Owned by My Best Friend's Brother

8. I consolidated

STELLA POV

After Alex confronted me about Logan, we all went for a swim. Logan finally joined us but was still upset. He kept avoiding me confirming what Alex had said. I knew I needed to talk to him, but this is not the place for that conversation. After, we had lunch and hung out for a bit. Then we went back to shore. Alex insisted on driving me back, saying that I came with him and that I would leave with him. The ride back was much quieter, probably because I was thinking of what I was going to say to Logan. When we got back home, Cici pulled me into her room to get me ready. She said I needed at least two hours to get ready. How bad do I look? It's five now and the date isn't until seven. After I showered in my room, I had to fight her on that one. What did she want to do, bathe me? I put on some shorts and a muscle shirt and went back to her room to get ready.

"Jeez! It took you long enough. I knew you should have showered here." Cici scolded me. "It only took me thirty minutes, Cici." I defended. "Fine, I asked Alex where he was taking you so I could choose your outfit." She smiled, motioning at her bed where my outfit was laid out.

It was a very nice little black dress Vera had bought me. She said that every woman needs a little black dress. It goes with almost any occasion. It's very pretty, the top had a surplice structured collar with long lace sleeves. The pencil skirt ended above the knees and had lace on one side, where a slit would typically be. It was form fitting but not too tight and it showed a little clevage, it was tasteful not trashy. She paired it with the ruby heels and clutch, also purchased by Vera. I get anxiety just thinking about how much money they've spent on me in one week. First thing Monday morning I'm going job hunting. Cici started on my makeup, simple winged eye liner and ruby lips to match my accessories. My hair is naturally wavy, she dries it and lightly straightens it, leaving some curls in it. Before I put on my dress, she pulls out a bag and hands it to me.

"What is it?" I asked her, looking at the bag. "Look inside silly!" She said while taking the bag back and revealing a small canister and some kind of brush. She looks at my face of confusion and rolls her eyes at me.

"It's honey dust. It gives off a delicate sweet smell and makes your skin soft. It also tastes really good." She rushes through that last part conveniently. "Why would I or anyone else be tasting my skin, Cici?" I narrowed my eyes at her. "I didn't say you or anyone else would. It's just a gift and I'm going to dust it all over you before you put on the dress." She smiles and turns away from me. "I don't think I need.." She cuts me off. "Come on Stella! No one has to know you put it on, it will make you feel more sexy." She says with a shimmy.

I rolled my eyes and resigned myself to being her doll. She is having too much fun getting me ready for my first date. Is it a date though? I asked me out to dinner and Cici called it a date. I'm starting to overthink this. Whatever this is, it's the first time I have gone out to dinner with a man, alone. I hope I'm not overdressed or underdressed. Hello anxiety my old friend. I take a deep breath and try to calm myself while Cici starts pulling my clothes off. Normally, I would object and ask her to let me undress myself, but I'm so nervous right now I can hardly think. I'm standing here in my bra and panties with my legs wide open and arms out, per Cici's demands. She's using that brush thingy to lightly coat my body with the dust she gave me. Everywhere, my face, neck, chest, arms and legs. She started to get too close to my lady bits and alarm bells went off in my head.

"Hey! No one is going to be getting anywhere near there Cici!" I said while pointing my finger at her. "Okay, okay!" She pulls back holding her hands up in front of her. "Oh gosh, it's already a little past seven." I said while looking at the clock. "Don't worry, he can wait. Take your time putting on your dress and I'll go down and let him know you're coming." She instructed.

I nod my head and she leaves the room. As carefully as I can, I put on the dress, making sure I don't get make-up or that dust stuff on it. I look at myself in the mirror and I hardly recognize myself, I look grown up. My nerves are still there but I feel a little bit of confidence shinning through thanks to Cici. I sprayed myself a few times with my favorite perfume, letting it settle. I close my eyes and remind myself that it's just dinner, there are no expectations. Feeling much calmer, I exit the room and walk down the stairs where everyone is chatting in the living room. They must have heard my heels when I stepped on the hard wood floor because they all turned to look at me. Vera and David are talking to each other, smiling at me. Derick is looking me up and down as usual, he really needs to get his hormones in check. I actually think he has a medical condition. Logan still looks upset, he gives me a small smile but looks away. I will talk to him tomorrow. I can't stand the thought of him being upset. Alex looks handsome in his black pants and navy blue button-up shirt, he starts to walk over to me and takes my hand.

"You look gorgeous little one." He complimented me while giving me a small hug. "Thanks." I replied sheepishly. "You look handsome as well." I complimented him back.

He chuckles and turns back to let everyone know we are leaving. We walked out and he opened the car door for me, and walked around to get into the driver's seat. I think he sensed I was nervous because he took my hand in his and gave it a little squeeze. I couldn't help smiling back at him. I take a deep breath and his manly scent and cologne invades my entire being. He is undoubtedly handsome and has an amazing body, but he still strikes me as a little imposing. I can tell he's used to having his way and being in charge in every aspect of his life. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Time will tell, I suppose.

ALEX POV

She smells so good, that's all I can think of the entire ride. For the first time since I'd met her, my thoughts had grown from a desire to get to know her. To a desire to put my mouth all over her and leave my marks of ownership all over her body. I know she's not ready for anything like that, but I can't help thinking or feeling that way. The attraction I feel for her is vehement.

"Any plans this week?" I asked while looking at the road. "Not really, except for Monday. I need to find a job." She replied and I nodded my head.

I made reservations at my favorite Italian restaurant and we got there just in time. The restaurant isn't very far from my parent's house. I pulled up to the valet and opened her door, giving her my hand to help her out. She accepted and exited the car, taking her place next to me as we walked in. I gave the hostess my name and she quickly seated us at a booth. Before we could continue our conversation, the server took our drink orders and scurried off.

"What kind of job are you looking for?" I asked, going back to our conversation. "Well, I've only ever worked at a book store. I'm not really sure what kind of job I should apply for." She confesses. "Why don't you apply for an entry-level office job at Landry Co.? Our office is always looking for secretaries and receptionists." I suggested.

The server returns with our drinks and takes out food orders. She doesn't respond to my earlier comment and pretends to be looking around the restaurant. I decide to turn things up a notch, see how she reacts.

"Stella, I asked you a question." I said, effectively getting her attention. "I don't want to take advantage of my friendship with Cici. I'm already staying with your family rent free and your mom keeps buying me things. I feel like a freeloader." She confesses, looking embarrassed. "No one sees you like that." I frowned at her. "I do." She whispered. "Stella, look at me." I reached out for her hand. She looks up and her eyes are full of tears that she's holding back.

"I bet this is the first time in a long time that anyone gave you anything. I'm sure it feels wrong. My parents admire how hard working you are and your independence. They also don't like that you had to grow up so quickly. There is nothing wrong with you applying for a job at our office. In fact, I'm picking you up on Monday morning so I can make sure you do." I gave her a stern look, showing her I was serious. "But.." She tried to argue. "No buts little one." I pointed my finger at her. Her little frown and pout combo is back and as cute as it is, I'm curious about what's going on in that head of hers. "Don't think I don't know what you’re doing."I chuckled while waving my finger at her.She looks up at me with her sweet innocent face, with that "who me' look.

"What were you thinking just now?" I asked while grinning at her. "Nothing.." She shrugged. I laughed out loud at her little act. Now she's glaring at me and it's almost cuter than the frown and pout she does. "You're bossy." She finally voices. "I am." I smiled widely at her. I know she meant it as an insult, but I take it as a compliment.

"I know that's not all you were thinking, I'm sure you toned it down." There is no way all of that frowning added up to one single critique. "I didn't tone it down, I consolidated." She clarifies with a grin of her own. Now we're talking. Just as suspected, looks cute but ready to attack if provoked. It would be fun to tame her little ass. "Doesn't change the fact that you’re going little one."I grinned back at her.

She huffed and took a sip of water. The food arrived and we ate while she calmed down. I have a feeling she's going to be a lot of fun. I think I've riled her up enough for one night. There are other things I would like to talk to her about.

"What are your plans after college?" I asked, changing the subject. Her face softened and she visibly relaxed.

"I actually want to work for myself, start my own company. With everything being online now, it's a real possibility. I would start off small with a website and hire more people as I get clients." She explains. I'm impressed. Most college graduates want to go work for the bigger companies, looking for job security. Starting your own company is a big risk that can bring a big reward if done right. "Ambitious." I smiled at her. "Being a woman and so young, I'm at a disadvantage in the corporate world. I don't want to be on anyone else's term, I want to make my own." She says confidently.

I can't help but admire how much thought she's put into her future. She's more my speed than I initially thought. We talked about all her goals and things she desired to do after college. Traveling was a big "to do" on her list. She asked about my college days, if I played sports or was part of a frat. She probably wanted to confirm what she assumed, she is very perceptive. Since I was indeed in a frat and played football. She smiled knowingly when I confirmed her suspicion and I felt a little offended.

"It's not what you think." I held my hands up defensively. "Really? So you didn't party and chase skirt." She giggled. "It's a little bit like what you think." I chuckled.

Now she was full on laughing at me and I was almost proud that my past indiscretions caused her such joy. When we were done with dinner, I paid and the valet brought our car around. Instead of heading home, we went to my favorite spot that looked over the city. We sat quietly looking out at the lights. I could feel her looking at me and turned to face her. She smiled shyly and blushed. I don't know what possessed me, but I leaned into her, looking down at her plump lips. I was so close to them, if we both breathed at the same time, they would touch. I looked into her eyes, expecting to see uncertainty, but I saw desire. I cupped her cheek with my hand and planted a soft kiss on her sweet lips. They tasted so good I couldn't help lightly tracing my tongue over them, she gasped and I deepened the kiss, softly massaging her tongue with mine. She let out a little sigh and followed my lead. I pulled back and looked at the piercing warm honey pools she calls her eyes. She seemed in a daze. I smiled at her and she smiled back shyly. She has me fully intrigued, she didn't even have to try.