you with before we open?"

 

[1millionsecrets]

She allowed a small smile and placed a glass of clear bubbling liquid on the counter. "Come share a shot with me. And don't worry Princess." She teased softly. "It's virgin."

 

[gearhead73]

Ethan ran his hand over the silky smooth fender he had just finished sanding. The majority of the body work was done except a few spots that he needed to smooth out with glazing putty. He rolled the creeper seat back and took off his dust mask. He scanned his eyes up and down the length of the classic's body finally satisfied that she was ready.

He took out his phone and with a quick google search he was able to find the location of Wolf's cycle shop. He stared at the address for long moments as it sank in. The bike shop was right across the street from the tavern. When he had left Hannah standing in the street that night, he had swore to himself that he would never be back. However, he had felt bad about how he had handled things and had contemplated stopping in if for no other reason than to apologize. There was obviously more going on there that he had noidea about, and he probably shouldn't have been so cold when she had said she was sorry for the way things ended. He thought about it for a few minutes and then making up his mind headed back to his apartment to get cleaned up. He still planned to stop by Wolf's, but depending on whether or not he could muster the courage, he thought he might stop by the tavern for at least a drink and a chance to say he was sorry.

 

[wombat9966]

Troy parked his bike out the front and noticing the sign had been flipped on walked in and took his seat near the door. Hannah and Rex were already getting ready at the Bar but the girls were nowhere in sight yet. it was still early yet but the way it had been the last few nights, if they didn't get their butts in gear there would be a lot of customers in here and no waitresses to serve them. That was just going to create a great atmosphere for him.