Everyone needs a vacation. This particular trip was for a small group of friends and we were heading to New Orleans for the weekend to celebrate my birthday.
We met at the airport bar at 9:00 on a Friday morning, and started the party then. I'm not sure how many drinks we had before making the 1-hour flight, but suffice it to say that we were pretty wired when we boarded the plane. We arrived in New Orleans about 11:30, and the flight attendants were glad to see us get off of the plane. We found a taxi and headed into town to our hotel.
Once settled in our rooms, we decided to head to the casino and see what Lady Luck was going to start us off with. Actually, it didn't go too bad. We each left with a little more than what we walked in with.
Next was a short walk down to Bourbon Street, and hit the first bar we came to. We ordered our drinks, listened to the music, and laughed at the people dancing. After having a few, we would get out on the dance floor and make complete asses out of ourselves, but who cared? We didn't know anyone and no one knew us. We'd stay around for about an hour or so, then go in search of the next one. There were a few that we really liked and wanted to remember which ones they were so we could come back later, but that's not an easy thing to do when you've had too much to drink.
The day turned to night, and the partying got wilder. We were out on one of the dance floors when the DJ made an announcement and asked me to come up to the stage. Once there, he informed everyone that it was my birthday and that a group of us were in town for a weekend of partying. That just made the crowd wilder, and our whole group ended up with more free drinks. We hit the dance floor again and out of the blue this guy starts dancing with us. He cuts in and gets in the center of us, then starts dancing with each one. The guy was flat out FINE in my opinion. Tall, about 6'2" or so, rock hard body, and a very nice ass. I had seen him at a few other places earlier in the evening, but didn't think much of it. He looked familiar, but I couldn't figure out why. Alcohol will do that to you.
I decided that I needed a break and went outside for a few minutes to get some fresh air. I was leaning against the building when I saw him come out. He came over to where I was standing and introduced himself as Rick. When he spoke, it dawned on me who he was. I could never get enough of that gravelly voice. You know, the deep down, melt your bones kind of voice. I'm thinking to myself, 'No, it couldn't be. No way is this happening. I am not standing here with Vin Diesel. It must be the alcohol affecting my brain.' But when I really looked at him, I knew it was. But he said that his name was Rick. Ok, I'll play along and act like I don't know who he is.
"Hey Rick, I'm Gwen."
"Nice to meet you. Did I hear the DJ right that it's your birthday?"
"Yeah, it's tomorrow so we decided to take a trip and celebrate."
"Cool way to celebrate. By the way, happy early birthday."
"Thanks. We thought so. Time to escape reality for a weekend."
"God, I can relate to that. That's why I'm here too. Well, me and a few of my friends. I guess this is the best place for it."
"I couldn't agree more."
We stood there for a few more minutes talking, then decided to go back in. The girls saw us come in together. Rick headed to his group of friends, and when I got back to our table, the girls were looking at me funny. I explained that I needed some air and went outside, and that's when Rick came out. I decided that I'd keep his secret and not tell them who he really was.
Rick and his friends came over and we all introduced ourselves. Then back to the dance floor everyone went. It was a madhouse out there. Everyone was dancing in a big group, then we'd take turns dancing with different people. It was a blast. The DJ played a slow song and Rick came up behind me and asked me to dance. His voice sent shivers down my spine. I turned around and went right into his arms. He's tall, but not too tall since I'm 5'8". His arms went around my waist and pulled me close. I could have died a happy woman right then and there, but thankfully that didn't happen. His arms were huge, and I loved the feel of his muscles. We talked while we were dancing, about anything and everything. I could listen to that voice forever. I was staring at his lips, wondering what they would feel like if he kissed me, when I realized that he had asked me a question and was waiting for an answer.
"I'm sorry, what did you just say?"
"I asked where you were headed after this."
"Don't know, where ever our feet take us, I guess. We've been bar-hopping all day and I don't know if we're even close to being finished."
"Yeah, I noticed that you've been to several places. And no, you're not even close. There are so many places around here that you won't be able to hit them all."
"What do you mean, you noticed that we've been to several places?"
"I've been watching you all evening. Discreetly, of course."
"But of course. May I ask why?"
"Yes you may, but you won't get an answer."
"Why not?"
"You'll find out later."
The song ended and we went back to where the two groups had taken up residence together. We decided to head out to another place, so off we went. I was walking with the girls when one of them asked me, "Why do you have that silly grin on your face? Do you know something that we don't?"
"No, why?"
"Because you look like you have a secret. So, spill it!"
"There's nothing to tell."
"By the way you were looking at Rick during that last dance, I'd say someone wants something that only he has."
"Hell, who wouldn't? The man is gorgeous!"
"Be careful. You don't know anything about him."
"Nothing has happened so there's nothing to be worried about."
"Nothing has happened YET."
While we were walking, I noticed Rick talking to one of his friends. Apparently, he was getting the same interrogation that I was. I also noticed all the women checking him out. I wonder if they've figured out who he is. Let's hope not. Hopefully everyone is too drunk to care.
We finally reached our next destination, another bar just like the last. They all start to resemble each other when you've been drinking all day and night. Rick and the guys head to the bar and bought us a round of drinks, then the next thing I know he's pulling me to the dance floor. He's dancing behind me, so close that I can feel him. I raise my arms into the air, swaying back and forth to the music, and he runs his hands down my arms and sides, settling them on my hips. He pulls me back against him, my back against his chest, and we rock back and forth to the music. The music changes to a slow song, and I turn around in his arms, resting my hands on his shoulders.