by Renee Young
I wanted to tempt him, show him what he could have, just by losing his other ‘possibilities’. I needed to find a way to entice him without touching him. I knew that the moment his firm hands would touch me anywhere intimate I wouldn’t ask him to stop. I needed to let him know I was an option, but I wouldn’t beg. I wouldn’t bow down to him. I wouldn’t change who I am for him.
He could choose to take it, or he could stick with what he knows. Either would be fine with me. I could find someone else to fulfill that hole in my life. Or I could invest in a new vibrator. Less drama. Less possibility for heartbreak.
I would like to take him for at least a test drive though. I was a little afraid I’d want the whole cake if I had just a little taste. He looked too delicious to resist.
“Are you ready?” His deep tambre broke me from my erotic thoughts of him and I had to shake me head in order to focus on his words.
“Sure.” I responded. Short words would probably be best for me right now considering how husky my voice had sounded.
“Let’s go get you a battery then go get it in your car.” He held his hand out for me to take. I just raised a brow at him. Is that what we do? Do we hold hands now? He noticed my confused stare and blushed before dropping his hand. “Sorry. Habit.” He explained as he pulled his coat over his arms.
“If you wanted to hold my hand all you had to do was ask, darling.” I teased again, earning a chuckle from him that I felt with a pulse in my lower stomach. The sound could almost have me moaning there in public, without even being touched.
I couldn’t help but be curious. Did I have a similar effect on him? Did his hormones rage when I did certain things? Did my innocent touch of his hand, or my uncontrollable habit of biting my lip have him aching to pull me against him? Was I hard for him to resist? Was he close to begging me to give him a chance? Did I hold any power over him the way he did over me?
I wanted to test it. I wanted him to be turned on by me. I wanted to be the one running through his mind as he pleasured himself.
“You comin’?” I didn’t even notice the elevator had stopped. Hell, I didn’t even notice we’d gotten on the elevator.
“Yep.” I said with a smile, biting down the dirty response I wanted to shoot him. “We should get together this weekend. The entire bridal party. We could all meet at my place. Or maybe Nova and Jamie would offer up theirs.” I suggested as we continued the walk out of the building to his car.
“Sure! We could always do my place too.” He shrugged and once again I was intrigued. I imagined he’d decorate his place with lots of grays and blacks. Maybe the random pop of navy blue or red if he was bold. It would smell of him in every room and I was certain that just being there would have me salivating. Wishing to taste him. Feel him on my tongue.
“Okay.” I practically whispered as thoughts of him in his most comfortable place ran through my mind. I pictured him lounging on his couch in nothing but a pair of gray sweatpants. Maybe a cold beer in his hand as he watched a football game. Perhaps he wore glasses as he read books he’d never bring out in front of his friends.
“I’ll talk with Jamie and have him invite everyone over to my place then. Do you want to arrive maybe an hour or two before everyone so we can get food or games or whatever planned out. I don’t know what you were thinking about doing.” He chuckled, sounding a little nervous as we climbed into his car.
“Sure. I think a game night would be fun. Give everyone a chance to get to know one another.” I chose not to tease him this time. He was kinda cute when he was flustered.
Today was far from anything I’d expected. I never thought I’d share my books with anyone. I really didn’t think I’d ever build up the courage to quit my job, and I definitely never thought I’d spend the entire day with Sawyer--
“Hey, what’s your last name?” I asked out of the blue.
“Mathews. Sawyer Dane Mathews.” He introduced with a cocky smile, barely taking his eyes off the road. Of course he’d have a hot name.
Chapter 9
I didn’t know anything about cars. I couldn’t tell you what was meant to be hooked where. The extent of my knowledge was how to check my oil. I guess I could change a spare tire if the need arose, and I’d watched my dad do a brake job once, but all in all I knew nothing.
Sawyer, however, knew exactly the battery I needed and how to hook it up for me. So now I probably owed him, like a lot for saving my ass. Not that I’d mention it. I’d offered him my thanks as he helped my climb into my car. He’d held the door for me like a gentleman.
That was four days ago, and the last time I’d seen the man captivating almost every thought that filtered through my brain. Without a job I was left to obsess over my writing, and Sawyer.
While we hadn’t seen each other, we did keep in contact throughout the week. He’d update me on his day and I’d picture him in a suit, capturing the attention of anything with ovaries in a five mile radius. I’d tell him about my overly boring days, and wonder if he pictured me throughout his.
The temptation to turn our conversations to a dirtier tone was strong, but I was a good girl and I held off. To be completely honest I’d had to erase quite a few messages to stick to my guns.
I really needed to get laid. If I just had a good fuck then I’d be able to get him out of my mind, but for now I think he’d be sticking around. Dirtying up all of my thoughts.
Right now I was driving over to his place to get everything ready for our little get together. I had wine in my back seat along with a few games Nova wanted us all to play tonight.
I’d been a little girly when deciding how I’d dress and I asked Nova for her opinion. Mostly I didn’t want to overdress or underdress so I’d asked her what she planned to wear. Which is why I was now wearing a pair of dark skinny jeans torn at the knee and a cream colored sweater that fell off my shoulder. I’d had to wear a strapless bra so it wouldn’t show. I’d debated on just going braless, but I preferred the support.
I took a deep breath as I pulled into the driveway at the address he’d sent me this morning. This was always the awkward part. For me at least. Do I take off my shoes when I get in there? What do I say? Another deep breath helped me to open my door and another had me grabbing the stuff from the back. About four more deep breaths before I was able to make myself walk to the door.
I raised my fist as much as I could to knock, but before I made contact the door flung open to reveal the man with enough sex appeal to have inspired many an erotic dream. He was dressed down in a pair of jeans and a gray t-shirt that clung to his torso. I noticed the pair of shoes he wore and let out a breath. I didn’t have to take off my boots. I’d have been fine either way I just need to know.
“Hey, let me help you.” He offered, reaching out his hands to grab the wine carrier from my grasp.
“Thanks.” I breathed as he motioned for me to follow him in. I closed the door behind him as I looked around his place.
The foyer was small. The floor was white tile with a simple dark brown rug. The main decor was a hat rack mounted to the wall and a little wire bucket that held his umbrella. There was also a mirror on the wall across from the hat rack. It was simple, but nice. Pretty much how I’d expect it to look.
“You can put those on the table there.” Sawyer directed me as we walked into his kitchen. I did what he said while looking around the new room. White granite countertops, dark cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances. Everything looked so clean and pristine. I wondered if it was always like this or if he’d cleaned heavily for today.
“Your place is really nice.” I decided to awkwardly say. I almost laughed at my idiocy, but he didn’t seem to notice.
“Thanks. I like it.” He shrugged. “Alright, so everyone should be here within the next hour, what should we do?” He asked me.
“We need to order food, get the drinks in the fridge and we could get some games set up.” Was my suggestion.
“Sounds good. What games did you come up with?” T
he beautiful man asked as he grabbed the wine to move it to the fridge.
“Oh no no. I didn’t come up with the games, well I came up with one. Nova, though, wanted to come up with the games so..” I trailed off. “Just be prepared to feel like a high school kid at a party again.” I giggled. Nova grew up very sheltered. She never got to go to parties or anything so she didn’t experience the joys of ‘truth or dare’ or ‘never have I ever’. I didn’t look in the bag, so I wasn’t sure what we were in store for.
“Mmm. I was always really good at ‘truth or dare’.” This gorgeous man had the audacity to wink at me as if the simple gesture wouldn’t weaken my knees.
“How can anyone be good at ‘truth or dare’?” I teased with a smirk.
“Simple. I never back down from a challenge.” His eyes met mine and his voice dropped as he said it. He was calling me a challenge.
“I bet you don’t.” I looked him up and down with a raised brow. “Neither do I, by the way.” I whispered as I leaned on the table in his direction. Lowering my own voice just a little I decided to flirt a little. “And I’m very very,” I paused and let my eyes trail him again; “competitive.” I finished before straightening back up.
I didn’t fail to notice the way his attention dropped to my lips before moving down my neck to my chest where I had an appropriate amount of cleavage on display. He muttered something about a ‘dirty trick’ under his breath and I was about to respond when Jamie and Nova rushed through the door.
“You order the food, I’ll go talk to them and see what we should do.” I suggested and he agreed, grabbing his phone from the counter.
I helped Nova set up the games while Jamie, and eventually Sawyer when he was done on the phone, set up music, snacks, and drinks. We were expecting a total of twelve people. Their bridal party consisted of Sawyer and I along with four groomsmen and four bridesmaids.
“So what games did you set up for us Nova?” Sawyer questioned as we all plopped on the couch waiting for everyone to arrive.
“Well, you’ll just have to wait and see. It’s gonna be a lot of fun and a lot of drinking. Actually, while I’m thinking about it; do you have a fishbowl or something so we can take everyone’s keys? No one will be driving tonight.”
“Good idea. Everyone’s welcome to stay here if they would like, I have five guest rooms, and Livvy can always just bunk with me.” Sawyer offered with a shrug.
“Oh she can, can she?” I asked with a smirk.
“Of course. Where else would you sleep?” He teased as if he was the answer to all my life’s problems.
“Well what if I want to bunk with one of the groomsmen?” It was my turn to tease.
“Well, I technically am a groomsman.” He responded. The fucker had an answer for everything.
“Okay, and what if I want to share a bed with one of the bridesmaids?” I tried.
“Baby, you can bring any of the bridesmaids to our bed tonight. I have no objections.” His voice took on a cocky tone, that actually caused a slight rise in my temperature.
“No, I’m sure you wouldn’t.” I looked directly in his eyes. “How is ‘Babe #4’?” I asked him, leaning forward to listen to his answer as if I’d just asked him for the meaning of life.
“Is that a little jealousy I detect in your voice, Olivia?” He leaned on his knees and matched my position. His lips formed my name like no one had ever said it before. Goosebumps lifted on my skin and I had to fight not to shudder.
“Oh honey, you’d remember my name.” I told him simply, and before he could respond, the doorbell rang. He got up to answer since it was his house and Jamie went with him. I watched him walk away, unable to tear my eyes from the sight. The man looked just as good leaving as he did coming- or so I imagined.
“What the hell was that?” Nova practically shrieked when the guys were out of earshot. “I swear you were about to jump him right here, if he hadn’t done it first.”
“It was just harmless flirting.” I brushed her off, but she just scoffed in response.
Within about ten minutes everyone who was supposed to be there had arrived along with the pizza. Introductions were made as we ate, and I felt far out of my comfort zone around so many new faces.
I knew Nova’s sister Maya, but that was the extent of my knowledge. The other three girls seemed nice enough and they were all gorgeous. Becky was blonde and she seemed to be on the more innocent side of the group. I wondered how she’d be with the games and the drinking. Sierra was loud, but sweet. Her artificially red hair had me craving a change for my own boring mop. The final girl, Tasha, was also blonde, and she seemed ready for the evening. I think she pregamed. She was assuring everyone that they were beautiful with a caress here or there. It was a good vibe.
The guys were, of course, all hot. Matt stood out to me the most- well next to Sawyer- with his dark skin and contrastingly light eyes. He was soft spoken, and would have probably been a good match with Sierra. The contrast between them was kind of enticing. Colt, who usually completet our group, could be described as a country boy. He came in with his cowboy boots and a nice flannel shirt on, which was not out of the ordinary for him. He had a southern charm to him. He was very polite, and after meeting all the girls I would probably see my friend getting along well with Becky. Dylon, I was informed, was Maya’s boyfriend. His blonde hair and golden eyes gave him a ‘boy next door’ feel and I could already see how he doted over Maya. It was sweet. The final man stood just an inch shorter than Sawyer and wore the same cocky grin. He had similar brown hair, and their eyes had the same depth despite the chocolate color that lit up the other man’s.
“Livvy, this is my brother, Ethan.” Sawyer confirmed my thoughts.
“Hello, beautiful.” He greeted with a wink as he took my hand in his to shake. Sawyer rolled his eyes and I wanted to giggle, but I held it back.
“Brother?” I said in question to which the men nodded. “Nice to meet you, Ethan.” I bit my lip before giving him a big smile.
“Ethan, did you meet Becky yet? You like blondes.” Sawyer tried to hint to his brother who just shrugged.
“I just like women, hair color is very low on the list of things that matter to me.” Sawyer rolled his eyes again.
Before the boys could start bickering Nova caught everyone’s attention so we could get started on the first game. Everyone was armed with the drink of their choice while we decided to start off with an easy game to get to know everyone and loosen up a bit. As predicted Nova wanted to play ‘never have I ever’.
Chapter 10
Through the game we learned, first of all, that Becky was far less innocent than she appeared, and that it didn’t matter how old you were dumbass games like this were always fun. A good way to forget about stress and just unwind. It probably helped that we all didn’t really know each other well aside from the bride and groom of course.
The next game was the one I set up. It was jenga, but each block had something written on it and if you pulled it you had to do what it said. We built it so that the writing was always on the inside so you couldn’t pick and choose. They said things like ‘do a shot’ or ‘all the ladies drink’. There were quite a few that had nothing to do with drinking as well. Like ‘Tell us a secret’ or ‘Kiss the person to your left’ or much more innocent, ‘Take a group photo’.
“Okay who wants to go first?” I questioned, feeling a little excited to play. I’d seen the game online on one of my insomnia induced research nights.
“Me!” Nova volunteered and everyone agreed, since she was the bride afterall. We were all circled around the table. I sat beside her then Jamie was on her other side. Next to him was Sawyer, then Sierra, followed by Colt then Maya, of course followed by Dylon. Next to Dylon was Becky and Matt, on his other side was Tasha and then Ethan sat beside me.
Nova examined the tower before carefully plucking her block out. “Nose goes!” She shouted and everyone rushed to touch their nose. Tasha, in her state, was the last to reach so she ha
d to drink. It was a good block to start with. She placed it on top and looked to her right.
Jamie pulled next. He looked to the block and then turned to glare at me. “You did this on purpose.” He groaned and I instantly knew the block he’d pulled.
“Will this song do, or should we get something a little more trap?” I joked and he rolled his eyes. With a groan he stepped away from the table and turned his back to us. He dropped into a subtle squat with his hands on his knees. He then proceeded to give us his best attempt at twerking. His attempt, however, resembled a very uncanny impression of Tina Belcher which had everyone busting up laughing.
“That was great!” Ethan practically wheezed beside me.
“That block was specifically written with Jamie in mind.” I informed everyone. “About three weeks ago I spent about an hour trying to show him how to twerk and that was the best it ever got. I’m completely satisfied with my life now that he was the person to pick that.” I laughed even harder and everyone joined in with me.
“Can we keep this out?” Jamie all but begged, making us dissolve into laughter again. I told him no, beside how likely was it that he’d draw it again?
“My turn.” Sawyer announced when we’d all calmed down a bit. He looked at the structure and I couldn’t tell if he was trying to get a good block, or not make it fall. Eventually he chose a tile and pulled it from the tower with no issue. His eyes immediately went to me, which had me concerned. “I get to make up a rule.” He smirked and I rolled my eyes. He looked thoughtful before he came up with his decision. “Every time you have an inappropriate thought about someone at this table you have to take a drink and tap the table twice, just so we know that’s why you’re drinking.” He announced, before doing just that.
I repeated his action, along with everybody else. I bursted out in laughter as I realized just how alike we all seemed at that moment. “Well this will be interesting.” I said through my laughter.