The Girlfriend Experience: (Closed Thread)

[The_gladiator]

He could barely hear her response but it made him smile. He was all too willing to return her press of lips. He watched her head towards the bathroom the Trace Adkins lyrics floating through his head, “We hate to see her go, but love to watch her leave,” he grinned as he whispered the lyrics.

Sitting up dan reached for some tissues to dry off before throwing them in the trash can beside the bed. He bent to pick up his dress pants. While bent over, he saw Emily’s phone sitting on top of her suitcase which was open lighting up. Not really one to snoop, Dan found it somewhat hard to ignore since it was right in front of him. He had wondered where her phone was, she had not even pulled it out during dinner, instead giving him her full attention. However, he could read it clearly.

He was struck first by the background image that looked like two children a boy and a girl. Dan’s blood ran cold, did she have little ones? Already feeling like a voyeur, he reached out to touch the screen, to keep it from going dark again as he studied the children. The girl had Emily’s look for sure. The children were clearly related.

However, Dan’s shock deepened as his eyes took in what had made her phone go off, it was a text message.

Delilah: Hey, at the hospital, rode in the squad with Kari after Max fucked her up pretty badly. I don’t know why Jocelyn would have taken that fucker’s business again. Figures she gave him to the new girl; she knows damn well you and I and the others won’t see him anymore. It’d better have been a lot, at least enough to cover her hospital bills. I know you had a big job this weekend but I really need a ride home, call me.

Dan staggered back from the phone, sitting on the bed pants still in his hand. He sighed softly. What was going on. He had just seen something he shouldn’t, but also something that rocked him to his core. It wasn’t that he had forgotten she was an escort, but he hadn’t thought about it in a while, hadn’t considered that she might have coworkers, or that their job could be dangerous.

Mechanically Dan moved to hang up the pants. Reaching into his bag he found jeans. Slipping back into his briefs that were on the ground. He pulled on the jeans and after a moment a black shirt with a brewery logo on it. Dan might be shy around women but Dan was steady in a crisis, his whole family was they practically ran their town, after all.

Dan considered and then started looking in Emily’s suitcase finding jeans and a scoop necked top. He laid them on the bed for her. He really hoped he wasn’t overstepping. He poked around to find undergarments and seeing the variety threw up his hands, he would let her figure that out. Instead he went to put back on his boots, which had a completely different look now that they were paired with the jeans rather than the suit.

Dan then waited fully clothed pacing back and forth until he heard the bathroom door open. The toilet had flushed a while ago, but then he’d heard water running, she might have been removing her makeup for bed for all he knew, that’s what his mother had always done. Finally, he watched the bathroom door open.

He took a couple of strides to cross the room and handed her the phone. “I think you need to look at this. I swear I wasn’t snooping,” he said quickly, “It lit up as I was picking up my dress pants to hang up and I couldn’t help but to read it. You know you can set it to not display the full text message on the lock screen, right?” Dan realized he was babbling. “Anyway, I don’t know who Delilah is, but she seems to need your help, I’ll go pull the truck I rented around, it’s out in the far lot, you get dressed. I tried to pick appropriate clothes for you, but I didn’t pick out a bra and panties, there are way too many options and I didn’t want to be wrong.” Finally, all that said dan took a deep breath and hugged her on impulse. “Please don’t be mad at me for reading it, but I want to help you, please let me help you.” His eyes were earnest as he looked down at her, finally letting her go embarrassed, sure that he had overstepped so very far.

 

[SandS13]

Emily closed the door and spotted herself in the mirror. She was smiling, skin glistened lightly and her cheeks were flushed. Her body felt amazing. She couldn’t remember the last time she had had such good sex. It had been a while since she had even connected so easily with someone.

That someone is a client. Jocelyn’s voice filled her mind as she stepped out of the soaking wet panties and sat on the toilet. Emily leaned forward, elbows on her knees. It wasn’t usually hard to remember the line between her and the men but something about Dan had disarmed her. Maybe it was how good he had been at making her orgasm.

As if in response to her thoughts her pussy spasmed, a small aftershock that stopped her urine momentarily midstream. Her face went into her hands. She needed to regroup. He hired her to be his girlfriend, put on the act for his family not to grow infatuated with how good he was in bed.

That was a perk.

She wiped, flushed and then washed her hands. Emily stared at her reflection. The thing was, part of her had really enjoyed talking to him, they had a fair amount in common.

Then it means you will be able to be that good at the job. Be who he wants, use that. Again Jocelyn’s lessons bounced around in her mind.

Brushing her hair back Emily washed her face. She washed away the make up she was wearing. Since her preference was for a more enhanced natural look the washed face that looked back at her was not all the different than before. Just damp and bright.

She wondered what Dan was doing and if he was waiting in the bed. Was he the cuddle up kind of man? Would he hold her? Would he want her to wear lingerie or nothing at all. She found herself smiling, looking forward to this weekend. She would be everything he wanted to keep his family off of his back but she also decided in this moment that she would also be his friend.

Resolved and happy, she opened the door of the bathroom. She was not prepared as a stiff, serious and clothed Dan approached her. Emily stiffened, an ingrained defense mechanism. He held her phone out and it took her a moment to put his words together with the action.

“I-” She nodded a little and then looked at the phone, opening the message. “Oh fuck..Kari what did you get into…Damn it Jocelyn...” What was Jocelyn thinking sending Kari to Max. There was a reason the girls didn’t take his business. Why had she put the new girl through that? Emily’s eyes lifted as she tried to figure out how she could go and not be in breach of the contract. “I have to- wait, what?”

Dan hugged her. He was fully clothed, serious and calm. She was completely naked now and a stiff breeze could have knocked her over. “You are going to get your truck? You want to help?” She wrapped her arms around him, practically attacking him as she hugged him tightly. “Thank you. I could use some help. I will explain on the way.”

Emily let him go, a kiss on his cheek as she stepped back into the bathroom to grab her discarded underwear. “Clothes. Right. Thank you. That was really thoughtful. I will meet you down there in like five minutes.”

She got dressed quickly. The thong she donned and bra that matched were more classic than overtly sexy. The clothes he had picked out were casual compared to the dress she had been wearing. She realized he had put jeans on. The image of him walking towards her flashed in her mind. He had dressed and was ready to help, no questions or anger. Emily counted her blessings that he was the sort of man that he was.

Eight minutes later Emily was out front and walking towards his truck. They looked like a couple about to go to the movies than about to drive to the hospital. She climbed in and resumed furiously typing on her phone.

“Sorry, I just need to let them know I am on my way.” She hit send and turned her phone screen side down as she looked at him. “I appreciate this. The last time this guy got one of the girls it wasn’t good. I don’t understand. Jocelyn said we wouldn’t take his business…” Emily shook her head. “Oh, god, you don’t want to hear all this. It ruins it to see the other side.” Her teeth lightly worried her lower lip. “I appreciate you noticing my phone. I didn’t think you were snooping.” She gave Dan a slight smile.

Her hand flexed open and closed on the seat beside her, a sign of her worry.

 

[The_gladiator]

Dan had practically run for his truck. He guessed from the text that They weren’t taking the injured one home, just the friend, presumably as they wanted to keep the other overnight. So, they weren’t in a major hurry. However, that was Dan’s way he would be ready for her.

The ford he had rented wasn’t a bad truck, but it was an automatic. Such a boring thing to drive. It was more than 5 minutes when she came down, dressed in what he had picked out. He was a bit surprised that she had done so, apparently, he hadn’t done too badly.

As she got in, he listened to her words. “Don’t apologize. I’m assuming we’re going to the big hospital downtown?” he asked as he put the car in gear. “It doesn’t spoil anything. In fact, it was probably a good thing in a way.” He covered his mouth for a second, “I don’t mean good that your friend got hurt,” he said quickly, I mean more that I got lost in that moment with you, forgot about our…” he seemed to be trying to find the right word, “arrangement. I just felt like it was a date that had gone really well. Better than any other first date I’ve been on before.”

As he drove, he saw her flexing her hand open and closed on the seat and reached out to her, silently taking her hand. “Do you know what this Max did to Kari to need admitted overnight?” Dan finally asked giving her hand a squeeze, “Did Delilah say how she’d been able to go with her to the hospital? Did she find her?” Dan didn’t know why he was asking so many questions, and figured he really should just shut up and drive, but didn’t really stop himself either.

As they drove, they were stuck at a red light and dan honked at a car that did not go when the light changed, “Green means go dumb ass,” Dan muttered.

 

[SandS13]

"Yes the big hospital." His next statement made Emily freeze. She looked at him for a moment. She looked down. "It was a date that went really well. Yes, arranged but nothing arranged is that good without chemistry." Her voice was soft.

It didn't matter. It was good for them both to remember what this was. She had asked to be held. That was how you made yourself open to all manner of issues. It was when your guard was down that things like this, what happened to Kari occurred.

Dan had taken her hand and Emily turned hers to lace their fingers together. She was grateful for the contact. He was so calm and steady. "Delilah didn't say details. I will find out more when I get there. Max is an asshole. This isn't the first time he has hurt a girl but the last time was supposed to be just that, that last time. Jocelyn usually does a better job of protecting the girls. I don't understand how this happened."

She shook her head. "I was admitted for a day after my experience with him." Emily looked out the window. She went quiet as if lost in her thoughts, her memories. "The second time, well that was after a public event and Delilah gave as good as she got. Both went to emergency but Jocelyn didn't press charges. It was the last straw but here we are again and with one of the new girls."

Her hand tightened in Dan's. "Thank you for taking me. I don't know too many men who would drop their evening to help a girl like me out." Her confidence was shaken.

 

[The_gladiator]

“I’m just me,” dan said squeezing her hand.” He mentally catalogued what she said. She had been hospitalized as had Delilah, though it sounded like Delilah had fought back. Dan didn’t really have words. “He sounds like a real piece of work. Is it possible that Jocelyn didn’t know of what happened?” Dan asked softly after a moment. He ran his thumb over her hand. “I mean I’ve had artists try to cut side deals in the industry to try to cut me out of the loop, could this be what happened? Do any of you take jobs that Jocelyn doesn’t know about?” he then realized even if she did, she probably wouldn’t admit it to him.

“It was just something I was thinking about,” he said as he stopped for another red-light. “You know you’ll have to sit in the middle by me when we pick up your friend,” he added smiling. He wanted to revisit where she had said they had real chemistry but didn’t know how to get the topic off of the very real subject of max.

 

[SandS13]

Emily looked surprised. "You mean like...she took the job without Jocelyn setting it up? On the side? That will get her fired. We have a strict contract." She brushed her hair from her face with the hand that wasn't being held by Dan's. "She is new and maybe he offered her a lot of money...oh god, Jocelyn won't pay the hospital bill if that is the case."

She turned to look out the window. "Stupid girl..." Emily had seen what happened to the girls who didn't have people like Jocelyn looking out for them. It was drugs and beatings, forced into things you didn't want. Jocelyn looked after her girls.

She looked back at Dan. "You really don't have any idea how wonderful you are do you? Not many men would do this or show me so much compassion." Her eyes were soft and she desperately wanted to lean over and kiss his cheek but didn't want to distract him while he drove.

The hospital appeared in the distance, about three blocks away. Her phone buzzed but she couldn't bring herself to look at it. She was nervous, the trickle of apprehension running down her back. Was Jocelyn there? How bad off was Kari?

"Dan, Jocelyn is going to be upset with me for being here...if she is even here. We have a strict policy about mixing the business side with the personal. I just want to prepare you. God this would be easier if you were actually my boyfriend." She smiled weakly. "You don't have to come in if you don't want to. It is a lot of potential drama."

 

[The_gladiator]

“It usually gets artists fired too,” he commented as she said it would get Kari fired.

“I’m just me,” he said softly to her praise of his character. “Isn’t this what a boyfriend is supposed to do?” he asked finally. “I’m paying you to be my girlfriend, doesn’t that technically mean I am also paying to be your boyfriend?” The words were spoken quietly, but he liked his logic.

At her next words he looked over at her, “Are there rules that say you couldn’t be my real girlfriend? I mean there’s not an escort’s code of ethics that’s officially published and everything. I know there must be unwritten rules but…” he trailed off. “Never mind, it’s silly. Just tell her what I said before, the girlfriend experience also means that I’m paying to be your boyfriend too, and let her think I get my jollies from taking care of you. Lord knows I’m paying enough and she’ll get a big enough cut to keep her mouth shut.” He blanched, “That was harsh,” he looked worried, “You, this, has been worth every cent to me, but I just want to be there for you, I know it won’t change anything between us, just tell her what ever she needs to hear to let me support you.” With that he lifted her hand cool and soft to his lips, kissing the back of it, catching a whiff of the soft perfume she must have dabbed on her wrist.

 

[SandS13]

Emily was shocked and went silent as Dan spoke of how he was paying to be her boyfriend and that Jocelyn was being paid enough to stay silent on things. He certainly had a forcefulness about him but she would guess it rarely came out and if it did, it was in business deals.

He kissed her hand, saying she was worth every cent. It stung a little but she didn't have time to consider why that was they pulled into the emergency area of the hospital. It wasn't like other men hadn't said similar things. Sure, they weren't generally earnest about it and They had never commented on paying to be her boyfriend or date. None had every asked about rules against being his girlfriend. Sure, she had been approached about being a kept mistress or even offers from men to be her 'sugar daddy' but that wasn't what Dan was saying at all.

Emily turned to face him almost completely. Her hand was still in his. Her eyes were soft. "No, there are no rules that say a girl like can't date but guys don't want girls like me, who do what I do as girlfriends." She gave him a sad smile. "Never change Dan. You are earnest and honest and that is so refreshing, you have no idea just how rare that is."

She leaned in and kissed him, softly and sweetly on the lips. "We will make this as quick as we can okay? And then back to the hotel." Back to just us, in bed, naked... Emily bit the inside of her cheek to get herself to refocus on the task at hand.

When Dan had parked, Emily got out. She hated hospitals but then again, so did pretty much everyone. She reached for his hand, not even realizing she was. She was glad he was with her. A knot formed in her stomach as she considered the various scenarios and how bad Kari was going to be. Max was the stereotypical 'dominant' male. He liked things his way and most times you had to guess what that was. When Emily had been sent to him dinner had ended with him practically dragging her out of the restaurant because when he ordered dessert so had she, without his permission. It had never been stipulated that permission had been needed. She had ordered her dinner there hadn't been any signs. But he was like that, lashing out. She would never forget waking up in pain. One day in the hospital, weeks out of work. It scared her to think that Kari might have went to him without Jocelyn knowing. He had been angry when he was told he would no longer be accepted as a client. It terrified to imagine the things he had done to Kari.

 

[The_gladiator]

Dan held her hand. “I almost wish I could give the money back and you could just be my girlfriend,” He said it low, just as she was getting out of the car. They had shared the sweetest of kisses before she had gotten out and he said what he said. He wondered if she had heard him. However even if she had it was not the time for her to acknowledge it. If she had, most likely she would comment on it later. Dan was shocked to realize how true it was. He wanted her, wanted to keep her.

He tried to school himself as he got out of the car. It was just good sex, he tried to tell himself. That had to be it, right? Somehow, he wondered if he might be more gone on her than just that even as he took her hand. They fit so well together. She was the perfect height that when he slid his arm around her, he just knew she would fit nicely under his shoulder, though he didn’t hold her so possessively now.

As they stepped through the doors, they were approached by a woman who was made Emily look short, with black hair and honey brown eyes. Without his boots and with her 4+ inch stilettos she would be taller than him. As it was, she would have to look down to meet his eyes. Her heels made her legs go on for days, though it was balanced out by her impressive breasts, that were honestly not well hidden behind the black cocktail dress she wore. Dan frankly preferred Emily, she somehow seemed softer, gentler. Surely a woman his own height didn’t intimidate Dan, did it?

Though her looks might be the first thing most would see, Dan saw other things, that a first glance wouldn’t tell. Her dress was a bit wrinkled with traces of mud around the hem, as if she had knelt in the dirt. Though she had tried to clean it up, it was obvious that tears had made her mascara run, and until she got something to remove it properly that would be hard to hide. Her hair also appeared to be falling out of its fancy twist, perhaps she had forgotten it was up and run her fingers through it.

It became quickly obvious this must be Delilah as she stepped quickly to them and grabbed Emily from dan, hugging her close. Dan could honestly say that seeing Emily’s face mashed into that much tanned goodness in other circumstances would have been worth a hell of a lot of money. However, the view was tarnished by the way the taller woman clung to her, hands tight on Emily’s shoulders. By her look, Dan had expected her to be aloof and distant, but she hugged Emily as if she were a raft and she were drowning.

Finally, Delilah pushed Emily out to arm’s length. “You brought a client here?” she said eyes flicking to Dan.

“Hi, I’m Dan,” Dan said finally, awkwardly.

Delilah however, seemed to ignore Dan eyes on Emily. “You know the rules.” Dan wanted to tell her that there were more important concerns, but bit his tongue he could only make this worse.

 

[SandS13]

Emily inhaled as Delilah hugged her. She was ready for the question, the criticism. She let the tall woman hold her away and stare at her.

"I think there are other issues to worry about than some rule. Is that really what you want to focus on right now?" Emily's tone was level with no hint of emotion. The hug had told her everything she needed to know. It was worse than she had envisioned. "You let me worry about the rules and about Dan."

She stepped back and took Delilah's hand. It was shaking. Fear rose from Emily's stomach.

"How bad? Is Jocelyn here?"

"Bad. She is on a ventilator. He beat her and she-" Delilah's voice broke. "Jocelyn is with the police. She didn't know. She didn't know about the job."

Emily went pale. Her other hand reached out and took Dan's hand. Delilah refused to move so Emily was stretched out to reach him but she needed something stable. "Okay. There is nothing else we can do here and they won't let us in I am sure. We aren't family."

She sounded like the reassuring, level headed friend but inside she was a storm of fear and sadness.

"Jocelyn called her parents and she said she is staying until they arrive. We are supposed to go." Delilah looked locked eyes with Emily. "Call a car for us?"

Emily shook her head. "Dan will drop you off at home. I am booked this weekend Del. I can't drop this. You know that. You know how this works."

 

[The_gladiator]

Dan watched the desperation in Delilah’s hug. He heard the venom in her words reminding Emily of the rules. Though he strongly suspected Delilah was focusing on something like that rather than what was really bothering her. It was clear to dan that this woman based on how she was put together and the story that she had put Max in the hospital herself, that she did not show weakness in public easily. The desperation in her hug. Told Dan much.

Dan came closer as Emily reached out to him. It cost him nothing to step closer so she did not have to stretch. He covered their joined hands with his free hand, clasping gently. He wanted to put an arm around her, but did not want to overstep for now.

He listened to Delilah’s words. A ventilator suggested lung damage. Dan guessed that broken ribs that punctured it were to blame. His uncle was his town’s doctor. He had heard stories. Their city was pretty peaceful, but there were men who got out of hand and more than one wife had been treated for injuries that Dan knew of. This sounded worse.

As Emily spoke to Delilah Dan felt suddenly guilty. His business was keeping her from being with her friend who so clearly needed someone. He cleared his throat. “You’re welcome to spend some time with us.”

Delilah’s eyes swept from Emily to Dan her expression curious. “I am always up for last minute arrangements.” It sounded innocuous, but Dan realized in that moment that he had been thinking of friendship, offering her support. How had he again forgotten these were escorts, that she would take his comment as a business proposal. “Let’s talk about it more in the car,” Delilah said and her frosty tone towards dan was suddenly much warmer. Dan was amazed to watch her put her customer service face on, it was like an actress taking on a role, it reminded him how some of his friends became officers as soon as they put the uniform on.

Delilah slid her arm around Emily’s shoulders. “Let’s go, I’ll text Jocelyn in the car.”

Dan could only nod, wondering suddenly exactly what he might be getting himself into. However, he turned still holding Emily’s hand and headed with them back outside. Whatever was about to happen, was not going to happen in the hospital lobby, they could not speak freely there.

 

[SandS13]

Emily watched the change in Delilah. A professional through and through. She knew that Dan was paying to have Emily for the whole weekend so the man had money. She could almost see Delilah calculating it out.

What she noticed even more was the sincerity of Dan's tone and the flicker of understanding in his eyes as he realized how Delilah was taking his offer. It sunk in. 'Spend some time..' was not something you just said to an escort. In their world that was code for 'let's discuss this in private'. It was what men said when they wanted your time but didn't others to know what it was that time would be used for.

For her part, she let Dan keep his hold on her hand and Delilah put her arm around her shoulder. She had no say in this really. If Dan wanted to pay, well then he could have whatever experience he was willing to fork out for.

The trio walked side by side until they got to the door and then Emily, still holding Dan's hand moved behind him to follow. Delilah did the same, following behind Emily. Now they did not block the doorway from others trying to enter or pass them.

The air was nice compared to being inside and Emily took a deep breath. They walked to Dan's car and while Delilah went to the passenger side, Emily followed Dan.

"You do realize she thinks you wish to pay for her time, like you are with me. If that is what you want Jocelyn will send you an amended bill and charge your card or however you are paying. If it isn't let me know and I can find a way to get what you are already paying for back on track." Her voice was a whisper and her tone professional. She was glad in a way, she had been a little too enamoured with his talk of being her boyfriend. Emily wasn't usually a sucker for a romantic but Dan..Dan hit a particular not in her that she didn't want to admit to. This was helping though, reminding her of her place and her role.

 

[The_gladiator]

Dan lead the ladies out of the hospital. He too was grateful for the cooler night air, it wasn’t exactly cooler in temperature, but there was a breeze there was fresh air and it felt good on his skin. His face felt hot as it sunk in the potential of this evening now.

Emily followed him and she spoke low, earnest to him. He was easily able to look down at him her words almost brushing his lips. To Delilah it had to look like they were kissing. “I, well. I didn’t mean it that way, but I mean hell Emily I’m male, who could turn down that fantasy?”

His expression at first was shy and uncertain then it stiffened with resolve. “She shouldn’t be alone. If it costs me a bit more to take care of one of your friends It’s more than worth it to me.” It was obvious that though both statements were true, the second one was the true motivating factor for dan. His expression told her in no uncertain terms that he wouldn’t budge on that too.

Dan then let his lips actually brush Emilie’s before he opened his door for her and offered her a hand up into the truck so she could sit in the middle. Once they were both settled in Dan started the car.

“I sent Jocelyn a text, she said she said she will work up a revised invoice for you in the morning dependent on how our evening goes.”

Dan just nodded as he began to drive, “That sounds fine.” He felt tongue tied all of a sudden.

Delilah leaned around Emily to watch dan. “Has he gone shy Em?”

Dan kept his left hand on the wheel but found himself unconsciously reaching for Emily’s hand next to him. “I’ve never done anything like this before. My time with Emily is the first date I’ve been on in a very long time.”

“I play the dominitrix better than you do Emily, is that what’s needed here?” Delilah asked. She probably should have asked Dan, after all he was the customer, but having Emily there it was too easy to just ask her. After all Emily already knew more about Dan than she did.

 

[SandS13]

Emily smiled softly. She wasn't offended but the idea. He was right. He was a man and it was pretty much every heterosexual male's fantasy. She went to say more, to reassure him but Dan said, with such sincerity that Delilah shouldn't be alone and it was worth it to take care of one of her friends.

There was surprise in her eyes over the statement as his lips brushed hers and he helped her in. She was silent as she settled into the seat beside him. Emily nodded almost robotically as Delilah told them she texted Jocelyn.

Her mind was focused on his words. if it costs me a bit more to take care of one of your friends It’s more than worth it to me. He meant it. That was the part Emily was trying to understand. Dan was so fucking genuine and sincere. She was used to assholes or shy men who were ashamed of their fetishes or loneliness. They were into the experience of her but not her. Her eyes glanced sideways at Dan as if wondering if he would somehow change or alter is she viewed him from another angle. No, he was the same handsome man with amazing eyes as he had been outside the truck or when he was making love to her.

Fuck. Emily grit her teeth at her own thoughts. Bad. No, you know the rules. He is a client first and foremost.. All his talk of boyfriend had gotten to her.

Dan's fingers brushed hers as he talked to Delilah. Emily took his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"He doesn't need to be punished Del. This is new to him and I think if anything happens it will be at Dan's comfort. For now, how about we go to the hotel bar and get a drink?"

Delilah ran her tongue over her teeth as she looked from Emily to back out the window. "Whatever the client wants, right?"

"Down Del. He is being nice and willing to pay for your time. Isn't that our job? Be what they want, make them happy. Maybe it will make him happy for us both to have a drink with him and just relax or maybe he wants to bend over and have you spank him but that is Dan's choice." Emily tried to lighten the tension in the truck.

 

[The_gladiator]

Dan listened to their exchange. He finally blew out a sigh. He wasn’t particularly thrilled with Delilah, but he could forgive her to an extent she had been through a lot that night. “I’m willing to pay for the time, and let’s be honest I’ve had fantasies of a threesome since I was a college student, and though you intimidate me just a bit, you are very attractive. All that being said I still only have like,” he looked at his watch, “Less than 20 hours or so to get comfortable with Emily as my girlfriend before she has to meet my parents. I know it’s not real, but we still need to pretend it is, that’s the experience I paid for, what I need from her. I need you to compliment that.” Dan was gaining confidence as he spoke, again hinting at how when it was related to business, he had confidence, this was negotiations, even though it was in a way he’d never had to before.

“What exactly does that mean?” Delilah asked finally sounding curious.

“It means that Emily and I still need to be a couple. Maybe a couple that will be willing to take my girlfriend’s best friend into our bed, but you can’t just focus on me because I’m the customer and you want to get more money out of me. You’ll have to flirt with us both, especially in public, win us over. Whatever happens has to make sense with our relationship dynamic we’re building.”

Dan finally turned to Emily “Is what I’m saying making sense? Can you help me out here?” Some of the confidence slipping away again the longer it went on.

 

[SandS13]

Delilah looked amused. "Meeting your parents? Alright then..." It wasn't the typical request for the girls. Events or dates that was their usual. It made sense that Jocelyn had sent Emily. She was the most adaptable for something like that.

"You want me to seduce you both or we are just a trio out for drinks. A couple and the friend."

Emily shook her head again. "Del, that's enough. You get what he is asking. He is actually paying for your time so you don't have to be alone. You can be grateful and just enjoy that or if you really want to take this to a physical level think of it like he is paying for your time to seduce us both. Your choice Del but honestly I can't have you messing up my weekend. Dan paid for a girlfriend and that is what I am."

Her hand tightened on his and she leaned against him a little. "Right babe? You and I." There was something about her tone that made Delilah raise an eyebrow.

"I understand. I will do whatever you like Dan. You are paying. Let's get that drink and just talk for now." It was the best Dan was going to get in the way of a thank you from Delilah. She admired his backbone, the way he negotiated but she was also intrigued by the dynamic that was going on with the pair. "I will respect your relationship." The hint of a smirk.

Emily's eyes flashed, a silent warning for Delilah to behave. She relaxed a little more against Dan. "Let's got to Scarlet Lounge. It is comfortable, not too loud and good drink selection."

 

[The_gladiator]

Delilah seemed to be being a bit obtuse and dan blew out a sigh. Emily stepped in to help though. She gave his hand a squeeze and pressed her head against his shoulder for a second. It made him smile like a light turned on in his head. He wished in that moment that it was real, but in that moment, he treasured the feel of her hand in his and the gentle touch.

“Thank you for that,” Dan said to Delilah. There was an awkward silence for a few seconds and then Emily suggested a bar for them to go to.

Dan asked for directions and Delilah latched onto giving him directions, that seemed to give her something to do as she pulled it up on her phone. Dan hoped the awkwardness would get better. He did actually want to fulfill that fantasy. Though he was suddenly realizing that looks weren’t everything. Emily was so much more than that. Dan almost asked Delilah how she was successful if she was this…. prickly towards customers.

“After a few moments Delilah handed her phone to Emily to keep giving directions as she lowered the mirror and worked on repairing what she could of her hair and makeup.

Dan finally pulled into the space. “You and I won’t be under dressed, especially beside her, will we?” Dan asked curiously, almost wishing he was still in his suit, though the jeans felt nice and familiar.

 

[SandS13]

Delilah took her phone back and stepped out of the truck once Dan had parked and turned it off. She was on her phone furiously texting.

Emily turned face Dan a little, one leg crooked to rest on the seat between them. Her hand smoothed over his chest. “No, we are fine. She will be a bit overdressed for this place but she won’t mind. Del likes the attention. It is what she is good at. She gets sent on very high profile calls. It’s the legs and breasts. Gets them everytime.”

She gave him a soft smile. “Thank you for this. You are paying a lot of money and I feel bad for you getting pulled into this but you have no idea how sweet this is. You are a really great guy Dan.”

She leaned in and kissed his cheek, softly and sweetly. As she pulled back, her eyes met his. “We get to go back to being a couple. When we get in and they ask for a drink order, I will have a gin and soda, twist of lemon. Order it for me, give me a smile. It is my favourite drink. Or alternatively, a manhattan be very sweet and order me an extra cherry.” Emily wanted to coach him a little, get him back to feeling relaxed and comfortable with her.

She waited for Dan to get out first but this time, instead of using his hand to help her get out, she put her hands on his shoulders and practically slid down his body.

“I will get Delilah to relax and after two drinks I will get her back to the hotel and fulfill that fantasy for you.” She whispered in his ear as her feet settled on the ground. Emily took his hand so they could walk in together.

Delilah had already headed in and was sitting in a plush chair. It was joined by three other chairs around a central table. The table was a mahogany. The chairs a dark leather. The lights were low but not dull, the music low. Everything about the place spoke warmth.

A waiter, dressed in all black was standing by Delilah taking her drink order.

“It will be on his tab. Just put all our drinks under Dan.” She smiled at the pair as she spotted them.

"I took care of some work stuff. Got good news. She is awake and sitting up. He has been arrested."

 

[The_gladiator]

“I would imagine the dark hair and tan skin get some too, at least unless they’re racist fucks.” He smiled as he stroked his thumb over her hand. “Yeah, it’s a lot of money, and I’ll feel it but I said it’s worth it.”

The topic of drinks was safer and he smiled, her words were helpful a way for them to connect more. However, the blush returned as she slid down his body, and whispered in his ear. He gasped with the blush. He took her hand and lead her into the restaurant.

Since they hadn’t entered together most wouldn’t have seen that they arrived together. Dan decided then to run with the concept that they were meeting Delilah there. On that note he led Emily to the table and held her chair for her, gently scooting it in as she sat.

Then dan plucked up his courage and walked over to Delilah. He slid an arm around her shoulders as he bent over her. He had a split second as she looked up at him startled to kiss her on the mouth or go for her cheek. He settled on her cheek. “Good to see you,” he said softly. She looked startled but didn’t seem to object. They all had to be comfortable together, had to put on a good show especially if his family had spy’s in the area.

Returning to Emily He took her hand as they sat beside one another. Dan sliding his chair so it was closer to Emily, but between the two women. He leaned into her, “Was that OK?” he asked, “My first instinct was to tell her she looked nice.” He didn’t say that there was a part of him that wanted to tell her he’d love to see Delilah with her hair down. Their bed had had white sheets, that dark hair spilled out over the sheets would be appealing.

Dan let himself lace fingers with Emily again and when the waiter came over, he ordered for both of them, ordering her the gyn and soda. He ordered a Moscow Mule for himself. Delilah looked surprised he’d ordered Emily’s favorite drink. This told Dan that it might genuinely be one of her favorite drinks and not just an act.

 

[SandS13]

Emily tried not to react when he reminded her it was a lot of money. She made a note to take care of it with Jocelyn later. At least she could make the fantasy come true for him. She fought the little twinge of jealousy at the thought of Delilah making him moan and the self doubt that said he would enjoy the wild dark haired woman more. It was unfounded and it didn’t matter in the end. She was filling a role, she was being paid to be his girlfriend and if theeesomes were what he wanted then his girlfriend was all for it. She smiled sweetly at him as they walked into the bar.

He was a gentleman through and through. He got her chair, adjusted it and then greeted Delilah like an old friend.

“Good to see you too.” Delilah purred. She watched him sit and take Emily’s hand. There was amusement in her eyes. She so wanted to play the dominant woman and steal him away from Emily. There was a time in her life when Delilah has done that a lot. She had gotten a thrill out of being the ‘better’ woman. Instead, she turned on her charm and decided to flirt her heart out with him. If he choose her, well she was only doing what he asked and seducing them. Emily would play along.

Delilah moved a little closer. Her eyes watched the pair. “Ordering for her? Aren’t you a doll…” Again the low, sultry purr.

“How have you been?”

Emily smiled and held Dan’s hand. “That was fine. Friendly.”

“Very friendly. But it could have been friendlier.” Delilah smiled wickedly.

The place wasn’t overly busy and they were able to settle into their chairs and given space. The waiter returned with their drinks. He handed Delilah a glass of red wine and then Dan his copper mug. Emily’s was the last drink and he smiled a little at the women. He glanced at Delilah and then walked away.

“So what are you two up to this weekend?” Delilah wanted to play with their faux dynamic. She brought the glass to her lips and took a sip as she looked at them.

Emily licked her lower lip and smiled. “Big wedding for Dan’s family.”

“Oh, meeting the parents for the first time? Big deal there Emmy.”

Emily sucked on her teeth, withholding the desire to comment on the nickname. “Yes, first time and the whole family too.”

“You nervous Daniel? Introducing the girlfriend can be quite stressful. I hope Emmy is doing a good job of keeping you relaxed.”

She winked at Dan.

 

[The_gladiator]

Dan couldn’t help but to blush as Delilah told him he was friendly but could have been friendlier. He mostly stayed silent, happy to let Emily do some of the talking as Delilah asked of their plans. He lifted an eyebrow at calling her Emmy when in the car it had just been Me. However, he didn’t say anything.
“Daniel today?” he asked finally, “Am I in trouble?” he asked curiously trying to lighten the mood. However, he couldn’t hide the blush as her next question came out. He spluttered on his drink for a moment, “Uh, yes, she is quite relaxing.” He looked at Emily and couldn’t help the shy smile that he shot her. “My time with her is really unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”

Delilah leaned forward, laying her graceful long fingered hands on the table, not quite touching dan, yet, but leaning forward. “You never told me he was such a city when he blushes Emily,” she purred.

Dan was struck by how well she had found her composure how sultry and seductive she was now being. Dan let his thumb stroke over Emily’s hand. He just laughed a bit awkwardly, “I’m just me,” he said with a little shrug.

“So how did you meet? I have to hear all about it,” she said not quite mocking them but, riding that edge. However, her expression was inviting, she even had the forward lean, the observant part of Dan noticed all of these things. He wondered why he hadn’t noticed them in Emily, was it that Emily felt more genuine? But surely it was an act for her too, right?

 

[SandS13]

Emily smiled. “Dan and I met through work. A mutual acquaintance who is doing some financial things for the music studio. It's been almost six months now since he asked me to dinner.”

Delilah smiled. “Wow, must be serious if you are are almost half year...first time meeting the family though huh?”

Emily’s eyes flashed the briefest warning to her friend. A silent warning not to make Dan too uncomfortable.

“Yes, well work keeps us so busy and not in the area.”

Delilah laughed lightly and leaned in more. “So tell me Daniel, are you in love with our sweet Emmy?”

“Del.” Emily took her hand from Dan’s. “That’s enough of that.”

Delilah laughed harder. She used her free hand to brush the top of Dan’s hand as she lifted her glass to her lips. “Just looking out for my friend, sweetie.”

Emily shook her head and folded her hands in her lap.

“Dan?” A male voice caused Emily to turn her head. “Well, look at you.” A man, about 5’11 with dark hair and clean shaven face was standing just to Emily’s right as if he had just entered the bar. A woman, a blonde with the look of a country club socialite came up beside him. Another couple joined them.

“I haven’t seen you since you were like seventeen. Matt. Matt Dewar. And this is your girlfriend?” He looked at Delilah who was still touching Dan’s hand. The women’s eyes all fell on the woman’s figure.

 

[The_gladiator]

Dan was just a bit uncomfortable with Delilah’s questions, but he knew if she made him uncomfortable it would only be worse with Emily and his family, and it was good practice.

Just then Dan heard a voice, just behind his left shoulder. Turning he saw Matt, his brother’s good friend. “Hi Matt,” he said and was glad that he could pull his hand away from Delilah to shake his hand. “It has been a long time, that would have made you not much older would it?” he said in return.

Delilah preened a bit under all the stares, lifting her chest with a deep breath, emphasizing her curves. Dan flicked a look to her and then shook his head as he slid his arm around Emily. His look to Delilah told her in no uncertain terms to not fuck this up for him. “No Matt, this here is my girlfriend, Emily.”

Matt’s girlfriend lifted a skeptical eyebrow and Delilah spoke quickly. “I’m just a touchy person, I’m Emily’s best friend, they’ve been together for 6 months now and she’s going to the wedding with Dan.” Dan thought it was a bit of oversharing to this crowd, but it also stopped the suspicious looks for now.

That was until the gazes all settled on Emily as if stripping her bare, weighing and measuring her. Matt went and took the chair opposite of Dan as he circled the table, his girlfriend leaning against him. The other couple standing on either side of the couple.

“A pleasure to meet you Emily. Matt said offering her a hand. “At least you don’t look like a whore like your friend here. We don’t tend to respect women who lay hands on other women’s men.” As he spoke to Emily, his eyes rested on Delilah.

“Lay off Matt.” Dan said, “You’re starting to remind me why I never ran with you and Ted in school.” Dan had had to work to not react to the whore comment. Dan hoped that Delilah or Emily did not go nuclear and make things worse.

“Am I wrong?” Matt fired back. Dan clenched his hands on the table.

“Please back off,” He said, turning to politeness rather than the anger that he wanted to. There were two of them and one of him, men that is, and a fist fight would not solve anything.

 

[SandS13]

Emily wasn't overly fond of the game Delilah was playing at. She was trying to make Dan squirm in his seat, feel put on the spot and even say things that he didn't mean. While sometimes Emily was fine to let that go it was rubbing her the wrong way now. She felt her back go up and as if she wanted to defend or protect Dan. She didn't want to hear him stammer trying to answer the personal question.

At first she thought this new intrusion was a positive thing but the moment the assumption was made about Delilah and her relationship to Dan Emily knew this was going to be even more uncomfortable than Del's teasing.

Emily was about to reach out for Matt's offered hand when he called Del a whore. She dropped her hand and tilted her head, taking Matt in.

"Are you in the habit of insulting strangers?" Her tone was earnest with a tinge of annoyance. "I don't believe either of us asked for your respect or opinion. Why would I want something so cheap and worthless?" Again her tone was more earnest and matter of fact than anything.

 

[The_gladiator]

Matt seemed taken aback by Emily’s words. Dan though seemed relieved she had kept her cool, her tone assertive but not upping the aggressive factor as he would have done.

“I’m pretty sure the answer to that is obvious Emily,” Delilah said with a smirk, taking it all in stride. “It’s obvious that his mother had difficulty delivering such a giant head and I don’t think he ever grew into it. I do find it interesting that people with such overblow egos have such small minds and insult others. Do you think he’s jealous that Dan here has the company of not one but two beautiful women.” She lay her hand on dan’s again. “I mean it’s not like he’s insulted me, clearly he’s really trying to insult Dan here, insinuating he couldn’t be in the company of either of us without money.”

Dan was a little uncomfortable with where this might be going. “That’s not what I…” Matt started.

“No, don’t deny it now. Dan is far better looking than either of you men, and as Emily so eloquently put it you have no manners so clearly, he has a better grasp on social etiquette also.”

“Thanks Delilah,” Dan managed to say. She had a point; they were coming at Delilah because they really couldn’t go after him. “Now you both see why he was never really my friend. Now, will you 4 go quietly?” Dan asked softly, trying to feed off of Emily’s stern practicality, not the barely controlled fire that was Delilah.