"Not since the last one: 'Running late. JULIEN.' As if that is supposed to mean something to me."
He laughs, a deep purr that I find myself enjoying way too much. "Julien can be difficult."
"So can waiting around alone on Valentine's," I mutter.
Ben slides another drink towards me.
"What's this one?"
"French Connection–amaretto and cognac," he replies while brushing his fashionably shaggy hair back. I try to ignore how my fingers itch to be buried in that dark hair.
"You said my two favorite words," I say while raising my glass, the ice cubes clinking with my movement.
He gives me a wink before turning to help another patron. The extra server went home early because it had been dead all evening in the Empress' lounge--and why wouldn't it be? Only lonely drunks and me sit around alone on Valentine's, and I'm slowly slipping into the lonely drunk category.
Sarah said she'd be with me--do or die! Dress up, dance till our fucking feet bleed, then go home and watch sappy movies and remind ourselves that we're better off alone.
"Don't worry, Hana! I promise it won't take too long. Julien just wants to check on my progress, you know, look at what I've been working on."
I scoff into my drink. Liar. Julien is having a hard time separating business from pleasure, more like it.
Who knows what Julien and her are getting up to--maybe Mr. Icy isn't as invulnerable as he seems and I'm sure Sarah dressed pretty cute for our annual V-Day get together--we always look our best on our favorite anti-holiday. Ever since taking on the commission from Julien, Sarah's been spending more and more time with the enigmatic businessman, which means less and less time with me. I mean, not that I blame her really--Julien is gorgeous and rich as hell...but his personality? Ehh...I'll let this one slide as long as she makes it up to me with coffee.
Not that I'll let her know that I forgive her, or anything...
But at least the lounge has the amazing bartender Ben. We'd always been a little flirty with each other--a laugh here, a subtle touch there, but last week that had all changed. We kissed. And I'd kept it from Sarah and still wasn't sure what to do with it.
I mean, I am obviously attracted to Ben--who wouldn't be? He's the kind of gorgeous that comes from a completely confident and easy-going personality, though that isn't to say he doesn't have the features or the muscles to back it up--he does, but he's more than just a pretty face.
And incidentally, a ridiculously fantastic kisser. I remember, heat flushing my cheeks.
Last week, I'd stopped by the Empress to find Sarah and bitch my heart out to her. It had been a pretty shitty day. The venue I'd tried to secure for a friend's art showing had fallen through--leaving me in a huge lurch and scrambling to find an alternative. I'd been able to find a place--at double what I'd wanted to pay, but I was hoping to recoup some of the losses through ticket sales. Which was kind of a gamble, but what can you do when you agree to a favor for a friend?
I'd ended up at the Empress' lounge that evening, which seemed to be happening more and more often. I had finished venting to Sarah, who'd had her own issues that evening (starting with a capital 'J' and ending with an 'ulien') and settled in to a comfy seat in the corner.
It had been busy that night, so Ben had been running back and forth behind the bar making drinks for the servers. I'd pulled out my laptop and tried to get some schoolwork done in the din of the lounge and I was productive enough that I didn't notice that the lounge had closed until Ben had walked over to tell me.
"Oh," I'd taken a look up from the screen and, sure enough, I was the only person left there. "I guess I should go home now," I'd said with a yawn. That's the trouble in taking your work with you--sometimes it gets distracting enough that I'll work through meals, sleep...hotel lounges closing.
I cleaned up my makeshift workstation and waited for Ben at the exit to the lounge.
He'd put an expensive looking, and perfectly cut, navy pea coat on, which gave him a distinctly European--and distinctly sexy--look. I tried not to stare. He was gracious enough to pretend not to notice.
"You live in the U-District, right?" Ben asked as we both made our way out and through the lobby.
"Yeah, sure do." It was an interesting neighborhood--Sarah and I shared an old house that we'd kind of converted into a studio and living place. The rent wasn't bad compared to what most other people paid (I was lucky enough to be friends with the owner) and it was in a relatively quiet area--an eclectic group of mostly respectful people lived near us.
"I'm on my way to Northgate, did you want to catch a ride with me?"
I pulled the belt on my trench coat a little tighter--it was pretty cold and I hadn't been looking forward to walking all the way to the bus stop, and then all the way home again once I made it back from downtown Seattle. I flashed Ben a grateful smile. "I'd love to!" Driving was definitely a better option for the time of night than the bus, but Sarah had taken our car out to meet Julien.
We headed into the lobby elevator and made our way down to the garage--which was actually pretty full, given how late it was. Hotel must be busy this week--which explains all the people in the lounge.
Ben gestured around a corner and made his way towards a car that was intentionally parked away from the rest of the vehicles in the garage.
I gasped and gestured wildly in its direction, absolutely not believing that it was his car--a red, Tesla Model S. To say I was jealous would be a huge understatement.
"Oh, my God! I want to marry your car!" Okay, so not exactly my dream car, but I'm a little more than enamored with the gorgeous vehicle--seriously. All that space and sexy curves! No gas! I circle the car, gently poking and prodding before he opens the passenger's side door for me.
"Julien takes care of his employees," was all he said and I didn't press as I tried to calm myself down. Julien is incredibly private, at least from what Sarah has told me--or hasn't told me, more like it. I didn't want Mr. Ray of Sunshine getting into trouble on my account.
I popped into the passenger's seat and tried not to moan in appreciation. Luckily, Ben seemed to take everything in stride and didn't comment as he seated himself in his car.
He's probably used to the reactions...to both himself and the car. I smirked. Okay, so I'm not really a tire-biter, but I can appreciate a gorgeous man and a gorgeous, energy-efficient vehicle. Ah...easy on the eyes and easy on the environment--could he be any better? I stifled a laugh at my environmental fetish. West coast tree hugger; born and raised.
Trying not to seem like I cared more about his car than the actual ride he was giving me, I steered the conversation back to a less fan-girly topic as he drove through the garage.
"Do you know how to get to my house?" I asked as he pulled the car out of the hotel's parking garage and onto the city street.
"I've taken Sarah home before," he replied as the car made its way smoothly out of the city and onto the interstate.
I watched as we sped by the cityscape and over the bridge. Because I'd been dying to know, and Sarah had never worked up the courage to ask for me--even though she regularly saw Ben, and I didn't--I asked, "So, you seeing anyone?"
If he was shocked by the abruptness of my question, he didn't show it, which was great because I'd made somewhat of a reputation on being blunt and to the point--some girls like to go after what they want.
"Not presently. Are you seeing anyone?" he asked back.
"Been single for awhile, actually."
"No men in Washington?" he joked.
"No interesting men. Lots of boys and people who are interested in me because of who I'm friends with and what I do for a living."
"I didn't realize the local art scene was full of sycophants."
"You'd be surprised. It's not just the artists who have entourages--you should meet some of the curators and organizers that I know...Sometimes it feels less like experiencing art and more like fishing through the bullshit of what someone wants you to think they are."
/> I watched Ben as he drove. He seemed to consider what I'd said, probably relating it to his own life and odd acquaintances.
"It is hard to find a person who is wholly who they say they are. Everyone has secrets."
"I'm pretty much an open-book," I admitted.
"Nothing to hide, Hana?" When he said it, it sounded pretty light-hearted, but there was a subtle edge to his words that I couldn't ignore--or understand. Ben sure didn't seem like the type to have a lot of secrets either.
"Not really. In this digital age, I try not to do things that will get me in trouble." But I'd learned the hard way. Freshman year in college, I'd texted a topless picture to my ex--not my proudest moment, but I had meant it to be a fun, flirty extension of our fun and flirty relationship. Apparently, he wasn't as trustworthy as I'd thought and the picture had ended up getting sent to, oh, pretty much anyone who knew me.
I was really embarrassed, but I'd realized in that moment how much power another person could have over my life--if I let them. So I'd brushed it off, laughed it off and eventually it went away--and he ended up having the shitty reputation of someone that nobody trusted.
I might not open up as much in relationships now as I should because of that, but it's better than having my trust betrayed.
"People can only hurt you if you let them," I elaborated. Ben nodded, but didn't agree or disagree, which made me wonder what exactly he might be hiding.
"You are unique, Hana. I am envious of Sarah's friendship with you."
I poked him jokingly in his arm--and damn near broke my finger on his hard muscles--sheesh! He should have a warning... "You don't have to be envious, there's plenty of Hana to go around!"
Okay, so I didn't mean it quite like how it came out, but we both laughed and I'd clarified, "I'd love to be your friend." I'd love to be more than your friend, actually.
"I would enjoy that as well," he replied, taking his eyes off the road for a split second to smile at me--dangerous and so worth it. What a gorgeous smile.
Faster than I realized, we made it back to mine and Sarah's little home.
"Well, thanks for the--" I'd started, but Ben had already exited the car and made his way around to my door before I could finish.
Opening my door, Ben stood back and offered me his hand--which was very nice considering there was quite the ledge between the road and the car. Luckily, the light sensor on the side of the house had tripped when we'd pulled up to the walkway, so we weren't completely in the dark.
"Thank you," I said, as he took my hand in his. I had to balance against his chest a little with my free hand--okay, I didn't have to, but I wanted to be sure I didn't fall onto my face--as I made my way out. He was taller than I'd thought, especially so close. I looked up into his eyes--crystalline blue with a dark edge--and tried to focus on saying goodbye.
"Thank you for the ride, Ben," I tried again. He hadn't let go of my hand, so it kind of kept me tethered there against him.
"Thank you for the pleasure of your company," he replied softly and I had to focus hard on the words that were coming out of his mouth and not on how full and kissable his lips were.
Slowly, he brought my hand up to his mouth and gently kissed my knuckles. I barely kept from going weak at the knees.
"Umm, thank you for yours." My brain had officially gone to mush. I'd been crushing on Ben long enough that I'd be lying if I didn't admit that this sort of played into, oh, every fantasy I'd had of him--hell, every guy ever.
I watched as he slowly tucked my arm into his. He walked me to the steps of my house and I popped up onto the first step and smiled at him, not at all equaling him in height, but at least I was a little closer to where I wanted to be.
"My turn," I said with a flirty wink.
He raised one of his dark eyebrows at me as I leaned forward to grip the lapels of his jacket. "Surely, you've been warned about us 'forward, American girls?'" I teased, pulling him closer.
"Ah, jealousy fueled warnings," he assured me as his warm, masculine scent invaded my senses.
I purred softly before licking my lips. He noticed and dragged his teeth along his lower lip before giving me a heart-stopping grin.
"Have you not been warned about us 'insatiable Frenchmen'?" he asked as I pulled his body flush against mine. My mouth brushed the underside of his jaw as I replied, "I prefer to make my opinions from firsthand experience."
"Ah, I am fortunate then." His voice rumbled against my ear as hairs prickled up along the back of my neck. One of his hands gripped my waist to keep me firmly in place, the other slowly tangled itself in my long hair.
And then he kissed me.
I've been kissed before--plenty of times--some good, some bad, but I don't think I've ever been kissed quite like how Ben kissed me.
I've had other girls tell me that sometimes, when the right man kisses them, it's like the entire world disappears and it's just the two of them--connected by some sort of pseudo-magical connection. Like fairytale perfection from some childhood tale.
There was nothing childlike, nor innocent about the way Ben kissed me. When our lips met, when our tongues tangled, it was like nothing I've ever felt before. It wasn't a kiss--it was a promise, a promise which suggested that if I let him into my bed, there'd indentations in my four-poster from the ties he'd use to fasten me there...and fuck me for days on end.
Ben growled softly against my mouth and firmly caught my lip between his teeth, nibbling softly before moving to the shell of my ear.
I gasped, trying to recover while he slowly nibbled my earlobe between his teeth. "Jesus," I cursed. "You really should come with a warning."
I felt him smile against my neck. "What are you doing this Sunday?" he asked as his lips trailed a scorching path down my neck. I said a silent prayer to thank the gods that I hadn't worn earrings that day and something told me that, given the opportunity, I'd be thanking the gods that I didn't wear clothes in general around Ben.
"Sarah and my annual anti-Valentine's day is planned for Saturday, but I should be up and ready to go by eleven."
"Meet me for brunch, then?"
"Yes, please," I'd practically begged as I reluctantly moved back.
His hand gave a final brush against my cheek, his thumb tracing the pout of my lip. "Au revoir, Hana."
"Night," I'd said dreamily as he walked away.
Always keep 'em wanting more. Sage advice that works both ways. I know that delicious dreams of a gorgeous Frenchman, whispering filth into my ear as he worked my body into a fever pitch, definitely invaded my mind that night...and every one since.
I shake my head, bringing me back into the moment. Since Sarah seems to be giving me the slip tonight, I decide that it's probably the best night of the year to explore my options with Ben.
I mean, I have been sitting and fantasizing about him for most of the night anyways--and who wouldn't? Ben is the epitome of tall, dark and fuckable--even without the added bonus of our rendezvous last week. I'd almost say he looks like his boss, Julien, but instead of the harshness that highlights that man's features, Ben is all brightness, with an open personality that makes it very difficult to resist him.
I watch him with an older couple who evidently have picked up on his French accent and are speaking with him. He seems to enjoy the conversation--and I certainly enjoy the way the French words roll off of his tongue.
I try not to imagine his tongue rolling against my body as he whispers dirty things to me in his language, but I fail.
His muscles bunch and flex as he reaches across the table to clear away the couple's dishes.
I bite my lip. Seriously. He could make a potato sack look good. Though his clothing isn't tight, it is hard not to notice the pull of his muscles against the fabric...the way his ass curves perfectly in his tailored slacks...the wide planes of his back as he moves around the room, slowly collecting dishes and tidying the lounge.
I imagine him clearing a table with one, clean swipe...so that he can place me on it. Strong
hands and warm lips worshiping my body in the dimly lit room.
His laugh--a deep, sexy purr...
Soft moans...
Trying to keep the noise down so that passersby don't notice...
Shifting on the table to accommodate his muscular body...
Ugh...
I shake my head again. I am supposed to be anti-Valentines and fantasizing about Ben and his muscles isn't helping.
Another hour passes by, then two, and finally it's only Ben and me in the lounge. All alone.
"Anything more?" he says after locking up the main entrance and making his way back to finish cleaning up behind the bar.
"Looks like your boss stole my date." I'm not surprised. It wouldn't be the first time Sarah has stood me up for Julien.
For someone who claims to curse the ground he walks on, she sure does end up at his beck and call at the most outrageous times.
"Fucking traitor!" Ben pauses his cleaning to take a look over his shoulder at me.
"You and Sarah are Valentine's dates?" Ben prompts, mid-swipe.
"Were. She was supposed to meet me at the Empress' lounge and then we were going to go dance till we dropped and then wallow in our own awesomeness at home with movies. I mean, I normally look pretty good--but I don't bust out the best for just anyone." I gesture to my clothes--dark skirt with a flirty hem, 50s style button-down in my favorite shade of rose, kitten heels and my pearls to top it all off.
He takes a long look, eyes lingering at my breasts...the curve of my hip. I shiver with delight at his almost predatory gaze."Best laid plans..." he says with a smirk before turning back to clean--at least, that's what I thought he was doing. I'm not really paying attention until he turns his body back to mine, drink in hand.
"Join me for a drink instead?" he suggests.
I reply with a wink, "Haven't I been doing that all evening?"
"Touché. I'm off now, so I'll join you, if you don't mind..?"
"Please," I gesture at the wide-open space around us. "I would be thrilled."
Ben grabs a beer from under the counter and makes his way over to stand in front of me at the bar.
My Dirty Little Valentine: An Erotic Anthology Page 5
