Captivate her: Laws of Seduction Book 1, page 7
“Okay, stop right there. You have to give James a chance.”
We reach our apartment and Sam calls dibs on the shower, so I offer to order takeout. I order chicken Caesar salads from our favorite deli. As I am pouring us both glasses of white wine, my phone chimes with a text from Nick.
Going clubbing tomorrow night at Bleu Ciel. You in?
A night out with Nick and Sam is exactly what I need, so I reply back.
Hell, yea!
Can’t wait.XX
CHAPTER 12
I have always liked going out in the summer. In the winter you have to worry about freezing outside, and inside you are stuck with a coat. Tonight I am looking forward to dressing for summer. I choose a black sleeveless bustier-style top. Black lace covers me from the top of the bustier to my collarbone. It has a narrow cut that shows off my tan shoulders. I pair it with a light green, flirty skirt and silver, peep-toe sling backs. I go a little heavier than usual with my eye make-up after applying bronzer and light pink lip gloss. Even though it will be hot, I leave my hair down, letting it air dry after applying a salt spray for a beach look. I add a black and gold armband and a chunky gold bracelet on one of my wrists and I am good to go.
Sam looks summery in a short, one-shoulder white chiffon dress. It was her newest acquisition from her sister, and it was stunning. Sam has left her straight, blond hair down and pulled to one side, emphasizing the shoulder left bare by her dress.
“That dress is fantastic,” I tell Sam, and she gives a little twirl.
“I know.” She laughs in delight. “You look pretty awesome yourself. Come on. I told Dylan we would stop and pick him up.”
I was looking forward to meeting Dylan, who Sam started dating while I was visiting my family. They had met a few weeks ago at a bar – cliché, I know. They had both been at a happy hour with friends after work. Somebody from her group knew somebody from his group, and they had started talking. It had been going pretty well, and I was excited to meet him. We have to walk to Ninth Avenue to find a cab, but one appears immediately. Sam shoots Dylan a text message that we are on our way, and he is waiting outside when we arrive at his apartment building in Chelsea. I take him in as he steps towards the taxi. He is about six feet tall and has blond hair. Together he and Sam look like Ken and petit Barbie. Dylan sits next to Sam, who moves to the middle seat.
Dylan pulls a small flask from his pocket and passes it to me. “Nice to meet you, Lainey.” I meet his smiling blue eyes before the overhead light shuts off. “Likewise,” I say, before tipping the flask back against my mouth. My throat burns as the liquor hits it, and I pass the flask to Sam, who also takes a pull before handing it back to Dylan. I give Dylan a wink. “I see you come prepared.”
He winks back. “Always.”
“I bet you were a boy scout.”
“Guilty,” he admits.
Dylan seems cool, and I can see what Sam sees in him. He exudes a laid-back vibe that makes me think of a California surfer dude. I am immediately comfortable around him.
Our driver seems to be particularly aggressive and changes lanes over and over again. Luckily we are wedged together in the back seat, which keeps us from being thrown back and forth. My cell phone chimes, and I look down to see that I have a text from James. Have you been thinking?
Yes, I think all the time.
Ha-Ha. About next weekend?
Still need some time
I can’t stop thinking about you. I need to be inside you again.
I can feel myself blush, and I look over at Sam and Dylan. They are speaking together in lowered voices and not paying any attention to me. I contemplate what to write back and settle on honesty.
I can’t deny that I am tempted.
You are killing me.
I think you’ll live (:
):
After a short pause I receive another text from James.
Where are you?
On my way to a club.
Alone?
With Sam and her boyfriend
Which club?
Why?
Just curious
Bleu Ciel in the Meatpacking District
After a pause, I decide to add Where are you?
Having dinner with a friend.
Where?
Gotham Bar and Grill
Nice
I’ll take you there sometime. Just come with me this weekend.
Has anyone ever told you that you are kind of pushy?
I’m a lawyer. Sue me.
LOL
When we get into Bleu Ciel, we text Nick and find him at a table with Brad and Davis. They both stand up to give Sam and me hugs, and Sam introduces Dylan. Nick pulls me aside. “I hope you don’t mind that we brought Davis.”
“Of course not. Why would I mind?”
Nick gives me an arch look. “Good, because he was very interested in coming once he found out who would be here.”
“Hmm, that’s nice.”
“So that’s the way we’re going to play it, are we?”
“I don’t know what you mean,” I reply innocently. Nick cocks his brow at me before turning back to the others.
I have my usual gin and tonic and manage to drink most of it before Sam pulls me out to dance. The DJ is good, and I lose myself in the pulsing beat of the music. I close my eyes and feel the throb of the music as I move. Opening my eyes, I see Nick and Brad under the laser lights, which give them an eerie look. I feel someone grinding behind me and turn my head to see Davis. He gives me a smile and a wink as he moves his palm to my stomach and tugs me closer. Davis is a good dancer, and we move well together. After we dance for a while, he takes my hand and pulls me toward a door leading outside. “I thought we could use a break, and it’s easier to talk out here.”
“Yea, it can get loud in there,” I agree.
Davis puts his hands in his pockets and looks down at his feet for a moment before looking back up at me. “I haven’t heard much from you lately. Is everything okay?”
“Yea, definitely. Starting my job has been a bit exhausting, but I think I’m finally getting into the routine.”
“I’d still love to take your picture sometime.”
“I’d love that too.” I give him a big smile. “It’s not every day that I get to be an artist’s muse.”
Davis rolls his eyes, and I can tell that he doesn’t like to show off his talent. “I’ve seen your work, Davis. It’s beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful.” Davis bends his head down as if to kiss me when Nick bursts through the door.
“There you two are.” Nick waves his arm back in the direction of the club. “Come on. Brad just got everyone shots of tequila.” I can’t help laughing a little at Davis’s look of consternation. He gives me a wry smile before taking my hand and following Nick back into the club.
Back at the table, everyone is waiting for us. We sit down, and Sam hands me the salt. “To new relationships,” she says. Looking flirtatiously at Dylan, she runs her tongue over the salt on her hand before tipping back her tequila and biting a wedge of lime. He does the same and leans down to kiss her. We all groan, and Brad hoots, “Get a room.”
Coming up for air, Sam gives Dylan another peck on the cheek before demanding that I go with her to the restroom. We make our way through the throngs of dancers and spectators. It is a precarious undertaking in four-inch heels. I feel a sharp prick in my arm and look around for the cause. Seeing nothing, I rub the spot. It felt like I had been jabbed by a needle, and I am anxious to get to the restroom, where I can inspect my arm under better light. By the time we reach the restrooms I am feeling a little woozy. I have to concentrate to understand what Sam is saying to me.
“You looked like you were having a good time dancing with Davis,” she teases me as we wait in line for the restrooms.
I can feel the goofy smile on my face as I say, “Yea, he’s a pretty good dancer.”
“Look at you… playing the field. I am so proud of you.”
I remember I was going to do something when I got to the restroom. My mind doesn’t want to cooperate, and I seem unable to grasp any thought for long. When we get back to the dance floor, the other dancers start to shimmer and the walls wobble back and forth. Davis is dancing with me again, and the feel of his hands on my skin makes me think of the night I spent with James. A floating sensation overcomes me. I imagine floating on the ocean with waves rocking me and the hot sun beating down against my skin.
CHAPTER 13
I dimly become aware of a clanking noise. What is it? It reminds me of the sound of a boat hitting a dock. Where am I? I take inventory. I am in a bed, a soft bed. Naked, no wait – I’m wearing my thong. There is something odd about this bed, and then I realize that it is not mine. I sit up abruptly, looking around. I notice two things immediately. First, James is sitting in an armchair beside the bed. Second, the clanking noise is the sound of a spoon hitting the sides of the cup he is stirring.
“I thought you might like some coffee,” he says in his rich baritone voice.
There are a million questions racing through my head, but my lips can’t seem to formulate a single one. “Thank you,” I say and reach out for the cup, which is when I notice that the sheet that had been covering me has pooled around my waist. I make a grab for it and tuck it under my arms, although I actually feel like pulling it over my head in embarrassment. Since I am occupied with the sheet, James sets the coffee on the bedside table next to me before sitting back down in his chair.
My mind finally settles on a question. “How did I get here?”
James cocks his head to the side and looks at me. “You don’t remember?”
I shake my head back and forth.
James lets out a deep sigh. “Well, you gave me a call at about 2 a.m.”
I swallow my chagrin. “I did?”
“Yes, you did. I couldn’t understand anything you were saying, so I decided I had better go and make sure you were alright. You had told me you were going to Bleu Ciel, and I just hoped you were still there. Is any of this coming back to you?”
I silently shake my head no again, and he gives another sigh. “It turns out you were fine, just high on something.”
“But I didn’t take anything,” I assert in a voice I recognize as too high pitched. I try to lower my tone. “I swear I didn’t take anything… I would never… Surely I would remember that.”
“How much did you have to drink?”
I think back. “Two… maybe three gin and tonics… oh, and a shot of tequila.”
“That wouldn’t explain it.”
“Wouldn’t explain what?” I am beginning to feel frustrated with this conversation. “Why are you being so cryptic?”
James runs a hand through his already tousled hair before spitting out, “When I got there you were dancing with some guy.”
I interrupt him “Davis?”
“Maybe. I didn’t catch his name, but you seemed to know him.”
“Okay, probably Davis. Go on.”
He gives me a scowl. “You two were pretty into it.”
I shrug. “I can’t confirm or deny, since I… don’t… remember.” I stress my last three words.
James clears his throat. “You seemed pretty happy to see me and… attached yourself to me, for lack of a better way to put it. You were babbling nonsense that no one could understand. Although you somehow made it pretty clear that you wanted to go home with me.”
“What?” I squeak in horror.
“I assume that is rhetorical,” James says dryly.
I sit there flabbergasted for a few minutes before attempting to question him further. “And Sam just let you take me with you?”
“We all decided that it would be best, yes.”
“I am going to have to have a few words with her.” I scowl at him in displeasure. “You could have done anything to me.” I realize too late what I have said and watch his eyes narrow.
“Are you suggesting that I would take advantage of a woman? A woman who is completely out of it, to the point she doesn’t even remember anything the next morning?”
“I guess now would not be a good time to ask why I am nearly naked in your bed?”
James narrows his eyes even further. “No, it would not be. I don’t care for your insinuations.”
Maybe I shouldn’t poke the bear. Not wanting to meet James’s eyes, I look down at my hands, wondering why I feel the urge to provoke him. “I’d like to get up now.” I glance around looking for my clothes and spot them on the floor.
“Alright. If you want to take a shower, I can bring you something to wear. There’s a new toothbrush in the bathroom.”
A shower sounds heavenly. I look back up at James and say, “Thank you.” He nods his head, stands up, and walks towards the door. At the door he turns back, “I’ll lay the clothes on the bed.” I take a few sips of the coffee he has brought me, which is creamy and sweet. It makes me feel a little more human.
I find everything I need in the bathroom. The shower sprays from two directions, immersing my whole body in hot water. It feels exquisite. I draw out washing for as long as possible, then force myself out of the shower. I wrap myself in a fluffy towel and stand in front of the mirror to brush my teeth with the new toothbrush. He must have a steam-free mirror, because my clear image reflects back at me. I also find a comb and pull it though my wet hair. Going back into the bedroom, I find a worn t-shirt and sweats. They are both much too big for me, and I assume they belong to James. I pull the drawstring at the waist of the sweats as tight as possible and turn it down several times. They aren’t a bad fit after I also turn up the cuffs. The t-shirt comes down to the middle of my thigh, but at least it is comfortable.
James is sitting at his dining room table with his open laptop in front of him. He seems absorbed in his work and doesn’t look up when I come in, so I clear my throat. His eyes come up to meet mine before running down my body. His lips curve up, and I hold my hands out from my sides and twirl in a circle. “You like?”
His grin broadens. “Very sexy.”
I roll my eyes and glance around the room, not sure of what to do with myself. James stands up from his chair and walks toward the kitchen. “You must be hungry. Let me make you something to eat.”
“You cook?” I ask in surprise.
“Hardly, but I have been known to make a sandwich.” Taking out two slices of bread, he spreads mayonnaise on one and piles slices of tomato on another. Next he pulls open the oven and takes out some bacon sitting on a paper towel-covered plate. My mouth waters as he places the crisp bacon on top of the tomato and covers it with the mayonnaise-slathered slice of bread. He cuts it in half diagonally before placing it on a plate and sliding it in front of me on the breakfast bar. My stomach growls as the smell of bacon and tomato waft up to my nose. As I take a bite, James turns to the refrigerator and pours me a glass of orange juice. “Delicious.” I give James a smile before taking another bite. “I haven’t had a BLT in forever.”
James just shrugs his shoulders. “Glad you like it.” After watching me devour my BLT for a few minutes, James brings up the previous night again. “Lainey, what is the last thing you remember from last night?”
I set my sandwich down on my plate and absently wipe my hands on a napkin while I gather my thoughts. Thinking back to the night before, I remember dancing with Davis and doing shots of tequila. After the tequila I had gone to the restroom with Sam, and afterwards I remember dancing some more. Or was the dancing earlier? It was all a bit of a jumble after the tequila. “I remember doing shots of tequila, but I can’t be certain of anything after that.”
“Do you think someone could have put something in your drink?”
I flinch back in surprise. “I suppose it’s possible… but why? Why would someone do that?”
James looks at me solemnly for a few moments before reaching over the bar to take my hand. A rush of warmth flows through me as he gently rubs his thumb over the back of my hand. My eyes begin to prickle like I am going to cry. I blink rapidly and take a deep breath, trying to squelch the emotions that have overtaken me. I can’t look at James, afraid that he will see how close I am to a breakdown. Instead, I pull my hand from his and force myself to pick up my sandwich and take another bite. Chewing and swallowing is difficult, but I manage to get it down. “There are a lot of disturbed people out there. You could have looked like someone’s ex-girlfriend, or it could have been some kind of sick joke. Who knows? Maybe it wasn’t even meant for you. Somebody could have made a mistake.”
Playing with the glass of orange juice in front of me, I nod my head, unable to meet James’s eyes.
“How well do you know that guy you were with?”
Surprised, I snap my eyes back up to his face. “Davis?”
“Did you plan to meet him at the club?”
A flicker of suspicion crosses James’s features. I remember that I had not mentioned Davis when we had texted the night before. “No,” I state emphatically and then a bit calmer, “No, I didn’t know he would be there. He came with Nick and Brad. Although Nick said he wanted to come because I would be there.” James doesn’t say anything, but his jaw tenses.
A dawning horror takes hold of me. “You’re not suggesting that Davis drugged me, are you?”
Without giving me an answer, James asks, “How long have you known him?”
“I met him last spring sometime. At a party… at Nick’s.” I think back. “It was right after I met you.”
“Is there anything going on between the two of you?” James asks with a complete lack of expression on his face.
No, this isn’t awkward, I tell myself. Not at all. To give myself a few moments to regain my composure, I pick up my orange juice and walk over to the couch. James follows me, but instead of sitting down next to me, he stands in front of me. “Well?” he asks expectantly.
“Please sit down.” I say. “Your hovering makes me nervous.” Without a word James sits down next to me. Turning to look at me, he raises a single eyebrow.
I decide that honesty is the best policy. Although it is awkward to tell one love interest about another, when it came right down to it, there was nothing exciting to tell. “We went out a couple of times last spring, but we never hooked up or anything.” I hurry to add, “I haven’t seen him since graduation. I was gone for a lot of the summer and then starting a new job…” I trail off.
We reach our apartment and Sam calls dibs on the shower, so I offer to order takeout. I order chicken Caesar salads from our favorite deli. As I am pouring us both glasses of white wine, my phone chimes with a text from Nick.
Going clubbing tomorrow night at Bleu Ciel. You in?
A night out with Nick and Sam is exactly what I need, so I reply back.
Hell, yea!
Can’t wait.XX
CHAPTER 12
I have always liked going out in the summer. In the winter you have to worry about freezing outside, and inside you are stuck with a coat. Tonight I am looking forward to dressing for summer. I choose a black sleeveless bustier-style top. Black lace covers me from the top of the bustier to my collarbone. It has a narrow cut that shows off my tan shoulders. I pair it with a light green, flirty skirt and silver, peep-toe sling backs. I go a little heavier than usual with my eye make-up after applying bronzer and light pink lip gloss. Even though it will be hot, I leave my hair down, letting it air dry after applying a salt spray for a beach look. I add a black and gold armband and a chunky gold bracelet on one of my wrists and I am good to go.
Sam looks summery in a short, one-shoulder white chiffon dress. It was her newest acquisition from her sister, and it was stunning. Sam has left her straight, blond hair down and pulled to one side, emphasizing the shoulder left bare by her dress.
“That dress is fantastic,” I tell Sam, and she gives a little twirl.
“I know.” She laughs in delight. “You look pretty awesome yourself. Come on. I told Dylan we would stop and pick him up.”
I was looking forward to meeting Dylan, who Sam started dating while I was visiting my family. They had met a few weeks ago at a bar – cliché, I know. They had both been at a happy hour with friends after work. Somebody from her group knew somebody from his group, and they had started talking. It had been going pretty well, and I was excited to meet him. We have to walk to Ninth Avenue to find a cab, but one appears immediately. Sam shoots Dylan a text message that we are on our way, and he is waiting outside when we arrive at his apartment building in Chelsea. I take him in as he steps towards the taxi. He is about six feet tall and has blond hair. Together he and Sam look like Ken and petit Barbie. Dylan sits next to Sam, who moves to the middle seat.
Dylan pulls a small flask from his pocket and passes it to me. “Nice to meet you, Lainey.” I meet his smiling blue eyes before the overhead light shuts off. “Likewise,” I say, before tipping the flask back against my mouth. My throat burns as the liquor hits it, and I pass the flask to Sam, who also takes a pull before handing it back to Dylan. I give Dylan a wink. “I see you come prepared.”
He winks back. “Always.”
“I bet you were a boy scout.”
“Guilty,” he admits.
Dylan seems cool, and I can see what Sam sees in him. He exudes a laid-back vibe that makes me think of a California surfer dude. I am immediately comfortable around him.
Our driver seems to be particularly aggressive and changes lanes over and over again. Luckily we are wedged together in the back seat, which keeps us from being thrown back and forth. My cell phone chimes, and I look down to see that I have a text from James. Have you been thinking?
Yes, I think all the time.
Ha-Ha. About next weekend?
Still need some time
I can’t stop thinking about you. I need to be inside you again.
I can feel myself blush, and I look over at Sam and Dylan. They are speaking together in lowered voices and not paying any attention to me. I contemplate what to write back and settle on honesty.
I can’t deny that I am tempted.
You are killing me.
I think you’ll live (:
):
After a short pause I receive another text from James.
Where are you?
On my way to a club.
Alone?
With Sam and her boyfriend
Which club?
Why?
Just curious
Bleu Ciel in the Meatpacking District
After a pause, I decide to add Where are you?
Having dinner with a friend.
Where?
Gotham Bar and Grill
Nice
I’ll take you there sometime. Just come with me this weekend.
Has anyone ever told you that you are kind of pushy?
I’m a lawyer. Sue me.
LOL
When we get into Bleu Ciel, we text Nick and find him at a table with Brad and Davis. They both stand up to give Sam and me hugs, and Sam introduces Dylan. Nick pulls me aside. “I hope you don’t mind that we brought Davis.”
“Of course not. Why would I mind?”
Nick gives me an arch look. “Good, because he was very interested in coming once he found out who would be here.”
“Hmm, that’s nice.”
“So that’s the way we’re going to play it, are we?”
“I don’t know what you mean,” I reply innocently. Nick cocks his brow at me before turning back to the others.
I have my usual gin and tonic and manage to drink most of it before Sam pulls me out to dance. The DJ is good, and I lose myself in the pulsing beat of the music. I close my eyes and feel the throb of the music as I move. Opening my eyes, I see Nick and Brad under the laser lights, which give them an eerie look. I feel someone grinding behind me and turn my head to see Davis. He gives me a smile and a wink as he moves his palm to my stomach and tugs me closer. Davis is a good dancer, and we move well together. After we dance for a while, he takes my hand and pulls me toward a door leading outside. “I thought we could use a break, and it’s easier to talk out here.”
“Yea, it can get loud in there,” I agree.
Davis puts his hands in his pockets and looks down at his feet for a moment before looking back up at me. “I haven’t heard much from you lately. Is everything okay?”
“Yea, definitely. Starting my job has been a bit exhausting, but I think I’m finally getting into the routine.”
“I’d still love to take your picture sometime.”
“I’d love that too.” I give him a big smile. “It’s not every day that I get to be an artist’s muse.”
Davis rolls his eyes, and I can tell that he doesn’t like to show off his talent. “I’ve seen your work, Davis. It’s beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful.” Davis bends his head down as if to kiss me when Nick bursts through the door.
“There you two are.” Nick waves his arm back in the direction of the club. “Come on. Brad just got everyone shots of tequila.” I can’t help laughing a little at Davis’s look of consternation. He gives me a wry smile before taking my hand and following Nick back into the club.
Back at the table, everyone is waiting for us. We sit down, and Sam hands me the salt. “To new relationships,” she says. Looking flirtatiously at Dylan, she runs her tongue over the salt on her hand before tipping back her tequila and biting a wedge of lime. He does the same and leans down to kiss her. We all groan, and Brad hoots, “Get a room.”
Coming up for air, Sam gives Dylan another peck on the cheek before demanding that I go with her to the restroom. We make our way through the throngs of dancers and spectators. It is a precarious undertaking in four-inch heels. I feel a sharp prick in my arm and look around for the cause. Seeing nothing, I rub the spot. It felt like I had been jabbed by a needle, and I am anxious to get to the restroom, where I can inspect my arm under better light. By the time we reach the restrooms I am feeling a little woozy. I have to concentrate to understand what Sam is saying to me.
“You looked like you were having a good time dancing with Davis,” she teases me as we wait in line for the restrooms.
I can feel the goofy smile on my face as I say, “Yea, he’s a pretty good dancer.”
“Look at you… playing the field. I am so proud of you.”
I remember I was going to do something when I got to the restroom. My mind doesn’t want to cooperate, and I seem unable to grasp any thought for long. When we get back to the dance floor, the other dancers start to shimmer and the walls wobble back and forth. Davis is dancing with me again, and the feel of his hands on my skin makes me think of the night I spent with James. A floating sensation overcomes me. I imagine floating on the ocean with waves rocking me and the hot sun beating down against my skin.
CHAPTER 13
I dimly become aware of a clanking noise. What is it? It reminds me of the sound of a boat hitting a dock. Where am I? I take inventory. I am in a bed, a soft bed. Naked, no wait – I’m wearing my thong. There is something odd about this bed, and then I realize that it is not mine. I sit up abruptly, looking around. I notice two things immediately. First, James is sitting in an armchair beside the bed. Second, the clanking noise is the sound of a spoon hitting the sides of the cup he is stirring.
“I thought you might like some coffee,” he says in his rich baritone voice.
There are a million questions racing through my head, but my lips can’t seem to formulate a single one. “Thank you,” I say and reach out for the cup, which is when I notice that the sheet that had been covering me has pooled around my waist. I make a grab for it and tuck it under my arms, although I actually feel like pulling it over my head in embarrassment. Since I am occupied with the sheet, James sets the coffee on the bedside table next to me before sitting back down in his chair.
My mind finally settles on a question. “How did I get here?”
James cocks his head to the side and looks at me. “You don’t remember?”
I shake my head back and forth.
James lets out a deep sigh. “Well, you gave me a call at about 2 a.m.”
I swallow my chagrin. “I did?”
“Yes, you did. I couldn’t understand anything you were saying, so I decided I had better go and make sure you were alright. You had told me you were going to Bleu Ciel, and I just hoped you were still there. Is any of this coming back to you?”
I silently shake my head no again, and he gives another sigh. “It turns out you were fine, just high on something.”
“But I didn’t take anything,” I assert in a voice I recognize as too high pitched. I try to lower my tone. “I swear I didn’t take anything… I would never… Surely I would remember that.”
“How much did you have to drink?”
I think back. “Two… maybe three gin and tonics… oh, and a shot of tequila.”
“That wouldn’t explain it.”
“Wouldn’t explain what?” I am beginning to feel frustrated with this conversation. “Why are you being so cryptic?”
James runs a hand through his already tousled hair before spitting out, “When I got there you were dancing with some guy.”
I interrupt him “Davis?”
“Maybe. I didn’t catch his name, but you seemed to know him.”
“Okay, probably Davis. Go on.”
He gives me a scowl. “You two were pretty into it.”
I shrug. “I can’t confirm or deny, since I… don’t… remember.” I stress my last three words.
James clears his throat. “You seemed pretty happy to see me and… attached yourself to me, for lack of a better way to put it. You were babbling nonsense that no one could understand. Although you somehow made it pretty clear that you wanted to go home with me.”
“What?” I squeak in horror.
“I assume that is rhetorical,” James says dryly.
I sit there flabbergasted for a few minutes before attempting to question him further. “And Sam just let you take me with you?”
“We all decided that it would be best, yes.”
“I am going to have to have a few words with her.” I scowl at him in displeasure. “You could have done anything to me.” I realize too late what I have said and watch his eyes narrow.
“Are you suggesting that I would take advantage of a woman? A woman who is completely out of it, to the point she doesn’t even remember anything the next morning?”
“I guess now would not be a good time to ask why I am nearly naked in your bed?”
James narrows his eyes even further. “No, it would not be. I don’t care for your insinuations.”
Maybe I shouldn’t poke the bear. Not wanting to meet James’s eyes, I look down at my hands, wondering why I feel the urge to provoke him. “I’d like to get up now.” I glance around looking for my clothes and spot them on the floor.
“Alright. If you want to take a shower, I can bring you something to wear. There’s a new toothbrush in the bathroom.”
A shower sounds heavenly. I look back up at James and say, “Thank you.” He nods his head, stands up, and walks towards the door. At the door he turns back, “I’ll lay the clothes on the bed.” I take a few sips of the coffee he has brought me, which is creamy and sweet. It makes me feel a little more human.
I find everything I need in the bathroom. The shower sprays from two directions, immersing my whole body in hot water. It feels exquisite. I draw out washing for as long as possible, then force myself out of the shower. I wrap myself in a fluffy towel and stand in front of the mirror to brush my teeth with the new toothbrush. He must have a steam-free mirror, because my clear image reflects back at me. I also find a comb and pull it though my wet hair. Going back into the bedroom, I find a worn t-shirt and sweats. They are both much too big for me, and I assume they belong to James. I pull the drawstring at the waist of the sweats as tight as possible and turn it down several times. They aren’t a bad fit after I also turn up the cuffs. The t-shirt comes down to the middle of my thigh, but at least it is comfortable.
James is sitting at his dining room table with his open laptop in front of him. He seems absorbed in his work and doesn’t look up when I come in, so I clear my throat. His eyes come up to meet mine before running down my body. His lips curve up, and I hold my hands out from my sides and twirl in a circle. “You like?”
His grin broadens. “Very sexy.”
I roll my eyes and glance around the room, not sure of what to do with myself. James stands up from his chair and walks toward the kitchen. “You must be hungry. Let me make you something to eat.”
“You cook?” I ask in surprise.
“Hardly, but I have been known to make a sandwich.” Taking out two slices of bread, he spreads mayonnaise on one and piles slices of tomato on another. Next he pulls open the oven and takes out some bacon sitting on a paper towel-covered plate. My mouth waters as he places the crisp bacon on top of the tomato and covers it with the mayonnaise-slathered slice of bread. He cuts it in half diagonally before placing it on a plate and sliding it in front of me on the breakfast bar. My stomach growls as the smell of bacon and tomato waft up to my nose. As I take a bite, James turns to the refrigerator and pours me a glass of orange juice. “Delicious.” I give James a smile before taking another bite. “I haven’t had a BLT in forever.”
James just shrugs his shoulders. “Glad you like it.” After watching me devour my BLT for a few minutes, James brings up the previous night again. “Lainey, what is the last thing you remember from last night?”
I set my sandwich down on my plate and absently wipe my hands on a napkin while I gather my thoughts. Thinking back to the night before, I remember dancing with Davis and doing shots of tequila. After the tequila I had gone to the restroom with Sam, and afterwards I remember dancing some more. Or was the dancing earlier? It was all a bit of a jumble after the tequila. “I remember doing shots of tequila, but I can’t be certain of anything after that.”
“Do you think someone could have put something in your drink?”
I flinch back in surprise. “I suppose it’s possible… but why? Why would someone do that?”
James looks at me solemnly for a few moments before reaching over the bar to take my hand. A rush of warmth flows through me as he gently rubs his thumb over the back of my hand. My eyes begin to prickle like I am going to cry. I blink rapidly and take a deep breath, trying to squelch the emotions that have overtaken me. I can’t look at James, afraid that he will see how close I am to a breakdown. Instead, I pull my hand from his and force myself to pick up my sandwich and take another bite. Chewing and swallowing is difficult, but I manage to get it down. “There are a lot of disturbed people out there. You could have looked like someone’s ex-girlfriend, or it could have been some kind of sick joke. Who knows? Maybe it wasn’t even meant for you. Somebody could have made a mistake.”
Playing with the glass of orange juice in front of me, I nod my head, unable to meet James’s eyes.
“How well do you know that guy you were with?”
Surprised, I snap my eyes back up to his face. “Davis?”
“Did you plan to meet him at the club?”
A flicker of suspicion crosses James’s features. I remember that I had not mentioned Davis when we had texted the night before. “No,” I state emphatically and then a bit calmer, “No, I didn’t know he would be there. He came with Nick and Brad. Although Nick said he wanted to come because I would be there.” James doesn’t say anything, but his jaw tenses.
A dawning horror takes hold of me. “You’re not suggesting that Davis drugged me, are you?”
Without giving me an answer, James asks, “How long have you known him?”
“I met him last spring sometime. At a party… at Nick’s.” I think back. “It was right after I met you.”
“Is there anything going on between the two of you?” James asks with a complete lack of expression on his face.
No, this isn’t awkward, I tell myself. Not at all. To give myself a few moments to regain my composure, I pick up my orange juice and walk over to the couch. James follows me, but instead of sitting down next to me, he stands in front of me. “Well?” he asks expectantly.
“Please sit down.” I say. “Your hovering makes me nervous.” Without a word James sits down next to me. Turning to look at me, he raises a single eyebrow.
I decide that honesty is the best policy. Although it is awkward to tell one love interest about another, when it came right down to it, there was nothing exciting to tell. “We went out a couple of times last spring, but we never hooked up or anything.” I hurry to add, “I haven’t seen him since graduation. I was gone for a lot of the summer and then starting a new job…” I trail off.
