My Mind's Eye (Pub Fiction #1)

by Gillian Jones

  Just like I had suspected, after having seen the outside decorations, I knew the inside ones would most likely be even more incredible, and I was right. The place looks fantastic! Cobwebs cover the ceiling, causing us to duck in order to avoid the array of creatures lurking among the webs; ghosts, bats, and goblins are some of the ones I spied as we walked. Jack ’O Lanterns of different shapes and sizes line the many tables and shelves, as well as the mantel above the fireplace. They are pretty much scattered everywhere, sending out an orange flicker through their creative facial designs; Jack Skellington, an angry Minion, and Jason Voorhees are among the ones I recognize. The place hums with excitement and I’m giddy for a night of fun.

  Approaching the kitchen, I notice a witch standing within the archway creating a narrow walking space. She’s shrieking with laughter, uttering spells out to whomever dare cross her path, while she waves her wand up and down in our direction. Jesus, do these guys go all out or what? I can’t help think as I admit this witch is kind of freaking me out. I grab Claire a bit tighter as we pass, and turn around trying to see if that witch is a real person or simply mechanical. Not paying attention to what’s in front of me, I feel Claire’s hand drop from mine. As I turn back to see where she’s gone, I end up screaming in horror as I smack right into the heavy chest of a hooded figure holding a scythe in his hand. After yelling at me and pretending to try and hurt me, his hands quickly dart up to grab my waist in order to steady me as I am fucking freaked out. I damn near fall to the ground.

  “What the ever loving fuck?” I yell once I have my bearings back. All of a sudden, the hooded figure lifts his hood off, showing me nothing more than a big old shit-eating grin before yelling, “Happy Halloween, Kat! Gotcha! You should have heard that scream; it was priceless. Claire was right; she knew I could scare you!” Shit. Colby of course. Did I mention how happy I was these two were still good friends? Not!

  “You sure as hell did, Colby. Jesus, I was too busy trying to figure out whether the witch is real or not, that I wasn’t paying attention at all! Fuck me! You scared the piss out of me! You’re lucky I didn’t hurt you.”

  “Ha! You? Hurt me? Yeah right, dude. There was no way that was going to happen; you were freaked the fuck out!”

  “Yeah okay, okay, you’re right, you big jerkface. You really did have me. Awesome job, Colby, but now I think I need a drink, a very, very big, strong drink,” I say while holding my hand over my chest, willing my heart to calm, while everyone around who witnessed Colby’s little prank laughs at my over-exaggerated-ness. Thankfully, Colby takes me seriously though, and it isn’t long before I have a shooter, as well as my favourite drink in my hand.

  “Cheers, Kat, cheers everybody. Happy Halloween!” Colby shouts out while passing around shots of liquid goodness. There’s about ten of us huddled in the kitchen now fussing over which shots to make next.

  “You are forgiven, Colby,” I tell him as I happily sip away at my mali-cranny he just handed me in the biggest glass he could find. Ahh, I just love my Malibu rum and cranberry juice, best drink ever.

  After what feels like tasting a billion different shots, some of which were really good, while others were just bad, I need a break. My poor taste buds are getting confused. Funny how after so many, they actually all seem to just blend, honestly, I’m not even sure which ones I liked and didn’t like at this point. Needless to say, well, I am feeling good, really good. From Broken Down Golf Karts, Blow jobs, to Purple Motherfuckers, and a shit ton I can’t even remember, I am one happy girl. With the alcohol creating a warm buzz through my body, I am ready for a change in scenery. I need to dance and mingle. I move to the counter where Claire is currently the shooter chemist and convince her easily enough to come dance with me.

  “Claire Bear, I need a break. That was a lot of shots in like ten minutes. My body is wired; I need to go dance. Besides, I’m sure Matt is looking for you. We’ve been here for like fifteen. I’m sure he knows you’re here and, after all, the poor guy has been waiting all day for this, for you. He probably has blue balls from you teasing him about your costume,” I add and laugh at what I think is funny.

  Claire just looks at me, shaking her head. “Yeah, no more shots for you right now.” We both laugh because we know it’s true; I am kind of a lightweight. I don’t drink too often, where I let myself lose control, for obvious reasons and I hate hangovers.

  “Okay, Kat, I’m with you, yeah. You’re right, he actually just texted a few minutes ago. I guess they needed more ice, he and another buddy ran out to the store. He said he’s like five minutes out. Let’s go out and dance while we wait.” She then adds with a devilish grin, “That way he will easily find me once he walks in the door.”

  I smile, having no idea what she is thinking, but nod in agreement at the plan.

  “Besides, I could use a break. I definitely am starting to feel these shots, too.” She laughs while grabbing my arm, leading toward the witch-guarded walkway again.

  As we leave, we hear everyone chanting in the kitchen; they’re excited to participate and compete in the contest for best-shot concoction, which has just been announced. Clearly the result of everyone wanting to make each other try their special shooter. Of course, the other girls stay to watch. I think the fact that the two guys from the bar the girls met last week being in there as well is what’s really keeping them rooted in the kitchen. I’ll be surprised if we see Laurie and Jenn for the rest of the night now.

  After making it past the witch in one piece, we quickly move with our drinks in hand to the centre of the makeshift dance floor, arriving just in time to hear JT singing about “Bringing Sexy Back.” A song I love!

  “Woohoo, Kitty Kat and Claire Bear in effect ya’ll,” I shout out to Claire and she all but snorts with laughter.

  “God, you’re so lame, Kat,” she giggles as we begin dancing. I love music and I love to dance. I can’t help it, it’s one of the only times I feel relaxed is when I’m dancing, allowing the music to take over my body with its pulsing sensations, letting the words pierce into my soul.

  As the next song kicks in, I make my way over to Claire, shimmying down in front of her in a suggestively naughty manner. Standing back up, I wrap both my arms around her neck, resting them on her shoulders. Swinging my hips to the beat of the music, my eyes meet hers and she grins back at me like the little devil she is. She pulls my arms from her neck, but doesn’t let them go. Turning around, she grinds back into me, placing my hands on her hips. Our movements become synced and our hair tosses from side to side as we dance like nobody’s watching. The song changes, but we continue our sexy performance. With Claire now facing me, so close I can feel her breath hitting my face, she begins ever so slowly, trailing her hands down my sides. I can’t help but feel sexy now that I’ve had a few drinks; clearly my inhibitions are slipping away. I decide to continue dancing with Claire as I notice we’ve gained an audience, mostly male, mostly gawking at our little performance. Claire and I carry on our little tryst for a few more songs.

  We’re having a great time laughing and dancing. “I love you, Kitty Kat,” she says to me as we finally give up our little show, “but even so much more when you let yourself go, embracing…releasing your inner sexy bitch of a self. The one I know you really are. You know, the one who needs to get fucked hard tonight while wearing that outfit. Rawr!” she ends on a yell while snorting from laughter and growling at me. Ah, yes, folks, my best friend is a funny bitch, a passive-aggressive tart, who just will not give up. I just laugh while she attacks me with a great big hug.

  Once she’s done hugging me, I see from the corner of my eye a tall figure coming our way and I grin when I notice it’s Matt making his way to his little devil, scooping her up from behind, spinning her around to face him, whispering in her ear. With her reaction, I have no doubt it’s something which is undoubtedly dirty and x-rated. A pinkish flush immediately covers her beautiful face and exposed skin. “Matt, Jesus, what you do to me,” Claire responds as he ever so s
lowly brings her down tight to his chest, planting his lips seductively over hers. Geesh, get a room already, I think and smirk in Claire’s direction. “Ahem,” I clear my throat in mock annoyance at their display of affection. “Ummm, hello, people! Halloween party, not an orgy, it’s time to get your party on. You two can fuck each other’s brains out later,” I tease, which results in me getting a ‘whatever’ look from Claire as she gives Matt a quick peck on the cheek while he’s palming her ass.

  Just as I’m about to say we need more drinks, I’m grabbed at the waist by two strong muscular hands, hands which quickly move, snaking themselves from my waist to lower stomach. Suddenly, I’m being pulled back into what can only be described as a hulking figure, a brick wall, that of a man’s chest. Jesus. I manage to crane my neck back to gain the perfect view in order to see just who the hell this mound o’ muscle belongs to, and ask who the hell they think they are putting their grabby hands on me. Only looking back, I’m immediately met with a pair of deep blue eyes, one hell of a sexy-ass grin, and a body that matches the rock hard chest that’s sheltering my back. His smile is warm and sexy; the breath I had been holding escapes, leaving me heaving just that little bit. Matt quickly interrupts, apologizing for his friend. Explaining how he’s just excited to finally meet me and that he’d like me to meet his buddy, Jay.

  “Kat, this is Jay; he lives here, too. Jay, this is Kat, Claire’s roommate, the dancer.” He winks at me. “The one you’ve been dying for me to introduce you to.” I smile at that comment; it’s always nice to hear that someone wants to meet you, especially a hot guy like Jay. Matt goes on, “As you can see, she is not only hot, sexy, and sweet, but she’s single, just how you like ’em.” He grins after sharing the last part. Fucker, I see ‘Operation Get Kat Laid’ has begun with Matt, too. These two are both going to be getting an ear full tomorrow, that’s for certain.

  “Hi there, angel,” Jay whispers into the side of my face, close enough to brush along my ear, my body quickly breaking into goose bumps from his proximity. Goose bumps not necessarily breaking out because his closeness is appealing to me, it’s quite the opposite. Rather, I fear it’s because I feel a need to put some much-needed space between us. I feel he’s too close, too fast. Funny how this feeling overcomes me now, but not when I was being pinned to a certain ottoman, I think as I put distance between Jay and myself. He’s hot, don’t get me wrong, but when I look into his eyes, they’re the wrong colour. Not the colour I want looking back at me, not honeybutter. Just as fast as the thought seeps in, I quickly deny myself the time to let it linger. Thoughts of Ryker have become a recurring habit in my daily life, one I need to kick, and fast. With this in mind, I decide piss it. Smiling at my decision, I decide to give Jay a chance and me the chance to let a man past my guard. Allow someone to help get Ryker out of my mind. Because it’s not like he’s been knocking down my door. Sure, we’ve spent some time together here and there, but nothing more than a few passing words on that Saturday at The Centre.

  “Hi there, Jay. You want to hang out a bit? I hear you’re in the market for a dance partner? I happen to love to dance.” I flirt with him a bit and it feels good.

  “I’d really like that, Kat. Can I just say again, you’re fucking gorgeous.”

  I can’t help but smile; I mean, what girl doesn’t like hearing that?

  “Not only is my girl easy on the eyes, Jay,” Claire teases. “Kitty Kat is the sweetest girl you will ever meet. She is always giving and kind. You will be lucky to get to know her, if she gives you the chance,” Claire interjects with a wink and I can’t help but smile at her assessment.

  With my mind settled and my body back at ease with my decision, I dance with Jay. We laugh, we talk, and we’re actually having a great time. Jay, it turns out, isn’t only hot with a great body, but he’s charming, and honestly, a really nice guy. I enjoy hanging out with him, Claire, and Matt while downing a few more shots, getting more and more tipsy as time wears on. But as we have more drinks and dance, Jay’s again getting closer and closer. His hands are getting more and more exploratory, going over my hips to my ass and back, making me feel uncomfortable again. “Kat, your ass is fucking tight; I can’t seem to keep my hands off you.” Needing some space, I decide that maybe my initial reaction of hesitancy toward him was one I need to heed. I’m not sure what it is to be honest; it’s like I can’t shake this feeling that something is off with him.

  “I’ll be right back. I’m just going to use the washroom,” I say, stepping out of his hold.

  “You okay, Kat?” Claire asks, concern on her face.

  “Just hot, I’m going to go powder my nose,” I joke, and she nods.

  “Want me to come with you?”

  “No, it’s fine. I’ll be right back,” I assert with a fake smile and then excuse myself.

  I make my way to the stairs. Once at the top, I’m lucky to find the washroom empty with no one else insight. I slip in, locking the door, enjoying the silence for a moment. Moving in front of the mirror, I assess myself. Yep, still slutty looking, I laugh to myself. I apply some lip gloss, wash my hands, check the girls, and try to pull my shorts down a wee bit more before opening the door to make my way back to my friends. He’s harmless; he’s having fun with me. I decided to allow Jay to continue his flirting. I’m just being paranoid. I relax again as I walk. I may even flirt back this time; I mean, we’re at a party in a house full of people. What’s the worst that can happen, right? I’m not stupid; I won’t allow myself to be alone at any time with him if things still feel off. I decide to go with the flow.

  With that text from Seth still trying to force its way into my mind, Jay may just be the perfect distraction. Besides, it has been an awfully long time since I had a sexy man between my legs, and Jay is definitely hot. With my mind made up, I put a little jump in my step, hurrying to get back to my friends to continue with my newly hatched plan.

  Holy fuck, Ryker! I land at the bottom of the stairs with renewed excitement only to have it dissipate immediately. You have got to be kidding me! Karma really is a slut-ass bitch, which is most definitely out to get me. Standing with Jay, Matt, and Claire is motherfucking Ryker Eddison, who’s of course looking way beyond gorgeous and oh so edible. Who of course happens to have some blonde bimbo seemingly attached to his side. Who the hell is she?

  I can’t believe my eyes, I close them tight breathing rapidly. I count to five before opening them; shit, I open them to find he’s still standing mixed in there with my friends…the entity of my fantasies, the boy who creeps into my mind at night, bringing me to the brink of want and need. The very same man who plagues my days with thoughts of those eyes, stolen glances, the growl. Oh fuck! That damn growl. The majestic face behind my rabbit himself, the very same man who now owes me a shit ton of batteries—Ryker Eddison.

  The very same man who I know I have a connection with, one that neither of us seems willing to admit or pursue. I haven’t seen or spoken to Ryker since Robin gave me the tour of the rec centre. Maybe I imagined this pull between us.

  Of all the places and all the parties, of course he’s here at Matt’s. Ryker is the epitome of hotness, and I know he can be beyond sweet. His costume tonight, however, just solidifies why he is the star of my fantasies. Standing, laughing it up with my friends, he’s sporting the most appropriate drool-inducing costume known to women. Ryker is none other than a Chippendale! Lawd have mercy! One heck of a perfect Chippendale costume, which looks completely genuine, including a bowtie, cuff, and collar—all showcasing his perfect, naked chest and one hell of a sexy tatoo. Oh. My. God! I think I’m going to need to run home and change my panties. The effect this man has on me is dizzying. I haven’t seen him around much, just in passing here and there. But he always manages to leave a lasting impression on me. And for that matter, my panties. Jay who?

  FUCK.

  Chapter 29

  Ryker

  Anger and jealousy. Those are the two feelings that simultaneously take over my body, clouding m
y vision as well as my judgement at the sight in front of me. My shoulders tense immediately while my breathing hitches the moment I spot Kat dancing with Claire, Matt, and Jay. Fucking Jay. Asshole.

  Remember that feeling of possession lying dormant, the one I’ve never really felt before? Well, the beast is awake.

  The colour red darkens my vision immediately when my eyes fall to Jay trying to put the moves on my Kat, which in turn causes me to clench my jaw while my hands turn to fists without me realizing. I stand by the kitchen watching them, with my body wound tight, fists hanging balled along my side. Despite not really knowing her very well, I know enough. I know I want her. Seeing him all over her, whether she’s mine or not yet, doesn’t matter to the caveman within me. I knew the moment I tackled her in the staff room that she needed to be mine.

  That she is mine.

  Green is for the feelings of envy I am having toward the outfit Kat is wearing exquisitely around her body. Never in my life have I been jealous of an inanimate object as I am now, standing here seeing Kat in that sexy-as-sin angel costume. Never have I wanted so badly to be the material surrounding a titillating body, hugging it close and keeping it held in tight, as I want to be that for Kat. Fuck me.

  Man, this girl is fucking me up. I need to make my move, make her choose: fuck me or be mine. I’m hoping she’ll agree to the latter. And I’ll be damned if some fucker beats me to it. It’s time for me to up my game. Who am I kidding? It’s time to let the game begin. Kat will be in my bed in no time; then this little hang-up I seem to have can finally be done and she can take up a permanent residency. Either way, I need to deal with her, get her on board with my plan, and if she doesn’t want me back? Well, I guess I’ll go back to my old self, back to having a new chick every couple of nights, back to having no feelings, no tightness, or these thoughts of wanting more. But I’m pretty sure she wants me too. Fuck, I need to figure out what the hell we are. What we’re going to be.