O'Sullivan's

Julia

              Racing into the parking spot a bit quicker than was ideal, Julia slammed the gear shift into park, grabbed her purse and dug down into its depths in hopes of quickly locating her favorite tube of Burnt Berry lipstick.  Pens, a rogue breath mint, and a used tissue were the only items she was able to find.  Julia continued her pursuit, rummaging at warped speed, knowing he, ever punctual, was waiting. 

              
“Where the fuck are you?  Seriously?  Why can’t I find a god damned thing in this purse when I need it?” Julia cried out, frustrated.  “Wait, there you are.”  Julia pursed her lips as she applied one final layer, checking that her teeth remained as pearly white as ever.  Those teeth were one of her best attributes-how else could she wow people in her life without a killer smile?  It certainly couldn’t be with her Rubenesque figure. 

              
Julia sighed.  She didn’t even know why she was going through with this. 

The two dates had to be a fluke-HAD to be.  Why would Bryan want to have anything to do with me?  He’s the kind of guy who could have any woman he wanted.  ANY woman.  He’s so damn charming, with that boyish grin only intensifying his appeal. His crystal blue eyes…that body…even his voice, so smooth and inviting.  Bryan is the kind of guy you’d see with a bikini-clad blonde on his arm.  I just don’t understand what his end game is here?  Maybe he lost a bet…

Julia’s thoughts trailed off as she opened the nicotine-stained door to her beloved dive bar, O’Sullivan’s.  As soon as her eyes adjusted to the darkness within, she spotted Bryan atop a stool at the north end of the bar.  He looked up at that exact moment and flashed her that butterfly-inducing grin for which he was infamous.

Fuck me.  He’s so gorgeous.  This is too good to be true…for real.  He’s exactly my type, to a T.  Dark hair and a full beard too?  It just doesn’t get any better than this?  Maybe he’s killed someone.  He’s a drug dealer.  He’s in the mob-that’s it!  Yes!  He’s connected.  I think he’s Italian, isn’t he?  Bryan with a Y…that’s Italian, isn’t it?      

   
“Hey Bryan,” Julia said, as she removed her jacket and took a seat on the stool next to him.

Bryan

Her scent drives me insane, in the best possible way.  I don’t know what perfume she wears, but it’s incredible.  God she looks amazing in green.  I love how her red curls cascade down her back yet frame her face at the same time.  And that face, with those teal eyes and full lips.  I want to taste them so desperately that I’m getting kinda hard just thinking about it.  Bryan, dude.  Stop.  Get it together.  And what the fuck is wrong with you?  Did you just use the phrase, “curls cascade down her back?” Get yourself a drink and calm your shit down.  This is embarrassing.

“Hey Julia, how was your commute?” Bryan asked playfully, knowing Julia lived three blocks away.

“Oh Bryan with a Y, your corny humor gives my dad’s a run for it’s money.  You know that, right?” she replied.

Bryan grinned that infamous grin as he summoned the bartender, ordering two hoppy IPAs for the both of them.  He appreciated a girl who enjoyed the simple things in life, like a cold beer, and didn’t need some fancy, fruity-tooty drink with a straw and an umbrella.  He also appreciated a girl who absentmindedly ran the rim of the beer bottle over her bottom lip, back and forth, so slowly…

“I like this place, Jules.  It’s got that “dad’s basement” vibe complete with…smell.” Bryan joked.

“Yeah, that’s why I’ve always enjoyed it so much.  I mean, aside from the fact that four of us can come here and drink for $40, and safely walk home, it’s definitely got that homey feeling to it,” Julia explained, “right down to the wood paneling.”

Later that evening Bryan and Julia stepped outside to grab some air.  They were both having an excellent time, and were slightly tipsy from the beer, so the cool air felt refreshing on their flushed cheeks. 

She’s glowing under the moonlight.  Yeah, I sound like I’m insane, but shit, look at her.  Every curve of that ample body highlighted under the luminescence.  I have to do it.  Now.  I can’t hold back any longer-it’s just killing me. 

“Hey Jules?” Bryan questioned.

“What’s up, B-Ry?” Julia chimed in, giggling.

 Without missing a beat, Bryan took his right hand and caressed her cheek, fingertips tracing a path, ever so slightly, while gauging her reaction.  Julia looked briefly stunned, but instinctively closed her eyes for a moment, raising that supple mouth a few inches higher. 

“Jules?”

“Yeah?”

“I really want to kiss you.”

Julia took a step forward, wrapped her arms around Bryan’s broad shoulders, and leaned in, delicately placing her lips upon his, feeling his warmth.  A low, guttural groan escaped Bryan’s lips as he kissed her back, parting her lips with the tip of his tongue, so very playfully. The kiss grew more passionate as their tongues united; Bryan inhaled her scent as his hands instinctively ran through the flowing locks he had playfully teased himself about earlier in the evening.  Julia’s hands found their way down Bryan’s back, as she pulled him in tighter, embracing both physically and emotionally.