Listen to Me (Fusion 1)

I feel like I’m watching some sort of sports game as I look from friend to friend, trying to follow this crazy conversation.

And it’s even crazier because I kind of like this idea.

“But he can’t be a musician,” Mia adds.

“No way,” I reply, getting into the spirit. “Been there, regretted that. But he has to have a good job. A really good job. And he’s really smart.”

“And knows his way around the bedroom,” Kat says.

“Or kitchen,” Cami says with a smirk.

“Or bathroom. Water play is fun,” Mia adds.

“Or balcony,” Riley says, raising her glass in salute.

I can’t stop laughing. Oh my God, these girls are so funny.

“This is why we’re friends,” I say, wiping a tear from the corner of my eye. “Also, he has to have awesome abs. Like, abs for days. And maybe blond hair. Blue eyes. Green? No, blue.”

I’m babbling now, and the girls are all smiling, but just watching me, letting me ramble.

“I like tattoos, but they’re not a deal breaker. He has to be tall. Taller than me for sure. And he can do this thing with his—”

I glance up and notice Cami look over my shoulder and smile wider and I stop midsentence.

“Oh God. Who’s behind me?”

“Hi, Jake,” Mia says and wiggles her fingers in a wave.

I drop my chin to my chest and mutter, “Fuck me.”

Suddenly, warm lips are next to my ear, and Jake whispers, “Yes, I think that’s what would be involved in this sexcation thing.”

Kat snorts and I do my best to pull my dignity around me, along with my big-girl panties, and clear my throat.

“Hello, Jake.” I stand and gesture to the girls around the table. “You remember Kat from the other day.”

Kat waves hello.

“This is Mia, our master chef.” Mia smiles.

“Cami is our CPA, and Riley is in charge of marketing and publicity. And the five of us are all co-owners of Seduction.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you. You’re an intimidating bunch, aren’t you?”

“What do you mean?” Riley asks.

“Gorgeous, intelligent, powerful.” Jake shrugs. “Pretty amazing.”

“I like him,” Kat says. “He can stay.”

Jake winks at her, and I turn to lead him away. He’s charming. And looks better than anyone should in his torn jeans and simple gray T-shirt. The tattoos on his arms are just . . . God. And his body is firm.

Get a grip, Addison!

“This is a pretty simple setup,” I begin, glancing over my shoulder to make sure he’s following me, and catch him eyeing my ass. “Don’t look at my ass.”

“No, ma’am,” he replies with a cocky grin.

That smile makes a whole zoo take up residence in my stomach. The first time he smiled at me the other day, my immediate thought was Oh shit.

Because he could bring me to my knees with that smile.

No way.

“I’m taller than you, you know. And I have tats. I know that wasn’t a deal breaker, but it’s a bonus.”

I shake my head.

“I have brown hair, but I could lighten it. And I think you settled on blue eyes, but I heard green mentioned, and . . . bingo.” He bats his eyes at me and before I know what’s happening, he lifts the hem of his shirt.

Oh, sweet Jesus.

“And I’m not one to brag, but, abs.”

“The mic and stool are here as you requested.” I turn away, doing my best to calm down my breathing and ignore him. “You are welcome to drink whatever you like as you play. Just let the server know what you want and she’ll make sure you have it all night.”

He nods and toes off his shoes, making me frown.

“I always sing barefoot,” he says. “It’s been a habit since the early days.”

“Why?”

“I have no idea.” He laughs and shakes his head. “I guess it’s just comfortable.”

And your feet are sexy.

Figures.

“I can’t believe you’re really doing this!” A brunette launches herself into Jake’s arms and holds on tight. She’s gorgeous, tall, and clearly very attached to Jake. He grins widely and wraps his arms around her tenderly.

“I told you I would.”

“I know. It’s just so great. I’m so proud of you.”

Someone should tell this poor girl that her boyfriend was just hitting on someone else. Typical.

Motherfucking typical.

What in the hell is wrong with men?

Jake sets the woman aside and offers his hand to shake to a man I didn’t see come up behind us. “Hey, man,” Jake says. “Thanks for coming.”

“Like we’d miss it,” the tall, handsome man replies and pulls Jake to him for the man-hug thing that I’ll never quite understand.

Just like the cheating thing and the mooching thing and the leaving-the-toilet-seat-up thing.

It’s all a bloody mystery to me.

“We are so rude!” The woman smiles politely at me. “I’m Christina, and this is my husband, Kevin.”

“Christina has been my best friend since high school,” Jake adds with a grin. “I’m stuck with her.”

“He is,” she nods happily.

“I’m Addison, part owner here. Welcome.” I smile warmly and move to walk away, but Christina snatches my hand.

“Will you sit with us for a few minutes? I would love to chat with you.”

“Of course,” I reply immediately, and silently curse myself. I’m too conditioned to giving the customer anything they want. But Christina smiles widely and then hugs Jake once more.