by Anna Joung
“Yes, that’s my real name. Rebel Brand. It says so on my birth certificate,” I shrug.
Her soft, melodious laughter does things to my insides that’s never been done before. I already know that I’m treading dangerous grounds, yet I can’t bring myself to walk away.
I follow Summer’s gaze to her girlfriend, who has already found a dance partner.
“It doesn’t look like you’re having fun on your special night.”
“No, because I’m too busy trying to figure out how an absolute stranger knows my name. How do you even know it’s my birthday? Should I be creeped out?” Her eyes shift from side to side. “Did Brooke put you up to this?”
“Is Brooke, your friend over there?”
“Yup, she’s the one dry humping that guy, who she just met, by the way.”
Her disapproving tone makes me laugh. I was right, she really isn’t my type. “I see. I’ve never met her. I heard you guys talking when you passed my table.”
“Oh. I… I didn’t notice you.”
Her cheeks turn a pretty shade of pink, and her lashes lower.
“Liar,” I grin. Jesus, look at her. She actually blushes. When was the last time I spoke to a woman still capable of blushing? I really should walk away, but her lashes lift and I’m hit by those alluring doe-like honey brown eyes and they hold me captive.
“So, birthday girl. Can I get you a drink… and anything else that will make your night much more enjoyable?”
A perfectly arched brow lifts. “Apart from the drink, what else do you have to offer?”
Tapping my fingers on the bar, I shrug. “A night you’ll never forget. But, I’m thinking I should just offer the drink. You don’t seem the type for anything...more.”
Fire ignites in her eyes and I can’t help but lean closer to her.
“And what type do you think I am?”
I give her another once over before settling on her angelic heart-shaped face. “The type that’s looking for a fairytale.”
Her eyes narrow challengingly. “Well, Rebel, you misread me. Fairytales are for suckers and I’ll take a Rusty Nail along with whatever else you think will make my night memorable.”
Well. Fuck. I’m pleasantly surprised. Maybe miss innocent isn’t so innocent after all. I turn to the bartender and order the lady her Rusty Nail. Maybe Summer is my kind of woman. Eyes boring into hers, I let her know, “I don’t...date.” Maybe Bane is right.
“Thanks for that random piece of information about yourself, but I’m not looking for a date.”
I can’t contain the smile that surfaces. Summer becomes more intriguing by the second, but I have to be sure “What I mean is, this is a one night offer.”
The bartender places her drink in front of her and she lifts the glass to her lips, eyes steady on mine. My cock hardens with each second that I wait for her response. I’ve never been this stimulated by a conversation before. It’s official, Summer has me under some weird spell.
“A one-night stand, huh?”
“Precisely.”
“Well, Rebel, one night is precisely what I would be looking for.”
I can feel my eyes widen a fraction. The words rolling off of Summer’s pretty lips don’t match her innocent appearance. I swallow, already picturing myself on my knees with my head between her thighs. I don’t make it a habit of going down on a woman I’ve just met, but hell, it’s Summer’s birthday.
“What’s it going to be, Summer? Your place or mine?”
Summer
I’m stunned into silence for a few seconds. All I can do is gape at the gorgeous, well over six feet tall man with the intense silver eyes. He looks familiar but surely, I’ve never met him before. I would have remembered meeting a man like him. He’s watching me expectantly, waiting to hear my response to his crazy offer of a night of sex. Sure, I was entertained by his flirting, but that’s because I didn’t expect him to invite me to bed within a minute of conversing.
I don’t usually indulge in banter like the one we just had, but Rebel has this magnetism about him that I just couldn’t resist. Honestly, I was peeved that he took one look at me and low-key called me a prude. I don’t look the type for anything more. He wasn’t wrong, but how dare he judge me? And so accurately! Damn him. Naturally, I had to pretend to be the type of woman he’s obviously looking for in a stupid effort to prove that I’m not some girly girl with my heart on my sleeves.
Clearing my throat, I will myself not to blush. “I said one night is what I would be looking for.”
Rebel blinks and his brows dipped into a frown.
“If I was interested,” I finish with a smirk. Take that, you cocky, gorgeous man. He really is good-looking, with his incredibly toned body. The t-shirt he’s wearing outlines his chest and biceps. Then there’s the thick, shiny, almost black hair in one of those tapered bad boy haircuts. I don’t know if bad boy haircuts are actually a thing, but this man makes the style totally bad boyish. His angular features seemed to have been molded by the god of male beauty or something. His lips seem to be permanently curved into this wicked smirk― as if he knows some secret the rest of the world doesn’t. I try my best not to make it too obvious that I’m checking him out. I mean, who even looks like him in real life? Ridiculous!
He doesn’t give up as I expected. Instead, he leans closer, eyes boring into mine. “This is a first,” he hums. “Are you playing hard to get?”
“I’m not playing anything. I find it funny how you automatically assumed, I’d accept your indecent proposal.”
“Most women do.”
“I’m not most women.”
Rebel pulls in a deep breath, those smoldering eyes of his doing a slow sweep of me from head to toe. “I can see that.”
I’m not one to be fazed by male attention. I mean, I get plenty, but for some reason, one look from Rebel sends butterflies running amok in my stomach. It happened first when I passed his table and briefly made eye contact with him. I don’t know why I lied about not noticing him earlier. As soon as I entered the bar, my attention was drawn to him. I never thought he’d actually approach me. I sort of hoped he didn’t because, looking at him, I can tell he’s pure trouble. His name is Rebel, for goodness' sake. If that isn’t enough of a warning, I don't know what is.
“So, since I turned down your offer, you’re free to walk away and pursue other options. That is what you were doing before, right? Hunting?”
Rebel’s jaw slackens, but he recovers quickly. “You’re dismissing me? You’re missing out on something incredible here,” he adds, with a teasing grin.
I hide my smile behind my glass. I love sticking it to alpha males who think they're God’s gift to women. Okay, so maybe Rebel is God’s gift to women―just look at him. He’s like a perfect work of art. That doesn’t mean I’m not annoyed by his arrogance. Yet, I can’t get enough of it. Clearly, I’ve lost all good sense and I’ve only had one drink.
“I can’t be missing out on much.”
“You’re terrible for a man’s ego.”
“Something tells me yours is big enough to survive.”
We’re staring at each other...maybe sizing each other up. He’s studying me as if I’m some new species he just discovered and can’t quite figure me out. Good. I have a feeling that getting pussy comes too easy for him, let him sweat it out this once.
“Summer, were you scoping out this joint for your model? Because I think you found the perfect one,” I hear Brooke sing and stifle a groan. She hurries over, practically devouring Rebel with her eyes.
Rebel stands upright, brows elevating. “Model?”
“Never mind that. She’s drunk.” I give Brooke a warning glare, which she ignores.
“I’m not.” Offering her hand to Rebel, she purrs. “Who might you be? Was I interrupting something?”
“I’m Rebel and no. Your friend here turned me down flat. I’m heartbroken.” He sends me another of his teasing grin and I roll my eyes.
“Now who in their right
mind would turn you down for anything, Rebel?” Brooke gives me a pointed look when she asks the question.
If we were alone, I’d gladly remind her that spreading my legs for strangers―no matter how hot they are―has never been my thing.
“What’s this about a model?” He glances at me inquisitively. “Are you a photographer?”
“No.”
I was happy to leave it at that until Brooke took it upon herself to explain. “She’s an artist.”
“So, you’re good with your hands.” Rebel’s suggestive drawl makes my face heat up a little. Averting my gaze, I take a huge gulp of my drink and nearly choke on it. The knowing smirk he gives me is just way too much and I try my best to glower at him. I’m strangely annoyed by his flirting and enjoying it at the same time. I don’t know what’s happening to me. I look into my glass accusingly. Surely, it has to be the alcohol taking effect already.
I’m about to ask Rebel why he’s still here. Shouldn’t be looking for the next willing female to warm his bed? But, Brooke continues as if she and Rebel have been friends for the longest.
“We’re not only celebrating her birthday tonight, but we’re also celebrating a huge job she just got. She needs a male model for this gig. I assumed that’s what you two were discussing because,” she looks him up and down appreciatively, “You’re definitely nude male-model material.”
Rebel laughs. “You know what, I like you, Brooke.”
“She has a boyfriend.” I don’t know why I threw that out there. Jealousy maybe? I’ve had the mindset of staying single for a while now to focus on me. Yet, Rebel has my resolve wavering just a bit. But, wait. He doesn’t date. Based on the offer he made me, I’m guessing he’s one of those guys that just sleeps around without making any real emotional connection. If I were looking for a partner, I’d strike him off my list so fast.
“I mean I like her energy,” he adds.
“Yeah, she’s loads of fun this one,” I mumble, giving Brooke the evil eye. I can’t believe she just told this man my business.
“Yet, you’re the one I’m interested in taking home, Summer.”
“Oh my God,” Brooke gags. “So straightforward. I like you too, Rebel. For the record, I think she should go home with you.”
I gawk at the two of them slack-jawed. This is turning out to be the weirdest conversation I’ve had with a total stranger and my best friend.
Rebel smiles at me again―that much too charming, panty-dropping smile. I think I feel my panties actually slip a little. Oh, God.
“What do you think, Summer? Am I a nude male model material?”
Hell yeah. “I really haven’t been checking you out that much.” Liar of the year award goes to yours truly.
One thick brow lifts and his deep chuckle practically caresses my skin. This man’s presence is affecting me too much and it’s disturbing.
“That’s too bad, considering I’ve been checking you out. Hard.”
I have no idea what to say. There’s no witty come-back that I can think of. This is the first time a man’s flirting has gotten me tongue-tied. I’m usually much more adept at thwarting come-ons.
“Why don’t we toast to your birthday and your new job?” Rebel suggests. “Drinks on me.”
“Awesome. Now it’s a party!” Brooke says. “How about you invite your handsome friend to join us?” she suggests waving at the blonde man Rebel was sitting with.
I can only watch in disbelief as “girls night” turns into a full party.
Minutes later Brooke and I are toasting my birthday and my job with Rebel and his friend, Bane Whitlock.
“To all the nude men on Earth!” Brooke shouts, holding up her glass. That gets us quite a few looks and I wish I could melt into the floor. She can be so embarrassing sometimes.
Rebel’s hearty laugh makes me tingle in the lower region and I curse my traitorous body. I’m ready to melt when he leans toward me and says, for my ears only, “And to your new male model. Me.”
I’m too distracted by his breath brushing my neck to immediately process what he said. When I do, I spin around to face him, sending liquid sloshing over the rim of my glass.“What?”
Grinning from ear to ear, he takes the glass from my hand and offers me a napkin. “You heard me. You're not interested in sleeping with me―to my disappointment―so I might as well model for you. It’s the only way you’ll get to see me naked, and you know...see what you’re missing.”
I scoff but the teasing glint in his hypnotizing eyes dampens my annoyance. “You are something else, Rebel.”
“That’s what the ladies tell me all the time. Usually, when they see my d―”
“Yeah, no need to finish that statement.”
His eyes twinkle with mischief and humor and it’s...cute. He’s clearly a threat to my sanity but he doesn’t rub me the wrong way the same way Van did. It’s funny because Van was a perfect gentleman, unlike this uncouth he-man named Rebel. Yet, Rebel’s smile reaches his eyes…
“You’re staring at me, Summer. Does that mean you’ve changed your mind? Are we hooking up tonight after all?”I catch a flash of white teeth when he smiles.
“God no,” I scoff.
“Well,” he snaps his fingers. “Guess I’ll have to settle for posing naked for you then.”
I glance at Brooke and Bane to see if they’re hearing this, but they’re engrossed in their own conversation. “Okay, your huge ego aside, I appreciate the offer but…” I look him up and down, “You look the type to charge more than I can afford.”
“Thanks, I think, but who said anything about payment? I’m willing to do this pro bono.”
We maintain eye contact for what seems like forever. I don’t know why he’s staring at me but, I’m staring at him, trying my hardest to figure out his angle. “What’s the catch?”
“I’m a firefighter, not a professional model,” he shrugs. “I’m doing you a favor.”
He’s a firefighter. So, he’s a mixture of hero and playboy. Interesting combination. Eyes narrowing, I repeat, “What’s the catch.”
He sighs. “You are a tough one, woman. No catch. Call it...curiosity on my part.”
“I don’t get it.”
Those kissable lips of his curve into a wicked smile and I have to force my attention away from his mouth. “You intrigue me, Summer.”
“This is serious business, Rebel.”
“Do you see me laughing?”
Mouth opening and closing several times, I finally get my words out. “I...suppose we can try things out.” I should tell him to get lost because already, I can tell he’s a devil. He’s going to tempt me to do things I shouldn’t, but just as he claims to be intrigued by me, I’m sure as hell intrigued by him. Plus, if he’s willing to help me out free of charge, that works great for me.
Rebel
“What the hell are you doing?”
Sitting on a chair in the fire station’s lounge, I open my eyes to look at Bane. “I believe this is called relaxing. You should try it. You’ve been very uptight lately.”
He plops down on the recliner beside mine. I close my eyes but I can just imagine the severe scowl he’s directing at me. Bane and I have a lot in common but our personalities clash from time to time. He would be the little angel on someone’s shoulder while I would be the sly little devil. We provide balance for each other―most of the time. Sometimes Bane does some fucked up shit on my behalf because he has my back, as I always have his.
“I’m talking about last night, you dick.”
Propping my eyes open again, I gaze at him genuinely confused. Shit, did I get wasted and commit some atrocity that I can’t remember? With me, anything is possible. “What did I do?”
“You agreed to be Summer’s model.”
Sitting up, I scoff. “Seriously? That’s what you’re bitching about? What’s the big deal?”
Bane glances around the lounge, making sure we’re alone. “We both know why you’re doing it.”
“Beca
use it sounds like fun…” Posing naked for a sexy woman with an attitude problem sounds like a great time to me. Especially if I get to do her before, during, or after the process. All three times if I’m lucky. Something tells me Summer is going to give me a hard time, though. That isn't a problem, I’ll get her to crack eventually.
“Because you want to add another notch to your bedpost. It’s full time you got your shit together, man.” He holds up a hand before I can respond. “I know what you’re going to say. I use to fuck around as much as you do, but at least I’m trying to be better. You’re thirty-two for goodness sake, give your dick a rest.”
Amused, but borderline pissed that Bane has the nerve to lecture me like I’m a child, I cross my arms over my chest. “What’s with you man? Are you having some early midlife crisis or something? I’ve never seen you so concerned about who I want to stick my dick into.”
Eyes narrowed, he stares at me for a long time and then sighs. “I didn’t want to bring this up but, it’s time you let go of what Victoria did to you.”
“Don’t fucking say her name, Bane,” I hiss, pointing a finger at him.
“Rebel―”
“Look, everyone deals with their shit differently. Some people like to whine like pussies, I―”
“Like to get drunk and fuck everything that walks?”
Jaw clenched, I scowl at him. “I was going to say suffer in silence but I guess I’m guilty of those things too.”
I’m always honest with myself. So, I have no problem admitting that I’m a huge fuck up. Scrubbing a hand over my face, I huff. “Let’s not talk about her because I’m just going to get more pissed, we’re going to exchange harsh words and I’m going to feel guilty as shit later.” I quickly add, “Which will lead to more drinking on my part. You don’t want that do you?”
“What the hell would you have to feel guilty about? We exchange harsh words all the time. I have no problem calling you an irresponsible manwhore.” He’s trying to keep a straight face but I can see the laughter gleaming in his eyes.
