Ben was unlocking the door to his apartment when he heard the first scream. It took him a moment, but the second scream drew him down to the first floor. The front door to the apartment below his was open; a bag of groceries lay on its side just inside. He stepped forward cautiously, hearing another cry.
There was a woman, sitting on the kitchen counter, her feet drawn up. She gave him a wide eyed look while pointing at the floor. "Get rid of that thing," she pled, her voice trembling as much as the hand that pointed, "Please...please, help me."
Ben stepped into the apartment and looked down. In the middle of the kitchen floor was a large cricket. He snorted, then looked up at the woman again. "A....cricket," he chuckled, "Crick-et." You'd think it was something horrible.
"Please..." Her eyes pleaded with him.
Ben stepped further into the apartment, watching the woman. She had moved in only recently and he hadn't met her yet. An oversight, he thought, eyeing her tousled blond curls and big blue eyes. Her skin, a bit pale at the moment, looked like cream and he imagined it would feel as soft. She wore a tee shirt and shorts, leaving long slender legs bare. A pair of flip flops lay on the kitchen floor. Maybe being her rescuer would have its benefits.
"I'll take care of it," he said, hiding his smile and picking up a glass from the counter and a letter from the mail scattered over the floor. He approached the cricket, hearing the squeak from the counter. He scooped the cricket up and carried it outside, releasing it into the bushes beside the parking lot. Then he returned to the apartment, stooping to pick up his backpack and carry it in with him.
"Close the door, please," the woman asked, still sitting on the counter, "Please, keep it outside."
Ben complied, then picked up the groceries and mail as he approached the kitchen. He dropped everything on the first counter, placed his backpack on the floor and then crossed to the woman. She gave him a hesitant smile. "Thanks."
He stepped closer. "It was just a cricket," he murmured.
"I know," she gave a little shrug, slowly letting her legs dangle off the edge of the counter, "but...eww." She gave him a second little smile, then crooked her finger at him. "My hero..."
Ben grinned as he stepped closer, between her legs, and she slid her hands up to his shoulders. "I guess I am."
One of her hands slid into his hair as she leaned closer. "Then I guess you deserve a reward," she whispered. She brushed her lips along his jaw.
"I'm all yours," he answered, his voice husky. His body was heating, tensing, as her fingers playfully stroked his cheek, then fiddled with the collar of his shirt.
"Aren't I lucky," she purred. Her hands dove to the hem of his shirt, gripping and tugging it up, peeling the tee over his head. She gave a little hum, stroking her fingers over his chest and shoulders. She gave a little smile, then leaned close to brush her tongue along his bottom lip.
"We can debate luck later," he growled, cupping her face in his hands and pressing his mouth to hers. Personally, he'd never been so glad for a cricket. She was sweet, warm, soft...his hands stroked down her arms. "Let's find a bed."
"I can help with that," she murmured, wrapping her legs around his hips, "But, remember, this is your reward. I get to play first."
His mind went blank for a moment at her words, then he scooped her close, enjoying the press of her body against his as she slid her arms around his neck. "Ladies first," he managed.
Her chuckle was warm against his neck as she swirled her tongue just under his ear. "Bedroom's to the left," she whispered, then laughed again, "but I guess you know that. You're the one upstairs, yes?"
Ben carried her out of the kitchen and across the living room. "Yes," he answered, "Why?"
