"Yeah, sounds good. Do you want to meet at Shooters?"
"See you there in about thirty." I hang up the phone.
Shooters is one of our frequent hang out spots. More pool tables than anything else, it is a chill spot on Sundays to relax. Usually all the league players are finished early in the afternoon and the bar is mostly empty with the exception of a few of the local bar junkies that seem to live there.
***
Traffic is light and I am able to make it to the bar in a short fifteen minutes. The waitress tonight is s a cute girl-next-door type. With her brown hair pulled up into two ponytails, she sports the famous Shooter's checkered skirt and black sports bra nicely. My eyes slide to the knee length socks that cover most of her toned legs. Nice touch. I can already picture her cute ass bent over the edge of my bed. Her back arched and her ass aimed up in the air while my cock slides into her welcoming pussy. I am certain I will end up taking her out for a spin later.
"Hey sugar, what can I do you for?" Her voice bubbles with enthusiasm. She knows all the right ways to lure a man's attention onto her as she leans in and places a napkin on the table in front of me. Her exposed cleavage is in my direct line of sight and I find myself trying to imagine those perky breasts in my mouth.
This is how easy it was supposed to be. All I have to do is smile, pat my knee, and she comes over and sits down in my lap.
"I'll tell you what. How about you bring me a bourbon, neat and tonight when your shift is over, you can do me for an hour and I promise it will be anything but neat." She is almost too easy. After agreeing to meet me at the end of her shift, she saunters back to the bar to get my drink order.
"I see you aren't wasting any time tonight," Cash says as he approaches the table with a beer already in hand.
"Well, you know me. I have to get my piece lined up before you swoop in and try to cock block me," I laugh. We both play by our own set of rules. Sometimes we would do the whole bait and switch routine. If I was talking to a girl who seemed a little too clingy, I would pawn her off on Cash. He hates that shit.
"Oh please bro, you know it ain't cock blocking. I can't help it if I actually try to romance the panties off. Unlike you, who goes straight in for the kill. For the life of me, I still don't see how you find women who fall for that shit."
"Well speaking of that. I have found one who isn't. And she is quickly becoming a thorn in my side. What the fuck am I supposed to do about Summer? I think I actually need your advice on this one man." Cash is taking immense pleasure in my misery.
"You are going to have to explain better than that. What's the deal with you two anyway?" He asks. I didn't even know where to begin. Somehow, after agreeing to be friends, Summer and I had landed ourselves right back where we were in the beginning. Each trying to bring the other to their fucking knees.
I rake my hand through my hair trying to figure out where to even start.
"Fuck dude. I don't even know. We had dinner earlier and everything was going good. We talked about our past and are working on getting our friendship back where it used to be. Of course with a few ground rules in place. But that shit didn't last long. Then the next thing I know, we are trying to one up the other in a sexually driven conversation. This chick is seriously getting the fucking best of me. Dude, I jacked off in the restroom of the restaurant for fucks sake. She had me so fucking hard and she sits there like I have absolutely no effect on her. It is like every time I say something to get under her skin or unnerve her, she is fully prepared and brings out the big guns on me. I feel I have met the female version of myself. This woman is good at playing games. She is out to win at any cost. God help me! The woman is fucking insane and getting off on flirting with disaster."
Cash eyes me suspiciously before replying.
"So basically, what you are saying is that the infamous Damien Cole can't bed this woman? You can't seal the deal? Oh this is going to be one hell of a show and I want front row seats." Cash slaps his hand on his knee and the excitement bubbling from him is too fucking much only adding to my already frustrated mood.
"Fuck that. I can bed this damn woman. I am just trying to figure out why she is toying with me. Why am I falling for the twisted fucking games this woman likes to play with me? I need to flip this shit around on her and nothing is working dude." I am more aggravated at the idea that I am having to stoop to asking for advice. This shit makes me look like I am losing my touch and Cash is eating this shit up.
"Well D, maybe you need to try a different approach, but let her think it is all her idea. Maybe go all romantic with her ass. Do all the unexpected and once you got her where you want her, BOOM! Get yourself in there long enough so it isn't expected and then turn the tables on her. Make her sit there, scratching her head, trying to figure out how she just got played." I contemplate this for a few minutes. He might just be on to something here.
"So basically, pretend that I am every other boring prick in the world and try to date her. Win her over. Get a piece of that sexy ass and then let her know she just got sweet talked out of her panties." I scratched the three day old stubble on my chin. Hmm. If I played this right it could work. She would be begging me for more and when she least expected it, I will have won. This would work considering I had told her that when she found herself in my bed, it would be willingly.
I had no doubt that she would be pissed at first but Summer and I had been turning everything into a fucking game since we were six. This is how we worked. Opposite sides of the same fucking coin.
I am feeling better already. I knew Cash would have the right solution for this situation. I flag the cute little brunette over and introduce her to Cash. I order another round of drinks and before she skips away. I am able to line up her blonde friend at the bar for Cash that night.
By the time we leave the bar, it is almost two in the morning. Cash and his new found blonde friend head out as I wait on Amber. We agree on her place. She lives about twenty-five minutes from the bar. I follow her as we make our way through the quiet city night. There is nothing I love more than the city lights. They are especially beautiful when the city went to sleep. The view could be enjoyed in the calmness of the early morning hours before traffic cluttered the highways with commuters.
I spend the next few hours at Amber's place. The girl is not quite as experienced as I had hoped for but she did get the job done. It is enough to satiate me for the night. I leave Amber asleep in her bed as I sneak out and head back to my place.
I have work tomorrow and yet somehow I am still wide awake when I make it back to my apartment. My plan still needed some work. I can't give up my one night stands all in the name of trying to conquer Summer. This will take some maneuvering. I look around my bachelor pad as my mind tries to wrap around some ideas. I have had this place for almost eight years. I love the loft style feel to it. It is very industrial looking with the open floor plan, exposed ceilings, and duct work.
This is where I have most of my one night stands. If I was going to seduce Summer, I would have to do better than this. I have some reservations about the way I was about to play this. However, if I knew Summer like I thought I did, in the end she would congratulate me on being a worthy opponent. She loves the game just as much as I do, even if she hasn't played it in a while.
The last thing I want to do is hurt her, but she has to know that all is fair in love and war. In our case, love doesn't have a damn thing to do with this. That much we are both clear on. I fall asleep that night with a big ass smile on my face. Shortly, I will get the one thing I have wanted for the past eight years. I will be inside of Summer Montgomery.
***
The next morning I wake up an eager man on a mission. I am stoked to put my plan into action. I have decided to give Summer the next few days to focus on work with her mother, then it is going to be game on. By the time I arrive at the shop, Summer and Marie are already at the front desk. I have to keep the fucking drool from falling from my mouth when I see her standing there in that
damn outfit. I am convinced she is the devil incarnate come to claim my soul. I am going straight to hell and the burn is going to feel so fucking good on the way.
The day is pretty light for a Monday. I had five appointments on schedule. Cash, Zane, Trystan, Kimo and Devon are the only ones on staff today. I did have to avoid Devon all day since I wasn't sure how to talk to him without the jealousy of the other night being apparent. I am not sure I would be able to talk to that mother fucker without punching him dead in his mouth. The fact that he had his lips on Summer's is still a sore spot for me. None of the guys really know our history, other than Cash, so I can't really blame Devon for making a move.
"Yo, D!" Cash swung and took a jab below my ribs as I stand leaning against the counter of my station.
"What's up dude?" I ask, although I'm not really looking at him. Summer is filling the supplies in the front cabinet and I was studying her ass in those pants. Her legs are long and toned, and her ass...Fuck! It is amazing. She doesn't have one of those flat asses either. Her ass has just the right amount of curve to it. My hands want to smack the beautifully rounded cheeks of her bottom and watch as they pink up, while I fill her with my cock.
"Just curious about something," He replies as he glances in the direction my eyes are locked on.
"Yeah?" I ask absentmindedly as my focus remains on Summer.
"Are you sure you are up for this? Cause man, from what I can see, she already has you eating out of the palm of her hand. Dude you might as well just call it. I know I am. This girl has you by the balls."
Chapter Seven
Summer
When the alarm sounded at seven this morning, I rolled over and hit the snooze button and had snuggled down under the blankets. Today was going to be my first day at the shop. I had stretched for a few minutes before hopping out of bed. I spent an hour and a half getting ready for work. After my shower, I had scrunch dried my hair and let the soft waves of curls fall down my back. I decided on a pair of blue jeans and a ribbed black shirt. I accented my outfit with a pair of black spiked heels. Before heading out the door, I had glanced in the mirror for one last look. I reapplied another coat of red lip gloss and grabbed my purse.
On the way to work, I decide to stop at the little cafe down the street. The young waitress looks no older than seventeen. She struggles through my order, and by her nervousness, I can tell she is new. I take my time to order myself a caramel macchiato and decided to try a fresh triple berry muffin. I take a seat in the corner at am empty bistro table. The cafe is swamped with commuters, and although this place is packed, it has a small town vibe to it. After finishing the last bite of the muffin, I order up a refill and head to work.
“Hey, Honey! I am so excited you are here,” my mom squealed and ran with open arms to envelop me in the tightest hug before I could get all the way inside of the door. She was so beautiful for her age. With long blonde hair that traveled down her back, she was a petite frame that stood about 5'4. She had black low lights weaved throughout her hair in an ombre style. She was stunning for a forty-eight year old woman. Her blue jean skirt and halter top aided in making her appear that more youthful. My mom was my best friend. People often confused us for sisters.
“Hey, Mom. I'm excited to be home.”
“Well, if you want I will go ahead and introduce you to the guys and then we can get started going over what your duties will be here at the shop.”
“Sounds good.” I smiled as I scanned around the shop. I noticed Devon immediately about three stations away. We locked eyes for a brief instant before he went back to working on refilling his ink bottles. I would need to try to find a chance to talk to him today. I thought that we had a good time at the club, so I was a little disappointed when he didn't return my text for dinner on Sunday. My mother introduced me to Lance, Keenan, and Kimo. I had not met them at the club this weekend.
I was trying to wrap my head around the fact that almost every artist in this shop looked like they could have easily stepped off of the pages of a magazine. They were all equally impressive with their edgy good looks and their chiseled physiques. This was going to be like a kid working in a candy store. Each of them pure temptation and trouble in their own way. I was beginning to think I was going to like this job very much.
I was given a tour of the place and by the time we made it back to the front desk area, Damien was coming into the shop. I looked up to see him watching me.
“Hey, there. How are you this morning?' I asked.
“I'm great. Love the outfit this morning,” he smirked as his eyes began to violate me. He had a cocky smirk on his face and I so wanted to pop off some crude smart ass comment. I couldn't think when he looked at me with such hunger in his eyes.
“Thanks. I thought it looked appropriate.” I actually had no idea what to wear to a tattoo shop but was hoping the combination of sexy and edgy worked. Apparently, it was a good choice. Damien laughed. “I am sure you did. We both know your taste in outfits needs a little work.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” I knew he was referring to the incident on Saturday night. I was furious with him at first but the jealous side of him turned me on immensely.
“Nothing, baby girl. Absolutely nothing,” he said as he held his hands up in the air, as if fending off another sparring match.
My mother cleared her throat interrupting us. “Can we get back to work here?”
“Umm. Yeah. Sorry mom.” I cut my eyes to Damien to let him know this conversation may be over for now but would be picked up at a later time.
My mother spent the afternoon going over the scheduling program the shop used for booking appointments. We settled on ordering QuickBooks to better keep up with sales and accounting. After she left for the day, I was ready to dive into my new role. I made my way over to Devon's station while he waited for his next client to arrive.
“Hey you,” I spoke softly and tried to gauge his body language.
“Hey, Summer. How is your first day going? Are you liking it so far?” Devon asks as he refills the ink bottles on the tray.
“Yeah, actually I am. It seems pretty easy.”
“Don't let today fool you. Sometimes it gets super crazy in this place,” he laughed. He had an infectious laugh that showcased those sexy as hell dimples.
“So um, I sent you a text yesterday. It was a dinner invite. I assumed you were tied up since I didn't hear back from you.” I could tell he was becoming a little uncomfortable. Maybe I had him all wrong. Maybe he wasn't as in to me as I had originally thought.
“Actually, I was home. Look Summer, I like you. A lot. You are stunningly beautiful, strong, independent, and I love that you can handle yourself in any situation. You are perfect, but I am not so sure that this...” he gestured between us “would be a good idea.”
“Oh.” I was so embarrassed. He must have noticed because he quickly offered up an explanation.
“I would love more than anything to spend time getting to know you. I think you are incredible but it is not lost on me the way Damien looks at you. I just don't want to cause any problems for either one of us.” Damn Damien to hell. He was not going to stand in the way of this.
“Look, Damien and I are just friends. Yes we have a history, but trust me when I say it is ancient history. There is nothing between us.” I was going to hell for lying, but I deserved to try to be with someone who was ready to commit. I deserved to try with someone open to dating and wanting to spend time getting to know me.
Devon and I glanced over to see Damien staring directly in our direction.
I rolled my eyes at Damien before clearing my throat.
“Tell you what, how about you join me for a beer tonight and just see where this goes. Can you at least give me that?” He pondered my question before answering.
“Sure. As long as we are clear on the fact that I am not into being used to make anyone jealous.” Devon says as he casts one more glance in Damien's direction.
“Well then, you can pick
me up at seven and just for the record, this is nothing more than me wanting to get to know you. There are no ulterior motives here. What you see is what you get.” He smiled at that.
“What can I say? I do like what I see. I like it very much.” He spoke exactly what was on his mind at all times. I liked that he was straight forward and I didn't have to guess what he was thinking. He flashed me a smile before I made my way to the back. I was feeling very confident with myself.
***
I watched the clock all day waiting to get off work and go out with Devon. He had me so curious. Damien caught me completely off guard when he came into the stock room where I was doing inventory.
“So, what was that all about earlier?” he asked.
“What?” I asked coyly avoiding eye contact. I knew damn well what he was talking about but it was none of his damn business. I needed to get out of this stock room. This was too tight of a space for the two of us.
Damien grabbed my arm and swung me around to face him.
“You know exactly what I mean, Summer. Don't play games with me.” Somebody was in a pissy mood.
“Ohh...that... I just asked Devon out for drinks tonight. That's all. Why?”
Damien ran his hands through his hair. He was unnerved and I could see it in the way that little vein in his forehead throbbed.
“Summer. Be careful. Sometimes people aren't exactly who they seem.”
“Is there something I should know?”
“I'm just telling you to be careful, that's all.”
“Well thank you for that but I think I am a pretty good judge of character. Let's remember that we are friends. In the future make sure you do not overstep your bounds. Who I date is none of your damn business.”
“God Dammit, Summer! Devon is not the person you think he is. I am telling you this as your friend. So get over yourself.” Damien stomped out of the stock room cursing underneath his breath. Well that went well. Now, I was even more curious about Devon.
Dared (Boneyard Bad Boy #1) Page 7