Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(30)
Chris motions for us to sit while keeping his eyes mostly on me. Between Jared, Maggie, Nathan and myself, we know how to flawlessly move about, around each other like a fluid dance, positioning ourselves in an intricate manner that would be missed by the naked eye during conversation. The four stunning actors sit across from us as Maggie is to my left and Jared and Nathan are to my right, completely blocking Caleb from having any kind of access to me.
“So . . . are you boys just finishing some work, or getting ready to head out to some?” Maggie begins.
Though she is attracted to these men, she only fumbles her words and wits when she’s in the presence of a man whom she is utterly smitten with. If given the opportunity, I don’t doubt she would seriously consider sleeping with one of them. I sure as hell would and am considering it, especially to dispel Caleb’s actions.
“Just finishing,” Chris eagerly answers.
“Same here,” beams Robert.
“Me too,” replies Elliot.
“I’ll be starting in a few weeks,” answers Marcus.
“How wonderful! Isn’t that wonderful, Emma?” Maggie playfully muses.
“Indeed,” I say, floating my eyes to each man and then staring at Chris.
I watch Chris glance slightly at Caleb to get a reaction, but he instantly stops when I lick my lips. Caleb obnoxiously pulls over a chair to sit alongside Elliot, trying to get into my line of sight, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction.
“Anything else lined up, or are you guys taking a break?” Jared directs towards Chris, Elliot and Robert.
Chris, Robert and Elliot each respond that they have projects lined up, but don’t need to leave for another several months. Conversations continue and lots of flirting between Chris, Robert, Elliot, Marcus, Maggie and myself continue on as Caleb scowls. We’re pleasantly disrupted by Molly who has brought up our bottle of champagne and several other drinks. Later, I’m relieved when Molly comes back and informs Caleb of something that requires his attention, forcing him to leave the room.
With Caleb gone, we all instinctually move about the room more freely and our chatting becomes more relaxed and friendly. After a while, I get up to stretch my legs and peer out the tinted glass window that overlooks the dance floor. Draping my arms across my chest and holding up the wine glass near my mouth, I stroke my lips with the tips of my fingers. The champagne is heightening my arousal and I’m weighing my options and their possible circumstances.
Chris and Robert join me while Elliot and Marcus stay focused on Maggie, Jared and Nathan. A fleeting thought of taking them both at the same time amuses me and would surely make several statements. It would let them know I’m not looking for anything other than a little fun and most importantly, that I do not belong to Caleb.
“Do you live around here?” Chris initiates with a hint of nervousness in his voice.
I turn with a widening grin, “In LA County. Yes.”
“How long have you known Caleb?” Robert delves into the lingering question on their collective minds.
“Just since the opening like you, Chris,” I say, taking a small step towards them. “I’ve only seen Caleb a few times after that when my friends and I have come into the club.”
We stand in silence for a bit. I’m curious to see where they want to go with the conversation and I think they are almost a little intimidated as well as not quite sure what to make of me.
I’ve never been with two men at the same time, but I am seriously considering it. They are both lucky that we aren’t already alone, because I’d probably have one of them straddled by now if we were.
“Would you like more champagne?” Chris finally slips in with a husky tone, breaking the awkward silence.
“No, thank you,” I return in a low voice as I caress my fingers across my lips.
Both men appear to be slightly uneasy at my directness. I wonder if they’ve ever had a woman be so forward with them — that, or their uncomfortable because of Caleb’s claim.
Deciding to press forward with my intentions, I inquire, “I was wondering if you would escort me to the ladies’ room? I’m not sure where it is up here and I’d rather not get lost.”
Both Robert and Chris look like deer in headlights. It’s almost comical.
“Umm, sure . . .” Chris hesitantly replies.
I bite my lip as I look to Robert for his response.
“Chris can show you . . .” he answers uncomfortably, not getting my hint or uneasy by the idea.
“Hmm . . . looks like you’ve got me all to yourself,” I deviously assert. “Are you sure you don’t want to join us, Robert?”
The realization settles on their faces about my implications as they both stare at me in bewildered astonishment. Chris looks at Robert to see if he’s joining us as he shifts and reaches his elbow for me to grasp. I’m impressed.
Giving Robert one last chance, Chris pauses. Waiting a few seconds, I announce to Maggie and the rest that Chris is escorting me to the ladies’ room. Nothing but wicked grins smear across Maggie’s, Jared’s and Nathan’s faces.
“I’m glad someone is making sure you don’t get lost,” Jared goads, grinning at Chris and nods.
Moments later, Chris is guiding me down the upper hallway away from the stairs that lead to the dance floor. A fleeting thought of concern passes over me, not because of what I’m about to do, but because the idea that he actually is taking me to the restroom enters my mind. My excitement races as I see Molly heading toward us, suddenly signaling us to follow her. To my delight, she leads us into a non-window room marked with a private sign that has two small couches across from each other inside it. Before closing the door, Molly and I make eye contact and I jerk my head, signaling for her to join us. She checks both ways before entering the room and locks the door. Before he can say anything, I reassure Chris that she’s joining us because I invited her. I’m not sure how much Molly will interact with him, but I might as well suffice my need with two options.