“Oh, hey Lex, you remember Brandon, right?” Daphne motioned towards Santa Claus.
I squinted my eyes, and I gave Santa another once-over. Yeah, I could see it now, and I could just barely see a tattoo peeking out from his collar. Brandon was gorgeous and would look good wearing a trash bag. He stood tall, maybe around six-foot-four, and built like a brick shithouse; I knew that under that fake beard and wig, he sported just the right amount of facial hair and wavy hair that he had worn in a loose man bun the couple of times I had seen him. He reminded me of a Norse god, but with darker features. As hot as he was in regular clothes, this getup definitely had me hot for Santa. My face must have given my thoughts away because Daphne hit me in the arm. “Ew, stop it.”
“What? I didn’t do anything,” I shot back.
Daphne rolled her eyes.
I ignored her. “Hey, Brando, nice getup,” I said with a wink.
“Thanks, um, you too. Um, I like your scrubs.” Brandon’s cheeks flamed.Shit, was he flustered?
I laughed and put a hand on my hip. “Yeah, I know, right? I look sooooo hot, I’m sure.” I knew I looked a mess, with my dark hair piled on top of my head, not a stitch of makeup on, and there were most definitely bodily fluids splattered on my leg.
Brandon smiled and interrupted my self-deprecating thoughts. “Yeah, you look great, actually.”
Daphne was looking between us with wide eyes, thenshook her head. “I gotta get back to the unit. See ya Sunday, Brandon.”
“I’m coming too.” I turned to follow her. “See ya, Brando.” I waved back at him.
“Bye, Lexi.” He smiled and then turned his attention towards a boy who had walked up to see Santa.
I caught up with Daphne by the elevators. “What’s happening on Sunday?”
She turned to face me as we waited for the elevator. “We’re having dinner at his dad’s place.”
“Oooo, I like dinner. Got room for one more?” I asked, trying to be as nonchalant as possible. I was interested in Brandon. He was fucking gorgeous and looked like he could break me in half, and I was eager to let him try. Was I interested in more than sex? Nope, but I needed an in.
Daphne leaned in and whispered, “You cannot fuck him. Do you hear me?”
“What the hell?” I hissed. “I wasn’t planning on it,”Lie. “but wanna tell me why exactly?”
“Um, because he’s Nathan’s brother, and not even the fuckboy brother. Dylan, I’d probably let you have a whack at, but please, not Brandon. He’s too nice. I don’t think he’d survive you.” Daphne insisted as we entered the elevator.
“Dramatic much? Jeez, Daphne, you act like I’m some kind of man-eating succubus,” I huffed and crossed my arms.
“I’m saying exactly that, babe. I love you, but you, my friend, are a fuckgirl, and Brandon is a good guy. You literally have the pick of the litter in this city, and I’ve seen youbag any guy you set your sights on. I don’t want things to be weird at family dinners when you break Brandon’s heart.” Daphne was definitely overreacting.
“Break his heart? Who said anything about feelings?” I rolled my eyes. “I’m not trying to date anyone.”
“Exactly. Promise me you’ll leave Brandon alone. He’s not looking for casual,” Daphne pleaded as we exited the elevator.
“Fine. I promise not to bang your boyfriend’s brother, jeez,” I begrudgingly agreed. How was she going to tell me who I can and can’t fuck? My bestie was being awfully judgey.
Truthfully, I wasn’t even mad that she didn’t want me to get involved with Brandon. She was right, after all—Iwasa fuckgirl, and I had no intention of changing my ways any time soon. Plus, if Brandon was as sensitive as she implied, then I shouldn’t risk him getting attached, especially if Daphne and his brother were getting serious. But that didn’t stop me from daydreaming about riding him while he wore that Santa suit.New kink unlocked.
The restof our shift was peacefully uneventful. Working in the ICU could be crazy, and I was always thankful for the slower, less hectic days. That day in particular was actually so slow that Daphne got to go home early. Of course, she’d be spending the night at Nathan’s, leaving me free.Again. Iwas happy for her, truly, but it had been nice having her all to myself for those few weeks after she and fuckface broke up. Since then, I was keenly aware of how alone I was. I didn’t have many friends because I kept most people at arm’s length, so when I met Daphne, it surprised me how quickly I let her in. We became fast friends, and I clung to her like a lifeline. But now that she was blissfully in love, I had to keep myself occupied with other extracurricular activities.
Speaking of which, where did that sexy-ass Santa go?I thought as I passed the cafeteria on my way out of the hospital. To my dismay, the North Pole was closed, and he was nowhere in sight.Bummer. I still had an itch that needed scratching, so I guessed I was going out for the night.
I quickly made my way home and reheated some leftovers for dinner. I decided I’d go to my local watering hole rather than a club. Clubs could be fun, but I felt more comfortable in jeans and a cute top rather than having to get all dolled up in my sluttiest attire to go to the club. It was usually too much effort for only mediocre rewards. Guys at the clubs were usually looking to score, but they were almost too easy and usually only out to please themselves in bed.I’m making generalizations, of course, and from time to time, I’d been pleasantly surprised.But statistically, going to my local dive bar was easier and more fruitful. I could dress how I wanted and relax at the bar with a drink, and if the fish weren’t biting, I wasn’t out too much time or effort.
Daphne was right, though. I usually got any guy I wentafter. Although I didn’t think I was what most men were looking for. I wasn’t rail-thin with huge tits. I was taller than most and a little thicker in the middle. Sure, I had a cute face and a nice rack, and my ass was probably the envy of a lot of women, but I didn’t think I was what you’d calltraditionallybeautiful. Don’t get me wrong, I loved every inch of my voluptuous body, but growing up seeing supermodels on TV and in ads, I knew what some people thought when they saw me. That didn’t stop me from getting mine. I think it was my confidence that initially drew men in, and once I had them interested, it was all over.
The Basement was busy for a Thursday, but I managed to find a seat at the end of the bar. As the name implied, The Basement was in the basement of a building around the corner from my place. It was a dank dive bar, and I absolutely loved it. One of my favorite bartenders, Diane, was working, and she gave me a nod. She already knew what I wanted to drink. I was predictable that way. As she set my vodka soda with extra limes down in front of me, I thanked her and scanned the bar. There were a few couples canoodling and a group of girls laughing, huddled together. By the pool tables were a few guys, but not anyone who caught my attention. Unfortunately, I was still thinking about Brandon, and no one here was stacking up to that hunk of a man.
I sipped my drink, lost in thought, when a guy approached me. “Is this seat taken?” he asked.Real original, buddy, I thought.
“It’s all yours,” I answered without looking up. I heardthe scrape of the chair against the floor and finally looked up to see fucking Brandon sitting down next to me.What the fuck?“What are you doing here?” I asked, turning to face him.
