She heard a wolf whistle and stood straight from her bent position. "Go pack up your toys, honey," she smiled at the little girl in front of her; she had just finished wiping the child's gorgeous cheeks. She then turned in the direction of the whistle and ground her teeth when a tall smirking man began to walk towards her.

" I'm Travis," he greeted, holding out his hand, the smirk still in place, she noted. His voice sounded familiar, but she was unable to place it. She shook his hand. "Lacy," she replied.

"I know, Greg told me. The lazy bastard told me to ask you to come over after we lock up, some stupid gathering," he grunted, edging away from one of the little kids who had decided to pat his leg. Jerk. She grabbed Maddy and placed her on her hip; the girl's mother still hadn't come to pick her up, and she was the only one they were waiting for.

"Okay, just help with tidying up and I'll clean the kitchen," Lacy mumbled, moving away from him. Travis grabbed her arm and pulled her back. "Tidying?" he questioned. "Yes, go clean up!" she breathed out, wondering what fool Gregory had sent her.

The large man grumbled but turned and bent to pick up some of the blocks. Lacy took Maddy to the kitchen with her and finished the dishes; finally all that was left to do was wipe the tables. Once the two of them had wiped down the place, they waited in the reception area. "Why does he want me to come over?" she asked.

"Basically, the fool thinks his rude younger brother and you will make a good match," Travis scoffed. "You're kidding, right?" she laughed, slightly amused. "Not at all," he raised his eyebrows. "Apparently you two are the perfect match." She gave Travis a look and they both cracked up laughing.

"Right," she drawled sarcastically. Just then Maddy's mother walked in, talking busily on her phone; as soon as she saw her daughter she cut the call. "Mummy!" Maddy called, jumping out of Lacy's lap. She had to hand it to the woman — she was a single mother yet still put her daughter first.

"Sorry, Lace, I was caught up at work. The boss is having a heart attack with the new development downtown," Amanda sighed. "It's fine, Maddy's an angel," Lacy smiled happily. The girl truly was; she knew how to act in serious situations, and that was a great skill to have.

"I'll see you next Tuesday. Tonight though I have a movie night planned for the little one and me; you sure you don't want to come?" Amanda smiled. Lacy smiled back. "Please," Maddy pouted. Lacy helped them to the door. "I have something on tonight, honey. Some other time, okay?" she patted little Maddy's head and watched them leave.

She felt Travis come up behind her and turned around. "You like kids?" he cringed. She sent him an amused glare. "You do know you were once a kid, right?" she smirked. Having spent a couple of hours with the guy, it was clear he wasn't that bad — definitely someone she didn't mind talking to.

"Shut up, prissy, do you have a car?" he walked out of the building and she followed. She nodded, although he couldn't see her. "Yes I do. I'll follow you," she began walking to her truck. Travis hopped into his vehicle and she waited for him to reverse.

As she waited she plugged her phone in and rang her mother. "Hey honey, what's wrong?" her mother's voice came through. "Hey mum, look about before — I'm sorry—" Lacy started. "It's a chip on the shoulder," her mother replied; Lacy could practically imagine her smiling.

"I'm going to be home a bit late tonight, going over to Gregory's," Lacy suddenly realised how much of a hypocrite she was. "It's fine, I'll see you tonight or tomorrow if I fall asleep," her mother said. "Sure. Night mum." She trailed behind Travis's SUV as the call ended.

A few minutes later she pulled up in front of Gregory and Lisa's two-storey house. The couple had two children already, and Lisa was now pregnant with their third. She jumped in shock when Travis knocked on her window. "You coming, princess?" he questioned.

"Don't call me that!" she snapped. "Don't call you what, princess?" he questioned. With a sigh she opened her door. "Never mind." This time Travis followed her. She rang the bell and they both waited, Travis less patiently than she.

"Lacy," she smiled at Lisa and the little two-year-old Landon on her hip. Joey, his brother who was one year older, was probably once again making a mess in his room; the kid loved his Legos. "How you feeling?" she asked as Lisa led them in.

"Tired, and Greg's been panicking every five bloody damn seconds," Lisa sighed as Travis brushed past them heading straight to the kitchen, already familiar with the layout of the house. "He's just worried about you. It's good to be cautious," Lacy said; she should know, she had done a significant amount of that in her life. "So what's with the gathering?" she questioned.

"Greg's brother's in town for a week so he's gathering everyone to come and visit him before he leaves," Lisa explained, handing Lacy a beer; the woman knew what she liked. Lacy wondered who his brother was but could only picture Johann's delicious face — no way, it couldn't be. "Come, we'll go to the backyard, everyone's out there," Lisa led her to the back of the house and Lacy instantly scanned the area.

If he was here, she would know; she was sure everyone else would, because the sexual tension would be bluntly obvious. She hoped the tension wasn't one-sided, because that would be embarrassing. She took in the scenery: posts with fake fire to light up the area and a large table with chairs around it.

"Lacy!" she looked up and found Gregory waving his arms around frantically as if she didn't recognise the fool in the bright purple apron reading '#1 Sexy Chef'. She laughed as she made her way to him. "Here I am, thank you for inviting me," she said and he pulled her into one of his familiar hugs.

"What would you like? We've got ribs, sausages, breasts... name it and we have it. You could use some meat to help you grow taller," he teased, grinning largely. Lisa finally made her way to them and glared at her husband. "Leave her alone, Greg, she just got here. Her height is completely fine," she said, looking at Lacy. "Exactly," Lacy nodded.

"So I heard you've decided to play matchmaker again," Lacy blurted. Smooth, weren't I. Gregory coughed, beating his chest while his wife just shook her head sadly. "What! Who told you that? It was Travis, wasn't it, that little shit. Wait till I get my hands on him," he scanned for Travis.

"Hey, no swearing!" Lisa swatted his arm. "Sorry, babe," Gregory pouted, turning back to his BBQ. Lacy laughed and jumped into a conversation with Lisa about the pregnancy.

"What the fuck!" she turned around, shocked. She had expected everyone else to react, but swearing seemed to be the norm here. Standing at the sliding glass door was an insanely attractive man; his jeans clearly defined his package while his shirt enhanced his muscular chest.

Even though he was incredibly attractive, she didn't feel herself aching to take him at all — no shortness of breath or need for clean undies like after encountering Johann. "Who's that?" she asked Lisa. Before Lisa could answer, Gregory shouted him over, "Bro... this is her!" pointing at Lacy.

She glared daggers as she was currently stuffing a sausage in her mouth. She attempted to finish the mouthful but choked when she saw who came up behind Gregory's brother: Johann. She wanted to dig a hole and die. How did Johann even know Gregory? Then she remembered their previous encounter — 'Tell Greg to pull his fucking head out of his wife's ass and wait'. Damn it.

"Fuck the supermarket here, bloody slow as hell!" Johann exclaimed, making his way to them. Thank heaven she had managed to force the food down her throat. "Zayn! Don't swear," Lisa glared at the man.

While all this went on, Lacy watched Johann walk towards them. He wore a tight fitted green shirt and jeans. She clenched her legs together as her stomach churned. Did he remember her? Would he even recognise her now that she didn't look like a complete mess?

"Johann," Lisa smiled, embracing him and giving his cheek a kiss. Gregory then welcomed him; Lacy tried to edge away only to bump straight into Travis. "Hey princess, where you headed?" Travis shouted in his loudest voice. Gregory, Lisa, Zayn and Johann all turned to look at her. She elbowed Travis as hard as she could. "What was that for?" he grunted.

"Shut up!" she snapped, awkwardly looking everywhere but at the group. "Zayn, this is who I was telling you about," Gregory broke the silence. She looked up and found Johann's smouldering eyes staring her down; it was as if his eyes alone were undressing her. She looked away as Zayn moved next to her.

"Lacy," he greeted. "Hello..." she trailed off. "This isn't ideal," he muttered. She looked at him, insulted. "Excuse me. You're not that crash hot either!" she retorted.

"No, no. Not you, the situation," he laughed. "My brother is a moron," he explained. "Well, the moron wants us to bond," she smiled. "Then bond we must," he grinned. "Drink?"

She looked down and laughed. "I didn't even realise I'd finished it." He led her inside to the kitchen. She took a seat at the table and waited. He grabbed two beers and opened them with his keys, then placed one in front of her. She thanked him and took a long sip. They began talking and he seemed alright.

From her peripheral vision she noticed Johann walking inside. He walked towards them and Zayn tensed up. "Johann," Zayn nodded. "What are you doing back?" she closed her eyes at Johann's gravely voice; he sounded like he had just woken up after a night of heavy sex. The two men were extremely on guard around one another.

"Got in trouble again..." Johann smirked. That smirk was a first. "I'm not you," Zayn glared daggers at the tall man. "Exactly," Johann replied simply but deeply, leaving Lacy extremely curious. She watched as the two glared at each other and wondered if it would end in a punch-up; if it did, Johann would likely win.

Fortunately it didn't. "Come, Lacy, we'll talk outside," Zayn held out his hand, but his eyes never left Johann. "I'll just finish this drink and head home," she mumbled. "Sure?" Zayn questioned. "You haven't been here that long."

"We'll catch up some other time," she smiled softly up at him. With a small shrug Zayn moved out of the kitchen, leaving her with a tense, mysterious man. "Stay away from him," Johann said, all traces of emotion gone from his face.

"Sorry, what?" she asked, moving to her feet after feeling small while seated. She realised she was still significantly short compared to him. Johann moved closer and she stepped back, leaning against the table's edge. "I said stay away from him... he's trouble," he warned.

"And you're not?" she raised an eyebrow. The man screamed trouble with his exotic tattoos, breathy voice and muscular body she wanted to run her tongue down. "It's different," he said, standing so his body was lightly against hers. Heat pooled between her legs and she prayed it wouldn't get stronger.

He clutched her hip with his hand and clenched it tightly. "I want you to stay away from him, okay?" his breath hit the top of her head. "O-okay," she stammered; having him this close was not healthy. She needed to move away, clear her head and take some pills to make her forget him — she joked about the pills, but moving away would be ideal.

"Move," she breathed out. He didn't listen; instead he placed his other hand on her other hip. "I'll take you home," he said. "I'm fully capable of taking myself home," she felt proud to have said that without stuttering.

"Fine. Let me rephrase it: I'm taking you home. You've been drinking," he commanded. Like before, her body yielded to his words and her mouth surrendered to his taking. "Okay," she said, looking up into his eyes.

"Lacy!" shocked, she pushed Johann away from her just as Gregory walked into the kitchen. "Yes," she answered, straightening up. She probably looked like a flustered mess, but Johann looked as calm as ever.

"I see you've met this asshole. He doesn't talk much, huh?" Gregory gave Johann a light punch, only to receive a glare. A second ago he had been giving her orders, and now he was completely silent. She nodded slowly. "Not much at all," she mumbled and moved to the sink.

"Lisa was wondering where you'd headed off to," Gregory said. "Can you tell her I'm heading home now? Mum's alone and you know how I feel about that," she smiled at Gregory. He faked a sigh. "You know how she gets when you do that."

"You'll be fine," she laughed, walking away from the two. If she could get Gregory to stay with Johann then she could successfully escape the premises alone. She was a genius, really. Just as she opened her truck's door, a hand clutched hers.

She spun around ready to yell at the drunk jerk who thought they could probably get a lay, only to have her words catch in her throat. "Give me the keys," Johann held his hand out expectantly. "Look, I don't know who you are, but please do not touch me," she snapped, trying to snatch her hand back.

His hold tightened. "I know you feel it," he muttered. "Feel what?" she played dumb. He grabbed the key out of her hand. "Get in the car," he snapped.

She stood where she was for a second, shocked. First, how had he gotten her keys when her grip was tight? Second, he felt the intense urge to jump bones too — what!? To be honest, if she had it in her she would throw him down on her truck and have her dirty way with him. The horn beeped and she jumped slightly.

She glared at Johann as she slid inside and buckled herself in. He started the engine and pulled out. She gave him directions when needed. "Left here... what about your car?" she questioned. He didn't reply. She was just about ready to choke the answer out of him.

About ten minutes later he parked outside her house yet neither of them moved. "I have a proposition," he broke the calm silence. "Continue," she trailed, confused. "We're going to have sex."

"What!?" she exclaimed. "You don't want to...?" he raised an eyebrow. "No, I don—well... I don't know," she mumbled, confused. Wait, "I'm not a slut!" she frowned at the thought. It was like her thought had become reality; of course she wanted to have sex with him. To have him lick her body would be heaven.

"Do you want to hear me out or not!" he snapped, irritated. She thought about it. What was there to lose? If anything, her mother and she would probably be packing up and leaving soon. They had never been able to stay in one town; this one wouldn't be different.

There was nothing wrong with having a little bit of fun while she was here, was there? But then she remembered one small problem — she was a virgin! Wait, she had masturbated... did that count? God, what was she doing? She decided to hear him out. "Okay."

"It'll just be a sexual relationship, nothing more and nothing less. When either of us wants sex, the other is obliged to give them it," he stated, staring her down. "So what, friends with benefits?" she questioned. "No. Just sex. No other relationship than that," he turned his body to face her slightly. "Deal?" he questioned.

"Okay, deal or whatever. But no one can know about this," she laid down her condition. He unbuckled his seat belt. "Wouldn't have it any other way." He then undid hers and pulled her towards him; with one quick tug she was flush against him. In an instant his mouth latched onto her neck and she groaned, turning her neck to allow him more access.

She then remembered her little problem. "Wait, wait," she breathed out, already feeling breathless. If this was what his kisses felt like, then she wanted to know what it would feel like to fuck him. "Having second thoughts?" he questioned, though his face didn't move from her neck and neither did his hold on her waist.

"No. But you should know I'm a virgin," she stated awkwardly. "What!?" he pulled back. She climbed off him even more awkwardly and moved to her side of the truck. She thought he might refuse her but he shocked her: "You want me to take your virginity then?" she couldn't tell if it was a question.

"Well, I don't think I'm going to be meeting Prince Charming any time soon," she said, looking down at her hands. "This isn't going to turn into anything. I need you to be clear about that — just sex." Didn't he care that she wasn't as experienced as he was?

"You don't care?" she questioned. "It's your virginity," he shrugged. Harsh. "Okay, then I'm fine with this," she mumbled. She saw him reach for her again but she opened her door and hopped out, standing on the ground. "I need to go inside now." She looked around; the only light was from two light poles and one house. A chill ran down her spine and she instantly scanned the shadows.

Johann stepped out as well and she moved to meet him on his side. He handed her keys and she locked up. "This is exclusive, even if it's just sex. I don't care who you're friends with; no one is allowed to give you pleasure except me," he wrapped a hand around her waist tightly.

"Is that the same for you?" she questioned. There was no way he could screw someone else while sleeping with her. "Yes," he answered simply. The hand not holding her waist trailed down her sides and stopped at the edge of her shorts. She held her breath as he nudged her legs apart slightly and ran his finger along her core. Thank God she had shorts on; she'd rather not have him feeling how wet she was.

"My mother will see," she mumbled, releasing a moan. Johann nodded and moved back. "Just remember your body is mine now and do try to wear more appropriate clothes," he stated before turning his back and walking away, not giving her a chance to question his dislike of her clothes. She watched him for a minute before the night scared her into moving inside.

Once she closed the door, she leaned against it. Oh God, what had she gotten herself into? Her phone beeped and she pulled it out, sliding her thumb across the screen. 

[Hey my brother gave me your number. We should catch up sooner rather than later] — Unknown.

She added Zayn's number to her phone. As she finished, another message came through. 

[How about tomorrow?] — Zayn. 

Fuck.