Graham Ozette
New to Town
Werewolf, Imprinted on Hayley Harkness
"Exceptional, regardless of gender."
Posts: 20
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Post by Graham Ozette on May 6, 2009 11:36:59 GMT -5
{Post BD} Having caught a ride with a friend who worked in Port Angeles that night, Graham was not entirely sure why he had made the journey. Maybe it was because this was the first night in ages that he hadn’t been up all night patrolling and he even had the next day at the museum off. He knew it was a little weird to go to a club on your own without any conscious desire to pick up women, but he did sometimes like to have a drink. Since returning from university four years ago he had pretty much lost track of the friends he had made there, and with all the time that he had been spending with the boys in the pack, he had barely made any friends of his own age since returning.
He acknowledged the club bouncers with a small nod as he strode confidently past them; it had been a long time since he had been carded, what with his extraordinary height and muscle mass. He just thanked his luck that he hadn’t chosen one of the higher end clubs; otherwise his battered brown Sketchers would have had him out on his ear in a second. Graham wasn’t the best at dressing up for any occasion, unless he definitely knew it was expected of him. Above his trainers he had somewhat battered dark blue jeans and a t-shirt with a loose, wrinkled shirt shoved hastily over the top. His sleeves, of course, were rolled up to his elbow despite the chilliness outside, and if he could have been topless without drawing attention to himself, he would have been.
Within a few long strides he was at the bar, not too busy on the weeknight, but still the gentle buzz of chatter was nice to sink into. He quickly got the attention of the barman and within a few more seconds he took his first long gulp of the French cider that he favoured. He turned his back to the bar at that point, leaning casually as he cast his dark eyes over the general activity of the place.
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Hayley Harkness
New to Town
Human Imprintee of Graham Ozette
Drama Teacher
Posts: 27
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Post by Hayley Harkness on May 6, 2009 12:02:46 GMT -5
Hayley was in the middle of the dance floor at the club in Port Angeles. She was dressed in a slinky black dress. It draped down low in the front and went down just above her knees. She had on a pair of black heels that made her legs look even better. She was wearing her hair down tonight with some curls in it. Her hair got into her face as she moved her head from side to side as she danced.
Her female companion’s hand moved its way from Hayley’s hip to her ass, giving it a squeeze as the blond pulled her closer. Hayley leaned her head back as the girl kissed her neck. They had been dating for a little over a month now. While they had great chemistry, Hayley wasn’t sure the relationship would end up going any further than that. They didn’t have much in common, and conversation was often hard between them. It was good enough for the moment though, she was trying to be more like her brother, open to anything.
Hayley swayed her hips from side to side, grateful that the other woman’s hand had been removed. The blond turned her back to Hayley as she put her arms around her and they danced together until the song finished. Hayley’s movements stopped as she gave a glance over to the bar, feeling parched from all the dancing.
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Graham Ozette
New to Town
Werewolf, Imprinted on Hayley Harkness
"Exceptional, regardless of gender."
Posts: 20
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Post by Graham Ozette on May 7, 2009 18:52:10 GMT -5
As Graham’s eyes swept the room he continued drinking his cider, wondering what he was going to do with himself now that he was here – he hadn’t thought about how he was going to get back. He took in the dancing forms thrashing on the dance floor unable to distinguish one person from another as they moved in writhing pulses to the beat. Although… His dark eyes fixed at one point, the heart beat to the contractions.
He couldn’t make out the distinct figures still as he honed in his sight, which was probably a good thing, maybe even self-preserving. However, when the music changed, signalling a small frenzy to the mass, its heart stopped and then began to shift in his general direction. He felt his pulse begin to hammer in his veins as the woman approached, becoming clearer and distinct. As every feature revealed itself to him, Graham grew more certain and determined than he had ever been before in his life. He knew that he must not only meet his woman, but he must also know her.
Yet still she was an unobtainable distance away, immersed in the new throbbing beat that emanated from the speakers. His eyes swept over her, the feelings surging through his system palpable to him. He was now close enough – as he realised that he had wandered a few steps toward her as well – to notice her looking at the bar. He should buy her a drink, but he didn’t know what she liked and he didn’t want to scare her off by being too forward. He twisted his lips to the side a little, pondering. He wondered if he could use his height and bulk to his advantage as he stood a good head over anyone else there. His soft voice was certainly no good at rising above the loud music. As such, he drew himself up out of his slouch and inclined his glass to Hayley with a soft, soulful smile, offering her a drink.
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Hayley Harkness
New to Town
Human Imprintee of Graham Ozette
Drama Teacher
Posts: 27
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Post by Hayley Harkness on May 8, 2009 11:05:01 GMT -5
While the blond grabbed Hayley by the wrist to try to get her to stay on the dance floor, Hayley was getting thirsty. “I’m going to get something to drink” She said, leaning in close and speaking up to be heard over the next song that had begun to play. In truth Hayley didn’t think her companion would be missing her for too long, she’d probably have just as much fun dancing with a stranger in her place until Hayley got back. “I’ll just be over by the bar” She added.
Hayley began maneuvering her way through the crowd. A couple guys who must have seen Hayley with the other woman began making cat calls as she passed and tried to tell her how ‘love was a beautiful thing’. She rolled her eyes. She definitely wasn’t in love, but she knew that when it happened it would be just as likely to happen with a woman as it was a man. She was like her brother in that way.
As she got a few feet away from the bar she looked over and saw a man approaching her. He was easily the tallest guy in the club and had a muscular build. His long tousled hair was probably one of her favorite features on him at first glance, but as she made eye contact with the stranger she felt an immediate draw to him. She didn’t know anything about him and already she knew she felt more for him than the woman she arrived with. He approached her and motioned to his glass, giving her a smile. His smile made her heart flutter and she didn’t want him to leave. She nodded, returning his smile with one of her own. Even in her heels he was still taller than her. She pointed to his drink and said “Whatever you’re having…thanks.”
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Graham Ozette
New to Town
Werewolf, Imprinted on Hayley Harkness
"Exceptional, regardless of gender."
Posts: 20
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Post by Graham Ozette on May 10, 2009 10:16:12 GMT -5
The minute Gray’s eyes locked with the approaching woman’s properly, in a manner that he could see more clearly the features, his heart seemed to seize up. In a moment he realised that from one look he had surrendered his soul to this stranger and that his being was entering a new beginning, a shared one. His eyes continued to follow the young woman’s progress, his brow creasing as he heard the cat calls and comments from the men that she passed – give him five minutes and he would flatten them. He blinked at himself, an unfamiliar shiver of angry protectiveness threading its way up his spine, which he was absolutely not accustomed to.
By the time she had actually got close enough to be in earshot, however, the shivering had gone. Maybe if the men had continued to harass her then something unfortunate would have happened, but Graham was not accustomed to getting his ire raised easily and the flame was easily doused. Besides, something much more important was happening now, she was addressing him and accepting his offer. He took the opportunity to take a small step closer to her as she drew to a halt before him, feigning that he needed the proximity to hear her words.
“Coming right up, hold on,” he said, his words loud enough to be heard, but retaining a soft edge that they never lost even when shouting in anger. He whirled around, taking two easy strides up to the bar, where his commanding height once again stole the attention of the barmaid serving. Draining his own drink he placed the receptacle on the bar and picked up the two fresh glasses of cider that the woman placed before him. He then turned his back on the bar and returned to the stranger, with one hand outstretched for her to take her drink. His heart soared as he realised that she hadn’t wandered off, which had been his chiefest fear when he turned his back on her, and he worked hard to keep some kind of kiddish expression off his face. Instead, the corners of his mouth turned up in quite a kittenish smile as he leaned closer to her.
“I’m Gray, by the way… Or Graham, whichever you prefer,” he paused, his dark eyes sliding down to the drinks. “And this is French cider, but if you don’t like it I can always get something else…”
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Hayley Harkness
New to Town
Human Imprintee of Graham Ozette
Drama Teacher
Posts: 27
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Post by Hayley Harkness on May 11, 2009 10:15:10 GMT -5
In that moment as she looked upon the stranger, Hayley truly understood what books she had read spoke of when they mentioned beingi swept off your feet. She felt like her heart was being whisked away by the man before her. If she had had anything to drink before now, she would have assumed it was the alcohol making her have those thoughts. Maybe she was dehydrated, could that make someone feel this overwhelming pull to another human being as well?
She knew that the stranger in front of her would probably think she was crazy if he knew the thoughts she was having. It was insane really. She tried to push them from her mind as she watched him go over to the bar to get her drink. His height seemed to have its advantage as he was able to quickly get the attention of the bartender. Despite being so large, when he had spoken to her a minute before as he left her side, his voice was soft, without any hard edge or attempt at being intimidating.
Hayley smiled as the man returned with two drinks and offered her one. "Thank you" She said, not sure it was loud enough for him to hear but figuring at least that would be easy enough to lipread. Hearing him say his name sent tingles through her and gave her the feeling of butterflies in her stomach. She loved the sound of his name and it sounded to her like the best name she ever heard. She knew it was foolish to think this way.
"I'm Hayley" She introduced herself in turn. "And the drinks fine. I like cider" She told him. The truth was he probably could have handed her anything and she would have loved it coming from him.
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Graham Ozette
New to Town
Werewolf, Imprinted on Hayley Harkness
"Exceptional, regardless of gender."
Posts: 20
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Post by Graham Ozette on May 17, 2009 18:36:34 GMT -5
A Hayley smiled at him, Gray immediately enjoyed a sense of enormous pride for having caused it to appear, however incidental his specific presence was. The feelings that were swimming through his mind and heart at the moment were so intense, though, that any expression of pleasure he saw cross her face caused him happiness that couldn’t have been surpassed by much else. He couldn’t help but notice how close their fingers came to brushing as the glass changed hands and if it hadn’t seemed incredibly inappropriate to shift his hand just so that he could have some contact with her, he would have too.
“You’re welcome,” he told her, again bending close to her so that he could be heard and as an excuse to get close. He inhaled as she introduced herself, and was struck by the sweet spiciness of her scent despite the overwhelming stench of BO and alcohol that defined any club. His dark eyes flicked to her own, which he could now make out to be a lighter colour, shining with sapphires despite the flashing lighting of the club, and he immediately knew that her name suited her perfectly.
“Hayley, it suits you,” he repeated with a compliment, his poetic brain immediately setting to work with the new, most important title. All this time he had avoided writing about deep seated romantic emotions, because he never had a word for them, he could never adequately describe what he had never felt. Now he had the feelings, and the word was ‘Hayley’. He quickly wanted to know everything of this facet of love that had danced and throbbed her way to him that night and he definitely did not want to let her go. “So, at the risk of using a terrible line, do you come here often?” He shook his head a little at his own lack of skill in thinking of a suitable conversation to make her want to stay.
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Hayley Harkness
New to Town
Human Imprintee of Graham Ozette
Drama Teacher
Posts: 27
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Post by Hayley Harkness on May 22, 2009 10:50:49 GMT -5
Hayley smiled as she heard his you’re welcome, as he leaned closer. She knew her heart rate probably doubled as he increased in proximity to her. Hayley wanted to know what it would feel like to have his arms around her. She wanted to lay her head against his chest, listening to hear if his heart rate sped up as well. It was a silly fantasy but one that she couldn’t get out of her head.
She smiled again as he told her that her name suited her. “Thanks. Yours suits you too..very masculine” She said, wondering if she sounded like a bumbling idiot with her responses. However he did have a very masculine look to him, tall and muscular. She appreciated the male form just as must as she did the female form. But his was exceptional, regardless of gender.
Hayley laughed lightly as he used the classic line of whether she came here often. Coming from him though, she really didn’t mind it, or think it cheesey. He probably could have said anything to her and she wouldn’t have cared. She wondered if he was trying to pick her up. The strange thing was, despite having come here with someone else, she was hoping that he was. She wanted him to want her the way she wanted him right now. Even if it was just lust pulling them together, a night with him would be worth it.
“I could be coy and say its my first time, but I come here now and then” She said honestly. “Do you?” She asked him, taking a step closer to him to make it easier for her to talk to him.
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Graham Ozette
New to Town
Werewolf, Imprinted on Hayley Harkness
"Exceptional, regardless of gender."
Posts: 20
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Post by Graham Ozette on May 26, 2009 15:01:11 GMT -5
A slow smile spread over Gray’s heavily stubbled tan face as she commented that his name also suited him in a masculine way. He had to admit that his appearance did seem to suggest that he was one of the manly guys that knocked about in these places tallying up kisses or grunting over the football, but Gray’s large exterior had an often surprisingly soft centre. He found himself hoping, as he stood there smiling at the beautiful woman just half a step away, that she would be able to explore it and he her. Leaning down once more and just about resisting the urge to take the beautiful woman up into his arms, he spoke once more. “You know, you might be surprised. Hasn’t anyone ever told you about judging a book by it cover?” He laughed a little, a very husky sound, one that sounded private even in the extreme public of the club.
It was with some relief that he realised that Hayley’s response to his lame line was a good-natured sounding laugh, rather than throwing the drink he had just got her all over him. He found it of grave importance that he please her, that he made her happy, no matter what. He lifted his eyes for a fleeting moment, back to the dance floor from whence she came, wondering if she had been with someone. He found it very unlikely that a young woman of her calibre was here alone and the realisation made his heart sink. However, even as it did, he realised that despite that he would be there for her, in whatever capacity she needed him for.
“Every now and then,” he confirmed, with another smouldering smile. Okay, so he wouldn’t try to make her break up with whomever she was here with, but that didn’t mean that he wouldn’t offer her the option. Plus, he couldn’t be absolutely certain that she wasn’t just here with a girl. “Not one for being coy then?” he asked, leaning ever closer to her ear now that he was attempting a longer sentence. He placed one large hand lightly on her upper arm to appear as thought he was steadying himself and to indicate his closeness in case he shocked her by it. With a slight hopefulness in his eye, which he more than expected to be smashed in her next reply, he addressed her once more. “So, am I keeping you from someone – friends? I would hate to make them worry…”
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Hayley Harkness
New to Town
Human Imprintee of Graham Ozette
Drama Teacher
Posts: 27
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Post by Hayley Harkness on May 27, 2009 11:07:23 GMT -5
Hayley grinned as Graham suggested that she might be surprised and that she shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. “Ah so you’re not masculine. If you’re a girl in drag I must say, very well done, you had me fooled” She joked with him. She knew even the best drag queen, or in this situation drag king couldn’t pull off a masculine look like this. As she looked up into her eyes, she couldn’t help but wonder about what he had said. Was their a soft, sensitive soul inside of the rough exterior? She wondered if she’d ever know anymore than what he was physically capable of.
Hayley watched as Graham’s attention drifted back to the dance floor. She had a moment of worry, wondering if he was already thinking he should have picked a different woman to buy a drink for. Maybe it would be just a simple exchange of pleasantries and then he’d go off to hit on someone else. Up close was she not his type? Had she said something to put him off? She knew normally she wouldn’t have cared much but her attraction to him made her feel almost desperate to keep his attention.
Despite her worries when he turned back to her, he gave her another smile which melted her heart. She smiled back as he asked if she was one for being coy. “I can be coy if you want me to” She said flirtatiously.
Graham had placed one of his hands on her upper arm. His touch was so warm and sent tingles through her. She hoped he kept his hand there. As she heard his next question she bit her bottom lip lightly. She knew she was with someone else, how was she going to explain this to either him or her. If he knew the truth, would he still be interested? Her eyes glanced behind him on the dance floor then back up to him. “I came with someone, but I don’t think they’re missing me yet”
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Graham Ozette
New to Town
Werewolf, Imprinted on Hayley Harkness
"Exceptional, regardless of gender."
Posts: 20
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Post by Graham Ozette on May 27, 2009 16:53:35 GMT -5
A wide smirk, which eventually split into a smile, covered Gray’s face as he heard the retort that Hayley came up with. It was good, he had to admit it, and it tickled him. He laughed a little, the deep husky sound a perfect match with his voice. This was the kind of guy that would stick out in a crowd not by being overly outspoken or by being the stereotypical ‘life of the party’, but by being coolly confident of himself, a quiet mystery stood in the corner. It also helped that he was on the larger side, with a muscular frame that could draw eyes from across the room. “What can I say? I have many interesting talents,” he said, the edge of a suggestive tone to his voice. “Unfortunately drag isn’t one of them… Well, it might be, I’ve never tried it.”
He grinned at the attractive young woman, the one that he had been waiting all his life to meet, his heart rate hitching a little as she blatantly flirted with him. Still, though, he knew that it wasn’t guaranteed that there wasn’t someone in her life just now and the thought still worried him. Oh yes, he would definitely care for her in some capacity, he always would, but he was so physically attracted to her just then that his brain – apparently as masculine as his form – couldn’t quite compute a future for them that didn’t encompass the romantic equation. He shook his head once, causing his wild curly hair to bounce around his head as he leaned close once more. “I find honesty to be much more…” he almost choked himself off as he almost overplayed the part. “Appealing.”
Snapping his attention back to Hayley, he anxiously awaited her answer to the question that had no doubt made it obvious to her that he was interested in her. He didn’t so much mind that, though, being sure enough in himself to know that he would never know if he didn’t ask. It was quite unusual for him to be anxious about the response, though, but he also knew that was because he was standing in front of his soul mate and even though he would wait for her, he didn’t want to waste any time that he could be spending with her.
“I see,” he said, softly as he heard the response that he had been dreading. She was here with someone, but there was a hint to her voice that suggested that maybe that other someone didn’t quite… thrill her? He wasn’t sure, couldn’t be sure and he wondered if imprintees were supposed to feel this intense attraction back at their wolves. Oh god, it couldn’t have gone wrong, could it? he thought to himself, suddenly alarmed. He shook himself internally, telling himself to pull it together. There was still a chance that she was drawn to him as he was to her and he wasn’t even sure that was supposed to happen. Leaving his hand on her upper arm, a gesture that he found to be comforting, he allowed his thumb to slowly stroke at the soft skin, barely aware that he was doing it.
“And are you missing them?” he asked, finding her perfectly clear, sapphire ridden eyes with her own deep, dark ones. He raised his thick eyebrows at her, the edge of hope riding on his expression and waited for her answer.
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Hayley Harkness
New to Town
Human Imprintee of Graham Ozette
Drama Teacher
Posts: 27
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Post by Hayley Harkness on May 28, 2009 10:55:43 GMT -5
Hayley smiled back pleased as she saw the smirk that appeared on Graham’s face. He appreciated her humor, which she saw as a good sign. Though she knew that if this was just a random pickup at a bar, she wouldn’t need him to appreciate her humor, she still wanted him to. She felt more intensely for him than anyone else. It was strange to her. She laughed as he continued to tell her that drag wasn’t one of his talents, or at least not one he knew of. “Maybe you can show me some of your other talents sometime…I don’t see you being able to pull off a dress too well”
Hayley smiled again as he told her that honesty was more appealing. Whether it was just a line or he really meant it, she couldn’t agree more. She didn’t like the guys who were always playing games. The ones who would wait 3 days to call so that they didn’t seem too interested, make a girl wait wondering if she had done something wrong. But then there were women who would act the same way. “I couldn’t agree more”
Despite the loud music in the room Hayley could hear the disappointment in his voice as he learned that she had been here with someone. She was disappointed herself. Why couldn’t she be alone tonight? Why couldn’t the woman she had been dancing with have just been someone else she just met that night and could easily ignore for the rest of the night, not someone she had actually been on dates with. Hayley wasn’t the type to cheat, and wondered how it was that all she wanted to do now was run off with him. Was it cheating if she never really had a serious conversations with her escort for the night?
The guilt she felt told her it was. But as he as asked if she was missing them she knew the answer without even thinking. “Right now, no I’m not…” She said, knowing while the answer might be appealing to him now, she was probably throwing away any chance at a relationship down the line. This is the kind of girl he’d see her as, the one who easily could be distracted by someone else, and wouldn’t think twice of going off with someone at a bar.
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Graham Ozette
New to Town
Werewolf, Imprinted on Hayley Harkness
"Exceptional, regardless of gender."
Posts: 20
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Post by Graham Ozette on Jun 11, 2009 19:47:32 GMT -5
The smile on Gray’s face grew as Hayley vowed that she would like to see some of his talents, though he had to agree with her that he would look ridiculous in a dress. As he gazed down at her, his dark eyes burned into hers as if she was the only woman in the room and that’s because at that precise moment a conga line could have run between them without distracting Graham from this woman that he felt so impossibly attracted to. It was more than attraction too, there was a sense of protectiveness, love, loyalty that made him just want to reach out and pull her to his chest lest she should suffer from some unknown peril in the nightclub. That would probably seem as ridiculous to her as the thought of him in a dress, though, so he resisted the urge, busying himself by sipping at his cider as she spoke.
“Oh I might have one or two talents,” he replied, his eyes creasing at the corners in genuine mirth. His mind instantly went to his poetry, though he knew a lot of girls found it quite lame, but it was his proudest work. Maybe he should start off by playing her some guitar, though, that was generally more socially acceptable. He couldn’t help but assume that she would appreciate what he did, and he what she did. He already knew that they were perfect for each other. He nodded his head in a quick, decisive move, “Yes, I think I’ll leave the dresses to the experts and stick to the guitar and the writing, which you’re more than welcome to expose yourself to, if you like. Well, on the proviso that we share, talent for talent…”
The smile that had played on Gray’s lips constantly since his eyes had first lit upon his wonderful imprintee neutralised and became so natural and honest that it almost made him look vulnerable despite his hulking frame. He did think honesty was one of the most important things in any relationship, that and straightforwardness, there was something to be said for that too. However, as he discovered that she did actually have company there at the club, his dark eyes turned a little more melancholy out of sheer disappointment. All that remained now was to maybe see how committed they were; he wouldn’t dream of encouraging her to cheat or to leave the other man, but he just had to know.
“And,” he began, taking his hand off her upper arm, knowing that it was too familiar for strangers, though his every fibre screamed at him for more contact with her rather than less. “Is he missing you? Because it’s really unfair of me to be keeping you…”
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Hayley Harkness
New to Town
Human Imprintee of Graham Ozette
Drama Teacher
Posts: 27
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Post by Hayley Harkness on Jun 14, 2009 22:18:52 GMT -5
Hayley loved seeing his smile. It was infectious, and she knew she was probably looking like the doe eyed girl just mesmerized by him as she smiled up at him,drawn in by his every movement and word. She didn’t know what had come over her. When he looked at her, it was a look that made her feel special. Like she was the only woman in the room. He wasn’t looking away, playing hard to get, or acting like he was keeping his options open for the night (even if he still was). He had a way of making her feel important, even if it was just in that moment. Hayely knew she had never had anyone look at her that way before.
“I can’t wait to see those talents…and show you a few of my own” Hayley told him with a grin of her own. She knew the chances of meeting this way and it leading to anything but one night of fun at most was slim, so she figured she might as well flirt with him and do her best to tempt him into that one night. Despite the seductive nature of her last statement she found herself genuinely interested as he spoke of playing the guitar and writing. She smiled with more sincerity than lust this time as she nodded. “I do have an appreciation for the arts of all forms…I hope that I do get a chance to be exposed to your talents in those areas”
The smile on Graham’s face again put her at such ease. She was comforted just by being near him. It made her want to keep fighting to make this moment last. She was sure he’d be thinking less of her though as he learned more of how she was here with someone else. Then their was the issue of her date being a woman. Would that put him off? Some men assumed bisexual women were only interested in sex and couldn’t pull off monogamy. She wanted commitment. Right now she wanted that with him, even if they had just met. She didn’t want her open mind to keep him from being interested in her, but she also didn’t want to lie to him.
He moved his hand off of her arm, something that left her feeling empty, and craving his warm touch once more. “My date..is a woman, I doubt she’s missing me but…” She hesitated knowing what she was about to say could come off as flaky. “Even if she was, I don’t think I’d care right now” She told him. She looked down for a moment shaking her head before looking up at him, knowing it would be harder to hear if he coudnt see her face as she talked. “You must think I’m a horrible person..I don’t usually abandon the person I arrive with”
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Graham Ozette
New to Town
Werewolf, Imprinted on Hayley Harkness
"Exceptional, regardless of gender."
Posts: 20
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Post by Graham Ozette on Jun 19, 2009 19:42:44 GMT -5
As Hayley continued their talk of talents with a seeming confidence that they would have the opportunity to explore each other further on a future occasion, Gray’s grin curled up more on one side. He knew it was flirting at its most basic, but it was fun and exhilarating that she was actually responding in kind. Still, he had to stop himself from getting his hopes too far up that she did actually want to see him beyond this conversation. He knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, from one glance, without a shadow of a doubt, but he couldn’t just assume that the feeling was automatically reciprocated and that just a few cheesy lines would send her running into his waiting arms.
“I have no doubt that your talents are impressive, but you don’t need to show me for me to be impressed by you,” Gray responded, thoughtlessly. In an instant he knew that his honesty was probably too much, too soon, but he didn’t want his imprintee to think that she needed to strive for his attention, even if she was just responding in kind to his own flirtatious comments. In a way, the large man was almost thankful when the conversation turned to more serious matters – he may be a poet and a songwriter, but intentional flirting had never been his strong point. The wicked grin that he had been wearing during their flirting neutralised into a natural smile that wouldn’t fade so long as she was by his side. “I would honestly love to show you – maybe at one of the sessions one day? And in the spirit of talent sharing - are you an artist of a kind yourself?”
Now that his large hand wasn’t on his imprintee’s arm, it hung loosely, awkwardly at the end of his wrist, like he had forgotten what to do with it. In reality he knew that so long as Hayley felt vulnerable, he should be there for her, in contact to offer whatever comfort he possibly could. And he knew that one day he would be able to do that, though whether that would be as a brother or as a lover, he didn’t yet know, although he did know the outcome that he would much prefer.
As the beautiful woman spoke again Gray was distracted from her stunning cheekbones, and his dark eyes returned to her blue ones. He would have been lying to himself if he had said that he wasn’t shocked by Hayley’s revelation that she was, in fact, at the club with a woman and his heart sank. He wondered whether it was possible that he had misread all the signs; was all the craic that had passed between them earlier just friendliness, not flirtation at all? He knew that he wasn’t the best flirter, but he thought that he would have at least picked up enough of the signs to figure out that much. However, as she continued to speak, hesitantly, he knew that he had been right in the first place. There was chemistry there, bare faced attraction that wasn’t of a sibling nature between them. However, the relief he felt flood his system was quickly replaced by a fierce kind of sympathy for the woman stood before him.
“Of course I don’t,” he said, his voice carrying urgently between them as his body reacted automatically to accommodate his imprintee. His long, strong arms shot outwards and encompassed her tiny shoulders, pulling her towards his well-muscled chest and he leant his head over hers, creating a cocoon of comforting protection around her from anyone that would think slanderously of his perfect woman. “It’s not a decision that I’ll ever make you make. I know you’ll do the right thing.”
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