IR Erotica Scoville Scale: Tastefully Wicked







“Phoebe, you have to call Ray and tell him that you’re pregnant. He already knows something is wrong. He’s been calling you for over a month and you haven’t spoken to him or returned his calls. I’m sorry but if he calls again, I’m telling him myself.” Tasha said.

“Once I can’t figure out how to tell him then I will.” Phoebe said pulling her blanket over her head.

Tasha grabbed the telephone and pulled back the blanket. “Tell him now! He deserves to know that he’s going to be a Father. If you don’t call him then I will.”

Phoebe grabs the phone from her hand. “I’ll tell him. What time is it?” Phoebe said sitting up on the sofa.

“It’s 8:00pm which means its 2:00am in London. You know he’s still awake, he’s called here after 8:00 before so you have no excuse. Call him!”

“Fine!” Phoebe dialed his home number. The phone rang twice.

“Hello.” A female voice answered. Phoebe fell silent and hung up the phone without saying a word.

“What happened?” Tasha asked taking the phone from her.

“A lady answered.” Her heart sunk into her stomach. “Maybe that’s why he kept calling. He wanted to tell me not to call his house because he was seeing someone else.”

“No! That doesn’t sound like him. He would have told me if that were the case. It doesn’t matter if he’s seeing someone or not. He deserves to know he has a child. Call him back!”

“Give me the phone.” Phoebe said hitting redial, the phone rang twice.

“Hello.” Ray answered sounding half awake. Her heart jumped.

“Hi Ray.” she said softly.

“Phoebe?”

“Yeah, it’s me.”

“Hi, I’ve been calling you. I left several messages but didn’t get a reply. I figured that you must be traveling again. How have you been?”

“I’m fine. I’m sorry if I woke you. I didn’t mean to call so late. I..” she said before he cut her off.

“No, it’s no problem. I was just dozing off. My sister said someone called and hung up. That’s what woke me.

“Sorry, that was me. I thought I’d the wrong number so I hung up.” She said grabbing Tasha’s hand and nodded letting her know that everything was fine. Tasha held her hand tightly and smiled.

“My sister is staying here with me until her flat is ready.” He paused. “Phoebe, I’ve missed talking to you. How have you been, really? You sound distracted.”

She inhaled deeply, “Ray I’m…um…I’m pregnant.” quietly holding her breath hoping he wouldn’t say something stupid that would make her hate him.

He exhaled. “Pregnant yeah.” He said calmly. “Pregnant with a baby?”

“Yeah that’s typically how it goes.” She turned to Tasha and gave a ‘what the fuck’ expression.

“I know, it’s caught me by surprise---not that you’re pregnant, I was expecting that, just hearing the words come from your mouth.” he said smoothly. His voice instantly calming her fears. His voice had always had that affect on her.

“You were expecting me to be pregnant?”

“I always prepare myself for the worse case scenario so when it happens I’m not surprised. I knew you were pregnant the night in Bruges. It didn’t matter then and it doesn’t matter now. We have a lot to discuss. I’ll fly into New York tomorrow morning and we can hash everything out or you can fly to London but if you come here you must bring Tasha. She’s been my biggest advocate and I’d love to finally meet her.” Her eyes began to fill with tears. “Phoebe don’t cry. We’ll get through this.” Ray said evenly. “Let me speak to Tasha.”

Phoebe hands the phone to Tasha and leaves for the bathroom. “Hello Ray, it’s good to hear from you again. What’s popping Daddy?” Tasha said. She and Ray had spoken at length several times; she knew he had a good heart. Knowing fully well that neither of them was in love with the other, she did see that there was a deep seeded respect and from that love would come. Being the older sister she’d always looked out for Phoebe’s well-bring.

“Hello my Sista’! It’s going well now that I know I’m going to be a Father. How is she really?”

“She’s getting better. It was tough for a few days but things are looking better.”

“Good. I told her that I’d fly in to New York in the morning or you two can come here. I can….”

“We’ll be there by tomorrow evening. I’ve never been to London and this is the perfect opportunity for me to see the sights! Oh…and be there for you two as well.” She said before she could check herself.

“Yeah right. I’ll call you back with the flight information. Tell Phoebe that talk to her in a bit. I’ve got to book the flights. Bye.”

“Good bye.”

Phoebe returned to the sofa, “What happened? Did he hang up already?”

“Yep, we’re going to London little sister!”


Walking through the congested airport, Phoebe’s stomach turned in knots. Oh God. What if it doesn’t feel the same? What if he brought me all the here to off me? Man I hope it feels the same. If not then it’s too late to change things. I’m pregnant. Phoebe though has they walked to baggage claim, the appointed meeting ground with Ray.

“Are you worried?” Tasha asked.

“A little. I’m a bit jittery.” Phoebe answered just as the crowd parted. Standing with his hands in his pockets looking around the sea of people, Ray appeared in dark blue jeans and white Polo, with dark shades. “That’s him.” she said taking Tasha's hand.

“That’s him! Damn he is fine as hell. Good going sis.”

Seeing Phoebe and Tasha walking towards him, Ray’s smile beamed across his face. “Ray!” Phoebe said smiling like a teenager. He took her into his arms and kissed her so intensely that her head began to swim; she returned his passion in equal measure. Tasha stood waiting for them to finish assaulting one another. I don’t know what to make of this! They’re all over each other.

Ray pulled away and looked her deep in the eyes. “It’s so good to see you again. I’ve missed you.” He said sincerely before kissing her once more.

"I’ve missed you too. Sorry, this is my sister Tasha.” She said.

“How are you Tasha?” he hugged her. “We finally meet.”

“It’s nice to meet you. You look exactly as I’d pictured.”

Taking Phoebe by the hand, they walked to collect their bags. As they waited, Tasha noticed their body language. They were in constant contact with one another. Whether it was simply holding hands or him standing behind her with his arms wrapped around her. There was something more cerebral about their interaction; something untouchable.

“I hope we don’t meet traffic. It normally thins out around 1:00pm, I think we’re good. I live in Havering which is about an hour away so get comfortable.” He said as they drove out of the airport’s car park.

*************


“My sister is out at the moment but she’ll return shortly. I’ll take your bags.” Ray said showing Tasha to her bedroom. The room was fitted with a king size high post bed, bamboo flooring and what looked to be very expensive furnishings. “You can hang your clothes in the closet and the bathroom is straight through those doors.”

“Thank you, I’ll be fine. You two can go talk.” Tasha said to Ray seeing their body language.

“Right, um let’s get you settled. Tasha, you can take the self guided tour if you’d like. Help yourself to anything. My flat is your flat. I also have a place over on Bishops Avenue if you wanted to stay closer to the city. Let me know and we’ll chat later.” Ray exclaimed taking Phoebe by the hand and walking down the short hallway to his bedroom. His taste in décor was outstanding. Phoebe expected to find a typical bachelor pad sparsely decorated with semi-offensive ‘painting’ and old college furniture. What she found was a sophisticated monotone modern contemporary flat void of empty beer cans and porn. She wasn’t sure exactly how much he was earning but he was living large by anyone’s standard. Unlike most London flats, his was spacious and open.

“So Mrs. O’Connell we’re having a baby.” Ray said as they sat on his sofa. He loved referring to her as O’Connell because it made her beam, also because it reminded him of the devilment they’d gotten into in Bruges.

“Yes, Mr. O’Connell we are having a baby.” She replied forcing herself to make eye contact with him.

“Why do you look away from me? Are you afraid of me?” he lifted her chin studying her face.

“No, I’m not afraid of you it’s just….I feel horrible about putting you…us in this situation. It was my condom that broke causing all of this to happen.”
 
Ray gave a half grin, “Phoebe do you think, maybe, this happened for a reason? Neither one of us come into this blindly. I was there, you were there, we decided to have sex and this is what’s happened. It’s not like we had sex and didn’t speak afterwards. We use to talk all of the time until you stopped taking my calls.”

“About that.” She interrupts. “I want to apologize. After I missed my period I freaked out and I...I…don’t know. I felt ashamed. I didn’t know how to talk to you.”

“So you planned on getting an abortion, giving it up for adoption or raising it alone hoping that eventually I’d stop calling you? Is that it?” he searched her eyes.

“I don’t know Ray. I was lost. I really didn’t know what to do. I’m still confused. I need to hear what you think we should do. You have just as much say in this as I do. You have your career and I have mine. Do we really want to have it interrupted by having a child?”

Ray sat back against the sofa exhaling. He’d expected her to be willing to have the child but, to him, it sounded as if she wanted an abortion or to put it up for adoption. Neither of these were options he wanted to consider but he couldn’t place restricts on her just to fit his desires.

“Phoebe, I will support whatever decision you make but please listen to me. I don’t think having an abortion is safe for you.” Phoebe sat back on the sofa. He continued, “I don’t want anything to happen to you. How could I live with myself if you died trying to get rid of my child? I couldn’t, it would eat away at me for the rest of my life. And adoption never entered my mind. To know that there’s a piece of me living somewhere without me, never really feeling whole, wanting to know who they are, where they came from with no one to give them answers.” He turned to her. “Phoebe, that’s deep. That’s the kind of shit that can drive a person mad.”

“So…you’d like me to have it?” she said softly. Please say yes, please say yes!!

What the fuck am I thinking? I can’t tell her that I want to have the baby, she’s already mentioned her career, and it’s obvious that she doesn’t want to have it. We’re both adults we can work this out. I hardly know her besides blazing good sex and awesome conversations. I do fancy her A LOT! She fancies me; but she called me ‘warm’. Ok back onto the matter at hand…the baby. Do I really want her to have it? he thought.

“My honest answer is that I would like you to have it.” he said trying to hide his smile.

“You are such an asshole!” Phoebe said hitting Ray in the chest.

“What? What just happened?” Ray blocked her shots.

Phoebe was in a state between laughter and crying. “You knew what you wanted and you strung me along. I’m sitting here worried sick and you’re playing games with me.”

“Are you upset?” he laughed.

“No, I’m happy and pissed off with you for scaring the shit out of me. It’s hard to express both emotions at once!” she laughed. “Oh God what are we going to do?” she asked collapsing into his arms.

“I don’t know Mrs. O’Connell. I really don’t know.

***************

“Oh my God, you British can’t cook worth a damn. I’m cooking tomorrow, this is bullshit.” Tasha said tasting what Lindsey, Ray’s sister, deemed to be editable. Lindsey was the youngest of Ray’s siblings, he being the oldest, Chris 31 and Lindsey 25. She was bubbly, dark haired, short, and looked more Asian than Ray. More importantly she got on well with both Tasha and Phoebe. 

“I told you I couldn’t cook. I don’t know why you’re surprised. Throw it out, let’s get take away.” Lindsey said taking their plates into the kitchen. “Where did the love-bird’s sneak off to?”

“I don’t know. They’re been in that room most of the day. I think they’ve fallen asleep. Grab your coat. We’ll bring them something back.” Tasha said walking to the front door.

“Was that the door?” Phoebe said rolling over on top of Ray’s bare chest, throwing her legs over his.

“Yeah I think they’ve gone out. Lindsey’s cooking is enough to drive anyone away.” He kissed the top of her head. “How’d you sleep?”

“Like a log. I may not be able to sleep tonight.”

“Good. I didn’t plan on allowing you to sleep anyway.” He said flipping on top of her. “I’ve got you all to myself and I’m not letting you sleep.” kissing her neck.

“So what do you think the baby will look like?”

Ray rolled off over and aligned himself looking down on her, “Well let’s see. I’m Japanese and Irish. You’re African-American…so it will most likely look Puerto Rican.” 

“That’s the same thing I was thinking! I hope it has your dimples, smile and eyes.” She said searching his face.

“I was hoping it had your eyes and smiles but my dimples. If it’s a boy those will come in handy with the ladies.” He joked. “But he will look Asian, there’s no way around it. Look at Naomi Campbell. Her great-great-great Grandmother was Japanese and she still come out with the almond shaped eyes. That kid is sooo going to be Asian. Poor kid.”

“Poor kid my ass. Have you looked in the mirror lately, you’re gorgeous. Kind of like a Donnie Yen meets Collin Farrell but taller. If it’s a boy I hope he gets your height, I’m only 5’9”. He’ll get his ass kicked at that height.”

“Or if it’s a girl she’ll look like Nicole Narain! My heart would break but the guys would love her.” He said.

“Who’s that?”

“The girl from the Collin Farrell sex tape. You know, she went on to date some American blokes after the scandal. Jesus! I should’ve thought that last comment out a little better. From the age of 13-18 I’m not going to get a wink of sleep am I?”

“Nope!” she laughed at his concern.

“Well if I’m up then so are you.” He said kissing her deeply. “I’m not in this alone.”

“Oh Ray you feel so good.” she said melting underneath him.

“Damn, we’ve had sex four times already and you still want more. I could get use to this.” He said positioning himself between her legs. “And the best part is we don’t have to use condoms. I can’t get you any more knocked up than you already are baby.”

“You make it sound so romantic.” She said feeling his thick cock slide in to her pussy. “Oh shit!”

“No, it’s a fact.” looking into her eyes. “Just like it’s a fact that I can’t get enough of you. I really want you to stay with me.” He said working her pussy like a master.

“Oh God Ray.” He pumped into her. “Can we please talk about this when your dick isn’t inside of me? Please keep going, you’re going to make me cum.” She moaned concentrating on his eyes.

Her legs spread as far as they would go, she wanted all of him. His intense love making drove her insane, the way he looked at her; it was as if he was fucking every corner of her mind. But it wasn’t fucking; it was something unreal. He’d connected with her in a way that no man had done. She wasn’t allowed to look away. She had to stay in the present, to feel each and every thrust, suck, bite and pull. He loved every curve of her body. What she saw as her flaws, that little 5-10 pounds women complain about, were tiny perfections to him.

“Have it your way.” He drilled into her harder causing her to scream his name continuously. He worked her into a hot mess before allowing neither of them to cum.

***************


“Now that my dick is out of you can we please talk about this arrangement?” Ray said muting the television as Phoebe joined him on the living room sofa with both of their dinner plates. “I think you should move in with me and we can raise our child together.”

“You want me to move in here? What about my job? What about Tasha? What about you not loving me?” she said.

“Yes, I want you to move in…here…with me. See if your job will transfer you to London, you’re an investment banker you don’t need an office and Tasha is an adult. I’m sure she’d love to sideline you and have your flat to herself.” At that he paused. “And as far as me not loving you, you’re wrong. I do love you but I’m not in love with you. I respect you, I fancy you a lot if you haven’t noticed, and most importantly I’m committed to making this work for us and the baby.”

Her head swimming in thought. She needed a moment. “Can I think about it?”

“No.”

“What?”

“Of course you can think about. I don’t expect an answer right away, take your time. Besides, it’ll be a while before your boss will let you know if the move is possible. If his answer a no then you always come and work for me.” He said turning his attention back to the television.

“What, work for you?”

“Yes, I own the investment firm. I’ve seen your work and I’m very impressed. You can come and work for me.” He muttered completely distracted by the news.

“You own the investment firm?” she said in amazement.

“Yeah, I’m surprised that you didn’t catch that from my business card. The firm’s name...REO investments.”

“Raymond Evan O’Connell. You’re REO.”

“Yep that’s me, at your service! I opened the doors about 10 years ago with 6 of my mates from university with nothing more than a hand full of my Dad’s contacts. Business has gone very well and I was able to buy out all but 2 partners and I have no plans of letting go of those guys. I thought you would have picked up on the name. I hope I didn’t put the willies up you.”

“Ok, wait, what? Put the…what?”

“Sorry, that term means scare or unnerve. I’ll have to teach you more British slang. I can’t have you looking puggled.” He smiled knowing she didn’t have a clue what he’d just said.

“Alright now you’re just making up words.” She declared as Tasha and Lindsey returned.

“No, I didn’t. It’s a real word. Lindsey, tell her the puggled is a real word.”

“Yeah, it means crazy or mad.” Lindsey said as she and Tasha went into the kitchen.

Ray gave Phoebe an ‘I told you so’ expression.

“Tasha did you know that Ray owns the investment firm he works for?” Phoebe called.

“No, I didn’t know that. Hell I don’t really care what you do. As long as the mortgage is paid I’m cool. Give me some hot sauce.” Tasha answers before turning back to Lindsey.

Lindsey came bouncing from the kitchen planting herself at Ray’s feet, “Yeah Ray is a genius with numbers and stuff. I don’t understand it either. I guess he got all the brains in the family. I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do in life and I have to hurry up before Mom and Dad cut me off.” She said. “That reminds me. Ray I need you to pay my credit card bills this month. It’s not much this time, only 4000.00.”

“Sorry, I will give you 2000.00. You can get the rest from Mom or Chris. I’m going to be a Daddy, no more paying your bills.” Ray said.

"No! Ray you can't cut me off just like that! You're my brother. You're suppose to support me!" Lindsey whined.

“Fine, come by the office and I put you on the front desk with Karen. Problem solved.”

“I’m fucked.” She pouted.

“Hey, watch your mouth. There a baby in the room.” He said.

Everyone stopped and looked at him. “Just practicing for later.” He said.

“Later?” What does that mean?” Tasha asked.

“Ray asked me to move in.” Phoebe said braiding Tasha’s hair as she lay across her lap.

Tasha sat up and Lindsey turned around. “What? Are you two getting married?” Tasha shouted.

Lindsey jumps to her feet and ran for the phone, “I’m telling Mom and Dad!”

“Wait a minute, we’re not getting married. We’re working on our relationship and we’ll see where it goes. Everybody just chill-out.” Ray said.

“He’s right. We’re working on it and maybe in the future we’ll settle down but for right now there is no wedding. I’m going back home and talk to my boss about getting transferred to London but there is no guarantee this will be approved.”

“I don’t understand. Why don’t you work for Ray? It’s a no brainer.” Lindsey said with Tasha nodding in approval.

“We’ll see how things go.” Phoebe said lying back into Ray’s arms. Tasha and Lindsey returned to their positions.

***************

2 days later…

“What’s my favorite color?” Phoebe asked.

“Red. What do I have every morning for breakfast?” Ray answered.

“Two eggs, one two slices of toast, one white and one wheat. What’s my middle name?”

“You don’t have a middle name because your parents thought Phoebe was so original that they didn’t give you another one. Where do I keep my socks?”

“In the lower right drawer of the dresser because it’s close to your feet. What's my biggest pet-peeve? She asked.

He paused. “It a toss up between the loo seat being left up and loud people.” Ray replied accurately.

“Very good”

“Thank you. Can I please taste you?” he asked looking over her hairless mound.

“By all means.” She said laying her head against the pillows. He slowly lowered his head and began to feast on her slick pussy. “Oh do that again.”

“You taste so good. I think I’m addicted to you.” He said parting her pussy lip and inserting two fingers and licking her erect clit softly. “You so fucking beautiful baby.”

“Oh Ray lick my pussy.” She panted lost in desire. With ever lick, kiss and suck his mouth dragging her deeper and deeper into ecstasy. Never before had her body been this in tune with a man, never had a man been able to arouse her from the dept of her soul. She moaned incoherently as he drained the life out of her. The room began to spin out of control, her body ached to feel him inside but the pleasure his tongue was inflicting choked the words in her throat.

“Someone is enjoying herself.” he said smugly. “I want you to cum again before we make love.” His words worked their way through her body sending her into an orgasm that was so soothing it left her speechless until she lay running her hands through his hair recovering.

“How do you do that? I’ve never experienced these kinds of orgasms with anyone else. You’re amazing, shit my pussy shaking.”

“I can calm it for you.” He said gliding his thick cock into her. “Don’t move, lay completely still.” he raised her knees to his chest and pumped into her, his hips methodically driving his cock in and out. With each stroke her ass rose from the mattress welcoming him. Her legs pinned to against him, he played her like a flute. Every pore of her body awoke. “Are you alright? I’m not going too deep am I?”

Phoebe shook her head, unable to speak. “Ray.” She moaned as he drove deeper. “Ray I’m cumming. I’m cumming.” Her eyes rolled into the back of her head. “Oh fuck!” she screamed as she felt his load shoot into pussy. He grabbed the back of her neck and ripped into her, releasing everything he had. Her legs fell, he lay between them, kissing her neck trying to regain his senses. Phoebe wrapped her arms around him tightly; their bodies intertwined.

“If you weren’t already pregnant you would be now, I don’t think I have anything left in me.”

“Man that was…I can’t find the words to…holy shit that was good.” Phoebe panted. He slowly pulled out of her and collapsed face down into his pillow and threw one arm over she naked body.

“You’re going to kill me.” He muffled.

“We’d better great some sleep, we have a big day tomorrow.” She said curling into him.

“Don’t remind me. What time does our plane leave?” he said.

“7:00 am. We should be in Dublin fairly early. Do you think your parents are going to have a problem with me being Black?”

“Yes, they’re going to have a huge problem with you being Black. Especially since they’re in an interracial marriage and have had to fight prejudice since meeting each other. Yeah, they’re going to be pretty pissed!” he said sarcastically. “Please, me bringing you home is exactly the same as me bringing home Fiona or Yoko. Besides what if they did have a problem? What if your family had a problem? We’re adults. We live our own lives. We don’t have to answer to anyone much less allow them to dictate who we become involved with. That’s textbook elementary school bullshit. I’m a grown man not a boy.”

“I’m concerned about them liking me.” She said kissing his bare shoulder.

He turned over and kissed her, “They are going to love you as I do. Get some sleep.”

“You love me?!”

“Jesus, I’m going to put my head through the wall. Yes, I love you but not in the way you think. I adore you, I fancy you, I respect you and my love for you grows everyday. You know that, baby.”

“I was hoping that’s what you meant. I feel the same way about you. We agreed to take this slow. You scared me for a moment.”

“You scared yourself.” He said gathering her into his arms. “Come here and warm your feet, they’re freezing.” She nestled into him. “Alright, I can’t say ‘I love you’ so what are we going to say? I mean, we are in a relationship right?”

“Yes, but we have to come up with something that doesn’t mean that we’re in love with each other rather that we are committed to one another.”

“I love you. It’s simple and it can mean whatever we what it to mean. Fuck it, case closed.” He said.

“I love you.” She said softly

“I love you too. Good night Mrs. O’Connell.” He kissed her head.



“Good heaven.” Tasha said walking into Ray’s parent’s enormous house.

“I see the house has met Tasha’s approval.” Ray said helping the taxi driver bring in their baggage. “My parent’s should be around here somewhere.” Lindsey quickly grabbed Tasha and ran upstairs. Phoebe stood staring up at the high ceilings and pricy art work.

“Hi Ray!” his father, Michael, said as he and his mother, Miranda, approached them in the forger. Phoebe instantly saw where Ray had gotten his looks. Michael stood eye-to-eye with Ray with the same features minus the almond shaped eyes. His mother stood no taller than 5’5”, slender frame, dark gentle eyes, and jet black hair cut in an asymmetrical bob.

“Hey old man it’s good to see you again.” Ray said hugging his father and mother before turning to Phoebe. “I’d like to meet my girlfriend Phoebe. Phoebe these are my parents Michael and Miranda O’Connell.”

“Pleased to meet you Mr. and Mrs. O’Connell. You have a beautiful home.” Phoebe said offering her hand at which Michael pushed aside and hugged her followed by his mother.

“Please call us by first names. You’re in Ireland, we’re more relaxed than Americans.” he said with a thick Irish brogue. His mother gestured to the taxi driver where to place the last of their bags. “You message said there would be four of you. Who else is here?”

“Lindsey and Tasha, Phoebe’s sister ran upstairs. They’ll be down soon but we need to talk to you both first.” Ray said taking Phoebe’s hand and walking into the living room. They sat on sofas opposite one another. Phoebe’s stomach dropped.

“What’s the big news?” Miranda asked.

“We are going to have a baby. Phoebe is pregnant.” Ray said warmly.

“Wow, I wasn’t expecting that.” Michael said looking to Miranda who was dumb struck.

“We weren’t either and I couldn’t be happier.” Ray said. “Mom, are you alright?”

“I’m fine. I can’t believe I’m going to be a grandmother. I don’t know what to say.”

“So you’re okay with this?” Ray asked holding Phoebe’s shaking hand.

“Yes, we’re pleased to welcome you into the family. Congratulations, when’s the wedding?” Michael asked.

“We aren’t getting married, well at least not at this time. We’ll see how things work out and maybe somewhere down the road we’ll get to that.” Ray said smiling at his father.

“Oh, I see,” Michael said leaning back into his seat, clearly not thrilled with Ray’s answer. “I respect your decision to wait but why?”

Miranda nodded her head in agreement with her husband’s question and interjected, “To be honest I’d rather see you married before the baby comes however I will support you in your choice. You’re both adults and manage your own affairs but at least think about getting married before the baby arrives.”

Phoebe smiled warmly at Miranda. “We will consider it.” 

“Good,” Michael said standing, satisfied with Phoebe’s answer. “Well if you will excuse us, we’re heading out for the day. I’m sure you’re both exhausted so we’ll bring Tasha and Lindsey along with us.”

“Get some rest and we’ll see you later for dinner.” Miranda said kissing both Ray and Phoebe before they left.

“That was easier than I thought,” Phoebe said as Ray took her in to his arms. “Your parents are nice people.”

“Yeah they are but that conversation was too easy even by their standards. I have a feeling we going to be married before we know it if those two have anything to do with it.” Ray chuckled fondling her hair as she sunk slowly into his lap. “Why do we always end up in this position? Do you realize we’re constantly on top of one another?”

“Because it feels right.” Phoebe replied closing her eyes, snuggling into him.

“Yes it does Mrs. O’Connell, yes it does.”

***************

“And this is an authentic Irish pub; one of the last bastions of rude lawlessness accepted by the Catholic Church.” Ray said opening the door for Phoebe and Tasha to pass. The place was packed to the walls with everyone participating in a pub sing-along with the MC leading the charge. Upon seeing Ray step through the door the older female bartender almost dropped her mug.

“Ray O’Connell when did you get in town?  Hey everybody its Ray!” she announced with a heavy accent bring the crowd to attention. The MC made the official call and everyone clapped and said their, if not a bit awkward, hellos. Ray went to hug the bartender as two men approached Tasha and Phoebe.

“You must be Phoebe. I’m Dan and this is Jim. We’re friends of Ray.”

“Yes, I’m Phoebe. It’s nice to meet you.” She said trying to ignore Tasha’s obvious attraction to the tall, dark eyed Irishman standing to his left. While Tasha had no objection to Phoebe and Ray interracial relationship, she had never been with man outside of her race, the opportunity never presented itself. It appeared Jim wasn’t trying to mask his attraction either. He smiled warmly and sat back on his heels. “I’m sorry this is my sister…”

“Tasha correct?” Jim completed Phoebe’s sentence as Ray joined the group. Everyone turned to Jim puzzled how he knew Tasha’s name. “We met earlier today while she was out shopping,” he said to everyone then turned to Tasha smiling. “As I remember you blew me off.”

“Damn man, she blew you off?” Ray laughed, everyone followed. Jim stood waiting for an explanation which Tasha rapidly through together for their entertainment.

“No, I didn’t blow you off. I told you that I was staying with friends and couldn’t agree to go out with you because that would have been rude.”

“I asked for your phone number and you told me no.” Jim said shooting holes in her excuse, making everyone take his side.

“I don’t even know the phone number to Ray's pareant's house!” Tasha exclaimed winning the swing vote.

“Yes, but I offered you mine and you refused. What's up with that?” Jim came back with a death blow.

“Okay, you got me there but I’m new in town. I can’t go away meeting strange people all by myself.” Tasha conceded.

“Young lady we’re all strange people!” A local barfly said.



“What are you doing?” Ray asked feeling Phoebe’s hand ease into his lap unknown to the others seated at the table.

“I’m horny. Can we go home?”

“Are you serious? Now?”

“Yeah, I want it really badly.” She said kissing him. Ray placed one hand on her cheek and kissed her as if there was no one else in the room. 

“Are they like this all of the time?” Dan asked Tasha.

“Yes, all of the time.”

“Let’s see if we can get one of our local favorites up on stage. Ray will you come up and sing us one?” The MC blared over the microphone. The pub clapped and cheered. Ray shook his head. Dan and Jim stood urging everyone to clap louder.

Finally Ray stood and walked to the stage with Dan and Jim. Strapping on guitars, they mounted barstools and adjusted their microphones as the crowd continued to cheer. They were soon joined by a drummer and violinist.

“Did you know he played?” Tasha asked Phoebe.

“I had no idea.”

“Yeah he’s one of the best we’ve heard.” A local chimed in.

“Hello everyone. It’s great to be back home after being away so long. I hope I don’t disappoint you or embarrass my lovely girlfriend Phoebe. Please give her a warm welcome.” Ray said as they tuned their instruments. The pub applauded as Phoebe nodded graciously. “This one is for you my dear. It’s entitled ‘What you Want’ by John Butler.”

Ray began playing his guitar and was joined seconds later by everyone else. He’s voice sent chills down Phoebe’s arms. It was obvious that they’d played together for years, their harmony was solid and their pitch was perfect. The pub went wild singing along. Ray and the group were having the times of their lives, smiling back and forth to one another as they jammed, Phoebe and Tasha stood singing and bopping along with everyone. As the song came to an end the crowd begged for more.

“Okay, one more and then that’s it. I have to get back to my girl and our baby.” Ray beamed. The crowd applauded and several people come to congratulate Phoebe, she blushed. “This one is entitled ‘Lost in You’ by Garth Brooks. I love you baby.”

As he began playing the small dance floor slowly filled with couples swaying to the melodic rhythm. Phoebe listened to each word of the song carefully. Ray was pouring his heart out to her in front of perfect strangers, she watched speechless.

The song drew to a close, Ray and the guys took their bows and returned to the table. Ray kissed Phoebe as if they hadn’t been interrupted. “So what else haven’t you told me about you? I had no idea you could do that. Your voice is beautiful” Phoebe said coming up for air.

“Thank you. It never came up in conversation. I’ve played for years,” Ray said as people patted his back congratulating him. “Do you want to go home?” Without further words Phoebe stood marching Ray through the pub’s door. “Shouldn’t we wait for Tasha?” he asked.

“No, she’ll go home with Jim. I just really need you right now. Just touch me or something, anything.” She insisted, pulling him to the car.

“Wait, you’re going to hurt yourself. We’ll leave her the car and we’ll get a taxi home.”