“You’re right. I need to stop overthinking this. Any suggestions?”
He squeezed her fingers gently and released her, “Well, I have an idea...” he teased, “a party on Friday night. It might be just what you need.”
“Oh? How so?” she purred, her wide eyes evidence of her intrigue.
“Well, it’s very naughty, and I promise you’ll get laid,” he grinned, taking another bite of his hamburger. Mimi looked at him curiously, a smile wavering on her lips. Luke chuckled, thoroughly enjoying pushing her boundaries. “The best part is that you won’t be in your head at all, it’s all about your body, your pleasure.”
“Hmm, sounds interesting. What’s the catch?” she asked, setting her fork in front of her.
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t play coy, tell me what this party is all about?”
“What, and ruin the anticipation?” he grinned, deliberately toying with her.
“How do you know I’ll want to get laid?” she smirked, squinting her eyes suspiciously.
Luke pointed his fork at her and laughed, “because we both know, Rapunzel, it’s time to let your hair down!”
She shook her head, her teeth pulling at her bottom lip, assessing him.
“You have to trust me. I got your back. Besides, you’re the one who asked for this, remember?” he insisted lightly.
“Yes, I remember. Don’t make me regret it,” she joked, throwing a french fry at him. He shrugged nonchalantly, picking the fry off the table and impishly popping it into his mouth.
“Never.”
“Now, I have to tell you something and you have to promise not to laugh,” she said, pausing to take a bite of her own burger. Luke looked at her curiously, waiting for her to continue.
“Promise?” she insisted, wiping a dollop of runaway ketchup off her chin.
“Hmm, I’ll try...” he chuckled. He could never guarantee something like that.
“So last night, Arran pulled some condoms out of his pocket and asked me what my favorite flavor was. Apparently, I had a choice between blueberry and cherry! What the hell? I had no idea they had berry flavored condoms!” she clucked naively, her wide eyes staring at him in disbelief. Dangerously close to breaking his promise, he brought a fist to his mouth and stifled a laugh, snorting instead. She gave him a playful warning look.
“What, no strawberry? That’s your favorite!” he mused, wishing he could have seen the look on her face.
“I know, right? And when did it become a thing for guys to make their junk smell like fruit?” she laughed uninhibitedly, her green eyes sparkling with amusement.
“I must have missed the memo,” Luke chuckled, happy she saw the humor in it. “So which one did you choose?”
“I told him to surprise me,” she giggled, “but we never got that far...turbulence.”
Luke sniggered to himself, surprised by how thrilled he was that Arran had less game than he did. I mean, if he were ever to offer a lady a flavored condom, it would be something fucking cool, like chocolate martini or chunky monkey. Blueberry, he thought smugly, what a fucking tool.
“So enough about me, tell me what shenanigans you got up to last night?” Mimi purred, taking a sip of wine. She looked at him curiously and smiled. Luke shook his head and grinned back. He had stayed home watching the ball game, in truth thinking about her most of the night. Her and Arran, actually, and he’d been fucking miserable.
“Oh, you know me...” he winked, hoping it would be enough to appease her.
“Breaking hearts, no doubt,” she teased, flashing him a flirty grin.
“That’s how I roll, Babe,” he shrugged smugly, offering no apologies.
They sat comfortably in silence for several minutes, pounding down their burgers. Luke always appreciated how they could quietly enjoy each others’ company just as easily as anything else. Their years of friendship had afforded them that. He casually looked up at her and took a moment to study her face. He’d always thought that if Mimi knew how beautiful she was she would worship at her own feet. It never failed to surprise him how humble she was.
She glanced up and caught him staring, offering him a curious smile. It looked like she had something running through her mind, something she was considering.
“I almost forgot to tell you,” she began quietly, as though second guessing herself, “about last night. Something Arran said.” Mimi chuckled softly, playfully batting her eyelashes. Luke gave her a questioning look, trying to remain as objective as possible. He didn’t care for his name on her lips, but damned if he would show it.
“So get this, he thinks you’re in love with me,” she blurted, her smile beaming at him from across the table. Luke leaned back in his chair, tossing his napkin on top of his plate. He looked up slowly, unsure he heard her right.
“He thinks what?”
Mimi slowly wiped her hands clean, her eyes never leaving his, regarding him carefully. “You love me,” she sang with a silly grin. Luke raised an eyebrow and smirked as if to say ‘that dude is crazy’.
“What the hell? Why would he say that?” Luke clucked, shaking his head in disbelief. And why the fuck would Arran talk about him with Mimi anyway? That was a bitch move, as far as he was concerned.
“I don’t know, he said it was just an observation. He used the word ‘proprietary’ to describe you. Maybe because both times I met him you were watching out for me. Plus, you have to admit, you were a bit intimidating at the club,” she offered lightly, sensing his irritation. “He said you look at me like a man in love. Isn’t that hysterical?”
Luke snorted derisively, finishing the last swallow of his beer, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. “What did you tell him?”
“I told him we were friends, that you were harmless. I mean, can you imagine?”
Luke met her amused expression with a chuckle, shrugging his shoulders. He wanted to brush it off, let Arran’s observations roll off his back, but the truth was, against his better judgement, he could imagine it. He’d been trying to dodge his awkward feelings for Mimi for months and it shook him to the core that Arran tried to call them out. How the hell could Arran know what he was feeling when he didn’t even know himself.
“Yeah, that would be fucking weird, wouldn’t it?” Luke chortled, flagging down the waiter. When he looked back at Mimi she was observing him curiously, as though trying to read his thoughts. He made a face at her, lightening the mood, just as the waiter set down the bill.
“Well, it wouldn’t be that weird, would it?” she teased, reaching over to grab the slip. “I got this.”
Luke beat her to it, but not without brushing his hand over hers. He snatched the bill away quickly, avoiding her eyes.
“My treat,” he insisted, pulling his wallet out of his back pocket.
She shook her head in protest and held her hand out. “Give it to me,” she demanded playfully. Luke looked up at her puckishly and grinned.
“Give it to you? Well as long as you’re begging...” he flirted, his words thick with innuendo.
“You wish,” Mimi snorted, her pretty eyes rolling in mock disgust. “Come on, I invited you, let me pay.”
“Mimi, chill. It’s burgers and fries, not a French five star in San Francisco. I think I can manage,” he teased, a little harsher than he meant to. She sat back slowly, her smile fading ever so slightly, and he regretted the quip as soon as the words left his mouth. “Sorry,” he offered, hoping to recover himself.
She paused for a moment, casually looking him over, then nodded her assent. “Ok, thank you,” she said, graciously letting him off the hook.
After he paid the bill, he stood up and tucked his wallet away, then leaned over her, placing his hand on her shoulder. He gently kissed her cheek. “I’m going to bounce,” he offered warmly, “have a good week. See you Friday? Get your kink on, girl!”
Mimi nodded and smiled sweetly, reaching out to grab his hand. Her touch toured up his arm, causing a curious sensation. He quickly dismissed it, refusing
to read too much into it.
“Ok, as long as you think I’m ready?” she agreed nervously.
Luke wasn’t sure if she was ready or not, but he sure as hell was. He hadn’t been laid in months and he was certain his lack of activity was fucking with his emotions. He just needed a distraction, anything to set him back on the right track. Maybe he would meet a hot little diversion.
He offered her a reassuring smile, casually pulling his hand free, “Only one way to find out...” he mused, “it might be time to fish or cut bait, my friend.”
Chapter 28
“Come out with me Friday night,” Arran pleaded, his tone light and playful. Emma was at work, sorting through some files, her phone tucked awkwardly behind her ear. She smiled warmly, pleased that he called her. After her conversation with Luke a few nights earlier, she’d decided she was being too hard on herself, and it was holding her back. She did like Arran, and maybe they just needed a little more time. He had probably been just as nervous as she was.
“Another night, Arran? Luke invited me to go to a party on Friday,” she explained, shifting the phone to her other ear. Then she whispered, “it’s a naughty party.”
“Ah, another adventure for Emma?” he replied, his tone hard to place. It seemed to be light, but she definitely picked up subdued tension.
“Yes, something like that,” she laughed, hoping to set him at ease.
“I know the party. If it’s the one I’m thinking about, it’s a sensory deprivation party, very exclusive,” he offered, peaking her curiosity, “and yes, very naughty.”
“What is a sensory deprivation party?” she asked quietly, not wanting her voice to be overheard.
“Well, my dear, think of the olden days, when couples would throw their keys in a bowl....” he began, his accent flirtatiously thick, “and then add a little mystery...”
Emma giggled nervously, her free hand cupping her mouth to ensure privacy, “Mystery?”
“Didn’t Luke explain it to you?” Arran muttered, his tone once again questionable.
“No, no, he wanted me to be surprised, and why exactly did people throw their keys into a bowl?”
“To choose partners? Free love, and all that jazz?” he mused curiously. “Goodness, how do you not know these things?”
“Well, first of all, I was raised a good Catholic girl, and secondly, old man, I wasn’t even born in the seventies!” she chirped, enjoying their playful banter.
“Ouch! If I wasn’t busy dwelling on the idea of you in a Catholic uniform, that could have really stung.
“Oh,” she sang lightly, “old and perverted, tsk tsk.”
Arran laughed whole-heartedly, “Hmmm, keep them coming, naughty girl, I may have to turn you over my knee.”
“Promises, promises,” she teased, “now tell me more about this mystery party.”
“Well, I don’t want to spoil it for you. Let’s just say, it’s a well vetted event. No ‘riffraff’ allowed,” he chuckled. “I’m actually on the guest list. Perhaps I’ll make an appearance after all.”
Emma’s smile faded as she shifted the phone to her other ear. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. It wasn’t that she didn’t want him to go if he wanted to, but she had a feeling that Arran and Luke had some macho shit to work through, and she didn’t want to be in the middle of it.
Jennifer popped out of her office and gave Emma a desperate look that said ‘I need you’.
“I think I have an idea of what to expect, no worries,” she offered professionally, sitting up straighter in her seat. “It would be great to see you there, but if you don’t go, perhaps we can make alternative plans?”
“Yes, of course,” Arran agreed, “and you are working, so I’ll let you get back to it. I look forward to seeing you soon, Darling. Ta Ta!”
Emma hung up the phone and smiled at her boss, hoping she would overlook the personal call. Jennifer didn’t seem to mind at all.
“I need your excellent editing skills, come help me!” she urged, waving Emma into her office.
“You got it,” Emma chuckled, following her in.
Chapter 29
“So the rules are simple,” the man at the front of the room purred, his voice thick as honey. He was very attractive, Emma observed, as were most of the people there. Luke stood beside her, looking mighty handsome. His face was clean-shaven, a rare look for him. She approved.
He had generously filled her in on what to expect from the night’s festivities on the car ride over, giving her a pass to back out if she was so inclined. She thought about it, but the truth was, she was way too intrigued to turn back, and with Luke by her side, she felt like could do anything. She knew that they would be partnering up with someone, and fate would decide who it would be.
“First, we’ll flip a coin to see who will wear the blindfolds, the men or the women, then names will go into a bowl...” the man continued, his arm loosely draped around his stunning partner. “Call it, Sweetheart,” he urged, tossing the coin in the air.
“Heads of course, for the men,” she called out, her words flirtatiously naughty, “and tails for the ladies.”
Everyone around Emma laughed, and she glanced shyly at Luke. He was looking down at her and smiling, as though trying to gauge her mood.
“Blindfold?” she smirked, elbowing him gently.
“Yup, remember when I told you that this would get you out of your own head? With a blindfold every sensation is heightened, and you don’t have to think about anything else but your pleasure,” he whispered, his breathy words teasing the sensitive flesh around her ear. It sent a shiver down her spine and she looked at him curiously.
She was obviously horny, she mused, if even Luke had such an instant effect on her. He smiled down at her, his eyes trying to read hers, and she quickly averted them before they revealed her secret.
“It’s tails! Ladies, you get the blindfolds. Men, bed them well,” the man encouraged, handing his own partner a blindfold. “Gentlemen, please come forward, write your name on a slip of paper and place it in the fishbowl. Oh, and grab a blindfold and take it to the lady you brought. Thank you...”
Luke gave her elbow a little squeeze, then left her alone while he approached the front of the room. Emma took the opportunity to scope the room, see who might be her potential lover that night. As far as looks went, there really wasn’t anyone in the room that she would have avoided, so that was a good start.
Suddenly her eyes fell on a familiar face walking through the door. It was Arran, and he brought someone with him. They didn’t appear overly affectionate. Perhaps the woman was just a friend, Emma surmised curiously. The hostess greeted them warmly, handing a blindfold to Arran’s ‘date’, then gestured for him to make his way to the front of the room with the other gentlemen. Emma could see his eyes searching the room until they landed on her. He shared a knowing grin, nodding his head mischievously at her. She gave him a short wave, not wanting to draw attention to herself.
Arran sauntered over, taking her hand as soon as he was within reach. He looked dashing, as always, and smelled even better, his Obsession suddenly teasing her senses. She found it amusing that in spite of their friendly rivalry, Luke and Arran actually had a lot in common, including their preferred cologne.
“Hello darling,” he greeted, kissing her softly on the cheek. I hope you don’t mind me being here. It sounded like fun.”
“Of course not,” she offered politely, her eyes landing on the woman shimming up beside him. She was older than Emma, for sure, probably closer to Arran’s age, and striking in her own right. Emma smiled at her warmly.
“This is my friend Diana. We go to parties together on occasion. Can’t attend events like this without a significant other,” Arran explained, looking around the room. “Where’s your wingman?”
“He was just here,” she said searching the room for him, “there, over by the window.” She looked back at Arran and shrugged.
“I’ll be right back. Can I leave you ladi
es to get acquainted?”
Emma nodded, offering Diana a warm smile. She wasn’t exactly sure what to say so she waited for her to speak. Diana shifted from one foot to the other, apparently having the same thoughts as Emma. They stood side by side awkwardly, Emma hoping that either Luke would hurry back or Arran would return and collect his date. Finally, Diana spoke, her British accent surprising Emma.
“Are you the new flavor of the month?” Diana teased, her tone landing somewhere between amused and bitchy. Emma wasn’t sure how to take her. She grinned at Diana curiously, wondering if the question was driven by some sort of jealousy. She had heard that tone before, throughout her life. Females were often passive-aggressively unkind, and Emma avoided it whenever possible.
“I’m not sure what you mean,” Emma responded, refusing to be intimidated. Diana laughed off her answer, shrugging her shoulders as though Emma was being overly sensitive. Emma inhaled deeply, frustrated by the games women played.
“Oh, no, I’m just teasing,” Diana corrected herself, “I was just curious about you. Arran doesn’t share much with me about his personal life, but he does seem rather taken with you.”
Emma nodded nonchalantly, unwilling to commit one way or the other. She had a feeling that Diana had been around long enough to see many different women come and go in Arran’s life, but the truth was, Emma didn’t want to think about that, let alone discuss it with a woman she hardly knew.
“Between you and me, he insisted we come tonight, had me back out on another engagement to be here. I think that had everything to do with you,” she went on, as though unfazed by Emma’s chilliness.
“Hmm,” Emma replied, not sure how to change the subject without offending Diana.
“I think he’s hoping to hook up with you tonight. Lucky girl!”
Emma looked her over carefully, certain her initial thought was true. She was jealous.
Perhaps Diana shared a past with Arran, and maybe she wanted a future too.
“There you are,” Luke returned, his interruption rescuing Emma from the very awkward conversation. “Here’s your blindfold. In a few minutes they’ll ask you to cover your eyes and then they’ll bring the bowl around so each lady can draw a name. You won’t know who it is because your blindfold stays on the whole time. They’re very strict with that rule. Still feeling good about this?”
Protecting Her Heart Page 14