Red Velvet

EVIE

~I slammed my bedroom door behind me and then slowly turned to where Sam was sitting on my bed. I could feel myself blushing all the way down my body.~

~I knew Sam could see the blush too, because all my skin was on display in this tiny, skimpy Santa Claus outfit. My breasts were practically spilling out of the corset top, heaving as I tried to catch my breath.~

~“What the hell are you wearing?” he asked, sounding equal parts turned-on and pissed.~

~“What’s the matter?” I asked, flirting on reflex, batting my eyes and pushing my chest out to give him a better view. “Don’t you like it?”~

~Wow. This was so not business casual. This was the exact opposite of business casual. How the fuck did I even get here?~

^TWELVE HOURS EARLIER^

It was Saturday, which meant I’d officially survived my first week at work. Now, I had a plan—as long as I could get the okay from my parents.

After taking some extra time in the mirror, I headed down the elegantly decorated staircase and veered into the living room. My parents, sister, and brother-in-law were all planted on the smoky-gray sofas, drinking their morning coffee.

The Christmas tree shone; the sunlight pouring in through the picture window glistened off the silver and gold glass ornaments, making it look like a disco ball.

I took a deep breath. The diverse scents of my family’s various coffee preferences lingered in the air.

“You look nice, dear,” my mom said over the steaming cup in her hands. “What’s the occasion?”

I’d figured I could get away with wearing one of my favorite neutral nude dresses today, since I didn’t have to wear shoes. These last couple of days at the office in flats had been killing me.

“Well, you guys were curious about the man who brought me home the other night. You said you wanted to have him over for dinner, right? If you still want to meet him, I would be happy to take that next step,” I said.

“Oh, Evie,” Mom said cheerfully. “That’s great!”

My dad smiled. “We would love to meet him.”

“We’re having a roast tonight, and there’ll be plenty for everyone,” Saanvi said.

“I’m always game to meet new people,” chimed in Saanvi’s husband, Tim.

I furrowed my brows. “Are you guys sure?”

“Of course,” Saanvi said. “I, for one, am excited to officially meet Mr. TDH…”

~Talk, dark, and handsome.~

I rolled my eyes and smirked, raising my cell. “I’ll text him and see if he’s available tonight.”

With their approval, I dashed upstairs and typed a message.

Evie

Are you ready for phase one of our relationship, Vázquez?

While awaiting a response, I set my phone on my bathroom counter, touching up my fire-red lipstick and carefully running my fingers through my curls to detangle them.

~Ping.~ I collected my phone from the granite and couldn’t help but grin at Sam’s message.

Vázquez

Phone sex?

Evie

Lol. You wish, Vázquez

I wished that phone sex was an option too. But per our business casual agreement, that was off-limits.

Evie

You available for dinner tonight?

Vázquez

That depends… If you’re on the menu, I’ll clear my schedule.

Of course, he had to go and remind me about the magic of his fucking tongue.

Just as I was about to type a smart-ass response, another message swooped in.

Vázquez

In all seriousness, what time?

Evie

Six?

Vázquez

Sounds good. I’ll see ya then, angel.

***

Sam arrived that night clad in a red tie and white button-up, dressed to impress. I tried not to ogle him too obviously. Then I remembered we were faking a relationship and wondered if I should make a show of ogling him.

~Don’t overthink it, Evie.~

“Mom, Dad, this is Samuel…Santiago,” I said by way of introduction. I didn’t want to give them his real last name in case they made the connection between Samuel Vázquez, my “boyfriend,” and Vázquez and Associates, my workplace.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Sam,” my mom said, offering him a handshake and gesturing him inside. “I’m Eleanor Beckett, and this is my husband, Fredrick. Our daughter, Saanvi, and her husband, Tim. And of course you already know Evie!” She laughed.

We all parked ourselves at a dining table just big enough for six people. Sam sat across from Saanvi, and I was opposite Tim, while my parents each took an end seat.

The oil-rubbed, bronze chandelier dangled over a red-and-green ornamental centerpiece, illuminating the ebony table, our tall crystal glasses of wine, and the pile of pot roast, carrots, and potatoes on each of our plates.

“So, Sam…,” my dad started. “What do you do for work?”

Sam smiled. “I actually work with—”

“He works with cars,” I interrupted, squeezing Sam’s thigh under the table. “He’s a, uh… car salesman.”

He swatted my hand from his leg in irritation. “The lead salesman in the business,” he said after a beat, adopting my lie.

“Oh, that’s wonderful,” Mom said, beaming.

“So how did the two of you meet?” Saanvi asked.

Sam chuckled to himself. “Well, it’s actually a funny story…”

I clutched his thigh again, concerned he’d spill more detail than he should. No way did I want my parents hearing the whole X-rated story of our first night together.

After a minor wince, his chuckle dimmed. “I saw Evie from across the bar and thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world, so I bought her a drink and gave it my best shot.”

“What’s funny about that?” Tim asked, sounding confused.

“Uh…nothing,” Sam said. “I guess you had to be there.”

“Well, I think it’s sweet,” Mom said.

After the awkward meal of twenty questions, Sam and I both offered to help my parents clean up in the kitchen. He made a show of putting on a smiling face, but I knew him well enough by now to realize that was all it was—a show.

I hadn’t meant to upset him. Maybe we should’ve gone over some talking points before diving into this plan.

“You know, Sam, it’s pretty late. If you don’t want to drive home, you’re welcome to spend the night here with Evie,” Dad said, setting the last plate in the dishwasher.

~Um, absolutely not.~

“Oh, Dad, I’m sure Sam would much rather—”

“You know what, Mr. Beckett?” Sam smirked. “I would like that. Thank you.”

My father smiled. “Please, call me Frederick.”

~Jesus, fuck. Are you kidding me?~

I forced a smile for my family’s sake as I said goodnight to everyone and dragged Sam up to my bedroom. Then, letting my infuriated grimace slip out, I manhandled him inside and shut the door.

My forehead pinched. “What the hell, Vázquez!”

“I could say the same to you. A fucking car salesman? Really? I worked hard to own my own business, and I’m damn proud of it. You, of all people, should understand that.” He threw himself down on my bed, glaring at me.

“I don’t want them to think I’m fucking my boss!” I snarled. “Is that why you agreed to stay? To piss me off?”

“Is it working?” he asked.

“Yeah,” I growled. “It is.”

“Good.”

I rolled my eyes, spinning on my heel and making for the door again.

“Where’re you going?” he asked.

“To ask Saanvi for a couple of extra blankets. Seems I have an annoying bed buddy for the night, and I want to stay as far away from you as possible,” I snapped.

After drawing the door tight, I walked the few steps across the hall to knock on the guest room. Saanvi opened up right away, throwing me a knowing grin.

“Hey, do you guys have an extra blanket for Sam?” I asked.

Saanvi’s smile faltered. “Uh, honey?” she asked, turning toward Tim. “Can you give Evie and me some time to talk?”

“Sure,” he said easily, setting down his book. “I’ll go hang downstairs for a little while.”

Tim scooted by, and Saanvi practically yanked me inside.

“Why on earth do you want an extra blanket?” she asked. “You’ve been dating this guy for like a week; that’s the best time for snuggling up for body heat.” She eyed me. “Unless…Evie, have you not slept with him yet?”

I struggled internally with how to answer that. The bitch knew me too well. She was perfectly aware that I was happy to put out on the first date if I liked someone enough. “He…wants to wait,” I lied.

Saanvi raised an eyebrow, studying me like she knew something was up. “You know what?” she said after a moment, smirking. “I have just the thing to change that.”

She rushed to her wardrobe, pulling out a hanger with a red velvet dress lined with fluffy white fur.

My forehead pinched. “Is that a Santa outfit?”

Saanvi cocked a brow. “Duh. I bought it a few months ago to surprise Tim. I haven’t worn it yet, but something tells me you need it more than I do.”

“Saanvi…” I shook my head. “I don’t think—”

“Oh, come on. Just try it on. If you don’t like it, you can take it off.”

If I didn’t at least try it, I’d have to come up with another lie about why not. Another lie that Saanvi would probably see through. She was clearly already suspicious.

Okay, so I’d slip the dress on, tell her I loathed it, and then change into some nice, modest pajamas for the night.

A few minutes later, I was standing in front of Saanvi’s old full-length mirror, eyeing myself with trepidation.

The push-up feature of the corset top hiked up my breasts to the point that my nipples might as well have been showing. The cinched waistline and short skirt let half of my ass cheeks hang out, with garters leading down to a pair of vivid red stockings.

I couldn’t lie to myself: I looked hot. However, that was precisely why I couldn’t step in front of Sam like this.

“Saanvi,” I said, turning to her, “there is no fucking way I’m—”

“It’s just the lighting,” she said hastily. “You look amazing! Just step into the hall real fast.”

My forehead pinched. “Are you crazy?”

“The lighting’s better out there! Just go out, take a selfie, and tell me it’s not awesome.”

“Saanvi—” I whined.

“Have I ever steered you wrong?” she interrupted.

~No. You haven’t. But you don’t know you’re playing with fire here.~

“Just trust me,” she begged.

“All right. But when I still hate it, I’m coming back in and taking it off.”

She nodded. “Deal.”

I checked the coast was clear before creeping into the hall, tugging down the sides of the skirt. It was useless; either my cleavage popped out or my ass did. But I guessed that was the point.

Then Saanvi’s door shut behind me, and I could hear the lock click into place.

I twirled in alarm. My clothes were in there! “Saanvi!” I whisper-shouted, knocking furiously. “Open this door right now!”

Her voice came through muffled by the wood. “I’m doing this because I love you.”

“Goddammit, Saanvi!”

No answer.

“Saanvi!”

I panicked as I heard my parents’ voices coming up the stairs.

~They can’t see me like this!~

I sprang for my bedroom—ducking inside.