„I can’t believe you brought Champagne in here.“

„Are you really complaining about me bringing alcohol? What happened to the woman I used to know after that surgery?“ 

„Who says I’m complaining?“

„So, you want me to fill up the paper cups?“ 

„Of course! It’s almost midnight!“

Lucy was lying in her hospital bed after getting her appendix removed the prior day. She and her best friend Eve should have travelled to Oahu at the turn of the year. But unfortunately things came different. As they needed to cancel their plans due to Lucy’s sudden appendicitis, Eve was joining her in the clinic to welcome 2022. 

„Happy new year, bestie!!!“ Eve cheered when it turned 12 AM.

„Happy new year, bestie!!!“ Lucy replied. 

Then they clinked and took big sips.

Suddenly a grumpy nurse entered the room. Eve immediately let the Champagne disappear in her bag, giving her an innocent look.

„You really think I’m that dump?“ The nurse said. 

„Hm?“ Eve replied, smiling shyly. 

„When we met before in the hallway I knew immediately what is going on by the guilty look in your eyes. You should really work on your poker face, missy.“ The nurse explained.

„Hey, you want some Champagne as well, Olga?“ Lucy asked, grinning cheeky. 

„Hell, yes. That’s why I came.“ Olga replied. 

Eve sighed relieved and grabbed the bottle and another paper cup out of her bag. 

„Cheers!“ The women toasted and enjoyed the Champagne. 

„Okay, girls.“ Olga said, after they finished the bottle. „I really need to kick you out, Eve. We just allow having visitors till half past twelve tonight.“

„Oh no! Are you serious?“ She complained.

„Unfortunately. This is not negotiable.“ Olga said. 

Eve pouted but realized fast, that there was no chance to change Olga’s mind. Then she hugged Lucy tightly and said goodbye. 

Eve waited in the hospital lobby for her Uber to arrive. As the car arrived, she hurried outside.

„Happy New Year! Where can I bring you?“ The friendly driver asked. 

Eve felt frustrated. The night was still young but she was all alone in L.A. downtown.

„Hey, ummm… do you know a good bar? I just realized I’m not ready going home that early.“ Eve answered. 

„Ya, sure. There’s a great cocktail bar few blocks from here.“

„Sounds perfect. Let’s go for it.“

„Saucelito.“ Eve read the name from the bar, before she went in. 

It was well-frequented, but on a night like this it wasn’t surprising. People were enjoying themselves, sitting with their cocktails at their tables or dancing at the small dance floor next to the DJ, who was playing some Latin American music. 

Eve managed pushing herself through the crowd and found a free seat at the bar. Wearing destroyed skinny jeans, a random white v-neck shirt and white sneakers, she wasn’t dressed for a night out, but she didn’t bother much. Her long blond hair was put together in a loose ponytail. Her make up was plain. She underlined her big ice-blue eyes with some mascara and wore peach colored lipstick. With some light foundation she tried to cover up her freckles, which she definitely didn’t like, although people used to tell her they made her look cute. 

The bartender immediately noticed her and handed her the drinks menu. She smiled and took the card, studying the strange cocktail names. 

„Hm.“ She muttered to herself after a while, not knowing what to choose. 

„Can I make a suggestion?“ She suddenly heard a male voice saying. 

It was a very unique voice, sounding smooth and soothing.

Eve looked up to the man sitting at the bar next to her. She smiled at him and he immediately responded. Her bright smile was contagious. She heard that a lot. 

His incredible deep blue eyes caught her attention, although they were hidden behind black framed glasses. He was definitely several years older than her. His dark hair was turning grey. It was long, curled and way too scruffy. But this was Los Angeles. Eve wouldn’t be surprised, if he styled them this way on purpose. He was wearing a black t-shirt, black jeans and multicolored sneakers. She wondered why. But again, this was L.A. and she was definitely someone who didn’t know much about the latest fashion trends. 

„Yes, sure, go ahead.“ Eve encouraged him. 

„I highly recommend Maria Knows Better.“ He said. 

„Maria Knows Better?“ She repeated, giving him another charming smile. 

„It’s a wild berry fruit punch with rum. Definitely my favorite.“ He continued talking, pointing at his half full glass. 

„Sounds great. Thank you.“ She replied and ordered the same cocktail.

„Why they called it Maria Knows Better? What do you think?“ She asked next to engaged him into further conversation.

„Well, the bar owner Pablo was working on a new cocktail one day and let his wife taste his first creation. But she was disgusted. Then she started intervening and telling him how to improve his work. He was terribly annoyed, but in the end he listened to her advice. One night he asked some guests to taste it and they were completely amazed. That’s when Pablo decided calling his cocktail this way. It’s a homage to his annoying wife.“

„Is that true?“ Eve asked skeptically.

„Yes, it is. Unfortunately Pablo isn’t here tonight to confirm that story.“

„So, you’re here frequently, hm?“ 

„Ehm, ya. If I feel like having a good cocktail that’s my favorite place.“ 

Eve smiled again. That guy was easy to talk to. She was wondering why he was alone in that bar on New Year’s Eve and just realized, he might ask himself the same question about her.

The bartender served her cocktail in the same moment. Eve took a sip.

„Oh wow! This is really good!“ She said and took another big sip. 

„You’re welcome.“ The guy replied, smiling.  

„Hey… ummm… I’m Eve, by the way.“ She introduced herself, smiling back. 

„Josh.“ He replied.

„How come you’re here tonight, Josh?“ 

„Oh well, I was on my back home from the airport and then realized, there was plenty time left for a good drink before going home.“ Josh explained. 

„Where have you been?“ 

„I visited my parents during the holidays.“

„Returning home on New Year’s Eve seems unusual.“

„That’s right. But they planned spending the end of the year in Aruba. As they left in the evening there was no reason for me staying any longer. So, here I am.“

„But you could have joined them.“

Josh scoffed. 

„No, that’s a little too much for my nerves. One week at home was quite enough.“ 

Eve giggled. She couldn’t be with her parents at one place for a whole week.

„I feel you.“ She said. 

„And what about you?“ Josh asked next.

„Me?“

„How did you find that place?“

„Oh, my friend Lucy and I wanted to spend few days together in Hawaii, but unfortunately she got appendicitis and needed surgery. That’s why I visited her in the hospital tonight, but they kicked me out after midnight. So, I looked for a place to get a drink and here I am.“ Eve explained. 

„I’m sorry for your friend.“ Josh said.

„You’re cute saying that. But don’t worry. She just drank a lot of Champagne. Mixed with her painkillers she’s on a great trip right now. I’m kind of jealous.“ Eve joked.

Josh chuckled and made Eve smile as well. 

„Well, this here is not Hawaii but at least they have delicious cocktails.“ He continued talking. 

„Oh… you’re the guy who’s glass is always half full, hm?“ She teased.

„Ya, definitely.“ 

„Healthy attitude, Josh.“ 

Josh was surprised about himself. He didn’t know why he started talking to that girl, but somehow he immediately felt the urge to get to know her, as soon as he noticed her. Definitely she was not his usual type. He stopped dating blonds in his twenties, as he made some negative experiences with some of those. Of course this wasn’t the main reason why his preferences changed over the years. But still, he couldn’t remember when a woman like her caught his attention for the last time. 

He assumed she was thirty-something. This was a dangerous age. Women in their thirties used to recognize him. But Eve definitely didn’t act like she had any idea who she was talking to. 

He liked her delicate face with her big blue eyes and her irresistible smile. Definitely she was pretty, but she made the impression as she didn’t care about that too much. 

Josh emptied his glass and ordered another Maria Knows Better. He didn’t plan having a further drink but he enjoyed Eve’s company and hoped she would stay a little longer as well. 

 

„Josh?“ Eve asked, after taking another big sip of her cocktail.

„Yes?“ 

„Are you in a relationship? I mean, I suppose you’re not, because otherwise you wouldn’t be here alone tonight, right?“ She said. 

„Right. What about you?“

„Same situation. I’m not seeing anyone, but I have Lucy. We’re sharing an apartment and sometimes it feels like a real relationship.“ Eve said.

Josh looked at her with his eyes wide open. Eve looked back, noticing his confusion and swallowed up her drink a little bit.

„God lord! It’s not what you think!“ She said and started laughing. 

Josh smiled relieved. 

„But…“ Eve continued talking. „Lucy is in a very experimental stage of her life. She got divorced from her husband some time ago and had a fling with a chick lately.“ 

„Oh. So you better never say never.“ Josh teased. 

„I’m pretty sure this is not gonna happen but… ya… you never know.“ She smiled. 

Eve finished her cocktail and ordered another one. 

„Uh… I feel the rum.“ She announced. 

„What happens when the rum takes control?“ He asked eagerly.

„I talk to much.“ 

„About what?“ 

„No matter what.“

„Okay, then let’s see what happens when you’re finished with the next one.“ He teased again. 

„And you? How does alcohol influence you?“ She asked. 

„I become more confident.“

„Well, that’s not a bad thing.“ Eve determined. 

„Talking too much is not a bad thing, as well.“

Eve smiled. 

„Talking about talking, since when are you single, Josh?“

„Oh, it has been just few weeks. We broke up after Thanksgiving.“ 

„Did something happen?“

„Life happened, I guess. We’ve been together for few years and doing great for a while. But at some point we realized, that we expected different things from life.“ 

„Like what?“

„Kids.“

„Uh, I can see that struggle. So, you wanted but she didn’t or the way around?“

„The way around.“

Josh was wondering why he was telling her such personal stuff. Normally he never opened up that fast. But something about Eve made him feel comfortable and let him forget about his inhibitions. 

„I’m sorry to hear that. It must be pretty tough.“

„Well, we tried making a compromise and adopted a dog, although I’m not a pet person at all. First I was just deeply annoyed about that ugly, stinky guy. But when I finally started liking him, we broke up.“

„Oh no. That sucks.“

„Yap. Unnecessary emotional baggage.“

„But you can have shared custody.“

„Not really. She’s moving back to Orlando soon. So, that’s it.“

Eve sighed.

„I believe we will need another drink to get over this.“ She teased.

„Are you making fun of me?“ He asked, raising an eyebrow. 

„Nope.“ She said, shaking her head and biting her lips to stop herself from smiling. 

„Brat.“ 

Eve chuckled. 

„Okay. As my apology, your next drink is on me.“ She offered.

„No, Eve. That’s not necessary.“ He replied, feeling uncomfortable receiving a drink from a woman.

„Come on, it’s just a drink to make you feel better.“

„I’m good. Don’t worry.“ He smiled back. 

Eve needed to admit, that she liked him. Probably he wouldn’t be the kind of guy she would pay extra attention when passing him by on the street. Nevertheless he was very attractive. But this wasn’t about his pretty eyes or his adorable smile. It was his charming attitude and the way he was talking to her. 

„Okay, Mrs. Curious. How come you’re single?“ Josh wanted to know next. 

„Shit.“ Eve thought. 

This wasn’t something she wanted to talk about. But after asking him about all that personal stuff, she owed him an answer, as well. 

„I was married. But I’m not anymore. End of the story.“ She explained. 

„Did I just hit your weak spot?“

„Ya, not my favorite topic. But… you know… it’s five years ago. I really can say at this point, that I’m over it.“ She answered. 

„Did you have a dog?“ He asked to cheer her up again.

Eve burst out laughing and shook her head. 

„Fortunately not. No additional emotional baggage.“ She replied. 

„Lucky you.“

Eve nodded, taking a big sip and finished her drink. 

„Another round?“ Josh suggested. 

„Definitely.“ She replied. 

After drinking their next cocktail, they’ve been definitely drunk. 

„Oh god, it’s happening.“ Eve said when the DJ started playing the next song. 

„What is happening?“ Josh asked curiously. 

„I feel the urge for dancing.“ She explained. 

„So, that’s what is happening when you get drunk. Why you let me believe you just talk much?“ He teased. 

„I didn’t want to scare you off.“ She joked. 

„Wise woman.“ He teased again. 

Eve hit his upper arm playfully and gave him a warning look. Touching others was another of her habits when she got drunk. 

Josh liked her doing that. He remembered when an older friend from high school taught him, that it was a good sign when a girl acted this way. 

Eve stood up from her stool and gave him a very cheeky smile. 

„Forget it.“

„Josh. Don’t be a grinch.“ She pouted. 

„No.“ He replied, trying hard not to smile. 

Eve didn’t let go. She grabbed his hand and tried to pull him from his stool. 

„You really think you can make me stand up?“ He teased. 

„What that supposed to mean?“

„How big are you? 5 feet?“ 

„5/3!“ She corrected him, still pulling his arm. 

Josh couldn’t stop himself from smiling any longer. She was cute. With every cell of her tiny body she was just damn cute. 

„Come on, Josh! I don’t care, if you can dance or not. Believe me, no one dances as bad as I do.“

Josh sighed. 

„Pain in the ass.“ 

Then he stood up slowly. Eve smiled self-satisfied and pulled him to the dance floor. Then she turned into his direction. Immediately he grabbed her waist and pulled her closer to his body. She didn’t expect that and looked at him surprised. He took her right hand and started dancing Salsa with her. Eve didn’t know the steps, but Josh was a confident dance partner and just made her move the right way. Eve was a little overwhelmed, but there was no time to think. She smiled all over her face and enjoyed every second.

Josh didn’t remember when he danced with a woman for the last time. He was definitely not the kind of person who danced at parties. Neither was he interested joining parties in general in the last couple of years. He became lazy and he knew it. But for the first time he made new year’s resolutions. After his split up with his girlfriend Jen, he was thinking about general changes in his life. Mainly he wanted to find a way to take better care of himself. Dancing with a beautiful woman and just enjoying himself was definitely a first step leaving his comfort zone. And it made him feel alive again. 

Eve felt more and more attracted to the stranger, who was dancing like he did nothing else in his life before. Her first impression of him was quite different to what she was experiencing with him on the dance floor. She believed he was a quiet person, not feeling the urge standing in the spotlight. But now she enjoyed a complete different side of him.

After several uptempo songs, the DJ played a slower one for a change. Josh pulled Eve close to his chest and put both arms around her waist. She rested her arms around his neck, moving her hips slowly to the rhythm. They looked deep into their eyes for the first time and got lost in the moment.

„Holy shit… looks like things won’t end at that dance floor tonight…“ Eve thought.

The imagination of taking him home was completely scary, but it also caused butterflies in her belly. She never did that before. Actually she needed just one hand to count the men she ever had sex with. And the last one was her husband.

Josh knew that inviting look in her eyes. He’ve seen that hundred times before. But this was long time ago. Having one night stands was not at his agenda anymore. Meaningless sex lost its thrill when he started having serious relationships with women. His relationship with Jen was his longest so far. But when things started falling apart she begun distancing herself. He barely remembered when he got sex for the last time. Thinking about sleeping with Eve made him feel nervous. But in a good way. 

„Do something, Eve. You can’t stare at him like this forever.“ Eve was thinking. 

Josh usually didn’t make the first step. He knew by experience, that he just needed to show little patience before things happened naturally. At least this was his prior method dealing with those situations. But now he wasn’t sure, if his plan would work out the way he expected. He knew that he still had a healthy appeal to women. But he also let himself go during the last few years and wasn’t in his best shape. Eve could easily hook up with any other guy in that bar, if she wanted. Luckily she wasn’t aware of that. Or was she? 

Josh suddenly lowered his head into her direction. He cupped her delicate face with one hand and placed a tender kiss on her lips.  

„Oh yes…“ Eve thought and got lost in the moment.

 

Josh lips on hers felt like heaven. They were soft and warm, carefully exploring her mouth. She opened her lips a little more to invite him in. His tongue slid inside slowly. She could taste him now and moaned silently. Their tongues explored each other curiously. Eve stood at her toes to deepen their kiss, while he was pushing her body closer to his chest with his free arm. She played with his hair at the back of his head. A pleasant dizziness started flooding her whole body. 

„Damn… it’s official. I want him. We need to get out of here…“ She thought. 

Josh didn’t expect it would feel so good. Suddenly he realized how much he missed being close to a woman. Eve’s velvet skin under his fingertips and her irresistible taste made his head spin. Unfortunately they needed to stop soon because another part of his body started responding. He deeply regretted wearing slim jeans tonight.

Like she was reading his mind, Eve slowly broke their kiss. She panted silently and gave him a sexy smile. 

„I would like to take you home.“ She whispered and bit her lower lip playfully. 

Seeing her doing this made him want her even more. After gazing at her for few seconds, he grabbed her hand and pulled her back to the bar. He took his wallet out of his pocket and placed 100 bucks at the counter. 

„Keep the rest.“ He said to the bartender. 

The bartender thanked Josh for the tip and gave him a dirty grin. Josh glanced at Eve and grabbed her hand again. He pulled her to the exit and immediately kept watching for a taxi when they left the bar. Luckily it didn’t take long to make one car stop. They sneaked together at the backseat.

„Happy new year!“ The driver said. 

„Same to you.“ Josh replied. 

„Where are we going?“

Josh looked at Eve. 

„Santa Monica.“ She replied. 

„Uh… posh girl.“ Josh teased.

„Wait with your comments until we arrive.“ She giggled. 

They were still holding hands, but didn’t dare continuing what they started at the dance floor in the presence of the driver. 

Twenty minutes later they reached their destination. 

„I got this.“ Josh immediately said and paid the driver.

„Definitely a posh girl.“ JC teased again, standing in front of Eve’s apartment building. 

„I’m not.“ She said, while opening the front door. 

Josh frowned.

„Oh, come on. You literally live at the pier.“ He replied. 

„Lucy is a realtor. That’s my luck.“ Eve explained.

They entered her apartment in the second floor. 

„Here we are.“ She said and put her shoes off. 

Josh looked at her and then did the same. She smiled. 

„Thank you.“ She said, appreciating his gesture. 

„I completely understand.“ He replied. „I have the same rules at home.“ 

The apartment was small but modern. The living area with its open kitchen was colorful and cozy. 

„A yellow sofa.“ Josh noticed and smiled.

„This is all Lucy. It’s too much for my nerves, to be honest. But as I said before, I have no right complaining.“ She said. 

Josh noticed a small balcony with an incredible view at the pier. 

„This view is definitely a compensation for the yellow sofa.“ He teased. 

„I know.“ Eve said cheeky. 

They looked into each other’s eyes again.

„Hey ehm… you wanna see my room?“ She asked shyly.

Josh smiled and nodded. She took his hand and pulled him to her bedroom. Then she switched on the light at her bedside table. Her room was furnished completely different than the rest of the apartment. Josh immediately liked her taste. The interior was minimal and clean. She chose just natural colors with some light blue and green decoration items. Her wooden queen size bed and her dresser were of high-quality and definitely not available at a random furniture shop. 

„Scandi-style.“ He said and smiled. 

„Ya. I’m loving it this way. It makes me feel calm when I come home.“ Eve explained. 

Josh nodded. 

„I see your point.“ 

Eve was truly nervous now. She had no idea what to do next. She looked into his eyes again, wondering if he felt the same way. 

„Josh…“ She whispered. 

„Yes?“

„I never did this before…“ She confessed. 

„Didn’t do what?“ He asked curiously. 

„Bringing a guy home I barely know…“

„Do you feel uncomfortable?“

She immediately shook her head. 

„Just nervous.“ 

„Me, too.“

Eve smiled. Then she came a step closer, standing in front of him.

He raised his arms and cupped her face with both hands. Then he placed a soft kiss on her lips. 

„You’re sure you want this?“ He whispered into her mouth. 

Eve nodded. Her heart was running out of control now. 

Josh’s hands slowly moved down. Then he grabbed the end of her shirt and dressed it off. He enjoyed the look at her half naked body. Her breasts - still hidden in her bra - looked very promising. He couldn’t wait to kiss them. 

Eve was officially on fire now and helped him out of his shirt as well. Carefully she placed gentle kisses on his naked chest and made him groaned silently. His fingers were moving south again and unbuttoned her jeans. Slowly he pushed them down and helped her out of it. 

Her plain black underwear was far away from being exciting. Still she looked very desirable in it. Eve opened the belt of his jeans now. Then she did the same with the zipper of his jeans. He dressed them of in a second. 

Josh’s erection was hard to ignore. He was big. She touched him through the fabric of his boxer briefs and immediately made him groan. 

„Oh boy… that’s a new level, Eve…“ She thought with anticipation. 

Josh lifted her up now. Eve looped her legs around his waist and put her arms around his neck. He carried her to her bed and made her lay in the middle of it. His body was bending above hers. He put off his glasses and placed them on her bedside table. Then he kissed her lips again before his mouth slowly moved down her neck. Eve bent towards his body slightly, enjoying every of his soft kisses. His right hand moved to her back now and opened her bra in a second. Then he pulled down the straps from her shoulders and tossed the bra to the floor. 

Josh was hypnotized by the look of her perfect shaped breasts. They were just a handful but this was more than enough to make him lose his mind. Slowly he started licking her right hard nipple while squeezing the other breast carefully. They were real. It was like a complete new experience for him touching real breasts again. Their softness was incredible. Josh needed to remind himself that there was more to explore at Eve’s beautiful body. He kissed his way down to her belly and stopped at the waistband of her panties. Then he grabbed them with both hands and pulled them down slowly. 

Eve bit her lower lip again, being curious about what would happened next. She looked at him, waiting impatiently for a reaction. 

„Wow…“ Josh whispered, with a big grin in his face. 

Eve smiled back. She expected this. It was always the same. Men where so predictable. 

„How comes that?“ He asked curiously.

„It was a birthday gift from my first boyfriend to my 18th birthday.“ She explained. 

Josh looked at her in disbelief. 

„Your boyfriend’s gift to your 18 birthday was a Christina-Piercing?“

„Oh. You made you homework.“ She teased, being surprised that he knew the term of art. 

„That’s general knowledge.“ He boasted, still smiling. 

Josh had a lot of women in his life. That was a fact. But no one had a piercing like this. It was brutally hot and something he definitely didn’t expect to find at Eve’s body. 

„I hope you don’t mind if I take a closer look…“ He said temptingly. 

Eve shook her head, grinning dirty now. 

He kissed her belly again and moved his lips south slowly. Her legs were spread slightly. But when his tongue met her piercing she opened her thighs wider. 

The reason why she kept that piercing for so many years was simple. Men always loved taking a closer look and they never got bored. It was a classic win-win situation. 

Eve moaned out loud when Josh started playing with her clit carefully. She didn’t feel a man’s tongue on her most sensitive parts for so long. He was literally blowing her mind. 

Offering oral sex was usually not on Josh’s schedule during one night stands. But today he was very happy making an exception. 

„Josh… I… oh Josh… I… oooooh… Jooooosh…!“

Eve’s orgasm hit her hard and rushed through every cell of her body like a thunderbolt. She panted for air and hardly found her way back to reality. 

Josh smiled self-satisfied all over his face. He got rid of his boxer briefs now and lay down on top of her body.

„Do you want more?“ He asked calmly and placed a soft kiss on her lips again. 

Eve nodded, still recovering from her orgasm. Josh smiled into her mouth. Then he grabbed her right thigh and pulled it up a little. Eve expected he would thrust her deep. He was big, but obviously he knew what to do to not hurt her at the beginning.

„I’ll make it slow.“ He whispered. 

Eve nodded again and gasped for air, when he entered her. He was completely filling her up.

„Are you okay?“ He wanted to know.

„Yes… I’m pretty fine here…“ She said, giving him a naughty smile. 

Josh expected it would be challenging. She was bringing him to the edge too soon. He was relieved that he already made her come, just in case things should run off control.

He accelerated his tempo steadily when she got used to his size. Eve felt her next orgasm building up. She enjoyed coming by oral stimulation but nothing could replace a man being deep inside of her. She missed this feeling so much. 

Josh felt she was getting tight. Her breath accelerated and she bent her whole body against him, longing for keener penetration now. 

„Josh. Please… I need it harder…“ She begged. 

He lifted her leg a little more and immediately accelerated his tempo. 

„Oooooh…. oooooh… oooooh…!“ She screamed and let her next orgasm taking control.

Her tightness was driving him insane. He couldn’t hold back for any second longer and finally let go. 

„Eeeeve… oooooh yeeees…!“ He groaned.

Their breaths were out of control. Josh was still inside of her, looking deep into her sparkling eyes now. He knew she was too good for this. She wasn’t one of those girls for just having some fun in bed. He knew from the start. But how was she feeling about him? Was he just for fun?

Eve raised one hand and stroke his cheek. Carefully she guided his chin down to her face, longing for another of his tender kisses. He was so affectionate. No man before treated her in bed with so much gentleness. Their lips met once again and they kissed each other for a while. 

„I’m pretty sure this is not how a classic one night stand works…“ She thought while enjoying still being so close to him. 

 

Eve woke up in the next morning. Josh was spooning her tightly, having one arm around her body. He was holding one of her naked breasts. She felt his warm breath on her neck.

„He’s still here… oh my god… he’s still here. Why is he still here?“ Eve thought, turning excited about the fact, that he didn’t sneak out of her apartment in the middle of the night. 

„Next time, google one night stands first.“ She made a mental note. 

Eve needed to pee very urgently. She was thinking about what to do next. Should she offer some coffee? What were the rules for all of this?

Slowly she lifted his heavy arm and sneaked out of bed on her tiptoes. She disappeared into her walk in closet for a second to put on some grey sweat-shorts and a pink tank top. Then she went into her en-suite bathroom and closed the door carefully. 

„Oh god… what happened to my face…?“ She thought, looking into the mirror. 

Sleeping with makeup was always a bad idea. Sleeping with contact lenses was another big mistake. Her eyes were red and swollen. She removed the contact lenses and the rest of her makeup and put on her big nerdy glasses. She was completely lost without them. After brushing her teeth and peeing, she put her messy hair together into a bun. Then she looked into the mirror again.

„Okay, that’s definitely not the face he met yesterday night, but I’m not putting on fresh make up for a man who will probably leave my apartment as soon as he wakes up.“ She thought. 

Then she took a deep breath and left the bathroom. Josh was awake and sat down in bed, when he noticed her. 

„Hi.“ He said, smiling calmly.

„Hi.“ She replied, smiling back shyly. 

„How are you?“ He asked.

„I’m good. And you?“

„I’m good, as well.“ 

Eve smiled again, not knowing what to do next. 

„Hey, ummm, you like some coffee or tea?“ She asked just to say something.

„I’m fine with both. Thank you.“ 

„Okay, ummm, you want me to bring it here, or… do you join me in the kitchen?“ She asked, not being able to hide her insecurity anymore. 

„Your place. Your rules.“ He replied, still smiling. 

She was so nervous. He wished he could make her feel less tensed. 

„I’ll wait for you in the kitchen then. Surely I’m gonna find something suitable for breakfast as well.“ She announced. 

„Okay.“

She gave him another shy smile and went outside in the next moment.

„Did you really just offered breakfast? What comes next? Asking him to move in?“ Eve blamed herself. 

Hastily she started the coffee maker and took a look into the almost empty fridge. 

„Great job, Eve. Offering breakfast without food in the house.“ 

Then she looked at the kitchen island. There was a big container with chocolate cupcakes standing on it. She baked them for Lucy, but she made few more for herself, as she loved cupcakes for life. 

„Just tell him that’s German breakfast. He surely will buy it.“ Eve thought half seriously. 

She made coffee and placed cupcakes on two plates. Luckily there was some orange juice in the fridge. She filled two glasses and placed them at the counter, as well. 

Josh dressed himself in the meanwhile and went into her bathroom. He saw Eve’s perfume on the shelf under the mirror. He grabbed the bottle and took a smell at it. The delicate floral scent immediately dazed his mind. But he knew it smelled even better on her skin. 

It didn’t happen often, that he stayed the night with a girl which he hooked up for just one purpose. But being with Eve felt really good. He wanted to relish the time with her to its full extent.

Eve just finished making coffee when he came into the kitchen. His hair was a mess but somehow he still looked hot this way. He smiled at her and sat down at the kitchen island. She did as well next to him and handed him his coffee mug. 

„Do you need milk and sugar?“ She asked. 

„Nope. I’m good. Thank you.“ He answered and took a sip.

He was surprised as the coffee tasted really good. It was strong and aromatic, having the perfect temperature, as well. 

„It’s good, isn’t it?“ She boasted. 

Josh smiled. He had the impression she slowly felt more relaxed in his presence. 

„It is good, ya.“ He replied. 

„Lucy and I were always arguing about the best roast. We tried countless sorts to find something we both liked the same way. That’s the final result of our exhausting conflict.“

„Please don’t tell me it’s the coffee brand where some weird exotic cats are shitting out the beans.“ He joked. 

„Oh, you heard about it?“

Josh gave her disgusted look. 

„Relax. It’s not that coffee. It costs a fortune. But it’s good. I drank it once.“

Again Josh looked disgusted. 

„Oh god… Americans. You believe Starbucks is doing a great job, right? Why am I even talking to you?“ She teased.

„Did you just discriminated me for being American?“ 

„Yes, white man. Discrimination can happen to any of us. You really need to learn to deal with that fact.“ She teased again. 

„With that German accent I believe you should be careful with any kind of discrimination.“ He teased back. 

Eve looked at him with her mouth wide open.

He hoped he didn’t cross the line with this, waiting for any kind of reaction. 

„First of all, I’m not German. Second, I like your dark humor. But if you start messing with me, you really should be able taking a joke.“ She warned him. 

Josh frowned. 

„You are not German? I would have sworn I know that accent.“ 

„The accent might be German, but I’m not.“ 

Josh couldn’t be more confused as in that moment. 

„How does this work?“ He wanted to know. 

„I’m Polish.“ 

„Oh.“

„Yap.“

„And the accent?“

„I’ve grown up in Germany. Lived there my whole life actually.“ 

„And how you ended up here in America, where nobody knows how a good coffee should taste like?“ 

„Ummm, that’s a long story.“ 

„You don’t wanna talk about it?“

Eve looked at him and sighed. Then she started to explain.

„I needed a new life urgently at some point. Lucy already lived here for a while. But I used to work with her in Germany for many years before she left. I really missed her. And I envied her for doing that big step starting all over again on the other side of the world. She encouraged me to leave as well. It took a while until I was ready. But few weeks ago I finally made that step and left my old life behind.“ 

Josh listened carefully. He noticed that her eyes started swimming a little bit, while she was talking. He didn’t want to push it, but very obviously she didn’t tell him the whole version of her story. 

„In that case, welcome to America, Eve.“ He said, instead of asking further questions. 

„Thank you.“ She replied and smiled. 

Josh glanced at the plate in front of his face now. 

„Cupcakes for breakfast?“ He asked, raising an eyebrow. 

„That’s German breakfast.“ She said, smiling cheeky. 

„It’s not.“

„I mean, Polish breakfast.“ 

He gave her a skeptical look.

„Prove the opposite.“ She teased. 

Josh smiled at her. Then he grabbed the cupcake and took a bite. 

„Wow, it’s good.“ He said with full mouth. 

„I know.“ She bragged.

„You made these?“

„Yap.“ 

„A Polish recipe?“ He teased.

„Of course. It’s confidential.“ She lied and smiled. 

Josh looked at her for a moment, while eating. She sipped her coffee and wondered, why he was suddenly gazing at her. 

„What?“ She finally asked, turning a little nervous again. 

Josh smiled.

„You have freckles.“ 

Eve rolled her eyes.

„I know. Being in California let them expand. It’s really nasty.“ 

„Why would you say that?“ He asked surprised. 

„I simply don’t like them.“

„But you should. They’re gorgeous.“ Josh replied. 

Eve immediately flushed. 

„He made a compliment. What is happening here?!“ She thought, being suddenly excited. 

She didn’t know what to say. Was he flirting or just being nice? 

Josh finished his cupcake and took a big sip of he orange juice standing next to him. He realized it was time to go, before overstraining her hospitality. 

„Hey, ummm, this was nice. All of this.“ He said next.

„Ya. It was.“ She replied shyly. 

„Maybe we can have another good coffee someday, somewhere?“ He suggested. 

„Okay. Things are really turning strange now.“ Eve thought. 

„Oh.“ She said without thinking. 

Now it was Josh who turned suddenly nervous. 

„Sorry, Eve. I didn’t want to  make things weird.“ He apologized. 

„You didn’t.“ She immediately replied. „I just didn’t expect you would like to see me again. I believed this was just something… physical…“ She tried to explain.

As soon as she spoke it out loud, she realized how stupid she sounded. Josh forced a smile.

„Don’t worry about it. Umm… as I said, this was really nice. But I should go now.“ He said next.

Eve felt awful. She didn’t want him to leave like this. But she absolutely had no idea how to deal with the situation. 

Josh stood up. She did as well.

„Hey, ummm… you wanna take another cupcake?“

„Eve, you idiot! You just offered food as an excuse for dumping him!“ She blamed herself in her thoughts. 

Josh noticed she was deeply confused now. Then he grabbed the cupcake from her plate which she didn’t eat yet and smiled at her. 

„In case I get hungry again on my way home. You never know, right? He joked. 

„Right.“ 

He went to the front door now and turned around, before he left.

„Happy new year, Eve.“ He said. 

„Happy new year, Josh.“ She replied.

Then he opened the door and disappeared out of her life. 

Eve let herself fall onto the stool again. She grabbed her face and shook her head. 

„You are so, so damn stupid!!!“ 

Josh took a taxi and arrived home half hour later. He was disappointed and needed to admit that he wasn’t used getting dismissed like that. Usually he met women under different circumstances. When he was joining a party, there was no chance someone didn’t recognize his face. It made things easy for him but of course it was frustrating at the same time. Finding out if a woman was truly interested in him as a person was truly difficult. However, Eve was very obviously not. 

Josh let himself fall at his sofa and called his best friend.

„Yo, man. Happy new year!“ Justin cheered into the phone. 

„Happy new year, T.“ Josh replied. 

„Are you still in Orlando?“

„No, my parents left for Aruba. So I went home yesterday night.“

„Really? So, you were on your own on New Year’s Eve?“

„Not exactly.“ 

„What does that mean?“

„I met someone at Pablo’s.“

„Uh… spill!“

Josh sighed.

„She was really nice, bro. We had a good time and then she took me home…“

„Congrats! Finally you got laid again!“ Justin cheered. 

„Ya… however… I asked if she would like to meet again but… I didn’t like the answer…“

Justin laughed out loud.

„She dumped you?“

„Ya… kind of… it was really weird… I’ve had the feeling she was completely overwhelmed by the situation.“

„At least, you got laid. See the positive side of that story.“

„I really liked her…“

„C… come on. Since when you give a shit?“

„Dunno… I guess it really offended my ego. I feel like I’m out of game…“

„You’re not. You just got a little rusty over the last few years.“

„I’m gonna sign up in the fitness gym again…“

„That’s definitely not a bad idea. And please cut that messy hair.“

Lucy laughed hard. She just couldn’t stop although it terribly hurt. 

„Painkillers! I need more painkillers!“ She shouted in between. 

„You deserve that pain.“ Eve replied, giving her an annoyed look. 

Then she let herself fall next to Lucy in her hospital bed.

„Sorry, darling. But I never heard a weirder one night stand story then yours. I mean, you offered food for his way home. What kind of person does that?“ Lucy replied, still laughing. 

„Someone who was very obviously completely overwhelmed with the situation.“

„Why you just didn’t make him stop?“

„I didn’t want to sound needy or desperate… or both…“ 

„But he gave you enough signals that he was interested in you. How could you misjudge the situation so bad?“

„Lucy, for god’s sake. I wasn’t with a man for five years. I have the right being a little lost, don’t you think?“

„You’re 37 years old. I can’t let you get away with that lame argument.“ 

„Ya… whatever. I screwed up. Next one please.“ Eve joked. 

„Next one?“ Lucy raised an eyebrow. „He whetted your appetite, hm?“  

„Maybe…“ Eve replied, grinning shady. 

„At least he made you come twice. Believe me, this is a great output.“

„Is it?“ 

„Yap. Once I’ve had a guy who came before we even started. Then he put his clothes on disappeared.“

„How you dared saying my story was weird comparing to this one?“ 

„Because yours is definitely more funny.“

Eve sighed with frustration.

„He was really good, Lucy… in many, many ways…“

Lucy turned into her direction and kissed her head. 

„Shit happens, Eve. Shit happens…“

Next day Eve was sitting on the passenger seat of her boss’ car. They were on their way seeing a client. 

„Are you really ready for this, Eve?“

„Of course, Rachel. Do you doubt me?“

„No. I really have a good feeling with this but… it is a big deal. You know that, right?“

„Ya. I know. You mentioned it once or twice.“ 

„Stop that cynical tone. That firm is my baby. I have a reputation to lose.“ 

Eve rolled her eyes. 

„I’m not doing this for the first time and you know it.“

„Ya. But this is Los Angeles. People are different here.“

„Why that?“

„They have high standards. They are willing to pay a lot but they are also expecting a lot.“

„I promise, I won’t disappoint you.“ 

The women reached their destination in the next moment. After parking her devil-red Mustang, Rachel took a critical look into the front mirror. She was in her fifties, trying very hard looking like forty. Botox was her best friend. Her lips were made as well. Being on a radical diet her body was way too thin. But her breasts weren’t. Of course they were made as well. Her long brown hair was perfectly waved and her red nails sparkled in the sun. She was wearing a navy shift dress and black killer heels. 

„Okay, it’s showtime.“ She said to Eve, after refreshing her expressive make-up. 

Eve couldn’t look more different. She was wearing a floaty floral skirt, a tight white blouse and nude ballet flats. Her make-up was plain as always. Just some foundation, mascara and her favorite peach lipstick. This was it. Her sleek long hair was open. She was also wearing her glasses as her sensitive eyes were still recovering from sleeping with contact lenses. 

Both went to the front door. 

„Good morning, Mr. Chasez!“ Rachel cheered when the door got open. 

„Good mor… ning…“ 

Josh’s voice was suddenly breaking and he couldn’t trust his own eyes. This was Eve. She was standing at his front door. Right here, right now. Just like that. What the hell was happening?

Eve turned immediately pale when she saw Josh’s face. This must be a bad joke. This just couldn’t be real. She gazed at him with her eyes wide open, while her heart stopped beating for a moment. 

Josh was wearing light-blue jeans, a white v-neck t-shirt and just black socks. His wild curls looked messy and his deep blue eyes were hidden behind his glasses. 

„Mr. Chasez, may I introduce you to my new employee Eve Miller? She is an amazing interior designer and moved from Europe few weeks ago. I’m absolutely convinced you’ll love her ideas.“ Rachel explained. 

„Hi.“ Josh said, staring at her.

„Hi.“ She replied, staring back. 

Then he realized that they were still standing at the front door. 

„Oh, ehm… please come in.“ He said and let them step inside. 

Eve’s knees turned into jelly. She hoped nobody noticed how much they were shaking. She put off her shoes before following Josh and Rachel into the living room. Then she sat down at his sofa next to Rachel who was still wearing her heels. Josh was so irritated that he forgot asking her to put them off. 

„Can I bring you something to drink? Coffee?“

„Yes, please. Thank you, Mr. Chasez.“ Rachel immediately responded. 

„What about you, Mrs. Miller?“ Josh asked, looking at Eve now. 

„He’s calling you Mrs. Miller. How awkward is that?“ She thought. 

Eve nodded, not being able saying another word. 

When Josh left the situation she slowly returned back to normal. She realized that her complete upper body was sweaty now.

„Are you alright?“ Rachel asked, noticing her weird behavior. 

„Ya, sure. I was just so overwhelmed by that… house. It’s really nice.“ Eve lied. 

„Yes it is. But you’ll make it look even better soon.“ 

Eve smiled shyly and nodded. 

Josh’s hands were shaking while making coffee. Why was he so damn nervous? He tried to figure out how on earth this could happen to him. Was this really just a random coincidence?

He returned with the beverages. Eve’s coffee was with milk and sugar. He remembered how she liked it. Noticing this made her immediately flush. 

„Mr. Chasez, we already talked about your requirements during our first meeting in my office before Christmas. But as Eve will take care for the redesign of your house, I would like you to let her know what exactly you’re having on your mind.“ Rachel said.

„Ehm, ya… sure.“ Josh replied, looking at Eve. 

„I would like to have a complete redesign of this living area, the kitchen and my master bedroom upstairs. That current black and white interior seems not to be up to date any more. I’m looking for a quiet fresh look, still minimalistic but cozy. I know that’s a conflict but… you’re an expert right?“ 

Eve listened carefully. She was in business mode now. Somehow she managed to focus, not thinking any longer about him lying naked on top of her.

„It’s not a conflict. We can make this work.“ Eve replied smiling. 

There it was again. Her irresistible smile. He couldn’t stop himself from smiling back at her from one ear to another. 

„Of course we can.“ Rachel cheered. 

„Eve… when you look at that room… do you have any spontaneous ideas how to redesign it?“ 

„Indeed.“ Eve said with confidence. 

Then she stood up. 

„Look, you have plenty of daylight here. This is a good thing. It means we can keep on working with some dark colors. But I’m not thinking about black. It could be patrol or a cozy mix of gray and deep blue. Dark colors are masculine. I believe this should still be a male home, right?“

Josh nodded. He stood up as well to join her by walking through his living area. Eve continued talking. 

„I understand what you mean with being more up to date. I miss some natural elements like wood or stone in here. We could replace your glass dining table through a beautiful solid timber table, for example. For the clean look I recommend plane white plastic chairs. It’s a very interesting contrast and breaks the massive look from the table.“

Eve took an iPad out of her bag and showed Josh some pictures. She was standing very close to him now. He could smell her familiar perfume which made him dizzy. 

„I made that moodboard for another project but I believe this elements would perfectly fit in here as well. What do you think?“ She asked him and looked up into his face. 

He got immediately lost in her beautiful eyes and gazed at her. Her face was so pretty. Did she know how pretty she was?

„Mr. Chasez?“ She said to get his attention. 

Somehow he managed retuning back to reality. 

„Ehm, ya. I like that. I really like your ideas. We should go for it.“ He replied.

Eve smiled now. 

„Let me prepare some individual moodboards for you. You’ll receive them tomorrow. Are you okay with that?“ 

„Yes, that’s totally fine.“

„Of course you can let me know your own ideas as well. Please don’t hesitate to help me understanding what you’re expecting in the end. This can be teamwork if you like. It’s not my intention to convince you from a style I believe it is fitting in here the best. Remember this is your home and it deserves looking exactly the way you want it.“

Josh smiled at her and nodded. 

„Teamwork.“ He said.

„Ya, teamwork.“ She repeated and smiled back.

„Perfect.“ Rachel said.

„Now let’s go upstairs and see the bedroom.“ 

Eve and Josh stared at each other, thinking the same.

„You and me in bed would be nice…“

Rachel, Eve and Josh went upstairs and entered his bedroom. 

„The same pattern. A lot of black and white.“ Eve noticed.

„Ya… there was a time when I believed this looked good.“ Josh explained. 

„There was definitely a time when this looked good.“ Eve replied, smiling. 

Then she looked at the ground. 

„Hey ehm… this carpet. Do you prefer having one in the bedroom?“

„Well, it’s cozy.“ He replied. 

„First of all it’s unhealthy.“ 

„Is it?“

„Ya… a lot of dust in it. Trust me, you can’t vacuum away all the crap which is living in there by now.“

„Really?“ He pouted, but also being kind of disgusted. 

„Don’t worry. If you want a carpet, you can have one. But wooden floor boards would fit here perfectly as well. We can work with a nice rug to create the illusion you’re still having a carpet.“ 

Josh couldn’t stop himself from smiling again. She was really convincing and brutally charming at the same time. 

„Listen to that girl, Mr. Chasez. She knows what she’s talking about.“ Rachel added. 

Josh nodded. 

„That bed is really big…“ Eve noticed. 

„Ehm ya… I like having enough room in it.“

„For what?“ Eve was thinking. 

„I’m sure we’ll find an adequate replacement.“ She said. 

„Oh ehm… could you please redesign the closet as well? It’s big enough but still I don’t feel comfortable in it. It’s too dark and a little too narrow.“ Josh said next.

Eve entered his closet. He was having plenty of stuff. But just one side was in use. The other one was completely empty. Eve reminded herself to focus and not thinking about his breakup with his longterm girlfriend now. 

„Well, this is a dry wall, right?“ Eve asked, knocking at the wall to convince herself. 

„Ehm… dunno…“ Josh answered. 

„Trust me, it is one.“ She said and smiled. 

„We can easily remove it and enlarge the closet a little bit.“

„Sounds like a lot of work.“ Josh said skeptically. 

„It is but if you decide changing the floor, this will be a bigger project anyway.“

„True words. I highly recommend doing this. It’s now or never.“ Rachel said. 

„Okay. You’re the boss.“ Josh said, looking at Eve.

„No, Mr. Chasez. It’s teamwork. Remember?“ She replied and gave him a wink. 

It was official. That girl was making him weak. Josh couldn’t be more excited about her spending the next weeks in his house and redesigning it. Maybe he should let her take care for the rest of the rooms as well just to keep her busy in here. 

„Alright, so. I guess we have a very good impression now what to do, Mr. Chasez.“ Rachel said. 

„Please trust me, this will be good in the end.“ Eve said, looking at Josh.

„I trust you.“ He replied, again smiling at her. 

She smiled back. Then all of them walked downstairs. Josh escorted the women to the front door. Eve put her shoes on.

„You’ll receive the moodboards tomorrow. Please take your time to decide which style you prefer most. Then we can meet again to discuss the details and further steps.“ Eve said. 

„I will. Thank you, Mrs. Miller.“ He said, with a cheeky smile now. 

„You’re welcome, Mr. Chasez.“ She replied, grinning back. 

That man was giving her a really tough time. This eyes. This smile. This attitude. And damn… the way he looked at her. The butterflies in her belly were really hard to ignore. 

Sitting in Rachel’s car on their way into the office, Eve was processing hard. The universe was playing games with her. Suddenly the man from the bar was her client. She couldn’t afford messing up that job. Rachel was having big expectations in her work. She employed her when she was still living in Germany. The job was Eve’s ticket to her new life in California. Getting fired meant going back home. It was that simple. 

„What is he doing for living?“ Eve suddenly asked.

Of course she was curious about his job now. Having such a beautiful big house in Hollywood Hills meant he was making plenty of money. 

„Oh, he’s a music producer or something.“ Rachel answered.

„Okay, this explains everything.“ Eve thought. 

Being back in the office Eve immediately started working on Josh’s moodboards. 

„Hey, busy bee. How was your meeting with your first client?“ Her coworker Mateo asked. He entered her office and sat down at her desk. 

She hated when he was doing that but he didn’t care. Mateo was 38 years old and also an interior designer. He was having short dark hair and deep brown eyes. He was always well dressed, being a sucker for high fashion brands and preferred dating men although he used to have relationships with women as well. He worked for Rachel’s company for several years now. 

Rachel was employing 30 people. She was very proud of her small firm, located at the Sunset Boulevard in a very modern and exclusive office building. Her clients were all wealthy. Rich people always wanted good looking houses. But most of them had no idea how to deal with it on their own. This was her key to success for almost twenty years now. 

„Mat, I eat at that desk. Could you please remove your butt?“ Eve complained.

„Nope.“

„She rolled her eyes.“

„So… how was it?“

„It was good. I think he likes my ideas.“

„Then why you look so tensed?“

„Do I?“ 

„Yes, you do.“

Eve sighed. 

„Look. It turned out I know that guy from a prior… thing…“

Mateo jumped from her desk. 

„Not way! Did you bang him?“ He asked excited. 

Eve didn’t answer.

„Jeeeeez! You banged your first client! How awkward is that?“ He teased.

„Could you lower your voice, please?“ She said annoyed.

„Lunchbreak. You’ll tell me everything. And when I say everything, I mean everything.“

„Fine.“

Next day in the afternoon Eve was sitting in her office and finishing the moodboards for Josh. She was satisfied with her work and already being very curious which one he would prefer. Then she stood up and went into Rachel’s office. 

„Hey boss, do you have a minute?“ She asked.

„Sure, darling. What can I do for you?“

„I can’t find Mr. Chasez’ contact details in our address files.“

„Oh, ya. It’s because he’s a new client. My assistant is busy with other things and didn’t register him, yet.

„No big deal, I just need his email address.“ 

Rachel scrolled through her emails.

„It’s jsc@jscmusic.com." Rachel said.

„Thank you.“ 

„Okay, what now? Do I call him Josh?“ Eve was thinking, before typing the mail. 

„Hell, I don’t even know how to spell Shahzay. Is that French?“

She took a deep breath. Since she met Josh last day she tried very hard not thinking about how much she desired him. This was business. She needed to focus on her job now.

Mateo entered her office in the same moment and sat down at her desk again. She gave him an annoyed look.

„I thought about what you told me yesterday during lunch.“ He started to talk.

„And?“ 

„I came to the conclusion there is no reason why you shouldn’t continue banging him.“

„Are you serious?“ 

„I believe it’s good for business if you do so. I mean, our job is making our clients happy, right?“ 

Eve looked at him with her mouth wide open.

„Are you listening to yourself? I’m not a hooker!“

Mateo smiled dirty. 

„Right. You’re doing it for free.“ He teased. 

„Go away Mat, before you get seriously hurt by my staple gun!“ She threatened him. 

Mateo gave her another dirty smile and left her office. 

One hour later Eve went to the hospital to pick up Lucy. Finally she was allowed returning home. Eve was looking forward having her back. She didn’t like being alone in their apartment all the time. 

„Did you take my car?“ Lucy asked on their way to the exit. 

„Of course not.“ 

„But I told you just taking my car.“ 

„What’s wrong with calling an Uber, hm?“

Lucy sighed. 

„Nothing is wrong with calling an Uber. But one day you’ll need to deal with your shit, Eve.“

„Yap, I will. But not today.“

Josh was sweating like crazy. His black t-shirt was completely wet. He didn’t remember when he felt exhausted like this for the last time. With heavy breath he stepped from the treadmill. He bent his upper body and supported himself by holding his thighs. 

„Jeeeeez. I wasn’t aware of, my condition is that concerning.“ He panted. 

Michael finished his training at his treadmill as well and stood in front of him now. 

„Yes, honey. It is concerning.“ He confirmed. 

„I believed you’re here to support me.“ Josh complained.

„I am here because I am here every day anyway. And if you want get back in shape, I highly recommend doing the same.“ Michael replied.

„I’m not even sure if I’m gonna survive today…“ 

Michael scoffed. 

„What happened to you, old man? You used to look so delicious and now… this…“ Michael continued teasing. 

„I hate you. I really, really hate you right now.“ Josh answered, still panting. 

Michael was 35 and Lance’s husband for eight years now. Having two adorable baby twins since last year didn’t mean for Michael to let himself go. He was in the fitness gym almost every day. Lance did as well to stay in good shape for his eight years younger husband. They also lived in Hollywood Hills, just few minutes away from Josh.

While finding his way back to normal slowly, Josh heard an incoming email and grabbed his cell out of his pocket. 

From: em@rachel-klein.design.com 

To: jsc@jscmusic.com

Subject: Moodboards

Dear Josh,

As announced, please find attached your moodboards. I’m really looking forward hearing your opinion. Whenever you’re ready, please feel free to let me know which choice you made. I am happy to schedule the next meeting then to discuss further steps. 

Eve

P.S. You really should rethink the choice of your coffee brand. Just saying. 

 

Reading the last sentence made Josh smile all over his face. 

„What is it?“ Michael asked curiously.

„Just got a mail from my interior designer.“

„Why your interior designer makes you look this way?“

„Which way?“

„Well. You look alive again. That’s something I didn’t expect to happen after your workout.“

„She’s awesome.“ Josh confessed.

Michael raised his eyebrows.

„Keep talking, darling. Keep talking!“ 

„I met her on New Year’s Eve first. We had a fling. And then it turned out she’s my interior designer. Things are really crazy sometimes.“

„Oh, I’m already loving that story.“ Michael cheered. 

„I really need to make her mine, Mikey.“ Josh said next.

Micheal nodded, finally realizing what was happening here.

„That’s why you just tried to kill yourself on that treadmill, right? You want looking good for her.“

„I’m doing that for my health. I know I was too lazy in the last years. Breaking bad habits has nothing to do with her.“

„Ya, ya, whatever. Lie to yourself if you want. I couldn’t care less.“ Michael teased again. 

From: jsc@jscmusic.com 

To: em@rachel-klein.design.com 

Subject: Re: Moodboards

Dear Eve, 

I love every of your ideas. Let’s meet and decide together. It’s teamwork, right?

What are your plans for tomorrow? 

Josh

P.S. Deep in my heart I’m a tea person. 

„Awwwww… he’s so, so cuuuuute…“ Eve swooned, sitting at their yellow sofa next to Lucy. She just read Josh’s email which she received on her cell. She was using the same phone for work and for private issues. 

Lucy smiled. 

„I still can’t believe you’re working for him now. I mean, that’s a sign. You were meant to meet that man. This is no coincidence.“

„Ya… you’re totally right. The problem is, that he’s my client.“

„But he won’t be your client forever.“

„That’s true.“

„So… first you make his place look like you want it. And then you can move in. Sounds like a masterplan, right?“

Eve laughed out loud. 

„You’re brilliant, Lucy. I didn’t see it this way, yet.“ She joked. 

Next afternoon Eve was standing in front of Josh’s gateway and rang the bell. She was completely nervous. As it was really warm and sunny, she was wearing her favorite sleeveless denim dress and nude sandals. The dress was very girly and perfectly underlining her petite feminine body shape. Make up and hair were the same like the last time she met Josh. She wore contact lenses again and was holding a big coffee package of her favorite brand in her hands. 

The gate opened up. Eve came in and went towards the closed front door. Her heart was beating like crazy and her palms were sweaty. When she arrived, it took few seconds before Josh finally opened up. Eve smiled all over her face and he immediately responded. 

„Mrs. Miller.“ He said, without interrupting his smile. 

„Mr. Chasez.“ She replied.

Josh was wearing dark jeans, a black button down shirt and his glasses. His sleeves were rolled up. Eve liked seeing his strong underarms. She also noticed that he tried to make his hair look less messy today. 

„Please come in.“ He said next and let her step inside. 

Eve kneeled down to put off her sandals. Josh was watching her. When she raised herself again, she handed over the coffee package to him. 

„Here.“ She said, smiling again. 

„Your favorite brand?“ He said, taking the coffee. 

Eve nodded. 

„Was my coffee really that bad that you bring your own now?“ 

Eve nodded again. 

Josh's cheeks already started hurting from smiling. 

„Please, let’s sit in the kitchen. I’ll make coffee.“ He said next. 

Eve followed him and sat down at his kitchen island. He started the coffee maker and filled it up with Eve’s beans. 

When he was finished he handed her a mug with milk and sugar and sat down next to her with his own mug. 

„It’s really good.“ He said, taking a sip.

„I know.“ Eve replied. 

There was a short pause. They looked into each other eyes and got lost for a moment. 

„Please just kiss me. Please just kiss me. Please just kiss me…“ Eve was thinking. 

Josh cleared his throat.

„Hey ehm… how you came here?“ He wondered.

„Uber.“ Eve answered. 

„You don’t have a license?“ 

„I do but I don’t have an own car, yet.“ She explained. 

„Oh. Are you picky?“

„Ehm… yes.“ 

There was another short pause.

„Should we start?“ She suggested now and put out her iPad out of her bag.

„Ya, sure. Let’s do this.“ Josh replied. 

Eve showed him her ideas once again. He looked at the moodboards thoroughly. 

„What about mixing all of this a little bit? There are items on every moodboard which I really like. Do you think you can make it work when we pick the best from all of them?“ He asked. 

„Well, it won’t work with every item, to be honest. We can mix some styles but we shouldn’t break too many rules. It would look a little chaotic in the end. But what we can do is using one moodboard for your bedroom and another for the living area. There is no need having the same style in the whole house, you know?“ Eve explained. 

„Sounds logical to me.“ Josh replied. 

Eve also brought catalogues, patterns and sample boards to choose furniture, fabrics and colors. She made some suggestions and Josh finally made his choices. They were completely engrossed in their conversation and didn’t realize how fast time passed by. When they finished their work it was already dark outside. 

„I believe this was it. We have a solid concept.“ Eve cheered. 

„Great. When exactly will you start with the redesign?“ Josh wanted to know.

„We can begin with the maintenance work next week if this is okay for you? But there will be longer delivery times for the furniture, to be honest. Some of my suppliers are from abroad. But I promise to keep them busy.“

Josh smiled and nodded.

„Next week sounds great.“

Eve smiled back. 

"Okay. I have everything I need. But if you change your mind about anything, please don’t hesitate to let me know.“

„I will.“ 

„Good.“

Eve grabbed her phone to request an Uber.

„Hey, ehm… it’s already dark outside. Please let me bring you home.“ Josh offered. 

„Oh. No. This is really not necessary. Don’t worry.“ Eve replied. 

„It would be a pleasure. Please let me do this.“ Josh insisted. 

Eve looked at him for a moment. He was perfection. This man was truly perfection. 

„Okay. Thank you, Josh.“ She finally gave in.

They left the house and Eve sat inside his black Jeep, parking in front of his double garage.

„For what reason you have such a giant car?“ She asked curiously.

Josh smiled, while starting the engine. 

„There is no reason. Sometimes I really feel shitty about it. I mean, the gas consumption is unreal. It’s completely unnecessary having such a big car in L.A. but… I’m a sucker for it.“ Josh explained and gave her an innocent smile. 

„Men and their cars, hm?“ Eve teased. 

„Women and their handbags, hm?“ JC teased back, pointing at her Louis Vuitton tote. 

„Touché.“ She said and smiled. 

After thirty minutes they arrived in Santa Monica. Josh parked his Jeep in front of her building. Eve’s butterflies were back again, celebrating a wild party in her belly.

„I can’t kiss him. I just can’t. But I want to! I want this so bad! Damn it!“ She thought. 

„Ehm… thank you for bringing me, Josh. I really appreciate this.“ She said shyly. 

„My pleasure.“ He replied. 

„You can call anytime if you feel insecure about anything.“

„Anytime?“ He asked, raising an eyebrow.

„Ehm… ya… I have my phone with me all the time. I’m a workaholic.“ 

„Eve…?“ Josh said now, suddenly turning serious. 

„Yes?“

„I can’t call you.“

„Why not?“

„Because you didn’t give me your number.“

„Oh! Right! Sorry for this!“ 

Immediately she grabbed a pen out of her bag and took his right hand. She couldn’t kiss him. She couldn’t flirt with him. But she could be the girl who was just giving a boy her number like back in high school.

She wrote her number down in the palm of his hand. Touching him felt really nice. He had beautiful strong masculine hands. Then she smiled adoringly at him and gave him a gentle peck on his cheek. 

„Bye, Josh.“ She said and left his car in the next moment. 

Josh needed to process. He didn’t expect that.

„Bye… Eve…“ He stammered, before she disappeared. 

Eve entered the apartment and let herself fall onto the sofa. Lucy was sitting there, watching telly. Eve’s head was resting on her lap. 

„Hi.“ Lucy said smiling.

„Hi.“ Eve replied.

„What’s going on?“ 

„He’s sooooo, sooooo cuuuuute…“ 

Lucy started laughing and stroke Eve’s hair.

„You are brutally in love with that guy, hm?“ 

Eve nodded, with a disturbingly bright smile in her face. 

„Did he bring you home?“

Eve nodded again.

„Good boy.“

„I know. He makes everything right. That’s completely unreal, Lulu…“

„Oh god, you call me Lulu… you are really losing your mind…“

„Yes I do. I want him so bad.“

„Then screw you own stupid rules and go for it.“

„But I’m working for him.“

„You can work for him in bed as well.“ 

„That’s what Mat also said.“

„See! All your friends say the same. You should listen to them for a change.“

Eve raised herself in the next moment.

„I really need a cold shower now.“

„Hell, no… take a hot bath and help yourself, girl.“ Lucy said cheeky. 

„Ya… maybe I should do that.“ Eve replied. 

 

Eve made some candles on and filled her bathtub with hot water. She used her favorite bubble bath with delicate floral scent. Then she started undressing herself. When she was finished she placed her phone and at the edge of the tub and started some music. 

„Hm… this could work…“ She thought.

She slipped into the bathtub and made herself comfortable. Every little muscle of her body started relaxing slowly. She closed her eyes and listened to the lyrics. 

[…] 

I said put your filthy hands all over me

You know this ain’t the clean version

And what you gonna do with all that meat

Cooking up a mean serving, huh

[…]

Her right hand was slowly moving between her thighs. She spread her legs slightly. Her breath accelerated. In her imagination Josh was slowly licking his way from her lips to her piercing. She exactly remembered the feeling of his tender kisses on her skin. 

„Mmmmm…“ She moaned silently. 

Suddenly the music stopped and her phone started ringing. Eve frightened and immediately opened her eyes. She grabbed her phone hastily from the edge and saw an unknown American number. Not being sure if to pick up or not she stared at the display for few seconds. Then she decided to answer it, as the call ruined her moment anyway. 

„Yes?“ She said.

„Hi.“ A smooth male voice replied.

It was him. It was really him. Eve immediately turned nervous. 

„Hi.“ She replied. 

Then there was silence. Eve knew Josh didn’t call to talk about work. She just knew it. 

„What are you doing right now?“ He finally asked, talking quietly but very confident. 

„I’m taking a bath.“ Eve answered. 

Josh smiled. She couldn’t see it but she felt it. 

„What else?“ He continued asking. 

Eve was suddenly turning hot again. She wasn’t sure what he was having on his mind but she liked how the conversation was developing.

„I listened to some music…“

„What kind of music?“ 

„Justin Timberlake.“

Josh was shocked but tried hard not to show it. 

„Justin Timberlake?“ He repeated.

„Yes…“

„You like Justin Timberlake?“

„Yes…“

„Which song have you been listening to?“ 

Eve blushed as she felt caught.

„Filthy.“

Josh smiled again.

„You’re lying in your bathtub and listen to Filthy…“

„Yes…“ 

„What were you doing while listening to Filthy?“

Eve couldn’t turn more excited as she was right now. Josh noticed her sudden discomfort but he enjoyed it. 

„I was touching myself…“ She confessed.

Josh was immediately turned on. 

„Where?“ 

„The spot where you licked me recently…“ She answered. 

„God lord!!! Did you really just said thaaaaat???“ She thought. 

Josh was hard now. 

„I liked that spot…“ He said.

„I’m happy to hear that…“ 

„You tasted delicious…“

Eve was on fire. Nervously she squeezed her thighs together.

„I’m wet… and it’s not because of the water in the bathtub…“

Josh’s right hand moved into his boxer briefs. 

„Looks like I called just in time.“

„Yes, you did.“

„You want me to help you with that… matter…?“

„Feel free…“

„Could you do me a favor and touch yourself again where I recently licked you?“

„Yes I can…“

„Can you remember how it felt like when my tongue was playing with your piercing?“

„Yes I can…“

„Did you like it?“

„Yes, I liked it…“

„But you liked it even more when I dived deeper inside…“

„Yeeeees…“ 

Eve’s breath was deep now and her eyes were closed. 

„And then I licked you…“

„Yeeeees…“

„And sucked you…“

„Yeeeees…“

„And then I sucked you even harder…“

„Yeeeees…“

„And you grabbed your hand into my hair…

„Oh Josh…“

Eve was moaning and very close the edge now. 

„And then I entered you with my tongue and made you scream my name…“

„Yeeees…“

„And then I sucked you one more time…“ 

„Oh Joooosh… yes… yes… yeeeees…!“ 

Eve came hard and her orgasm made her whole body shake. In the next second she accidentally dropped her phone and it fell into the bathtub. 

„Oh shit!“ She shouted and grabbed it outside hastily. 

„Relax! This is an iPhone! It’s waterproofed!“ She thought. 

She looked at the display. Josh was still in the line. 

„Do you hear me?“ She asked, still panting. 

„Did you just dropped your phone?“ Josh laughed. 

„Yes, I… I dropped it and it fell into the water… but it’s okay. It’s still works.“

„I’m happy to hear that.“ 

„Josh… what the hell was this…?“ She asked next.

„It’s called phone sex.“ He answered amused. 

„However, it was my first time so, congrats. You took my virginity.“ She joked. 

„I’m honored.“ He replied. 

„But that’s not why you called me, right?“

„Well ehm… no but… I thought about that option, to be honest.“

„Really?“

„Yes…“

Eve smiled and shook her head. This guy was unbelievable. In a good way.

„And what happens now?“

„I let you enjoy your bath and call you again tomorrow.“

„Okay…“

„Hey Eve…?“

„Yes?“

„I enjoyed that as much as you did.“

Eve turned speechless for few seconds.

„You… did…?“

„I did…“

„Oh…“ 

„Good night, Eve.“

„Good night, Josh.“

After hanging up, Eve grabbed a big towel, wrapped it around her body and hurried into the living room. Lucy was still sitting at the sofa.

„What happened to you?“ She asked irritated, seeing Eve rushing towards her. She sat down next to Lucy, being deeply excited. 

„I just had phone sex with Josh! He made me come in the bathtub!“

Lucy stared at her with her mouth wide open. 

„Okay… tell me everything!“ 

Eve was really busy at work next morning. After finishing the concept for Josh’s house, she needed to talk to several workmen and making appointments for the next week. She also contacted her suppliers and ordered Josh’s new furniture. Short before lunchtime her cell was ringing. It was Josh. 

Eve’s heart immediately accelerated. She remembered what happened in her bathtub the day before and flushed. Then she took a deep breath and answered the call. 

„Mr. Chasez.“ 

„Mrs. Miller.“

„What can I do for you?“

„I have several ideas in my mind…“ 

„Oh god! Is he doing it again? Now?!“ Eve thought, while her heart was still beating out of control. 

„Like what?“ She asked.

„Have lunch with me.“ 

„Today?“ She asked irritated.

„Today. Or do you have other plans?“

„Ehm no. It’s okay. We can have lunch.“

„Great. I’m on my way to pick you up.“

„Okay.“

Eve hung up, took her bag and hurried to the lady’s room. She grabbed some make up out of her bag and quickly refreshed her look. She was wearing a black pencil skirt today with a plain white top and a white short cardigan. She was also wearing black heels for a change. It didn’t happen often but as she expected sitting at her desk the whole day without having any further appointments, heels worked well. Her hair was put together into a sleek ponytail.

Josh arrived at the front desk at Rachel-Klein Design. The receptionist Sarah immediately flushed, seeing him coming closer. She was in her early thirties, having wild red hair and deep green eyes. She liked showing her curves and wore a tight black shift dress.

„Hi.“ He said, leaning against her desk.

„Hi.“ She stammered. 

„I have an appointment with Eve Miller. Could you please do me a favor and tell her I’m here?“ 

„Of course… JC…“ Sarah squeaked and grabbed the phone in the next moment. 

Josh smiled friendly and stepped aside. He was wearing a light blue polo shirt, black chinos and white sneakers. As it was very sunny outside he was also wearing his favorite navigator sunglasses. He just came from the hairdresser. For some reason he liked having long hair although he wasn’t twenty-something anymore and it didn’t look that hot as back in those days. Anyway, the curls were gone now, as well as his grey strands. His sides were very short but the hair on top was much longer and a little wavy. He needed to admit that he looked better this way. 

Eve showed up in the next moment. He turned into her direction. She stared at him, with her mouth open. 

 

„No… this can’t be… is he trying to kill you???“ Eve thought, not being able to stop staring. 

„Hi.“ Josh said and enjoyed shocking her. 

He was having his hands in his pockets and smiling sexy. 

„Hi.“ She replied. 

„Eve. If you don’t pull yourself together now, you’re screwed. Come on! Pull yourself together!“ She thought.

„Ehm… it’s nice to see you again.“ She said and smiled. 

„I feel the same way about you.“ Josh replied.

„New hairstyle, hm?“ 

„Yes. It was time…“

Eve bit her lower lip. He could read in her face that she liked the way he looked. 

„Shall we go?“

She nodded and followed him outside to his car, which he parked in front of the building. 

„What about the Grove? They opened up a new Italian restaurant.“ He suggested after starting the engine.

„Yes. It’s sounds great.“ She replied. 

Eve was brutally nervous. That man was doing things to her she never felt before. His new haircut was stunning. He was looking too good now. This was too much for her nerves. 

Josh was aware of what he was doing to her and enjoyed it. The appointment at the hairdresser paid off. He thought it was extremely sweet that Eve was not able hiding her emotions. The nervous look in her face completely exposed her. 

„Are you okay?“ He asked carefully.

„Hm.“ Eve sighed. 

Josh raised his eyebrows. 

„What does that mean?“

Eve closed her eyes for a second, before she answered. 

„Josh… what are we doing? I mean… this is not a business lunch, right?“ 

„It’s not.“ He said and gave her a smile. 

„But I’m working for you…“

„Do you believe Rachel will give you a hard time because of this?“ 

„No, I guess she doesn’t care about those things. Actually, I believe she has sex with countless clients.“

Josh laughed.

„So, sex with clients is not a dealbreaker?“ 

„Well, not for Rachel…“

„And for you?“

Eve sighed again. 

„Look… I wanna do a good job with your house. It’s really important to me.“

„I know. And I appreciate this.“

„This project is my priority right now.“

„I understand. But what does that mean… for us?“

„It means that I need to focus on my job first.“

„And when the job is done?“

„I guess I will be ready for new priorities…“

Josh smiled all over his face. Eve did as well. 

„I can deal with that time schedule.“ He said.

„Really?“ 

„Really.“

„So… what are the rules until you finish redesigning my house?“ He wanted to know next. 

„Keeping things casual.“ 

Josh was processing. Then he continued talking.

„Can I still ask you out?“

Eve smiled again. 

„Yes. It would be nice.“

He smiled back and took her hand now.

„And… can I hold your hand?“ 

Eve nodded, enjoying his touch. 

„And… can I kiss your hand?“ 

Eve nodded again, while her heart was turning somersaults now. 

Josh grinned cheeky, raised her hand and kissed one finger after another softly. 

„Screw that ridiculous agreement, Eve! You will break it and you know it!“ She thought. 

They arrived in the next moment. Josh parked his car in the parking garage and they went to the Italian restaurant. On their way Josh was enjoying Eve’s look. He was surprised she was dressed that formal today but he liked it. Her heels were giving him a really hard time. She looked abnormally hot wearing them. 

Eve walked next to him now and looked up to him. Then she suddenly grabbed his hand. Josh looked at her surprised.

„Don’t give me that surprised look. I told you holding hands is okay.“ She said and gave him an innocent smile. 

„Your rules, Mama.“ He said cheeky and squeezed her hand gently. They walked like this for the rest of their way.

„Hi, I made a reservation. A quiet table, please.“ Josh said, when they arrived at the restaurant. 

„Of course, Mr. Chasez. Please follow me.“ He waiter said. 

Eve wondered why the waiter knew who he was.

„I thought, that place is new? Have you been here before?“ She asked curiously, while sitting down at their table.

„Ehm, no.“ Josh replied, turning a little nervous now.

If he was honest, he liked it that she had no idea who he was. He didn’t want to keep her in the dark on purpose but he also wasn’t interested letting her know too early. At present he was enjoying her genuine interest in him. It was a good feeling to be just a random human being for a change. 

„How come the waiter knows your name?“ She continued asking. 

„Because the waiter knows me.“ Josh explained. 

„Oh.“ Eve replied. 

It made sense to her that they knew each other for another reason and she didn’t ask further questions. 

„I know this isn’t a business lunch but… is it okay if the workmen and I come to your place at nine on Monday? You have a housekeeper right? I mean, I don’t expect you being around.“ Eve said. 

Josh smiled. The waiter just brought their drinks. 

„I have a housekeeper. But I’ll be at home anyway, so don’t worry. One of us will let you in.“ 

„You will be at home?“ Eve asked surprised. 

„I work from home.“ He explained.

„Oh. Rachel mentioned you produce music. Is that right?“ 

„Yes I do. I got my own studio in the basement.“ 

„Really? I would love to see that.“

„Sure. Anytime.“ 

„And what kind of music do you produce?“ 

„Depends what my clients expect me to do. I really enjoy to create music of all kind of styles. But in the end mostly it’s pop.“ 

„This sounds really interesting, Josh. You surely know famous people.“

Josh laughed.

„Ya, I do know famous people. 

„Uh… this is kind of exciting.“ She confessed.

„What is exciting?“

„Knowing someone who knows famous people.“ She giggled.

Josh needed to admit it once again. She was the cutest girl he ever met.

After finishing their dishes, Josh paid the check. 

„Thank you.“ Eve said smiling. 

„It’s my pleasure.“ He replied. 

When they left the restaurant, Josh grabbed her hand again. Eve looked at him.

„This is nice.“ She said calmly. 

„Yes. This is nice.“ He replied. 

When they finally arrived at Eve’s office, Eve kissed his cheek gently.

„Hey ehm… you wanna hang out at the beach at the weekend? Weather should be good.“ Josh asked before she disappeared.

She gave him another of her charming smiles. 

„Yes. I would love doing that.“ She answered. 

Josh smiled back.

„I’ll call you.“ 

Eve nodded. Then she left his car, closed the door and waved him goodbye. 

Being completely lost in her own world, Eve entered the lobby. 

„Lucky bitch.“ She heard Sarah saying, while passing her desk. 

Eve looked at her irritated. 

„How did you manage that, Eve? I am literally dying of jealously.“ Sarah admitted. 

„Are we talking about Josh?“ Eve asked, still being confused. 

„You call him Josh?“ Sarah asked surprised.

„Well, yes. That’s his name.“ 

„I know that’s his name but I didn’t expect you being THAT close.“ 

Eve frowned. 

„What are you talking about?“

„You’re sleeping with him, right?“

„Why would you say that?“

„Because I saw the way he’s looking at you. He’s so hooked.“

Eve flushed.

„Sarah. He’s my client. End of the story.“

„Of course he is.“ She replied cynically, giving her a dirty grin.

The same day Josh met Lance in the gym for his workout. 

„Jesus Christ! Why didn’t you warn me? You just gave me a heart attack!“ Lance complained, meeting Josh at the entrance. 

„What is your problem?“ Josh replied.

„You look like yourself again. I can’t believe it!“ Lance continued overacting. 

„Oh that… ya, I’ve seen the hairdresser…“

„You definitely did! I am impressed. You look amazing.“ 

„Please just do me a favor and don’t fall in love with me because of this.“ Josh teased. 

„You can relax. I expect more than a pretty hair stye from a man.“ Lance teased back.

„Hey, what that supposed to mean?“ 

„There’s still a lot of work to do to bring that tummy back in shape.“

Josh gave him an annoyed look.

„I believed your husband’s company is really shitty but I just realized yours is worse.“ 

„I love you, C. But love means being always honest with each other.“

„In that case I don’t want your love.“ 

„Stop complaining and move your floppy ass onto the treadmill.“ Lance requested. 

Josh showed him the finger and then did what Lance said. 

 

„How did we make this? I mean… touring and performing for months… over and over again. How on earth we survived that?“ Josh asked, while catching his breath. 

He just finished his Tabata workout and was lying at his mat next to Lance. 

„It’s twenty years ago, Dude.“ Lance said, also being exhausted but not that much as Josh. 

„Are we really that old?“ Josh said frustrated. 

„We’re not old but different people now. Look at me. I got two babies. I never expected getting to that point. Life is a serious thing now. But in a good way.“ Lance said. 

„Talking about serious… Eve and I had that talk…“ Josh announced.

Lance raised his eyebrows, turning into his direction. He knew about what happened since New Year’s Eve. Josh kept him and Michael in the loop.  

„Means?“

„She’s struggling with the fact that she’s working for me now. But she said we can date as long as we keep things casual.“

„What is casual?“ Lance asked curiously. 

„Dunno…“

„You don’t know?!“ 

„I was relieved that she agreed dating me. The rest was not that important to me at this point.“ 

„But what if things turn hot?“

„I’ll let her doing the first step.“

„Wise man.“ 

Josh chuckled. 

„Is this something serious, C? Because when I see that disturbing smile in your face, I really have the feeling you just found your perfect match.“

„It is. That’s why I can’t screw this up. If she wants keeping things casual until she finishes my house, we will keep things casual.“

„Whatever that means.“ Lance smirked.

„Whatever that means.“ Josh replied, smiling back. 

Lucy was a tall woman with a sporty body shape. She was 41 years old, but she definitely looked younger. Her chocolate brown hair was short and her eyes pretty green. She was confident and independent, never scared trying something new. But what Eve loved most about her best friend was that she was caring and loyal. Lucy was her big sister she never had. 

Both women were having breakfast at a small cafe in Santa Monica downtown with Mateo on Sunday morning. They were sitting outside at the terrace, enjoying fresh coffee and their dishes.

„So, today is the big day.“ Mateo finally said, as they didn’t talk about Eve and Josh, yet. 

„Yap.“ Eve replied, immediately starting grinning from one ear to another. 

„Where do you meet?“ Mateo continued asking.

„He will pick me up at noon and we’re going to Venice.“ Eve explained. 

„The most burning question is, what will you wear?“ Lucy asked next.

„It’s a beach. So, after thinking about it over and over again I finally decided I’m gonna wear a bikini. Surprise, Surprise!“ Eve said sarcastically. 

„Your bikinis suck.“ Lucy answered.

„Excuse me?!“ Eve said outraged.

„You have a black one. And you have a navy one. Oh! And one with crazy pink polka dots. Unfortunately no one of those deserves being called sexy. In any kind.“ Lucy teased. 

„What?! And you tell me this now?!“ Eve complained. 

„Jeeeeez… are you saying that woman has no appropriate outfit for her beach date?“ Mateo asked, acting deeply concerned. 

„Nope.“ Lucy replied. 

„Okay. Eat faster! We need to go shopping!“ Eve said nervously. 

The doorbell rang. Lucy opened up, waiting impatiently for Josh arriving upstairs. 

„Hey, stranger.“ She said, when he entered the apartment.

„Hey. You must be Lucy.“ Josh said, smiling friendly and gave her a short hug in the next moment.

She hugged him back and then scanned him from head to toe. 

Josh was wearing beige Bermuda shorts over his swim shorts, a simple white t-shirt and white sneakers. His navigator glasses were plugged into his wide v-neck.

„You look handsome.“ She said. 

Josh was surprised that she was so openminded. 

„Well, thank you. You do as well.“

Lucy smiled. 

„Your girl isn’t ready, yet.“

Josh continued smiling and raised his eyebrows. 

„Is she my girl, yet? I’m just asking.“ 

„Oh boy… you have no idea what you’re doing to her, hm?“ Lucy smirked.

„What am I doing to her?“ He asked curiously. 

„A lot. But mainly you make her pretty happy and that’s why I really like you.“ 

„Hey ehm… you have a very interesting accent.“ Josh said next, changing the subject. 

„I’m Polish.“

„You, too?“ He asked surprised.

„Wait, did she tell you she’s Polish? Because she’s not.“

Josh looked irritated. 

„Of course I am.“ Eve said, coming out of her bedroom in the same moment. 

She was wearing a denim short skirt, a white crop top and a new red bikini. She was also wearing a long white Cardigan and nude flip flops. Her hair was put together into a messy bun. Her usual make-up was reduced to some mascara and bronzer on her cheeks. 

„Being born there doesn’t make you Polish. You never lived there.“ Lucy teased.

„That’s Lucy, by the way. My charming friend.“ Eve said to Josh, to interrupt their silly fight. 

„I know.“ Josh replied smiling. 

„She bought a new bikini for you.“ Lucy continued teasing. 

„You forced me.“ Eve replied.

„No. I just said the swimwear you’re having isn’t sexy.“

„Is the new bikini sexy?“ Josh asked.

Eve flushed. 

„You’ll find out soon.“ Lucy replied, smiling dirty now. 

„Okay, time to go.“ Eve said, being embarrassed.

She grabbed her beach bag, kissed Lucy’s cheek briefly and left the apartment with Josh.

„I’m sorry. Lucy is a lot sometimes.“ Eve said, when they’ve been sitting in Josh’s Jeep.

„I like her.“ Josh replied, smiling calmly.

„Ya. Me, too.“ She said, smiling back. 

„And I like you didn’t cover your adorable freckles today.“ He complimented her. 

„Really?“ She asked shyly.

„Really.“

Venice Beach was crowded as it was an unusual hot day for January. Eve and Josh made themselves comfortable at a big beach towel. Josh brought a backpack full of snacks and beverages for them. 

He put off his shirt and his Bermuda shorts and lay down at the towel. 

„So… it’s showtime for the bikini.“ Eve said.

„I can’t wait for the bikini.“ Josh replied, smiling. 

Eve put her clothes off as well and lay down next to him at the towel. She was confident showing herself almost naked in front of him as there was nothing he didn’t see before.

„For the record: It’s not the bikini who’s sexy. You are.“ Josh said. 

Eve flushed and covered her face with her hands. 

„You really need to stop embarrassing me.“ She complained half seriously. 

„But I like when you flush.“ 

Eve smiled all over her face. She put her big sunglasses out of her bag and put them on. He did the same with his glasses. Then they lay next to each other for a while, enjoying the sun. Eve grabbed his hand to feel his skin on hers, even if this were just their hands. Josh played with her fingers. He needed all his strength to behave. In his mind he was lying on top of her and kissing her dizzy. 

Eve’s thoughts were quite the same. She was wondering why on earth she made that stupid rules. Doing the first step was difficult enough. But under this circumstances she felt even more nervous to cross the line. 

„Did you bring something with alcohol?“ She asked him. 

„Ehm… no… this is California, we can’t drink at the beach…“

„Oh… ya… I forgot…“

„What is going on in your head?“ He wanted to know. 

„I won’t tell.“ She said, again turning red. 

„Why not?“ He asked, grinning cheeky.

„Because I have a very dirty mind, Josh.“ She confessed. 

„That’s interesting.“ He replied, grinning a little brighter now. „May I guess, then?“ 

Eve smiled all over her face. 

„Sure.“ She said. 

„You wanna kiss me. But you don’t know how to manage that because you said we should keep it casual.“

„Good lord! Can he read your mind or what is happening here?“ Eve thought, getting deeply excited. 

„Well.“ She said and made a short break before moving on. 

„Technically we didn’t define what casual exactly means, right?“ 

„Absolutely.“ Josh answered, his cheeks again hurting from smiling. 

„Do you want me to kiss you, Josh?“ 

„I can’t think of anything else.“ He confessed. 

Eve’s heart was beating out of control now. Her butterflies left her tummy and spread out in her whole body. 

She put off her glasses and he did as well. Slowly she moved her head towards his. Josh’s breath was deep. She was so close now that she could feel it on her skin.

„Do you think we can stop once we started?“ She whispered excitingly.

„No.“ He replied. 

Both grinned dirty, before she finally closed their gap and kissed him. He tasted so good. Josh was lying on his back. Eve was lying close to him on her belly, her upper body being slightly above his. He touched her face with his free hand gently, while their tongues met and explored each other. 

Eve pressed her thighs together, as she was getting wet. She broke their kiss in the next moment, staring hungrily into his eyes.

„Josh… we don’t have this under control.“ 

„We?“ He teased. 

„Okay. I am not having this under control.“ She corrected herself. 

He didn’t care much about her concerns and kissed her again. He was her heroin. She was completely addicted to him, longing for more. 

„Okay… I see your point… this is really getting too hot…“ Josh whispered into her mouth, interrupting their kiss. 

Then he raised his upper body a little bit, lay on his side and looked into her direction.

Eve turned on her side as well and stroke his face gently. 

„What you do to me is unreal…“ She said, staring back deep into his beautiful blue eyes. 

„Lucy mentioned something similar. What exactly does it mean?“ He asked curiously. 

„Lucy mentioned something similar?“ She asked in disbelief. 

„Yes.“

„What else did she say?“

„That I make you happy.“ He answered. 

Eve smiled all over her face now. 

„I shouldn’t have left you alone with that crazy chick.“ Eve joked. 

„Was she lying to me?“

Eve shook her head and made him immediately smile again. But then Josh’s mood suddenly changed, after glancing at the boardwalk.

„Is something wrong?“ Eve asked irritated, seeing his concerned face. 

„We need to leave.“ He answered. 

 

Eve frowned.

„But we just came. I don’t understand.“

„Look, I’m gonna explain to you later. But now we really need to go.“

„Why?“

„I’m sorry, Eve. Please just do what I say and get dressed.“

Eve was deeply confused and a little scared. She never saw Josh being that tensed. Then she grabbed her clothes and put them on. He did the same and put their stuff back into her bag and his backpack. 

He found a baseball cap inside his backpack and put it on Eve’s head.

„Please wear this. And your glasses.“ 

„Why?“ 

„I promise to explain as soon as we’re in the car.“ 

Eve was really nervous now. Both stood up. Josh folded their beach towel somehow, grabbed his arm around Eve’s shoulders and hurried with her to the parking lot. Unfortunately they needed to go at the boardwalk to reach his Jeep. 

Eve suddenly noticed a man with an expensive professional camera in his hand. He was running backwards in front of them, doing pictures. 

„Hey Man, what happened to Jen? Is this your new girlfriend? What’s her name?“

Eve was deeply overwhelmed by the situation, not understanding what was happening. 

„Come on, Dude! Give me something!“

Josh didn’t react, still having his arm around Eve’s shoulders and holding her close. He wished so much he could protect her from all of this and felt really bad that he brought her into that situation.

„I love your new hairstyle! You look really good!“ The photographer continued talking. 

Finally they reached the parking lot. Josh opened the car.

„Get inside. Hurry.“ He whispered. 

Eve did what he said and he sat inside as well. The photographer was still there, shooting pictures of them while leaving the parking lot. 

Then the situation was finally over. Josh looked at Eve’s concerned face. 

She looked back at him, with her mouth open. In her mind she tried to find an explanation to all of this but it completely made no sense to her.

„Josh. Was this a paparazzo?“ She finally asked. 

„Yes.“ He answered.

„Why a paparazzo made pictures of us?“ She continued asking. 

Josh didn’t know how to start to explain. He just realized he should have prepared himself for that moment.

„Ehm… look…“ He started talking. „Do you know *NSYNC?“ 

Eve’s confusion reached its peak.

„Of course I know *NSYNC, Josh. I was a teenager in the nineties, having posters of that jerks above my bed.“

Josh looked at her in disbelief. 

„You were a fan?!“ He stammered. 

„Oh come on. Every 13 years old girl was a fan. Please don’t act surprised.“

„So… you’ve been a fan and you don’t know who I am?“ He asked, being in shock. 

She stared at him, still being deeply confused. 

„You wrote music for them, or what?“ She asked now. 

Josh bursted out laughing. That girl was unbelievable. He wondered if she was a Justin girl as she was still listening to his music. 

„What’s so funny?“ She wanted to know, slowly losing her patience. 

„Eve. I know it’s more than twenty years ago but… you should really know by now what is going on here.“ 

And then, it finally happened. Eve suddenly understood. Being absolutely shocked she stared at Josh liked seeing a ghost. She put both hands onto her lips, feeling like having a heart attack. 

Josh didn’t know how to behave.

„Are you alright?“ He asked carefully. 

Eve shook her head.

„Please stop the car. I need to get out of here…“ She stammered. 

Josh was deeply concerned now and did what she asked for. He parked the car at the emergency lane. Eve immediately jumped outside, gasping for air. There was a little park in front of her. With shaky legs she walked towards a free bench and sat down on it. 

Josh left his car as well, following her with distance. Then he sat down next to her, giving her some time to process.

„You are JC Chases.“ She said, pronouncing his last name in English.

She didn’t know he was having a French name when she was a teen. When she saw *NSYNC in TV no one actually mentioned their last names. It has always been Justin, Lance, Joey, Chris and JC. Eve was convinced JC had an ordinary American last name and used to pronounce it in English. She just didn’t know better. 

But Chasez pronounced in French sounded completely different. The fact that Josh Shahzay and JC Chases were the same person would have never come into her mind. 

Now, as she knew, she recognized his facial features. His unique eyes always have been some kind of familiar to her. As well as his smooth voice. But a lot of time passed by since she was in love with him for the very first time. She didn't expect ever meeting him in her life. Those things just never happened to her. 

„You believed my name is pronounced English?“ He asked carefully. 

„Yes. I didn’t know it’s French. I mean, if I’ve known I would have remembered because it’s a rare name.“ Eve explained. 

„I see…“

„But Josh is a frequent first name, right? I really believed it’s just Josh, not Joshua.“ Eve continued explaining. 

Josh smirked. Her explanation made kind of sense but still he wondered why she didn’t recognize his face. Did he really change that much? 

Eve continued talking.

„Why you didn’t tell me? I mean, I understand you didn’t tell me in the bar. I would’ve done the same when I was you. But now? I really feel so stupid, Josh. Or JC? How do you want me to call you now?“ 

„Please call me Josh. I really like when you call me this way.“ 

„However, I feel like an idiot.“

„I’m sorry, Eve. It’s not like I tried hiding this from you but… I also didn’t want making a big deal out of it. I’m not that guy from your posters anymore. I am Josh Chasez. Songwriter and producer. This is who I really am.“ 

Eve looked at him now. She didn’t want to let him get away with this that easily.

„We’ve been just chased by a paparazzo, Josh. You really wanna make me believe you’re just a regular guy?“ 

„Of course the public world still knows me. I did some television few years ago. L.A. might be a giant place but Hollywood isn’t. The yellow press knows I live here. And sometimes they find me. I wished I could change that fact, but the truth is, I can’t.“ 

„This is scaring me.“ Eve confessed. 

„I understand.“ He said calmly. 

Eve closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath before she continued talking. 

„What do you want from me, Josh? It makes no sense to me. You could go somewhere and hook up with a supermodel or an actress or… both.“ She continued talking. 

„I don’t want a supermodel or an actress or both, Eve.“

„Why? You got bored by all those pretty faces?“ She said cynically, knowing this wasn’t fair. 

„Come on, Eve. Don’t be that way. It hurts.“

She glanced at him, feeling sorry. But she didn’t apologize. 

„I don’t know if I can handle this. I want a normal life, Josh.“ She said instead. 

„I don’t blame you for that…“ He replied calmly. 

Of course he was concerned about what she just said. The imagination of losing her made him feel awful. But that’s the price he was paying for being JC Chasez. 

„You want me to bring you home?“

Eve nodded, not looking at him. Both stood up and returned to Josh’s car. They didn’t speak another word on their way back to Santa Monica. 

„I need to process.“ Eve said, when they arrived.

„Take your time.“ He replied. 

She glanced at him and kissed his cheek briefly. Then she said goodbye and left his car. 

Lucy met a colleague for lunch and went grocery shopping afterwards. When she came back home Eve was lying at the sofa, being completely covered under a blanket. Lucy noticed Eve’s beach bag standing in the kitchen and wondered why she was back home that early.

„Eve?“ She shouted. 

„Here…“

Lucy went to the sofa.

„Why are you lying here and not at the beach?“ She asked concerned. 

Eve slowly pulled down the blanket out of her face, giving Lucy a desperate look. 

„Don’t tell me he screwed up…“ Lucy continued talking. 

„I don’t know…“

„What you don’t know?“

„If he screwed up… I mean… he didn’t really screw up… but still… it’s a big mess…“ 

Lucy sat down at the coffee table in front of her.

„What the hell are you talking about?“ 

Eve sat down as well, looking into her best friend’s face. 

„He’s famous, Lulu.“ 

Lucy frowned, not being sure if she understood what she was listening to. 

„What does that mean, Eve?“

„Do you know *NSYNC?“

„Not really. We didn’t have that pop music hype in Poland back in those days.“

„Yes… I’m aware of that but you have an idea what I am talking about, right?“

„It’s a music group like the Backstreet Boys.“

„Exactly.“

„So, what?“ 

„Josh… also known as JC… is part of that group. Or was, because they are not doing music together anymore.“ 

„Okay. And this a problem?“ Lucy asked, being a little lost. 

„Lucy. *NSYNC was a really, really big deal. Even you, poor Polish girl, know about them. This means something.“ 

„Did you just called me poor Polish girl?“ 

Yes. However he’s still in the spotlight. We’ve been chased by a paparazzo. I was deeply confused about that fact because I had no idea that I was dating a celebrity. And now I’m slightly pissed off he’s been hiding that information from me.“

„Does it mean I will see you pretty red bikini in the yellow press tomorrow morning?“ 

„If you’re lucky you will see much more than that…“

„What does it mean?“

Eve sighed.

„We’ve been making out a little at the beach towel. I have no idea when the paparazzo exactly showed up but maybe he made some interesting shots…“ 

„Uh… so you made out, hm?“ Lucy grinned dirty now. 

„Yes.“

„How was it?“

„Awesome.“

„And now you’re making a big deal out of the fact that he used to be a teenage heartbreaker once?“ 

„It’s scares the shit out of me that he is who he is, Lucy!“

„Why?“

„Because I was obsessed with him when I was 13 years old.“

Lucy frowned. 

„Wait. You’ve been one of those hysterical fangirls and didn’t recognize his face when you met him in the bar?!“ 

„It’s decades ago! He’s not 21 anymore!“ 

„Excuse me, but if you were such a big fan I would have expected that you remember his name, at least.“ 

Eve explained her confusion about Josh’s last name to give Lucy a whole picture. 

Lucy shook her head. 

„You’re such a moron, Eve…“

„Ya… however, I’m in big struggle now.“

„You better should thank the universe that it brought that man into your life who you admired as a teenager. Don’t you see how lucky you are?“ 

 

Eve sighed. 

„The thing is, that I can’t see him as a regular person anymore because I was admiring him so much back in those days. He was like a god to me. And know it’s hard for me to deal with him as a normal human being. I suddenly feel completely intimidated and insecure in his presence.“

„Do you think he’s better than you?“ Lucy asked. 

„Yes. I have the feeling I’m not good enough for someone like him. It’s really frustrating.“

„Why on earth you think like that? Nothing about him changed. He’s still the same guy who picked you up hours ago to spend a nice afternoon together with you at the beach.“

„Wait.“ Eve said and grabbed her phone. 

„Here. That’s what I found on YouTube. It’s called JC Chasez and the ladies.“ 

Eve gave Lucy her phone and she started the video. After watching it till the end, Lucy gave the phone back to her and processed hard. 

„Okay. I see your point.“ Lucy finally said. 

„Did you count the chicks? Because I tried but stopped at some point as it was really, really depressing…“ Eve whined. 

„But… ehm… it’s been some time ago… I mean… there was no current picture of him…“ Lucy tried to cheer her up somehow.

„It’s true but maybe there is a second part somewhere. I didn’t checked, yet.“ Eve said cynically. 

Lucy cupped Eve’s face with both hands. 

„Honey, you can keep up with that chicks.“

„Maybe I can. But I don’t know if I want to.“

„Then take your time to find out.“ Lucy suggested. 

„Oh… he also released a solo album about sex.“ Eve continued talking. 

„What?!“ 

„Yes. I mean, there’s nothing wrong about some sexy music but this extent of dirty lyrics was a little concerning.“

Lucy sighed now. 

„As I said. Take you time to find out how to deal with the situation. But in my opinion you shouldn’t judge someone for his past. People change, Eve. Not just from outside but also from inside.“

At the same time Josh was lying at his sofa and staring at the ceiling. Then his cell suddenly rang and brought him back to reality. 

„Hey, T. What’s up?“ 

„What are your plans for tomorrow? I’ll be back in Cali for few days without Jess and the kids.“

„Oh ehm… my house is getting redesigned. So we can’t meet here but I’m happy to see you again. It’s been a while.“ 

„Does it mean your interior designer will be on the spot the whole day?“ Justin asked eagerly.

Of course Justin was up to date about what happened in Josh’s life in the last few days. 

Josh rolled his eyes.

„She will…“

„We will meet at your place if you like it or not. I need to see her.“

„T… that’s really not a good idea.“

„Why not?“

„Because she just found out who I am and unfortunately she doesn’t like what she learned about me…“

„Ehm… what?!“ Justin asked irritated. 

„Yap…“

„Dude… did you really hide from her who you are?“

„I didn’t hide it. But I didn’t mention it, either. I was pretty fine with the fact that she believed I was a random guy.“

„Jeeeeez… you really believed you would get away with that brilliant strategy?“ 

„I didn’t think that trough to be honest.“

„Ya… I can see that. So… what now?“

„She’s shocked and needs time to process.“

„Okay. But in the end there’s no reason why this should be a problem, right? I mean, you didn’t kill anyone.“

„She said she wants a normal life…“

„What is a normal life, C?“

„Dunno… but obviously not what she is expecting to have with me.“ 

„It sucks.“

„It does because I really, really like her.“

„Does she know that?“

„If you’re asking if I spoke this out loud, the answer is no. But I did my best to show her that I’m truly interested.“

„And what about her? Does she like you?“ 

„Yes. I think she does.“ 

„Then things will be good in the end, Bro.“

„I hope you’re right because the situation right now is really giving me a tough time.“

On Monday morning Eve was waiting in front of Josh’s gateway for the workmen to arrive. She came by an Uber and didn’t want showing up at his place on her own. 

She was wearing denim shorts, a black tight t-shirt and white sneakers. To keep her long hair under control the whole day, she made two pigtails out of them. Her make-up was as plain as usual. The day would be exhausting, this she knew for sure. That’s why she kept her look simple. 

Eve used the undisturbed moment and put her cell out of her pocket. Then she googled JC to find out if pictures of them were published online. She didn’t have time doing this earlier that morning. 

It didn’t take her long to find what she was looking for on the website of the L.A. Sun. There was a picture showing them from distance lying at the beach and kissing each other. Another picture was showing them on their way to the parking lot, with Josh’s arm arounds her shoulders. Eve’s face was barely recognizable thanks to the baseball cap and her big sunglasses. She read the short article, which was suspecting JC cheating on his longterm girlfriend Jen. Eve decided not making a big deal out of it. Gossip like this was short-dated. She was sure next day no one would care about them anymore. 

Eve saw the moving van from distance and waved the driver. Then she rang the bell and few seconds later the gate got open. The truck parked in front of the house. 

„Good morning guys. Are you ready?“ She cheered when four workmen left the truck. 

„Sure we are.“ One of them replied. 

Eve smiled and went with them to the front door. Josh opened up in the next moment. 

„Hi.“ He said, staring lovingly at her. 

He couldn’t sleep the whole night, but he hoped she didn’t notice the exhausted look in his face. He was wearing comfortable jeans and a plain white shirt. 

„Hi.“ Eve replied. „These guys here will clear up your living area and the bedroom and put everything it into storage until you decide what should happened to that old furniture.“

„Yes sure, go for it.“ He said to the workmen. All four went inside the house, wearing their shoes. 

„You need to be brave.“ She teased. „I can’t ask them to put their shoes off every time they go in and out.“

„I know.“ Josh replied. 

In the next moment Eve put off her sneakers. 

„Well… ehm.. I will take care for the small stuff like decoration and supervise the workers. Is there anything you wanna keep in the house?“ 

„No… I already put some stuff in the basement which I wanna keep. The rest is no longer needed.“ Josh answered. 

„Okay… then you will find me somewhere here if you have any questions.“ She said. 

Josh nodded. 

„Hey ehm… did you see the article in the L.A. sun?“ He asked carefully. 

„I did.“

„How do you feel about it?“

„It’s not a big deal. You can barely recognize my face.“

„Ya… I’m relieved as well.“

Both forced a smile and stared at each other for few seconds. Then Eve went into the living room.

When the furniture was stored in the truck, further workmen arrived. A flooring installer started removing the old carpet in Josh’s bedroom. A drywall builder begun removing the wall to the walk-in closet. In the living area the painting should be done first. But the painter didn’t arrive, yet. Eve used the free time to remove the curtains in the living room and was standing on top of a ladder. 

„Hi.“ She suddenly heard a familiar male voice saying. 

Eve turned around and saw Justin Timberlake’s face. She was absolutely shocked and suddenly lost her balance. The ladder begun to shake. She was holding one curtain in her hand and tangled up in it.

„Oh shiiiiiit!!!“ She screamed.

„Oh no!!!“ Justin shouted, realizing she was just falling down. 

Luckily he reacted in time. He grabbed her waist and caught her. But then he lost his balance as well and fell to the ground. Eve landed spread legged on top of him, while Justin’s head hit the floor. 

„Ouch…“ He complained.

„Jesus! Are you alright?!“ Eve asked concerned, sitting on top of him. 

„This will be a nasty bump.“ Justin replied, touching the back of his head.

„I’m so sorry!“ She apologized. 

Justin give her a charming smile. 

„It was me who frightened you.“

„But still, you got hurt…“ 

„I’m good.“ 

„Really?“

„Ya.“

Justin was smiling shady now. She was so busy being concerned about his condition that she didn’t realize that she was still sitting on him. 

„So… you’re Eve, hm?“

„Yes… and you’re a Justin.“

„Yes.“

„This is unreal.“

He gave her another smile.

„Eve?“

„Yes?“

„I’m not complaining but… if you continue sitting on me like that I believe you’ll bring me into trouble.“

„Oh, good lord! I am so, so sorry!“ She said and hastily stood up. 

Justin enjoyed her embarrassment. He stood up as well, standing in front of her now. He was wearing dark slim jeans an a simple black t-shirt. His hair was short and he was having a beard which suited him pretty well. 

„Are you good?“ He asked. 

„Ya… you saved me from breaking my neck, I guess.“ 

„I’m sorry that I frightened you.“ 

„No… it’s okay… I just didn’t expect seeing you here… or anytime else in my life… that close…“

Justin chuckled. 

„Ya… ehm… I’m hanging up with C today.“

„C?“

„JC.“

„Oh. You call him C because JC is not short enough, hm?“ She teased. 

„Ya.“ Justin replied and smiled. 

Eve smiled back. Things were completely unreal. She was having conversation with Justin Timberlake. Just like that. Life turned totally crazy.

 

„Hey T… you let yourself in?“ Josh said, entering the living room.

„The gate was open and the door as well.“ Justin replied. 

„Yes, sorry for this. The painter just called. He will be here any second.“ Eve explained. 

„No big deal.“ Josh replied. 

He came closer and hugged his best friend.

„Good to see you. How was your flight?“

„Relaxed.“ 

„Why you came without family?“

„Just have some business to do for few days. Jess preferred staying in Montana with the boys.“ 

Josh was glancing at Eve now. 

„You already met my interior designer?“ 

„Really? That’s who I am to you?“ Eve thought, turning upset. 

„Yes, I just saved her life. She fell from the ladder.“ Justin boasted.  

Eve smiled. 

„Justin is my hero.“

Josh was sure now she was a Justin girl and didn’t like it. He stared at her for two seconds, before giving his attention back to his friend.

„Hey, I want you to listen to something. I just finished a song but I’m not sure if it works.“ Josh said.

„Ya, sure.“ Justin replied. 

Then he looked at Eve and gave her another smile before leaving the room with Josh. Eve smiled back and waved him goodbye. 

When Josh and Justin were undisturbed in his studio, Justin started to talk.

„Dude! That girl is fire! And so, so not your type!“ 

Josh frowned.

„What type do I have?“

„The opposite of how she looks like.“

„I never said I don’t like blonds, T…“ 

„But you didn’t have one for two decades, either.“ 

„Do we really have that senseless discussion?“ Josh asked annoyed. 

„I just noticed that things are changing. Like this house. And your hairstyle.“ 

„It’s not a bad thing.“

„You’re right. However that chick is really nice. You should put more effort in that.“

Josh frowned again. 

„More effort?“

„Come on C… you just completely ignored her. What’s the hell is wrong with you?“

„I’m giving her time to process.“

„There’s nothing what needs to be processed. You’ve been in a boyband and not in a motorcycle  gang!“ 

„Okay, so what you suggest me to do?“

„Something radical…“ 

After some time Josh went into the kitchen to make coffee. While he waited for his mug to be ready he saw Eve in the dining area staring a the wall. She put few different shades of blue at the wall, being insecure which one to choose. Then she noticed that Josh was in the kitchen. 

„Hey C.“ She said sassy. „Do you have a second?“ 

Josh nodded and went into the dining area towards her. 

She watched him coming closer and continued talking. 

„I know we agreed choosing that dark blue tone on that wall but I just re…“

Eve couldn’t finish the sentence. Josh stopped standing close to her body and cupped her face with both hands. He bent down and placed a deep kiss onto her lips. The painter was in the living room and curiously watching the scene. 

Eve was immediately melting and responded his unexpected kiss. It was passionate but gentle.

„You need some fresh panties…“ She was thinking.

Slowly Josh broke their kiss now and looked deep into her eyes.

„I’m fine with every kind of blue you choose. I trust you.“ He answered. 

Then he gave her a sexy smile and went back into the kitchen. Eve was completely perplexed and needed a moment to process what just happened. Josh took his coffee and disappeared in the basement. 

„And?“ Justin asked curiously.

„Looks like I’m back in the game.“ Josh boasted. 

„Son of a gun…“

„I don’t understand.“

„What do you not understand?“

„He interrupted you while talking, kissed you and then walked away?“ 

„Yes, but he also said that he trust me with the choice of color.“

Lucy was still looking skeptical at Eve during their dinner the same night. 

„Did he bring you home?“

„It wasn’t necessary. The painter’s workshop is in our neighborhood. He gave me a ride.“

„So. It’s 24 hours ago since you learned about his career. How do you fell about all of this today?“

„I’m disappointed.“ 

Lucy frowned. 

„Disappointed?“

„I know this sounds crazy. But I really feel disappointed he’s not just the regular guy I believed he was. In my eyes he was perfect. I liked everything about him. And now there is this big chapter of his life which made me realize that I know absolutely nothing about his complex personality.“

„So, the kiss did’t changed anything…?“

„The kiss was mind-blowing, Lucy. He’s still mind-blowing, but… I really want him just to be normal. Am I asking for too much?“

„That’s a ridiculous first world problem.“ 

Eve pouted. 

„Okay, let’s change the subject. How did it feel like sitting on top of Justin Timberlake?“ 

Eve rolled her eyes.

„If you’re asking if I enjoyed it, the answer is no. I was too busy with being shocked that this man saved me from falling and hurt himself.“

„Does he smell good?“

„I don’t know. It’s not like we made out.“

„But you surely made him hard…“ Lucy teased with a dirty grin in her face. 

„Jesus, Lucy! I didn’t make him hard!“

„What makes you sure?“

„I think I would have noticed! Now bring your kinky mind under control!“

The painter picked Eve up next morning and they drove together back to Josh’s house. She was wearing a casual light blue dress and white sandals today. Her hair was put together into a sleek ponytail. 

„Good morning.“ Josh said, opening up.

As usual he was wearing jeans and a white shirt when he was staying at home the whole day. 

„Good morning, C.“ Eve teased and grinned sassy. 

He smiled back and let them in. 

Further workmen arrived soon as well. As the painter finished his work downstairs, he was busy with the bedroom walls now. The drywall builder took care for the new wall for Josh’s closet. The flooring installer begun grinding the wooden floor in the living area. A carpenter removed all cupboard doors of Josh’s white kitchen to replace them through new one, being dull-grey and handleless.

Eve was sitting at the patio at Josh’s outdoor table with her laptop and improving the room layouts. The concept was finished but is wasn’t unusual changing some ideas during the renovation process. She realized there was some empty space left and looked for additional furniture to fill up the gaps. 

When the workmen finished their jobs for today and left the house, Eve wanted to show her new ideas to Josh, before leaving as well. She went into the living area and was excited about the roughed up floor. The wood felt awesome under her bare feet. 

„Josh?“ She called for him.

„On my way upstairs.“ She heard him replying. 

Eve sat down cross-legged at the floor and touched the planks with her fingertips carefully. Josh entered the living area, wondering what she was doing. 

„Hey.“ She said and smiled at him.

„Is this some weird ritual?“ He teased. 

„Come on. Sit next to me. You need to feel this.“

Josh came closer and sat down opposite of her. 

„It feels so good, doesn’t it?“ 

Josh touched the planks as well. 

„Feels like wood.“

„Yes. It’s in its original state now. I was wondering if we should keep it this way.“

„Does it mean, you don’t wanna varnishing it?“ 

Yes. Of course the floor is very sensitive this way. But still we could leave it in its natural condition and just oil it. As long you’re not planing adopting another dog or something.“ Eve teased. 

„Ouch…“

„Ups… I forgot you’re still processing Bronson.“ 

Josh frowned. 

„How do you know his name was Bronson?“

„I’ve spent some time in the internet after your outing…“ Eve confessed. 

„Oh…“ Josh replied, feeling a little uncomfortable.

He realized that he lost control about what she knew about him.

„What else you researched about me?“ He wanted to know. 

„More I could handle, to be honest.“ 

„What does that mean?“ He asked, being concerned now. 

„There are interesting videos on YouTube…“ 

„What kind of videos?“

„My highlight was JC Chasez and the ladies.“ 

Josh looked at her, being deeply irritated. Then he grabbed his phone out of the pocket, opened YouTube, searched the video and pressed play. He had no idea there was a video like this from him. Eve was looking at him and noticed that he turned uneasy after watching it for a minute. Then he stopped the video.

„I don’t want you to believe this video represents who I am.“ He said, looking at her now. 

„Hm.“ She murmured. 

Josh took a deep breath before he explained.

„Look. Some of them I dated. Some of them where just a fling. But most of them are just women who are on a picture with me because we used to work together, or had common friends and joined the same parties. I didn’t have sex with all of this girls, if this is what you think.“ 

„Hm.“ Eve said again. 

„You don’t believe me…“ Josh noticed, his voice sounding disappointed now. 

„I want to be honest with you…“ Eve announced and make a short break. 

Josh looked at her, waiting for her to continue. 

„Josh Shahzay is making my heart beats fast. But JC Chases is scaring me.“

He gave her a shy smile.

„I’m both, Eve. I can’t change who I was in the past. It will always be a part of me. And I’m not feeling bad about it.“ 

„I understand.“ 

„Please believe me when I say there’s nothing about me you need to be afraid of.“

Eve looked at him for a moment. She remembered Lucy saying that she shouldn’t judge people because of their past.

„Okay.“

 

Josh smiled all over his face. Then he took Eve’s hand and pulled her closer to his body. She was on her knees now, staring deep into his beautiful eyes. He pulled her even closer and made her sit on his lap. Eve’s heart beat out of control and his did as well. She grabbed both hands into his hair and then bent down to him to kiss his lips. Josh had his arms around her body and groaned into her mouth quietly. 

„This one you definitely just made hard, Eve…“ She thought.

Josh was on fire, hardly having his urge under control now. His kisses turned more demanding and his hands moved under her dress slowly. He hoped she wouldn’t make him stop. 

„Josh… we had a deal…“ She whispered, without interrupting their kiss for too long. 

„Can’t remember any deal…“

„I work for you…“ 

„You’re fired…“

Both started grinning dirty into their mouths. 

„But you really need me here for a while…“ 

„This here I need definitely more…“ 

Josh suddenly turned around and made her lay on her back. He was lying on top of her between her thighs. He kissed her neckline hungrily and his hands moved under her dress again.

„Please, Eve… I need you so much…“ He begged. 

„Damn it…“ She thought.

Her hands moved to his belt now and opened it up in a second. Josh grabbed her panties and pulled them down impatiently. Then he returned on top of her, with his right hand between her thighs. She was wet enough for him but by rubbing her clit gently he made her even wetter. 

„Jooosh… I can’t wait…“

He pushed two fingers inside of her and made her immediately gasp for air. He moved them back and forth slowly while watching her losing control. 

„You feel so good, baby…“ He whispered into her mouth, before kissing her passionately again.

„Jooosh… please… I want more…“

He removed his fingers out of her and tasted them playfully. 

„Still delicious…“ 

Eve almost cried from frustration. He enjoyed bringing her to her limits. Then he pushed down his jeans and his shorts a little bit. 

„What do you want, Eve… tell me…“

„Fuck me… please Josh…“ She moaned. 

Hearing her say that made him almost cum without any penetration. He wanted to slam his hard cock into her but he knew he would hurt her. Instead he slowly slid inside and enjoyed it as she smiled with pure satisfaction. 

Josh accelerated his tempo as she was getting tight fast. He felt she would come any moment. 

„Josh… don’t worry… you can make it harder… please make it harder…“ She begged again. 

He knew he would immediately cum if she would say another word. He started kissing her hungrily and trusted her deeper now. Then she suddenly broke their kiss, bending her hips towards his. 

„Oooooh… yeeeees… I’m coming Joooosh…!“ She screamed. 

Eve felt her orgasm spreading out all over her body within one second. It was completely overwhelming. 

Josh was relieved he made her come without losing control. Slowly he pulled his hard dick outside of her. 

„Please turn around for me, Baby…“ 

Eve didn’t recover from her orgasm, yet. But she did what he asked for. She kneeled in front of him. He grabbed her hips to pull her closer to his pelvis. Then he entered her deep and made her scream once again. 

„Are you okay?“

„Yeeeees… don’t stop… I like it this way…“ She moaned.

With a naughty grin in his face he lost all inhibitions and thrusted her hard. He couldn’t hold back any second longer and released himself deep inside of her. 

„Oooooh Eeeeeve… this is so goooood…!“

Both let themselves fall at their backs next to each other, breathing heavy.

„I like the floor.“ Josh panted. 

Eve laughed out load. 

„But my knees hurt now. It was really rough.“ She joked. 

„Then you should varnish it for further purposes.“ He said cheeky.

Eve turned her head into his direction and he did as well. They smiled adoringly at each other. 

„This was hot as hell, Josh…“ 

„You’re hot as hell, Eve…“

She immediately blushed. 

„Really? After what we just did you still blush when I say those things to you?“ He teased. 

Eve nodded, still smiling. 

„I didn’t do those things for a while…“ She confessed. 

„Didn’t you date anyone after getting divorced?“ He asked curiously. 

Eve’s heart skipped a beat.

„Please not that topic…“ She thought. 

„Ehm… I did but things never came to this point.“ Eve explained. 

„May I ask why?“

„There are a lot of freaks out there, Josh. Finding new love is hard…“ 

„I know. But sometimes it just happens without any effort…“ He replied, looking deep into her eyes now. 

Eve raised her upper body and moved closer. He cupped her cheek and pulled her face to his. Then they kissed each other slowly but deep. 

After a while Eve broke their kiss. 

„Are things just getting serious between us?“ She asked carefully. 

„For me things are serious from the moment I met you, Eve. You’re in my head all day and night.“ He confessed. 

Eve smiled embarrassed and pressed her red face into his chest.

„What is happening?“ He asked amused. 

„I was such an idiot in the next morning…“ She murmured.

Carefully he grabbed her chin and made her look into his face again. 

„You mean after we’ve spent the night together?“

Eve nodded. 

„Just because you offered some food for my way back home after dumping me doesn’t make you an idiot.“ He teased. 

Again Eve tried to hide her face and made him laugh. 

„I completely didn’t know what I was doing, Josh. My imagination of an one night stand was that I wake up alone in my bed next morning.“ 

„Well, I would agree under usual circumstances. But what we had didn’t feel like an one night stand to me. That’s why I stayed. 

„How did it feel like instead?“

„Like love at first sight.“ 

Eve stared at him with her mouth open. She didn’t know what to do or what to say now.

„Did I just scare you off?“ He asked carefully.

Eve shook her head. Josh smiled relieved. 

„How did it feel for you, Eve?“ 

„Like the beginning of something big. Unfortunately I just realized it when you left my apartment. But fate was on my side for a change and brought you back into my life.“ 

„You still think it’s something big?“ 

„I do. But it scares me as well.“

„Why?“

„Because I fell for you too fast too hard. This emotions are overwhelming sometimes.“ 

„Then let me make a promise to you to make you feel less scared…“ 

„Which one?“

„I promise you, I’m not gonna screw this up.“

Eve smiled from one ear to another and kissed his lips again.

„You are too good to be true, Josh…“ She whispered. 

Eve entered her apartment with a disturbing smile in her face. It was almost midnight. Lucy was standing in the kitchen, staring into the fridge. 

„Here you are! I called you hundred times, wondering if the painter kidnapped you or something!“ She complained. 

„Oh… I’m sorry… I didn’t notice.“ Eve replied and sat down at the kitchen island.

Lucy closed the fridge, crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.

„You just got laid.“ 

Eve nodded, still smiling. 

„Does it mean your unnecessary concerns about Josh are vanished?“ 

„Yes. We talked about it and somehow he convinced me that there’s no reason to be scared about anything.“ 

„And then you spread your legs…“ Lucy teased. 

„Yes.“ 

Lucy sat down next to her.

„He was good, hm? You’re glowing like a lightbulb.“ 

Eve nodded again. 

„Lucy… he made me say things I didn’t expect I was able to speak out loud in front of anyone…“

„Like what?

„Dirty stuff…“

„Uh… so… he’s a bad boy in bed… this is so exciting!“

„Exciting is not even close to describe that sex, Lulu.“ 

„And how exactly would you describe your current status?“

„My current status is that my boyfriend is a freakin’ sex god.“ 

„Oh.my.god!!! Boyfriend???“

Eve nodded. Lucy fell enthusiastically around Eve’s neck. 

„I’m so happy for you, Sweety. You deserve this so much after all the shit you’ve been through.“

„Thank you, Lucy. I still can’t believe how lucky I am…“ 

 

Eve arrived at Josh’s place early next morning. He just finished his shower when the doorbell rang. Hastily he put on a fresh white shirt and some jeans, before going downstairs. Then he opened up, seeing Eve’s irresistible bright smile. As usual she was looking very girly, wearing a light-pink off-shoulder dress. Her long hair was open and wavy for a change. He had the impression she put some extra effort today to look nice for him. 

„Good morning, Beautiful. You’re early.“ He said, smiling back at her. 

She didn’t reply. Instead she pushed him gently inside his house, slammed the door and pushed him against the next wall. She was a little bigger today, wearing beige plateau sandals. Her hands moved up his chest and looping his neck playfully. She kissed his lips and pushed her tongue inside his mouth. Immediately he put both arms around her body and held her close. He responded her demanding kiss and got lost in the moment. Then his hands moved down her body slowly. Her dress was really short today. He couldn’t resist lifting up the floaty fabric to touch her ass. Noticing she was wearing a thong, made his mind going wild. 

Eagerly he squeezed her bootie with both hands.

„I can do you here or in the guest room… it’s up to you…“ He groaned into her mouth. 

Hearing him say that made her shiver.

„Here…“ She whispered back. 

With a dirty grin in his face he turned her body around. He pushed her close to his pelvis to make her feel the bump in his jeans.

„Look what you’ve done…“ He whispered temptingly into her ear and bit her lobe playfully. 

He guided her to the opposite wall. Eve grabbed the edge of the sideboard standing there. Josh was still close behind her. He lifted her dress again, seeing her sexy thong now. 

„Josh, I really need you…“ She moaned.

Slowly he pulled down her panties. Then he opened up his belt and the buttons of his jeans. He pushed them down, as well as his briefs. 

„I want you to say what you want me to do now, Eve…“ He whispered into her ear again. 

„Fuck me Josh…“

„How…?“

„Deep. I want you deep inside of me…“ 

In the next moment he did what she asked for and entered her carefully. 

„Yeeees…!“ Eve moaned with pure pleasure. 

„Can you come this way for me, baby?“

„I’m gonna need some help from your fingers…“ 

„I want you to touch yourself…“ 

It made her crazy hearing him talk to her like that. He grabbed her right hand and guided it to her clit. 

„Rub it the way you like it.“ He said, keeping his fingers above hers.

She did what he said, immediately panting for air. 

He thrusted her faster after some time, hoping she would come soon. His hand pressed her fingers against her clit harder now.

„Oooooh!“ She screamed. 

„Come for me, mama…“ 

He accelerated his penetration once again.

„Jooooosh… oooooh.my.gooood…!“

Eve leaned her body against his, letting her orgasm take control. She was barely able holding herself on her legs any longer. Josh smiled self-satisfied, kissing her neck softly. 

„Don’t relax to soon, baby… I’m not finished with you, yet…"

Eve smiled naughty. In the next moment he pulled himself out of her, turned her around and lifted her up. He sat her down at the sideboard, pushed himself between her thighs and entered her deep and hard.  

„Aaaaaah!“ Eve screamed and put her arms around his neck tightly.

Josh was holding her body close while thrusting her. His orgasm was building up. Suddenly he felt her getting tight again.

„Baby… are you coming one more time?“

„Yeeeees…“ She moaned. „I wanna come with you…“ 

„Just let go… I’m ready for ya…“ 

„Oooooh Jooooosh…!“

„Oooooh Eeeeeve…!“

Both were completely out of breath, holding each other close. Josh looked up into her face when he found his way back to reality. Eve smiled at him and caressed his face softly. 

„Good morning Mr. Chasez.“

„Good morning Mrs. Miller.“ 

He kissed her lips gently and slowly slid out of her. 

„I just showered, but I should once again.“ He joked, being completely sweaty. 

„Please don’t… you smell better this way.“ She said temptingly. 

„Do I?“

„Yes…“

He smiled and kissed her again. 

„So, what are the plans for today?“ He asked next, still standing between her thighs.

Eve grinned cheeky. 

„Shopping.“

„Shopping?“ 

„Yes. I need to choose your new decoration and you’ll join me.“

Josh looked at her concerned.

„Oh come on… don’t give me that look.“ She pouted.

„I hired you for doing that job for me.“

„Teamwork, Josh. It’s teamwork!“ She teased. 

Josh deeply sighed.

„First you seduced me and now you want me to go shopping. What a sneaky plan.“ He complained half seriously. 

„I will make things up to you when we’re back…“

„How exactly…?“

Eve moved her lips close to his ear.

„I can do some naughty things with my tongue…“

„Where?“

„Wherever you want…“

Josh grabbed her waist and made her stand in front of him. Then he picked up her panties from the floor and gave them to her.

„Put them on. We go shopping.“ He said, smiling shady. 

„Jeeeeez… you are so easy to manipulate.“ She teased. 

He pulled her close to his chest and bit her neck playfully. Eve giggled. 

„Who says I didn’t manipulate you, hm?“

Eve raised an eyebrow. 

„No way.“ 

„I would have gone shopping with you anyway. But I let you believe that I don’t like it to see if I get a counter offer. And it worked pretty, pretty well.“ He teased now.

„You didn’t!“ Eve said, acting outraged. 

„I did…“ He replied cockily. 

„Don’t mess with me C…“ She warned him, trying to look serious. 

He smiled cheeky and cupped her face with both hands. 

„I’m really looking forward what your sassy tongue is gonna do to me…“

Then he kissed her lips gently and made her smile again. 

On their way to the decoration store, they passed a car dealer. It came back into Josh’s mind that Eve didn’t have an own car, yet. 

„Talking about shopping. What about looking for a car for you this weekend? I understand if you feel insecure picking one. I could help you making a choice, if you like?“

Eve raised her eyebrows.

„You think you’re a car expert?“ She teased. 

„Well… not an expert but… I’m not a rookie as well.“ 

„Babe. I’m sorry but I can’t take you serious concerning this topic. 

Now it was Josh who raised his eyebrows.

„You can’t take me serious?“ 

Eve smiled cheeky.

„I come from a country which dedicated itself to the automobile industry. Cars are a serious thing for German people. What makes you believe I need any advice from an American?“ She continued teasing. 

„Really? You’re German now?“ He teased back.

Eve laughed out loud.  

„Maybe I’m more German than I let you believe…“ 

„Then why you don’t go and just buy a car? I don’t get it.“ 

Eve sighed. 

„I’m not a passionate driver, Josh…“

„That’s the reason why you left Germany, right? They’ve been hunting you with torches and pitchforks when they found out.“ He teased again.

Eve burst out laughing again. 

„Yes. I’m a refugee.“ She joked. 

When they reached the store, Eve was immediately in her element. Her eyes were sparkling as she saw the range of beautiful decoration items. 

„Okay, Mr. Chasez. I have plenty ideas what would look amazing in your new home. But as this is teamwork, please give me some examples what you like to get a better picture where the whole thing is leading.“

Josh was completely overwhelmed. He had absolutely no idea what would look good or not.

„Do I really need decoration?“ 

Eve rolled her eyes.

„It’s important to make your place cozy. You’ve had decoration before. Who helped you with that?“ She wanted to know.

„Ehm… my ex girlfriend.“

„Okay… and before she moved in, there was nothing but emptiness?“ 

„No. I hired an interior designer when I bought that house and she took care of it at this point.“ 

Eve shook her head.

„I understand. You are completely useless here.“ She teased. 

„Josh grabbed her waist from behind and bit her neck again to make her chuckle.“

„You’re a mean tiny person, you know that, right?“ 

„Yes. I know. But you like it.“

„Yes, I do… you have no idea how much…“

Finally Eve chose the decoration on her own. The salesperson stored the items for now and offered free delivery when the renovation process at Josh’s house would be finished. 

„Are you hungry?“ Josh asked on their way back home.

„I am. But I need to join a team meeting at the office. Rachel is getting uneasy when one of us misses it.“ Eve explained.

„So, you want me dropping you off at work?“ 

„If you don’t mind?“

„Of course not.“

„Hey, what about dinner tonight at my place? I can cook something for you as your kitchen is out of service at present.“

Josh scoffed.

„In fact it doesn’t really matter if the kitchen is out of service or not as I do not cook anyway.“ 

„Really? Not even pasta or something?“

„Nope.“

„What a shame, Josh. You have such a beautiful kitchen. And it will be even more beautiful, soon.“

„Well, yes. I know. But I really like sitting there and eat what someone else cooked.“ 

Eve smiled.

„So… do you come to my place tonight?“ She asked again. 

„Yes. I can’t wait.“ 

 

After the team meeting, Eve went into her office and sat down at her desk. Few minutes later, Rachel appeared and closed the door. Eve looked at her surprised.

„Is everything okay?“

Rachel came closer, crossed her arms and grinned shady. 

„You didn’t make it on the cover but… I found your pictures in the L.A. Sun…“ She started to talk.

„Oh.“ Eve replied, flushing a little. 

„Since when are you banging your client, Eve?“ 

„Ehm… well… it happened before I knew he was my client to be honest. We met in a bar on New Year’s Eve.“

„And you didn’t tell me?!“ Rachel complained.

„I’m sorry.“

„So, you’re dating now or is this just a sex thing?“ 

„We’re dating.“

„Okay. It’s not my business if you just bang him or date him. But in the end I don’t wanna have a disappointed client because you screwed things up. So do me a favor and keep him happy as long as it takes to finish your project. At least.“

Eve nodded.

Rachel stared at her for a moment, still with a shady grin in her face.

„I was hot for him as well to be honest.“

„Oh.“ Eve said, feeling deeply uncomfortable having this conversation with her boss. 

„Ya… but I can’t have them all, right?“ She joked.

„Right.“ 

Eve returned home early after shopping some groceries for her dinner with Josh. Lucy worked from home that day and joined her in the kitchen, while Eve was preparing things. 

„I’m absolutely okay with it when you stay and eat with us, Lu.“

„No, I’m good. Don’t worry. I go to the movies.“ 

„But you barely know him. I want you to become friends. That’s important to me.“

„I’m pretty sure I will get a chance getting to know him tomorrow morning during breakfast.“ Lucy replied, giving her a wink.

One hour later the doorbell rang. Eve was a little nervous. She was a good cook but she didn’t know if Josh would like her food as she was cooking a traditional German dish. She opened up and waited for him arriving upstairs. 

Josh dressed up a little, wearing black jeans and a light-blue button down shirt. The color made his eyes shine even more they already did. Eve was still in her light-pink dress. 

„Hi.“ She said lovingly, when he entered her apartment. 

„Hi.“ He replied.

He came closer and kissed her lips softly. 

„I brought some wine.“ He added, handing over the bottle. 

Then he put off his white sneakers. 

„Thank you.“ Eve said.

„Are we alone?“

„Yes. Lucy went to the movies. But she’s looking forward meeting you for breakfast.“

Josh smiled naughty. 

„So… I’m staying for breakfast?“ 

Eve smiled back. 

„I hope so. And I promise this time not offering just cupcakes from the prior day.“

„I liked your cupcakes.“

„Before planning breakfast, let me explain what I cooked for you now.“ 

„Whatever it is, it smells delicious.“

„I made potato dumplings with beef roles and buttered vegetables.“

„That sounds like you’ve spent the last three hours in that kitchen.“

„Well… I did.“ 

„I’m flattered you’re making that effort for me.“

Eve smiled again and opened the wine. 

„I wanna impress you a little, to be honest.“

„Why?“ 

„Because I like you. A lot.“ 

„Is that true?“

Eve nodded, smiling shyly now. Then she filled two glasses and handed him one.

„Na zdrowie.“ She toasted. 

„That’s Russian.“ He frowned. 

„It’s Polish.“ She replied. 

„I don’t believe in your Polish roots anymore.“ He teased and took a sip. 

She smiled again and took a sip as well.

Dinner was ready just short time later. Eve arranged their plates and they sat down at the small dining table in the living area. Josh loved her food and asked for a second portion. Eve felt relieved that he enjoyed it so much. When they finished, she opened another wine and they sat down at the sofa to relax a little. 

„So. You like nineties music, hm?“ He said, listening to the Spice Girls in the background. 

„It’s just a random playlist from Spotify. But, yes. I like it.“ She answered. 

„How long have you been *NSYNC fan? He asked next. 

„Not long, to be honest. When I was 15 I had my first boyfriend. It was a very serious thing for me. He’s the one who’s responsible for my piercing, by the way. However, I was deeply in love and had no capacities left admiring you any longer.“ She explained. 

„Admiring *NSYNC in general or are you talking about me?“ He asked curiously. 

„I meant you.“ She said.

„Oh. That’s not what I expected.“

„What did you expect?“

„I believed you’ve been a Justin girl.“

Eve laughed out loud. 

„What made you believe that?“

„Justin is my hero.“ He said cynically, imitating her female voice. 

Eve laughed once again. 

„Oh… I see what is happening here… you didn’t like what I said about Justin.“

„That was not the problem. But the fact that you’ve been masturbating to his music in your bathtub was really concerning.“ 

„Hey, you didn’t talk to him about that, right?“ She asked, turning a little uneasy about that topic. 

„Eve. He would tease me for the rest of my life if I told him that my girlfriend masturbates to his music.“ 

„For the record: I never did this before. And as you interrupted me, technically it never happened.“

„Okay. Let’s just pretend it never happened.“ 

„It never happened.“ Eve repeated. 

„So… it was really me, hm…?“ He smirked. 

„Yes, it was always JC Chases.“ She replied, pronouncing his last name wrong again. 

„In that case I’m officially offended you didn’t recognize me.“ He said half seriously. 

„Josh. You look completely different now.“

„You mean old.“

„I mean different.“ 

„We’re fighting a lot today, hm?“ He teased. 

„Maybe we should concentrate on other things than talking…“

„Like what?“

„I still owe you something.“

„Oh. This….“

„Yes. This…“

Eve took the glass out of his hand and put both glasses at the coffee table. Then she sat down at his lap slowly. She moved her head closer to his and playfully licked his lips. It was her turn bringing him to his limits. Josh was immediately on fire and his breath accelerated. 

„Tell me what you want me to do now, Josh… with my tongue…“ She whispered temptingly into his mouth. 

She felt him getting hard really quickly and couldn’t stop herself from smiling naughty. Josh was such a sucker for her dirty talk. He was sure she could make him cum just if she continued talking this way. With his hands he grabbed her bootie.

„Open my pants, Eve.“ He whispered back. 

She raised herself a little bit to open his belt and the buttons of his jeans slowly. He was completely hard now.

„What now, Josh?“ 

He pulled her chin close to his face and kissed her passionately for a short moment. Eve rubbed herself on his bump, still hidden in his boxer briefs. She wasn’t sure if it was her or his precum but his shorts felt wet.

„Lick me…“

„Lick you where…?“ 

„Lick my dick, Eve.“

He was brutally close and she didn’t start, yet. It was unbelievable how fast she was bringing him to the edge. Eve bit her lower lip playfully before she raised herself and kneeled down between his legs. She pulled down his jeans a bit and released him out of his briefs.

„Holy shit. He’s a lot. How on earth will you manage that…?“ She thought. 

She made her lips wet and didn’t lose eye contact when she started licking him slowly in his whole length. 

„Fuuuuuck…!“ Josh moaned, leaning himself back into the sofa. 

He wanted to grab his hand into her hair but then stopped, not knowing if she was okay with that. Eve noticed and gave him a dirty grin. 

„I want you to grab my hair, Josh…“

„You’re sure…?“ He groaned, while she was licking his cockhead carefully. 

„I like it…“ 

He looked at her again, while she continued satisfying him. He grabbed the back of her head carefully, just holding it without any pressure. 

„Okay. You really need to suck him now. He’s not making it much longer…“ She thought. 

Eve took him into her mouth slowly.

„Josh rolled his eyes and groaned with deep pleasure.“ 

„Eeeeeve… how you want this to end…?“ He asked with very deep breath. 

„Good question. This will surely be explosive…“ She thought. 

„Eeeeeve… I’m so fuckin’ close…“ He groaned. 

„Go for it. You can do it. It’s not your first time…“ She encouraged herself. 

Eve sucked him much harder now and her right hand moved a little deeper to play with his most sensitive parts. 

„Holyyyyyy fuuuuuck…!!!“ 

Josh came in her mouth, feeling like passing out any second. Eve swallowed his cum and continued sucking him till he was finished.

„OH.MY.GOD!“ They heard Lucy suddenly screaming.

Both frightened. Eve immediately raised herself. Josh pulled up his briefs hastily. 

„What the hell are you doing back home so early?!“ Eve blamed her. 

„Why the hell you’re doing this at the sofa???“ Lucy blamed her back.

Eve looked ashamed. Josh was just watching the scene, not knowing what to do or what to say. 

„You missed something.“ Lucy said, pointing at Eve’s corner of her mouth. 

Eve cleaned her lips with the palm of her hand. 

„Was she good, Josh?“ Lucy continued teasing.

„Yes. Very.“ He anwerered. 

„Could you just go in your room and forget what you just witnessed?“ Eve said, being deeply embarrassed. 

„I can go but I will never forget.“ 

„Okay. Whatever. But please just go.“ Eve begged. 

Lucy made herself on her was into her bedroom. 

„If she was really that good, you should return the favor.“ She said to Josh, before she finally disappeared. 

Eve grabbed her face and let herself fall next to Josh at the sofa. 

„I don’t wanna know how long she was standing there.“ Eve said, processing hard. 

„I’m pretty sure she will let us know during breakfast.“

Josh woke up next morning, lying on his left side and holding Eve close. She was cuddled up with her face into his chest, having one arm around him as well. He asked himself how she was able breathing this way. Carefully he started stroking her hair. It was their first night they spent together as a couple and it felt damn good waking up with her in his arm. 

Slowly Eve raised her head and smiled into his face. 

„Hi…“

„Hi…“

„Did you sleep good?“ She wanted to know.

„I slept like a baby. The soft mattress in my guest room was killing me in the last few nights. Your bed is much more comfortable.“

„Did you really just said my bed made you sleep good?“ She teased. 

He smiled and kissed her forehead softly. 

„Please excuse the misunderstanding. Of course it was you who made me sleep good.“ 

„Oh please, I’m not buying it.“ She continued teasing. 

„The struggle with my mattress is real, to be honest. I hate that guest bed.“

„Are you trying to make me invite you to sleep here as long as your bedroom isn’t finished?“

„Yes.“ He replied cheeky. 

Eve raised herself a little to kiss his lips softy. 

„You can stay here anytime you want and as long as you want. There’s some free room in my closet, if you want to bring some clothes.“ 

„Really?“

„Really.“ 

„That sounds like things just became a little more serious…“

„Is this scaring you?“

„Not at all.“

While Josh was taking a shower, Eve put on her bathrobe to make coffee. Lucy was having a quick breakfast before leaving the house. 

„I thought we gonna have breakfast together this morning.“ Eve said, entering the kitchen. 

„You slept too long. I need to leave in few minutes.“

„Hey ehm… are you okay, if Josh sleeps here for a while until his bedroom is finished?“

„Does it mean we have a new roommate?“

„Is that a problem?“

„Of course not, Eve. Don’t worry about it.“

„Thank you.“

„So…?“

„So?“

„Did he returned the favor?“ Lucy asked cheeky.

„Oh yes, he did…“ Eve answered, smiling all over her face. 

„Okay, stop making me jealous.“ 

Josh came out of Eve’s bedroom in the same moment, joining the girls in the kitchen. 

„Good morning, Lucy.“ He said and smiled.

„Good morning, roommate.“ She replied. 

„Are you okay with me being your roommate?“ He asked carefully.

„Yes. And I’m cooking for you tonight. It’s time for us to get to know each other, don’t you think?“

„Absolutely.“ Josh replied and smiled. 

Lucy said goodbye short time later and left for work. Eve didn’t feel like working today. She wished she could return into bed with Josh and continue doing what they did almost the whole night. But unfortunately this was not an option.

„So, what’s on your schedule today?“ Josh wanted to know, while Eve was making some sandwiches. 

„I’m gonna sew your curtains and pillow cases.“

Josh looked at her in disbelief.

„You gonna sew them by yourself?“

„Yes. I’m storing beautiful fabrics in the basement which I bought a while ago when I visited a craft fair in San Fransisco. Some of them fit perfectly in your color concept.“

„I’m surprised you wanna do this on your own. Is that service always included or are you doing that just for me?“

„I love doing those things on my own so… I’m sorry, hon… but you’re are not an exception.“

„Still, I feel honored having something in my house which you made.“

„You’re cute saying that.“

Josh was busy the whole morning in his studio and had a meeting with new clients downtown in the afternoon.

Eve brought her sewing machine and spent the day at his patio with sewing and supervising the workmen. 

When the drywall builder finished his work with Josh’s new walk-in closet, the flooring installer started his work in the bedroom. The carpenter was preparing new shelves and cabinets for the closet. The new kitchen cupboards were finished but the new countertops weren’t replaced, yet. The wooded floor in the living area was ready as well as the paintwork.

Eve was satisfied with the work progress and hoped the renovation would be finished by the end of the week. Unfortunately Josh’s new furniture wasn’t shipped, yet. 

When Josh returned home, the workmen already finished their work for today. Eve was also finishing her sewing and was very satisfied with the results. 

„Hey, cupcake.“ Josh said cheeky, entering the patio. 

She looked at him and smiled all over her face.

„Cupcake?“ 

„Ya… I just realized it perfectly fits calling you that.“

„Why?“

„Because you’re tiny and sweet. And it reminds me of what happened after our first night.“ He teased.

She shook her head, still smiling. Josh came closer, cupped her face and kissed her gently. 

„Are you ready for dinner with our roommate?“ He asked.

„Yes. But first, tell me what you think.“ She replied, showing him her work. 

„I am deeply impressed you can do those things. It looks really good.“ 

„Really?“

„Yes, my Love. Thank you for making that effort.“

Eve smiled and kissed him once again. 

„Okay. Let’s go. I’m starving.“

„Is Lucy a good cook?“

„Ehm… not really. But she makes fantastic Polish ravioli. We can just hope and pray that’s what she planned for tonight.“ Eve joked.

When they arrived at Eve’s place, Lucy was a little stressed in the kitchen. She wasn’t cooking often and created a big chaos all around her. 

„Thank god.“ Eve said relieved. 

„Thank god, what?“ Lucy asked, when they entered the kitchen. 

„You’re making ravioli.“

„Pierogi, Eve! They are called pierogi!“ 

„Pierogi.“ Josh repeated, trying to pronounce it the right way. 

„You’re so cute.“ Eve said and kissed him.

„Why that?“

„You saying a Polish word with your American accent is just brutally cute.“

„Actually it’s hurting my ears. But I know you’re in love, so… just let him believe he’s cute.“ Lucy teased. 

„Don’t listen to her. You’re really cute.“ Eve said. 

„She’s mean.“ Josh complained. 

„Polish people are mean in general. That’s a very unhappy nation.“ Eve teased. 

„That's not true, you German brat!“ Lucy complained. 

„See… that’s genetic. She’s a hopeless case.“ 

„You better set the table and stop talking now.“ Lucy intervened.

Josh helped Eve with the table and Lucy served dinner short time later. 

„I like your pierogi, Lucy. You made a great job with this.“ Josh complimented her.

„Thank you, roomie.“ 

Eve enjoyed Lucy’s food as well. When they finished everybody helped tidying up the mess which Lucy left in the kitchen. Then they opened a bottle of wine and sat together at the kitchen island.

„Do you have plans for the weekend?“ Lucy wanted to know at some point, looking at Josh.

„Oh, ehm… I made the suggestion looking for a car for Eve but she wasn’t excited about that idea.“ He said. 

„But that’s a really good idea. You should do this.“

Eve rolled her eyes, not responding. 

„Honey, the accident is five years ago. It’s time.“ Lucy said, looking at her now.

Eve immediately turned pale, processing what her friend just said. Josh looked completely confused, having no idea what Lucy was talking about.

„Which accident?“ He asked.

Lucy saw Eve’s shocked face. Then she looked at Josh.

„Jesus… you… you didn’t tell him?“ She stammered. 

Eve’s eyes filled with tears. She was overwhelmed by the sudden situation and didn’t know how to behave.

„Eve… why you didn’t tell him?“ Lucy continued asking. 

Eve turned deeply upset now. 

„I don’t owe you an explanation why I didn’t inform my new boyfriend how I killed my husband!“ She hissed. 

Then she stood up and rushed into her bedroom. 

Josh looked like he was trapped in a wrong reality. He tried to process what he just learned but it made no sense to him. 

Lucy watched Eve disappear. Then she looked at Josh, having a bad conscience that she just ruined their evening. 

„Lucy. Explain to me.“ He demanded. 

„Look…“ She said and made a break to catch her breath.

„Eve’s husband died in a car accident and… she was the driver…“ 

 

Josh was deeply shocked, staring at Lucy like seeing a ghost. This is the last thing he expected to learn about Eve. He tried to say something but he just didn’t find the right words. 

„She didn’t kill him, Josh. Another car drove against hers on the highway because the driver fell suddenly asleep. It happened so fast and unexpected. There was no way for her to react in time.“ Lucy continued explaining. 

„This is a nightmare.“ Josh said with breaking voice. 

„It was a nightmare. But it’s long time ago. And she needs to deal with the past. There is no other way.“ Lucy replied. 

Josh was still under shock, processing hard. He understood why Eve didn’t want talking about that difficult topic. But hiding the truth why her husband wasn’t a part of her life anymore was wrong.

„You should go and talk to her, Josh.“ Lucy suggested. „She needs you now.“

Josh looked at her for a moment. Then he stood up and went to Eve’s bedroom.

Eve kept herself from crying. She cried enough because all of this. Lying on her bed, she cuddled up into her big pillow and stared into the dark. Then the door got open and Josh came inside. She didn’t react. Josh sat down next to her and started caressing her cheek carefully. 

„If you don’t wanna talk about it, then don’t. But please let me comfort you.“ He whispered. 

Eve looked at him. The damage was done. There was no way back. She needed to explain if she liked it or not. Then she raised her upper body slowly and switched on the light at her beside table. Josh was looking back at her, patiently waiting for her to talk. Eve crossed her legs, sitting in front of him now. 

„We’ve been at Lucy’s house. Her husband made dinner for us. We used to cook for each other very often. It was Tom’s thing. He loved good self-made food…“

„Tom was your husband.“ Josh said.

Eve nodded and then continued talking. 

„I had some wine that night. You can drink and drive in Germany. It’s not a big deal as long as it’s just one glass… or two.“ 

„I know…“ Josh said. 

„However, we had a great time together and the guys were funny after drinking Bourbon the whole night. It was really late when we finally went home. It was just a twenty minute drive, mostly at the highway. The road was empty. I was driving pretty fast because… that’s what we do in Germany…“ 

„How fast, Eve?“ 

„180 km/h, maybe more. I can’t remember. You didn’t really feel that speed. It was an expensive company car he was having.“

„What happened then?“

„As I said, the highway was empty. But then, at some point there was a white Volvo on the middle lane. I didn’t understand why the car was driving at the middle lane because we are obligated to drive on the right hand-side of the road when it’s free. However I needed to switch to the left lane to pass the car. I couldn’t pass by at the right lane. That’s the traffic rules, you know…“

„Yes, I know.“

„So, I was close now, passing the Volvo but unfortunately the driver fell asleep for a short moment and crashed into the passenger side were Tom was sitting. I don’t know what happened next. I just remember the sound of squeaking tires and shattered glass. Our car crashed into a guarding rail and turned over…“ 

Josh eyes where swimming. Imagining what she went through made him shiver. Eve continued talking. 

„I was unconscious but Tom was not. Unfortunately his neck was fractured. Somehow he still managed pushing the SOS button to call for help. But he died before the ambulance arrived. I woke up in the hospital the next day. When they told me what happened to us I felt like dreaming. I was sure I just was trapped in a nightmare and prayed to the universe to make me wake up.“

Josh couldn’t hold back his tears. He was deeply upset what he just learned and wished he could do anything to make her feel better. But he just couldn’t. 

„The Volvo driver was on his way back home from a long business trip, being completely exhausted. He got seriously injured but he survived that crash. I just had a heavy concussion and some injuries in my face caused by my airbag. It was a miracle nothing else happened to me, if you put into consideration how fast I’ve been driving.“

„Eve… it wasn’t your fault…“ Josh whispered with thin voice. 

„A lot of people tried to explain to me that I had no chance avoiding this situation. But it’s not true,   Josh. It was me who drank wine. It was me, who drove that fast. And that’s why it’s my responsibility what happened that night.“ 

Josh shook his head. 

„Please don’t think that, Eve. Please don’t think that…“

„I learned to deal with the past. Believe me it was a very long process. I lost everything after that night. My husband, my job, our house and a lot friends who weren’t able dealing with a human wreck. I think I didn’t deserve better. That’s the price I paid for my mistake. But… I decided to move on at some point. And now I am here having a new life with you and… I’m so grateful that I found you… and that I really feel like myself again…“

Josh grabbed Eve’s hand and pulled her into his arms. He hugged her as tight as he could. She hugged him back and finally started crying as well. 

„I’m so sorry all of this happened to you. I’m so, so sorry, my love.“ He whispered. 

Next Monday the renovation work in Josh’s house was almost finished. An electrician was installing new lighting in the living area, the bedroom and the walk-in closet. Two cleaners were busy with cleaning all windows and the surfaces in the kitchen. 

Josh was having an appointment downtown again and wasn’t at home. 

Eve brought her laptop and was sitting at his patio. As it was a warm day she was wearing white denim hot-pants, a light-blue tanktop and was barefooted. Her hair was braided and her make-up was very plain as always. 

She was talking at the phone with one of her suppliers to ask about Josh’s furniture delivery date when suddenly a dog rushed outside and jumped up her leg. 

„Ehm… thank you. I need to go. Just call me back when you placed the shipment.“ She said to her supplier and hung up in the next moment. 

„Are you Bronson???“ She asked the dog, who was deeply excited about her presence. 

Just in the next second Jen entered the patio. Eve looked up and stared at her like seeing a ghost. Jen did the same. Bronson was still jumping up Eve’s leg. 

„Bronson! Come here!“ Jen ordered.

Bronson reacted and immediately went back to his mommy. Eve was still staring at Jen. 

„Good morning.“ Jen said now. 

„Good morning.“ Eve replied. 

Eve saw pictures of Jen in the internet. She was aware of they couldn’t look more different. But now she was asking herself how on earth Josh could fall for her after being with someone like Jen. She was wearing skinny jeans, a floaty white blouse and black sneakers. She looked casual but still expensive. Her long black hair was open and perfectly waved. Her dark red nails looked like being fresh manicured and her face was hidden behind big designer glasses. 

„May I ask who you are?“ Jen said next.

„I’m the interior designer.“ Eve answered. 

Of course she was more than that but she wanted to avoid upsetting Jen in any kind. 

Jen scanned Eve from head to toe. With her effortless look and a cup of coffee in her hand she looked more like she was living here. 

„Why is Jay redesigning the house?“ Jen wanted to know.

„He didn’t explain his motives to me but I think he was longing for a change.“ 

„Oh. A change.“ She repeated. 

Jen put off her glasses now, turned around and looked inside the house. Then she went back inside, taking a closer look.

„Hey ehm… could you please put off your shoes?“ Eve said, following her inside. 

„Excuse me?“ Jen replied.

„House rules.“ Eve said, smiling shyly. 

Jen rolled her eyes. Of course she knew Josh’s house rules. But she didn’t care anymore and ignored Eve’s request. Bronson stayed outside and made himself comfortable at a sun lounger while Jen explored Josh’s new kitchen.

„Looks good.“ Jen admitted. 

„Thank you.“

„What else did you redesign?“ 

„The bedroom.“ 

„Hm.“ Jen said. 

Then she walked into the hallway and went upstairs. Eve followed Jen, being really upset about her still wearing shoes. The electrician saw them entering the room. He was still busy with the lighting in the closet. Jen ignored him. 

„Oh… no carpet. And a bigger closet. Why he needs a bigger closet?“ 

„His girlfriend has a lot of clothes.“ Eve answered to provoke her.

She immediately regretted her tone but Jen - acting like she was still living here - annoyed her. A lot. 

Jen was slightly pissed off. She knew Josh was dating someone. It’s not like she was reading the yellow press, but a friend told her about the pictures in the L.A. Sun. However, it didn’t came into her mind it was Eve as her face was barely recognizable at that photos. 

„Where is he?“ Jen wanted to know now, ignoring her nasty comment. 

„Having a meeting downtown.“

„Well, I need to leave the dog here as am busy with my relocation.“

„Ehm… shouldn’t you ask him first if this is okay?“ Eve contradicted. 

„I’m pretty sure this isn’t any of your business. Just tell him I’ll be back tomorrow to pick him up.“

Jen left the bedroom in the next moment and went downstairs. Eve was processing the situation. 

When Jen was gone, Eve returned to the patio. She sat down at the sun lounger next to Bronson and grabbed one of his paws. He was having very long claws. Eve was afraid he would scratch the sensitive wooden floor with them. 

„You are getting a pedicure right now.“ She said to him and smiled. 

Bronson couldn’t care less, turned around and continued sleeping. 

Josh returned home two hours later and was surprised that Eve wasn’t around.

„Where’s the boss?“ He asked the electrician, who was busy with the kitchen lighting now. 

„She’s making a walk with the dog.“ He replied. 

„Dog?“ Josh asked confused. 

„Ya… a lady was here and brought a dog some time ago.“ 

„Oh. Do you know why?“

„Nope. But the boss was not amused.“ The electrician said, giving him a shady grin. 

„Thanks for the warning.“ 

 

Eve returned with Bronson half hour later. Josh was sitting at his kitchen island, drinking coffee and surfing in the internet at his iPad. Bronson rushed into his direction when he entered the house. Josh immediately stood up and bent down to cuddle him.

„Hey buddy, what are you doing here?“ He said with a big smile in his face.

He needed to admit that he really missed the dog. 

Eve came into the kitchen, with a paper bag in her hand and looked at them. Josh looked back, not being sure what to say. 

„Hey ehm… how come Bronson is here?“ He asked carefully. 

„His mommy is busy with her relocation.“ Eve replied with cynical tone. 

Josh was immediately amused by her attitude. She was jealous and he liked it.

„What’s in the bag?“ He wanted to know next. 

„Bronson and I made a long walk to the supermarket as I couldn’t find any food for him in the house.“ Eve explained. 

„Thank you for taking care for him, cupcake.“ 

„No big deal.“ She said and started unpacking her shopping. 

„Are you pissed off?“ He asked, with a cheeky grin in his face, which he couldn’t hide. 

„No. Why should I be pissed off? Just because your ex let herself in and acted like she owns that place? This would be ridiculous, right?“ She said cynically. 

Josh grinned even more now. He took her hand and pulled her into his arms. 

„This is so sweet.“ He said and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. 

She pouted. 

„You are gorgeous when you’re jealous.“ 

Eve tried hard staying serious but it was hopeless. Josh kissed her once again. 

„I don’t like her.“ She admitted. 

„That’s okay. I don’t expect you liking her.“ 

„Is this okay for you when she shows up like this and enters your house without permission?“

„Of course this is not okay. I promise to clarify that and ask her to return my keys.“

„Good.“

„You feel better now?“

„A little.“ 

Once again Josh kissed her and continued smiling. 

„What about Bronson? Do you like him?“ He wanted to know.

„He’s really ugly. But adorable.

„Ya. He is.“

„We should just keep him.“ She said boldly. 

„Okay. If you wanna discuss that with Jen, I’m not keeping you up.“ He joked. 

„No, I’m not doing that. But you could claim I kidnapped him.“ Eve suggested. 

„He’s chipped.“ 

„Damn it.“

„When will she pick him up?“ Josh asked next. 

„Tomorrow.“

„Oh.“

„Ya, that’s a problem, Josh. We can’t take Bronson to my apartment. Lucy is allergic.“

„Does it mean I need to sleep in my lousy guest bed again?“ 

„Yes. But I can join you, if you like. Maybe it will help a little?“ 

Josh smiled cheeky again. 

„I pretty sure it will help.“

Eve woke up next morning in Josh’s arm being naked. The mattress in his guest bed was really uncomfortable. She put that topic on her mental todo list as he really should put into consideration to replace it as well. 

Slowly she turned around and left the bed.

„Where are you going?“ Josh complained half asleep. 

„I make some coffee and will be right back.“ She said.

„Okay.“

Bronson was lying at a cozy blanket next to them at the floor. He gave her a short look and turned around, being too lazy standing up that early. 

Eve picked up her panties and Josh’s white shirt from the floor and put it on. Then she went downstairs and started the coffee maker. 

„This is a joke, right?“ She suddenly heard a female voice saying. 

Immediately Eve frightened and turned around. Jen entered the kitchen, being shocked seeing Eve just wearing Josh’s shirt. 

„What makes you believe you can show up here like this?“ Eve blamed her. 

„Who do you think you are telling me what I can do or not?“ Jen hissed back. 

Bronson suddenly showed up, greeting his mommy enthusiastically. Jen ignored her dog, still staring at Eve. 

Josh entered the kitchen as well in the next moment, just wearing boxer briefs. Both women stared at him now.

„Jen, what the hell? You’re not living here anymore.“ He said to her. 

„Really Jay? You’re banging your interior designer?“ She talked back.

Josh looked at Eve now. 

„You told her you’re my interior designer?“ He asked irritated. 

„Yes.“ She answered. 

„Why?“

„Because I am.“ 

„Wait… is she the chick from that pics in the L.A. Sun?“ Jen asked next.

„Yes.“ Josh answered. 

„Is this one of your current changes in life? Banging blonds now?“ 

„It’s never too late to change for the better.“ Eve replied boldly. 

Both looked at her. Jen was outraged and Josh smiled amused. 

„She’s a decade younger than you, right? I bet she’ll ask for a baby one day.“ Jen said, looking at Josh. 

„Don’t do that Jen.“ He warned her. 

„I don’t like kids.“ Eve intervened. 

Jen looked at her again without responding. Josh was asking himself if Eve was telling the truth. 

Finally Jen gave her attention to Bronson.

„Say goodbye to the dog.“ She said, looking at Josh again.

Josh kneeled down in front of Bronson and hugged him close.

„I’ll miss you, buddy.“ 

He kissed his head and then stood up, looking at Jen. 

„Have a good flight back home.“ 

„Ya, I will.“ 

Then she handed over the keys to his house and left with Bronson. 

„Chapter officially closed.“ Josh said, when he heard the front door closing. 

„I’m sorry for you and Bronson.“ Eve replied.

„Ya… it sucks.“

Eve came closer and hugged him. 

„Your new furniture for the living area will be delivered this week. But unfortunately I still have no delivery date for your new bed.“ Eve said, changing the subject. 

„I’m pretty fine with your bed.“ He said cheeky. 

Eve smiled back. 

„I don’t have anything to do here today. That’s why I’m going into the office to talk with Rachel about my next project.“ She informed him. 

„I’ll miss having you around. Maybe you could care for the rest of the house as well?“ Josh pouted.

„The rest of the house is pretty fine. But you should replace the guest bed. Or the mattress, at least.“ She replied, still smiling. 

„Ya, I know.“ 

„Look who’s back.“ Mateo cheered, as he saw Eve working in her office for a change. 

He came inside and sat down at her desk. 

„Mat… when will you learn how much I hate you doing that?“

„Never.“ He teased. „How are things with Mr. Chasez?“ 

„Good, so far. I’m waiting for the furniture to arrive.“

„Eve. I’m not talking about business here and you know it.“

„I met his ex girlfriend.“

„Uh!!! That’s exciting, tell me more!“ 

„I am wondering why he fell for me, to be honest. She’s a completely different type than me. Inside and outside.“

„Maybe he doesn’t have a type.“

„Believe me, he does…“

„So what. You made the man change his mind. That’s a good thing. I don’t see the problem here.“ 

Eve smiled. 

„You’re right. I’m overthinking.“

Josh was in the fitness gym doing weight training with Michael and Lance while their nanny was taking care for their babies. 

„You definitely lost some weight.“ Michael noticed, scanning Josh from head to toe.“

„Really?“ Josh asked surprised. 

„You did, bro. But it’s still a long road.“ Lance teased. 

Josh gave him an annoyed look. 

„Don’t be mean, honey. He’s doing great. This is not the right moment for any kind of frustration.“ Micheal intervened. 

„What happened to you, Mike? You’re scaring me.“ Josh teased. 

„I’m trying being a good friend for a change.“ He replied, smiling cheeky. 

„Hey, will you have a house-warming party when the redesign is finished?“ Lance asked.

„I will. But you are not invited.“ 

„Pussy.“

„Dickhead.“

„Oh, please… could you stop this? I really try hard working on my language since we have kids. And that’s not helping at all.“ Michael complained. 

Josh and Lance rolled their eyes. 

„However, I can’t wait meeting your girl.“ Lance said. 

„As I said, you’re not invited.“ Josh continued teasing.

„Then I got a counter offer. What about you and her coming to our place tonight for dinner?“ Michael suggested. 

„You want me to cook for him although he’s excluding me from his party?“ Lance complained. 

„I prefer when Mike cooks anyway.“

Lance showed him the finger. 

„So, what? You’ll come?“ Michael wanted to know. 

„Sure. Let me just check if she’s okay with that.“ Josh answered.

 

 Eve was a little nervous on their way to Lance and Michael’s house the same night. 

„Is everything okay?“ Josh asked, seeing her tension. 

„Sure, I’m a little excited. That's all.“

„Because you’ll meet another *NSYNC guy?“ 

„No… it’s not like I am thrilled about that. I mean, I met Justin and survived so…“

„So… Justin was a big deal and the rest of us are not?“ Josh teased. 

„Hm. Kind of…“ Eve joked. 

„You’re sure you’re not a Justin girl?“ 

„Yes. I am sure.“ She said and smiled. 

„Hey, you two! Welcome! Come in!“ Lance and Michael cheered at the front door when they arrived. Michael was having their daughter Violet Betty on his arm and Lance was holding her brother Alexander James.

„Oh my god, how adorable!“ Eve cheered back, seeing the babies. 

„I knew they would steal our show.“ Micheal teased, showing her his daughter proudly. 

„Hello princess. You’re so pretty.“ Eve said, touching Violet’s little hand. 

Then she turned to Alexander. 

„You’re beautiful as well, little man. It’s so nice to meet you.“ She said to him, caressing his cheek gently. 

„I’m Michael, by the way.“ 

„Hi.“ Eve said, smiling at him now. „I’m Eve. Thank you for your invitation, Michael.“ 

„Wow, that’s a beautiful smile you have.“ Michael replied and gave her a hug. „You can call me Mike, by the way.“

„Thank you, Eve replied.“

„I’m the other dad.“ Lance said now, smiling at her. 

„Hi, Lance. Thank you for having me here tonight. I felt really excited to meet all of you.“ Eve said, before he hugged her as well.

„You’re welcome, darling.“

„Come on, guys. Let’s have a drink. Dinner is almost ready.“ Michael said next and guided them into the open kitchen. 

„Who’s driving home?“ Lance wanted to know. 

He put Alexander in his baby seat and started mixing cocktails.

Josh glanced at Eve.

„I drive.“ He answered. 

„Very good. So we can have a drink with our new friend.“ Lance said, smiling at Eve. 

Eve smiled back.

„Could you do me a favor and hold Violet for a minute. I need to tidy up her chair before putting her in.“ Michael said to Eve next and put the baby into her arms. 

„Hi Violet. I love your cute dress. Where did you buy it, hm?“ Eve joked, holding her close. 

„You will be surprised but they’ve had the same dress for mommies.“ Micheal explained.

„No way!“ Eve said. 

„Partner look is very trendy those days.“ Lance confirmed. 

„At least I can do partner look with AJ.“ Michael added.

„Really? You call him AJ?“ Eve laughed out loud.

„Ya, we hated it at the beginning when people called him that way to annoy us. But we got used to it and now we even like it.“ Lance explained. 

„Jam on cause Backstreet got it, come on now, everybody, we’ve got it going on for years…“ Eve sang along and danced with Violet in the kitchen.

„Hey! Don’t push it!“ Michael warned her half seriously. 

Eve laughed and continued singing. 

„What an annoying brat.“ Lance joked, looking at Josh. „You definitely found your perfect match.“

„Ya, but if she continues singing that song I’ll just leave her here.“ Josh teased. 

After eating a fresh mixed salad for starters and delicious Cannelloni for main course, Michael served Panna Cotta for dessert. 

„It’s so good, Mike. I’m impressed how good you cook.“ Eve said, enjoying the dessert. 

„Thank you, girl.“ Michael replied. 

„Hey, can we talk about the housewarming-party again? Who’s on the guest list?“ Lance wanted to know. 

Lance was loving parties but barely joined any since the twins were born. He was really looking forward finally having the chance meeting people again. 

„The only thing I know is that you’re still not invited.“ Josh teased. 

„You’re planning a party?“ Eve asked surprised, looking at Josh.

„It’s not like this is happening voluntarily.“ Josh explained. „But people know I’m redesigning the house and expect me having a party afterwards. If I don’t plan one on my own, one of that jerks or Justin will do it behind my back.“ 

Eve smiled. 

„Or Eric.“ Lance added. 

„Ya. Or Eric.“

„Who’s Eric?“ Eve asked.

„My agent.“

„Oh, you have an agent?“ 

„Ya… one who loves organizing parties.“ 

Michael stood up to make some fresh cocktails. 

„It’s time getting a little wasted, girl.“ He cheered, looking at Eve. 

Short after midnight, Eve and Josh arrived at her apartment. Eve opened the front door, put her shoes off and Josh did as well. She was more than tipsy after having some cocktails and hot for Josh. Temptingly she put her arms around his neck.

„What are you having on your mind?“ He asked, giving her a dirty grin.

„You, me and the kitchen island.“ She replied, staring at him hungrily. 

Josh liked the idea but wasn’t sure if this was something they should do after Lucy caught them in the act at the sofa recently. 

„But our roomie is at home…“ He said. 

„Chicken.“ She teased. 

In the next moment Josh grabbed her thighs and lifted her up. He carried her to the kitchen island and made her sit on it. Being between her legs he stared at her hungrily. 

„What happens now, Eve?“ He asked eagerly. 

She opened few buttons of her blouse slowly to give him a view at her breasts. Immediately he started kissing her neckline. Eve moaned with pleasure. With one hand she was supporting herself at the counter. Her other hand was playing with the hair at the back of his head. 

„No. No. No. Forget it!“ They heard Lucy suddenly complaining. 

She heard them entering the apartment and left her bedroom to check what was going on in the kitchen. 

Eve sighed frustrated. Josh stopped kissing her breasts and looked at Lucy. 

„I make food on that island!“ Lucy continued complaining. 

„Who are you? The sex police?“ Eve slurred. 

„Josh, could you put your drunken girl down from that counter please and bang her in her bed instead?“ 

„Of course.“ Josh replied and lifted Eve down in the next moment. 

„Grinch!“ Eve teased, passing Lucy. 

Lucy smacked her ass. Eve gave her a dirty grin. Then she disappeared with Josh in her bedroom. 

„I really hate when you’re wearing skinny jeans.“ Josh complained, trying to help Eve out of her clothes as fast as possible. She grinned and undressed him at the same time. Finally, when they were naked, Eve pushed him onto her bed. He lay down in the middle of it and she sat down on top of him. He was more than ready for her and couldn’t wait any longer. 

„Baby… please ride me now… I’m so hard that it aches…“ He begged. 

Eve let him enter her slowly but deep. He was holding her hips and gasping for air. 

„Jooooosh, you feels so good deep inside of me…“ She moaned. 

She was used to his size now and appreciated it a lot. The sex with him was extremely intense, in relation to her prior experiences with men. 

„No dirty talk, baby… you know what happens when you talk to me like this…“ 

Eve moved back and forth, getting lost in ecstasy while he focused hard not cum too early. Having her on top of him was always extremely challenging as she was setting the pace. His eyes were closed. He loved watching her being on top and playing with her breasts but this was too much for him in that moment. Eve knew but enjoyed teasing him.

„Oh Joooosh… I need it harder… oh… please…“ She moaned.

„Then ride me harder babe…“

Just short time later her orgasm hit her out of a sudden and blew up her mind.

„Oooooh yes…! Jooooosh…!“ 

Immediately he let go as well, pushing himself even deeper inside of her.

„Yeeeees…! Nooooow…! Oh babyyyyy…!“ 

Eve collapsed at his chest, panting for air. He was still inside of her and also catching his breath.

„Babe… you’re sometimes too hot for my nerves… I was struggling so bad this time…“ He whispered. 

Eve raised her head and bit her lower lip playfully.

„I’m teasing you on purpose because it terribly turns me on to see you struggle.“ She confessed. 

Josh grinned dirty. 

„I know you like torturing me.“

„You want me to stop doing it?“

„Hell, no… but one day I will lose the game. And if that happens you’ll have to blame yourself.“

Eve smirked. 

„I’m pretty sure you’ll find another way to please me…“ 

„Of course… but maybe I won’t, to tease you back…“ 

„Then I’ll help myself…“

„In front of my face?“

„Yes…“

„Okay, can’t wait to witness that.“

„You’ll suffer even more because I’ll not allow you touching me.“

„That’s really cruel…“

„I know. So you better think twice Mr. Chasez…“ 

„We will see…“ 

 

Next weekend after breakfast Josh was calling his closest friends to make sure they were available before scheduling a date for his housewarming party. 

„Are you serious? Big Brother?“ He asked Chris in disbelief. 

„Yes…“

„Why you didn’t tell me earlier?“

„It was confidential. It still is, by the way.“

„But I want you at my party.“ 

„Come on, stop whining, C. I can visit you with Karly at a later date.“ 

„No. It sucks. I was looking forward having all of you here for a change.“

„Then you’ll need to wait until I’m back home.“

Josh sighed. 

„But Justin will be busy in the next weeks and Eric goes on vacation. I can’t wait that long. 

„Sorry, C… I just can’t…“

Josh was frustrated after talking to Chris. 

„He’s not coming?“ Eve asked, sitting next to him at his kitchen island, drinking coffee and surfing in the internet. 

„No. He’s busy with some TV stuff.“ 

„So, what now?“

„We need to plan the party without him.“ Josh pouted. 

Few days later Josh’s new furniture was finally delivered, except his bed. Eve was busy with decorating the ground floor. She didn’t allow Josh coming into the living area before she finished her work. 

His new sofa was light grey and much bigger as his prior one. It was modern, but cozy, standing in the middle of the room in front of the big TV screen. The coffee table was a smaller version of his new wooden dining table. The rest of the furniture was white, plain and very minimalistic. Eve’s self made curtains and pillows fitted perfectly into the color concept, with light and dark shades of green and blue. Eve also organized some big plants to complete the look. Finally she was very satisfied with the result and couldn’t wait to show Josh his new living area. 

Josh was working on a new song in his studio. On her way downstairs, Eve heard him sing and got goosebumps all over her body. She wished she would hear him sing more often. It was a shame he stopped making music on his own as his beautiful voice was one of a kind.

„Hey cupcake.“ He said with a loving smile in his face, when she entered the studio. 

„I’m finished.“ She said full of excitement.

„You want me to come upstairs and see?“

Eve nodded. Josh stood up and she grabbed her hand. Then they went upstairs. 

„You need to be honest, okay? I can handle it, if there’s something you don’t like.“

„Okay.“ Josh said.

Then they entered the living area. Josh looked around and was immediately amazed by Eve’s work. It was still his house but it felt like he just moved into a new place. He loved the colors and the minimalistic design with just few decoration items to give the room a cozy touch. Mostly he liked the new dining area with the view into his upgraded modern kitchen. 

Eve watched him curiously while he was exploring his new home. Finally he turned into her direction, smiling all over his face.

„So?“ She asked nervously.

„You’re an incredible interior designer, Eve. I love your work. It’s much better than I imagined and I really feel comfortable in here. Thank you for doing this for me, my love. He replied. 

She smiled from one ear to another. 

„I love it, too! And I’m so relieved that you like it.“

„But we never talked about plants…“ He said to tease her a little.

„I know, but girls really like plants. I recommend keeping them.“

„To please my girl?“

„Yap…“

Josh came closer and pulled her into arms. She put her arms around his neck, playing with his hair. 

„I like the plants. But you’re in charge to keep them alive.“ He said.

„Come on, you’ve had a dog. Don’t you think you can take care for some plants?“

„Your plants. Your responsibility.“ He teased. 

Eve smiled again. 

„Okay.“ 

Two weeks later on Saturday night Josh’s housewarming party took place. Just the same day his new bed finally arrived. Eve and Josh looked forward spending their first night in his new bedroom after the party. 

Eve was nervous meeting Josh’s friends and business partners that night. But mostly she was excited about the fact to meet his bandmates all at once. Even Chris and his wife announced to join the party as Chris returned home earlier than he expected. 

She was wearing a black tight off shoulder dress and put on a little more makeup than usual. Josh preferred when she was wearing less makeup as he truly loved seeing her freckles. But today he needed to admit, that he also enjoyed seeing her with some expressive makeup. Her hair was open and curled. 

„Will we ask everybody to put their shoes off?“ She asked smiling at him, before the guests arrived.

„We don’t need to ask. Everybody knows.“ Josh replied, smiling back. 

Lance and Michael arrived first. Justin and his wife came next.

„It’s so nice to meet you.“ Jess said friendly and hugged Eve close.

„It’s unreal I am hugging Jessica Biel now.“ Eve replied, smiling all over her face.

Josh and Justin watched the scene. Then Justin hugged her next. 

„You look good.“ He said and made her blush. 

He noticed that she was a little excited being in his presence and enjoyed it. 

„You, too.“ She answered. 

„Hey, stop flirting and come in.“ Josh teased. 

Lucy arrived next. Eve introduced her best friend to the rest of the guests. Lucy was very impressed from Eve’s work in the house and complimented her. 

Half hour later Josh’s place was crowded. Eve was happy also meeting Eric, Chris and his was wife Karly. Joey was the last one who arrived. Eve was engrossed in conversation with Chris in the kitchen when Josh joint them to introduce Joey.

„Oh wow! You lucky bastard!“ Joey said to Josh.

He smiled at Eve all over his face and hugged her in the next moment.

„This were exactly my words when I met her.“ Chris replied. 

Eve felt flattered. 

„It’s nice to meet you, Joey.“ She said. 

„You know I am single right? You still have a choice.“ He replied boldly. 

„Shut up.“ Josh warned him. 

„I know someone else who’s single.“ Eve suddenly said, grinning cheeky. 

„I’m listening.“ Joey replied.

„You really think this is a good idea?“ Josh asked, knowing exactly what she was having on her mind.

„Ya… I have a good feeling with this…“ Eve answered.

Joey grinned shady.

„Introduce me. Now.“ He demanded. 

„Give me a second, please.“ Eve said and left the situation.

„Duuuuude, she’s blond! What is happening?!“ Joey teased, when Eve was gone. 

Josh rolled his eyes.

„Why is everybody commenting her hair color? I don’t get it.“ 

„Because it’s completely unusual seeing you with a chick like this!“ Joey replied.

„I said the same.“ Chris added. 

„I like her hair. I like everything about her. A lot. So be nice and don’t make any inappropriate comments about her look.“ Josh warned his bandmates. 

„Uh wow… so it’s serious, hm?“ Joey said. 

„More than that. For the first time I have the feeling, I found the one…“ 

„Holy shit!!!“ Chris and Joey said at the same time.

Josh just smiled. 

„You mean… she’s possibly the one you’ll put a ring on???“ Chris asked in disbelief. 

„Yes…“ 

„Fuck!!! I didn’t believe this would ever happen to you, if I am honest.“ Joey replied. 

„Me, too.“ Josh answered. „But here we are…“ 

Eve returned with Lucy in the same moment. 

„Joey, this is my charming friend, Lucy.“ She said. 

„Oh, wow… I mean… hi…“ Joey replied, scanning Lucy from head to toe. 

„Hi Joey.“ Lucy replied, doing the same to him. 

Eve, Josh and Chris were watching the scene. 

„I am delighted meeting you, Lucy. Should we get some drinks and have a talk at the patio?“ Joey suggested. 

„Sure.“ Lucy replied, smiling at him. 

Then he grabbed her hand and pulled her into the kitchen. 

„Dear lord… this was too easy… what the hell is happening here…?“ Chris said. 

„Joey is absolutely her type.“ Eve explained. 

„So, it’s not just a rumor… women with bad taste truly exist…“ He teased. 

„I am deeply worried what will happen in my guest room as Lucy is staying the night.“ Josh replied. 

„Oh no… I really didn’t think that through till the end.“ Eve joked. 

„The damage is done guys… the damage is done.“ Chris said, grinning shady. 

Later that night all five *NSYNC members were standing in the kitchen and drinking shots together. After talking to Karly for a while Eve noticed them and felt a little excited about it. Then she went into the kitchen and smiled all over her face. 

„Jeeeeez… *NSYNC is just standing in front of you. How freakin’ awesome is that?!“ She thought.

„You drink with us, JC girl?“ Justin asked, grinning cheeky. 

„Yes. But first of all, please do a former fan a favor and let me have a picture with you guys.“ Eve said.

„A fan?! Really C?! Since when you’re banging fangirls?“ Joey teased. 

„It’s 25 years ago.“ Eve replied. 

„But still you wanna have a picture from all of us.“ Justin continued teasing. 

„That’s right. Before you die of old age.“ She teased back.

„Did you really just said that?“ Chris said, acting outraged. 

„Unbelievable!“ Lance pouted.

„No picture for you! Ever!“ Joey said. 

„I’m just three years older than you!“ Justin complained. 

Eve started laughing, while Josh was just watching the scene. 

„What is going on?“ Lucy asked, joining the group.

„Perfect timing, Lu! Could you make a pic of me and the old men?“ 

„Sure.“ 

Lucy grabbed her phone and waited for them to get ready for the picture. 

*NSYNC still pouted. 

„Come on guys. Every minute counts.“ Eve teased again. 

Finally they agreed but when Lucy shot the photo all of them made silly faces. 

 

In the middle of the night, when all guests were gone, Eve and Josh entered his new bedroom. 

„This room is beautiful. I can’t wait to lie with you in that bed…“ Josh said temptingly, standing behind her.

Then he pulled her a little closer to his body and started kissing her naked shoulders and her neck carefully. Eve enjoyed his kisses, slowly getting lost in the moment. Josh didn’t rush things. He wanted this night being special for them. 

After caressing her for a while, he opened the zipper of her dress slowly. It fell to the floor in the next moment, giving him a look at her sexy black underwear she was wearing tonight. 

„You’re perfection, Eve… every inch of your body is perfection to me…“ He whispered in her ear. 

Slowly she turned into his direction. She smiled sexy and begun opening the buttons of his shirt. Patiently he watched her undressing his upper body. Then she started stroking his chest tenderly and placing kisses on it. Josh groaned silently.

„You’re perfection to me as well, Josh. I never felt attracted to someone like I am to you.“ She whispered. 

„Is that true?“ 

„Yes…“

She opened his belt next and helped him out of his jeans. Josh touched her chin and pulled her face closer to kiss her deep. She moaned into his mouth, enjoying his taste. Then he lifted her up and lay her down in the middle of his new bed. Slowly he opened her bra and pulled down her panties. Then he dressed off his briefs. 

Eve’s breath accelerated. Impatiently she waited for him to enter her. He lay down on top of her and covered their bodies under the blanket. 

„Eve…?“ he whispered.

„Yes…?“

„I’m gonna make love to you…“

„Is this something we didn’t do before?“ She asked herself, being curious what he was having on his mind. 

Josh entered her carefully and slow, while looking deep into her eyes. She noticed he was not in a rush tonight, enjoying every precious second being close to her. Gently he placed kisses on her face, before their lips finally met. He kissed her deep again while thrusting her gently. 

Having sex with him like this was a new experience. She never felt so close to him like in this moment. There was more time left to focus on their perfect rhythm, the touch of his hot skin on hers and his irresistible smell. 

After a while Eve’s orgasm started building up. Josh noticed as she was getting tight.

„Baby… try to hold it back just a little longer. Can you do this for me?“ 

„I don’t know how…“ She moaned.

He stopped thrusting her for a moment, looking deep into her eyes.

„Trust me… it’s worth waiting a little longer.“

Eve nodded, trying hard to focus on not to come.

Josh moved on but stopped, when she got close once again. He did that several times to her.

„Babe… I can’t handle this any longer…“ She moaned with deep frustration. 

Josh smiled and continued thrusting her.  

„Okay… I’m gonna release you know…“

Eve couldn’t wait and felt her orgasm building up once again. It felt more intense than ever before.

„Josh… oooooh Josh… oooooh my goooood… this is sooooo inteeeeense… oooooh Jooooosh… yeeeees… yeeeees… yeeeees…!“ 

Eve’s peak hit her hard and shot her up to the sky. But before she reached the ground it hit her once again. And again…

„Holy shit… did he really just gave you a multiple orgasm?“ She thought, processing hard what she just experienced. 

Josh was watching her returning back to reality and smiled all over his face. 

„Did you enjoy it?“ He whispered. 

„This.Was.Unbelievable…“ She whispered back, being completely out of breath.

Josh turned serious, looking deep into her eyes now. 

„I love you. I love you with all of my heart, Eve.“ 

Hearing him say the magical three words was not what she expected to hear during sex. This man was truly full of surprises. 

She looked back into his beautiful eyes and caressed his cheek.

„And I love you, Josh. Ever day I love you more.“ she replied. 

He smiled all over his face and places another tender kiss on her lips. 

„I’m happy and deeply relieved we clarified that.“ He whispered. 

„Did you doubt I’m responding your feelings?“ She wanted to know. 

„No. But still I was really nervous saying it.“ He confessed. 

„This is so cute, Josh.“ 

He smiled again. 

„I will never let you go, cupcake.“

„I like that plan.“ She replied, smiling adoringly at him. 

In the same moment the door got open and Joey rushed inside. He was just wearing boxer shorts. 

„What the hell?!“ Josh complained, being still inside of Eve. 

„Sorry guys. But we run out of condoms.“ Joey said.

He acted like it was the most normal thing to interrupt Josh during sex with his girlfriend. He came closer and hastily opened up the drawers of Josh’s new bedside table. 

„Get the fuck out of here, Joe! I mean it!“ Josh said, being out of mind. 

Joey couldn’t care less. Josh slid out of Eve and lay down next to her.

„Dude! Where the fuck you hide your condoms?!“ 

„I have a birth control implant.“ Eve explained, being amused by Joey’s desperation. 

„What?! Does it mean you have no condoms?!“ He asked in disbelief. 

Josh rolled his eyes, still being deeply annoyed. 

„Look in the bathroom. Maybe you’ll find some in the lowest drawer. But I believe they’re expired. 

Joey rushed into the bathroom and finally found what he was looking for.

„Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank god!“ He shouted. 

„Are they expired?“

„Who cares… I’m pretty sure they’ll still work.“ Joey said cheeky and finally disappeared.

„Good lord… if he makes her pregnant, he’ll blame me for the rest of my life.“ Josh said, shaking his head.

Eve laughed.

„You guys are nuts.“ 

Josh looked at her and smiled back.

„I’m sorry for this… but that jerk will never grow up.“

„Don’t worry. Steadily I get used to those situations.“ Eve joked. 

Josh stood up in the next moment. Eve enjoyed the view at his naked body while he locked up the bedroom door. Then he returned into bed and made her sit on top of him.

„You owe me something…“

„I know…“ 

He got hard again within seconds and entered her. 

„Do you want more vanilla sex?“ She asked temptingly, moving back and forth slowly. 

„I’m okay with vanilla, but please talk dirty to me, baby…“ 

Eve sneaked out of bed next morning, longing for coffee badly. She brought some fresh clothes and put on grey sweatpants and a white t-shirt before going downstairs. The house was a mess after the party but she tried to ignore the chaos. She started the coffee maker and waited for her cup to be ready. 

„Good morning.“ Lucy said, entering the kitchen just few minutes later. 

She was wearing comfortable jeans and a casual pink shirt. 

Eve grinned dirty. Lucy sat down at the kitchen island, doing the same.

„Spill.“ Eve said. 

„Adventures.“ 

„Adventures?“

„Hell, yes. I learned some new things tonight.“

Eve stared at her with her eyes wide open. 

„I learned some new things tonight, as well.“ She replied. 

Both started laughing. 

„Do you wanna see him again, Lu?“ Eve continued talking. 

„I think I do.“ Lucy answered. 

„How crazy is this… both of us dating *NSYNC guys…“

„Jeeeeez… we are groupies.“ Lucy joked. 

„I’m definitely more than that…“ 

„What are you trying to say?“ Lucy asked curiously. 

„We said the magical three words to each other…“

Lucy stared at her with her mouth wide open.

„During sex???“

„Yes, right after my multiple orgasm…“ 

„That’s awesome, Eve! I’m really happy for you.“

„Because of that orgasm or the love declaration?“

„Both. Definitely both.“

Eve smiled, sipping her coffee. 

„Did I hear orgasm?“ Joey said, entering the kitchen in the next moment. 

The girls smiled at him. He was just wearing boxer shorts and his black t-shirt from the prior day. Then he grabbed Lucy’s waist from behind and kissed her neck playfully. 

„You wanna be alone? The kitchen island has the perfect height.“ Eve teased. 

„No condoms left.“ Joey answered.

„Bragger.“ Eve teased.

„Where’s your sugar daddy?“ Joey teased back. 

„Recharging.“ She said dirty. 

„Eve, you really shouldn’t overstrain him too much… you know his age.“ Joey continued joking. 

„Hey, fuckhead. Stop bitching about me.“ Josh said on his way into the kitchen. 

He was wearing black sweat shorts and a white t-shirt. Eve smiled all over her face, when he came closer and kissed her forehead gently. 

„You got a little rusty, C… it was just a well meant advice.“ Joey said. 

„Really, Joe? You’re teasing me for being rusty?“ Josh said cynically, scanning him from head to toe. 

Joey showed him the finger. 

„What about breakfast?“ Lucy asked, being hungry. 

„The cleaning crew will be here any second. Maybe we should go out for food?“ Josh suggested. 

„Hey, let’s just go to the Timberlakes. Chris and Karly spent the night in their house.“ Joey suggested. 

„Alright, I give Lance a call to meet at their place.“ Josh replied.

„No one invited you for having breakfast here.“ Justin complained, when everybody showed up at his house without prior notice. 

„It’s a shame we needed to come without invitation.“ Joey teased, entering the house. 

Lucy was a little nervous. Of course she met Justin and Jess the prior night, but being in their house was a new level. Eve also felt a little excited and didn’t know why. 

„Don’t listen to my husband. It’s awesome having all of you here.“ Jess said, welcoming everybody heartily.