“CUPCAKE, I THINK you need to wake up now.”
My eyes slowly flutter open and the bright sunlight beaming through my window makes me close them tight again. “Shit.” I roll over and cover my head with my pillow, hearing Joey’s soft giggle.
“Seriously, Dylan, you’re going to sleep the day away if you don’t get up.”
Sleep the day away? I push back onto my shins to look at the clock.
“It’s three thirty? In the afternoon? Fuck.” I shoot out of bed and run into the bathroom. “Joey, why the hell did you let me sleep this late? And how did I even get up here?” He follows me into the bathroom and leans against the door as I brush my teeth and unruly hair.
“First of all, I came in this morning to find you passed out face down on the workbench. So, being the nice guy that I am, I carried you up here and put you to bed.”
I splash my face with cold water and dry it with a towel, turning to smile at him. “Oh, God. I bet I was a sight.” He shrugs and steps aside as I walk into the bedroom and begin getting dressed.
“And secondly, I’ve been trying to wake you for the past four hours.”
I roll my eyes at his statement. Of course, he’s been trying to wake me up and I’ve slept through it. What the hell don’t I sleep through besides my alarm? I slip on my jeans and a black tank top before I walk out from behind the partition. “Four hours? Jesus. Oh, shit.” My stomach drops. “I missed my consultation.”
He smiles sweetly at me and I want to punch him. What is he, mental? That’s money lost. “Relax, I took care of it. Mrs. Frey was more than happy to meet with me since you were suffering from a stomach bug. You’re welcome.”
“I love you. You know that, right?”
He wraps me up into a big hug and kisses the top of my head. “You better. Come on, I have something to show you.”
I follow him down the stairs and into the bakery. Everything is in perfect order, which I knew it would be. Joey is more than capable of handling shit while I sleep my life away. “God, I’m starving. I feel like I haven’t eaten in days. Ooohhh, and you iced the mocha cupcakes.” I pull a blueberry muffin out from the almost bare display case and begin nibbling on it while spacing out the remaining treats. Joey emerges from the back carrying a familiar looking white box. Oh, God.
“Of course I iced them. And they have been selling like crazy too, along with everything else today. We’ve been slammed.” He places the box on the counter in front of me and I swallow loudly. “But who gives a shit about cupcakes or anything edible right now. You have no idea how hard it has been to not open this.” He pushes it closer to me. “Now get to it.”
My heart begins beating so hard in my chest I think for sure it will crack my sternum. “Maybe later.” I push it away from me easily. Hmm. Definitely not flour.
“Fuck that noise. Since you aren’t going to freely tell me why you couldn’t get any sleep last night, which I’m just going to assume was because a certain someone was on your mind, you will open this right now.” He pushes it back in front of me and pulls the ribbon.
“Same delivery guy?” I ask and he nods. Not that I really had any doubt. Placing my half-eaten muffin down, I open the box, grabbing the brown card that is lying on top of the tissue.
“Read it out loud,” he squawks.
“No. What if he’s confessing to a murder? I would hate for you to be an accessory.” Joey mumbles something under his breath as I unfold the note and step back, giving myself the illusion of privacy.
Dylan,
Next time I go to Agent Provocateur to replace something of yours, you will be accompanying me.
X Reese
“Fuck me.” I throw the card at Joey and riffle through the tissue paper, slowly pulling out the pair of purple lacy panties with the tiny ribbons on the sides.
He slams his hand down on the counter. “Jesus Fucking Christ. He bought you panties?”
“Yeah. I mean, he took the ones from the wedding and I jokingly told him he had to buy me a replacement pair.” I stare at the panties, my face instantly heating up at the realization that Reese actually went lingerie shopping for me. Christ, this is seriously hot. “I was totally kidding though.”
Joey re-reads the note several times before he turns to me, fanning his face with the card. “This has to be the hottest note I’ve ever read. Like, I could seriously have an orgasm from reading this.” His mouth drops open and he steps closer to me, admiring the panties in my hand. “Wait a minute. What do you mean he kept your panties from the wedding? You went home without panties?”
I snatch the note back and slip it into my pocket. “Oh, hold off on the judgment please. Like you haven’t gone without your delicates before.” He looks toward the ceiling for a memory and smiles as I laugh at him. “Shit, Joey. How hot is this?”
“Wickedly hot. Sweet Lord, you need to fuck him again and fast before I drug him and drag him over to my side.”
I laugh until my side hurts and am only interrupted when the shop phone rings.
“Dylan’s Sweet Tooth.” I giggle into the phone as Joey studies my panties like a weirdo. “Give those back, you perv,” I whisper away from the phone.
“Dylan?”
My back straightens and I almost drop the phone. I know that voice. Clearing my throat and pretending I don’t, I answer after a beat. “Yes, this is Dylan.”
“It’s Reese.”
“Oh, hi.” I swat at Joey to get his attention and mouth it’s him. He drops my panties on the counter and quickly snatches the phone away from me. What? No!
“Reese. You stud you. My girl is dying for you to impregnate her.”
“GIVE ME THE PHONE.”
He grins and nods as I jump up and try to snatch it. Damn it to hell, he’s tall. “Yup. She just opened your package. Speaking of packages, just how big is your dick? As memorable as she says?” I am going to kill him. Slowly.
Grabbing the phone out of his hand, I punch him as hard as I can in his shoulder as he laughs at me. “Asshole. Shit, my hand. You’re fucking dead, Holt.” I shake my hand in the air and bring the phone up to my ear. “Hello?” I say through a wince of pain. Oh, God. Please tell me he didn’t hear any of that.
“Hi, love. What’s this about you wanting to carry my children?” I can hear the smile in his voice, obviously enjoying himself immensely. I, on the other hand, want to hurl myself into traffic.
“Sorry. Joey drinks.” This is mortifying. “Can I help you with something?”
“Is your hand okay?”
A customer walks through the door and Joey gets to work helping her. After flipping him off, I watch him giggle at me as I slip into the back for some much needed privacy. “Yes, it’s fine, I think.” Making a fist to stretch it out, I smile at my next move. He sends me a naughty note; he’s going to get naughty Dylan. “How’s your hand?”
“My hand? And why would something be wrong with my hand, sweet Dylan?”
I sigh. Sweet Dylan. Lord, help me, this guy is smooth. “Well, I just assumed you jerked off repeatedly at the image of me in each and every item in that store today. In fact, I’m counting on it.” The sound of coughing comes through the phone and I chuckle. “So tell me, why exactly would I accompany you to Agent Provocateur? I’m there enough as it is.”
After a brief moment of just his breathing in my ear, which is making the hair on my neck stand up, he speaks. “Do you own any garters?” His voice is low and taut. Christ, he sounds seductive, even at work.
I can feel my pulse hammering in my neck as I bite my bottom lip. “Maybe, why?”
“Wear one tonight.”
Tonight? I’m going out for drinks with Joey and Juls tonight. Of course, where Juls goes, Ian goes. And Ian must have told Reese. I suddenly can’t wait for drinks.
“You know those cost a pretty penny, don’t you? I would hate to lose such an expensive item of clothing when you decide to steal it.” Even though I wouldn’t mind it entirely. He can confiscate every article of clothing I have for all I care.
“Who said anything about you taking it off?”
I grip the workbench and close my eyes, suddenly feeling like I could combust.
“Reese.”
“Dylan.”
I glance down at my shirt, my aroused nipples highly visible now. I moan softly into the phone before I answer in a whisper, “I’m so wet right now.”
A loud crack rings through the receiver and I know he’s dropped it. Ah, sweet victory.
“Are you serious?” he murmurs and I chuckle at his response. “Shit. You can’t tell me that when I’m stuck at work.”
I run my hand up and around my neck, feeling the clamminess of my skin. “Well, I am. That voice of yours does that to me.”
Joey pops his head through the doorway and I immediately freeze. “Cupcake, we need more éclairs.”
I nod quickly, eyes wide as Joey’s grin gets bigger. “I guess I’ll see you later then?” I ask, moving toward the pastry rack. I know my face is beet red, and I feel like I’ve just been caught masturbating. Shit, I practically was.
He breathes heavily into the phone. “I’m counting on it.” The call ends, allowing me to grab the container of éclairs with both hands after I place the phone down on the worktop.
Turning quickly, I see Joey watching me, arms crossed. “You look all hot and bothered,” he says slyly through his smile.
“I am. And I’m not sure how I feel about it either.”
Pushing past him, I walk to the display case and fill the tray of pastries. He leans against the doorframe. “What does that mean? He wants you, obviously; you want him, again, obviously, so what’s the problem here?”
I close the case. “No problem. This is just sex. Really fucking good sex. So, no problem.” I brush past him and shake my head, silently communicating this conversation is over. Because this is just sex. And even though I’ve always been a relationship kind of girl, I am more than capable of handling hot casual sex. Right?
Joey and I arrived at The Tavern at eight thirty p.m. after I spent over an hour debating what to wear. I’ve settled on my cream summer dress that hugs my curves in the most sinfully way possible. It bunches in the front, accentuating my cleavage, and falls just above my knees. Paired with my matching heels, and feeling my garter cling to my thighs, I feel secretly sexy. My hands shake as we step through the door, Joey leading the way through the packed bar. I have no idea why I’m so nervous. I’ve already had sex with the guy. And now I know for sure he enjoyed it as much as I did and doesn’t regret it. But for some reason, my heart is pounding in my ears and my stomach is clenched tight. Come on, Dylan. You can do this. He wants you and you sure as hell want him.
I follow Joey to the bar where Juls is perched on a stool, messing with her phone. With no members of the Chicago man candy club in sight, I breathe a sigh of relief.
“Finally. Holy hell, Dylan. That dress. Shit, that might actually kill him.” She grins wickedly and runs her eyes down my body.
I twirl quickly as Joey whistles. “You bitches annoy me with your hot little figures,” he grumbles, motioning for the bartender.
“Joey is buying because he’s a shithead who steals phones out of people’s hands,” I say as Juls hops down from her stool.
“Excellent. I love it when Joey is a shithead. White Zinfandel for me, JoJo.”
He glares at her and then at me.
“Don’t you dare look at me like that. Telling Reese I wanted to have his babies. You’re lucky I’m only making you buy us drinks.” I cock my head to the side and stare him down.
“Ha! Oh, my God. You would have the prettiest babies,” Juls squeals.
“I know, right?” he echoes.
I roll my eyes. “You’re both mental.”
Juls grabs my hand and tugs me through the crowd, stopping at an empty tall table. My eyes scan the room as I settle on my stool. I quickly tap my fingers on the table and bite the inside of my cheek.
“You’re nervous,” she states as my eyes meet hers across the table.
“I don’t know, maybe this is a bad idea.”
She arches her brow at me.
“I feel like I’m trying too hard. I mean, I’m wearing a fucking garter under this for Christ’s sake.”
“So am I. High-five, sweets.” I can’t help but giggle at her naughty enthusiasm as I humor her and slap her hand. Of course, Juls is wearing a garter. Between the two of us, I’m sure we’ve accumulated one of every item in Agent Provocateur.
Joey returns moments later with our drinks. “Well, in case Billy is a no show, Ty the bartender is available for my licking.”
I grab my drink and take a sip as Juls snickers. “What is going on with Billy? Have you spoken to him since the wedding?” I ask.
He takes a sip of his beer before answering. “He’s texted me a few times. You know me though, always gotta have one waiting for me in the wings.” He’s being evasive. Joey is never evasive.
“I love how you think that answer is going to satisfy us. And since when are you tight lipped about your hook ups?” I say as Juls nods in agreement.
“Seriously, JoJo, who the hell do you think you’re talking to here? I happen to know from a very well hung, reliable source that you and Billy saw each other last night. And pretty much every night since the wedding.”
“Ian told you that? Christ, he is whipped. Your pussy must be like some fucking nirvana or some shit.”
My mouth drops open as Juls smiles and shrugs playfully. “Oh, is that right? I thought you weren’t sure how you felt about him and his curved penis?”
He looks quickly around the room and takes a sip of his beer. “It’s growing on me.”
“I bet it is, on you and in you,” Juls barks and we fall into a fit of giggles as her phone lights up. “Ooohhh, they’re here,” she squeals excitedly.
My back goes rigid and my pulse begins to race. As if my body is somehow wired to his, I look up at the doorway just as he walks through behind Ian. I listen to my heavy breathing as he moves like liquid through the crowd of people. Eyes dark and hooded in the amber glow of the bar, hair perfectly messed up, making my fingers ache to touch. And that sexy as hell mouth that is glistening as if he just licked it. Good God, he is glorious to look at. Needing the liquid courage, I down my drink and earn myself a wide-eyed look from Joey as the men walk toward our table.
“Hey, babe,” Juls says as Ian wraps his arms around her back. He smothers her in quick kisses as she moans softly against him.
“Dylan, Joey, it’s nice to see you both,” Ian says.
I raise my glass at him as Joey does the same, my eyes locking on to Reese. He walks around the table, his gaze never leaving mine as he comes and stands next to my stool.
“Hi.” His voice is low and soft as his hand rests on my lower back, claiming me in front of everyone. Yes, that’s right. I’m with him. Move along, ladies.
“Hi, yourself.” I turn my body and cross one leg over the other, the hem of my dress rising up on my thigh and quickly catching his attention. I admire him while he admires my legs. He’s looking as hot as ever in a dress shirt and tie, which is partially loosened, and regarding me sweetly, with soft eyes and parted lips.
“You look…” he runs a hand through his hair and I smile, his eyes slowly scanning my body. “…I like your dress. A lot.”
“Thanks. Wait till you see what’s under it.”
Stepping closer to me so his leg is brushing against mine, he slowly trails his hand up my thigh under the table and stops at the metal clips of my garter. His neck pulses as he swallows and slides his hand back out, pulling down my dress.
“Per your request,” I say as his lip curls up in the corner.
“So, Dylan, how’s the bakery business going? That wedding cake you made was really fucking good, right, Joey? Didn’t you have like six pieces?” Ian says as he steals Juls’ stool before pulling her into his lap. She runs her fingers along his collar, blissfully oblivious to anyone but him.
“Whatever. I burned it off later with Billy.”
“Well, I’m glad you guys got to enjoy the cake since I didn’t. I was a bit preoccupied with my own drama.” My eyes quickly flick to Reese who is watching me, studying me with a small smile. I give him a quick wink before I turn back to Ian. “But yeah, business is good. Busy as we usually are in the summer. I think I have a wedding every weekend to bake for until September.”
“Yeah, we’re crazy busy. And when she’s not whipping up wedding cakes, she’s floating on cloud nine all over that damn shop from the love notes and deliveries she’s been receiving.” Joey sighs dramatically as I tense in my seat. “It’s all very romantic.”
Reese’s hand moves on my back, his thumb rubbing the material of my dress.
I quickly shove my chatty friend and spill some of his beer on the table. “Remind me why I hired you as my assistant?”
“Because I’m gorgeous and can sell anything to anyone,” he replies playfully.
“Please, you say that like my treats don’t sell themselves.” I twirl my ice in my glass. “If anything, you’re more of a liability to have around. Just how many sexual harassment suits are pending against you this month?” Not that he really has any, but it wouldn’t surprise me with the way Joey flirts daily with customers. He rolls his eyes as Juls giggles against Ian.
“Jesus Christ. You two fight like you’re married,” Billy says as he approaches the table with three beers, passing two of them to Ian and Reese.
“We practically are, and before you ask, I’m the man in the relationship,” I reply, sucking on an ice cube before dropping it back into my glass. Reese laughs quietly next to me and I glance up at him, meeting his stare.
“Baby, do you hear what I have to put up with daily? Tell Dylan to be nice to me.” Joey strokes Billy’s arm, and I see my opportunity.
“Hey, Joey, would you like me to get you anything from the bar? Another beer, some food, your balls maybe?” Juls slams her hand down on the table and laughs as Billy’s face lights up. Ian and Reese both chuckle as Joey glares at me.
“Bitch,” he murmurs.
“Anyway,” Billy stretches out before his eyes flash to Reese and then quickly to mine. “Reese tells me you thought he was married. That’s probably the funniest thing I’ve heard all year.”
“Fuck off,” Reese mutters against his glass.
Billy chuckles and sweetly rubs Joey’s arm. “Oh, come on. You? Tied down?” Billy’s eyes shift from Reese to mine after I register Reese’s slight head shake. “It was even funnier when we heard how you slapped the shit out of him for it.”
“Shit yeah it was,” Ian chimes in and kisses Juls quickly on the cheek. “I would’ve paid to see that.” I shrug and glance up at Reese who seems to be thinking of something, his eyes staring off past the table.
“You should have seen how pissed she was in the shop. I actually thought she was going to return back to work with your balls in her purse,” Joey directs toward Reese, and I shift in my chair, feeling his eyes on me as I slowly glance up and meet them.
“Well, I happen to be very fond of my testicles, so I’m glad that shit got cleared up.” He looks around at everyone before dropping his eyes back to mine. Leaning in, he holds my neck with one hand and whispers into my hair, “Come home with me.”
I shake my head slowly and smile, glancing quickly around the table. Joey and Billy are now in deep conversation as they both walk toward the bar together, and Juls is straddling Ian’s lap. Sweet Jesus, get a room is right. My gaze goes back to Reese. His eyes narrow as he picks up my glass and slips an ice cube in his mouth, slowly sucking on it and making my skin tingle. I swallow loudly.
“Why not? I want to take you to bed, immediately.”
I blink slowly, suddenly feeling drunk from his voice and the intensity behind it. “No beds,” I say flatly, seeing his expression shift to curiosity. I explain myself. “Beds are intimate. And we’re just having fun. Keeping it casual. Right?”
He studies me as he places my empty drink down. “Of course.”
“Sex in beds leads to sleepovers, and I think it would be better for me if we didn’t take it there.” This has to be said. If I’m going to attempt to just have casual sex with Reese, I can’t do anything that would lead to me getting attached. I’m already losing sleep over the man and we barely know each other.
“Are you telling me that I’m restricted to fucking you in public places only?”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“No, love, fucking you anywhere could never be a bad thing. I was just dead set on getting your hot little ass in my bed.” His eyes burn into mine as his hand lightly trails down my shoulder.
I smooth his tie down as his fingers trickle down my arm. “I just think this is how it needs to be. Besides, I’m sure there are at least a handful of hard surfaces in here that you’ve already thought about throwing me up against.”
His infectious laugh pulls me in and I join him. “Yes, you’re right about that.” His hand holds the side of my face and he leans in, brushing his lips softly against mine before pulling back an inch. “But I want to get you naked, and I’d prefer it if I did it without an audience. Are you opposed to fucking in vehicles?”
After swiping my tongue across my lip to taste him, I grab my purse and stand up. “Not at all. Lead the way, handsome.”
We say our goodbyes to Juls and Ian who pay us little attention. They’re practically having sex at the table now anyway and couldn’t care less what we do. He grabs my hand and pulls me through the bar and out the door, leading me down the sidewalk and stopping in front of a vehicle that makes my jaw hit the pavement.
“Holy shit. You drive a Range Rover?” I ask as he pulls his keys out and hits the unlock button.
“Yes. Is that okay?”
“Don’t these things cost like ninety grand?” My eyes rake over the car with amazement.
He laughs and opens the back door. “Something like that.”
I squeal as I’m lifted off my feet and pushed into the back seat. Reese slides in behind me and closes the door. Pulling me into his lap, I straddle his waist as his hands slide down my sides and hold tightly on to my hips. His thumbs press against the front of my pelvis and I feel my core constrict.
“Are you sure I can’t convince you to let me take you to my place? I want to slowly devour you, and I feel like this venue won’t allow me to appreciate it as much.”
I laugh against his mouth, slowly licking his bottom lip until he opens for me and tangles his tongue with mine. Christ, I forgot how good he was at this. Just kissing.
I somehow manage to break away for a second. “Mmm, devour me, huh?”
He nods, tilting my head up with his hand and kissing down my neck. My hem is hiked up with his other hand and his fingers graze my stockings where they meet my garter.
“Would you be able to devour me on a couch?”
He pulls back and I drop my head. “Couches aren’t intimate?”
“No, not at all. And I want to be devoured on yours. Slowly.” His forehead is resting against mine and we’re both panting. I’ve given in easily to the idea of going home with him, really easily. But honestly, this man could convince me to do anything at this point. I’m fairly certain that if he asked me to commit a major felony with him, I would do it willingly and with the same fucking smile that I’m wearing now.
His eyes widen and he slides me off his lap. “Fuck yes. Let’s go, love.”