Pinned Up (Pinned Up Trilogy) (6 page)

What the fuck? Play it cool, man!

“Is that right?” She gives me a knowing smile. Her beautiful chocolate eyes instantly light up.

“Are you two done eye fucking each other? I want you guys to try these Irish Car Bombs. They’re pretty kick ass.” Kade is grinning from ear to ear as he interrupts to hand us our drinks.

The rest of the evening goes by at a rapid pace. The bar is packed and extremely noisy. Before the game comes to an end, I have no choice but to invade Nina’s personal space so that she can hear me.

God, she smells divine.

“So, are you busy tomorrow night? The next game isn’t until Saturday. Feel like doing something?” I hold my breath as I ask her out.
Why am I nervous? Since when do I ask girls out? I’m a ‘fuck em and leave em’ kind of guy. I don’t do dates.

“No, I’m not busy. But, I’m not going on a date with you, Josh. I don’t do the dating thing.” Nina replies. She puts a double lock on her guard.

Rejected. A bruise to the ego. But, I’m not a quitter. “Hey. Whoa. Slow down. Who said anything about a date? I just asked if you wanted to do something. Don’t get ahead of yourself. I don’t do the dating thing either. So, calm down. Since it’s not a date, I’ll pick you up after work at your house. Is five thirty okay?”

She takes a long moment to ponder on whether she should go or not. Clearly, she’s relishing on seeing me suffer. “Fine. I’ll go. Where exactly will we be going?” She asks curiously.

“Don’t worry about it. Just dress casual. It’s not a date. No need for you to get all fancy for me. If you act right, maybe I’ll treat you to some tacos. There’s a restaurant I know that has a special…two tacos for a buck.”

“You’re not funny.” She pouts making her lips look even more luscious. I need to taste them.

Focus, asshole!

“I never claimed to be and I never said I wanted to take you on a date. Damn, woman…You just love jumping to conclusions. Sooooo can I have your number?” I ask with an evil grin on my face. “I need to contact you for our non-date. I can’t wait for all the non-hooking up we’ll be doing. I’m looking forward to it. Are you?”

“Yes.” She replies and gives me her winning smile that immediately makes me melt and gets me hard at the same time.
How is that even possible?

The evening comes to an end and it’s another win for the Bay Area. Our group makes plans to meet up again on Saturday for the third game of the World Series. Reluctantly, I leave, but anxiously await the following day for my non-date with Nina.

Chapter 4 (Nina)

Non-Dates

“Oh. Hell. No! You are not wearing that stupid turd on your hair tonight. A sock bun? Seriously? What’s wrong with you? This is your chance to dust off the cobwebs you have down there.” Kade points towards my private area between my inner thighs with no consideration to personal boundaries. “What are you thinking?” He’s beyond appalled and is pacing back and forth in the living room.

“This isn’t a date. I’m wearing jeans and a fitted white long sleeve shirt. No makeup. And my bun. I’m not trying to impress anyone tonight.” I’m holding my ground. This is NOT a date.

Kade gives me an exasperated look. “You’re beautiful, but a quick lick wouldn’t hurt you any. I’m just sayin’. At least you had the decency to shower after a full day’s work.” Immediately, he begins to walk backwards with his hands raised, palms facing me claiming he doesn’t want to go to war.

I get distracted when my cellphone rings, Josh wants to come in. I deny his request. I gather my hooded sweatshirt, purse, and put on my vans.

Before I leave, Kade asks, “Cheesecake, have you waxed recently? I don’t want the poor guy to have to feel the cactuses you call legs or deal with a hairy beaver. Usually you let the hair reach a fur coat status by mid-December, but right now, I just don’t know about you.” Instantly, Kade takes off running as he sees me grab the remote. I throw it and strike the back of his head. Direct hit. Score!

I go downstairs to meet Josh. This isn’t a date. No need for formalities.

He’s waiting for me right by the stairs. “Hi.” We both say in unison.

He stares at me intently. “Since this isn’t a date, I won’t be telling you that your natural beauty is absolutely breathtaking. I will kindly ask that you don’t put any roofies inside my drinks tonight. If you want to take advantage of me, please do so while I’m not under the influence of any drugs.” Josh says matter-of-factly.

“Right. Got it. Thanks for clearing that up.” I reply in the same manner.

Josh picks me up in a black GMC pickup truck with a crew cab. He opens the door for me and gives me a hand getting inside since it’s pretty high. Right away, I notice the front is a bench seat, overall very spacious. Nice. His truck still has that new car scent and roars loudly as we take off. Although it’s early in the evening, the sky is already a midnight blue. I observe that Josh’s eyes are mesmeric even in the dark as we drive by the city’s lights.

Neither one of us is hungry so we proceed to our destination. He doesn’t tell me the location or purpose of our non-date. He junctions on Interstate 80 East, it’s quite a drive. We engage in small talk. He insists I provide him with details of my job and not just tell him that I’m a paper pusher. He listens intently as he merges onto Highway 99 North.

“During my third year at UC Berkeley, I began working for local government. I worked in the Human Resources department as the assistant to the HR Director. She advised me to apply to all the job postings that I qualified for. I did as I was instructed. Now, I work for a division within the D.A.’s office as a victim advocate. Initially, I worked in claims and dealt with victims who had accrued financial burdens due to crimes committed upon them. Reimbursements for counseling, medical, and moving expenses are some causes for restitution to be established. My responsibilities now consist of being the liaison between sexual offense victims and criminal court while moderating the effects of rehashing the trauma.”

I pause.
Why do I feel awkward talking about my job?
I push the discomfort aside and continue.

“I feel it’s imperative that criminals committing these wrongdoings pay on all accounts. I handle my job to my best ability to ensure defendants are held monetarily accountable and completely responsible for their inhumane actions. It’s the least I can do.” I hesitate again and use that moment to observe Josh. I have most of his attention; his other focus is the road ahead of him. I continue. “Initially, it wasn’t my ideal job, but grew to respect my work. This job can be emotionally and mentally draining at times. After I earned my Master’s degree, I became a pin-up model to maintain balance in my life. It’s a fun, sexy, and exuberant distraction from my overwhelming day job. I enjoy both careers but obtain a different satisfaction at the end of a work day.” I feel myself relaxing the more I open up to him.
Weird.

“What do you mean, it’s the least you can do?” He questions with a crease on his forehead. He’s serious; the intensity in his features only makes him look more appealing. Wow. I didn’t think that was possible.

I ignore his intrusive question. I definitely won’t be touching that subject. “I just finished rambling. It’s your turn to tell me about your tree hugging tendencies and your company.”

Josh shows reluctance for a moment. “Fine. E-Con Solutions originated from a small construction company my mother’s boyfriend, John owned. They dated for almost fifteen years. My mother refused to marry despite being in love with him. Since middle school, I used to accompany him on job sites and was sometimes put to work. John was a real craftsman and taught me everything I know.” He stops to look at me; I notice a glimpse of sadness behind his entrancing hazel eyes. “In my early twenties, he passed away and left me his company along with several investments. He didn’t have kids of his own and considered me family. He also insured my mother was well taken care of. I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management at San Francisco State and a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management through an online university. Upon completion of my degrees, I began making several changes to the business. One of the first changes I made was use eco building materials; they’re non-toxic and come from renewable resources. They’re beneficial because they have very minimal impact on the environment or help in conserving energy. I’m very proud of how rapidly my perseverance, hard work, and sweat turned this conventional construction firm into a successful eco-friendly one. I care about our environment and its future.” He shrugs his shoulders. “See, not much to tell, pretty boring stuff.”

This man is many things, but boring is definitely not one of his descriptions.

“I don’t think it’s boring. It’s essential that companies implement ways and techniques that will protect our environment. I think it’s pretty cool of you, actually. So, what else are you into? Besides posing as eye candy for Kade, that is.” I smile at him coquettishly, completely unintentional.
Yeah, right.

“Whaaaaat? You think of me as eye candy and want to see how many licks it takes to get to the center of my lollipop? Wow! You don’t beat around the bush, do you? I like your style.” He raises his right eyebrow twice and gives me his biggest boyish grin he can conjure up.

“Ummm…no. Nice try.” I attempt to be serious, but fail.
Did it just get hot in here?

“Hey! I heard you loud and clear. Posing. Eye candy. I can feel you undressing me with your eyes as we speak.” He winks.

Of course you’re eye candy, you fine delicious piece of man! But, I’m not going to tell YOU that!

“Hey! This is a non-date, remember? No sugar talk is allowed.” I try my best to sound as dignified as possible.

“Sugar talk?” Josh questions.

“Yes. Sugar talk, a conversation sexual in nature including but not limited to flirting, dirty talk, discussing fetishes, admitting kinky desires, sexting, and so on.” I feel myself blushing.
Since when am I shy?

Josh gives me a disbelieving look. “But, you started it with all the talk about wanting me to pose naked over a bear skin rug while you lick Pop Rocks candy off my butt cheeks.”

No, he didn’t. Sexy AND cute? How will I resist him for the remainder of the evening?

“You’re delirious.” I laugh.

“What? You want to know if I’m delicious? No need to beg, you can taste me anytime. But, I thought this was a non-date. Why are you throwing yourself at me?” He questions me jokingly.

Adorable.
I can feel my heart begin to melt.

“If I were to throw myself at you…as you just put, you definitely wouldn’t be questioning my actions.” A wicked smirk plants itself on my face.

Josh’s expression turns lustful in a matter of seconds.

What if I were to run my fingers through his hair and caress his face lightly with my lips. That wouldn’t do any harm, right? Wrong! Get your horny ass together and think of something that won’t get your panties in a bunch!

The song, “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down starts playing on the radio. “I love this song! I haven’t heard it in years.” I turn it up, start singing along, and move to the beat.
Perfect distraction.

Josh stares at me and gives me a sensual smile, making his features look even more alluring.

But, I’m sure he thinks I’m insane. We continue to joke, laugh, and crank up the music when feel good songs come on for the remainder of our drive.

“Hey, so tell me about your family.” Josh has a curious expression and lowers the radio.

“There’s not much to tell. It’s just me and my mom, Victoria. Oh, and Kade…of course. My mom moved to California from Jersey in the mid-eighties. She became pregnant with me and it was just us two until Kade came into our lives and moved in with us about twelve years ago.” I reply.

“Tell me more about you and Kade.” Josh tries to sound nonchalant about his inquiry, but he’s unsuccessful.

“Kade is my best friend, my headache, my sunshine, my partner in crime, my roommate and most important, the brother I never had. I want to run him over and use him as a speed bump sometimes, but I love him. Since we met, we’ve never been apart. My mom considers him a son. He’s family. What about you? Any siblings?”

“Just my mom and I, that’s it.” He smiles, reaches for the radio, and turns up the music once again.

Hmmm…he doesn’t like talking about himself, he’s very private. I wonder why?

We’re in Elk Grove and finally arrive to our destination. An indoor shooting range? Is he serious?

“We’re here! Since this is our first non-date and you were radiating tension this week, I thought shooting a few rounds would make you relax and let loose for a bit. What do you think?” He asks with contagious excitement.

Before I have a chance to reply, he gets out of the truck and grabs a duffel bag from the back seat. He walks over to my side and opens the door for me.
A gentleman.
“I know this isn’t what you had in mind. Just trust me. I know what will make you feel good.” With his husky voice, his words sound absolutely erotic. I swallow hard. He reaches out for my hand and helps me get out since his truck is fairly high. As I get out, I stumble onto him pressing my body completely against his.