loud, and turned on my webcam.
I posed for a few blurry pictures, pouting in a few, smiling in a couple more. I picked the one that flattered my round face and chubby cheeks the most and hit upload.
"There," I said out loud. "Now Jill can't yell at me."
I set my laptop down and went to pour more wine. When I returned to the couch, I nearly choked to see that my message box was already blinking wildly.
My hand trembled as I clicked the inbox and my eyes widened as I saw the flood of messages that poured across my screen. I chose one at random.
"Dear Nicolette, I have been looking for a woman like you for a long while. We share the same interests and the same love of a good time. I would be honored to spend some time with you - Call"
The picture that accompanied the message was of a sandy haired, model gorgeous man posed against a canyon wall. His tawny gold skin set off eyes that were so blue they seemed unnatural.
My heart flip-flopped, skipping a beat.
Hesitating, I picked another message.
"Nicole, I swear to god, I will do things to that luscious body that you can only dream. Let's make dreams a reality. I am yours for whatever you want - Jor."
My core clutched at itself to read his lascivious message. And when I saw the face that was attached to those dirty thoughts, I couldn't help but moan out loud. Dark and brooding, with full lips twisted into a cocky grin, he looked every inch the man who would make such dirty promises.
Each message was more enticing than the last, with every message promising me that they would make my wildest fantasies come true. How in the world was I supposed to pick just one?
I took another healthy sip of wine. I was nearing the end of the bottle and with that, the end of my courage. Feeling emboldened by the promises, I typed out the following message and copy-pasted it into Jor and Call's inboxes.
"I'm having a hard time deciding between two dates. I'd love to meet both of you, if you don't mind."
Instantly my inbox blinked again.
Call: "Not a problem."
Jor: "Name a place."
I flushed and leaned back on the couch, feeling dizzy. They wouldn't mind having to share? Who were these men?
The next morning found me nursing a headache and being screamed at through the phone "You actually did it!" Jill screeched so loudly I had to set the phone down. "I am so proud of you. Details, Nicolette, I want all the details the minute you have them."
"Mmmhmm," I grumbled. Last night's indulgence was becoming this morning's annoyance. "Let me let you go, I have to figure out my clothing situation"
Jill was still cackling when I stabbed the off button and threw my phone on the bed. Woozily, I steadied myself on the headboard and turned, squinting ferociously at my closet. While I loved clothes, they tended not to love me or my curves.
Shoving armfuls of rejects aside, I waded into the mass of fabric, hoping against hope that inspiration would strike the way it had when I told Call and Jor I wanted to meet them both. And then suddenly, it did.
In the back of my closet I spied an old sundress I had forgotten I bought. The tags were still on it, and I recognized the logo of my favorite website to drunkenly overspend on. "Score one for bad decisions," I muttered, and pulled it over my head.
The full skirt swished out over my hips, and the tight waistline nipped me in with a slim red belt. The black and white floral fabric was fun and flirty, but serious enough to go into evening if need be. But the best part was the deep, halter V-neck that plunged down, giving a generous eyeful of my overflowing cleavage. I looked into the mirror and smiled, my headache dissipating as I turned from side to side, blowing myself kisses. Fuck shyness, fuck being a prude, I had two gorgeous men meeting me in an hour and I was going to have some fun!
The cafe we had decided on was only two blocks from my house, but the
Calvin Wade
Travis Simmons
Wendy S. Hales
Simon Kernick
P. D. James
Tamsen Parker
Marcelo Figueras
Gail Whitiker
Dan Gutman
Coleen Kwan