During pre-production of For Me and My Gal, Gene comes to a realization
photo credit: @ohmygarlands
(I wasn’t gonna post this as I don’t think I’m very good at ‘pre-jugenea’, but a friend convinced me otherwise. It’s not my best, but still a fun read)
1942
"Judy, focus, girl, focus," Busby Berkeley's frustrated yell echoed in the empty rehearsal hall as his little starlet tripped on her footing once again.
During a turn, she went the opposite way, tripped over Gene's leg and almost fell until he caught her hand. Judy's hand slipped from Gene's as she regained her balance and she turned away from the men, her hands on her hips.
Breathing heavy from their long rehearsal of the choreography for the 'My Gal' sequence, Gene looked down feeling horribly. He had never seen her imbalanced like this before, not just on her feet but her concentration as well. He could tell she was disappointed with herself, though would never admit that to 'Uncle Buzz'.
"Judy, you need to get this down asap. This is the most crucial dance to the picture," Buzz said less loudly but with a very stern tone as he turned her to face him. She refused to look up at him and he went on, "Do you hear me? We've gone through this sequence over and over. If you can't get this, we might as well scratch the whole film!"
"Hey," Gene said stern himself, "She's trying her best."
"She is not trying her best," Buzz said eyeing her down before turning to Gene, "I've known her much longer than you have, Gene. She's slacking off."
Gene saw Judy's eyes tear up and he took a step closer, "You may have worked with her longer, but this girl works her ass off for you people. Give her some room to breathe and back...off."
Buzz turned to Gene and pointed his finger at him, "Next time you talk to me like that, I talk to Freed. You're new here, Kelly, and very easily replaced."
With that, he turned and started walking away, "Get it right," he said before slamming the heavy door behind him.
Gene let out a heavy breath through his nose before he turned back to Judy. Holding his hand out, he wiggled his fingers, motioning for her to continue with him, "Come on."
"Just give me a second," she replied as she paced a little bit having a moment to get herself together.
He waited, patiently, knowing she was a tough girl and let her have her moment. But, when he suddenly heard a sob escape her, he felt so protective and just wanted to scoop her up.
Screw the rehearsal, he thought, and pulled up a chair, "Sit down, Darlin’. Come here."
"I'll be alright," her voice sounded very irritable.
“No, come here,” he persisted and she did just that.
"Want to talk about it?" When she didn't answer, he continued, well aware of the problems she was having in her new marriage from what she had told him, "Dave?"
"That's part of it."
Gene could feel her holding back and he decided not to push it. One thing about Judy was that if she wanted to, she would. They were both quiet for a long moment, in comfortable silence, only sounds of the birds outside the cracked window was heard.
"No one's ever done that for me before, you know."
"Done what, honey?"
"Stand up to Buzz like that."
"Not even Mickey?"
Judy smiled and shook her head, "Not even Mickey."
"Well, I don't think any man should speak to a lady like that, I don't care who you are. And I don't condone bullying, especially to someone I care about, someone who they just look at as a money maker. I think speaking down to someone is the most disgusting act out there. I was raised to treat the janitor the same way you treat the CEO. Humans are humans, I don't care about stature."
"You're definitely not like the other men around here. And I'll tell ya a little secret," she said taking his hand which he took gladly, "Some people around here are intimidated by you because you told off LB in that letter. I mean, that took..."
"Balls?"
She giggled, "Yes. And the way you spoke to Uncle Buzz just now," she looked at him dumbfounded, "Not even Clark Gable would do that."
Gene nudged his shoulders, "I'm an honest man, that's all. I don't play into the Hollywood bullshit, you know this. I'm here to make art, not kiss ass. And I'll stand up to any disrespectful bastard who thinks otherwise."
Judy placed her hand on his cheek and looked at him with such genuine adoration, "You're a good man, Gene Kelly."
There it was, the two of them staring at each other like they had on the dance floor. Only this time, Gene didn’t feel anxiety take over his body. Her hand felt so warm and soft again his jaw as she looked at him with such respect. God, he could get lost in her eyes.
Breaking their stare, Judy lowered her hand and pushed herself off her chair. He immediately felt cold.
“Shall we continue?”
“We shall.”
“I’ll get it this time,” she stated adamantly.
“And it’s ok if you don’t, baby. That’s what rehearsal is for.”
“Just remind me. When we go into the hop waltz, we go...”
“Counter-clockwise.”
“Counter-clockwise.”
“Just look at me. I’ll let you know with a look if I feel you’re about to make an oops,” they got into stance, “One thing I learned on Broadway, I know how to hide mistakes.”
“How do you do that?”
“I make the audience think that’s how it was supposed to happen,” he said as he made a twirl motion with his finger, like his character does in the scene, where they start their big dance number.
They went through the dance, singing a cappella, and saying their lines, with Gene directing by saying certain things like ‘And turn’ or ‘Under’. She flubbed the hop but for the most part, Judy was spot on. When they did the routine a second time, they went straight through, with no mishaps. They were completely lost in one another, having fun, and just enjoying themselves.
When it came time to sing their last lines, his arms around her waist from behind, Gene didn’t want to let her go. Instead of releasing her so they could bounce into their chair and strike a pose, he remained holding her. And she wasn’t moving either. Her hands slid up his arms, tightening her grip on him, before she looked up at him over her shoulder. Suddenly he noticed her breathing more unsteady than it was when she was dancing, and she was looking at his mouth again. Fuck, she wanted him to kiss. Oh, he wanted to...
“How was that,” she whispered.
“Perfect,” he whispered back and suddenly found his head slowly, but surely, gravitating toward hers.
“Gene,” she murmured almost barely.
“Rehearsal’s over!”
They both jumped apart as the rehearsal door banged open. George Murphy and Ben Blue, who had been rehearsing in the next room, stood there in the doorway.
George then whistled, “Buzz just called lunch.”
“Yeah, let’s go. I’m hungry,” Ben started before walking away down the hall.
Gene watched as Judy scrambled to collect her things, and seemed awfully nervous.
“You guys go ahead,” he said as he grabbed his script, “I’m not hungry. I’m gonna work some more.”
“Suit yourself,” George said a little arrogantly.
Gene looked up just in time to see Judy glance at him one more before George escorted her out the door. When they were no longer in sight, he threw his script across the room in anger.
Gene took a swig of his beer, in complete contentment, as he sat at the bar of Johannes. It was a tropical, outside cocktail lounge, hanging off a cliff in Malibu, with spectacular views. It was nighttime at the moment, and even though you couldn't see much of the Pacific, except the calming waves crashing own below, the views were just as grand. The lit up lights of houses and buildings all along the cliffs and mountains gave it a starry quality.
Tonight, there was a Spanish-themed band, and the breeze off the shore felt heavenly in the muggy air. Gene needed this, this and more cold beer. As he motioned to the bartender for another, he felt a hand slap his back.
"Hey, Pal," Van said as he slid into the empty chair next to him.
"Oh, hey buddy," Gene said gleefully, "Where'd you come from?"
"Just arrived with a few friends," he said nodding towards his group.
Gene leaned back to look and saw Evie, Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda just walk in. Then Judy appeared beside them. Before he could have much of a reaction, Evie caught his eye and waved at him. Judy looked over curiously, and when their eyes met, her smile disappeared. She looked daunted, so much that he immediately turned back forward in his seat, his hands tightening around his beer.
"Come on and join us," Van urged.
"You g'head and grab a table. I'll catch up with you in a bit."
Van kneaded his eyebrows at his friend's hesitancy, but nodded, "Okay, we'll be over there. Make sure you come on over."
As the group walked past him, Evie quickly gave him a kiss on his cheek, but his eyes glued to Judy in hopes that she might give him a friendly smile, or say hi. But to his disappointment, she purposefully ignored his direction as she kept on walking, following Van.
Fortunately, Gene’s old friend from Vaudeville, Mike Villa, popped in, so he was happy to have the distraction. They finished a beer and got a good chat in for about twenty minutes when Van’s group started becoming a little rowdy. The laughter was infectious. They all sounded like they were having a grand time, and Gene tried to ignore looking over, but Judy’s laugh carried over everyone’s and it made him smile.
Slyly, as Gene took a swig of beer, he slowly glanced over his shoulder towards the group, nestled at a table in the corner across the way. They all burst out in another roar of laughter but Gene’s eyes remained on Judy. She looked so god damn lovely as she laughed. It felt like it was slow motion, as she looked over at him, mid laugh. Their eyes caught, and her laughter stopped, but her smile didn’t. It widened. When he smiled back, her eyes looked down as she brushed some hair behind her ear. She was blushing. Gene felt a twinge burst in his stomach again and he turned back towards the bar, letting out a breath.
“She’s prettier in person, ain’t she,” Mike commented.
“Who?”
“That Judy Garland.”
“She’s a very beautiful girl.”
“How is it working with her? Is she a diva like I’ve heard?”
“My God, not at all,” Gene said serious, “She’s such a treat to work with. She’s professional and talented and funny, man, she cracks me up. More than that, she’s kind. She treats everyone like family.”
They both looked back over at her, and saw Judy watching them, but she quickly looked away.
“She’s real cute, you know what I mean?”
Gene saw his friend raise his eyebrows suggestively before taking another swig of beer and he shook his head, “Yeah, man she’s real cute, but you know what? It’s a whole different ballgame. She’s not a girl to pick up, believe me. And she’s married.”
“Since when does that stop anything. From what I hear, that band leader husband of hers is away a lot and everyone knows she don’t spend her nights at home. Look at her out now.”
“Listen, no disrespect, but Judy’s become a very good friend of mine. She’s going through a lot. I’m protective of her, so please…”
“Gene, buddy, it’s cool. No harm done. Like a sister to you, huh?”
“Yeah, like a sister,” he murmured.
He lied.
“Hello.”
Both men were a little startled when they heard that captivating, yet soft, voice suddenly behind them. Mike immediately stood up like the Queen had just walked up to him. Now, he looked like a frightened schoolboy rather than a man that had just made a suggestive remark about her.
“Miss Garland, how do you do. I’m Mike Villa.”
She shook his hand, “Nice to meet you. And it’s Judy.”
“Mike is an old friend of mine from New York,” Gene casually interrupted.
“Are you in town visiting?”
“Actually I moved here a few years ago. I work over at Fox in the editing department.”
“Oh, how lovely,” she turned to Gene and placed her hand on his arm and lowered her voice a bit, “Can I talk to you?”
“Ya,” he said curiously and stood up.
“Mike, I hope it’s okay if I steal Gene away for a little bit.”
“Go right ahead.”
Gene felt such relief when she took his hand in hers. He let her guide him across the café towards the back stairs that lead down to the beach.
When their feet hit the sand, Judy kicked her shoes off and let go of his hand. He watched as she walked away from him, towards the water. He kicked his loafers next to hers but tread behind her slowly, hands in his pockets. She wanted to talk to him, but she hadn’t said a word yet.
“Isn’t the view beautiful,” she asked softly, turning her head over her shoulder to look at him.
He had to stop a moment, as the moon reflecting off her hair and face mesmerized him. He couldn’t help but stare and suddenly she looked away, giving a nervous giggle.
“You know, when you look at me like that, it doesn’t make things easier for me.”
Gene walked up next to her, their ankles in the gentle surf. He had a quick thought of how good the cool sand and water felt on his tired feet before he replied curiously, “Make what easier?”
“My feelings for you. Feelings that I don’t quite understand,” she said meekly.
They both looked at each other, their eyes searching.
Gene broke their contact and ran his hand through his hair terribly nervous, “Judy…”
“No, Gene, listen. Ever since we became friends, I always felt this connection with you; like I could be myself, my true self, and be open and honest with you.”
“Good. I feel the same.”
“Then I think we need to get a few things straightened out,” she said straight-forward and serious, “I’ll go first. David isn’t the only reason I wasn’t doing my best in rehearsals today.”
“Uh,” he cut in, “You were trying, you just lost some confidence there for a little bit, but you got it back.”
“Do you know why I got like that?” Gene thought and shook his head and she went on, “You.” He took his hands out of his pockets and was about to speak but Judy put her finger up to shush him, “You have given me more confidence than I’ve ever felt before, not just personally but professionally.”
“Then what was the problem,” he felt a little insulted.
“The night at Ciro’s. You looked at me in that way again; the way you did in rehearsal, the way you did just now. Then you just left me there…”
“I told you I was sorry,” Gene mumbled feeling like an ass again.
“…but the thing I didn’t appreciate is that you lied to me. You said you were fine, and we both know that isn’t true. If we have the relationship that I thought we did, then you would be honest with me, too.”
Gene sighed and took a few steps away from her not quite finding his voice. She just continued to stand there and went on, “When you left me like that, I felt like you went from respecting me to hating me.”
Gene immediately turned around and walked up to her. Judy took a step back at the ferocity of his swift action, but relaxed when he put his hands underneath each side of her scalp. He was looking at her with such desperation.
“I could never, and would never, hate you…for anything.”
“After we talked in rehearsal, I know that now,” she quivered, “But before that, I wasn’t so sure. When you left like that, and then put a wall up, I felt like I suddenly lost you, lost my confidence.”
“That is far from the truth. Why would you think that?”
“I thought maybe you hated me because you could see that I was starting to like you more than just a…friend.”
Gene released her to anxiously bite on his nail. He glanced up at her before looking back down at the sand and her voice became a little louder, “This isn’t easy for me, Gene. Don’t you realize I just got married last year and now I’m having confusing feelings for another man?”
Gene’s chest started to heave as he took in her confession he realized now he wasn’t only one hiding, she had been, too. Judy’s voice turned to anger, “And you’re just standing there listening.”
“And don’t you realize that I’m the one that I hate,” he yelled back.
It was Judy’s turn to look at him dumbfounded. As such a self-assertive, and strong man, as Gene Kelly, hearing that he even remotely disliked himself made her skin break out in goosebumps, bad ones.
“I had to get away from you on that dance floor, Judy, because I was frightened,” he turned to look straight out into the sea, focusing on a small light coming from a boat towards Catalina Island, “I just got married not too long ago myself, honey, so we’re in the same boat. I hate myself because I made a promise to myself. I’m a good man, Judy, an honorable man…”
“I know that,” she wept interrupting.
“You hear all about these things that go on over here, and I said to myself, I would not get involved in any scandal or affair or chase after other women or fall in love with someone else. I was frightened because of my feelings for you. How can you fall for someone you haven’t even really been with? One can call it just an infatuation, but if it were about lust, that would be easy. You Judy Garland…you’re so much more than that. I’m standing here telling you how I’m starting to feel about you, but I’m not going to leave my wife, my growing family. I’m also not naïve. I know you can’t change what your heart feels. That’s what’s scary.”
Gene kicked a small seashell off his foots as another small wave crashed over their feet and he suddenly felt like a timid school boy. Before he knew it, Judy walked in front of him and slid her arms around his waist, resting her cheek against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, slowly rubbing her back up and down affectionately.
“How do I make you feel, Gene?”
Gene wasn’t sure he heard her right, and then processed how she might want him to answer, but he just found himself saying, “Like Christmas morning.”
She looked up at him in awe and he went on, “How do I make you feel?”
“Sometimes you make me feel things that I don’t even feel with my husband.”
Gene swept some hair behind her ear and moved his face a little closer to hers, “If we hadn’t been interrupted at rehearsal, would you have kissed me back?”
Judy thought it a stupid thing to ask and she didn’t hesitate with her own absurd question back to him, “You don’t lust after me?”
Gene grabbed her head and crushed her lips to his. He heard her give off a noise, not of startle or surprise, but more of relief. Her lips were so full and cushy, he wanted more. This wasn’t acting, they weren’t on camera, no one else was around, this was them, he reminded himself as he pulled at her lips. Her arms tightened around his neck as she pressed into him. Gene adjusted, sucking at her lower lip now when she opened for him. He didn’t even feel his hand grab a fist full of her hair as he mimicked her move and swept his tongue into her mouth feeling her silky one reach for him. That mouth that presented the most distinctive speaking voice, and most beautiful song, and that taught him how to kiss on screen, was now kissing him back eagerly. When he felt his libido stir, he knew he had to stop this before things escalated quickly.
He ended with a few loving kisses before departing. Resting his forehead against hers, he saw her bite her bottom lip smiling.
“Yes, I lust after you.”
“I would’ve kissed you back.”
“Yes, I felt that,” he teased.
They both giggled, feeling like they had broken the ice sort-of-speak, and they hugged in an understanding manner.
”Gene?”
“Hm,” he breathed into her shoulder.
“What happens now?”
Gene thought a moment, “I don’t know. I guess, let’s just see where it goes.”
…And we all know where it went. The rest is Jugenea history.
She had sprung happy, relieved tears as she felt his warm, strong body against hers. Not only was he safe and they were reunited again, but they just sang their song together on stage, right there at The Palace.
It was their dream.
It was the prequel to something special they had once promised to do after their Palace debut.....get married.
The band and the cheers from the soldiers and kin were still in full blast as Jo leaned back to look at Harry. He was gripping her hips as an almost desperation and his jaw was still clenching as his emotions ran wild inside him. Jo suddenly felt butterflies in her tummy, tingles spreading throughout her body, a way she always felt when Harry stared at her intensely, or when they would kiss. She wanted to be close to him again and she could definitely see it in his eyes.
Being with her again was something he wanted when she selfishly had pushed him away. He hurt her so deeply when he purposely injured his hand to get out of the draft...right after the war had killed her brother. Oh, Harry wouldn't have done it if he knew she would be receiving that very telegram just hours later. But what hurt her was that he did it just so he could play the Palace. She was so heartbroken over Danny she didn't realize that Harry had really done it for them. After all, after their first matinee at the Palace they were going to get married.
And now here they were.
Just then everyone rushed on stage with congratulatory hugs, pats and handshakes. Harry was pulled to one side as Joe seemingly was pulled to the other. They chatted separately to friends for a few minutes until Jo was able to escape the crowd. She stood outside the circle on the left side of the stage and scanned the crowd for Harry when she finally saw him escape the crowd himself. She gently smiled as he looked around for her presence. When their eyes met, he smiled with that twinkle in his eye. She gave him a sweet, but enticing, look and motioned with her finger for him to come her way. And he did. Neither said a word as he grabbed her hand and disappeared into the dark wings of the stage.
Sid hopped up from the orchestra pit and laid a hand on Jimmy's back.
"Hey, where's Jo and Harry?"
Jimmy shrugged and looked around, "I don't know. They were here a second ago."
"Lets go find them. We gotta tell them about the party toniht."
Metcalf nodded and together they made their way through the crowd.
Backstage, Jo pulled Harry into a dark area. Walking around a corner, Harry gently pressed her back up against the brick wall but they just stared at each other lustily. She put her hand on the back of his head and pushed him gently to her, their lips just skimming over one another. He kept his body at a distance from hers as he put one hand on the wall beside her head. As much as he had missed her, he was relunctant to get close again because he, too, had been hurt. But more importantly, he had hurt the woman he was in-love with and he had never gotten over it. He was afraid of doing that to her again.
Then that voice of hers came out as she whimpered, "Harry."
He could not refuse. He kissed her fully once, then twice, then once more sucking on her plush lower lip. He pulled back just a scant. She closed her eyes breathing against his lips. He couldn't resist, he had to have more of her. Harry pushed his body against hers bringing one hand up to her neck as he kissed her passionately slipping his tongue between her lips. She recieved whole heartedly. All their frustration and love for each other came out as their tongue's made love and their mouthes collided again and again. He felt her arms tighten around him even more trying to get him as close as possible to the point he started to get aroused. He released her mouth and started applying nips and sucks of kisses along her neck making her lean her head back and whimper slightly as her hands tangled in his hair.
Jo felt a rush of pleasurable warmth tingle thoughout her making her want more. He kissed her passionately again and she reached down and grabbed his hand bringing it to her breast. He resisted nothing, as he cupped her through her uniform squeezing gently becoming more heated. Jo put her hands on his lower back pushing Harry's hips into hers harder. She was being so passionate, driving him crazy. But somewhere in the back of Harry's mind, he didn't want their first time together, and her first time more importantly, to be a quickie backstage of a theater where they could be caught at any moment. They were both smarter, and respected each other too much, for that. Sensing his thoughts, she loosened her grip on him as he took his hand off her chest. Their lips left each other's breathing heavily. She bit on her lower lip as he pushed his body away from hers and took a few steps back.
He straightened the jacket of his uniform and exhaled through his nose looking at her seriously. Jo cocked her head a bit and gave him a sweet hint of a smile, a silent testament that she understood. She took his hand and together they walked out of the dark area.
The two made it towards the wings when Sid and Jimmy walked their direction.
"Oh, there you two are!"
Jimmy walked ahead of Sid, "Where'd you two run off too? We've been looking for you?"
Jo, nearly blushing, folded some hair behind her ear glancing at Harry who gave her the side eye before looking back at the two men.
"We were just talking."
Jimmy noticed the way Jo was looking at Harry but Sid brushed it off as he persistently asked, "Oh, well, listen, the whole group is going to Chez Jazz tonight. Are you two up for it?"
"I've love to." Jo smiled excited as she looked at Harry, "Would you escort me, Harry?"
He smiled back, "Of course I will."
Sid smiled and nodded at Harry, "Great. It's set then. Eight o'clock alright?"
"You bet."
A young man in uniform peeked around the corner and yelled their direction, "Miss Hayden, it's time for the closing number!"
"Oh, yes, I'm coming!"
She ran away from the three and Jimmy turned towards Harry.
"Are you coming to watch, buddy?"
"No, I've got something to take care of. Will you tell Jo I'll pick her up at half past seven?"
"Sure."
He nodded thanking him and walked away.
Chez Jazz was in full swing as soldiers and their lady escorts danced to the live band, drank the finest champagne and laughed merrily. World War I had ended, there was a lot to celebrate!
Harry watched from the table as Sid danced Jo around the dance floor to an up tempo beat. She was practically smitten as they foxtrotted. She caught Harry's eye a moment and laughted gleefully. It made Harry smile. Oh, how he'd missed that laugh of hers. The last time they saw each other she could barely look him in the eye.
When the song ended, they abruptly stopped and clapped for the band. Sid went to get in formation with her again, but she giggled and shook her head no. He escorted her back to the table where their friends were having a good time.
Harry stood up and held out her chair.
"Having fun?"
"Wooo. Hehe. I got a work out."
She sat down and took a gulp of her champagne. She went to pour more but the bottle was empty.
"I'll get some more."
Harry grabbed the bottle and headed over to the bar. Jimmy slid into the seat next to her.
"You happy?"
"Yes. More than I have been in a long time."
"Everything ok with you and Palmer?"
Her smile faded and she readjusted herself in her seat.
"Why do you ask that?"
"I saw the way you two were looking at each other this afternoon. Were you fighting?"
"No, we're just trying to figure all...this...out. You know? Alot has happened."
"I understand. I can tell you one thing though, Jo. I never seen you smile the way that you did when you were with Harry. Remember that, kid."
Harry came back to the table and poured the fresh champagne into Jo's flute as the band started a slow ballad. She took another sip and stood up.
"Will you dance with me? I don't want to dance to a slow song with anyone else but you."
Harry smiled and looked at Jimmy who chuckled.
"Well, if you put it that way."
He stood up and took her hand pulling her to the dance floor where they embraced closely. There they talked about their time apart. Jo had become "American's Sweetheart" during the war as she toured around singing for the boys and Harry had told her about how he got involved in the war even though they had rejected him because of his injury. She knew all about it...everything. She had been so worried when she heard Harry had been involved in an attack. When others came back and there was no word on his whereabouts she panicked.
"I realized then how much I was still in love with you. I tried to deny my feelings but then when I didn't know if you were ok, all I could think of was I had lost my brother and now you."
Harry blinked and tried to keep his emotions down as she teared up thinking about it.
"I was seen as a hero, but I had never been so scared Jo."
She rest her cheek against his chest and shut her eyes tight.
"You surprising me today was the best thing I could ever hope for. I don't want to lose you again. I'm sorry."
He held her tighter and kissed her head. They were no longer dancing, but lost in their own quiet bubble, as everyone surrounding them were still celebrating. Harry lifed her chin gently to have her look at him and she did with those big brown eyes he always got lost in.
"You're not going to lose me again. I'm never letting you go. You're my girl."
She laughed through her tears and kissed him happily. He returned the kiss joyfully but then leaned back to wipe her tears away with his thumbs and held her face as he slowly came in and kissed her lips gently but with so much care for her.
"I love you, Harry."
"I love you, Jo."
Harry laid Jo against the silk sheets of her bed and gazed upon her as her chest heaved ever so slightly. His expression was so primal yet so full of love. Kneeling between her he unhooked her garders and lifed a leg to roll the stocking off very slowly. He did the same with the other one then worked slowly on the buttons of the front of her corset. His eyes never left hers as his fingers worked their way up, ready to stop at any time if she so desired.
When the buttons were undone, he reached the ties along her bossom. Jo felt her nipples get firmer with each yank of the tie and she felt a warm rush of arousal travel from the pit of her stomach down between her legs. When Harry slid the garmet off of her, he couldn't believe how beautiful she was. Her skin was like porceline, her breasts were full, her hips shapley and she had the cutest little torso. She was a petite girl so her torso wasn't very long but her legs were. He had never tired of staring at her legs when they had routined those long dance reheasals well into the wee hours of the night.
Surprising him the most, she didn't look shy. She wanted him and it made him proud that he was the first man to touch her. He leaned forward giving her a sweet kiss.
"Are you nervous?"
"No."
"You're beautiful Jo Hayden."
She smiled and kissed him back passionately running her hands along his bare chest and down his hard stomach. He broke the kiss and leaned back. Holding one leg, he kissed her ankle moving up to her knee and slowed his pace as he took his time kissing along her thighs stopping on the inside to kiss along her other leg. He moved up and kissed her hip bones moving up her tummy and kissing the pathway between her breasts and up her neck until they were lip to lip again. She sucked on his tongue making him gently groan and he retreated and then went back in to suck at her tongue. Holding her breasts in each hand he bent forwards darting his tongue out softly pushing against her nipple. He let it lap against her hardened tip once more, swirling gently around it. At the same time he was rubbing her other nipple with his thumb. Hearing her pleasurably sigh, he opened his lips and engulfed the pink bud, sucking on it. He released her nipple only to tease it again, letting teeth graze over it. She whimpered softly feeling the new sensation.
"Mmmeh."
He needed to taste more of it, over and over again.
He let his mouth travel to her other breast, giving it the same treatment, again encouraged by her sighs. One of his hands left her breast and his fingertip skimmed down the center of her torso creating pleasurable goosebumps and making its way between her legs. Caressing her sensitive bud, she moaned. He loved to hear her response; it was the best aphrodisiac he could imagine. She was crying out because of him, because of what he was doing to her.
Jo dug her hands into his scalp, feeling the movement of his head as his mouth teased her senses and his hand teased her. At this moment she was not in control of her own body anymore. She didn't even know how to move her limbs, all her movement was guided by the desire he fuelled with his touch.
He kissed her again so deeply, her head pushed against the pillow, as his hand became more fervent creating a delicious build up for her making her gasp into his mouth, her chest heaving. When he felt her body stiffen, as she was about to release, he stopped. She exhaled against his lips in protest. He gave her a peck on the lips before pushing himself off of her enough to slide his shorts off. She looked down at his fit body and his arousal, before looking back up into his eyes as he became level with her again. She started to get anxious, breathing more heavy as he nestled her legs apart, resting his hips between hers. He let her get the feel of him in that intimate way for the first time. She ran her hands along his body breathing heavy against his lips feeling him nudge her entrance.
Staring into each others eyes, he now was breathing heavy as she gave him a gentle nod.
He held himself against her and entered her slowly, just a little bit. Seeing she was ok, he entered even more, she squeezed his biceps and let out a puff of breath against his lips. He slid in even more, a little quicker this time, and she whimpered slightly at the sting of pain as he stretched her. He held still almost shaking but she put her hands on his hips silently telling him to keep going. He kissed her passionately as he pushed all the way in. She gasped into his mouth by surprise and they both held still trembling from anticipation. When he saw her give him a hint of a smile, he started moving steadily stretching, searching for the right feel, letting her get used to him.
Within a minute, discomfort faded and she felt erotic sensations she never knew existed as he caressed a spot inside of her that made her heart full, butterflies flutter in her tummy and warm waves of pleasure envelope her woman. She clung to him more passionately and lost all abandon as she gave herself into the pleasure. Seeing how good he was making her feel made a hot deep feeling rush throughout his groin.
Harry quickened his pace just a little more and let his hips grind against her a little harder and her reaction didn't disappoint. He found her. She started whimpering arching her back her hands running over his muscles moving under her fingertips. Feeling her muscles starting to massage him made his groans match hers. He kissed her hard again as he put his hands on the headboard above her head and all the way in grind against her. She gave out tiny whimpers one by one as the pleasurable torture rose inside her. He glanced down at her. Judging by her expression one would've thought she was in pain. Suddenly hot lava burst inside of her making her cry out loudly in ecstasy. Her tight muscles milked him intensely making him groan depserately.
"Oh baby."
His hips jerked a few more time until he released all the love he had for her crying out against her neck. She welcomed his weight on top of her as they both breathed heavily and held each other tightly.
Jo looked almost astounded...she had no idea it would feel like that.
The New York sun was bright as Harry peeked through the curtains. He lit a cigarette and turned around to gaze upon Jo. She was peacefully sound asleep laying on her tummy, a thin sheet barely covering the bottom half of her body. He exhaled the cigarette deeply. She was his...and she wasn't his girl. She was his woman.
He walked over to his suit jacket and reached into the inside pocket. Harry pulled out a ring box and opened it. The thing layer of sun peeking through the curtains refleced off the stone shining brightly. It was a small stone but nevertheless, it was a beautiful princess cut and vintage. He bought it yesterday afternoon and was going to propose to her at the party, but their reunion was so emotional. After pronouncing their love for one another they just wanted to be together. After making love in the bed and then taking a long, luxurious bath followed by another round of love making, he temporarily forgot about it.
Harry took the ring out of the box and walked over to Jo. He gently took her left hand and slipped the ring on. He felt an overwhelming joy seeing her laying there wearing it. He smiled sheepishly before he took another drag of his cigarette. He checked his watch. It was still early and they didn't get to sleep until the middle of the night. She would be asleep for a while. He got dressed and left her a note in case she woke up. He was going across the street to the hotel he was staying at to get changed and check out.
He returned back and she was still where he left her. He sat and read the paper. When he was done he checked his watch again and sighed getting up. He opened the curtains wide letting the sun in. She stirred and turned her head away. He smiled and walked over to her caressing her hair as if she were a child.
"You sleep ok?"
She whimpered sleepily not opening her eyes.
"Mm hm."
"It's eleven o'clock. The sky is blue, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, you're wasting a beautiful morning. Get up and let's go out for brunch."
She sleepily opened her eyes.
"Ok?"
She nodded and accepted his morning kiss.
Harry watched her as she got ready and she didn't even notice the ring on her finger once. It didn't insult him as it might others, it amused him. He couldn't wait for her reaction when she did notice it.
They pleasantly walked together arm in arm for a few blocks until they went to a beautiful cafe for brunch. The maitre d showed them to their table and pulled out a chair for Jo. When their waitress came, Harry ordered coffee which she poured right away. Harry kept his eyes on Jo's hand as she reached for her coffee cup. She lifted it and took a sip then noticed something shining.
Harry's body slightly jumped as he heard her gasp, nearly spitting her coffee back in her cup. He pretended to read the menu, keeping a smile off his face.
"What's the matter, dear?"
She stared at the ring dumbfounded as it fit perfectly on her finger.
"Oh, Harry..."
She was close to tears, she could barely speak.
"W-w-what is this?"
He took a sip of his coffee remaining non-chaulant.
"Well, we've been engaged before so I was thinking, why don't we get married?"
With excitement, she happily gasped and jumped in her seat wanting to get up and jump in his lap but chuckling he motioned for her to calm down as others would notice them. She shrieked and grabbed his hand.
"When? Today? Now? When?"
"Soon. Not until we figure out arrangements."
"No, I don't care about that. I just want to be your wife."
He smiled and lifted that hand kissing it.
"Will you?"
She smiled sweetly and nodded.
"I can't believe it took you this long to notice it?"
"How long have I been wearing it? When on earth did you get it?"
"I got it yesterday before I picked you up for the party and I put it on you this morning when you were sleeping. I never gave you a ring last time, I figured I owe'd you that much."
"It's so beautiful but you didn't have to."
"Yes I did. A pretty girl deserves pretty things."
She giggled and swatted his hand away.
"Now, you're making me blush."
"Now I'm making you blush? Wrong timing after last night."
She let out a surprised sound and quickly shushed him. He mischeviously smiled that grin of his as he picked up the menu.
"Oh, Harry, you're terrible."
"You knew that before you fell in-love with me."
Harry and Jo wanted to celebrate their engagement but didn't feel like making a big to-do about it. Spending time partying with their friends at a fancy dinner ball never bored them but they had missed the casual days they would spend together, just the two of them. Jo suggested they go to the annual Carnival on Coney Island. It was a beautiful day and it would be fun. Harry thought it was a swell idea. He then suggested they stay the night there instead of rushing to catch a train back to Manhattan.
They dressed in more casual, appropriate attire, packed their essential belongings into one bag, and headed for the train.
When they arrived at Coney Island, Harry and Jo checked into a room at a cozy hotel on the beach. They walked along the boardwalk for a few blocks until they reached the carnival. They walked around for a bit deciding on what they wanted to do. Harry picked the rollercoaster first. Jo declined but he took her hand and practically dragged her there. She tried to run away but he was too strong. She even told him she wouldn't marry him but it didn't deter him. She protested all the way in line then whined scared as Harry strapped her into the front seat. As the coaster made it's way up the track, Harry was nothing but chuckles as she covered her face with her hands. When the drop finally came, he never heard her scream so loud.
Jo was still not happy with him as they exited the ride. He tried hugging her but she pushed him away fixing her wind blown hair. But when he won the hammer game, he gave her the stuffed teddy bear, and she forgave him. She gave him a kiss and flirtatiously complimented his arm strength.
When the two were waiting in line for the carousel, Jo gave the bear to a little girl passing by who happily thanked her.
"Aw, honey, that was sweet."
"I love children."
Harry rubbed his hand up and down her back affectionately, "Do you want any?"
Jo looked at him a little taken back and was going to respond when the carousel worker motioned for them through the gate. He helped her up on a horse then stood next to it, his arm around her waist. They rode in content silence observing their surroundings as the ride spun around. Often, Jo would catch Harry staring at her as if he were about to paint a picture of her.
After that ride, they played a few more games at the stands, ending at the ring toss. Harry asked if Jo needed help as it was her turn. She just shook her head and tossed the rings, each one landing arond the empty beer bottle. He looked at her surprised.
"I have good hand/eye coordination."
"You should play darts."
She whole-heartedly laughed and took his hand as they walked away. They shared some popcorn before heading to the ferris wheel. As the two inched closer to the top, Jo gazed upon the water and the skyline, but Harry was gazing upon her as he put his arm aroun her shoulder pulling her closer. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and his hand found her thigh. She giggled and took his hand away. But his kiss moved to her neck and his hand found her leg again.
"Stop it."
"You love it."
"Yes, I do, but..."
"Kiss me."
"No."
He perched his lips goofy.
"Kiss me."
She laughed and grabbed his jaw in her hand making the same kissy face to him.
"Someone will see."
He looked around as they were now stopped at the very top to let other people on down below.
"We're on the very top, who's gonna see? A bird?"
He put his hand on her neck and kissed her once, then the second more passionately.
She gave in.
"You have a point."
They both chuckled as their lips met again. He leaned against her, her neck leaning bachwards against the back of the seat as his tongue swept against hers. She ran her hand through his hair and swithed the angle of the kiss opening wider. The ride suddenly jerked making them pull back giggling at each other's startled expression.
They spent a little more time at the carnival, then went to the boardwalk and grabbed some burgers and ate while the sun set. They both decided to walk along the beach for a while which didn't have that many people at this time of day. Harry held both their shoes as they walked along the shore talking about their vaudeville life and laughing about the funny times they had during rehearsals. Soon the beach was practicall deserted as the temperature got cooler and the wind picked up but it didn't bother the couple as they sat in the sand by a dune the sky getting darker.
With no one around, Jo accepted Harry's kisses this time and passionately gave her own. They made out like love struck teenagers for a few minutes until images of last night entered their minds as their hands started roaming. They got so lost in each other they didn't even feel the first set of raindrops upon them. Jo sighed and held Harry tighter against her as she lay upon the sand, his mouth sucking at her neck creating another wave of arousal. His hand caressed her breast through her clothing as he rolled on top of her nudging her legs apart. He groaned against her neck.
"God, I want you."
She wrapped one around his waist feeling how hard he was getting. She wanted to feel him inside her again. She wanted...
All of a sudden rain started drenching them. Harry lifted his head and looked down at her. She let out a heavy breath, her voice full of suggestion.
"We better go back to the hotel."
Immediately, his tongue saught hers again. It was hot, demanding. His mouth pressed against hers hard, passionate. She lost her hands in his wet hair as she kissed him back. Kissing her wet lips, he pulled back just enough to look at her. He moved some wet hair out of her face and held his hands against the sides of her head.
"Lets go."
Harry slammed their door shut and pushed her up against it. Claiming Jo's mouth with his again, their tongues hungrily attacked each other trying to meet somewhere in the middle, trying to get closer.
She slightly pushed him away from her body as her hands grabbed his soaked shirt and opened it. As her fingers worked on his buckle, they kept primitive eye contact. At that moment, he saw a goddess and she saw an animal ready to pounce. When his pants fell, he kicked them away. Barely touching his lips, she ran her other hand down his chest, down his stomach, and over his aching arousal. But the moment she did that, she was startled when he grabbed that wrist and spun her around. She gasped as her palms landed flat up against the door. She rest the front of her body against it as he bit the back of her neck. She felt his arousal pushing against her backside through his shorts and she felt the most sexual ache between her legs she had ever felt, even more than last night.
Harry felt the urge for her but when she touched him, he knew he had to stop her or he would embarrass both of them. He looked down at her wet dress clinging to her body and he wanted it off...now. Also in a yank, he unzipped her dress and then with his hands against her stomach he pulled her back up against him. Resting her head against his shoulder she turned her face towards his as her dress pooled around her feet. He stared down at her damp chest, her breasts pushed up above the white bodice, glistening in the dim light. His jaw worked overtime, as she breathed heavily aching for him. It was almost too much for him to bare. He couldn't believe they were together again, they were engaged and they were lovers. She put her hands against his and pushed them upwards cupping her. He was sure he had never been this hard before.
Jo couldn't take it anymore. She turned around and pressed her lips against his again. He kissed her back just as passionately. He got her bodice undone and tossed it aside, then shimmered off her bloomers. He reached under her and lifted her, her legs around his waist as they walked towards the bed. He glanced down at her bare breasts pushed against his naked chest before he lowered them onto the bed. Straddling her, he pulled his shorts down and kicked them off. His mouth sucked and licked her nipples making her arch her back whimpering. She was already too turned on for the full nine yards of foreplay. Harry's hot mouth on her breast once again made her almost go over the edge.
His mouth travelled down her tummy, past her hips, and without warning, put his mouth on her for the first time. She gasped pleasurably from the sensation. He coaxed her on as his hands reached up and caressed her breasts as his mouth created the most erotic, sensual sensations between her legs. It wasn't long before her tummy started contracting, little cries leaving her lips. She tried to remain in control of herself but it felt so good reality faded and she let go against him, crying out desperately.
Harry came back up to her and left soft butterfly kisses along her neck giving her a moment. But she didn't want a moment. She pushed his hips into her wanting more. He pushed himself into her with one hard, long stroke. She reached up giving him a kiss before she pushed him over onto his back. Sitting up she started to move. He thought he was dreaming laying there watching her. He had to know this was real.
Harry put his hands on the sides of her hips and felt her movements. Yes, she was real. After a few more pushes, she put her hands against his chest and leaned her head back moaning. She was close already. And he was, too. He held his hands flat against her back as he sat up. Kissing her and keeping himself inside her, he layed her back onto the bed. She started crying out at each thrust making him go even harder, faster. He started groaning when he felt her muscles clenching him, milking him to death.
She suddenly felt a strong, pleasurable wave start to rush through her. She arched her head back and cried out loudly releasing all around him. With a few more thrusts, he groaned loudly and released inside her. Collapsing onto her he kissed her lips before rolling off onto his back breathing heavy. She cuddled him laying her head on his chest.
"Harry?"
"Hmmm?"
"Is it always going to be like that?"
"It better be."
She lifted her head to smile at him before snuggling up in his warm body once again.
"So, when do you want to get married?"
