Page 7 of Cucumber Martinis

I'm like an addict needing his next fix, and she's the only drug that will cure my hunger. Especially after our night together when I could touch any part of her body whenever I wanted to. It's torture not getting to now.

"This is my job. I can't risk losing it because I had sex with the two of you."

"Come on, Madison, it's not like we're your employers. Think of us as your co-workers—co-workers with benefits." I give her my most charming smile.

"If I wanted that I would have hooked up with Jared by now." She snorts.

My teasing mood changes to anger at the mention of another guy, "Who the fuck is Jared?"

"You're kidding me, right? You and Caleb shared me last night like I was your personal fuck toy, and now you're pissed off at the mention of another guy's name—unbelievable." she takes a step toward the closed door, trying to escape.

I grab her arm and spin her around to face me. "Caleb and I have never shared a woman before. You're different from anyone we've ever met." I let go of her arm. Maybe this isn't a good idea. Caleb and I are here to learn about running Sweet Cocktails and making it successful, not chasing after pussy—even though I get a feeling Madison is more than just a piece of ass we can fuck and forget. "Sorry, you're right. It's none of my business who you have sex with. Let's just continue with the orientation."

Madison gives me a look like she can't quite trust my intentions. "Okay, but no more talk about any of our sex lives. As far as I'm concerned, once these three weeks are over, you'll go back to Minnesota and open the best damn bar Minneapolis has ever seen, and I'll stay here." There's a sadness in her voice, but I don't mention it. She's right. We don't have time to mess around.

"And you, mister hot lips, keep your mouth and your tongue to yourself." Madison is looking over my shoulder. I follow her gaze and find Caleb standing there. I was so lost in thought I didn't even hear him come in. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to use the ladies' room before the bar opens for business." She pushes her way past us, slamming the door behind her.

"What was that all about?" Caleb asks, his eyes still on the closed door. "Or should I say, what did you do to piss her off?" he turns to look at me.

"She reminded me that this is her job and we're only here for a short time before we go back home. There's no point in starting something that will only be temporary and might hurt her career."

"Hmm."

"I don't like that look on your face. The last time I saw it, we almost got kicked out of college by the Dean himself."

"I don't know about you, but I'm drawn to Madison like I've never been drawn to anyone before. I'm not ready to let this opportunity go. I'm willing to act professionally around her, but what if we become so irresistible to her that she comes to us instead of us chasing after her?"

Caleb is known for his crazy ideas, but this one might actually work. "Okay, I'm in, but if Madison gets hurt or loses her job over your scheme, I'm going to kick your ass."

"When we're through with Madison, she'll be begging us to make love to her again. So instead of kicking my ass, you'll be kissing it." He rubs his hands together like an evil genius in one of those superhero cartoons.

He'd better be right, because, come hell or high water, I'm playing for keeps with Madison; she doesn't know how serious we are about having a long-term relationship with her.

eight

Madison

It's been two and a half weeks since I told Caleb and Owen I didn't want to be with them again, and I'd be lying if I said I was glad they were honoring my wishes. They've become the perfect employees, not too flirty with the female customers and not too cocky with the male customers.

They've done every job at the bar, from bartending, serving, beer backing, and even taking their turn deep cleaning the bar after closing time. Mae said their bookkeeping system is better than hers. She's even learned a thing or two from them.

Just like I asked, the only contact I've had with them has been professional, except for the occasional rub of our bodies as we squeeze past each other behind the bar. I wish I could say they were the ones doing all the rubbing, but I'm the one who's been acting like a cat in heat, rubbing against them every chance I get.

They're fun and charming, winning over all the staff with their stories—everyone except Jared. Jared keeps to himself unless it's a female customer, then he's all over her. Caleb and Owen have had to each step in when Jared was getting too handsy with a customer.

Caleb and Owen are genuine nice guys. They would never be interested in a girl who has sex with two guys at the same time. They deserve a good girl, someone like I used to be. It's not that I regret our night together, but it was just a fantasy.

"Hey, beautiful, why so sad?" Caleb gives me a side hug—the kind you give someone you barely know, not the full-body hug of someone you care about.

But we know each other better than most co-workers. One night, when it was just the three of us, and it was a slow night, I broke down and told them all about John and getting stood up at the altar. They both seemed genuinely concerned and even threatened to beat up my ex if I wanted them to.

I've done the one thing I swore I wasn't going to do—I've fallen for my one-night stands.

"Nothing, everything is fine." I smile, blinking back my tears, sliding out of his embrace.

They'll be leaving in a few days, and then I can get on with my life. Maybe it's time to move on. As much as I love it here in New Orleans, it might be time for a change. There are Sweet Cocktails chains all over the world. I'm sure Mae will put in a good word for me.

"It definitely looks like there's something wrong." When I don't say anything, Owen continues. "I know we don't know you very well, but I'd like to think we've become more than acquaintances, maybe even friends. So why don't you tell us what's wrong."

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