Page 26 of Peach Cobbler Confessions
Noah looks my way. “Hear that, Lot? He’s reliving a steamy memory that doesn’t involve you in it. If you stick with this guy, you’re setting yourself up with a lifetime of ghosts of girlfriends past. And God only knows how many more kids are going to walk out of the woodwork.”
Everett steps in front of me, effectively blocking my view of Noah.
“Hear that, Lemon? He just called your womb woodwork.” He lands a kiss to my lips. “Let’s get into one of these carnal caves and do what we’re best at.” His mouth moves over mine and my entire body responds. Oh dear God, this man really knows how to send me places.
A hard moan comes from me. “I think we need to stay on track.” I clear my throat as I give a quick glance to Noah. “I’m here to speak with Sammy Brewer.”
Collette gasps and claps. “Good old Sammy. She’s right over there.” She points a ghostly finger and it lights the way like a flashlight.
“Collette.” My mouth falls open. “You know Sammy?”
“Sure do. Just met her ten minutes ago. She must have gotten the gig after I took off for paradise. She’s the one in a hot pink wig and long metallic lashes. I heard her say the rooms were filling up fast tonight, so the three of you better scoot on up there before all the good ones are taken.”
I twist my lips at both Everett and Noah. Collette is right. We’ll need a room for three.
Sure enough, there’s a woman in a pink wig, long metallic eyelashes—and if my memory serves me correctly, the pink hair, silver lashes, and the frilly pink skirt, it’s all reminiscent of the last few women who I’ve run into in this den of depravity. That Halloween getup must be the dress code for this place. But to Sammy’s credit, she’s not completely topless as the others were. A pair of silver stars sit strategically placed over her chest—small diminutive stars that leave absolutely zero to the imagination but still, I appreciate the effort.
“Room for three?” she purrs as she runs her eyes up and down Everett.
“Yes,” Noah says as he wraps an arm around my shoulders. “Something comfortable. She needs to take a seat and relax. She’s been on her feet all day.”
“Aww!” Collette purrs. “He’s so adoring, Lottie. Say, wasn’t he your boyfriend at the time of my death?”
I give a little nod her way.
Sammy purses her lips as she examines the ledger in front of her. I’ll admit, she hardly looks like the girl from the awards ceremony that night, not only because of that tinsel-based costume, but with the spastic lights robbing her of all natural color, she’s practically unrecognizable. My guess is she doesn’t recognize me either.
She frowns. “Unfortunately, we just rented out our last ménage. But you’re in luck, if you’re up for the ritual room.”
“Oh my stars!” Collette bucks and gasps as if someone just shot her.
Sammy nods. “It’s a voyeur adventure, but if you don’t mind a few eyes on you, it’s a wonderful experience. It’s more or less a scripted interpretive dance.” She looks my way. “You’re the damsel in distress and one of these men will play the part of the villain while the other plays your hero.” She leans my way. “We never tell the damsel which is which. And we’ve never had a damsel complain about it either.”
Noah tilts in. “We’ll take it. What do we do?”
Sammy points to her left. “Dressing rooms are back there. I recommend being shirtless for the men. You can leave your ties on, your suit jacket if you must.” She nods my way. “I’ve got a few dresses you can choose from.” She nods and I follow her to the back as Noah and Everett are pointed to the room next door.
“Have fun, Lottie!” Collette waves as she floats next to Everett. “I’m heading into the boys’ dressing room because I can. Don’t worry.” She comes shy of biting Everett’s ear. “It’s nothing I haven’t seen before. But, boy, do I miss it.”
Sammy leads me into a glorified closet and pulls out a red velvet dress with a laced-up bodice and a skirt that cuts off at the thighs.
“I recommend wearing your purse crossbody so you won’t have to hold onto it.” She helps me quickly change into the lush accouterment and helps arrange my purse so that it’s hardly noticeable.”
“You know, you look familiar,” I say. “Do you work for a bakery, too?” I know exactly where I’m going with this, I think.
She blinks back, stunned, as if I struck her.
“Where did you get that idea?”
A small laugh trembles through me as she tightens my corset and a wheezing sound escapes me.
“Too tight.” I fan my fingers over at her and she loosens it a notch. “Thanks.” I take a breath and feel as if I’m about to bust right out of this lacy number. I can’t help but note my bosom looks as if it’s crying to be set free. I’m bulging and blooming in all the right places, and a part of me wants to go home with this cute little number I’ve donned so I can entertain Everett with it properly.
She fluffs my hair with her fingers. “So what’s this about a bakery?”
“Oh right. I think it was you who handed me a cobbler at some awards ceremony a couple of night ago.”
Sammy’s pale eyes round out as she takes in a sharp breath.