Page 28 of Dark Seduction

The diner'sentrance seems to swallow us whole as we step inside, our collective hunger from the previous night gnawing at our stomachs. The moment we cross the threshold, the atmosphere in the place shifts palpably. I can feel the curious, judgmental gazes of everyone around us, their whispers and sideways glances following our every move. It's as if they've sensed something different, something new, about our little trio.

As we make our way to a booth, a sense of uncertainty hangs in the air, and I share a quick, unsure glance with Mack and V. We're suddenly faced with a rather awkward predicament—how should we arrange ourselves now that we've officially become a throuple? The pressure of the stares from the other diners amplifies the discomfort of the decision.

In the end, we opt for the safest, most conventional choice, even though it feels strangely uneasy. V and I slide into one side of the booth, leaving Mack to occupy the seat opposite us. It's a configuration that keeps us all within eyesight, yet the distance between us feels greater than it ever has before. The once-cozy familiarity of our relationships now seems altered under the scrutiny of outsiders.

As we settle in, I can't help but overhear snippets of hushed conversations from nearby tables. Some people seem intrigued, even accepting, while others shoot us judgmental looks. It's a stark reminder that while we've embraced this new chapter in our relationship with open hearts, the outside world isn't always as accepting or understanding.

V exchanges a subtle, reassuring smile with me, and I try my hardest to tamp down my annoyance. We may feel a bit out of place right now, but we're in this together, no matter where we choose to sit or how the world perceives us. Our connection is strong, and nothing can change that.

Our group settles into the cozy booth, and it's impossible not to notice the striking waitress who approaches with menus in hand. She exudes an undeniable charm, her radiant smile and magnetic presence commanding attention. However, it becomes abundantly clear that her focus is singularly directed at me. The gleam in her eye and the playful sway in her step leave no room for doubt.

"Good morning, handsome," she purrs, her voice dripping with flirtatious charm as she addresses me. "Ready to order, or would you like a little more time to decide?"

My discomfort is palpable, and I can feel the warmth of a blush creeping into my cheeks. A quick exchange of knowing glances between V and Mack confirms that they've noticed the waitress's affections, and I can't help but worry about how Mack might react to the situation.

Mack, always one to break the ice, flashes the waitress a teasing grin. "I think we're all ready," she says with a playful glint in her eye.

As we place our orders, the waitress's attentiveness shifts between us, but her focus always seems to return to me. I muster the courage to speak, even as her flirtatious demeanor lingers in the air. "I'll have the lumberjack breakfast, please."

She winks at me, her dazzling smile never fading. "Good choice," she purrs, scribbling down my order on her notepad. "And to drink?"

We unanimously request coffee, orange juice, and water, and she jots down our drink choices with a final, lingering smile before sashaying away to the kitchen.

As she disappears out of sight, I release a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. The flirtatious encounter with our charming waitress has lightened the mood, but I can't help but worry about how Mack might have taken it.

I can't help but feel a nagging sense of unease about the waitress's flirtatious attention. It's not like women never flirt with me, but what the three of us have is still so new, and I’m not sure I did the right thing. It leaves me feeling unsure of how to navigate the situation without upsetting Mack.

"Well, that was fucking awkward,” I mutter, not sure what else to say.

Mack's eyes meet mine, and she chuckles softly, her laughter laced with amusement. "Oh, Burnt, don't worry about it. You’re hot. She’s hot. Hell, maybe someday we’ll to have invite her over to play." She grins mischievously, as I gape over at her from across the table.

Mack's words take me completely by surprise, and I find myself momentarily speechless. Her mischievous grin and casual mention of inviting the waitress to join us in the bedroom sends a jolt of intrigue through me. The idea, while unexpected, holds a certain allure.

I blink in astonishment, my gaze locked onto Mack's eyes as I try to process her words. "You're serious?" I finally manage to ask, my voice tinged with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

Mack's grin widens as she leans in closer, her eyes dancing with a newfound excitement. "Well, why not?" she replies with a playful shrug. "We're all consenting adults here, and we're all exploring new territories together. Who's to say what kind of adventures we might have in the future? We’re making it up as we go."

V, who has been listening to our exchange, chimes in with a devilish grin of his own. "Oh, I think I might like these rules."

Mack giggles as I sit there, stunned by the sudden shift in our conversation, I can't help but feel a strange mixture of shock, curiosity, and a growing sense of adventure. The possibilities that lie ahead, as we continue to navigate this uncharted territory together, seem both exhilarating and limitless.

The weight of my past insecurities and doubts begins to lift, replaced by a sense of acceptance and hope. For the first time in my life, I feel like I truly belong, like I'm part of something extraordinary. The prospect of the adventures we might share together fills me with a newfound optimism, and I can't help but believe that life is about to take a remarkable turn for the better.

V

I takea deep breath and try to focus on the task at hand. This Corvette will not fix itself. I grab a rag and continue wiping down the engine, trying to ignore the sweat trickling down my back. As I work, I can hear the muffled sounds of music coming from the radio in the office, a slow and sultry beat. Normally, it would be calming, but today it just irritates me. Between the heat, this fucking Corvette and its untraceable oil leak, and the lack of air conditioning, I am about at my wit’s end.

Burnt saunters into the garage, his short hair sticking to his forehead as he glares at me.

“You know, you’re not supposed to work without a shirt on,” Burnt says. “Doesn’t that violate some OSHA policy?”

“Yeah, well, Judge isn’t picky about dress codes,” I reply, grinning at Burnt. “It’s this or I’m working naked.”

“Mack wouldn’t mind that,” he smiles, jerking his head over to Mack’s empty station. With the heat and humidity near the record today, Mack couldn’t work if the air conditioning couldn’t keep up. She’d opted to hang around the office. “Where is she?”

“Office with Judge.”

“Fuck.”

---