Chapter Three

The couple wandered the streets of Philadelphia, migrating towards a touristy strip of the downtown area. Jade thought her guide seemed to be oddly familiar with the inner-city as they moved about. He'd instantly pointed his toes in the direction they needed to travel, knowing every-which-way to turn. Just when she couldn't imagine having to take another aching step, they reached the warm foyer of a Holiday Inn. Her teeth relentlessly chattered as she greeted the receptionist and paid for a room for the night.

Mr. Tie pushed the elevator button causing it to illuminate. In an instant, the hum from the motor echoed from behind the wall, and Jade stared up at him with a bleak smile on her face. Inside she felt disappointed, knowing it was time to thank him and say goodnight. She hesitated, wondering if she should give him her number. Would he even call her? She doubted it. The door chimed and then slid open.

"After you," he held out his hand, gesturing for her to go first.

Her heart fluttered, and without a word, they stepped onto the lift together.

Jade swiped the keycard and opened the door labeled 306, walking into a room that was dimly lit by two lamps on the bedside tables. She glanced around at her accommodations, which were nothing out of the ordinary. The room resembled all the other hotels she'd ever stayed at. She couldn't ignore the urge coming from her aching limbs. With a huff, she fell back onto the bed, still fully clothed. Her eyes closed, relishing the plush comforter underneath her that had a freshly washed bleach scent. It felt good to be in the warmth, to be off of her feet, to feel a small sense of security after such a long day. She was sure that she could've fallen asleep in an instant if he hadn't been there as well. "This feels amazing," she said the thought out loud, reminded of his presence.

An amused chuckle resounded from the entryway. She opened her eyes to find Mr. Tie casually leaned against the door, his arms folded across his chest. "Well? Are you just going to stand there all night, or are you going to try it?" She gave the mattress a small pat, enticing him to lay down beside her. She curled up onto her side, making space as Mr. Tie slowly crossed the room. He sat down on the edge of the bed and reclined back before closing his eyes. With a small sigh, he agreed, "You're right. This does feel amazing."

Jade took the opportunity to study his features, admiring how good-looking he is, even with the small imperfections. The lines at the corners of his eyes gave away his age, along with the few gray hairs mixed in with the dark stubble on his face. She felt compelled to reach a finger out and stroke a small white scar above his eyebrow.

"Skateboarding accident, when I was a teen," his words filled the silence of the room as his lashes fluttered open. Their eyes met, and she sat up, leaning over him.

"Thank you for tonight," she whispered, gazing at his lips. She wanted to kiss him. Her tousled hair brushed against his face as she pushed her mouth tenderly against his. Their lips parted as he kissed her back, the passion igniting between them. He tasted like liquor. There was a longing inside of her, begging to be filled. He took in a breath, "We can't do this," he spoke sternly, gently pushing her away, "You're drunk."

"What?" She chuckled, staring down at him in confusion. What was the point of coming up here if he didn't want to sleep with her? "I'm not even drunk," she tried to persuade him with another gentle kiss. Jade was an adult who knew what she wanted and what she was doing. She slowly stretched a knee over him, straddling his waist. Her caresses progressed into light nibbles advancing along his neck, but she could still feel the hesitation in his body.

She stopped, sitting up with a frustrated huff, and then rolled off of him. She faced the doorway, embarrassed and angry by his rejection. For the entirety of the night, she had continued to make a fool out of herself, and he had let her. "I think it would be best if you just left," There was hurt in her voice, but she refused to look at him. 

He sat up. "You want me to leave?"

She nodded, trying to muster up the courage to speak her mind. It's one thing she had never been good at, sticking up for herself. "Look, I know that I'm buzzed, but I'm coherent enough to understand what I'm consenting to. You're not forcing me into this. If you don't wanna have sex, then that's fine. It's whatever," she shrugged.

"Buzzed?" A sarcastic laugh erupted from his chest, "From the cost of my tab tonight, I'm wondering if you'll even remember me tomorrow."

She smirked, "Well, there's no telling now. That would've depended entirely on your performance tonight."

Before she could finish the sentence, he had caught her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Is that so?"

Her heart began to race at his touch. She forced herself to breathe under his embrace. "Yes," she gulped, "I tend to have a selective memory, but I understand if you aren't up for the challenge."

A wild look flickered in his eyes. His grip tightened on her jaw as he pulled her forward, kissing her hard. Every second she felt herself melting under his touch. "I would love to leave that memory imprinted on your brain forever, but I can't," he whispered into her mouth, releasing her.

She panted, using the bed to keep herself upright. Her eyes stared at him in disbelief, knowing he was toying with her. She had to put an end to this torture. "Fine, go. I'll finish the job myself."  Her cheeks burned as she'd realized what had just slipped out of her mouth. That definitely wasn't something she'd ever say, and even speaking the words made her feel dirty. Maybe she was more intoxicated than she realized.

His eyes widened at the flickering image of her in his head, "You aren't playing fair, you know that?"

"I don't play fair? You're the one who keeps getting me all worked up," she argued, "You're a... a tease."

"Fine, let's just both take a moment to cool down and talk."

"Talk?" She frowned.

"Yes, if we can have a conversation in which you don't slur your words, I'll reconsider your challenge."

"I'm not drunk," she rolled her eyes and fell back onto the bed, wiping her face. This was pointless.

"Then I guess you have nothing to lose."

(Chapter is continued...)