Binding You To Me Like Cursive

Pleasure In Itself

Phoebe

It was finally Friday and after a quick drink with some work friends I hastily made it home. With my heart in my stomach I was aching to see Winter. We hadn't talked since she accepted my invitation and I missed her. At that point, I couldn't fight my urge to be around her. I didn't understand it and I didn't attempt to. It is what it is, I told myself. I was just happy to be controlling the narrative.

I had dinner efficiently prepped and freshly bought. I'd left for lunch and decided to get most of it out of the way then. I headed to the grocery store and bought salmon and spinach for my favorite Tuscan garlic butter Salmon-skillet with spinach and tomatoes. They wouldn't arrive until 8 so I still had 4 hours to cook and get ready. More than enough time. I cleaned for an hour, watched the news, and decided to pick out my outfit. I quickly decided on a maroon satin mini dress with a classy plunging neckline. It had a discreet slit on the side and I loved the way it caressed my body. It was my best dress in my closet. I showered, did my make up, and pulled my hair in an elegant bun. I didn't put on the dress right away, just cooked in my robe with nothing but a g-string on. I had my playlist playing on my system and I was getting through dinner swiftly, without even breaking a sweat. The aroma permeated my apartment and I was in food heaven. The knock that came to my door startled me. I knew it must've been Mara for she was probably checking to make sure I was doing my hostess duties.

"Mara, I promise, I'm cooking." I said to her while opening the door. Standing was not Mara, but in fact, Winter. My heart leapt around and butterflies swarmed in my belly at being so close to her again. She was in her workout clothes and her breathing was quick and fervent. She smelled amazing despite being covered in sweat. My robe was thankfully closed, albeit not that tight. The sleeve was slipping off my shoulder and it opened to a V almost to my naval, exposing the slope of my breasts. She gaped, her chocolate eyes like saucers. She blushed profusely and quickly looked away.

"I thought you were Mara. What's up?" I shrugged my sleeve up and allowed her in, walking back to my dinner. I heard the door close behind her and smiled to myself.

"I just, I want to make sure you were honest. That tonight isn't some trick." I laughed, I couldn't help it. She'd obviously been pondering on that for days. Of course, I don't blame her. She had a right to be suspicious. Though, knowing it got to her was pleasure in itself.

"I promise. This dinner wasn't even about you, quite frankly, it wasn't even my idea." She was taken aback. She looked adorable with her hair in a sloppy ponytail and sticking out every which way. She wore a sports bra that teased my eyes and I could see her nipples poking against the fabric. Her cheeks were rosy and her lips plump and delectable.

"Then whose?" She queried.

"Mara's. She wants me to meet Bo, her new boyfriend." I didn't mention Ezra, I'd like to gauge her reaction later when seeing me with him.

"Oh. Okay. But why invite me?" I sighed and rested my hands on the counter, making my robe strain against my own hardened nipples. Her eyes worked hard to keep on mine.

"I told you, I want to be friends. I think we'd make really good friends." She exhaled, giving into me. I was being honest, mostly.

"Okay. We'll be here at 8." I nodded and watched her walk out. Even messy she was sexy.

"You look hot!" Mara exclaimed, looking fabulous in her own dress. I'd never seen her in anything like the long-sleeved yellow off the shoulder maxi dress she wore. It was stunning on her.

"Thank you, so do you." I hugged her and glanced at Ezra who was walking behind Bo. He was hotter in person, I could admit to myself, and although I knew Winter would be the star of tonight I wouldn't mind having him to look at. Bo stepped forward. He was slightly older, mid-thirties, with scruff on his slim face and slightly crooked teeth.

"It's nice to meet you, Phoebe," he grinned and shook my hand. "Mara's told me great things." I smiled.

"Oh, I doubt it." I said. We laughed and he moved on in. That's when Ezra approached. I didn't hide the way my eyes shamelessly wandered all over him. He was taller than me, which was saying something because I was tall myself. He had a visible Adam's apple, a 5 o'clock shadow on his handsome face, and a head full of chocolate brown hair that he had casually pushed back. Clad in a dark outfit he wore dark jeans, a crisp black Oxford, and an expensive looking jacket. He looked amazing. His hand swallowed mine and he grinned, his steel grey eyes shimmering past his long curly eyelashes. He was charming. "You must be the famous Ezra Ryan." His eyes wandered as well, taking in my breasts and the curve of my waist.

"Must be. You look astonishing, Ms. Ginevra-Navone." His voice was deep and husky. I blushed. I'd only ever blushed like that for Winter but nobody had ever said my full name the way he just had.

"Thank you. Come in." Bo had Mara pulled in by her waist and they looked rather perfect together. I thought I could finally be friends with one of Mara's conquests. Just as I walked away from the door there was another knock. I sauntered back with my best smile and opened it. Winter stood hand-in-hand with her fiancé. She was in a pale blue mini floral dress with pink flowers. Her breasts were on full view given the sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves. Wow. Her skin was flawless and delicate, her freckles beautifully scattered over her shoulders.

"Hey, welcome." I noticed Kaiden and gave him my full attention. "Nice to finally meet you, Kaiden." He was handsome, but she could do better. He was also taller and bulkier than I imagined.

"Thanks for having us," he said, shaking my hand.

"You guys look amazing. Come in."

"It smells like heaven in here, Phoebe." Bo announced, taking in a deep breath. "It looks divine. You made all this?

"Yes, thank you. I hope you guys like." I had my normally 4 seater table extended so it made 6 spots, and the dinner was on full view. A bottle of wine sat in the middle with Caesar salad, veggies, and the main course.

"This is quite impressive," Ezra said as I poured everyone wine and finally took my seat at the head of the table with him to my left and Winter to my right. On the other end facing me was Mara.

"You're so kind." I said sweetly.

"So everyone meet everyone. These are my new neighbors; Winter and Kaiden. And this is my best friend Mara, her new man Bo, and Ezra Ryan." I'd noticed Kaiden looking at Ezra. I assumed he knew who he was.

"Ezra, man, I'm a big fan. I love your music." He said, confirming my thought. Ezra grinned.

"Thanks, man. I appreciate that. Are you two married?" He looked between him and Winter and my stomach turned. Jealousy hit me and I had to swallow it.

"Will be in a few months." Kaiden corrected. Mara squealed softly.

"I love weddings!" Bo's eyes widened in mock shock and she slapped him. "Get over yourself." The table laughed and began to dig in.

"We'll toast," I said, raising my glass when our plates were full. I side glanced to Winter, feeling her warmth encompass me. "To new friends." Everyone held up their wine and repeated my words before clinking glasses. When I drank I looked at her, and caught her looking back at me.