#with every kiss we're closer to a masterpiece ( interactions )

[kiissme]

@racylove with JANE && WALLACE

Slowly, she descended down the stairs and immediately the noise, sounds and music of the place greeted her. Almost like a new friend — a strong sense of unfamiliarity but with a twinge of a feeling the unfamiliar would fade away, and with that, a new friendship to bloom. It was Jane's first time here, at the exclusive club where all sorts of rich, influential people, celebrities knew of and frequented. Purely by chance she snagged an invite to tonight's event. Running interference for a patron, a woman with her side piece, her lover, just as her husband with his side piece had just came into the dive bar she worked at. It was all, very soap opera but thankfully no drinks were flung, thanks to Jane, and she was rewarded. The aspiring singer put on her best dress, worked on her hair tirelessly as well as her makeup. She had one shot at this, to make connections, to pass around her demo. She had to be Jane Bardot, the next big thing. Even if it killed her... The leather jacket was checked in upstairs, making her feel a bit bare, almost vulnerable as she walked through the floor.

A smoke-filled haze all around her, making her nose tickle, almost wanting to sneeze. A part of her used to it, but another part quite not, the pressure of the night weighing down on her. Until she saw the bar — liquid courage, that's what she needed. Ankle boots marched toward there, though her eyes got distracted. Gaze across the room, towards a face she kind of recognized, but wasn't sure and in her time of trying to figure that out... She didn't see the man in front of her, drinks at hand, and her petite form made the misfortune of colliding head on to him, not only spilling drinks on him, but on Jane as well. The cold liquid hitting her chest and the front of her dress that she squealed and even let out a gasp. "Oh, fuck!" She was absolutely mortified. "Oh, shit, I'm so sorry!" Groaning as she looked between them, "Jesus, fucking.... God damn it, that's so... That's so fucking cliche that it's embarrassing. I can't believe I fucking did that. So.. So fucking lame, of all the fucking..." She had to laugh, shaking her head, "You don't understand — this is so fucking karma for the amount of times I've laughed at people doing this shit and now... God," she reached for any napkins that she could grab, helping him dry off, as well as dab against her chest. "I'm.... I can't fucking believe this. I... Let me repay those drinks? Again, so sorry, I'm... I'm not usually like this, sounds like bullshit, but I'm so much cooler than this... Um... I'm almost too embarrassed to give you my name, but, it's... yeah, it's Jane. I...so regret meeting you like this."

[kiissme]

continued . . . with Leigh and Nathan ! — @mxrvelouscreations

"Then marry me," his words breathed out, looking to Leigh, brown eyes soft as he sucks in a breath. He knew it was ludicrous, impulsive, even. Charles had more to offer in ways of financial stability, he knew that. Truthfully, he had no qualms about his brother.. Half brother, even. But he knew Charles did not love Leigh, not like that. It was a marriage of duty, not love. And Nathan... "I love you, Leigh... I cannot give you what my brother and this..." He scoffed, "God forsaken family could give you, no, I know that. I... But we could have a life, a good life. If we just..." He released a breath, his mind swirling with thoughts and ideas of how it could work. "If we just...leave, we could... We could be happy. More than anyone in this house would dare to hope. We could be happy and in love, isn't... Isn't that worth it?" He stepped away from her grasp, letting go of her hand. "Or am I being a fool again? Is that not enough? This world, this society, are we only meant to be miserable if it meant having money? Is that what life is meant for us? I don't believe it to be so."

[kiissme]

c o n t i n u e d . . . with Leah & Bryan, @mxrvelouscreations !

His brows shot up in that, but, not of shock. Which, if he was honest... Should have been the most shocking of this conversation. He was actually...flattered? And, if he were truly honest, a bit...turned on that the fact Leah would offer such a thing to him, even as a joke. Even in a tease. Leaning back in his seat, he let out a soft laugh, tilting his head. "Wow. Am I daddy hot? I mean, yeah, I can admit I'm...pretty good looking, but I didn't think..." His words paused, letting out a soft breath. "It's...been a while since I've felt... You know... Wanted. Maybe a bit...too long." She was right, he was married, but not happily, not for a long time. Shaking his head, "But, don't worry, you... I'm not uncomfortable. Far from it." A smile playing at his lips as he took another sip of his beer, his eyes lingering over her. "Truth is... I want kids... I want a bunch of them, like, running around so I can wrangle them up, I... I want that. My wife? Does not. And... That, amongst so many other things is... It's putting a strain on our marriage. I'm not happy."

[kiissme]

@illbringthechaosmagic / @mxrvelouscreations for johnny

Amusement colored his features as he takes a good look at her from across the room. Tongue licks and wets his lips as he parted his legs, the palm of his hand patting his leg. "You just gonna stand there, sweetheart? C'mon... Sit on Daddy's lap like a good girl, hm?" His grin turns wolfish as he sits back in his seat, giving a good view of the bulge of his pants. "C'mon, baby... You've been squirming all night... I know you're dying for my attention, and the party went long... But I'm ready to make up for it right now. C'mere... Show daddy how much you need him."

[kiissme]

"Oh, w o w, you have that much confidence in me with the accent of your homeland? I'm kinda honored," she chuckled a bit, her smile wide. A common occurrence with him, it seemed. How funny was it that he seemed all innocent, with his big brown eyes, but there was a sense of a charmer in him. Reminding herself she wasn't here to be charmed, but to in fact, be charming her own damn self. Damn him for making her forget that. She'll blame the eyes, easy to blame it on the eyes. "The cute call... Should probably rebrand that. Doesn't quite capture the allure of it, y'know? Maybe.... Attraction Enchantment or something like that?" Pausing for a bit, she let out a hum, "Not a bad band name... Or song title... I'm gonna remember that." Picking up her drink for a sip, licking her lips, "Well, whatever it is, it's super effective, as we both know." At least it was for her, he seemed like a good guy, polite enough to not have that bored, glazed look in his eyes as she rambled on. Most guys did. But he definitely did not, actually seeming interested in her words, which only encouraged her further. Not that anything she said even meant anything as he confirmed Lindsey fucking Buckingham was, to use the phrase, at some point, was in the building. "That's so fucked up in the best possible way, though!" she let out in a hushed whisper, a laugh flowing past her lips as she looked at him incredibly. "Oh, God... I kinda hope she doesn't... I mean it..." Shaking her head, brows knitting. "If Joan Jett, the, Joan Jett came in and was in the same space as me, I would totally blow it. I—" she giggled at the mere thought of it. "You don't understand — I fucking love her. She — and the Runaways! Just... The biggest influence in my life ! I couldn't deal. I just... No, I couldn't deal. I... How were you so calm, I'm assuming you were calm around Lindsey Buckingham?? I, no," shaking her head with a wide smile. "I could not. I would die. I would die." And then? Then he said what band he was in, confirming he was a musician, and then it all clicked. "Oh, shit. You're fucking with me. Back of the Class—oh my god, yes, okay. I'm an idiot, I... Yeah. I... I know who you are, now." Giving a nod, recognition beaming from her eyes. "Wallace Peterson. Very cool. Shit, I got the latest single on repeat the last few weeks, but, I just... Didn't make the connection. You guys are amazing, actually. Right on the edge of getting there." More than on the edge, teetering from what she could tell. "I can't believe I'm standing here in front of you, like, I was just telling Roxy your guys' sound, it... You're amazing, you just... You got that sound, you know? Like... You all should be bigger than you are right now, you're that amazing."

"there's only about five americans that can do the english accent well…and they haven't found the fifth one yet, so it might be you?" he's teasing still, finding it easy to do so and wanting for the conversation to continue. she's pretty and funny and she seems kind and although he knows he can't know for sure after a ten or so minute conversation, he likes what he's seeing and hearing and that's enough for him not to slowly step backwards towards the exit, or make his excuses and run. "we do, absolutely. there's a call we let off, isn't there? the cute call, for lack of a better title." he mirrors her smile and her laughter and he doesn't know if she is flirting back, or if they're merely communicating relatively effectively together; either way, wallace isn't one to assume. he hadn't ever dared before and he wasn't about to now, either. he listens to her intently, to every word that escapes out of her mouth. she's rambling for definite, but he happens to appreciate that trait in her, apparently. then she stops and he barks out a laugh when he recognises that she's had a revelation so to speak. "yeah, he's been here a few times. he's pretty chill, you wouldn't know who he was if you didn't know, he's like any other dude. except he's not and i love him, but anyway-" he smiled brightly, and he's fully immersed into the conversation, "i haven't seen her here no -- but that doesn't mean it hasn't happened!" he assures, taking a sip of his drink. "i'm in a band called back of the classroom -- i'm the bassist and i write a few songs here and there too." he manages to mention after a while, since she had asked and he'd be damned if he left her hanging without a response. "i'm no lindsey buckingham that's for sure, or joan jett for that matter but…we're getting there."

[kiissme]

@twistxdtales​​, — alma

❤️️ ❤️️ ❤️️

alma knew the news of her engagement would not be taken very good by nathan. how could they? a little while ago they were rolling giggling in his silky sheets and talking about what the future might hold for them, and how they were both willing to risk everything for their love. and now she did something that surely broke his trust. but she had no choice. her union with his brother secured an alliance between two powerful families, and she couldn’t disappoint her family. she didn’t want to. no matter how much her heart ached for having to hurt nathan in such a way “nathan –” she breathed out holding back the tears that threatened to spill, sadness laced all over her. but also anger. how dare he accuse her of such atrocities? she’s been with him because she genuinely cared for him. alma fell silent, staring off at the wall in front of her. she had nothing to say to him. silent treatment it was. maybe he needed more time to throw dirt in her face and she didn’t want to interrupt him.

          “W h a t ?” the question posed with great urgency, his mind still swarming with self doubt, self hatred for his lot in life. He did not hate his brother — or half brother. Truly the only decent family member in the bunch, never letting him think him better aside from the fact he was older. No, Charlie was of a good sport, and he very much doubted this was of his doing. Their family, however... Charles would always seem superior, to everything Nathan was. He would resent that, though knowing it was through no fault of Charles himself. And in that, he supposed, it was also not the fault of Alma either. Closing his eyes, he let the hurt and anger melt away, willing it from the depths of him. Licking his lips, he took in a deep, uneven breath. When he opened them again, he turned to her, dark brown eyes full of remorse. “I am sorry,” his apology earnest, honest and true. “I shouldn’t have... That was...not proper of me. It — I know how our families work, and... I should not have spoken so...heatedly. Ugly. I know it is not your fault. I am not blind to how these things work. I let my insecurities spring forth and...turn to poison...and toward you which is not... It is never my intention and I am sorry. I was hurt, and I let it affect me so that I wanted to spread the hurt and that was wrong.” Entirely wrong. The farthest than what he wanted to do. “Forgive me? Or, do not, that is entirely up to you.” Hoping to lighten the mood, he added, “If you would like me on my knees to beg, then I...” He gave a nod, “I am willing to do so.”

[anitabyars]

"You can always count on Erin Nicholas for fun, sexy contemporary romance."―Melissa Foster, New York Times bestselling author

Sugarcoated, an all-new sexy and laugh-out-loud standalone romance from New York Times bestselling author Erin Nicholas, is out now!

She's his best friend's little sister. He's known her all his life. He's practically part of the family. There is nothing either of them could do to surprise the other at this point.

Then she showed up in his bedroom in lingerie and asked him to take her V-card.

Now, that was a surprise.

Aiden is pretty sure Zoe was equally surprised when he told her no.

To say that he didn't handle it well would be a massive understatement. Almost as massive as the amount of work he's going to have to do now to convince her that he wants her. Forever.

Right after he tells her that he's bought the company that's her bakery’s biggest competitor.

Maybe if he tells her he’s in love with her first, that will help sugarcoat the whole we're-rivals-in-business-now thing.

So, first "I'm in love with you", then "take off your clothes", then "I'm now your business adversary".

Piece of cake.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bjel3L

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/sugarcoated

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Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/36Etef8

Excerpt:

“What?” she asked, her eyes wide and blinking. “You thought I’d just be waiting around for you to come back?”

“Yes!” It was the wrong answer, he knew, even as he said it. But it was true.

“You are so full of yourself!” She frowned. “You actually thought I’d be waiting around, pining for you, didn’t you?”

Maybe not crying herself to sleep every night, but thinking about him? Yeah. Fuck. He hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind for more than a few hours at a time. “It’s only been five months,” he said. “Is it really crazy for me to think that you didn’t get your virginity ‘taken care of’ yet?”

“Exactly! It’s been five months!” she said.

“You went twenty-five years without sex, and you couldn’t go five more months?”

“Well, it’s not like you gave me an IOU!” she shot back. “I had no idea when you were coming back, and I assumed your answer would have still been no. So yeah, I moved on, Aiden.”

“Who was it?” he asked, noting his tone was suddenly a little ominous.

“I’m not telling you that.” She looked at him like he was insane.

“Tell me, Zoe.”

“No.”

“I’ll find out. This is Appleby. I’ll probably know by the end of tonight.”

“You won’t.” She lifted her chin. “I can promise you that.”

“Bet I do.”

“Why do you really even care? Now you don’t have to do it.”

“Because you’re mine.”

Yeah, shit. See, he’d known that was the wrong answer to give. Guys didn’t go around claiming women like they were property or possessions. He knew that. He’d never had that urge before. This woman was strong and independent and confident and certainly didn’t need him for anything.

But the idea of another man touching her, seeing her naked, making her feel the ultimate pleasure, made his blood boil.

She stood, just staring at him. Then she picked up a cake ball. And threw it at him. It hit him square in the red tie and bounced back onto the table.

“You’re a jerk.”

Yeah, maybe he was. A nice guy would probably just take all her explanations and excuses about why they shouldn’t be together and admit his idea was crazy.

He didn’t say anything. He didn’t wipe away the sticky crumbs the cake ball left on his tie. He picked up the ball and rounded the worktable.

Her eyes widened, and she backed up as he came closer. He kept going. Until her back was against the front of the fridge.

He didn’t say a word as he stopped right in front of her, lifted his hand to cup her face, and leaned in.

Aiden ignored her hands on his chest. She wasn’t pushing. She wasn’t pulling him closer either, but she wasn’t trying to get away. She wasn’t lifting her knee to his balls. She wasn’t saying no.

He stared into her eyes for a long moment. She could stop this. He knew she knew that.

She didn’t.

So he kissed her.

About Erin Nicholas

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erin Nicholas has been writing romances almost as long as she’s been reading them. To date, she’s written over thirty sexy, contemporary novels that have been described as “toe-curling,” “enchanting,” “steamy,” and “fun.” She adores reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines, and happily ever afters.

Erin lives in the Midwest, where she enjoys spending time with her husband (who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books), her kids (who will never read the sex scenes in her books), and her family and friends (who claim to be “shocked” by the sex scenes in her books).

Connect with Erin

Website: http://bit.ly/2NkB2uF

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My Review

5 *****

SUGAR COATED: HOT CAKES was the romantic ride of a lifetime. Every single second of this story was just so incredibly entertaining and I had a blast reading it. Seriously sexy, highly entertaining and perfectly romantic. As well as charming, adorable and LOL, funny. It was L-O-V-E- @ first page for me.

Zoe and Aidan are a total force to be reckoned with and their story is one that you are not going to want to miss. The banter between these characters sizzles between teasing and serious, dirty and sweet, full of flirty, snark and heavenly foreplay with delicious sexual undertones. Their interactions are so much fun, and sexy hot, that Cupcakes will soon be your new favorite dessert! The ease they had with each other. The pull they had. The great conversations, and dialogue it all had me hooked. I could feel their attraction and loved their heat. The chemistry between them is so real it leaps off the page right at you. This book had me smiling, laughing, melting and swooning with every turn of the page.

And Aidan oh my! Hello sweet, charming, sexy, bossy and dirty talking alpha, and my new favorite book boyfriend. I love how caring he was and just there for Zoe! I was totally charmed by this small town, golden boy, millionaire. Swoon!

This was one of the best written most captivating, entertaining and unforgettable romance that I’ve read in a long time. What a Fantastic way to start off a new sexy, rom-com series! Can’t wait for the next in this series with Dax and Jane! You need to read this immediately because it is a masterpiece that needs to be worshipped.

Received a early copy in exchange for a honest review!

[kiissme]

It was entirely to Gabriella's advantage that flattery worked for Jane, her desperate words stroking her ego so nicely. Biting her bottom lip, the feel of her roommate's fingers digging into her thigh... Made her shiver. The truth of the matter being as much as Gabriella enjoyed Jane fucking her, she enjoyed it, too. To see the other girl so desperate for her, to feel how wet she could be... To taste her, already craving more of that from the small sample off her own fingers. If she could, if there were no repercussions from the action, Jane would so gladly get on her knees and eat the other girl out right there. In front of everyone, let them see how well and hard she could make her beloved roommate cum and moan just for her. But, that was not in the cards. Her plan would be to drag the other back to their room, but Gabriella had other plans, it seemed, arching a brow, intrigued by her words and able to read her eyes so clearly. There was an excitement that surged through Jane, then, wondering if a trip to bookshelves was what she had in mind — but no, not a she watched the other rise from her seat altogether and head toward the exit. Smiling wider at how cute she looked, practically bouncing and yes, Jane couldn't help but have her eyes drifted toward that of the other girl's ass. So cute. Filling her with a need to grab and smack to her heart's content. After a few moments of stalling, looking around the room to see if she caught anyone's attention, and as soon as she felt herself safe to do so, rose from her seat and followed Gabriella's path. It didn't take long to see her slip inside an empty office — oh. Brows raising as she quickly recognized just whose office she had went into, rushing inside and closed the door behind her. "Gabi—" her words stopped, eyes drinking in the sight before her. "F u c k," she all but moaned, the sight of her, the darkness around them but still seeing how slick her pretty little cunt was. Letting out a soft hiss as she went toward her, licking her lips and watching her fingers touched her own clit. "Baby, you're so wet, that's evil," she chuckled, her smile wide as she grasped her face in her hands and lips crashed into hers in a kiss. Breathing deep, tongue slipping in for a taste. All thoughts of letting her know whose office this was slipping out of her head as tongue rolled against hers. Hands sliding down Gabriella's body, pinching her tits, over her stomach and to her thighs. Biting her lip, tugging it hard as her fingers so easily slid inside her, growling softly as she buried the two fingers knuckles deep, thrusting them in and out of her in a steady pace. "Drive me so crazy, Gabi..."

She'd forgotten something back in her office, sadly, not the first time these past weeks Faye had done so. Finals week wasn't just stressful for the students, but for the professors as well, and the Scottish redhead was no different. The door hadn't even been locked, cursing at herself for being neglectful at even that. She just had to pray that nothing was stolen, and if there had been? Nothing too valuable or irreplaceable.

"God, you're so fucking tight around my fingers, baby... Is that the spot? Right there? Making you feel so good?"

....well, shit. Hazel eyes wide within the comfort of darkness, peering through it to the two at her desk. Jane, she recognized, being one of her students, with, god, a girlfriend? Or...no... Her roommate. Okay. Okay. Leaning hard against the closed door, she pondered her options. Should she turn the lights on, alerting her presence? She supposed she could. To be that professor and disrupt a moment of lustful passion. She could. But, as she looked on, hearing the sound of utter wetness in the air, hitting her right inside her. Making her clench her thighs, as cliche as it was, arousing her. Which was ridiculous. It was, wasn't it? She'd walk into a porn scene, leggy professor and two young, nubile female students, fucking. The way it would go for the professor to join in to some frenzied fuck fest. That didn't happen, that wasn't real life.

It wouldn't be the first time she fucked someone in this office, though, admittedly. Evidence of that being what she kept in her bottom drawer... Her hand started to roam, hiking her skirt up and legs spread, biting her lips as fingers found her clothed clit, rubbing against it slowly, eyes on the two of them, trying not to make a sound, to enjoy the act of just watching for a moment... Just for a moment. Professors had their moments of stress as well, and a need to relieve it.

if they weren’t careful, it was going to become more obvious to those around them that they absolutely weren’t studying like they were supposed to. jane’s fingers deep within her walls threatened to illicit more moans from gabriella, each one a risk to giving them away. “i can’t help it —“ another look of faux innocence,“— sometimes when I’m studying all I can think about is how badly I want you to fuck me. how hard you can make me cum, how good you make me feel.” the combination of jane’s fingers exactly where she needed them and thoughts of previous attempts at stress relief had her cunt aching for her roommate all the more, fingers digging into jane’s thigh in a bid to limit the amount of noises that wanted to give them away. eyes darkened with lust as she watched her suck her fingers clean, already feeling empty following their removal from her soaking folds, walls clenching around nothing in their own desperate bid to find relief that she was all but begging jane for. “i can’t wait until we get back.” her voice it’s own hushed whisper, desperation practically dripping off of her words. she didn’t care much about her belongings — they could stay behind, an indication that she might be back to actually study, despite her entire body wanting to do anything but. eyes said ‘follow me’ as gabriella slid out from where she’d been sat, practically bouncing in anticipation down the hall. as much as she’d love to have the entire library watching jane make her cum over and over, she certainly wasn’t about to risk both of their being kicked out for it. no, there would be enough empty offices to use one for their own pleasure. an unlocked office found, gab glanced over her shoulders quickly to ensure that she was being followed, slipping into the darkened room without much hesitation. ass found the edge of the desk, pushing herself up onto it with legs spreading wide, allowing her wet cunt to be on full display for jane once she caught up to her. she couldn’t help herself — fingers found her clit, circling in slow motions, starting without her roommate.

[kiissme]

DANIELA && MALLORY — with @thelcvewitch

"Yeah?" The compliment thrown her way seemed genuine, not like the forced, empty ones her father and his other employees would throw at her. Not that she blamed them, entirely. She was the boss's daughter, after all. Flattery was top priority, to keep daddy happy, Daniela did it, too. This time, however, felt real. And she liked that. "Thanks, Mallory, I appreciate that. And, I think so, too," she ended with a little wink and a laugh. "I definitely know how to look pretty for the camera, ever since I was little. Daddy made sure of that," the mention of him earning a roll of the eyes from the brunette, heaving out a light sigh as her attention went to the post, sending it on its way for public viewing. Flashing her eyes towards the other, her smile widened, "Don't sell yourself short, your photos are cute, too. And yes, I saw them, I followed you back so of course I did. I liked the cooking video you did the other day? Very cute. Might try it myself one day." It was just more of a personal account than Daniela's, every post having a purpose, and mainly for exposure for her father's business. At the mention of him, she shook her head, "If it gives him attention, he'll love it, no need to worry about him when it comes to this." A thought struck her, smiling wide, "Hey, take a picture with me? I can post it and tag you, it'd get you some followers and honestly? You look way too amazing not to put out there. Please?"

[kiissme]

DANIELA && ALEJANDRO — with @fxcdboys

               "Of course it will," her smile wide and prideful, not a hint of doubt in her voice. "Like you said, I am beautiful and people like what I do. Which, in the world of Instagram, just looking pretty works," the words ended with a laugh as she gave a shrug. "But, I'm at least using it to promote my father and his company. So, being beautiful with a purpose, better than being without a purpose, right?" Her attention on her phone again, posting it a moment after. "There. He can't say I don't do anything for him." In actually, she did the most for him, whether she wanted to or not. Letting out a sigh, she put her phone down, turning to him directly, a sly smile on her face, pointing at him. "And you? Are you behaving yourself? I'm kind of surprised you're here, I know things between you and my dad aren't exactly...." She let out a soft hum, "Oh, I don't know, good? I hardly see you anymore and he doesn't talk about you. Are you guys good or...should I be expecting some blow up tonight?" Holding her hand up, "Not that I'd be against it, not entirely, just, a little heads up. I could get some popcorn going and watch you two go at it — you remember his left side is his weakest, right?" She laughed, grinning a bit in her seat, eyes finally taking in the offered drink, raising her brows, "Oh! Thank you," taking it in her hand and to her lips for a sip, humming approvingly. "Good choice. So, come on, you here to cause trouble or come in peace?"

[kiissme]

@prettytragcdies, — serenity

"Big deal or not, you have to start somewhere," Serenity noted, unable to stop the wide grin that was now spreading its way across her lips. To say that Jane's enthusiasm was contagious would be a definite understatement. Her fellow brunette was the one who'd gotten the job, yet it almost felt like they'd both be up there on that stage performing for anyone and everyone willing to stop and listen.

"They chose you because you're the real deal. You've got talent, and it deserves to be known and shown. You're gonna be great. They're gonna want encores and then some every single night. Just watch."

As for the decision of which song to start off the performance with, that was a lot tougher than hyping her up and building confidence. There was an argument to be made for both options, but ultimately one seemed to stick out above the other. Well, at least as far as Serenity was concerned anyway.

"If I were you, I'd go with Santa Baby -- definitely. The first song needs to grab their attention and pull them in so they'll keep listening, and what better way to get them in the palm of your hand than that song in that dress? Also, Last Christmas kind of feels almost as overdone as All I Want For Christmas Is You at this point, so yeah... That'd be my choice."

Jane should have known she could count on Serenity to squash out any self doubt that might have lingered within her mind. Not that she had it often, confidence usually seeping out of her at any moment, her aspirations for singing always seemed in reach as far as she was concerned. But sometimes, sometimes, she needed someone not herself to hype her up. To back up her ambition and not be told it was a pipe dream, that it was possible. She was glad she found that in Serenity, maybe the smile on her face linger and even stretch wider just a bit.

A joyous laugh escaped her, giving a determined nod, "When you're right, you're right. I'm gonna crush this. And it's just the start," she started, rising from her seat and to the modest kitchen. She wished she had some wine, champagne or something, but, cheap beer would have to do, sadly the last two bottles she had. She couldn't wait for that first paycheck, honestly. "I am planning to get quite the following, or, yeah, just a bunch of encores. Too early for groupies, but, just to the point where people genuinely request stuff would be amazing for me. And also, after the first week is done, we're having a party. That's a must."

Grabbing the two beers, she opened them, wandering back to the other brunette. Handing her one, she took her first sip, her suggestion was sound, though a brow arched at her comment toward Last Christmas, "Serenity, I love you, y'know I do, but we do not disrespect Wham! in this apartment. Not like that. No disrespect to Mariah Carey, I could never with those vocals, but nothing will be as overplayed as that song and Last Christmas is a beloved treasure that deserves to be played as often as possible." Pointing the beer bottle towards her, "But I agree with Santa Baby, though. Especially with the dress, the hat, oh!" Her hand thrust out, "And boots! I have the cutest boots, had them forever, but it just works with the outfit. But, yeah, think for the opening number, Santa Baby. I gotta...seduce the crowd and that's the song to do it." Looking toward her, she smiled, "You'll.. You'll be there, right? Cheer me on?"

[kiissme]

She snorted, a true, undignified snort that soon led to a snicker. "Jesus fuckin' Christ, you're such a lightweight." Looking over at him, the redhead swiping his drink and taking a sip of it, "Mm, it's not even that strong. Ugh, and yet us Scots are beholdin' to you lot, that's just embarrassin'. Sad state of affairs, gotta say." Raising her glass, brows perking up at him, "This is mine, now. Until you can sort yourself out, get a better tolerance or... God, better taste in drink, yeah, bartender? Not havin' this. Replace it with erm... Well, my drink. Whisky, neat." Propping her chin into her hand, she chuckled at him, "Not my fault your blood of an Englishman won't let you get a proper drink. Good god. Knew you were younger but hoped you could catch up." She grinned, picking up her drink and downing it, waiting for the replacement of the other. "Jesus... Who goes on vacation and can barely touch liquor? Isn't that the whole point?"

open: anyone ! muse: finnick baker (28-30) test muse connection/storyline: any. friends/roommates. could be at the apartment, bar, maybe a school reunion, on vacation... honestly, whatever. just fun things. maybe they had crushes on each other and they had one too many drinks and things start to spill out. or just platonic things. open to anything and everything. editor: Beta

"I honestly have no idea what the hell you're going on about," Finn said through laughs while trying to put together what the other was talking about. After a few drinks, Finnick just lost his common knowledge. He just laughed too much when it came to drinking. He wasn't even buzzed, but once he gets a sip of alcohol, it's pretty much over for him... which is why he rarely drinks. "I feel like I need some water before I can have a proper conversation at this point. What the hell have you done to me?"

[kiissme]

@februarybloom​​, — austin

‘‘I can’t believe we’re having this conversation right now.’‘ austin said as a laughed left his lips. it was a bizarre conversation to have - especially in a bar. was it 3:30 pm on the dot and nobody was there? yes. it didn’t change the fact however that both of them were experiencing some really strong feelings in regards to the topic. ‘‘i also can’t believe you’re shitting on my favorite christmas song like this. like, i get it, he’s not everyone’s cup of tea but, he’s honestly the goat. it’s upbeat, it’s fun.’‘ it was certainly distracting him from the fact that he was supposed to be hanging out with his miserable family right about now - yet here he was. his family was probably fighting over what meal to have and whatnot. hell, he didn’t even like christmas all that much. or perhaps, it had something to do with his family he also didn’t even like all that much. ‘‘look, shouldn’t you be doing your job and getting me another beer? that’d be absolutely helpful.’‘

          “It’s a very important conversation, especially this time of year, and the bar being empty and nothing else for me to do.” Which was very true, not a lot of patrons this close to Christmas, most trying to pretend they wanted to be with their families rather than here, drinking away until they felt numb and free. It wasn’t even worth singing, really, though she donned on her Santa dress and hat atop of her head just in case she felt like singing to herself on stage. A gig was a gig, as well as a job, and if that meant one more experience of singing on stage, well... A laugh, soft, let out at that. “I’m not shitting on it, like it’s a good song, but, I just feel more for Last Christmas. I’ll belt that out the whole year, but it means something during Christmas, it just does. No offense to Sir Paul, I guess.” Though, definitely not her cup of tea, if she was honest. She scoffed at him, though, holding her hands up in offense, “Oh, we had to go to the do your job route, huh? That’s such a Karen move and you know it. Unfortunately, just so we’re clear, the manager isn’t in today, it’s all me. Seeing as it’s usually dead right now.” Taking his glass, replacing it with a nice frosted one and filled it with the beer on tap, she placed it in front of him. “Y’know, for someone that loves a song about having a wonderful christmas time, doesn’t seem like you are. It’s getting late, or at least close to being dark, don’t you... I don’t know... Have some Christmas Spirit to spread around to loved ones and all that?”

[kiissme]

@nightskymuses​​, — seth

Unfortunately Seth also had to deal with his mother sending him on blind dates. She didn’t understand how someone who was about to be 30 was still single. It didn’t occur to her that he didn’t want to settle down, get married, and have kids at a young age, or at all. Sure, everyone that she had put him on the dates with were gorgeous, but they weren’t his type. There was always something off about them and he couldn’t put his finger on it. He was sure it was because they were girls that his mother approved of. After cutting the date short with the female, he said his goodbyes, sent a text to his mother while heading to the bar. He definitely needed a drink after that one. Hearing a familiar voice after ordering a drink, Seth turned his head and body towards the older woman, an instant smile appearing on his lips before taking a seat beside her. “Fancy seeing you here,” He knew that his mother was setting her up on blind dates as well but didn’t think she would have sent them to the same place. Seth couldn’t help but laugh when hearing what kind of person his mother set her up on. He took his glasses off, bringing his hand up to run his fingers through his hair. “If she’s trying to get you laid, she’s failing,” another laugh fell from his lips. “If she hates you, she hates me as well. I can’t tell you how many terrible dates she set me up with. Tonight was one as well. Maybe she does hate both of us,” he joked. “At least she didn’t pick out your clothes like she did with me,” he motioned to his glasses, button down, slacks, and a sweater vest that he had on his lap now as he took it off once entering the place. “She’s trying to get me to look like a grandpa, I swear.” 

          At that, she couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “I dunno if gettin’ laid is the objective. I believe the term your mother used was find your other half, so I could be happy as she is. Which makes me question a few things that I won’t say in mixed company.” Truthfully, she ponders the times she was around both his parents, and swearing to see lingering looks from Seth’s father. Faye hadn’t mentioned anything, of course, but it wasn’t anything subtle, either. Most likely the real source for the sudden blind dates, in some desperate attempt to stray Faye away from ruining a marriage she had no intention of breaking. As if she would carry any sort of attraction to the married man. But to bring that up would be a fool’s errand, so instead, she said yes to the dates, her own little punishment for being seen as attractive she supposed. Married men do often ruin things for the rest of them. Licking her lips as she takes a sip of her drink, taking a look at Seth and smiling, eyes roaming his form, more notably his clothes. A thoughtful hum given, turning her body to face towards him more directly, chuckling a bit. “It does seem you’re only missing a cap and you’re ready for a 1950′s sock hop or something like that,” she admitted, “Though I very much doubt it’s because she hates you. She just wants the best for her darling little boy, as she calls you when we talk,” her hand reaching to brush against his shoulder, at a piece of lint from what seemed to be the sweater vest. Her touch lingers there, slightly, “You still look good, though. More hair than my date, sadly.” She chuckled, fingers sliding down the top of his arm. “Sweater vests are more for a work meeting but, I do like the shirt...” Putting her drink down, she scooted closer, going for the cuff buttons of the shirt, unbuttoning and hiking them up a bit, at least to his elbows, to show off his arms a bit. “And then...” Fingers skillfully reaching to the top buttons, unbuttoning at least three, a slight peak into the chest hair, widening the opening just a bit. “Okay...” And then, fingers to his hair, brushing them slightly, for a slight tousled look, smiling a bit. “There. Much better. You can’t really trust a mother on these things, they’ll only think of you as their darling little boy, not the man you are. Though I’m far from a mother, I am a daughter and I hated when my mother interfered with my look like that... You probably could’ve done well like this, though appearance is just one of the many things to attract someone and, you definitely have the charm to do it. So, what went wrong?”

[kiissme]

@stcrryhaze​​, — rodrigo

“Not at all,” Rodrigo responded with a soft smile, taking a step closer to Faye as he broke the distance between them and searched for her lips, his hand grabbing her chin as he kissed her for a moment, before breaking the short kiss and search for her eyes. “Happy birthday.” he said without losing his smile. He had missed her in the morning, claiming he had to finish some work stuff before he got to meet her during the evening, but truth was he had a whole night planned; and it was his intention to keep it a secret. “I was thinking… and I hate to say this, but I really need to drop this thing off by Roman’s before the day ends. Do you mind us going over there? I’ve got a reservation for us later. I promise.”

            An uncharacteristic giddy laugh escaped her before feeling his lips on hers. That was when a soft sigh barely escaped as she indulged in the kiss between them. She loved that feeling of freedom with Rodrigo, she could often veer toward the dramatic side at times and it was exhilarating to be with someone that accepted that side of her, even welcomed it. Looking into his eyes, her lips stretched in a wide smile, “Thank you,” she let out, inclined for another, hopefully, longer kiss, but his words made her stop in mid-attempt. “Aw, really?” She knew that was perhaps a bit on the childish side, letting out a sigh followed with a nod. “Sorry, just kinda wanted more time with you since you slipped away like a ninja earlier in the mornin’, but... Yeah, ‘course. It’s important, so ‘course.” Smiling as she moved to capture a kiss between them once more, but this time taking care to make it linger longer than their previous one, his taste coursing through her to at least sustain her for the time being before breaking away. “Hey, as long as I get to spend the day with you, yeah? That’s all I really want for my birthday. And a good drink and meal, but you’re top priority.” 

[kiissme]

Summer work was a necessary evil, but an all around pain in the arse. Nathan wasn't all too sure what he was doing, he just knew he needed the cash and was always told he was good with his hands, so why not? University was out for the summer, and he accepted the invitation to visit family in America, but other than that he was flat out broke and that wouldn't stand. Lawn maintenance sounded simple enough, though the sun wrecked havoc against his London boy skin, furrowing his brow as he tried to dig out a root of a pesky weed, without gloves because why would he remember bringing gloves? The heat was getting to him, feeling the sweat rolling down the side of his face, strands of his untamed dark curly locks sticking to his skin. He'd have to hose himself off soon, he thought, just when he heard a voice and whipped his head back to see her. An almost sheepish laugh escaped him, looking down at the soil, most of which stained his hands. "Honestly? Just dirtyin' my hands, mainly," dusting his hands off as much as he could, trying to get them clean as he stood up, her offer earning another look at her, and yes, chocolate brown eyes catching a glimpse of her stomach, brows raising slightly, though hopefully not too obvious. "A beer, huh? Ice cold? It's definitely....getting hot out here, so, an ice cold beer works for me? A pretty please thrown to a pretty girl?"

open to : m, older male or eddie munson vibes or even throw your mean overprotective muses at her

possible connections : neighbor in the trailer park, lawn maintenance at the trailer park, mechanic coming by to work on someone’s car, someone else’s boyfriend/husband who lives in the area

plot : your muse is outside doing something, and duffy is completely enamored

Duffy had been watching them for the better half of an hour, twirling a soft strand of bleach blonde hair around her finger as she worked up the courage to approach. She’d anticipated their arrival, she’d even dolled herself up for it, craving their attention so badly it felt like her only driving force these days. All she would do was sit in bed, staring up at posters and imagining a life with them, and they’d barely even had two full conversations. She was an idiot, she had convinced herself, she needed to move on and face the facts that he would never notice her. It had started to work, until today, when Duffy’s horoscope told her that love was in the air, and she just couldn’t chance it. One more deep breath, and she was out the door, slow to approach the other as her boots crunched in the grass and dirt and her hands slipped into the back pockets of her daisy dukes, gingerly making her way over with a smile sweet as sugar. “Workin’ hard or hardly workin’?” The blonde chirped, smile spreading even further onto her face as she nodded down to whatever they were working on. “Y’know, I’d fix you up a beer if you asked real nicely..” Duffy trailed off, biting her lip in playful flirtation as she leant back on her heels slightly, exposing her taut smooth stomach only moments ago sheathed by her crop top.