Box of 1Night Stands: 21 Sizzling Nights

by Anthology

  “Listen, I’m not too sure about setting my date for your wedding night.” He extended the ring box toward his brother.

  “The rings are the best man’s responsibility.” Tatsu waved it off with a grin. “Gwen and I talked about your date. It’s away from home, so it will be discreet, and it will help you with closure.”

  “I have closure.” Yong headed to the kitchen counter to refill his coffee.

  “Hey, I can’t imagine letting her go. We both recognize how hard this is for you.” Tatsu followed him to the island and sat down.

  “It’s fine. I’m so happy for you guys.” And only half lying.

  “Hey, be careful it’s—”

  Yong took a gulp of the steaming brew and set the mug down.

  “It didn’t burn your mouth, huh?”

  “No, I’m all right.” He pulled the cream out of the fridge and poured some in, lifting the cup for another sip.

  “It should have hurt—you’re sure it didn’t?”

  “No.” He winced as a white hot flash shot through his chest.

  “Then you aren’t fine, little brother. You’re fired up. The dragon is rearing its angry side.” Yong glanced into his mug where the liquid had begun to bubble and steam and then into his reflection in the microwave window over the stove. To his horror, his pupils were almond shaped. I have to pull the dragon back.

  He put his cup down and inhaled deeply, working to smooth his frustration. Feeling more in control, he spun around to face his twin.

  “Look, I’m working through this; I want you two to be happy.” He dropped into the other chair. “I get it, I swear I do; the night when she saved your life with the dragon’s breath, it forged the mating bond. You don’t have to remind me it’s for life.”

  “She bonded with you, too, just in a different way. She was your first, and it was a night none of us will ever forget.”

  “Maybe I need to try, for all our sakes.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?” Tatsu’s brow lowered.

  “I didn’t want to say anything until after the wedding.”

  “About?”

  “I got a job offer with the music department at UCLA, and I think it would be good for me to accept it.”

  “Awesome, why wouldn’t you want to tell me?” Tatsu flashed him a stern glare. “Oh, you want to move to Los Angeles.”

  “Don’t take it the wrong way.”

  “You want to move away from us. What could I possibly take the wrong way?”

  Yong rubbed his throbbing forehead. “I need some time to adjust. That’s all.”

  “I never meant to hurt you.”

  “I’ll be okay. It’s gonna take some time. I’m being sincere though. I want happiness for you both.”

  “I know you do.”

  Chapter Two

  Cindy skirted the boxes and garment bags strewn about the bedroom of the honeymoon villa where the happy couple would spend the night. In the rush to get the bride ready, neatness and organization fled, replaced by the last minute panic.

  She tried to pry the small hook on Gwen’s collar open. A sharp point jabbed under her nail and she yanked her finger back and stuck it in her mouth. “I can’t get it.”

  “Here, I can help.” The graceful lady with flowing silver hair fixed the bent metal and had the collar done up in a flash.

  “Thanks Mrs. Feng.” Cindy massaged her tender finger.

  “Please dear, call me Jia.” She smiled as she fastened the rest of the dress, making it look effortless. “There my darling, turn around and let us see our beautiful daughter.”

  Gwen twirled.

  “It fits like it was made for you.” Cindy adjusted the Mandarin collar on her best friend’s gown.

  “Thank you, honey, I couldn’t have found it without you.” She brushed her hands down the sides of the fitted brocade dress.

  “Tell me again why you’re wearing red?” Madeline, Gwen’s adopted mother, left her seat in the corner, and approached the trio, biting her lip.

  “It’s our tradition.” Jia smiled, and Cindy admired her patience. Without her calm and willingness to address Madeline’s concerns, the wedding preparations would have been much more difficult.

  “White is traditional,” Madeline protested.

  “In Western society, yes, but here in China, white is a symbol of death. Red signifies happiness and good luck. It also keeps away evil spirits. Gwen’s Qi Pao is the most traditional style. I especially like the embroidered gold dragon and silver phoenix. They symbolize the unity of man and wife. She couldn’t have found a more ideal gown.”

  “Gwen,” Cindy whispered. “Isn’t this amazing?”

  “Yes, in my wildest dreams, I never imagined finding my birth mother, let alone that my adopted mom would adore her so much. I couldn’t ask for more on my wedding day—except for my father.” A frown filled her face.

  “Sorry it wasn’t better news.”

  “He died just a few years ago. I wish I could have met him.”

  “I’m glad your other dad is here to walk you down the aisle.”

  “Me, too.”

  Cindy reached up and thumbed a smudge of the bride’s teary mascara away.

  “I imagine it’s difficult for the boys not having their parents here today?”

  “Tatsu and I talked about it a lot. They were only seven when their parents died. He says of course they miss them, but having their grandparents here is so important. They raised them after the car accident.”

  “I fell in love with them, and it’s only been a few days since we met, they’re such wonderful, kind people.”

  “Cindy, have I told you how grateful I am to have you here with me?” Gwen gave her a big hug.

  “Only about a thousand times.” She laughed and patted her back.

  “Everything is so beautiful; you took care of every detail.” The cracked voice and the sniffle in her ear prompted Cindy to pull back and assess the bride’s glistening eyes.

  “Okay, enough tears, young lady; you won’t have any makeup left.” She handed over the last of the tissues. “You’ve gone through the whole box today.”

  “Thank you.” Gwen giggled, drying the corners of her eyes with gentle dabs. “I almost forgot; when are you meeting your date?”

  “After the ceremony and wedding party photos.”

  “And where?”

  “The nook of the waterfalls, beside the lake with the little bridge.”

  “Oh, so romantic.” Gwen sighed.

  “We’ll see. I’m still not comfortable with this whole thing.”

  “What is it you’re worried about?”

  “What if I’m…I don’t know, not attracted to him?”

  “I—doubt that will be an issue.” Gwen squeezed her hand.

  “Aren’t you optimistic.”

  “Where Madame Evangeline is concerned, absolutely.”

  “I suppose it’s my turn to get dressed now.” Cindy turned toward the full length mirror and fussed with her hair.

  “Hurry, we’re running short of time.”

  Cindy headed down the hall to the bathroom and pulled off her T-shirt and jeans. As she unzipped the garment bag holding her maid of honor dress, a sound from behind startled her. She spun around and stared at the intruder.

  “Cindy, I’m so sorry.” Yong’s voice cracked, but he stayed in place with eyes wide and mouth gaping.

  “Get out.” She grabbed her dress and shielded herself.

  “I’m sorry; I thought you ladies were done.” He held up his suit.

  “Obviously, I’m not. Get out of here.” Mortified, she took a step toward him.

  “Yes, I—I’m—so—sorry,” he stuttered, while backing out the door.

  Right behind him, she slammed and locked it, her heart pounding.

  Note to self; next time, lock the damn door first.

  Shaking off her embarrassment, she slipped into her attire and scrutinized the sleeveless gold satin mini-dress in the long mirror.


  The high collar doesn’t cut into my neck at all. Cindy slid her fingertips across the embroidered dragon, a smaller version of the one on the bride’s dress. I am surrounded by dragons. Gwen and Tatsu…. Vivid green eyes flashed across her thoughts. And, of course, Yong. I don’t know if I can face him, after he saw me practically naked.

  She shrugged. Not much she could do about it. She had her best friend’s wedding to attend.

  ***

  The small wedding party posed together under the pavilion perched above the lake. The outdoor ceremony had been beautiful, with the late afternoon sun glinting off the water and the bride and groom glowing with happiness.

  The unaccustomed four-inch gold stilettos that looked so gorgeous with her mini-dress made Cindy wobble in the most undignified fashion, but she wouldn’t have time to change before meeting her date.

  “Doesn’t the photographer have enough pictures of us yet?”

  Gwen giggled. “I don’t know, he’s quite a tyrant, but Jia says he’s the best in the area, and we’ll have a wedding album to be proud of.”

  “Look at the ginger sunset across the water. Isn’t it gorgeous?”

  “I know. I love how it’s streaming with pinks and reds, all my favorite colors. The photographer took a bunch of shots of it when I asked.”

  “It looks so magical.”

  “Maid of honor, stand over here with the best man. We need to get you two together in this one.”

  I am supposed to stand next to the man who saw me partially naked just a few hours ago?

  Wincing, she moved across the platform. After the pictures, I can keep my distance. Besides, Yong hadn’t said or done anything to indicate he was thinking of the bathroom incident.

  Wait a minute, why not? Did he not like what he saw? Embarrassment turning to anger, she missed her footing and the heel of her shoe got caught between the wooden boards. Her ankle twisted, and she lost her balance, leaving the shoe behind and falling toward the water. Strong arms gripped her tight, stopping her panicked descent.

  “Are you all right?” Yong stood her upright again, and then leaned down to examine her ankle.

  “Yes, I am, thanks to you.” Good Lord, this is as bad as the bra and panties moment. Her cheeks burned.

  “Here.” He tugged her shoe free and held it in place while she slipped her foot back in.

  “Thanks.”

  “Does it hurt?”

  Not physically. She rolled her ankle. “No, I’m okay.”

  The photographer waved at them. “Come on now, we’re supposed to be happy. Put your arm through his and smile. We’re losing light.”

  Oh, I’m fine, thanks, mister. Cindy placed her hand on Yong’s satin sleeve and forced the corners of her mouth back. Heat radiated through the silky fabric.

  “You’re hot—” She caught herself in mid-sentence. “I mean, your skin is really warm. Are you all right?”

  “Me? Uh, yeah, I’m fine.” His cheeks flushed scarlet, and he didn’t make eye contact.

  At least I’m not the only one feeling self-conscious. A small smile inside brought some relief.

  Cindy admired his black Chinese kung fu suit. She followed the row of gold fasteners along his right pec. The gold flying dragon was embroidered on the back, leaving the front almost unadorned, elegant, like him. “This outfit suits you well, Yong.”

  “Thanks. You look—” For a second, he met her gaze, then cleared his throat and stared back at the camera. “Great, you look, great.”

  They held their position until the photographer waved them away and gestured to the bride and groom.

  “I guess we’re free now.” She patted his arm. “I imagine today must be difficult for you.”

  “Why would you say that?” His face darkened, and his brows creased.

  “I just figured, after—” Open mouth, insert foot, Cindy.

  “I’m fine, don’t worry about me.” He squeezed her hand, and then removed it with gentle fingers. “I’ll see you inside.” The lone dragon walked off.

  ***

  Cindy surveyed her rocky surroundings while she waited on the bench inside the short, dark archway. The trickling waterfall eased her tension.

  I can’t recall the phrase he’s supposed to say. She tried to remember. The light at the opening started to fade with the last of the sunset.

  “Are you a friend of Madame Eve’s?” A deep voice called from the doorway. That was the phrase! Only the dark outline of a tall, slender man was available for her to assess her match for romance.

  “Yes, and you are?”

  “Your date for the evening.” The silhouette approached in slow steps. The mystery of no face in the shadows clawed at her nerves.

  “Would you like to stay in here, or would you rather come out to the bridge where we can see each other?”

  Cindy accepted his extended hand. “Let’s go out there.”

  Her date led her out to the open, where the last of the sunset had begun to fade, and she blinked as her eyes adjusted to the change in light.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” She yanked her hand back.

  “Me? What are you doing here? I’m supposed to meet—someone.”

  “You have got to be kidding me? You’re my one-night stand?” Cindy shook her head.

  “There has to be some mistake,” he said.

  “Wait a minute….”

  “What?”

  “Do you think they had anything to do with this?” She glanced toward the reception hall.

  He rubbed his forehead. “It wouldn’t surprise me a bit.”

  Betrayal flooded her. “Now what the hell am I supposed to do?”

  “All right, I get it. You can’t stand me. Let’s call it quits and save us both the heartache, okay?” Narrowed eyes highlighted his tone of frustration.

  “What are you talking about, ‘can’t stand you’?”

  “I don’t know what I did to offend you, but you can’t even look at me, so this is not gonna work.” He pulled out his smartphone. “I’ll email Madame Eve right now. Maybe you can salvage your arrangements with a new date.”

  “Hold on.” She covered the screen. “I can too look at you. I was embarrassed earlier.”

  “Come on, you haven’t said more than ten words to me in months.”

  “I don’t dislike you.”

  “Really?” His hardened gaze pulled at her guilt. She had been rude to him all this time, and yet he had done nothing wrong.

  “I don’t know how to…I know everything, all right? It’s weird for me.”

  “Huh, weird for you? How do you think I feel?” Shaking his head, he walked past her, back into the tunnel.

  “I’m sorry.” She followed him in. “I know today has been hard.”

  “Why is everyone treating me like I’m going to break?” He sat on the bench and dropped his head into his hands.

  “I didn’t mean to. Today is a big day for them. I figured it would be a tough time for you.” Cindy eased onto the seat beside him.

  “Why do you think I set up a date for tonight?” He leaned against the rock wall.

  “The same reason I did?”

  “What?”

  “To move on.” as she settled back beside him, her anger subsided, leaving a void in her heart.

  He straightened and spoke with a sympathetic tone. “Hey, Gwen kinda told me about everything you’ve been through with your ex, and well, you know, I wish none of that had happened to you.”

  “Thanks.”

  Awkward silence filled the darkness.

  “You know, even though our date didn’t work out, we still need someone to dance with at the reception, right?”

  “Yeah, I didn’t think you’d be interested in me….”

  She contemplated how much to confess for a long moment. “Yong, listen, you’re a great guy.”

  “Sure,” he sighed. “Great guy, good friend—the kiss of death in dating.”

  “What I mean is….” She focused on the dark ceiling, pra
ying for courage. “I think you’re sensational.”

  “You do?”

  “You’re sweet and funny…. I love your guitar playing and your singing. And, you’re incredibly handsome.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “I find you really attractive.”

  “But?”

  “I can’t get the image of you and Gwen out of my mind.”

  “Oh.”

  “I don’t think of myself as a jealous person, it’s just…you were…with her, and I don’t know how to forget that.”

  “It’s more important to me than I can tell you.”

  “What is?”

  “Forgetting her. I need to move on, too.”

  “I know,” she paused. “Let’s face it, she’s the gorgeous, sexy redhead, and I’m a plain-Jane with nothing special.”

  “Can I be honest with you about something?”

  “What?” Interest in what he might say warred with intrigue when he rested his hand on her knee.

  “Ever since I walked in on you changing….”

  Her pulse quickened. “Yes?”

  “I can’t stop thinking about you.” Yong caressed the inside of her thigh, starting a slow thrum of arousal in her core. “Truth is, I’ve been thinking about you for months now.”

  “You’ve been on my mind, too.”

  “I have?” He brushed past her comfort zone and she gripped his fingers, stopping them in place.

  In the darkness, he turned on the bench and faced her.

  “Yes.”

  He leaned in and kissed her bare shoulder.

  “But, this isn’t gonna happen.” Her protest was half-hearted.

  “Why not? You’re beautiful.”

  “You think I’m beautiful?”

  “Yes, absolutely,” he assured her. He outlined her mouth with his fingertip, and then along her jaw line. A shiver of excitement ran down her back. Nudging her chin up, he leaned in and claimed her lips.

  Trying to dismiss her desire, she pulled back. “I can’t. This is too awkward.”

  As though he had not heard a word, he stole another kiss.

  The excessive heat of his palm moved down her back. Why is his skin so hot? And his mouth?

  Shrouded in a sensual haze, she struggled to remember why she shouldn’t let him make love to her right there in the alcove.