Awakened - Chapter 3

“Hey!” he said as bold grin spread across his face.  His accent was deep, down to earth, more like that of a farmer, or backwoods country boy.  “Do ya’ll mind if me and my friends sit with you?  We looked around, and there ain't no more tables available.” 

Samara wanted to say, “YES”, and “NO” all at the same time.  All she could do was look at him.  She quickly glanced at her two single friends; they were all smiles.  “No, we don’t mind.”  She replied quickly, knowing if she hesitated, she might think better of it, and decline.  The two men standing beside him were equally handsome, in their own way.

All three sat down, and there was a brief silence.  It was obvious things were a bit awkward.  Being the bold, outgoing lady, as usual, Melanie was first to speak.  “Well, where are you guys from?”  She was looking directly at the man sitting beside her.

“Valdosta.  We’re here on business.  We run a construction company.  Well…," there was a slight pause, "We just started it a few months back.  Do you know the new History and Natural Science Museum being built on the other side of town?  Well, that's us.”  

The music began to play and one of the other men, a tall muscular blonde,  raised his voice to match the volume, “That’s why we’re dressed like this.  We weren't expecting to go out, but we've been here a month.  We were getting kinda stir crazy.  We thought we might try one of the local dance halls.  Turns out, this is the only one in town!”  

Melanie smiled in agreement.  It was obvious she was smitten.

“I see…,” Melanie placed her hand on her chest,  “My name’s Melanie,” pointing to the beautiful redhead across from her, “this is April,” she paused and looked toward Samara, “and this is Samara.” 

All three of the men smiled and spoke simultaneously, “Nice to meet you!  I’m Robby,” said the muscular blonde.

“I’m Chris...” Smiled a medium built, clean shaven man with outrageously thick dark hair, “and this is my partner, Derek”. 

Derek smiled. 

“Derek… Derek”, Samara liked the sound of his name.  She looked towards him, batted her long thick lashes and smiled a beautiful toothy grin.  Her heart was racing, and she prayed he could not read the thoughts playing out in her mind.  “What a piece of eye candy... GIRL, get a hold of yourself now… you’re with Walter, you shouldn't even be looking at another man!  Shame on you!!!”   Samara quickly flipped hair off her shoulder, as if trying to flip an arguing angel off her shoulder and into oblivion.  The music suddenly changed to a Kid Rock song, Only God Knows Why.  For some reason, she felt the music suited the occasion.

“Would you like to dance,” Derek rose from his seat extending a hand toward Samara.

Samara was ashamed of the way she was feeling.  A quick glance at her two friends said more than words could have expressed; confusion, interest, lust, heat, passion… confusion, shame, WALTER...guilt…confusion...Walter.  Her mind said, "NO!", but her mouth said,  “Sure!”

The song had a slow steady beat, and the rhythm was mesmerizing.  Derek wrapped his strong muscular arm around Samara’s waist and pulled her closer.  She could feel his taught muscles through their clothing, and heat flooded her cheeks.  Her flesh burned with excitement.  She was almost a head shorter than he; his mass, and height left her breathless.   He smelled of fresh cut lumber; a woodsy clean odor that tantalized her nostrils.  She wanted to breathe in every inch of him.  As the music played, Samara felt suspended above the floor.  His grip was tight, strong, and inviting. 

Throughout the night there were several more dances, reverberating discussions over likes, dislikes, various construction jobs the men had been involved with and comparing muscle mass.  When the D.J. announced it was closing time, the three men walked the ladies to the dimly lit parking area.  They politely waited while Samara attempted to unlock the car door with a failing key-less remote.  Derek stood close as Samara manually unlocked the door to her Lexus.  His face was so close; his warm breath was felt against her cheek and he whispered,  “Do you mind if I give you a call?” 

Samara was uncertain.  She was still thinking of Walter, yet her mischievous heart made her mouth open to say, “I’d love that.”  She quickly retrieved a business card from the clutch she was carrying. 

Derek looked down at the card, “You’re an engineer?  Wow!  Smart lady, huh?  Well…”  He sighed.

“I hope to hear from you.”  Samara opened the door of her Lexus sedan, and slid gracefully into the leather seat.  Looking up at Derek, she smiled.

“OH, You will.” Derek smiled back as he gently closed the door.