by Amanda Jason
Every table is filled in the coffee shop and the line is almost to the door. Exhausted-looking people turn to look as I enter. I smile and hurry to the back to put on my apron and return to help my poor coworkers, who are trying to keep up with all the orders.
Time flies and before I know it, it’s quitting time. I realize I’m at loose ends. It’s Friday night and I have no plans. Julie and Kevin are spending the weekend with their parents, and my other friends are either out of town or already busy.
I slowly make my way to my car to fight my way home. The only part of living in the city I hate is the traffic. I usually take the subway to avoid it, but on days like this when I come to work straight from my parents’, I prepare for the traffic jams.
Brad’s smile meets me from the front desk when I walk into the lobby. He’s definitely a great addition to otherwise cold and vacant entrance to the warehouse apartment building. The elevator quietly takes me to the fourth floor and I hesitate before putting my key in the front door, hoping someone is home.
The first thing I notice is the heavenly smell, followed immediately by voices coming from the kitchen. Yay, I’m not alone. I quickly throw my overnight bag in my room and move to the kitchen, drooling at what might be cooking.
Colin stands at the stove, stirring a pot. Drew is leaning up against the island sipping a beer, and Liam is getting plates out of the cupboard. Drew notices me first and he smiles.
“Hey, look who is home. Hope you’re hungry.” He winks as Colin and Liam turn to look at me.
“We’re having a good old English nosh—roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, roasted potatoes, and baby peas,” Colin says proudly before turning back around to stir the pot.
“It smells absolutely delicious, and I’m famished. How long until dinner?”
“About twenty minutes,” Colin says without showing me his beautiful face.
“Great. I’ll go take a quick shower.” I turn and practically run to my room, shut the door, and start peeling off my clothes.
At least ten people could fit in my shower. It has a massive showerhead that feels like I’m standing underneath a waterfall. The first time I used it, I didn’t want to turn off the water. In fact, it wasn’t until I remembered I had to be at work that I dragged myself away from it.
When I’m done showering, I dress in a pair of yoga pants, boot slippers, and a comfy, super-soft sweatshirt. I decide to put my wet hair up in lazy ponytail.
The table is set and they’re just putting bowls of food on it when I walk in. My stomach rumbles and all three chuckle to themselves. Drew pulls back a chair and motions for me to have a seat. I grab the first bowl, and soon my plate is piled high with food. I look up, realizing the others have stopped scooping food onto their plates and are staring at my plate.
“I like a girl who enjoys her food,” Liam quips and he smiles—yes, he smiles. A thousand-watt smile, at that.
I blush—yes, it’s a fault of being a redhead—embarrassed that I probably look like a little porker in their eyes.
“He means it, love,” Colin says, looking with concern at me. “The toothpicks we get the pleasure to be around wouldn’t dream of eating all that. Oh, no. That’s a good thing. Like I said, toothpicks.”
He grins and everyone else vanishes from the table as I stare into his amazing, crystal blue eyes. My stomach grumbles louder, breaking the spell. I break eye contact and concentrate on my plate, as does everyone else when they realize my discomfort. No one talks for several minutes. Thank goodness, because my brain is so wrapped up in the incredible food.
“So, Dora, how was your day?” Drew asks and all three pairs of eyes focus on me.
“It was super busy.”
“Ah, yes. Your Black Friday nightmare, which I must say I have tried once and that cured me for all time,” Colin says, his eyes twinkling. I swear they are.
“I agree, Colin. No shopping for me. I’m doing my shopping like I always do, on Monday online. I will never understand why people stand in line for hours to save a few bucks.”
“To some people, it’s a business.” Liam’s voice shocks me, as he always seems like he isn’t listening. “They buy cheap and sell to make a profit. Not bad if you have the patience. Which, of course, I would never have.”
His Aussie accent is so adorable. What am I saying? Liam … adorable?
The conversation continues. I listen and interject every now and then with my comments. I love listening to them talk, each with distinctly different accents.
“Colin, that was so good. Thank you.” I watch his face light up at my comment. Not again. I can’t get lost in those eyes. I may end up doing something really embarrassing, like climbing onto the table and kissing him soundly. Instead, I get up, grab my plate, head to the kitchen, and open the freezer to cool off my heated face and thoughts.
Drew’s voice brings me back. “No dishes for you, ‘Ms. I’ve Worked All Day’. Go get dressed up. We’re going out.”
“Out? Out where?” I ask, forgetting I’m still holding the freezer door open.
“Out. To have a good time. You do like to have a good time, don’t you?”
“Yes, but I’m not … I mean, my hair is … I’m just not up to going out tonight.”
“It’s Friday night and we’re going out. No arguments. So hurry up and get ready.” He grabs my arm and gives me a light shove out of the kitchen, where I find Liam and Colin grinning.
“But I was going to relax. I have to work tomorrow.”
“No, you don’t. We got you the day off. No more excuses. We could help you get ready,” Drew says, leering at me.
“Yes, we could. We wouldn’t look, of course,” Colin says, chuckling. I hear a small laugh from Liam. I swear he’s smiling too … or maybe it’s a leer.
“Okay, okay. I’ll go get dressed. It’ll take me a few minutes. Do I have time to shave my legs?” I ask, then regret it as I see them all smiling like hyenas. “Gutter minds,” I say loudly as I open my bedroom door. I almost slam it shut as I hear the wolf whistles aimed at my back.
Here I stand in my closet, looking at my pitiful wardrobe. Hey, I’m a college student, so don’t judge me. And remember, I wear a freaking apron for work. I do go out at night, so I have a few passable outfits, and my little black dress is always a great standby. I love wearing black since it makes my hair seem more vibrant. Even I can be a little vain at times. My mass of curly hair and my blue eyes are my best assets.
I’m going all out tonight. Armed with my diamond necklace with matching teardrop earrings, I feel my confidence is an eight on a scale of ten. Subtle eye makeup makes my eyes bluer, and a coral lip stain and matching blush finishes the job. And, of course, my “eff me pumps”, as Julie would call them. The black, five-inch heels feel strange at first, but I stroll around my huge room, getting use to them.
I grab my small purse, put on my jet-black winter coat with an appropriate hood, check once more in the mirror and open my door. Three sets of eyes meet mine before examining me from head to toe. My long coat hides my short dress, so all they can see is my head and my feet, which is how I want it.
“Wow,” Colin says, his warm eyes meeting mine. My tummy does its normal somersaults. Yeah, I said “tummy.” Sue me. Thankfully, for once in my life I don’t blush.
“I second that. But, Dora, what’s hidden underneath that coat?” Drew asks.
Liam snorts, grabs his jacket and opens the front door.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” I reply. “I guess you’re giving us a hint, Liam? And, may I say, you guys don’t look too bad yourselves.”
“May I?” Colin puts out his arm. I grab it gently and he pulls me close so we can move through the door together. We ride down the elevator listening to Mick Jagger singing “Jumping’ Jack Flash.” Drew has a rock radio station piped into the elevator. My dad will love this when he visits.
Whether planned or by chance, I end up sitting with Colin in the backseat, which is absolutely fine by me. My tummy is still f
lipping its little heart out. We are sitting so close I feel the heat from his body, which, combined with mine, makes me want to rip off my coat and his clothes.
What the hell am I thinking? He’s just acting like a gentleman … taking my arm, holding my car door open for me. We really don’t need to sit this close since Drew’s backseat is huge, but I can dream, can’t I? I’ve seen him on posters and in magazines dressed only in briefs, so I don’t have to imagine how he looks under his clothes.
“Dora,” Drew’s eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror. “What’s on your mind? You seem preoccupied.”
“Oh, nothing,” I reply, frustrated that I was so distracted by Colin that I couldn’t think of a snarky retort. I’m so glad none of them are not mind readers.
“Riiiight,” he says with a small laugh as my eyes widen.
“Yeah, right. My head is completely empty,” I say in a huffy voice and the three laugh at my statement. “Where are we going?” I’m a little nervous that they’re taking me to some star-studded club where I’ll be the only nobody.
Quit that, Dora. You are just as important as they are. You just make a lot less money and you’re not as pretty. But you can hold your own.
Boy, would my psych teacher have a field day with this whole situation. I’ve never thought I needed therapy, even with my crazy family, until now. Where the hell is my self-confidence hiding? See, I must be nuts.
“We’re going to a little place that has the best drinks, music and—” Drew begins.
“And some of the most mouth-watering tapas you’ll ever have in your entire life,” Liam finishes, smacking his lips.
“Yeah, this is Liam’s favorite spot for cheese sticks, chicken wings, and pizza bites. Watch how much this Aussie puts away tonight. He’ll have to do double time in the gym tomorrow,” Drew teases.
“I have to start back on my exercise regimen too,” I reply, thinking about how long it has been since I’ve gone for a good long run.
“Well, you have full use of the gym downstairs. We’ve shown you that, haven’t we?” I see Drew’s forehead lines deepen through the rearview mirror as he tries to remember.
“I don’t do gyms. I just run. In fact, I was just thinking I haven’t run in a few weeks. Since I’m off tomorrow, I think I’ll go for my mid-morning jaunt through the park across the street.”
Colin looks at me with concern. “I don’t think that’s wise. Maybe you should use the treadmill.”
“I don’t like machines, and it’s not like I’m going to run at midnight. The park is safe, I’m sure.”
“We’re here,” Drew announces as he pulls into an empty spot in a brightly lit parking area.
Colin helps me out of the car and takes my arm, nestling it in his as we make our way to a building with a large neon sign.
“The Raven? Sounds intriguing.” I look at Drew, who is walking to my left.
“The owner is a big Edgar Allen Poe fan,” he explains.
“The owner has good taste. I love Poe,” I respond.
Seeing his wide smile, I realize it’s his place. He opens the door and Colin and I follow Liam into a foyer that looks like a Victorian parlor. A voluptuous girl dressed in an old-fashioned dress, complete with generous boobs threatening to spill out, stands behind an old, bar-like counter.
“Good evening, Jen. How’s business tonight?” Drew’s dazzling smile would make most women faint, but she doesn’t even bat an eyelash. I need to talk to this woman and find out her secret.
“It’s going. Still early. Let me take your coats.” She holds out her hand and the guys strip off their jackets.
Then all eyes are on me. Okay, so I’m not into strip teasing, but I slowly unbutton my coat and open it even slower. I peel it off my left shoulder and slip my arm out. Their tongues are hanging out—okay, so they aren’t really, but it’s good to imagine. I hand my coat over to Jen, who smiles and winks at me in an appreciative way.
Ah. Now I think I understand why she’s not affected by the guys.
I make sure my dress is straight before I turn around and face my roommates. I watch their eyes enlarge as they see how short the skirt is and how revealing the top part is. My boobs aren’t ginormous, but with my push-up bra, they pass inspection.
“Wow, Dora. You dress up nice!” Liam takes my arm and leads me down a hallway, leaving the other two standing like statues while still gawking at me.
“Thanks, Liam. It seems something has made them speechless.”
“You, you’re a little bundle of surprises. I’m usually the quiet one, as you may have noticed. It’s a refreshing change to see them shocked.”
“Why, Liam, I like this side of you.”
“Oh, no. Now you’ll pester me to act this way all the time. Don’t get any ideas,” he laughs as he opens the door at the end of the hallway.
We enter another world. The music is pulsating and the décor I can only describe as a Goth-Victorian-Poe-era vibe. Pretty much everything is black with splashes of red scattered around in the forms of paintings and chairs. I’m shocked it’s not more crowded.
Liam leads me to a secluded corner booth and motions for me to slide in. He moves in after me. I scootch over to make more room, but instead I hit a solid object. Turning to look, I meet Colin’s eyes. I swear, they’re devouring me. His intense stare is making me burn as hot desire shoots along all my nerve endings. I’ve read plenty of romance novels, and now I know what they’re talking about.
Liam nudges me, spoiling the moment. “What’s your poison?” he asks, grinning from ear to ear.
“Surprise me, oh, but not beer though, anything but beer,” I reply.
He gives me a sly grin as Drew pulls up a chair to sit in front of us. Drew reaches behind himself and closes an embellished, antique sliding door, drowning out all the noise from the rest of the club.
“So what do you think, Beautiful?” Drew asks, smiling wolfishly, his seductive eyes meeting mine.
“Are you talking to me?” I ask coyly—yes, coyly. Deal with it.
“You know it,” he replies, but even though he is a utterly delicious male specimen, he doesn’t float my boat like Colin does.
What am I saying? I’m not up for a relationship, even if Colin was interested, which of course, he’s not. I’m out with three hot guys who are my roommates and my new friends. That’s all!
“Dora? I swear, you disappear into your head a lot. Where do you go when you zone out?” Drew asks.
“Oh, I was just wondering why this place isn’t jumping on a Friday night.”
“It’s on purpose. Not many people know about this place, and that’s the way we like it. Right, boys?”
“Yeah, it gets old going to clubs and not being able to enjoy ourselves,” Liam pipes up.
“Oh, you poor sweethearts. It must be really hard having all your adoring fans swooning at your feet,” I say sarcastically. To my surprise, they all burst out laughing.
“You are truly a breath of fresh air, and we are so honored you agreed to hang out with us,” Drew replies as the waitress slides open the door and pops her head in.
“Hey, Drew, ready to order?” she asks.
By her flirting demeanor, I realize she likes men, especially these three. I try not to feel inadequate because she is everything I’m not. But to my surprise, all three sets of eyes are focused on me and not her. Drew gives her our order without turning around, and she slides the door back, disappointment obvious on her face.
“So what do you think?” Drew asks.
“I think it’s perfect. Poe would have loved to hang out here. The detail’s amazing.”
“Well, they should be with the money I’ve put into this place.”
“Would you like to dance?” Colin’s dreamy accent makes me shiver. No, not with cold, but with the thought of dancing with him.
I’m tongue-tied, so I just nod. He exits the booth and helps me up when I slide out after him. I suddenly find myself on the dance floor, but how I got here is a blur.
The second he takes my hand and doesn’t let go, my brain goes to mush. How can he be having this effect on me? I don’t feel this way with Drew and Liam, and they’re just as mega hot, but Colin makes me feel … well, he makes my blood sizzle.
As soon as we start to dance, the music changes to a slow, seductive beat and he moves in, putting his arms around my shoulders. I’m so happy I’m wearing my five-inch heels so I’m taller, and I gladly slide my arms around his waist. As my head meets his chest, I hear the strong beat of his heart. His sweet smelling cologne clings to my nose. He smells one-hundred percent delicious. Oh my heaven, I can feel his sculptured muscles beneath his silky shirt as we sway, and I hold back a groan as his hips move seductively against my overheated body.
Please, legs, don’t fail me now, I silently plead as they suddenly feel like Jell-O and I wobble a little on my heels.
As if he hears my thoughts, Colin tightens his hold on me and we begin moving as one. At least, I think we’re moving. I’ve never, ever felt this way before. I want to drag him into the nearest booth and, well, you know … feel every inch of his body with my fingers.
“It’s my turn.”
Drew’s voice is like a bucketful of cold water thrown over me. Colin’s warmth is removed and Drew takes one of my hands and places his other around my waist. His cologne isn’t overwhelming. In fact, it smells pretty good, but it’s nothing like Colin’s.
He moves us around the floor as effortlessly as anyone I have ever seen, but I feel nothing. No blood sizzle, no Jell-O legs and no desire to rip his clothes off and have my way with him. The song ends and he lets go and places a hand on my back as we exit the dance floor. I notice several females eyeing him up and down and smiling. I look up at him and he seems oblivious to their invitations.
