that out anywhere,” Cam said.
“I’d stand out more than a little.” She hugged both men and handed over the wine. “Something smells wonderful.”
“Hope you brought your appetite.” Owen walked up and kissed her cheek. “There’s a ton of pasta.”
“With four hunky men, I’m sure it won’t go to waste.” Zoe inhaled. “I love garlic.”
“Good, my entire contribution is extra-buttered and garlic-overdosed bread. Quick tour or food?” Don offered.
“Tour.” She shrugged.
“I’ll open the wine.” Owen headed back to the kitchen.
“Where’s Jar?” she asked Don.
“Stirring his sauce. It’s excellent homemade stuff. He’s a little anal about it.” Don gave her a tour of the two-story home.
“You guys are so cute! It looks as though you use two of the bedrooms. Aren’t you all together?” she asked quietly.
“Sure, but we lived here before that happened. When Cam and I rented out the room, we didn’t know it’d turn into this. We can all squeeze into one bed, but for dressers and closet space, we need both rooms.” Don led her back to the eat-in kitchen. Since that first time with all four men, it’d become a habit to stick together.
The old wooden table was full of food. Jar set a bowl of sauce out and kissed Zoe. “Grab a seat. It’s all ready.”
“You didn’t need to go to this much trouble. I’ve never had so much homemade food in my life. Lucky Springs really needs more fast food places.” Zoe sat down.
The guys chuckled as they sat. Owen poured the wine liberally.
“Your mom didn’t cook when you were a kid?” Cam asked.
Zoe blushed. “My mom worked a lot. Single mom, so no. I am a cereal and microwave gourmet.”
“Then let us spoil you. There’s sauce with and without meat.” Jar pointed at them.
“I’m not a vegetarian.” Zoe grabbed the meat sauce as Cam dished out pasta.
“We know, but the spices are slightly different. Jar always makes both. You can try the other one for a second helping if you want to test it.” Owen grabbed the meatless sauce.
“If I keep eating like this, I won’t fit into my cute dresses anymore.” She grabbed a sizeable piece of garlic bread.
“Don’t worry. We’ll help keep up your activity level to burn off the calories.” Don spun his fork in the pasta.
“Or it’s an excuse to buy new clothes.” Cam piled food on his plate.
“Real food is healthier than all that processed junk you were raised on. Your body will use it better.” Jar sipped his wine.
“We’re talking about my body way too much. Are you guys ready for New Orleans? Checking out the potential clients who’ll be there?” she asked.
“We’re ready. One hotel room should be enough,” Don said.
Zoe coughed as she swallowed her wine. “What?”
Cam patted her on the back. “Just trying to save the company some money. We booked one room with two double beds. If you want your own space, you can book your own room.”
“Well, it’s a matter of space. I know it’s only a few days, but clothes need to be hung up, and hotels give you barely a few drawers. For five people? It’s not the sleeping together. Plus, the company records of the trip would be out there. It’d be all over the place in no time. Let me think about it.” She stuffed a fork full of pasta into her mouth.
“Then it’s a good thing we brought it up. We don’t care if the company knows about us.” Owen took another piece of garlic bread.
She swallowed more wine. “Anything else we need to talk about before I take another bite?”
Don laughed. “Dig in. We’ve got all night to work off the carbs.”
“Sounds like heaven.” Zoe bit into a piece of garlic bread and moaned.
* * * *
After a huge meal and a few more glasses of wine, Zoe found herself naked on a big bed. The men were still fully dressed and massaging Zoe’s body. She finally started the ball rolling, tugging Cam’s shirt out of his pants. The men stripped quickly, and she enjoyed the show.
Eleanor Coerr, Ronald Himler