“Formally speaking, I guess. We go out all the time though.”
“Right, but not under the title of a date.”
“True. Maybe it just makes me a little nervous that I know Rhys is going to be paying attention to every little interaction between us.”
“And?” he asks, walking toward me. “We have nothing to hide.”
The fuck we don’t. “Right, but our friendship is unconventional, to the say the least.” The intercom buzzes indicating Rhys’s arrival.
“Don’t be worried.” He smiles. “Ready to go?”
“Let’s do this.”
We walk out and head down the elevator meeting Rhys in the lobby. He greets me with a smile and a sweet kiss on the cheek, then shakes hands with Flynn.
“You know Jill’s address?” Rhys asks as we pile into the car.
“I do.” I give it to the driver and sit back in the seat, next to Rhys and across from Flynn. Rhys rests his hand on my thigh, and I just smile in response, while Flynn looks out the window.
“So, Flynn,” Rhys begins. “First date with Jill?”
“Yep.” He nods, not offering anything else.
“Well, hopefully it will be a good one. Have you heard of the place we’re going?”
“I looked it up after Brooks told me about it. Sounds interesting.”
“I thought so. The co-owner and I go way back. I knew him in college. It’s his little brother’s baby,” he smiles, “so I hope it’s good.”
“Are you reviewing?” Flynn asks.
“Not tonight. It’s a soft opening. Just a few close friends and family invited to help kick things off. I’ll go back once it’s more established. There will be kinks to work out and that’s just not fair to do to a new restaurant.”
“That’s thoughtful of you,” I say.
“I’m not a total dick.”
I laugh. “You’re not a dick at all.”
“Tell that to the nine restaurants that received negative reviews from me. Some of them even closed.”
“Yeah, Flynn told me about that.”
Flynn nods. “I follow your reviews. I’ve eaten at the some of places you’ve been, and I mostly agreed with you.”
“Any that you disagreed with?” he asks.
Flynn seems to think for a moment. “Just one that really stands out. It was Rascals on Fifth. You said the service was atrocious, but the food was worth dealing with it. I went a week after your review was published. It must’ve been a bad night because the service was fine, but the food was bad. My steak was overcooked and Brooklyn’s pasta was cold.”
“Oh, you went with him?”
That’s his takeaway from the story? “I did.”
Rhys nods. “Well that’s unfortunate. I hoped they would work out the problem with the rude wait staff while maintaining their food quality.”
“Could’ve just been a bad night when we went,” Flynn says.
“Do you two go out to eat a lot?”
I shake my head and start to answer, but Flynn does instead.
“No. We stay home a lot. I work late hours obviously and Brooklyn goes to bed early a lot with her studio schedule. Usually I cook or we order in, or we don’t see each other at all for days at a time, except maybe for a brief cup of coffee in the morning. Occasionally though, I want to go out and get a good meal with someone that I don’t have to fuck afterwards. Sometimes, I just want to eat with a friend. Brooklyn’s my friend.”
Rhys smiles. “Fair enough, Chef.”
The conversation ceases as we pull up in front of Jill’s apartment. Flynn steps out to go to her door.
“Are you satisfied now?” I ask.
“With what?”
“My relationship with Flynn.”
“Just asked a question. Nothing wrong with that is there?”
“No.”
“Kiss me, Brooklyn. I’m dying over here.”
I nod as his lips close over mine, and his hands move behind my neck, pulling me closer. As we kiss, I remind myself that this is who I want. Rhys is available to me in every way that Flynn isn’t. This is good.
We separate as Flynn and Jill come back to the car, joining us.
“Hi, Brooklyn,” Jill says.
“Hi. This is Rhys Camden. Rhys, this is Jill.”
They shake hands. “Nice to meet you,” Rhys says.
The driver pulls onto the street as we start our drive to Brooklyn. Jill fills the car with chatter, and I can tell she’s nervous to be with Flynn. For his part, he seems interested. Rhys holds my hand in his, and I find it both possessive and sweet. He definitely wants Flynn to know he’s into me, as if he didn’t already know. Rhys is wasting his energy though. Flynn might be physically attracted to me on some level, but he doesn’t give a fuck who I date. Not one single fuck.
After a while we pull up in front of the restaurant and walk inside. Rhys is greeted like a king, which I guess in this world, he is. After introducing us to the chef and his brother, we’re led to an intimate table for four, tucked in a corner with the best view of the dining room and kitchen. Jill continues chattering about the décor, the table, the lighting. Flynn nods and smiles, keeping his attention on her which makes me happy. Jill needs a guy like Flynn to remind her she’s attractive and funny and kind. She looks great tonight too in a form fitting black dress and spiky heels. Her equally black hair is piled into a messy bun with tendrils falling down around her face. Her blue eyes pop from smoky gray eye makeup and she leaves nothing to the imagination in the cleavage department. In contrast, I went with barely-there makeup, loose, wavy hair, and a nude colored dress with heels to match. She’s like the yin to my yang tonight. I wonder what Flynn thinks. Is he attracted? Will he fuck her tonight? Do I want him to?
“Whatcha thinking?” Rhys whispers, as he nibbles my earlobe.
“Just about the menu.”
“We’ll get some wine ordered soon.”
“Cool.”
“Did I tell you that you look breathtaking tonight?”
“No.”
“Well you do. Incredible.”
“Thank you.”
“Still panty-less under there?”
“I don’t even own a pair.”
“Jesus, you’re fucking hot.”
“So are you, Rhys.”
“A true compliment coming from you.”
“Don’t give me that. You know you are.”
He grins, running his finger under my chin. “Yes, but when it’s recognized by someone as exquisite as you, it feels better.”
“You’re such a flatterer.”
“Is it working?”
“Yeah, it is.”
Rhys laughs, getting the attention of our dining companions. We look up as a server drops off a bottle of wine for us and fills our glasses. Rhys lifts his glass.
“A toast to new friends.” We clink glasses and sip the wine.
“This is so good,” Flynn comments.
“I agree,” Rhys says, swirling his glass around. “We should find out what it is. Perhaps Flynn’s could offer it.”
“Yeah, it would rock with some Italian food.” He glances at Jill. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s good enough to drink.” She laughs, looking at me. “Brooklyn?”
“I like it, but I’m easy to please.”
“I don’t think that’s true at all,” Rhys says, grinning.
“When it comes to wine, it is.”
“I’d like to find out about the rest.”
“Maybe you will.”
Flynn clears his throat. “There are other people at the table with you.”
Rhys chuckles, nodding. “Forgive me. I get a little carried away around Brooklyn.”
“You and every other guy,” Jill says, before taking a sip of wine.
“That isn’t true,” I say.
“Yeah it is.” She pats Rhys’s hand. “You should see the looks on men’s faces when they walk in and she’s at the front. It’s like those cartoons
where their eyes pop out of their heads.” She laughs. “I imagine they get instant wood, too.”
“Oh my God,” I mutter, before drinking more wine. “You’re no slouch either.”
“Compared to you?”
“Don’t say that about yourself,” Rhys says, softly. “You’re quite lovely, too.”
Jill’s cheeks turn pink. “Thank you. It’s just that… nothing. You guys don’t need to hear this stuff.”
“What?” Flynn asks.
“Honestly? I’m sitting with three of the most spectacular looking people I’ve ever seen. Ever. I don’t know how I got here.”
“Jill…” I say, softly, grabbing her hand. “You’re beautiful.”
“I’m pretty. You’re beautiful.”
I start to open my mouth, but Rhys speaks first. “That’s where you’re wrong, Jill. I’ll agree with you that we’re a table of very good looking people, but you’re included in that. Am I right, Flynn?”
“Absolutely. When Brooklyn suggested a double date with you, I didn’t even hesitate. Right, Brooks?”
“Right. He didn’t.”
Jill shakes her head. “Thanks, guys. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to dump my fragile self esteem on everyone. I just went through a breakup and it’s shaken me a little.”
“His loss,” Rhys says.
“Thank you.” She puts her napkin down. “Excuse me. I need to go to the ladies.”
“I’ll go with you,” I say, standing with her.
We walk off leaving the guys alone.
I watch Brooklyn and Jill walk away then turn my attention back to Rhys. “You’re pretty good at knowing the right thing to say, I see.”
“It was genuine.”
“I don’t doubt it. Jill is pretty. It’s unfortunate she doesn’t see it.”
“Well, she does have a point about Brooklyn. It’s hard to see anyone else when she’s around. Don’t you think?”
“I don’t look at her that way.”
“No?” He swirls his wine. “Surely you notice her beauty.”
“I’d be blind if I didn’t. It’s just that I see so much more that I’m not distracted by it anymore.” If only that was true.
“I can’t say the same.”
“Understandable.” I look around the restaurant for an awkward moment. “So, thanks for the invite. It’s cool you thought of me.”
“Sure. Chefs usually enjoy trying new places.”
“I do.”
“And I figured since I plan to be in Brooklyn’s life for a long time, you and I might as well get comfortable with each other.”
I nod. “That’s cool.”
“Is it?”
I sigh. “Listen, Rhys. You seem like a cool guy. I respect you a great deal professionally. Personally, I’m totally fine with you dating Brooklyn. Truth be told, if Brooklyn and I wanted to fuck, we would’ve by now. I’ve known her for years, I’ve lived with her for years. You in her life doesn’t change a damn thing. Can we just let it go?”
Rhys nods. “You’re right. I need to let it go.”
“Good.”
I hope he does. The more I talk about her, the more I want her.
“You okay?” I ask once we get inside the bathroom.
Jill shakes her head. “I’m such an idiot.”
“No you’re not.”
“I totally downplayed myself to Flynn. Why would he want me now?”
“Don’t even worry about that.” I twist her around so that she’s facing the mirror. “Look at yourself.”
“No, Brooklyn. Come on.”
“Do it.”
She sighs and looks at her reflection. “Okay.”
“Look at yourself,” I repeat. “You’re beautiful, Jill. You have this pretty hourglass figure.” I run my hands over her waist and hips. “Flat tummy. Nice ass.” I pat her butt, making her laugh. Moving my hands up, I drag them lightly across her cleavage. “You have a nice rack any guy would want to get his hands on.” She shakes her head. “Your skin looks like porcelain, your hair seems soft and silky.” I step in front of her. “Your eyes are stunning and the best part is your laugh, your smile, your heart. You’re far more beautiful than you give yourself credit for.”
Jill meets my eyes with tears in hers. “Thank you.”
“If I was a guy, I’d do you.”
Jill laughs, throwing her head back. “Well, okay then. I appreciate it. I do.”
I straighten my dress. “Now, let’s go out there and show those men how lucky they are to have us.”
Jill hugs me tight. “You’re the best, Brooklyn.”
“I know.”
Laughing, we walk back to the table. Both men look up and focus on me, and I really hope Jill doesn’t notice. The best thing that can happen tonight for Jill is if Flynn takes her to bed, even if the idea does bother me just a little.
“Everything okay?” Flynn asks, as we sit.
“Great,” Jill answers. “Just a little girl time.”
“Sorry we missed that,” Rhys says.
I just shake my head and take another sip of wine. “When’s the food coming?”
“Soon,” Rhys answers. “I ordered another bottle of wine.”
“Great.”
“So, Jill,” Rhys continues. “You work with Brooklyn, right?”
“Yep. I’m her assistant manager. I handle the place when she’s not there.”
“Which is almost never,” Flynn adds.
“I love it there,” I say. “It’s my baby.” Smiling, I continue. “Jill’s been with me for about six months already, right?”
“Yep, almost seven.”
“I wouldn’t know what to do without her.”
“It’s so important to have people you can trust,” Rhys comments. “I’m sure you can appreciate that, Flynn.”
“Definitely. I have a floor manager who handles the front of the house, but I do everything else. I haven’t been able to let go of that yet.”
“I’m trying to get him to hire someone to help with some of it,” I say. “The busier the place gets, the less he’s home. I don’t want him to burn out.”
“She’s right, plus it takes me away from being in the kitchen.”
“If you’re interested,” Rhys says, “I may have some people I could recommend. I have quite a few connections in the industry.”
Flynn nods. “I’d be open to that.”
“Good. We’ll talk.”
Our food is finally delivered, and I dig right in to my seafood stew. From the first bite, I smile. “It’s delicious.” I immediately pass a spoonful to Flynn. “Here. Taste it.”
He does and nods. “Very good.”
“Want some?” I ask Rhys.
“I’d love some.”
“Give me your spoon.”
He grins. “I don’t mind sharing with Flynn.”
Narrowing my eyes, I dip my spoon in the stew and lift it to his lips. “Divine, isn’t it?”
“Excellent,” Rhys agrees. “What do you have, Jill?”
She shrugs. “I don’t know, but it’s amazing. Want a bite?”
“I do.” He leans close to her as she scoops up what looks like risotto to me and gives him a bite. He chews it, still leaning into Jill, and I can tell she’s charmed by him. Who wouldn’t be? He had the same effect on me when we met. “Decadent. Very creamy.”
Jill nods. “Yeah. That’s a good description.”
I glance at Flynn who watches the interaction with a stoic expression, but I catch the slight twitch of his jaw. I don’t know what Rhys is up to, but he’s definitely up to something.
After our main meal is finished, we sip an after dinner drink, even though I’m already buzzing hard from all the wine we put down. Flynn whispers something to Jill that makes her giggle, and it makes me smile.
“Think they’ll fuck tonight?” Rhys murmurs, leaning close to me.
I shrug. “Hope so. Jill needs it.”
“So do I.”
I smile. “We can talk a
bout that.”
“Want to go back to your place?”
“Yeah.”
“Let me say goodnight to my friend and the chef, then we can all head out.”
“Okay.”
Rhys stands and walks away, and I’m left with Flynn and Jill who seem oblivious to my presence. A few minutes later, Rhys returns.
“Ready to go?”
Flynn looks up. “Did we pay yet?”
“It’s all covered for tonight. No charge.”
“Oh. That’s awesome.” He glances at me. “Want to go have a drink back at our apartment?”
Rhys nods. “We were just talking about that. Let’s do it.”
Back in the car, I can feel the chemistry between Jill and Flynn, and it makes me oddly happy. Maybe because it’s distracting Rhys from the chemistry between me and Flynn. Either way, I’ll take it.
Once inside the apartment, Flynn announces, “I’ll get us some drinks.”
“I’ll help you,” Jill offers, standing and following him into the kitchen. As soon as they’re out of eyesight, Rhys jumps me, kissing me hard and passionately. One hand moves into my hair as the other moves up my leg. I resist slightly, not wanting Flynn to walk back in on this.
“What’s the matter?” he asks, breaking away slightly. “You don’t want me to kiss you? I’ve been dying to all night.”
“Of course I do, but can we wait until we’re alone?”
“We are alone.” He smiles against my mouth before kissing me again. “You know what I think would be hot?”
“Tell me.”
“Fucking you on this couch.”
“Uh huh.”
“And I want Flynn to fuck Jill right next to us.”
My eyes open wide. “Come again?”
“Me fucking you, him fucking her. Hot.”
“Why is that hot?”
“Because it’s so free. Not giving a damn that other people can see you. Maybe you and Jill could even feel each other up a little.”
“I see. You want an orgy.”
“No, no.” Rhys sits up straight, shaking his head. “I don’t want Flynn to touch you. No way.” He caresses my cheek. “I want him to see me touch you though. I want him to watch me please you.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s hot, and because I know he wants to see you. All of you. You think I didn’t notice at dinner how he looked at you? He wants to see what you have between your legs.”
If I Told You Page 10