Stars Align

It was the kind of event that makes it all worthwhile, all the exhausting travel, the crazy long hours, and being far away from her husband and daughter for weeks at a time. The final leg of their tour had brought Emma and her band to a little seaside town in the French Riviera to cap off a weeklong festival. The weather was perfectly hot and clear and a gentle breeze off the Mediterranean created the ideal climate. The venue was a beautiful open-air amphitheater built into a bluff overlooking the sea, providing an endless, sparkling blue backdrop for the stage. To one side there was a little harbor full of boats and the other way looked out over a long, thin crescent of white sand.

Somewhere beyond the beach on a centuries-old olive plantation was a charming little resort where the festival had provided the rustic yet luxurious accommodations that Europeans seem to have perfected to a science. They had arrived the day before in the early afternoon so they were able to explore the little village, down a couple drinks, hit the beach, and still have some time to relax over a late dinner at the resort and get some much needed rest.

As the shadows lengthened the amphitheater filled with beautiful, happy people on holiday enjoying the final evening of the festival. Emma had been to Europe many times and she fully resonated with the way people, especially the French, embraced art. To them it was as basic and essential to life as wine and bread. She sometimes dreamed of living in France one day and knew that she would meld right into the culture.

The opening act was a French singer-songwriter and guitarist performing solo. Derek Rousseau was a beautiful man in every sense and his features suggested at a certain measure of Mediterranean blood. He spoke to the audience in French of course but like many European artists he sang in perfect English. Emma checked out the first half of his set from beside the stage and was captivated. His guitar playing was masterfully subtle and full of emotion and his sparse lyrics painted vivid pictures that Emma found remarkable, especially for a second language. She wished she could have taken in his entire set but she needed to go warm up and get ready for her own performance.

Which totally rocked. The audience absolutely loved her. Midway through her set the sky magically lit up with hues of orange and red and as the sun slipped down people rose up and began dancing and swaying. Emma never failed to be amazed by how she was able to move people, physically and emotionally, through her music.

Afterward, as usual, everyone wanted to meet and talk to her, buy a CD, take a picture, have her sign something. Emma always appreciated the praise and attention and it was a vital part of the energy exchange but she was more than ready to relax at this point.

By the time her stuff was packed up the sky was fully dark and a van was waiting to take the musicians and their gear back to the resort. Climbing into the remaining empty seat Emma was delighted find herself sitting next to Derek. She had met him only briefly during sound check and had not yet had a chance to tell him how much she enjoyed his performance. He graciously received her hyperbolic compliments during the ten minute ride and reciprocated with his own appreciation. As the van tires slowly crunched their way up the resort's winding dirt driveway Derek asked if he would see her at the party.

Emma had almost forgotten that the promoters were hosting a little after-party on the pool patio for the musicians, sponsors, volunteers and a few VIPs. A couple glasses of wine was exactly what she needed so she dropped her things in her room and quickly freshened up. It felt great to change out of her performance clothes and slip into a little tank top and skirt and comfy sandals before heading down the path to the party.

It was a beautiful, warm, moonless night and the sky was full of stars. The regional wine was spectacular and she enjoyed the continued attention and praise she received from virtually everyone. Even though she'd been doing it for a few years now, sometimes Emma still couldn't believe that she got to travel the world and perform in these beautiful places, drink great wine, and hang out with such cool, artsy people. And here

they

thought

she

was exceptional. She knew she was uniquely gifted but still it often seemed like a fantasy.

Before too long only a handful of people remained and Emma was relieved to finally be able to relax and not be "on." The guest rooms were little cabanas strategically secluded about the resort so noise was not really a concern. They talked freely, told stories and laughed out loud as the wine continued to flow, some weed went around, and still more wine flowed. Everyone was feeling very good. Not surprisingly, Derek turned out to be very witty and charming and had everyone laughing with his hilarious stories and impressions. Emma enjoyed and returned his friendly flirting and felt an easy connection with him, coming to feel like she had known him for a long time.

Eventually it got late and the group started to gradually dissolve. The scattered cabanas were strung together by some rustic paths and crude stone steps. At this hour the path lights were off and the resort grounds beyond the patio were pitch dark. As Emma was saying goodnight and about to head off to her room she discovered that her phone battery was dead and she had no light. Derek quickly offered to accompany her and light their way with his phone since his room was off in the same direction and he too was ready to call it a night. Emma gratefully accepted, they bid the others adieu, and made their way off into the darkness.

At a clearing in the trees Derek doused the light for a moment and they marveled at the display of stars overhead. The night was still and the only sounds were a few muted voices from the party, the chirp of a lonely tree frog and the gentle whisper of the sea in the near distance. Continuing along the way, considering the wine, the dim light, and the uneven path bisected by hundreds ancient olive tree roots, there was more than a little stumbling and laughing and arm holding as they steadied one another. Somehow they managed to arrive at the door of Emma's cabana without a major mishap.

"Oh my god, you saved me. Thank you SO much. I never would have made it without your help," Emma laughed. "Seriously, they would have found me in the morning sleeping under a tree somewhere."

"It was nothing, really," Derek smiled. "I was ready to go and my room is just up the path."

"Well, you definitely saved me. And before you take off with the light let me just find my key," Emma said as she dug in her bag. Derek lit the door over her shoulder as she unlocked it and reached inside to drop her bag and flip on the hall light. "Yay, we can see!" she said as she turned back to him and they laughed again. "So, we don't check out until noon - thank goodness - but in case I don't see you tomorrow, I just want to say it's so great to know you and I had a blast hanging out tonight."

"It was very much a pleasure meeting you, too," Derek agreed.

Emma continued, "And I was so inspired by your art. You are amazingly talented."

"You're too kind," he interjected.

"Really, your music spoke to my heart and I wish you all the success in the world. Hopefully our paths will cross again sometime," Emma said with all sincerity.

"Well, thank you. And the same to you and more," Derek said. "I've never seen someone quite like you. You have such a unique energy and your performance is captivating. And you're so beautiful, inside and out. I really hope I see you again."

"Awww, you're too sweet," Emma replied. "Well, until then, let's connect on Facebook. I'll find you and 'friend' you and 'like' you, and all that."

"Yes, please, let's do that. And I already like you a lot," Derek added.

"Well, then. Goodnight and farewell. And thanks again for saving me." Emma reached out and the two shared a friendly, American style hug. Afterward, Derek's hands came up to her shoulders. As he leaned in Emma did the same, expecting to exchange the Euro cheek kisses. But much to her surprise Derek planted a gentle kiss right on her lips. Her response to the unexpected caress was purely automatic as she closed her eyes and returned his kiss. It was more than just a peck but still very brief and it was over almost before it even registered.

Afterward she just held still for a moment as she processed the tangle of thoughts and feelings that had suddenly flooded her. She knew it was something more than just a friendly goodnight kiss, and yet on some other level she doubted it. Afraid of reading too much into it, she wasn't sure how to react. She felt her heart was pounding. A reaction to the surprise? And her lips were tingling. Anyway it was over for now, but might there be more? Did she want more? She certainly hadn't minded the kiss. As the initial surprise wore off she realized that it had given her quite a thrill.

And just how long she remained like that - her thoughts and pulse racing, eyes closed, lips tingling - she couldn't say. But during this timeless moment she became very aware of something else: her lips were not the only thing tingling.

Derek had been admiring Emma all evening, ever since they met, and found himself charmed by this woman who absolutely glowed with beauty and charisma. There was a genuine openness to her and despite her formidable talent she was very humble and gracious in the way she connected with people. He was simply drawn to her and couldn't help but flirt. Her attention and her laughter had only fed his attraction. And, honestly, her little tank top with no bra hadn't hurt either. And that juicy ass. Even so, he really hadn't formed any plan to pursue her. But then, serendipitously, she needed an escort to her room.

So now here they were, by fate and a dead battery, alone at the end of a starry Mediterranean night. Two beautiful people, very much enjoying each other's company, and parting ways in the morning, probably forever. He knew she had a family, but he also knew that she was far from home and they'd had a few drinks and sometimes things just happen. Especially at times and places like this.

He didn't want to risk offending her so he decided at the last minute to just give her a little kiss and see how she reacted. It was now or never and her hug had provided the perfect moment. Derek savored his little taste of her succulent lips. He was encouraged that not only had she offered no resistance, she'd even leaned in as he brought his lips to hers. And now, standing in the dim light from the doorway with her eyes closed, lips slightly parted, and her hands still resting on his shoulders, she seemed to be waiting for whatever was coming next.

Actually, Emma wasn't looking ahead. She was rooted firmly in the present, pondering the distinct tingling glow between her legs that Derek's kiss had suddenly ignited. He was a hot man and surely he had women falling at his feet. And she, too, couldn't help but notice his beauty but it was just an observation. The idea of anything physical with him hadn't even occurred to her. Funny how the body works, she now thought, because it clearly had its own agenda. All it took was some red wine and one little kiss from this beautiful man and instantly her pussy had melted. It was a seductive feeling that demanded attention and in the back of her mind she promised to comply once she was alone in her room.

And while she floated there, momentarily entranced by the little pleasure waves flowing through her body, Derek's next kiss found her. This one was undeniably passionate. Focused as she was on her bodily sensations, Emma keenly felt the pulse of excitement that surged through her chest when their lips met again. Suddenly short of breath, she inhaled sharply through her nose as her mouth welcomed his. Butterflies rose up in her stomach as their tongues danced and the warm, buttery feeling between her legs intensified and spread.

Emma felt totally alive and she was a bit overwhelmed by the sudden rush of pleasure. Derek's kiss was delicious but what gripped her most was how the rest of her body had responded. It was like an irresistible drug coursing through her veins and she felt totally hooked before she could even think about what she was doing.

Somewhere, some part of her felt she should resist this seductive pleasure, but the wine and the stars and her purring pussy were conspiring to encourage and justify her behavior.

What's wrong with a little thrill? It feels so good.

She couldn't remember the last time her body felt this electric. And who knows when she might feel this way again so how could she turn away? Besides, they're just kissing. There are women who would kill to be in her comfy sandals right now. And look who they are and where they are! It just felt right, like it was exactly what they should be doing. It's was all so beautiful and exotic and exciting and she was completely immersed in the present moment.

Her other life dangled by a thread at the hazy periphery of her awareness. It truly felt like some other life, a million miles away and entirely irrelevant, as she let it drop fully away.

She noticed that Derek's hands were now at the nape of her neck and the small of her back but she hadn't noticed when he had moved them from her shoulders. And as she pressed herself up against him she wondered when she had gotten up on her tiptoes? It seemed as though her body was on autopilot, following a course plotted in her cells as her excitement spiraled higher and higher.

A big part of what was taking her so high was Derek's obvious desire and urgency. Something about that, more than any physical sensation, lit her up like fireworks. She could literally feel that this man desperately wanted only one thing: her. She didn't know the last time she had felt really wanted like this and it was overpowering. Derek's desire was making her feel like a beautiful, hot, irresistible, sexy woman and she reveled in the experience.

Of course, she actually was all those things but somehow she could never fully accept it. Her husband was forever telling her that she's so beautiful and sexy and that he's always hot for her. But she always resisted believing him. Husbands have to say those things, don't they? And he had fallen into the custom of letting her initiate their lovemaking. He was always ready to go but if he wanted her more often than she offered herself he rarely made it known. And when he occasionally did she assumed he just desired a blowjob more than he really desired her.

But their sex was good and satisfying, and even though there was a kid underfoot and less spontaneity, it was filled with so much love and they knew each other and needed each other and Emma never perceived any lacking. It wasn't until now that she remembered how powerfully seductive it was to feel desperately wanted and realized just how much she missed it.

So she couldn't peel herself away. They were just kissing and holding each other for a moment and it was thrilling. And her body whispered persuasively to her that it was beautiful, that she deserved this, needed this; that it was okay and that she was in control. But her nipples were hard, tingly points and her pussy was molten. She might have known better than to listen to them.

Derek's hand slid down to her skirt, rested on the curve of her ass and gave a gentle squeeze. Feeling no panties underneath, he knew that she was wearing at most a thong. Or maybe nothing?! Regardless, they both knew that a quick flip of her little skirt was all that stood between his exploring hand and her bare bottom. The thought occurred to Emma that women's clothing was designed for easy access, a fact she found exciting at the moment. But she gave no thought to the fact that they had now gone beyond just kissing.

When she felt his other hand move up and cup her breast she eagerly anticipated the next logical sensation. But he made her wait for it. He made her wait while he enjoyed the feeling of her breast nesting in his hand as they continued kissing. She yearned for it while he gently squeezed her soft flesh through her thin shirt. Finally she could wait no longer and shamelessly begged him by arching her back and pressing her breast pleadingly against his palm. Only then did he relent and his fingers at last found the tip of her hard nipple. A spark of electricity shot directly to her clit and Emma heard herself whimper into his kiss. Involuntarily her mound found his thigh and began rubbing against it, scratching her sudden itch and filling her with a whole new level of pleasure.

They'd only been kissing for a minute or two and already Emma felt like she could very easily come.

Then she noticed a hardness pressing back against her hip. Something about feeling the manifestation of his excitement made it all very real and cut through her body's conspiracy. She didn't exactly come to her senses, but somehow through the steamy cloud of arousal Emma grasped exactly where things were quickly headed, and that perhaps she'd let things go a little too far and needed to hit the brakes before it was too late.

She broke the kiss - though not their embrace - and whispered breathlessly that they had to stop, they can't make love. A gentleman, Derek immediately returned his hands to neutral ground and apologized, even as she remained pressed against him.

"Please don't apologize," Emma said. "It's not your fault. I got a little carried away. It just felt so good and I really didn't want to stop."

"That makes two of us," Derek admitted, "but I don't want to do something you'd regret."

"I wish all men were like you," Emma replied sincerely.

Having paused the action, but still embracing, they hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to gracefully disentangle and neither really wanting to. It was Emma who looked into his eyes and finally broke the impasse.

"I really am sorry, and I didn't mean to lead you on. And, uh, I kind of feel bad about leaving you...like this," she said as her hand slipped down between them and caressed the big, hard bulge in his pants.

It was entirely impulsive. Her body had become addicted to the arousal. It needed another fix and knew just where to find it. Pressed against her hip his lump of manhood had served as a wakeup call. But now in her hand it was another thing altogether. She thrilled at his heat and hardness and size, all of which she could feel in tantalizing detail through his light trousers. She even felt it jump at her touch and her mutinous pussy tingled smugly at this small victory. Her rational mind had somehow managed to contain the wildfire, but her body was still smoldering for this man who was now, save for some thin fabric, literally in her hand. She moistened her lips unconsciously as she contemplated the delicious compromise she was about to make.

Emma loved sucking cock. Everything about it. The intimacy, the taste, the feel, the naughtiness. She loved the sublime submissiveness of being servile to a man's strong, hard penis, surrendering her mouth for his pleasure, and the simultaneous feeling of power and total control it gave her, where the smallest movements of her lips and tongue produced profound responses. She loved how a man's appreciation literally dripped from him. And there was nothing like the rush of excitement from bringing him to his peak of ecstasy in that way. It all turned her on to no end and often brought her to the very edge of her own release. She loved it as much as fucking, even more so in some ways.

Coupled with her hunger Emma felt a certain ownership of Derek's erection that further compelled her to attend to him. He'd been with plenty of other women and had countless erections. But this one was hers. She felt not only flattered and aroused by this testament to her desirability, but possessive of it, responsible for it. His penis had stood up just for her and she couldn't let it melt away and go to waste. While a man might desire this thing or that, a hard cock has but a solitary goal and she wanted to honor it, bring it to its ultimate expression, and make it one that he would never forget.