Deliciously British

by Scarlett Avery

  The cab just dropped me off in front of Hush. Like always in London, the streets are nearly as packed as the bars, restaurants and lounges. I love that about this city. I rotate in a three-hundred-sixty-degree circle, taking everything in. The atmosphere is vibrant, even electrifying. Elegantly dressed men and women swarm around me. Most everyone is walking around in couples or as part of a small a group. Very few people are alone. The more I stand here, the more freaked out I become.

  “Maybe this isn’t such a good idea after all,” I say under my breath. For a split second I consider hiring another cab to take me back to the apartment when my phone rings. I nervously rummage through my bag, pull it out and accept the call.

  “Hi, love. Are you close?”

  I swallow hard. “Oh, hi, Jeremy. I just got here.”

  “Brilliant. I can’t wait to see your beautiful face.”

  When I made the decision to throw caution to the wind and follow Maggie’s advice, I called Piper’s friend to let him know I was on my way. I can’t believe he’d be so considerate as to check up on me like this.

  “I’m warning you, it’s quite busy tonight.” It is. “When you get inside, you’ll notice there are two bars—a smaller one on the left-hand side of the room and a very large one that’s illuminated at the very back of the room. I’m working the smaller bar tonight. It’s more easy-going where I’ll be hanging out.”

  “Got it.”

  “Are you standing right in front of the building?” Jeremy asks.

  “Yes, I am.”

  “Excellent. You’ll notice there are two doors.”

  I stretch my neck out. “I see them. One is electric blue and the other silver.”

  “Exactly. You’ll also notice two different queues—one that’s insanely long and another that’s more manageable.”

  “I do.”

  “You’re heading towards the shorter one that’s lined up in front of the blue door.”

  Copy that. “Okay.”

  “Do you see a very tall guy with a slicked-back ponytail? He’s a big guy. He’s hard to miss.” Jeremy chuckles and I can already imagine what this guy looks like.

  I shift my head from left to right, trying to catch a glimpse of the man standing at the door. It seems like out of the blue a crowd has amassed in front of the building, making it nearly impossible for me to see. Even in my four-inch heels, I’m still not that tall. Lucky for me, a group of six beefy guys moves out of the way. Finally. I laugh when a guy who could double as a World Wrestling pro looks my way. “I do now.”

  “Good. That’s Matt, the bouncer. He takes care of our VIP customers. I’ve already told him to expect you.”

  “Oh.” Me a VIP? Wow. I’m taken aback.

  “You sound surprised, Delilah.”

  “I am. I’ve never been part of a VIP list before.”

  “That’s the only way to go with Piper.” He chuckles. Ain’t that the truth. “Since you’re one of her friends, I assumed it was the same for you.”

  “No. Not at all. I’m new to London. Piper and I work together. I’m more casual than she is.”

  “Regardless, for tonight you’re VIP.”

  “Okay, then.” There’s no point in arguing. Not to mention it’s rude not to be courteous when someone does something unexpected for you.

  “Great. Welcome to the club.”

  There’s no going back now.

  “Thank you, Jeremy.” I beam. “I guess tonight’s a night of firsts for me.”

  “I like the sound of that, kiddo.”

  “Me too,” I confess.

  “Go up to Matt and tell him you’re a friend of mine. He’ll make sure you jump in front of the queue. Even if you’re going VIP tonight, you don’t have to wait.”

  This night has barely started and it’s already so exciting. “I’ll be right in,” I cheer.

  “If you look half as hot as your sexy American accent, I’m in for a real treat.” Jeremy’s comment astounds me.

  “I guess you’ll have to wait and see.” My answer is flirtatious as hell. This audacious tone is new. I like it a lot.

  CHAPTER 9

  Xander

  I hang up with Ethan and follow the sexy little brunette who’s torturing me with each one of her steps. I’m just about to close in on her when a bald guy wearing a camel-colored suit shouts out her name and waves. What happens next is straight out of one of the sappy romantic movies my mom has playing twenty-four-seven at her house when she’s not working. The temptress in the pink dress—whom I now know as Jenny—waves back at the man, a huge grin taking over her face. Both of them run towards each other—not that I know how the hell she manages to do that with those skyscrapers strapped to her feet, but to my amazement, she does. They tangle in a steamy and passionate embrace. You’d think the cameras were rolling. The pair kiss for what seems to be an eternity. Things go from hot to heavy when Jenny starts grinding her hips against what I can only assume is a mighty erection.

  They’re at it until a passerby yells at them to get a room. You have to love Londoners for their frankness. I’m not sure if it’s real love or if it’s pure lust, but one thing is certain, that lucky bastard is getting his cock taken care of tonight. Strike one. Okay, I guess she’s officially off the list for a threesome.

  Unfazed, I set my sights on the blonde who caught my eye when I first arrived. I’m not sure if those monumental tits are fake, but tonight I’m easy. Real tits rule, but when my cock is so desperate, I wouldn’t dream of making a fuss. As I approach the entrance, one of the very tall and beefy bouncers standing guard already has his hand on the doorknob.

  “Xander. You’re back. You missed the naughty professor and bad girl-themed party we had last weekend to kick off summer. I’m surprised, mate. It was ridiculous. I’ve never seen it this wild.” From the way he shakes his head, it must have been quite the party.

  “Theo. It’s good to see you.” I punch his muscular arm. Clearly I’m being playful. You don’t want a guy like Theo to ever take a swing at you. He’d knock you out cold on contact. “I was in LA on business.”

  “Right. You missed a good one. Come to think of it, Ethan didn’t show up either.”

  “He was at another one of his chichi art galas,” I respond with a smile.

  “I see. You two have busier social calendars than the Royal Family,” Theo teases. “Will he be here tonight?”

  “Yeah, mate, he’s on his way. He just flew back from the French Riviera.”

  “Of course he did. Well, I’ve been roughing it here in ol’ London while the pair of you have been jet-setting around the world,” he mocks.

  “Yeah, but you get an eyeful of the most beautiful women in the city every single night when you’re manning the door. In my book, that’s an enviable position to be in.” I wink.

  “You got that right, mate,” Theo says proudly.

  “Even though I’m certain you already have dibs on all the prettiest girls here tonight, I think I’m going to head in and try to scrape up your leftovers,” I joke.

  Theo claps me on the shoulder. “It’s a dirty job, but someone’s has to do it,” he mocks.

  “Indeed, my friend,” I tease right back.

  “Xander, enjoy tonight,” he says, stepping aside to let me in.

  “Oh, trust me, I will.” I grin at him as I stride forward.

  I walk into the lounge with a definite purpose. I barely have one foot through the door when it hits me—the dancing lights, the head-bobbing club music and the crowd of sexy people sipping on expensive cocktails. You’d think that after one entire week of this in LA I’d get tired of it. Not a chance. It’s only twenty past eight. In other words, things are still quite subdued. It’s far too early for bodies to gyrate suggestively on the dance floor, but when the clock strikes midnight, this place transforms into the perfect arena to hook up with a willing candidate for a one-night stand. If you’re really lucky, it might even extend throughout the weekend. That’s exactly what I hope will happen
to Ethan and I.

  I head towards the long illuminated bar at the back of the room as I push my way through the animated crowd, looking around for the gorgeous blonde. When I don’t see her, I decide to start with a drink. She can’t be that far. I lean onto the bar and call out to the bartender. “Andy,” I shout.

  He flashes me a warm smile as he walks towards me. “Xander. Where the hell have you been?” he asks, stopping right in front of me. “I haven’t seen you in at least two if not three weeks. Are you partying your face off at our competitor’s lounge?”

  I shake my head. “I’d never dare to betray you.” I grin. “I just came back from California a few hours ago. The week before that I was in Dublin and the one before that I was in New York. Lately, I’ve spent more time on an airplane than I have at my own house.” I chuckle. “I’m glad I’m here tonight,” I say, pointing to the floor.

  “It’s good to have you back. Will your partner in crime grace us with his presence or is he too busy rubbing elbows with his rich, snooty clients?”

  “Absolutely. He’ll be here soon. As for the latter part of your question, he spent most of the day today on a client’s yacht in the South of France.”

  “Life is really hard for some of us.” Andy’s expression is priceless.

  “You don’t even know the half of it. Between my working practically every night until the wee hours in the morning while I was in Los Angeles and Ethan being forced to work on a Saturday without extra wages, we’re lucky we have enough energy left to drag our tired bodies out. I doubt I’ll have the energy to approach anyone—no matter how hot the ladies are tonight.” I’m being dramatic and Andy knows it.

  “You’re full of it, Xander, but then again, once a performer, always a performer.”

  “What can I say? Guilty as charged.” I shrug and smile widely.

  “It sounds more to me like the two of you are ready to stir up some trouble.” Andy winks.

  “It wouldn’t be nearly as fun if we didn’t,” I retort.

  We both laugh.

  “What can I get you, mate?”

  “I’ll have a Rusty Nail.”

  “Should I open a tab?”

  “That’s a great idea.”

  “In that case, one Scotch whisky and Drambuie coming up.”

  I barely have time to sit on the stool in front of me before Andy is back.

  “Enjoy.” He smiles and hands me my drink.

  I lift my glass at him. “Thanks, mate.”

  I take a few sips of my whisky drink when suddenly I feel a tap on my shoulder.

  “Oh, my God, you’re him, aren’t you?” The question is followed by a series of laughs. I detect there’s more than one of them. I drop my glass on the bar, slowly turn around and smile at the two women batting their eyelashes at me. The brunette grabs her friend by the arm and pulls her closer to her before speaking again. “Jesus Christ, Sandra, I told you it was him.”

  The blonde I now know as Sandra is nearly hyperventilating. She’s fanning herself with her left hand at such speed you’d think she’s about to take flight. “Mother of God, Ella, you’re so right. It’s him. It really is.” Although they’re talking about me, the two friends are facing each other. Sandra pulls her eyes away from Ella’s and focuses on me. “Are you who we think you are?”

  Our fame may have faded and our adoring fans are now grown women—many with kids—but we still get accosted. I’m not annoyed or upset by it. On the contrary, I’m flattered. Without our fan base, we would never have been able to enjoy the successful career we did. Most times when fans approach me, I oblige. I’ll gladly sign autographs and take selfies. So will Ethan. Tonight, I have other plans. Sandra and Ella aren’t part of them. Not to mention it’s one thing being recognized on the streets where you can get away. It’s quite different when you’re trapped in an enclosed space. I make the decision to go incognito. “I’m sorry, ladies. You must have mistaken me for someone else.” I hope I’m convincing enough. After all, people change a lot in eight years. “I’m just a lowly pencil-pusher hoping to put another long and boring week behind him.” I smile just before pivoting my body to grab my drink. I stop dead in my tracks.

  “Are you sure?” Ella is feisty.

  The crowd behind Sandra and Ella parts and my eyes land on cascading red hair and luscious curves filling a sexy black dress. From this vantage point, I can only see the sultry woman sitting at the other bar from the side, but so far I like what I see. A lot. Those are some serious hips. Sandra and Ella are still chatting away, something about me having a twin brother or something. I don’t hear half of it. My attention is elsewhere. My eyes are too busy feasting on the curves of the woman sitting across from me.

  The mysterious seductress pivots on her stool to face me and I’m able to take in all her glory. Her long hair is magnificent and frames her face beautifully. Those red lips could make a grown man weep. The V of her black dress is a provocative invitation. I just want to dive between her ample breasts and lose myself. She’s the kind of voluptuous beauty Ethan and I would take turns worshiping. Her blue eyes scan the room and when they zoom my way, I’m mesmerized. Jesus. I don’t think she sees me yet, but I’m sure she will.

  Lucky for me, one of the spotlights is shining bright right on top of her head. I can make out all of her features. She radiates. Even at this distance I catch a hit of flirtatious defiance in her gaze. Oh, yes. She’s begging for me to tame her. My gaze travels down to her creamy legs—miles of satin skin just begging for my touch. Fuck, my cock is so hard. Her feet are dangling and moving with the rhythm of the beat. When my eyes drop to her silver high-heeled sandals, my heart nearly stops. Red toenails to match her pout and her nails? Damn. That’s it. There’s no way I’ll allow another minute to go by without strutting across the room and introducing myself to her. She’s stunning. Scratch that. She’s fucking hot.

  I’m half-lost in my reverie admiring the stranger when I realize the two girls still standing near me haven’t stopped debating on how much I look like this celebrity they know. It’s time for me to say goodbye to Sandra and Ella.

  “I’m terribly sorry, ladies, but I’m going to have to excuse myself. Enjoy the rest of your evening,” I say, getting up. “Who knows, there might be a few real celebrities popping in later.” I wink. That does it. The two women smile and wave goodbye. They cheerfully skip toward the rear of the room.

  Now that the coast is clear, I turn around and pick up my half-empty drink. I round the crowd to the left, heading decisively toward the smaller bar, gulping down another sip on my way there. Fuck that blonde with the red fitted dress. I’m on a new mission now—seduce the redheaded temptress I can’t take my eyes off of.

  CHAPTER 10

  Delilah

  Piper was right. You can spot Jeremy in a crowded room with your eyes closed. With his blond hair and his height, he looks like a Viking. He’s definitely striking. I’m standing in front of the bar he’s working at and we’ve spent the last fifteen minutes or so getting to know each other. Although the number of people seems to grow with every passing minute and the DJ is spinning tune after tune, it’s still possible for me to hear Jeremy without having to strain my neck. My four-inch heels are sexy and they give me much needed height. Nonetheless, Jeremy must be a solid six-four.

  After a few friendly minutes, he turns into bartender mode again. “What’s your poison for tonight, love? The first one is on me. The others for the night are on Piper.” I open my mouth to protest, but Jeremy precedes me. “It’s never a good idea to argue with Piper. She always gets her way. Not to mention that I was wrong.”

  I frown. “How so?”

  “You look even hotter than I could have ever imagined.” His grin is so huge I can’t help but return it.

  I swat his arm. “Mister, if you keep that up, your words will go straight to my head.” I fan myself.

  “Good. That’s the plan. For now, what should I get you?”

  “Gin and tonic with a twist of lime,
please,” I say decisively.

  I only discovered this British classic a few weeks ago, but now I’m hooked.

  “You’re beautiful, smart and you have great taste? I might have to ask your hand in marriage before the end of the evening.”

  “How many girls have been on the receiving end of that line so far tonight?” I ask, trying not to show how flattered I am by his compliment.

  “None. No one looks nearly as breathtaking as you do.” He winks. “I’ll be right back with your drink.”

  “Thanks.”

  I guess it’s easier for me to flirt on British soil than it is at home.

  This night is going so well so far. I must admit that when I first walked in, I was as nervous as a whore in church, but Jeremy has done an amazing job at distracting me. Other than the movie theater, I don’t think I’ve ever gone out on my own. I don’t even think I’ve gone out to a restaurant alone. This is a huge accomplishment for me.

  I pull my body on the bar stool in front of me. If I stand too long in these shoes, my feet will hurt in no time. Once my butt is comfortably seated, I exhale, relieved.

  “Here you go, Delilah,” Jeremy says, tapping me on the shoulder. I turn on my seat and grab the tumbler the tall blond is handing me with a smile.

  “Thanks,” I cheer.

  “As much as I’d like to spend the rest of this evening chatting you up, I need to pay for my overpriced flat. Things are only going to get busier from here on end. If you need me, wave and I’ll come running,”

  “I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me so far,” I say.

  “It’s nothing. One last thing, our male clientele is usually well behaved, especially in the VIP room. If anyone gives you a hard time and I’m not around, you can always go to Matt. There are three other bouncers working the room who can also be backups. You can’t miss them. They’re all beefy and all wearing an earpiece.”