Authors: Diane Thorne
For a minute, she stood staring at the dining room table at the far end of the apartment. Food items covered the top. The eggs were without a doubt cold.
A clap from behind gathered her attention. She turned to find the two men walking towards her. Mark rubbed his hands together. Smiling, he asked, “Are we going dancing?”
Guilt crept into her conscience. They’d treated her with love and care, fixing her food and giving her pleasure she’d never experienced before. It didn’t feel right to leave them. But they would disappear from her life at some point. Wasn’t it the same thing in a way?
“You wouldn’t happen to have any money, would you?”
James stepped around Mark. He wedged his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “No, we have no purpose for material objects or money.”
She’d guessed right on his answer, but she’d had to ask the question anyway.
“Well, I have some bad news.” She paused to sigh. “The club my friend is taking me to is an expensive one. I’d like for you two to come, but I can’t afford the entrance fee, not even for one of you.”
James shrugged. “That’s okay. We’ll wait here, unless you want us to go back to our home.”
“You don’t mind?”
Mark stepped towards her. “Honey, go out and enjoy your life. Don’t worry about us.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to his body. She bumped his hip.
James came to stand in front of her. He took the phone from her hand. “We’re here to help, not get in the way.”
“I don’t want you to think I’m rude or anything.”
They both chuckled.
“Listen to her, she’s concerned about what we think,” Mark said.
James slid his free hand over her cheek and held her. “You are special, Valerie. And any man who doesn’t see it is a fool.” He kissed her forehead.
“I’m glad you’re not upset. It still feels awkward to me, leaving you two here after everything you’ve done for me.”
A warm smile spread across James’ face “Every minute with you is a pleasure-filled one.”
“Speaking of pleasure, we still have food to devour,” Mark said.
Val slid James’ hand away from her face. She’d love to spend more time with them, but real life responsibilities needed her attention. “I have to take care of a few things, such as updating my résumé and working on the computer for a while.”
Mark slipped his arm from her waist. “That doesn’t sound like fun.”
“It’s not, but I have to do it.”
“Is there anything we can help with?” James asked.
She shook her head. “Unfortunately, no. You’re welcome to finish breakfast, watch television, and do whatever you want.”
Mark grazed his fingers down her forearm, giving her a slight chill. “We want to make love to you.”
A chuckle rose from her. She’d like for them to make love to her again, but she had work to do if she was going to find a job and a new home.
She gave them a grin. “Maybe later.”
“And what about the wish you were about to make before the phone rang?”
“Wish?”
James gave her a nod. “You mentioned you were ready to make another wish.”
Before answering the phone, her second wish had been on the tip of her tongue. Passion had consumed her and she had nearly requested that the two of them be a part of her life to pleasure her every night, or whenever she wanted them to. Thank God she hadn’t said the words. The request was selfish and inconsiderate. They were good guys and deserved to make their own choices, not to be forced to live with and please her. Maybe a night away from them was a good idea so they couldn’t tempt her with their loving ways.
She gave a casual wave of her hand. “It was a selfish idea. I changed my mind.”
The two men exchanged glances.
“Look, I really need to get busy on my résumé.” She took a step back from them. “Make yourselves at home. I’ll just work on the computer in my bedroom.”
They looked at her with a hint of sadness in their eyes. Their downcast expressions were almost enough to make her want to stay with them. Shaking the thought from her mind, she stepped around them.
“Can we help you get ready for your night out?” Mark asked, bringing her to a halt.
She turned to face them. “You want to pick out my clothes?”
“If you don’t mind.”
The lusty gleam in his eyes and the mischievous grin on his face made her wonder what he was thinking.
“He’s really good at picking out the right colours, styles, and even styling hair,” James said.
The genie can cook, style hair, pick out fashions, and fuck like there’s no tomorrow. If he were a regular human, I’d ask him to marry me.
“Sure.”
“Excellent.” Mark clapped his hands together. “I can’t wait.”
Grinning, Val turned and headed for her bedroom. She had plenty of work to do and needed to create a list of potential wishes. But at that moment she couldn’t stop thinking about her plans for the night. Moreover, she wondered what Mark had in mind for preparing her. The lively look on his face suggested he had some naughty ideas. Considering they were there to help her, she didn’t believe for a second that he’d do anything to bring harm to her. What was the playful genie up to?
Chapter Eight
“Don’t move,” Mark said, holding the curling iron an inch from the side of her face.
Sitting still on the bed, she obeyed his instruction, knowing one little move might leave a nasty burn mark.
James stood on her other side with his lipstick-coated forefinger in front of her. “Open your mouth, please.”
Without moving her head, she complied with his request and parted her lips. While James dabbed the tinted gloss on her bottom one, she continued staring at his bare chest. She’d spent the last twenty minutes gazing at it as he and Mark beautified her by styling her hair and applying makeup. Her hormones were running wild. She fought the urge to touch him, to feel his hot flesh under her fingertips. She’d like to grope his cock, too, seeing how he was sporting a hard-on. But one touch might change her plans for the evening and keep her homebound. The two would make it worth her while if she did stay with them, but then she could miss the chance to meet Mr Right.
“She looks absolutely beautiful, James. Don’t you agree?”
“Completely. But I’m of the opinion that, with or without clothes and makeup, she looks heavenly.”
She couldn’t stop the grin from spreading on her face. They had a way of making her feel on top of the world through their words and actions. Because of them, she held high confidence. She also had an overactive sex drive that she fought to control.
“There.” Mark jiggled the iron free from her hair. “That should be it, but don’t move yet.”
He set the heated device on her dresser next to the bed then grabbed the comb.
James took several steps back. He stood in front of her and examined her. “Mark, you’ve outdone yourself.”
Val remained immobile as Mark worked to fix the curls in her hair. The first-class treatment was one she thoroughly enjoyed, and could easily grow attached to. They were perfect gentlemen, dream men and fucking awesome in bed. She’d yet to find a flaw with either of them. When the time came for them to leave, her heart would miss them greatly.
“Okay,” Mark said, lightly patting her hair. He stepped back next to James. “Stand up.”
Val rose and tugged the sides of her red dress. “How do I look?” She lowered her gaze to her feet. The red high heels Mark had picked out matched her outfit.
“Beautiful,” said James.
“Gorgeous,” Mark said a second later.
She pointed towards the bathroom. “Can I peek in the mirror now?”
“Oh, sure.” Mark dashed in front of her and flipped the light switch.
Val walked slowly into the room. Her shoes clacked on the tiles. Upon seeing her reflection in the mirror, she froze. The sleeveless red dress came down in a V and revealed her cleavage. It also hugged her body, showing off her curvy hips, but not her thong. The short length of the dress along with the high heels made her legs appear long and slender.
“Oh my. I can’t believe that’s me.” She pointed in the mirror.
“You look divine.”
Mark straightened the strap on her shoulder then grazed his fingers down her arm. A quiver swept through her.
“I’m so hard right now.”
“Mouthwatering, isn’t she?” James asked as he came to a stop behind her. He placed his hands on her waist and his mouth to her ear. His warm breath tickled her.
“Mm…” Mark glided his fingers between her breasts. “What I wouldn’t give to suck on your nips and lick your pussy right now.”
Desire pumped through her like a drug. Her pulse quickened and she felt an increase of moisture between her legs. She wondered if they had time for a quick fuck.
“Maybe we could—”
The sound of the doorbell interrupted her.
James kissed her head. “We can pick this up later.”
“Count on it,” Mark said.
Val took in a deep breath and nodded.
Right. I’ll drink and dance for a little while, mingle with a few guys, and perhaps meet a man equally warm-hearted as Mark and James. Then I’ll return home to their loving embrace.
She liked her plan.
“I’m ready.”
She walked out of the bathroom and headed for the living room. The doorbell chimed again, followed by a knock.
“I’m coming,” she said.
Val reached the door and opened it. Before Terri could step inside, Val hurried out.
Terri’s eyes widened. “Wow. Look at you.” She wore a navy blue dress with the hem past her knees.
“I’m ready,” Val said.
“You look hot.”
“Do you think Mr Right might notice me?”
“Oh, definitely.” Terri grinned while nodding. “Is that the dress you bought a couple of years ago?”
“Yeah. Can you believe it still fits?” She had difficulty believing it herself.
“It looks fabulous on you. And it’s perfect for The Hideaway. I’m sure you’ll get plenty of looks and free drinks.”
“Let’s hope they come from Prince Charming.”
They both chuckled softly as they descended the stairs.
“Oh, do you need your purse?” Terri paused on a step.
Val continued uninterrupted down the steps. “No. I have a couple of old friends visiting for a few days. They’ll let me in.”
The excuse was the only one she could conjure for Mark and James, and she’d hoped Terri wouldn’t ask too many questions. She quickly thought of something to say to change the subject.
“I’m really looking forward to tonight. I can’t thank you enough for treating me out to such a fancy club.”
“You’re my friend and I want you to have fun tonight. Even if you don’t find the prince, maybe you’ll hook up with a couple of rich guys who won’t mind loaning you a little money until you get back on your feet.”
The idea of borrowing money was one Val disliked, but she might have to at some point if she didn’t find a job or a place to live. She’d prefer to take a loan from a rich boyfriend instead of from Terri and Sam. Like her, they too had student loans and bills to pay. Either way, she hoped to avoid any kind of financial assistance if possible.
By the time Val had reached the main door, her legs were trembling slightly. The high heels along with the weakness in her knees made for a slight problem if she had to stand for long. She’d have to sit at the bar for a while and take breaks if she danced too long.
From the apartment building, Val followed Terri to Sam’s black BMW. She slid into the back passenger seat, keeping her knees close together. The smell of leather overpowered the musky perfume scent from the front. She guessed it was Sam’s cologne.
“Is that you, Val?” Sam asked with his head turned over his shoulder to face her. He wore a dark suit with a white shirt and maroon tie. Thin glasses framed his brown eyes.
Terri shut her door then playfully smacked Sam on his arm. “Don’t be rude.”
He turned to face the front. “She looks nice. I was going to compliment her.”
“She looks spectacular,” Terri said as the car began moving.
“Thank you, both of you.”
As Sam drove away from the building, Val’s gaze lingered at her apartment window. Part of her wanted to stay with her two genies. The other part realised she had to face reality.
They aren’t normal men and they will leave as soon as I make my last wish. Damn it, why couldn’t they be regular men? Just my luck, I meet the perfect man, or men, and they can’t stay. Life is always full of twisted surprises.
The drive to the club took longer than Sam had anticipated and he complained to Terri. Considering they were visiting a club on a Saturday night, the heavy traffic didn’t surprise Val.
Valet attendants waited at the kerb to assist customers from vehicles. Sam waited at the stop light for traffic to pass then turned onto the street leading to the small line of cars. After he reached the kerb, he shifted the gear. “I’m not about to try to find a parking spot.”
Terri grinned and patted his cheek. “I warned you it would be crowded.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
Attendants opened Terri’s and Val’s doors. Fast, thumping music from behind the walls of the club greeted them as they stepped onto the sidewalk. They stood together while Sam tipped the man and handed over his keys. Enjoying the beat of the tunes, Val tapped her hand on her hip.
“Excited?” Terri asked.
“Um, yeah.”
She had nothing to lose unless her ankle twisted and she fell flat on her face. Maybe she should’ve made a wish for stronger bones to ensure she wouldn’t embarrass herself.
Sam strode up to Terri’s side and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Ready, ladies?”
Terri planted a kiss on his cheek. “We’re ready.”
Val walked next to Terri as they headed around the building, towards the main entrance. Warm night air caressed her skin while her curls bounced slightly on her shoulders with each step. Although she was eager to mingle and have fun, she longed to share such adventures with her two genies.
The large, bald bouncer dressed in black, opened the door for them as they reached the entrance. “Evening, ladies and gentlemen.” He gave a polite nod.