Page 20 of Double Take

After bundling up, I lock the offices and building and trudge through the light coating of snow to my car. The wind bites into my black overcoat, causing me to wrap my arms around my waist to ward off the brunt of the cold. This is completely different than a Southern California winter. It’s probably 60 degrees today in the desert.

I fall into my vehicle and blast the heat while waiting for the windshield to clear. The scent of vanilla and cinnamon from my air freshener fills my nose. As cold as it is, I love it. If you aren’t in the mountains of Southern California, you don’t see much winter action.

The tree the guys put up at my place is gorgeous. It’s a 7’ tall live spruce that’s filled with lights and adorable glass and wooden ornaments. Sunny loves lying under the tree and watching the lights flash different colors.

See, it is real. The tree is real. The mistletoe is real. The kisses had to be real. Panties don’t melt over fantasies. Right? Not in my experience.

When my cell phone rings, I brace against Charles calling again and telling me that Mario figured out where I live. I don’t want to pack up and skip town. Sunny loves her babysitter and the other kids. And I don’t want to leave. Even if there’s no future for me with Axel and Oliver, I love the town. Everyone is polite. The people I’ve met have been friendly and helpful. It’s completely opposite of how I grew up.

My phone rings again. It’s Sage. I close my eyes and exhale. Thank God. “Hello?”

“It’s me, Sage. How’re things going?”

“Good.”

“Axel asked me to call. He said he and Oliver have been swamped all week and got called away at the last minute. They wanted to ensure you had everything you needed and were feeling better.”

“Everything at the office is running smoothly, and I feel much better.” Why do I feel like a giddy schoolgirl because they had their sister call and check on me?

“Perfect. I’ll let them know. By the way, I sent you a package. It should be at the house when you get home.”

“Stop,” I groan and drop my head against the seat cushion as the air in the cabin warms. “I can’t keep taking handouts from you guys. I feel like a loser as it is.” I brace the phone between my shoulder and ear as I ease out of the parking space. The rest of the parking lot is devoid of vehicles.

“That’s bullshit. My brothers love getting you things, so don’t worry about them for one second. And I invited you to a party.” She pauses for dramatic effect as my heart drops to my stomach. Does she expect me to go? I was half joking when I agreed.

“I can’t–”

“Hush.” Her voice is stern, like she’s correcting one of her children. “You’re going, and there’s no need to give me any made-up excuses. Your costume is paid for. I’ll have a driver pick you up. And you’ll meet us at the party. You don’t have to go off with anyone if you choose not to. As I said, Club N9ne is explicit about consent. However, I think you’ll be interested in exploring at least one of the available options.” My heart pounds in my ears so loud I barely hear her. “Besides, it’s anonymous, so no one has to know it’s you.”

Will Axel and Oliver be there? The question is on the tip of my tongue, but I bite it back. She’s not going to be setting me up with her brothers. Or even one of her brothers. I’m their employee. That’s it.

“Katrina has agreed to keep Sunny overnight, so there are no other excuses. Go with me. Laugh. Drink. Have a good time. Enjoy yourself. It’s going to be a perfect evening. You’ll adore the guy I’m hoping to introduce you to. He’s liked everything I’ve told him about you.”

I nearly swallow my tongue. “You’ve told this guy about me?” My head spins at the thought of having sex with someone I don’t know. I can’t do it.

“Yes, he’s intrigued.”

“I don’t think–”

“Yes, you can. Once you’re there, you’ll have no issues with following through. I guarantee it. But if I’m wrong, no harm, no foul. He won’t push for anything if it’s not what you want.”

“Okay, fine. I’ll go.” Her infectious spirit is impossible to argue with.

But he’s going to end up being disappointed. I don’t want some random guy. I want Axel and Oliver. I don’t want Axel or Oliver. I want them both.

Why did I turn the heat on so high? My ears are hot. I twist the temperature knob down to halfway and sigh as the air turns cooler. How could I convince them to take an interest in me? Wear this costume that Sage is going on and on about to work and hanging mistletoe over my desk?

I don’t know what this dress looks like, but if I had to guess, it barely covers anything. That might do it. Am I brave enough to pull something like that off? I pull onto the empty street outside of the office.

“Perfect. We can have a few drinks and see what happens. If nothing, that’s fine. However, I think you’ll be extremely satisfied by the end of the evening.”

Chapter Twelve

Friday Night

Rylee

The reflection in the mirror isn’t me. I turn sideways, and the likeness moves. It can’t be me. I don’t look like a Jessica Rabbit sex symbol type. But in this dress, I do. Red sequins flash under the bedroom light as I spin around.

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