Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
LILY
Finally on a cool Friday afternoon and after a little help from the guys last weekend, I finish up the job at Addison’s grandma’s house. What was once buried in things is now a cute home, albeit a little outdated, but that’s nothing a new paint job can’t fix.
I wait with bated breath while she inspects everything, hoping all the hard work paid off and she’ll start sending leads my way instead of to Ryan and Laura. Addison eyes the worn cabinets as she walks through the gleaming kitchen.
“I didn’t actually believe there was a livable house underneath everything,” she murmurs.
“It was a lot to clean up, but it’s a great starter home for someone.” I rest my hip on the counter.
Addison turns toward me. “I thought by now everyone in town would be talking about how disgusting it was.”
“I’m not like that.” Shaking my head, I try to hide my annoyance.
“Your grandma was a person who deserved kindness. I’m not going to go lie or spread rumors.
She deserves better than that.” Those things, everything I’d consider trash, meant something to that woman.
It was a sense of security. Treasures she couldn’t bear to part with.
Humming, Addison pulls her attention toward the living room. “I suppose now you’re going to beg for more favors?”
What types of friends does she have? “Uh, no. Actually. I wasn’t.
Could I use more leads? Yeah, but I’m not going to beg for your help.
” Now that she said it, I’m about ready to go.
I gather my things, irritation crawling over my skin, and head out of the kitchen.
I’ve found my own leads before, and I can keep doing so. “I’ll see you at work.”
Her heavy sigh chases me. “Wait.”
I turn and lift an eyebrow. “More insults?”
Frowning, she picks at a strand of her hair. “I’m not used to people—” she breaks off with a shrug.
“People being nice,” I offer.
She nods. “Yeah. Laura’s always threatening to make my life miserable and Ryan, well, he’s Ryan. I guess I thought you’d be the same.”
“You guessed wrong.” I glance around the home I’ve spent far too many days cleaning.
“She had a lot of pictures of you. I saved them in a shoe box in the garage if you want them.” With that, I turn and head out of the house, piecing together the last of my dignity.
I could have begged, probably should have.
I’ll find another way to make it work.
Opening the door to my BMW, I slide into the driver’s seat and unleash a heavy breath.
Nothing is ever easy. I turn the car on, preparing to back out until my phone beeps with an alert.
I check it before I start driving, eyebrows lifting at the fresh lead in my inbox.
A couple looking for a vacation home, not in the price range of Tom’s, but still if they close, it’ll be a decent commission.
I smile to myself and set my phone down, backing out of the driveway and heading home to get ready for the Halloween party.
The black dress clings to every curve, barely hitting mid-thigh and leaving little to the imagination. The neckline plunges enough to be scandalous without being trashy. I smooth my hands down the fabric, admiring how it hugs my waist before flaring slightly at the hips.
Perfect.
I lean closer to the mirror, applying the smoky eyeshadow. The dark purple and black blend seamlessly, making my green eyes pop like emeralds. A swipe of deep burgundy lipstick completes the sultry look. The pointed witch hat sits on my head, hair cascading over my shoulders in loose waves.
I look good, but my hands shake slightly as I adjust the hat’s angle. It’s not nerves about the party that have me trembling. It’s the anticipation of finally getting what I’ve been craving for weeks.
The guys and I have fallen into an easy routine.
They make me breakfast before I can get downstairs, buy me flowers, text me in the middle of the day just because.
They’ve been nothing but sweet this last week.
While I appreciate them not rushing to get laid, I’m getting a little sexually frustrated.
The brief touches, the tender kisses, and the heat in their gazes when they see me in my sleep shorts and shirt have kindled a fire that only they can put out.
If only they would take it to the next level.
I’ve decided that maybe they’re waiting for me to make a move.
Hence the sexy witch costume. I slip on the thigh-high stockings, the lace tops barely hidden beneath the dress’s hem.
The black heels make my legs look impossibly long.
If this outfit doesn’t do it for them, I might have to start walking around naked.
Taking a deep breath, I grab my small black purse with the gold chain strap and head downstairs, the sound of my heels clicking against the floor echoing through the house.
The soft murmur of the guys’ conversation floats to me, but as I hit the landing and turn, their conversation stops mid-sentence, all their attention locked on me.
Hudson straightens from where he was leaning against the counter, Gage shoots to his feet from sitting on a barstool, and Cole straightens as well.
The silence stretches between us, thick with tension I could cut with a knife.
Their attention warms my body as they take in every inch of skin. The curve of my cleavage. The lean lines of my thighs. The lace of the stockings. The heels, the makeup. I shock all three of them into silence. I’ve never felt more powerful.
I arch an eyebrow, letting my lips curve into a knowing smile. “See something you like?”
“You could say that.” Hudson rasps.
“God, you’re gorgeous.” Gage’s whisper carries across the room like a prayer.
“Fuck, maybe we should stay home.” Cole’s eyes are practically devouring my legs.
“Why thank you.” I stride toward them, adding an extra sway to my hips and stopping within arm’s reach. Close enough to touch, but not quite. “But you three have had plenty of time to have some fun with me, and you haven’t made a move. So, we’re going to the party.”
Cole places his hand over his heart. “Are you mad at us?”
I let the silence stretch until it’s uncomfortable.
“Shit, she’s mad at us.” Cole glares at Hudson. “I told you we shouldn’t take it slow.”
Shifting my attention to Hudson, I sigh dramatically. “Me being horny is your fault?”
He has the good sense to look guilty, running a hand through his hair and looking away. “I was only trying to show you we’re in this for more than sex.”
That’s so sweet but infuriating because I’ve never ached like this before. Every innocent touch, every lingering glance, every time one of them walks around shirtless has been slowly driving me insane. “I appreciate that, but please, for the love of god, have sex with me.”
Gage reaches for me, his fingers nearly brushing my arm, but I step back.
“Uh-uh. Not now. Later, after the party or something.” I cross my arms, pushing my breasts up even higher. All three of them notice. “I’ve had to deal with blue ovaries all week. You guys can suffer for one night.”
“Trust me, we’ve been suffering too.” Cole mutters under his breath, adjusting himself discretely.
Hudson punches his arm. “Shut up. You agreed with me.”
“Well, apparently I’m an idiot.”
“Perhaps.” I tell him, striding past them toward the door, their gazes burning into my ass. “But you all can make it up to me. After the party.”
I make my way to Cole’s truck, pride zinging through me at how easily I left them all speechless. I’ve never been especially cocky, but having these three willing to do about anything for me makes me feel like I could conquer the world.
The lake house is already buzzing with activity as Cole pulls his truck behind a line of cars parked along the driveway.
The music thumps from inside, and silhouettes move past the windows.
Anyone who’s anyone will be here. The lake house is locally owned and maintained as a party spot for those of us who live in Big Ridge.
Somewhere we can all go to avoid the tourists and have fun.
Hudson’s out of the truck first, rounding to my door before I can even get my seatbelt unbuckled. His hands are warm and steady as he helps me down. The second my heels hit the ground, his fingers dive into my hair and he kisses me hard and hungry.
A soft moan escapes into his mouth before I can stop it. God, he’s good at this. My body melts against his for a moment before my brain kicks back in. He’s trying to distract me from the party, and I’m determined to make them wait until later.
I press my palms against his chest and gently push him away. “Bad boy.”
He smirks, linking his fingers with mine. “I’m not sorry.”
I roll my eyes, hoping the darkness hides how red my cheeks must be. “Come on.”
The three of them fall into step around me as we head toward the house. Cole’s whistling some tune under his breath while Gage chuckles at something on his phone. They seem completely relaxed, like walking into a party with me between them is the most natural thing in the world.
The moment we step inside, people turn our way.
Locals I’ve known since elementary, who, like everyone else in this small town, know everything about everyone.
My feet fuse to the floor. Every conversation seems to pause.
The weight of at least twenty stares bores into us.
My pulse kicks up a notch, and for a split second, I wonder if this was a terrible idea.
But then the guys press in around me, solid and warm at my back, and their presence makes the attention feel less overwhelming. After what feels like forever that is probably only a few seconds, people look away and conversations resume.
I exhale in relief. Glancing around, I spot a few familiar faces. Sarah from work hanging out with some of her friends. I’m sure Ryan is here somewhere, too. I wave to a few people as we head deeper into the party. Finally, I find Callie and Aspen near the kitchen.
“We’ll catch up with you,” Hudson murmurs near my ear, his breath sending a shiver down my spine.