She nodded in satisfaction as she looked at my complete look. “Come on, Poppet, time for a selfie,” she called, right before Ella came out looking like a miniature teenager. She wore a cream-colored lace dress that fell two inches above her knees and a pair of knee-high brown boots. Jemmy gave her a lightweight three-quarter length brown leather jacket, and a maroon and mustard yellow infinity scarf to complete her look.
I felt close to tears at the pride in her eyes. She had thoroughly enjoyed the day, and it showed. She loved all the pampering and not having to be told: “sorry, no, we can’t afford that.” She did a little twirl.
“I love it,” she gushed. “Are we going to dinner now?”
Jemmy laughed as she collected all the tags on our outfits. “Right after we take a pic to send to the boys.”
She positioned us in front of a mirror that had three separate panels. Ella was in the middle of us as Jemmy threw an arm around my shoulders. “One, two, three, cheese,” she said as I smiled genuinely at my reflection.
She sent the pic, and I heard the telling ding as a notification went off on my phone. I knew she had sent a Snap to the guys because we had been Snapchatting all day. I had to admit, it was kind of fun, and I felt like a real teenager for the first time in my life. I don’t think I would ever like shopping for fun but having new clothes and not hiding felt nice. Feeling like part of a group felt great.
I opened my messages as Jemmy navigated the streets.
The first Snapchat was of Troy; it looked like he was in the middle of a workout because he was straddling a workout bench and two heavy free weights were by his feet. He had no shirt on, and a towel slung around his neck. I could see the shine of sweat on his skin, and I was close to fanning myself. I always had a thing for exotic looking men, and with his olive skin color, black hair, sinfully long eyelashes, and expressive honey colored eyes, he fits that description to a ‘T.’ Under his picture were the words: Is it hot in here or is it just me?
I couldn’t hide my smile as I opened my next Snapchat. It was Jax, and he was clearly standing in the guy’s locker room at school. He had a red football training jersey on with his abs showing and he was flexing a bicep. His football pants showed off the muscles in his thighs and calves. His grin was wide, a dimple in his right cheek. The laughter lines around his stormy gray eyes were endearing. He had written: Stop spying on me, Ricci. I know I get you all hot and bothered. You look stunning, Honey, wish I was there! :(
I opened the message from Noah next, and he was sitting at a desk surrounded by books. His auburn hair was in disarray and his hazel eyes had a puppy dog look to them as he mockingly frowned into the camera: Med school sucks. Dinner with you three would be better. Looking beautiful, ladies! :*
The last message was from Drake, and even his shyness translated in his pictures. He had removed his glasses, and I couldn’t help but notice how much more attractive he was without them. His light brown hair looked wet and slightly curled. As I looked at the picture, I noticed the duffel bag on his shoulder and what appeared to be tile behind him. His message was short and sweet: Beautiful.
I looked over at Jemmy. “Is your brother a swimmer?”
She looked over at me with a smirk. “How’d you know?”
I shrugged. “It looked like he was near a pool, and he has a swimmer’s body.”
She wagged her eyebrows suggestively. “Do you like his swimmer’s body? Does it make you all hot and bothered?”
I ducked my head to hide my blush. “You’re so stupid,” I muttered.
She laughed to the point of tears.
Well, I could finally admit to myself that if I had to be connected to six guys, at least they were hot. It could be worse, much worse.
I immediately fell in love with the ambiance of the Italian restaurant that Will and Jace told us to meet them at. The smells from the kitchen made my mouth water, and the low lighting set a laid back, but elegant atmosphere. It reminded me of a restaurant my father would take me on our daddy/daughter dates.
Jemmy immediately saw Will and Jace and led us towards their table. They looked so distinguished and well put together when they stood up as we approached the table. Jace’s eyes slightly widened as our eyes met. A look I couldn’t decipher passed over his features. He and Remy were always hard reads, and I prided myself for years on my high level of perception. I suddenly felt nervous as Will pulled out a chair for Jemmy, and Jace held one out for Ella and me.
As he leaned down next to me, I could smell his amazing scent. “You look nice,” he said softly in my ear so no one else could hear. I felt his warm breath on the back of my neck and felt immediate goosebumps crawl all over my skin.
I struggled to find my voice. “Thank you,” I murmured back, barely above a whisper.
Up until recently I truly believed I could be an asexual being. I had been scarred. I had little to no interest in guys, but now I found myself with all these mixed emotions for not one, but six guys!
“You look very nice,” Will said to me warmly from across the table. “All of you. We are two lucky guys to have three beautiful women joining us for dinner.”
Ella giggled with a blush. “I’m not a woman! I’m only seven!”
Will made a funny expression and did a fake double take. “Excuse me, ma’am, I was highly mistaken. I didn’t even recognize you!”
Ella giggled some more and covered her mouth. “You’re so silly, Mr. Bell!”
He reached over and took her hand. “I will hear none of that. You can call me Will, or what most of my other charges call me, Pops.”
There was a sadness and softness around his eyes, and from Jemmy’s reaction, I had a feeling that Will rarely displayed this softer, joking side.
Ella looked over at me and I nodded, letting her know without words that it was okay.