Deliciously British

by Scarlett Avery

  “Thank you. I might do just that.” I walk the short distance from Antoine’s desk to the waiting area. I smooth down the lower part of my dress before sitting down on the white leather couch. The minute my butt touches the seat, I pull out my phone and text my guys to let them know that I’m here. They both fire back a response letting me know they’re looking forward to seeing me again. Yippee. No sooner have I placed my phone back inside my bejeweled clutch than someone calls out my name.

  “Ms. Delilah Babcock?”

  “Yes, that’s me,” I say, lifting my eyes up to the short blonde’s.

  “My name is Julianna. Please allow me to take you to your table.” Everyone is so polite here. Julianna extends her hand. I get up to shake it.

  “I’m right behind you,” I cheer.

  “Antoine tells me that it’s your first time here,” Julianna throws over her shoulder as she walks decisively in front of me.

  “It is,” I say loud enough so she can hear.

  My eyes bounce from left to right, taking in as much as I can. I thought I was impressed when I walked in, but there’s so much more for me to discover. A stunning wood bar that matches the color of the maître d’hôtel’s desk serves as the anchor in this place. It really stands out against the whitewashed walls and the high-ceilinged space with understated ornamentation. The combination of the Hollywood-style banquettes and beautiful walnut tables gives it its distinctive look. The hand-blown lamps hanging from the ceiling are magnificent. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were an Italian design. Wow. No wonder the reviews online state this place is one of the most elegant restaurants in the city.

  “Our weekday crowd keeps us busy, but it pales in comparison to our weekend guests. The noise level can get pretty high at times.” I guess I might have been shouting.

  “It says a lot about the food.”

  The restaurant is packed. As I take in the patrons, I internally high-five myself for having had the good sense to pick out this chic outfit. Way to go, Dee.

  “The chefs here are absolutely brilliant.” Julianna turns to the right and takes a long corridor. I’m right on her heels. “They’re real magicians in the kitchen.” Oh, boy, I’m already salivating.

  Suddenly, we come to an abrupt stop in front of a closed door. “Mr. Gordimer and Mr. Emerson have reserved a table upstairs and if you choose, you’ll have an incredible view of the entire restaurant. If you prefer to keep things more private, that’s at your discretion.” I knit my eyebrows together, confused by her statement. “Don’t worry about it, it will make more sense when we get upstairs.”

  “Oh, okay,” I say carefully.

  She pulls open the door. “Shall we?” Julianna extends her hand towards the stairs, inviting me to climb first. Stairs in heels can be tricky, but I make it without making a fool of myself. When I get to the top of the stairs and scan my surroundings, my jaw drops. I turn towards the hostess, who’s trailing behind me. From the way she’s smiling at me, I’m guessing it’s hard to miss my stunned expression. “It’s pretty incredible, isn’t it?” She asks. I nod. When she reaches the top step, she stands near me. She points in front of her and says, “This mezzanine floor hosts striking private dining rooms, separated by tall, moveable frosted panels—this means people can see your shadow, but they can’t actually make out your features. It’s a semi-private dining experience. As I was trying to explain to a few minutes ago, the cool thing about these rooms is the fact that guests can choose to keep the front panel open or not. If they choose so, it allows them to overlook the entire restaurant from up here. If not, you get to eat in your little closed bubble.”

  “Wow,” is all I manage. Ethan and Xander have definitely gone all out for tonight. I’m giddy knowing they’ve done this for me.

  “Mr. Gordimer and Mr. Emerson have reserved the room at the very back. That means you only have neighbors on one side.”

  “Okay,” I say.

  “Come on, follow me.” It doesn’t take us long to reach the room in question. When Julianna pushes open the back panel and enters inside, Ethan and Xander jump to their feet. “Gentlemen, I believe you were expecting Ms. Babcock,” Julianna announces.

  “Indeed we were,” Ethan confirms.

  “Thank you for bringing her up here,” Xander adds.

  “It’s my pleasure. Let me go get your waiter. Tobias will be at your service tonight.”

  “Excellent.” Xander and Ethan cheer in unison.

  “I’ll let you enjoy the rest of your evening,” Julianna says before heading towards the door and closing it behind her.

  “Sweetheart, every time I see you you’re more and more ravishing.” Xander’s words make me blush.

  “Aw, boy, you’re just a charmer, aren’t ya?” Yeah, I’m trying hard not to show how much of an effect he has on me. The fire I read in his eyes fans the volcano brewing inside me. Damn, I’ve missed them so much.

  He closes the gap between us and drops a soft kiss on each cheek before taking a step back. He devours me from head to toe and lifts up his left eyebrow and the corner of his lip simultaneously. He seems very impressed. Hooray. He shakes his head a few times with a seductive smile stretching across his lips. “This dress is—”

  “Stunning,” Ethan finishes his best friend’s sentence. “It’s ridiculously sexy on you.” It’s his turn to take a few steps forward before kissing me tenderly.

  “Gosh, thank you.” I was hoping I looked good, but I’m basking in the glory of their adulation.

  Gemma is the one who inadvertently sounded the alarm for this restaurant. She was walking by my desk when I was checking out their website earlier today. Before I was even able to come up with a reason why I was on the site in the first place, she was gushing at the memory of a recent visit with her husband. From her description, Café Belleville is a place you dress for.

  “It fits you so perfectly,” Xander says. I’ve only been here a few minutes and already they’re both showering me with compliments. “It looks like it was cut on your luscious body.”

  This faux-wrap style is a blessing for girls with plenty of curves. The stretchy fabric is a Godsend. No need to fiddle with zippers or stupid belts.

  “I agree. The color plays so beautifully against your red locks.” Ethan twirls a strand of hair around his index finger.

  “Your words are too kind, sirs,” I say in a cocky tone.

  I bought this dress while I was still living in NYC and I can’t believe how fortuitous it was that I selected the teal color instead of the dusty rose. Anything in pink against my newly dyed red hair would’ve been a disaster.

  “And don’t think for a minute that I didn’t notice what you’re wearing on your feet. FYI, my cock likes them a lot,” he whispers loudly. I swallow hard. The look in Ethan’s eyes is pure lust. Holy shit. Since he has a penchant for fuck-me shoes, I selected a pair of super-high-heeled strappy gold sandals. Even though I finished work late last night, I was still able to find a nail shop that was still open for a quick pedicure. I wanted to make sure everything was perfect from head to toe. “You’re so bloody hot, love. I haven’t got a clue how I’m going to be able to keep my hands off of you all evening. I can’t wait until we get you behind closed doors.” Ethan is inches away from my mouth. Honestly, I don’t think he took a breath when he blurted that out.

  Considering how my pussy is tingling, my clit is pulsating and my nipples are scratching against my lace bra at his words, I don’t know how I manage to keep my composure. “Ethan, you—”

  “Mr. Gordimer and Mr. Emerson, it’s good to see you again.” A man walking into the room interrupts me.

  “Tobias, it’s good to be back.” From the corner of my eye I can see Xander walking towards our waiter.

  They chitchat in the background while Ethan and I continue to engage in our passionate staredown. Ethan’s grin grows wider. I can’t get over how gorgeous this man is. What emanates from his intense gaze suggests there’s more to come. Damn. As much as I look forward
to this meal, I can’t wait for them to take me back to their place for some after-dessert fun.

  “How are you keeping, Mr. Gordimer?”

  It’s only when Tobias calls out Ethan’s name that he breaks our embrace. Slowly he brushes his eyes away from mine and turns his attention to the waiter. Holy hotness. I can officially melt now.

  “Pardon me for being so consumed, mate. This drop-dead gorgeous woman keeps doing that to me. Every time she enters a room, I lose all my bearings and I go blind to everything else around me.”

  I swear to God my body flushes faster than a speeding bullet. I bring the back of my hand to my burning cheeks, hoping to bring down my temperature. If Ethan keeps this up, I’ll never make it to the end of the meal and I’ll need a change of panties. And to think Xander hasn’t even jumped into the action yet. At that point, I’ll just give up and go commando.

  “It’s true that I’m a happily married man, but I’m not blind. Allow me to say that Ms. Babcock is quite beautiful. I did notice her when she walked in, but I didn’t know you were the lucky chap courting her, Mr. Gordimer.” All right, I’m sure I’m even redder now than I was a few seconds ago. “I hope Ms. Babcock has an equally breathtaking sister for Mr. Emerson here or else he’s out of luck.” Tobias laughs at his own joke.

  I freeze. When I notice Ethan and Xander sharing a complicit look I allow myself to relax. This is officially the first time we’ve been out in a public place together since we started hanging out. I never thought it could be a little sticky.

  “Tobias, what can I say? Ethan scored.” Xander winks at me and I have to bite off a smile. He handled that with such finesse.

  “Shall I tell you about the menus for tonight?” Lucky for all of us, Tobias gets back into waiter mode.

  “I think that’s a great idea,” Xander exclaims.

  “I agree,” Ethan chimes in.

  “I do too. From what I’ve read online, this is quite the experience,” I cheer.

  “Excellent. Ms. Babcock, I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed.” Tobias says that with such dignity. His reaction makes me even more eager than I already was. “May I invite you to take a seat?” He extends his hand towards the table. My guys strut like felines towards the table, while I balance on my heels, still euphoric from all the attention. Instinctively, we sit in our usual places—me on one side with my boys facing me.

  “Ms. Babcock,” Tobias starts, focusing his attention towards me. “We do things differently here at Café Belleville. During the week we have a fairly diverse menu, but on weekends we don’t. Instead of the usual laundry list of items, there are two prix fixe menus to choose from. Of course, they’re both equally scrumptious.”

  “I have no doubt,” I quip.

  Tobias hands us a few menus before announcing, “Tonight, we have a fish menu or a meat and poultry one.”

  This is a no-brainer. “I’m Texan. Of course I’ll go for the beef and chicken menu.” I laugh.

  “I figured your accent was American, but I couldn’t pinpoint it. I’m afraid I’m not that qualified to guess since I’ve never been to America,” our waiter confesses.

  “Yup, I’m born and raised in the South. Other than shrimp, I don’t eat much that comes out of the water.” I know I could expand their horizons, but not tonight.

  “I’ll follow Delilah’s cue.” Ethan makes his selection.

  “So will I. I had the same menu a few months ago and it was delicious.” Xander claps his hands together before rubbing them furiously. “It’s perfect because I’m absolutely famished.” To prove his point, his stomach growls.

  “You’re always hungry, mate.” Ethan rolls his eyes.

  We all laugh.

  My God, the three of us like this is starting to feel so familiar. So comfortable. So needed.

  * * *

  “Tobias was right. The food is truly out of this world,” I say, putting my wine glass back on the table.

  “I’m glad you enjoyed the meal,” Ethan says.

  Café Belleville lives up to its reputation—from the impeccable service, to the outstanding food, to the fantastic wine all the way to the relaxing atmosphere. All in all, this is another magical night with the two British hunks who keep treating me like a princess.

  “Seriously, you guys surely know how to live. This place is phenomenal.”

  “So far I’ve never been disappointed when I’ve eaten here. They always hit the nail right on the head. The appetizers, the main and the dessert were right on point,” Ethan offers.

  “They were. I could have survived on those fried garlicky prawns they served at the beginning of the meal. Don’t even get me started on that smoked goat’s cheese and artichoke dip.” Xander widens his eyes dramatically.

  “I agree. That said, I was quite partial to the mains myself.”

  Ethan is right. That succulent rib-eye on the bone and that extra-moist roasted half chicken served with rocket and aioli were stupendous. I’ve never tasted chicken that good in my life. I love how they served the meal with a mound of crispy fried onion rings and golden fries.

  “Same here. That and this dessert.” I lower my eyes and tap the side of my plate with my fork. “I could seriously go for a third slice.”

  “Why don’t you?” Ethan asks.

  “Nah, then I’ll be too full,” I concede.

  “Why don’t we order a whole raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake to take home with us?” Xander suggests.

  “Really?”

  “For you, anything.” He brings his hand up to my face and brushes it against my cheek. I smile up at him.

  I’m flanked between Ethan and Xander. They moved so that they too can have a full view of the restaurant that stretches in front of us, since Tobias opened the front partition. When Julianna talked about a semi-private dining experience, she wasn’t joking. Although we’re very much aware there are patrons sitting next to us, we can only make out their shadows as they move around. Their identity remains secret. The background music and the brouhaha of the animated crowd below us muffle their conversation.

  “I would definitely welcome another bite tomorrow morning. I think that would be a smashing way to start the day,” Ethan says in a serious tone. What’s that all about? He looks up and without me having to turn around I already know he’s having a silent conversation with his best friend. “What about you, mate?”

  “You already know that I’m very, very, very partial to sweets,” Xander responds. Why do I have the feeling we’re not talking about food?

  “But instead of using a plate, I prefer to smear the dessert all over the Delilah’s glorious body and lick it clean.” I so didn’t see Ethan’s comment coming.

  “I like the way you think. That said, I feel you’re being a little negligent in your approach, mate.”

  “Really? How so?” Ethan’s sly smile speaks volumes. I have no idea what Xander is about to say, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be shocked.

  “If you’re going to do something, you should do it thoroughly or not at all.” Xander feigns scolding his friend.

  “Please enlighten me.”

  “Uh-oh. What are the two of you up to?” My voice is a little shaky because their banter is making me nervous.

  Xander looks down at me, but he continues talking, ignoring my question. “What about her pussy? You can’t lick the dessert off of her delectable body and not offer her pussy the same type of attention. That’s just so wrong.” Wh-what?

  Since I’m always out of my depth with these two, the best I can do is bounce my gaze from one to the other with my jaw dropped open.

  “I see your point.” Ethan sounds very convincing. “How can I correct my wrongs? What do you suggest?”

  “An old-fashioned duel to win her over.”

  Huh? “A what?” I croak. My throat is so dry right now. I can’t even believe my ears.

  “I don’t understand, Xander.” Yes, Ethan completely ignores my question. I now know that it’s part of the way they
torture me with their twisted games.

  “We spread the dessert all over her pussy and see which one of us can make her come first by eating it off of her.”

  I gasp. Did someone turn up the temperature in the room? So far, they’ve been very good boys. Where did all this raunchiness come from? Xander’s idea is laced with wantonness. Is it wrong to admit that I’m turned on like the city’s 999 switchboard?

  “Fuck, mate, the visual has me hard.” Ethan groans. “But I think I know a way to up the ante.”

  “You don’t say.” Xander’s lips quiver. Clearly he’s trying hard not to laugh.

  “While the other one is waiting his turn to prove that he’s worthy of her pussy, it’s his duty to keep her mouth busy with his cock.” At this point, my pussy is soaking wet. “Heck, I’m feeling generous. I’ll even suggest we spread some whipped cream all over our big dicks to make it even sweeter for her to suck—a bit of a cookies ’n’ cream combination,” Xander beams proudly. I salivate at the thought.

  “Mate, when you put your mind to it, your lewdness pays off big time.” Xander chuckles. “Would you like that, love?” Ethan brushes my hair behind my shoulders. “Your two hungry lovers, vying for your pussy?” Ethan’s free hand starts traveling up my thigh.

  “Devouring you until you lose your mind all over their faces?” It’s Xander’s turn to caress me. He cups my left boob and squeezes it before flicking his finger over my peak.

  I tilt my head back and moan. I need to feel their touch so much. “God,” I hiss.

  “I think she’d like it a lot, Xander.”

  “Judging from her reaction, I’d say you’re right, mate. Groping her tit like this makes me realize how fucking much I’ve missed her.” Xander’s hand navigates under my bra. When he pinches my nipple, I let out a soft cry, closing my eyes.