Midnight Playground: Where the Soul Plays

By Simone M. Richards

First Dance, Last Chance?

Two strangers. Worlds Apart. Connected only by timing and a single tango.

Simones perfectly crafted world crumbles when Brian, her soul-mate, one day simply disappears. No letter, no texts, no calls, nothing. Only silence. Devastating silence.

Tony, cautious and logical, treads carefully, not only for his company, but for his young son, as well. But now, with simmering desire borne of a single dance, should he let his fantasy become reality? Should he pursue what he cannot forget? Simones smile her eyes her laugh her touch.

Seeking calm within a sea of storms, neither able to completely disconnect from the past. A past that returns, literally, to haunt Simone. Will the whirlwind shatter their hopes and keep them apart? Is a future together worth the risks?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Oct 27, 2016
• ISBN: 9781480836662

Simone M. Richards

Simone M. Richards lived in eight states and traveled in six countries before graduating college. A divorced mother of three, she is a colon cancer survivor, a serial dieter, and lover of all things basil. Richards lives in St. Louis, Missouri.   www.simonerichards.com facebook - Simone.Richards.Writes instagram - SimoneMRichards twitter -  SimoneRich_STL

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Part One

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Chapter One

SIMONE

September 2015

St. Louis, Missouri

"W anna hear something strange?" Simone asked her friend Natalie.

They were sharing a bottle of wine at Café Adeline after their weekly tango, sitting at their usual table by the windows. They enjoyed watching the people strolling along South Grand Avenue, one of Simone’s favorite places in her city. It had something for everyone— a twenty-four-hour ’50’s-style diner to upscale, expensive restaurants, and food vendors on the street.

Sure, replied Natalie. What’s up?

I had a Facebook request sitting in my inbox.

Yeah?

It’s this guy I met at Ian’s wedding, Tony Silva. He said he enjoyed dancing with me, and that he’d been taking tango lessons as I’d suggested. He wanted to thank me.

What’s wrong with that? asked Natalie.

Nothing really. I mean, I kinda remember dancing with him. I don’t think I ever gave him my last name. I don’t know. I can’t decide if I should be flattered he tried to find me or creeped out that he did. She laughed nervously.

Sounds like you made an impact on him. No surprise there! Natalie quipped.

What do you mean?

I can’t believe you’re honestly oblivious to it.

To what? Simone put some hummus on a pita chip. Want one?

Yeah sure, thanks. Natalie downed it in two bites. "Simone, there’s always someone who becomes smitten after dancing with you."

Oh, that’s not true. You exaggerate. Simone shook her head as she ate another pita chip.

I’m not exaggerating. Remember Steve?

Yeah. He was sweet. Simone tilted her head and wrinkled her nose.

He circled you for months. And Donald?

Ah! Don’t remind me of him, please! Simone waved her hand and took a long sip of her wine.

"That guy fell hard. Kept showing up at the milongas. Hovered over you. He was in heaven when you danced with him and in hell when you danced with anyone else."

Simone laughed. Yeah, he was pretty annoying.

And Roger! Oh my God, I felt so sorry for him.

Why? Why’d you feel sorry for him? I don’t. Simone rolled her eyes.

He gave you that pretty bouquet of flowers for your birthday and you ignored him…

Simone interrupted. It was huge! I swear he got it from a funeral! And he brought it to Café Eau! I was so embarrassed. He wasn’t even invited to my party. I don’t know why he showed up. Ugh!

Stop, already. You enjoy the attention, you know it. Natalie picked up the bottle and evaluated how much was left.

Whatever. I like dancing. Simone looked at the bottle. Another one?

Not just yet. Still some left. Natalie put it back down and continued. You’ve got it easy. All you have to do is smile and bat your pretty, blue eyes and they come a-running.

Ha! It’s not that easy! I’m friendly. Sometimes they want more, sometimes they don’t. I just like to dance. I’m not interested in joining 401K’s.

You’re too nice sometimes, and people like you. I guess we need to add Tony to the Simone fan club? Natalie teased.

Up to you, you’re the president. Simone smirked.

Of course I am! Did you write him back?

Not yet. He emailed me months ago. You know, it’s easy to miss message requests on Facebook.

Check out his profile?

Of course. I remember him, some. Simone played with her phone. Here, look. This is Tony.

Wow, he’s good looking! Natalie nodded approvingly. It can’t hurt to send a reply. You never know what’ll happen. It’s not as if he’s asked you to marry him. And besides, you don’t want to seem rude.

I know. It’s not like he’s the love of my life, and I just found out he’s keeping his crazy wife locked in an attic, teased Simone.

Right! Don’t you hate when that happens? And it’s not like he had you wrapped up in close embrace and belched garlicky spaghetti at you, and now wonders why you won’t dance with him.

"Exactly! And it’s not as if he’s steering you with his arms like you’re a horse and calling it ‘open embrace’. Whoa Nelly!"

Or he’s breathing so heavy you’re afraid he’s going to have a heart attack, or worse, an orgasm right there on the dance floor!

Call 911! Simone blurted.

No, it’s okay. We’re only joking. Natalie said to the diners who’d turned to look at them. Giggling, they clinked their wine glasses.

Since he’s none of that, I’ll gladly reply. Anyway, he’s handsome and, from what I can remember, dances pretty good, too. But, even then, Simone sighed, shifted in her seat, her smile gone. I don’t know. I’m just not feeling it much these days.

Feeling what?

You know. Relationships, men, women. I’m tired.

Wait, what’s going on? What’s happened? Is it John? Paul? George? Ringo? This doesn’t sound like you.

No, no, not really, Natalie. Simone smiled. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, they’re all fine. I think I need some time to myself. I’m feeling a little drained. I mean, things are good, don’t get me wrong. I’ve got a lot on my mind. I’m probably hormonal. Maybe Venus is in retrograde, or is it Mercury?

Check Kim’s Facebook feed. That’ll tell you.

You’re right. Simone grinned slightly. I’ll be okay, you know. I always am. Here let’s finish this bottle and set these grapes free!

Simone forced a laugh as they killed the bottle.

As their night ended, Simone turned to Natalie to hug her goodbye. Thanks for being such a good friend and for listening to me vent. I appreciate it.

Anytime. I’m here for you, always. Natalie squeezed Simone’s shoulders.

I know. I know. Thanks. They embraced again. Okay. Talk to you tomorrow.

Text me when you get home. Just so I know you’re safe.

Sure thing! Simone waved and walked to her car.

Simone kicked off her shoes and tossed her dance bag next to the sofa table. She texted Natalie and grabbed a Pellegrino from the refrigerator. No glass, I want to feel the cool, hard bottle press my lips and the bubbles jump on my tongue.

What am I going to say to him? She opened her laptop. What does he want? Do I really want to start something?

She gazed out her window overlooking Forest Park. Or, am I feeling off because it’s been almost five years since Brian left and this big, brown envelope from him came today? She held it in her hand, still sealed.

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Brian had kissed her goodbye one cold, January morning. Their last weekend together, he finally hung all the pictures, fixed the leaky faucet, checked and cleaned all the HVAC systems. He was like a man on a mission.

What’s going on? Are you a prepper and forgot to tell me? Simone teased as he walked in with several bags from the local hardware store. He’d purchased air filters, batteries for the smoke detector and the flashlight, he’d said, always make sure to replace those, and light bulbs. Simone counted the boxes. There are enough light bulbs here to keep our whole block lit! Brian poked her side, Not quite, Darlin’. They were on sale. I got ’em for a good price.

If you say so, Simone replied. Hey, I’ve invited some folks over for dinner and fire pit later tonight. It’s so nice outside. Okay with you?

Great idea. Shall I grill my famous wings and ribs?

You better! Yum! Simone licked her lips. Everyone’s bringing a bottle, and we’ve got the food.

Sounds good. Natalie coming?

Simone nodded.

I’ll make sure I have extra wings. Brian laughed as he walked away from the kitchen.

Five bottles of red wine, four pounds of wings, and two slabs of ribs later, Simone and Brian said goodbye to their last guest, Natalie.

I just love you guys. Natalie leaned on Simone.

Ahh, we love you, too. Simone shuffled the two of them towards the door. Natalie’s cab was on the way.

You guys are like the best couple ever! You look so good together. He’s so nice to you. You can tell you guys really love each other.

You’re so sweet. He’s a keeper. Simone and Natalie leaned on each other and against the doorframe.

And he dances tango! exclaimed Natalie.

I know! They giggled like schoolgirls. I’m so lucky.

Natalie nodded her head. Yeah, you are. You guys give me hope that there’s someone for me, too.

Aww thanks. Simone brushed a strand of hair out of Natalie’s face. If it can happen for me, it can happen for anyone!

A car honked outside. Oops, cab’s here.

Yep. Get your car tomorrow. Text me when you’re on your way. But not too early, ’cuz I plan on some tango between the sheets. Simone said in her best Argentinean accent.

Ohh, that was terrible! I’m gone! See you tomorrow. Natalie walked out the door.

Hey Babe, leave the dishes. I’ll get ’em in the morning. Come here. Simone reached her arms around Brian’s waist and tugged at him towards the stairs. Let’s go to bed.

Brian kissed her sweetly. Give me a minute. I’m gonna lock up. I’ll meet you upstairs.

Simone listened to him locking doors, closing cabinets, and turning off lights downstairs. She rolled sleepily across their bed, stretching her arms across their pillows. She knew he was making sure she was safe. She smiled and closed her eyes.

A few minutes later, Brian undressed and crawled in next to her already naked body. His gaze fixed on her smiling, content face. He whispered into her ear, Simone, tell me what you like best about being with me? His kiss lingered on her neck.

You really want to know? Simone opened her eyes as he snuggled next to her.

Yes, he pleaded.

Simone propped herself with their large pillows and kissed him. Oh, that’s easy. I love your soft lips, your tenderness, and your smell. I love when you cup my breasts, and kiss my nipples treating them as special as hand blown glass.

She kissed him again. Is this what you want to know?

He grinned. Is there more?

Of course. She snuggled closer to him and smiled gently. I love how you tell me I’m beautiful. I love how you shower me with kisses.

She traced his face and ran her fingers down his shoulder. I love to kiss your chest. Her hand moved gently over his stomach and stopped above his hip. She paused. He took a short breath.

I love to caress you with my mouth, my hands, and my tongue. She whispered, I love to squeeze your bottom, too. She smiled and squeezed him playfully.

She continued, moving her legs across his. I love to feel your long legs between mine. She paused. And how when you enter me it feels like the first time, every time.

Yes, he moaned. His eyes widened as she slid her hand further down and his cock grew hard. He took his hands, turned her face towards him, and pleaded, What else? Please, tell me what else?

Simone kissed him tenderly on his lips. And when you’ve kissed me, licked me, and touched me, I love your hard cock, sliding in and out, filling me up.

She pressed her hips close to his. Her words and movements hung heavy with desire.

You, inside me, is the most natural and glorious connection. I, especially, love being on top, rocking back and forth, up and down.

Perched. Brian winked.

Simone straddled him. She couldn’t go on telling him what she loved, she had to show him.

I love resting my forehead gently on yours. I love how our breaths direct our next move. I love your arms around me. She gently lowered herself on to him, impaling herself on his rock-hard cock, and rocked back and forth.

Brian moaned, Ohhh, Babe. Brian moved his hips and locked his eyes on hers.

There’s more. Do you want me to tell you more? Simone grinned, bent down, and kissed him.

Nope! Brian wrapped his arms around her and rolled them over. Show me!

Simone giggled and circled her hips slowly under him. Brian pressed the weight of his body onto hers while he plunged deeper. The moonlight slipped through the breaks in the curtains and bounced off her smooth, soft skin.

They rolled once more, Simone above him.

Brian’s hands led the rhythm of Simone’s hips. He ran his hands up her body. He pulled her towards him, kissing and licking her breasts. Their tongues explored each other. She arched away, tilted her head back, and steadied herself with her hands on his shoulders. Simone made low, humming moans between little gasps. They were hot and hungry for each other. She took him deeper and deeper. Their bodies united; they moved as one.

Simone’s orgasm teased her as it rose and flowed in ocean waves down her legs, up her hips, climbing into her mind. Oh God, oh my God! She pumped furiously, her pussy contracting tightly holding him deep inside. Her hands dug into his shoulders. Building intensity and momentum, it crashed through her abdomen to her nipples. She exploded into a million little pieces of heaven. Then slowly, truly never wanting to pause, she collapsed on his chest.

Brian gasped, and in seconds, cried out. He pressed her tightly against his chest and thrust his cock deeper and deeper.

She smiled.

He shuddered.

She watched his face relax as the intensity of his orgasm subsided, and kissed it.

He exhaled slowly, opened his eyes, and kissed her cheek.

If I’d known this would happen, I’d have told you all this much sooner, she teased.

Brian smiled, laughed, and pulled her in to him even more tightly than before. I love you, Simone, remember that.

I know. She snuggled into his neck and closed her eyes.

Always, he whispered.

He stroked her hair while she slept. She kissed him as he slept. He held her hand; she threw her leg over his hip. When they rolled away from each other, they’d turn back towards the center, subconsciously, within minutes.

The next day, Simone hummed contentedly while cleaning the few remaining dirty dishes, and Brian prepared coffee for his commute. He kissed her goodbye; she hugged him tightly, smiling. See you later. Have a great day, Darling!

He smiled and winked, You too!

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She hadn’t seen him since.

Simone pushed the memory down. She looked at the envelope and shoved it aside. I’m not thinking about this right now! Instead, she clicked on the message from Tony, and started a reply.

Chapter Two

TONY

September 2015

Detroit, Michigan

From: [e-mail]              9/4/2015 11:30 PM CDT

To: [e-mail]

Subject: Re: Tango and other things         

Dear Tony,

So sorry for my late reply. I just found your email. Yes, I remember you from Ian’s wedding. I, too, enjoyed our dances. I hope all’s well, and you’re still enjoying tango as much today as when you wrote this email.

Abrazos,

Simone

T ony stared at the screen. I can’t believe it! She rep lied!

He found her on Facebook after the wedding. He looked at her profile and pictures many times before he finally reached out to her. Months went by with no answer. He decided she wasn’t interested, and that he’d created a silly fantasy in his head about dancing with her again. He’d written her off, given up. But, here she was! His heart leapt when he saw her message. It was short, but sweet. He read it again and again.

She enchanted his dreams that night. He could feel her body next to his as he led her around the dance floor, her legs reaching gracefully behind her, her movements responding intuitively to his lead. They were the only couple on a dance floor in a beautiful, old, romantic hotel. Everything, but her face and her touch, was a blur. He sleepily massaged his penis while he dreamt of kissing her as the dance ended.

What the fuck are you doing? Jesus, you’re such a pig!

Tony jerked awake and saw his wife, Paula, looking at him with disgust. His hand was in his pajama pants with his erect cock peeking through the opening. He glanced at his hand, looked back at her, and shrugged. I was dreaming. Shit. Give me a break!

Stop it! I don’t like you fondling me and moaning. Quit touching me! Her words spit at him through gritted teeth.

I’m sorry. Go back to sleep. I promise I won’t touch you again. He sighed. Ever!

Paula harrumphed and rolled away, pulling the covers tightly across her body. He quietly got out of the bed and went to the bathroom. His penis had returned to its normal, relaxed state. I’m surprised you didn’t disappear entirely inside me. Yeah, rip me a new one, Paula, that’s your way! He finished peeing, and on his way to the guest room to sleep, he grabbed his laptop and his pillow. You can have the whole flipping bed, frigid bitch, he muttered