Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(28)
Maggie knows my body and I hers, but that will be coming to a screeching halt here soon. I always back off when she starts dating a man. Her friendship and happiness means more to me than the fun sex we have. Maybe that’s why my itch is so apparent, my body knows what’s coming and I’m starting to get back in the habit of withdrawing? Well, at least I have until they start having sex.
Since I choose not to respond to Jared’s stipulation about my rules, the conversation goes back to Maggie describing what has happened and what she thinks about Henry. I interject on occasion, revealing my antics at lunch today which still gets an embarrassed look on Maggie’s face. Nathan and Jared crack up and give me high fives for my interrogation.
Once I’ve added my jabs, I sit quietly pretending to listen as I continue to eat. My thoughts keep going back to what Jared said about Blue Eyes, I mean Joe, and my yearning increases.
One would think that masturbation on a regular basis would suffice — apparently not. I’m not a sex addict, but I’m definitely a horny girl. If, and I mean if, I would ever entertain the idea of a friend with benefits with someone other than Maggie, it would have to be a man who can not only arouse me, but bring me to full climax. None of the men I’ve slept with have been able to make me cum without me having to touch myself.
Settling our tab, the four of us head out to Ayana's that just opened about six months ago. It is a beautifully sculptured building that was constructed after several of the buildings on Sunset Boulevard were torn down. The interior is extravagantly designed for a nightclub, but it was tailored only for those with money in mind. The VIP rooms are usually rented out by celebrities and there is a one bottle minimum per table that starts at four hundred dollars. If you aren’t a celebrity or going in with one, then you’re pretty much stuck out in the line that trails out the door and wraps around the block all night. Most people never get to see the inside of this exquisite palace.
Fortunately, Jared’s local celebrity gets us right in the door, though some of the people working there know me too. The head bouncer, Garrett, has had the hots for Jared since they met at a bar in WeHo a few years ago. Garrett is a sweet and handsome man, but definitely not Jared’s type.
Ayana’s owner, Caleb Henderson, has been trying to seduce me into his bed since we met at Ayana’s opening night. Though Caleb is a mouthwatering piece of meat that any woman wouldn’t mind hopping on, I would be breaking at least one of my rules to shack up with him, plus, as soon as he opens his mouth, I’m turned off. Caleb is a bit of an arrogant prick who thinks he’s God’s gift to women.
With a line out the door, there are only about two hundred people scattered between the dance floor, the tables circling along the walls and the VIP sections. The hostess, Molly, escorts us to a corner table that is about twenty feet from the edge of the dance floor which is backed by a stage hidden by plush black velvet curtains — looks like there’s no live band tonight.
“What would you like to drink?” Molly inquires with a beautiful smile outlined in red hot lips after waiting for us to take our seats.
I’ve met Molly a few times in WeHo. She’s a beautiful black haired and green eyed vixen who I actually wouldn’t mind exploring for a night with the way my sexual itch is increasing. I know she has the same idea about me and Maggie as she looks both of us up and down with a flirting smile.
“A bottle of Cristal, please. Thank you,” I reply, returning the same look.
She nods and licks her lips before turning to leave. Thankfully, no one in my group notices.
“Hey, I was thinking you girls should come over tomorrow so we can catch up. Stay the night and we’ll be good to hit the beach in the morning . . . maybe party the whole weekend.” Nathan suggests, hoping we will.
It’s been a little while since we’ve all really gotten together, and he lives in downtown Santa Monica which is not too far from the volleyball courts.
“I’m in,” I indicate.
I really would love to get to hang out with Nathan. We connected right away when we met, just like I had with Jared and it’s been a while since we’ve just spent time together outside of business. Maybe that’s why I’m wishing they end up together. They complete each other even in their many similarities. He’s become a brother, like Jared.
“What about Henry . . . and Joe?” Maggie cautions.
“What about them?” Jared interjects. “You are just starting to get to know Henry and you don’t want to come across too desperate, do you?”
Jared is right as he tries to empower Maggie. She gets’s so insecure and loses confidence too quickly with any guy that shows interest.
“They can find their way to the beach,” I protest. “They’re big boys.”
“Come on, Mags?” Nathan urges with puppy dog eyes.
“Ok, fine,” she tentatively confirms.
“Yay!” shouts Nathan with genuine excitement as he dances in his seat. “It’s a girls night! Oh, and guess what? I’ve officially just started working on details for a women’s line to air in the fall. So, I need all of your feedback.”
Nathan has been interested in fashion since he was a teenager. He attended the Parson’s school in New York, and a few years later after working with a few top designers, started an all men’s line boutique in WeHo named Nathaniel’s. The man sure knows how to dress men, gay or not. I’d be really curious to see his take on women’s wear. If he’s as good with women’s clothing as I suspect, then I’ll be happy to back him to get that division going.