by Pratt, Lulu
Chewing my bottom lip nervously, I tapped away on the screen as I crafted the perfect caption. I wanted everyone to know how excited I was, while also thanking them for the encouragement to follow my dream of becoming a baker.
After posting the photo, I set the phone down, feeling the nerves seep from my body. Exhaling deeply, I acknowledged how heavily that had been weighing on me for the first time. It was difficult to be so open online, which was the main reason I steered away from focusing on myself and instead chose to highlight my work.
Glancing at the clock, I gasped at the time. I was far behind schedule, and Jackie had made it clear that we had to get to the club at a certain time in order to meet her friend who had secured a VIP table. Rushing up the stairs, I climbed directly into the shower.
The warm water felt refreshing on my sore back. After spending hours hovered over a cake, shaping and decorating it to perfection, my neck and shoulders were stiff. Massaging the shampoo into my hair, I stretched my neck back, inhaling deeply while twisting my hips.
It was still unbelievable that I was turning twenty-one. The whole thing felt like a dream I would be woken up from at any moment. I’d dreamed of the day for so long, often in times of anger. Whenever Marshall would cancel my plans or refuse to allow me to attend something, I would proclaim that when I was twenty-one, I would get to my own decisions.
He’d never argue the point, and instead encourage me to remember that – when I was twenty-one, I could do whatever I wanted. Smiling at the memory, I figured my brother, like me, thought the day was so far off it was nothing to worry much about. Now, here I was, getting ready to enter into a new phase.
Although I was crossing a new milestone, I rarely felt in control of my life. Oftentimes, I didn’t even feel like an adult. My brother was so involved in every decision I made, sometimes I didn’t know what I wanted and what I wanted to do to please him.
That was what made my baking career so special. It was the first thing I’d ever done that I was one hundred percent certain was for me. Marshall had nothing to do with my desire to bake – he didn’t involve himself with my designs or flavors, and he had no idea about the job opportunity. Hell, I didn’t even have an idea about the job opportunity.
It was all Jackie. As I washed the shampoo from my hair, I felt so blessed to have a friend as supportive and encouraging as her. She had gone above and beyond to help me achieve all I would be celebrating tonight. I owed her more than I could ever repay.
Moments after I shut off the water and wrapped a towel around my body, I heard the doorbell sound. Quickly, I raced down the steps to let my best friend in. She had already decided on an outfit for me and was going to style my hair and make-up so I looked like a model, or at least that was what she promised.
“It took you long enough,” I teased as I opened the door.
But it wasn’t Jackie waiting on the other side of the door. Instead, Ford stood in a black button-down shirt and slacks, holding a bottle of Champagne in one hand and a red shopping bag in the other. His beard was cut close, like a five o’clock shadow. His dark hair looked black, slicked down, which only highlighted his gray eyes.
“Oh, sorry!” I blurted after a long pause.
Ford was silent, but his eyes trailed down my body and I could feel the hunger in his gaze. My body began to react, still warm from the shower, as water dripped from my hair down my line of cleavage.
Gathering myself together, I continued. “Come in!” I ordered. For a moment I considered running back upstairs, but as Marshall wasn’t going to be around, I decided to do what I wanted to do. So, being the hostess and in a towel, I led him to the kitchen. Ford followed, still quiet.
“Am I too early? I didn’t mean to interrupt,” he finally said as he sat the gifts on the kitchen island. “These are for you – I got Champagne, and the guy at the store recommended these.”
“Thank you,” I smiled, looking into the red bag. There were six large strawberries drizzled with white and milk chocolate. My stomach tensed at the romantic nature of the gift as my eyes found his, wondering if I was correcting reading his signals.
There was a rush of energy between us – a current burning so strong the idea of him not noticing didn’t seem probable. It was undeniable and unavoidable. I’d wanted him my whole life, and now he stood before me as the man of my dreams. Sexy and romantic – the perfect combination.
I’d been telling Jackie all year I was going to lose my virginity before my twenty-first birthday. However, the opportunity and the right guy never appeared. I dated a couple of guys, but there was no chemistry, and the one time Marshall was away for a week, I was working overtime at the café and battling a cold. Now, with just hours to go before my birthday, here was the perfect man, and we were alone in my home. In nothing but a bath towel, I felt my body temperature rising at the perfect opportunity to do just that. Stepping forward, I watched the nerves in Ford’s eyes. Swallowing slowly, he looked like he wanted to back away, but he didn’t budge.
I stepped forward once more, closing the gap between us. In silence, we both said all there was to be said. He wanted me. I could feel it deep in my gut. And I’d been dreaming about him since childhood. It was a fairy tale waiting to happen, and I for one was ecstatic.
Ford swallowed slowly, and I dreaded the rejection that never came. He was always more mature, but even he appeared wrapped in the moment, willing to allow it to take us wherever we wanted to go. My lips parted as I stepped closer, pressing my body against his. His breath was hot and heavy as I built the courage to kiss him. Ford’s hand fell to my hip, and I instantly regretted the thick material of the bath towel obstructing his touch.
A hard knock on the front door jolted both of us, zapping me back to reality with a familiar thud. It seemed I’d lived more in the fantasies of my mind since Ford turned up at my house. Stomping to the door, I could feel the disappointment settling in my chest as I opened to see Jackie.
Her smile faded quickly as she looked me over before glancing towards the kitchen. “Uh, what’s going on? Did I interrupt something?”
“Not at all what you think,” I rolled me eyes. Looking over my shoulder, I saw Ford scrambling around, hoping to look busy.
“Well, you’re all but naked, and Ford is looking mighty guilty,” she whispered.
“Come on,” I tugged at her wrist, pulling her inside. “I’ll tell you all about it.” I giggled as I led the way up the stairs, excited to tell my best friend the details that were permanently sketched in my mind.
“We’ll be down in a minute!” I called out to Ford.
“Yeah, uh, sure!”
My mind wandered, curious about his thoughts and reactions. Had he wanted it to continue? Or did he already regret things going too far? He was so close with my brother, I knew he didn’t want to cross the boundary I was enjoying dancing along. But the energy between us was too strong to deny. As I settled on the edge of my bed, ready to spill the beans to Jackie, my heart raced with anticipation. Surely I’d be able to tell how Ford felt once I was back around him. The night was already shaping up to be one for the record books.
Chapter 14
FORD
THE CLUB WAS even fancier than the one we’d attended earlier in the week. Thankfully, I was dressed properly this time. My black slacks and button-down shirt allowed me to fit right in the crowded patio area. Groups gathered, laughing over glasses of wine or bottles of beer. It felt more like a lounge, filled with people celebrating the end of a week, and I thought that was better for Charlotte. She didn’t need her first experience to be in a rowdy nightclub with college kids vomiting on the front steps.
When Jackie returned after going to find her promoter friend, I was grateful for her pick. I wouldn’t have had a clue where to take Charlotte, and I could tell she was ecstatic. Charlotte was in a stunning red minidress that glittered when she walked. The material looked like it had been crushed, so the shiny fabric caught the light as she move. Her long blonde hair fell i
n waves down her back, which was exposed by the low-cut dress. I’d had to look away when she came down the stairs to stop myself from gawking.
My mind was still trying to process if our first interaction of the evening was real. She opened the door in a towel, dripping wet, straight out of a fantasy. I could tell from the look on her face that it wasn’t intended, but from the way she pushed up on me in the kitchen, there was no denying what she wanted.
My body was clear about its desires, coming alive whenever she was near, but on the inside, I was torn. She was my best friend’s little sister. There was no good that could come from crossing such a clear boundary.
“Ford!” Her soft voice called to me, just as her fingers interlocked between my own.
Apparently, I’d zoned out replaying her answering the door in a towel. With her arm stretched behind her and our fingers intertwined, Charlotte led me through the dark club. It wasn’t nearly as packed as the other place we went together. Here, it seemed everyone had room to sit down.
Jackie stopped at a table elevated above the rest of the club, surrounded by red velvet ropes. The guy smiled proudly as he explained the table was for them. Jackie thanked him, though she didn’t appear to be as excited as the man. He nodded as she whispered in his ear and then disappeared.
“It looks pretty nice, right?” Charlotte leaned in to ask. I couldn’t focus with her hand pressed against my chest. Every time she touched me, I felt sparks.
“Jackie did good,” I answered, wondering if Charlotte felt the charge as well. She smiled, staring at me for an extra second before turning to climb the few steps leading to the table.
Her calf muscles tightened and loosened with every step. Glancing back towards the dark club, I could see men staring at her. There was a rush of pride and protective energy blooming in my chest, though I couldn’t explain it.
There was nothing to be proud of. Charlotte was not my girlfriend. Yet I stood taller knowing I was with her, and the room of men wished to be in my position. As soon as I settled into the seat, a blonde waitress appeared. She was wearing what looked like a bikini, with her hair falling down to the small of her back.
“Can I get you anything?” she asked more to me than the group.
“Uh,” I turned to Charlotte and Jackie. “You two want anything? My treat.”
Charlotte looked to Jackie and then back to me, the two exchanging something I couldn’t hear. “We’re going to wait until midnight. In the meantime, we take a Coke each.”
I nodded before turning back to the waitress who was now inappropriately close. “I’ll have a beer.”
“Well, if you want anything else, just let me know,” she smiled, leaning forward to showcase her rack. I was taken aback by her bluntness, and even more by my lack of interest. If anything, I was embarrassed for her. Little did she know, my mind was elsewhere.
“She likes you,” Charlotte whispered in my ear as the waitress climbed down the stairs.
“She doesn’t even know me,” I huffed, refusing to look into her eyes.
“So, you need to know someone to like them?”
Glancing over, I gave her the attention she deserved. Watching as her cheeks made way for her beautiful smile, I was stunned by her beauty. No longer a little girl, Charlotte was now an incredibly attractive woman.
“If she doesn’t know me, she can only like how I look,” I explained. Scooting closer, Charlotte’s leg brushed against mine as she cozied up to me. I didn’t fight the closeness. Instead I embraced it, happy to feel her touch.
“I know you’re no stranger to women liking the way you look, Ford,” she said, her cheeks turning a rosy pink as she blushed.
“I’m no more a stranger to being attractive than you are,” I challenged. Her eyes rolled, and she laughed.
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Her amused smile was even more alluring.
“Look out there,” I pointed to the crowd of onlookers. Because of the VIP status Jackie’s table had afforded us, we were above the rest of the party, looking down on them like they were common folk.
“I guarantee you there are more men out there gawking up here for a glimpse at you than there are women worried about me,” I continued. Charlotte didn’t follow my instructions to look out into the crowd. Her gaze was fixed on me. I felt a strange wave of emotions mixed with nerves as her eyes searched mine.
I wasn’t sure what she was looking for, or if I could be it. From the way she came onto me at the house, it was undeniable that she wanted me, but I wasn’t sure how. What was burning between us was more than a potential one-night stand. There was too much history for us to just get it on and go about our lives like nothing happened. Besides, I lived here now. We’d be forced to see each other regularly, and I didn’t want to ruin that.
“Little do they know, they don’t stand a chance,” her words felt like silk against my ear. My manhood tensed, growing with eager excitement. Leaning back, I tried to make space for the growth as Charlotte’s eyes roamed my body, pausing at my crotch.
“Neither do any of these women looking in my direction,” I admitted, regaining her attention.
“Oh no? Already got someone keeping you company?” she quipped, her lips curling with mischief.
“Not exactly, but I’m getting close.” I bit my bottom lip as we continued flirting.
It had been so long since I’d felt the type of sensation brewing in my chest. It was like I was on a first date, the jitters and sexual chemistry dominating my thoughts. Charlotte’s smile was currency, and I was rich bringing her to laughter.
“Well, I wish you luck in your conquest, Ford,” she said, her eyes lazy with desire.
“It’s not a conquest, exactly,” I corrected her.
“No? What is it then?” she smirked.
“I’m not sure,” I answered truthfully. I wasn’t sure of anything when it came to her. Everything felt like a gray area that shouldn’t be tampered with, but I still wanted more. “It feels like the beginning of something.”
“Yeah, it does, doesn’t it?” She smiled, this one more sincere and less amused. I wanted to kiss her with every drop of passion in my body. The buildup was growing painful, unsure of how things would end.
“Ladies’ break! We need a touch up before the clock strikes twelve,” Jackie again disrupted our moment, pulling Charlotte to her feet. Our eyes locked until she was out of my sight, and even then I still felt her presence.
A quick glance at my watch showed we were nearing Charlotte’s birthday. I knew I wanted to buy her first drink, celebrating her twenty-first birthday. The club was even more crowded, but I managed to get the waitress’ attention with ease. She strutted across the club before climbing the steps again.
“I’m glad you called me over when she left,” she whispered seductively.
“I really just wanted to order,” I said, raising my hands in surrender. She was bolder than bold, and too attractive to behave so desperately.
“Oh,” she paused, seemingly embarrassed. “Right. What can I get you?”
“I’ll take six kamikaze drinks with Ketel One. We’re celebrating a birthday,” I said.
“Okay, I’ll be right back with those,” she returned to a somewhat professional nature before excusing herself.
Never had I been so dismissive to a sure thing. Even when I’d had girlfriends in the past, I didn’t turn down a little flirting. But with the prospect of Charlotte, other women were all but invisible. It was a strange phenomenon to be so in tune with someone I wasn’t even sure was in tune with me.
Chapter 15
CHARLOTTE
WALKING TO THE bathroom, Jackie had dragged me with an urgency I was eager to hear more about.
“What’s wrong with you?” I asked.
“Me?” She laughed, though it was clear she was not amused. “What’s wrong with me? You and Ford are flirting like teenagers, again, and you’re asking what’s wrong with me?”
Unable to deny it, I simply smiled, glancing in
the mirror at my reflection. I already felt older, more mature. I guess it had a lot to do with the make-up Jackie had applied, but I felt like a woman, ready to step into my own. I’d been living my life as a kid sister and I was finally courageous enough to branch out.
“He’s cute, isn’t he?” I glanced at my best friend.
“He’s a total hottie, but he’s off limits.” She sighed, looking at her own reflection. Her hair was curled in layers away from her face. Much more vibrant than my own, she’d added a bright pink liner above her eyes to add a pop. “Charlotte, what do you think Marshall would say if he could see you two?”
“It’s not like I’m stalking him, Jackie. Ford is as interested as me,” I argued. Marshall had always been upset when I would crowd his friends, begging for attention from the older boys. As my older brother, he was always the coolest person I knew, so his friends were too.
But there was always more to Ford. He was handsome beyond words. Even in my innocence, I could identify that. Now, things were different. The scales were more balanced than before.
“Oh, I see how he looks at you,” Jackie poked her hip with defiance as she glared at me.
“Do you really want me to be a twenty-two-year-old virgin?” I asked with a straight face. Jackie burst into laughter before regaining her composure.
“What?” she asked, turning away. “Why would you even ask me that?”
“Don’t act like you don’t think it’s crazy. It makes no sense that I’ve never been with a man before. I need to get it out of my system, even if it is just for one night.”
“First of all,” Jackie turned to face me, the humor completely erased. “I don’t think it’s crazy that you haven’t given yourself away to these losers who don’t deserve you. I, in fact, think it’s quite romantic that you’re waiting for someone special. But, I’ll tell you this. If you think Ford is going to be a one-night stand, you’ve got another thing coming. I can see the way he looks at you, like he sees his future in your eyes.”
