The Sirens of SaSS Anthology

by Anthology

  “It's yours now.”

  “Is that okay? I mean you've had your mouth on it already. Not that I'm asking if you have germs, I mean, is it weirding you out? It's weird to me that my lips touched something that Devon Mann's lips were on. Jesus, why can't I shut up?” She pushed her chair away from the table in an abrupt move.

  Chapter Nine

  To prevent his date from running, Devon stood and went to her. Putting a hand on her shoulder, he smiled. “Just relax. I'm just an ordinary man spending time with a pretty woman.”

  She took a deep breath but never met his gaze. “I need to use the powder room.”

  “Will you come back?”

  Her head snapped up. “I wouldn't ditch you.”

  “You look like you might run.”

  “Oh, believe me, I want to, but I won't. I need to go splash water on my face. I should've done that before joining you, but I didn't want you to leave.”

  Devon gestured toward the restrooms and then touched her lower back as she stood. She tensed. “Relax. The bathroom is down that hall to the right, and don't forget to come back.” When she didn't move, he turned to face her, and he couldn't help himself. He lowered his head and pressed a solid kiss to her lips. “There, our lips have touched, so the water thing shouldn't seem so weird now. Hurry along so we can order food. I'm starved.”

  Nodding, she slowly walked away from the table.

  Her cute outfit included pants that billowed around her legs as she walked. The sway of her hips was probably not for his benefit; it was a natural walk, not forced. She was attractive, but so far there was no spark or anything between them, not even after the kiss. He was enjoying the hell out of her, though, but that was all. He was determined to give it a genuine try.

  His date returned, and her appearance was somehow different. “I know.” She grimaced. “When I changed my flat, I threw my purse in the back seat, where it remains, so when I splashed water on my face just now, I didn't have my makeup bag to make repairs. So, you get au natural for now. I figured if I ran out to my car to grab my bag, you'd think I was ditching you. Which is absurd, who would ditch Devon Mann?”

  “You're just as pretty without the war paint.”

  “Oh no! Was my makeup that bad?”

  “What? No!”

  “You called it war paint.” Her hands went to her cheeks.

  “Just a silly expression my father used to say. I didn't mean anything offensive.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yes, and I think you're attractive without makeup anyway. A small amount is fine, like yours was, understated so that it brought out the natural beauty. You changed your own tire?” He needed a change of topic; she was very uncomfortable, judging by the tension around her eyes.

  The woman smiled, and she visibly relaxed. She reached for the water glass, hesitated, blushed, but then picked it up and drank. “Yes, I can tune up my own car, too. My father and brothers taught me to be self-sufficient in all kinds of ways. Mom and I were the only females in a house of eight.”

  “Holy shit!”

  “I'm the youngest.”

  “Wow, you have five older brothers, if I did my math correctly.”

  “Yes, but don't worry, they don't know I'm here with you, or they'd be here hovering. Not because they're protective, which they are, but because you’re Devon Mann.”

  She laughed, and it was a sweet sound.

  “We're all huge fans of Sinful Souls, so when Cindy asked if I'd do this, I didn't hesitate to say yes. Oh! But not because you're a rock star, but because who wouldn't want to go out with such a good-looking man?” She blushed again, but didn't shy away from her words.

  “Cindy put you up to this, huh?” He laughed. “How do you know her?”

  “We used to fly some routes together.”

  “Ah, you're a flight attendant then?”

  “Part-time, not sure I want to do it much longer. I don't like the schedule, it wreaks havoc on social lives.”

  “Yeah, gotta be tough, I imagine. Touring is hard for me; by the end, I've had enough travel, and just want my own bed.”

  “So, how do you know Cindy?” She redirected his question back at him.

  His forehead creased. “She didn't tell you?”

  “Nah, we aren't best buds or anything, just got along at work well enough. So, I was surprised when she called me to ask about tonight.” She took another swig from the glass, this time with no pause.

  “We grew up together.”

  “Oh.” Her eyes widened.

  Over dinner, they continued to talk about trivial things. He was impressed by her. She had calmed down enough so she wasn't putting her foot in her mouth anymore. Conversation was flowing, she was attractive and fun, but there was no sexual pull. Maybe that was how real relationships started? Hell, he didn't have a clue, he had only been serious about one woman, and she was with Troy.

  Devon emptied his beer and glanced around to flag down Hank for a refill. Instead of finding their server, his gaze settled on a red-haired beauty, and his breath stuttered.

  “Who is she?” His date’s voice pulled him from the woman who had turned his head on more than one occasion.

  “I'm not sure, but I keep seeing her around. All I know is she's a dancer.”

  “She's beautiful.”

  Devon couldn't argue with that. He kept glancing at the redheaded woman. “I agree, but the funny thing is, I don't think she's even aware of her looks, which makes her more beautiful.”

  “Huh.” A curious tone left his date’s lips.

  Glancing back at her, he asked, “What?”

  “You like her.” His date tucked her hand under her chin, supporting her head as she observed him.

  “What? How can I if we've never met?”

  “But you like what you see, it's all over your face.”

  “I don't deny she's pretty.”

  “No, it's more than that. Five older brothers, remember? I've seen that look before, and when I did, three of them got married.”

  He chuckled. “You're crazy. I'm not going to marry that woman.”

  “Uh-huh. I give it a year.”

  He pulled his gaze from Red, not believing what he was hearing. “You don't want to go on another date with me?”

  “No, I'd love to go out with you again, but not when you're that into another chick.”

  She didn't seem put off, which was confusing. “What are you saying?”

  “We've been here for almost two hours talking, and I'm having a good time now that my nerves have settled, but there's no spark between us. I didn't come expecting anything, but I feel like I'm hanging out with another brother. No offense, you're sweet, and sexy as sin, but like I said, no spark. You don't feel it either, do you?”

  He didn't want to respond, but she waited, and he couldn't sense anything foreboding. “None for me either.” He sighed.

  “Don't look so sad. I had a great time, I don't regret coming at all. Do you?”

  “Well, no, but—”

  “Good.” She smiled. “Oh, she's getting up and heading to the restroom. You should go bump into her. Introduce yourself. She's been checking you out, too, when you weren't looking at her.”

  He laughed.

  “I'm serious, you're going to lose your chance. Go.” She waved her hands toward the restrooms.

  “You’re sure?”

  She nodded. “Yes. Go, hurry.”

  He stood and went after the red-haired temptress who'd been on his mind.

  Chapter Ten

  Aria waited behind one woman for the ladies' room. She didn't need to use the toilet, but needed to stretch her legs, powder her nose, and try to cool off after seeing the hotness that was Devon Mann.

  She was rooting around in her clutch when she sensed someone's presence nearby. Assuming it was another woman for the restroom, she took a step forward to close the gap in the line.

  “Excuse me.”

  A deep sexy voice interrupted her thoughts. Turning a
round, her mouth dropped open. The Devon Mann was standing next to her, and possibly talking to her. “Yes?”

  He stared into her eyes. “I saw you earlier, but didn't want to interrupt your dinner, I just wanted to tell you I'm a fan of yours.”

  Aria looked around the hallway just as the woman in the line in front of her turned to check things out. She, too, had her mouth hanging open. Aria was glad it wasn't just her alone looking foolish. “Devon Mann is a fan of mine?” She barked out a laugh.

  “Yes, why's that funny? I saw you perform at the festival the other day, and I enjoyed it.”

  She sobered since he seemed serious enough. “Oh, uh, thanks?”

  The restroom door opened, a woman exited and almost tripped when she spotted Devon. Good, so all women acted that way around him. She didn't feel so bad now.

  He leaned against the wall next to them, and nodded at the woman in front of her. “Bathroom's free,” he told her.

  Aria could tell she didn't want to go.

  “Thank you,” the lady murmured, and walked in the room, closing the door inch by inch until her face disappeared from sight.

  He chuckled.

  “I bet you’re used to that.”

  “To what?” He looked puzzled.

  “Women acting crazy around you.”

  He shrugged. “Eh, I don't even notice half the time, not until someone points it out.”

  “See, normal.”

  He nodded. “I suppose. I get it, I'm a public figure, but I'm a man, too, a human being. I'm sure you get a bit of that too, though.”

  “A bit of what?” She frowned at him.

  “Fans gawking at you.”

  “No, can't say that I have. Well, not adults, a lot of little girls, though. I love being someone they can look up to. I'm afraid the art of dance is dying in these parts.” Her sad musings shifted the mood from the upbeat awkwardness.

  The woman exited the restroom. “All yours.” She paused by them and pointed to the door.

  When the woman didn't leave, and stood there staring at Devon, Aria didn't like it. “I'm okay, I just wanted to stretch my legs.”

  The lady shook her head and left, but not before taking Devon in from head to toe. Twice.

  Aria watched Devon as the woman boldly eye-fucked him right there in front of her. “Wow, could she be any more obvious?” she asked when the lady was out of view.

  Devon shrugged. “Is that guy out there your boyfriend?”

  “Not really, why?” She shook her head.

  “Not really?”

  “No, there's no label for us. If I had to put a label on it, I'd say we're good friends. Why do you ask?”

  “Friends with benefits?”

  “That's a personal question.”

  “One you're not denying.”

  She dropped her gaze.

  He pulled away from the wall and stepped toward her. “I'm sorry. Let me start over. I want to ask you out to dinner, but if you have a boyfriend, I don't want to intrude on that relationship.”

  “Oh.”

  “So…can I ask you out?”

  Her heart felt like it would pound its way out of her chest. Either that or she'd faint. And then the scent of his cologne washed over her. “Uh, no, sorry, it's not a good time right now. Too much going on in my life.”

  He didn't say anything to that, just bent his head, looking toward their feet.

  She was thankful she’d had a pedicure since her feet were exposed in her strappy sandals. They were in rough shape from dancing so much to prep for the festival.

  “Can I give you my number, and when life's not so rough anymore, you can call me?” Devon sounded hopeful.

  Could a man of his stature really be interested in her? “Why? Why me?”

  “Well, for starters, I find you attractive, and I'd like to get to know you better. And my date tonight, she's just a friend. There's nothing between us.”

  “I'm not a groupie or anything like that.” She tried to convey she wasn't an easy lay.

  “I didn't think you were, you're too classy for that.”

  “Thank you, but I don't give my number out, not even to the Devon Mann’s of the world.”

  “Very smart. I understand.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet, and rummaged around. His fingers passed by a condom, and Aria's cheeks went hot. “Here it is.” Devon pulled a business card from behind some cash. “Do you have a pen?”

  “Yes.” She pulled a pen from her clutch and handed it over.

  He scratched out the phone number printed on the card and flipped it over. “This is my manager’s card, don't call him.” He chuckled. “He'd be pissed. My number is on the back.”

  “Your personal number?”

  “Yes, my cell, and I'm sure I don't need to ask, but not many people have this number, so please keep it to yourself.”

  “Yes, of course, but I'm not sure I'll call. At least I can't promise.”

  “That's fine, just think about it?”

  “Sure.”

  His face lit up in a smile, and he pressed the card into her hand and held on for a moment, rubbing his thumb against her knuckles. The pad of his thumb was rough with a callus, just like she had on the bottom of her feet from dance. The thought made her smile.

  The mood was broken when a few women came giggling down the hall toward them. Their faces lit with enthusiasm directed toward Devon.

  A sigh whispered from his lips. “Please call,” he said, quietly. “Can I ask your name?”

  Evidently, hers was the one he really wanted to know.

  She hesitated. “I guess it's only fair, I have yours, but I'll only give my first name.”

  “I'll take it.”

  “Aria,” she whispered.

  Pulling away, he turned to exit the hall, but the women stopped him, asking for photos and autographs. He obliged, but the smile he wore, while genuine, wasn't the smile he had shared with her only moments ago. The one for her seemed much more intimate. She waited behind them in the small hall, quietly savoring his glancing at her every so often with a sparkle in his eyes.

  Chapter Eleven

  Devon returned to his table and guilt hit him hard. It wasn’t like he'd never flirted with multiple girls in one night, but these two were not his usual fare, they were both good girls. Dread crept up around him.

  Things got worse when he noticed the dinner dishes had been removed, and judging by the looks of the empty, chocolate-smeared dessert plate in front of her, he'd been gone longer than he should've been.

  The nameless woman cocked her head as he sat down. “What's wrong? I know things went well with the dancer. So why the sullen face?”

  “How could you tell?”

  “I have brothers, remember?” When he didn't answer, she smiled widely. “You had a ridiculous goofy grin when you came out of the hallway. It kinda gave you away.”

  “Did I?” He smiled again, thinking about Aria.

  “You did, and you're doing it again.”

  “I'm so sorry.” He shook his head, unable to stop smiling.

  “Don't be, like I said, I'm having a great time, eating great food, talking to a great guy. Everything's good, and I got to be here when you talked to your future wife for the first time.” She reached over and placed her hand over his. “We're making memories, Devon.”

  He glanced over at Aria, and for the first time he caught her looking back at him. She didn't waver and kept her gaze on him. He gave her his sexy smile, and she turned away, but not before a grin spread across her face. He then glanced at her date, who was scowling.

  Devon's date pulled her hand away. “He doesn't like you much.”

  “I see that, but I'm used to that look from other men.”

  “When do you see her again? You were gone for a while, so I figured you were working things out for a little get-together.” She waggled her eyebrows.

  “No, Aria's sort of seeing that guy.” Devon gave a chin tilt toward Aria's table.

  “D
id you know her name before?”

  Shit. How did she pick up on that? He shook his head slowly. “No, I didn't.”

  “That says a lot, Mr. Mann.” There was a lilt in her voice.

  “What do you mean?”

  “You learned her name after a brief conversation. We're going on”—she tilted her head—”one hundred and fifty-one minutes, and you’ve never asked for my name, and you still haven't explained the name thing to me.”

  She didn't appear to be upset, instead, she was upbeat, but it didn't make him feel any better. “I can't express how sorry I am. I feel horrible for the way I've treated you. I didn't want to know your name in case you turned out to be a one-night kind of deal. I promised myself that if by the end of the date or sometime before, if I felt any pull toward you, I'd ask your name if I wanted to see you again, make it more personal, you know?” The words nervously spewed from his mouth. “And now that I've said it aloud, it sounds crass.”

  “You never felt the pull, and I'm not interested in just one night with you.” She smiled, but it wasn't the full megawatt smile she'd given him earlier.

  “Honestly, no. And I feel so damn guilty about it. I find you attractive and funny. You're smart and fun to be with, so I can't figure it out.” His frustration and exasperation came out in his voice.

  “I believe if dancer girl wasn't in your life, you'd have my name by now.” She grinned.

  Devon glanced at Red as she ducked her head, but not before she smiled at him. “You're probably right, there's just something about her. I can't help but be drawn to her.” He turned back to the pretty blonde across from him. “Would you give me your name now if I asked?”

  She shook her head. “No.”

  “I didn't think so. I don't blame you, either.”

  She tilted her head. “It's not like that, I'm just following your guidelines. No pull, no name.”

  “I know all my friends’ names, and I consider you a friend now, but I understand.”

  They sat in silence as Devon called Hank over for the bill. His date started to rise, and he shook his head. “Wait for me so I can walk you out.”

  She settled back in her chair.

  Once outside, he reached for her hand. She started to pull away, but he managed to grip on tight. When he loosened his hold, her hand remained.