Fifty Shades of Hemmings

Chapter 3:

Today so far has been long and overwhelming. And it's only 4:30. Must be a new record. On the drive home, my treacherous thoughts kept on cycling back to Luke. Luke who is mysterious and also illegally sexy. I don't know why the boy has been haunting my thoughts. I didn't even know anything about him. His gaze has got me feeling some type of way though.

I arrived at the apartment to find that Silas has chewed up my favorite pair of heels. They were black strap-ons that helped me feel at least 4 inches taller. I threw them to the side and threw myself onto the warm sofa. Silas found interest in one of his many chew toys.

Just as my eyes were drooping to sleep, someone knocked at the door. As usual, Silas barked like it was the end of the world. I threatened him with The Stick and opened the front door. The man stood at least 3 inches taller than my petite frame. He had auburn hair that seemed to contrast with his hazel eyes. He stuck out his hand for me to shake.

"Hi, sorry. My names Brandon. I just moved down the hall and I was wondering if you had any oregano leaves."

I raised an eye brow. "Either that's a lame excuse for an introduction or your actually cooking an Italian zesty meal."

He let out a laugh which showed his pearly whites. Damn. I'd kill for teeth like him. I wouldn't even care about not smiling.

When he finished laughing, he looked back at me. "Neither. I'm not interested in pussy. I haven't been since the fifth grade."

It was my turn to let out a laugh. I didn't know what to say after that comment. As if he sensed my discomfort he asked, "So do you have oregano leaves?"

"OH!"

I ran to my kitchen pantry and began to look for the oregano. I was pretty sure we had some.

"You can come in, Brandon. I'll be back in just a sec."

I heard him sit at the kitchen island.

"Here they are," I said handing him the bag of oregano leaves.

"You know, there is a Whole Foods literally two blocks away," I told him.

He nodded. "I know, but the sun is high in the sky, and frankly I'm to lazy to put on sunscreen. I don't want to ruin my perfect skin."

I laughed and led him out the door. "I'll see you soon" was all he said before he left our apartment.

When I closed the door, my phone rang. It was from a number I didn't recognize. It read,

"I really don't like seeing strange men leave your apartment. See you tonight.

-L"

***

Janice came home later that evening with a big grin plastered on her face.

"Lara! We have to celebrate. I have been chosen to have one of my designs featured in the 20 Under 20 Unknown Designers list on the New York Times!" She began to squeal and throw her stuff all over the air.

"I have already contacted everybody I know! You know Mara, right? The redhead with the lazy eye? Well her mother knows the owner of Magyk Nightclub! She was able to give us last minute reservations! This is amazing." She let out a gasp. "What am I going to wear?"

She ran to her room and I heard her rummaging in her closet.

I took out my phone and saw the message again. I didn't owe him anything. I didn't even know him. How did he expect me to just agree to go out with him? He didn't even give me a choice.

I got up from my seat and walked to Janice's room.

I smiled at her. "When do we leave?"

***

The Magyk Nightclub was an exclusive club in the Downtown LA area. It was the hotspot for A-Listers. How Janice has the contacts for this, I have no idea. But I found myself standing outside the entrance, telling the bouncer my name. He checked it off the list and raised the velvet rope.

Inside the club was a jungle. People were grinding and thrusting on the dance floor. The bar was located to my left and to my right were the bathrooms.

Janice grabbed my elbow and directed me to a secluded, closed off section on the second floor.

"This is exciting, isn't it!" Janice yelled in my ear. I only nodded and let her guide me past the throngs of people. Colorful lights strobed above us. Music blasted from all corners.

"Stop being observant. Just let go."

Those words were my mantra that I repeated in my head.

"We need shots!" I heard Janice say.

We all downed the drinks and ordered another round.

After ordering our fifth round, I noticed a man staring at our table.

"Janice, look."

She turned just when the man turned back to the bar.

"Lara, he's not staring at just our table. Or me." She wiggled her eyebrows at me.

"I dare you to go dance with him."

I turned to her, eyes wide. "What?! How- how do I do that?"

Janice laughed. "Your innocence never seems to shock me. Just go. Dance. Live."

She nudged me towards him. I stumbled but found my footing and nervously walked towards the man. A grin lit up his face and handed me a drink.

"What's your name?" he asked me.

I grinned and took a sip of my drink. "Lara. You?"

"Michael. Care for a dance?"

He was tall, like almost everyone I meet, and had messy blonde hair that was expertly mussed around. He stuck out his hand and led me towards the dance floor. I quickly began to panic. I couldn't dance. How was I supposed to dance?

Sensing my discomfort, he grinned at me reassuringly. "It's okay. Just follow my lead."

I nodded and he placed is large hands on my waist. He pulled me closer to his warm body and swayed. I followed his lead and swayed my hips. He smiled and gripped tighter onto my hips. I let out a smile and turned around, so my back was to his front. With his hands still on my waist I swayed down low and up again.

"Your doing great," he whispered roughly into my ear.

I looked up to find Janice. My eyes glanced by the entrance, but what I saw made me do a double take. Luke was standing by the entrance.

He didn't look happy.

***

(A/N):

UH-OH xD