It's the day of my housewarming party, and I'm hard at work prepping for the evening. Luckily, I've got some helpers.
"We mashed those tomatoes, (Y/N)!" Mason informs me.
"Uh, this bruschetta recipe calls for diced tomatoes, not mashed..."
I look over at their cutting board, and to my relief it looks salvageable.
"Yeah, but we thought that since you're trying to impress everyone, really smooshing the tomatoes would help." Mickey suggests.
"I read somewhere it brings out the flavor! And we kinda accidentally smashed them when pulling out that bottle of olive oil..." Mason adds.
"Boys, I think you just invented a whole new appetizer. My guest will have to be impressed now. Here, let's swap places, and you two can start slicing the bread."
"En garde!"
Mickey starts spearing at his brother with the baguette
At least they aren't fencing with the knives.
I turn back to the recipe and start mixing together the tomatoes with the other ingredients.
"I hope you two are almost done over there. I'm just about ready for those bread slices."
"Uh, just a sec!" Mickey begins to rush.
A few minutes later, the three of us step back to admire our handiwork.
"It looks fancy and adult, just like you wanted, (Y/N)."
"It's perfect. Are you learning those scooping skills at school?"
"Yeah, plus Ms. McAllister always–"
Mason is interrupted by a knock at the door. I let Jordan inside.
"Looks like the three of you have been hard at work this afternoon." Jordan smiles.
"Yes, thank you for letting me borrow them for a bit"
"Do we have to go already?" Mason asks.
"Yeah, (Y/N)'s party doesn't start until later, right (Y/N)?" Mickey questions.
Jordan smiles and nudges my shoulder with a conspiratorial look.
"As helpful as I'm sure you two would be, we don't wanna crowd (Y/N) if she's feeling stressed. It's not every day you play host to high society."
Some extra hands from my favorite twins would help me get through all this prep work... And it feels like it's been forever since I've had a chance to chat and catch up with them.
"Well, if you can spare the time–"
"Yeeessss!" Mason cheers.
"Let me at that cheese!" Mickey runs back to the kitchen.
"Uh, maybe this wasn't such a good idea..." Jordan chuckles.
"Too late to back out now. Come on."
All four of us gather in the kitchen, and I set up stations for everyone.
"Jordan, can you oversee the King of Cheese over there? We need to melt it down for fondue."
"On it."
"I had it under control..."
I lean over and stage-whisper.
"I'm sure you did, but we've gotta give Jordan something to do so he feels like he's helping."
"Good idea! " Mickey smiles.
"What about us, (Y/N)? What're we making?"
"Well, I was gonna put out some crackers and dip too–"
"I'll get them!"
Mason races over to the pantry on the other side of the kitchen, followed closely by Mickey.
"Wait for me!"
I turn to smile at Jordan...only to find he's moved closer, until our arms are almost touching.
He's probably just making room for the boys for when they get back.
"So, Jordan...How's Lee Know been?"
"Really busy. I haven't seen much of him lately, actually. It's like he spends all his time working at the robotics lab. Well, except for the time he spends with the boys, of course. He always makes sure to find time for them."
"That sounds like Lee Know."
"Actually, I was wondering if I could pick your brain sometime? I know you trained me when I first started, but you left some big shoes to fill. I feel like I need a Lee Nanny refresher course."
"Just the two of us?"
"Well, I don't know who else could teach that class, but if you want to invite a guest lecturer, I wouldn't say 'no'. Think about it."
Jordan winks at me, and I feel my cheeks heating...but before I can consider his offer, the twins rush back over to me.
"(Y/N)! Forget crackers and dip!" Mason shouts.
"We found something even better!" Mickey adds equally booted.
"Cookies as an appetizer? Brilliant! You two should seriously consider a career in catering."
"Only if it means we get cookies all the time! "
"I think that's just part of being an adult." Jordan tells Mason.
"I. Can't. Wait."
I survey our progress...
"Okay, we've still gotta finish up the cheese fondue plate. Any volunteers to cut up the veggies?"
"I can help! I love broccoli." Mason volunteers.
"Since when?" I ask looking at him suspiciously.
"Since he and his girlfriend started eating lunch together." Mickey blurts out.
"Here we go..."
"Nuh uh! And she's not my girlfriend. She's just...Liliana"
"That's a pretty name. What's she like?"
"She's really nice, and I like that. But I don't like like her! Girls are gross."
"It's okay to like someone as more than a friend. It's totally normal to have a crush at your age...or not. You don't have to force your feelings either way. Besides, I'm a girl. You don't think I'm gross, do you?"
"That's not the same!"
"It kinda is." Jordan chuckles.
"And he likes her even though we agreed to never like girls after what happened to Dad and Aunt Sofia."
"Liliana is nothing like Aunt Sofia." blurts out at Mickey.
I should hope not...
"Well, Mason isn't the only one with some new friends. Didn't you get sent to the principal's office with one of your girl classmates, Mickey?"
"Oh, that's just Steffi. That doesn't count."
"Why doesn't it count? And when did you get sent to the principal's office?"
"Last week. We were trying to pull off the greatest prank of all time, but someone busted us."
"Liliana didn't know what you were doing! She just saw you wandering the hall and got worried. She didn't mean to tattle. I told you, we gotta start using our lunches to plan together."
"Well, I'm glad you both seem to be adjusting to being in separate classes."
"They always have a fun, new story to tell on the way home." Jordan chuckles.
"And we have different homework now, so Mickey can't copy off of me."
"I never copied! Just...confirmed my already correct answers."
"Right. You know this'll bring you closer together. Sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder." I smile at the boys.
"I don't know about this fonder business, but sometimes I actually miss Mason by the end of school."
"It is nice when you don't already know all my stories because you weren't there."
"And we're expanding our pranks, now that we have other people to help us."
"See? So many silver linings."
I glance up and catch Jordan looking at me with an unreadable expression... He quickly smiles.
"Wow, you're so good at that." he tells me.
"At what?"
"Relating to them. I don't know how you always know the right thing to say."
"Believe me, I don't. But it helps to speak from the heart."
The rest of the prep work passes quickly, and before I know it, the twins put the last of their sliced veggies on the fondue platter.
"I think all the oar-dirts are done now..." Mickey informs me.
"They look delicious. Thanks so much for your help, everybody."
"We'd better get out of your hair so you can finish getting ready. You've got a lot of guests to dazzle!" Jordan smiles.
"Here's a tip...use glitter!" Mason suggests.
"I'll keep that in mind."
I give the boys a quick hug before walking them to the door. After cleaning up in the kitchen, I start to do a final walkthrough when I hear another knock on the door.
Who's here this early?
I open the door and let out a sigh of relief that it's only Naya.
"I hope you're planning to greet your actual guests more warmly later."
"Sorry, I just wasn't expecting to see you until our meeting next week."
"I like to keep my clients on their toes. How are we feeling?"
"I'm feeling confident. I did some power poses in the mirror earlier and everything."
"Whatever it takes."
"What do you think? Am I ready?"
"Your place is ready. Your person...not so much. But don't worry, that's why I'm here. Come."
I follow Naya into the bedroom. She offers me a chic new outfit, perfect for the party.
"Min-ho got his makeover. Now it's your turn."
"Well, when you put it that way..."
I slip into the designer skirt and blouse, relishing the feel of the lush fabrics against my skin.
"What do you think?"
"Stunning. I wish I could be here when you blow everyone away."
"You sure you can't stay for the party?"
"It wouldn't do for your guests to know you have a publicist. Just mingle with everyone, especially the people you'll see most often, like the parents from Sterling Academy. Do that, and you'll be golden."
An hour later, Jenny sidles up to me as I survey the gathered guests.
"Okay, spill. How did you get the Dekardians to come to your party?"
"I didn't. It was all Naya. The only person I put on the list is you."
"I feel so honored. But seriously, Naya is connected. I haven't seen a gathering of such influential socialites since The City went off air. It's a good thing you look so chic. I'm loving your new outfit."
"Even though you didn't pick it out?"
"I'm ignoring that fact 'cause I'm such a good friend."
I take a deep breath and down the last of my drink.
"I guess I should get out there and mingle."
"You got this. Muah! "
I approach a woman who looks like she's debating between a drink or a snack.
"Welcome, Marisol. Glad you could make it."
"Thanks for inviting me. You have a lovely home. And that view..."
I gesture at the nearby table full of hors d'oeuvres.
"Can I help you find something?"
"Actually...I don't suppose you've got a chocolate fondue pot hidden back there too? I have a bit of a sweet tooth." Marisol asks.
"No, but I do have a whole plate of cookies. Don't tell the others, but I had some help from the Lee twins earlier, and they insisted that I put out a sweet treat too."
"This is perfect, thank you. You used to work for the Lees, right? It's nice that the boys still like to spend time with you."
"Yes, I'm very lucky. I would've worked for them forever, but it was time to move on."
"Sounds like they were the lucky ones to have such a fun nanny. Thanks again for the cookies."
Next, I run into one of the parents from Sterling Academy filling his plate to the brim with appetizers.
"Long day, huh?"
"Ah, busted. I had to skip lunch and dinner, so I hope you don't mind..." Will chuckles.
"Help yourself. They're there to be enjoyed."
Will pops a bruschetta into his mouth and lets out a long, contented sigh.
"Much better. My daughter Steffi duct-taped me into my room this afternoon. These apps are the only good thing to happen to me today."
Steffi? Uh oh, that must be Mickey's new friend...
"You know, I used to nanny for a family whose kids loved to pull pranks like that... In my experience, you just have to try and enjoy it. Even if it's a struggle sometimes, she's being creative and using her imagination. Plus, she's including you in her play time."
"You've got a point. These moments won't last forever, and it does give us something to do together. Even if I'm the target of the pranks, rather than the collaborator."
"Maybe if you show an interest in them, she'll start planning with you instead of against you."
"One can only hope."
After talking with Will, I find Lana talking to another socialite over by the drinks station.
"Oh sweetie, don't you know? Margaritas are so last year. Mint mojitos are the new 'it' drink."
"But Sofia said–" a guest begins to speak.
"Sofia isn't here, now is she? She's still licking her wounds in St. Bart's."
"Lana, you know Sofia?" I ask.
The blonde turns to me with a big smirk...but it drops immediately once she looks me up and down.
"(Y/N), you look–"
"Stunning. I love your outfit." a guest smiles.
"Thank you. I just threw it on. But Lana? You were saying something?"
"Right. Just that Sofia and I go way back, of course."
"Do you know Sofia, (Y/N)?" the guest asks.
"Do I know her? Who doesn't? That woman seems to know everyone in this city. She's something else, isn't she?"
"Honestly, I think she's kind of scary."
"Of course you do. Not everyone who stands up to Sofia lives to tell the tale, isn't that right, (Y/N)?" Lana states.
Lana's obviously trying to test me or something, but I'm not gonna back down.
I remind myself of Naya's plan and how I agreed to approach the subject of Sofia.
"In spite of Sofia's reputation, she can be a little flaky. I mean, she was supposed to be helping at Lee-Russo right now... But where is she? Still moping at a $3,000-a-night resort? Seems irresponsible to me."
"Really? I hadn't heard..." the guest states with a gasp.
Lana tips her glass toward me.
"Can't argue with that."
As the evening starts to wind down, I find myself chatting with the other Sterling Academy parents and Jenny.
"I'm Jenny, (Y/N)'s best friend and an up-and-coming fashion blogger."
"Ah. That explains your whole...look. I was just connecting the dots earlier with (Y/N) about my bestie, Sofia Russo." Lana smirks
"Here we go again." Will sighs with annoyance.
"Yeah, can you believe it, Jenny? Small world, huh?" I say.
I give Jenny a subtle head shake and she nods, understanding my silent plea to deal with this later.
"The smallest."
"I didn't expect this to be a big deal, since Sofia and Min-ho ended their relationship mutually. I mean, those rumors that it was 'because of the nanny' are just so unfair, (Y/N)."
"Lana, I thought you told the tabloids–" Marisol begins to say.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Mari" Lana jumps to stop her.
"Well, don't believe everything you read." I smile.
"So you're saying there's nothing going on between you and Lee Min-ho?"
"Of course we have a relationship. He trusted me to live in his home and take care of his children. Obviously, we got to know each other in that time. And he's a great man, it's really a shame that the media distorted our friendship like this."
"Sometimes people only see what they want to see. It sucks you had to quit your job over it..."
"It's outrageous what the tabloids get away with saying just to sell copies."
"Yeah, I respect the two of you for making the best decision for the kids" Will grins.
Lana gives me a long look, and it's almost like I'm back in front of Sofia on the night we met... But this time, I straighten my shoulders and meet Lana's gaze head-on.
"That's not what I heard from Sofia... But since she's not here to defend herself, it's hard to take her story seriously. I mean, your side is way more believable anyway."
"Thanks?"
"You're welcome. I have to admit, I underestimated you."
"Oh, I know."
Lana gives me the first genuine smile I've seen all night.
"I look forward to seeing what else I was wrong about when it comes to you. But not tonight. Mommy's little helpers are wearing off. Tah-tah!"
Lana sweeps toward the front door, obviously expecting the others to follow. They look at each other, then shrug.
"I guess that's our cue. Thanks for inviting us, (Y/N)." Will says.
"You know, I'm organizing the annual regatta for my yacht club next week. You should come." Marisol invites.
"I would love to! I don't sail personally, but I like to watch the races."
"Perfect. I'll send over the details."
As soon as she disappears after the others, I turn to Jenny with a wide grin.
"Did you hear that?"
"Hell yeah! You scored an invite for the next big event of the season! This calls for a drink."
After the party, I flop back on my bed. A moment later, Jenny joins me.'
"Poor thing. You worked yourself to death tonight for those snobs."
"Some of them were okay...but at least I have you. The one friend I don't have to impress."
"Yeah, no need to impress little ol' me."
"What if I give you all the leftover wine? Naya sent over the fancy stuff..."
"You know fancy wine I can't pronounce is the way to my heart. But only if you join me for the premiere of the new season of Real Lifestyles of the Rich and Idle next week."
"I'm in."
My phone hums with an incoming message, and I glance down.
Lee Know:
-How'd it go?
Me:
-Surprisingly ok...wish you were here though.
Lee Know:
-Me too. I missed you tonight.
"You texting one of your glam new BFFs already?"
"Shut up, it's just Lee Know."
"Ooo, scandalous!"
"Not one of those texts!"
"Where's the fun in that? After everything you did for the sake of your relationship tonight, seems to me like he owes you a little something. The least he can do is help you regain your energy...and I'd be more than happy to make myself scarce."
Jenny winks, and I blush, considering.
I have missed spending quality time with Lee Know recently...
"If you're okay with missing out on all this fun, you can go on home, and I'll call Lee Know over."
"As much as I love cleaning, I'll pass and let Min-ho clean you up. Have fun!"
I pull out my phone and text Lee Know to come over as Jenny heads out the door. Half an hour later, I stretch out on the couch while Lee Know tidies up the room.
"You're the best boyfriend ever, Lee Min-ho."
"You did this for the sake of our relationship, not to mention all the times you've cleaned up after my boys. And you look gorgeous in that outfit."
He pauses by the couch on his way to the kitchen. He bends down to drop a lingering kiss on my lips, tempting me with the promise of more...
"Believe me when I say this is the very least I can do."
Lee Know brings an armful of glasses to the sink, then turns to look at me.
"The amount of used cups around here has me thinking it was a success. Am I right?"
"I think everyone had a good time, except the hostess. All I can say is you're worth it. I'd jump through a thousand more hoops if it means we can just be together someday."
Lee Know stands over me, leaning down to capture my lips with his.
"I don't deserve you. Now, you stay here and relax, and I'm gonna tackle that disaster zone in the kitchen."
I watch him go and then heave myself up to follow. In the kitchen, I see Lee Know sopping up a puddle of champagne on the counter. When Lee Know looks up, he smiles.
"Hey, what did I say about you relaxing?"
"But I like watching you."
Lee Know chuckles as I step closer and snake my arms around his waist.
"And it's the first time we've ever been truly alone in this apartment..."
"What do you suggest we do with all this...space?"
I look around and spot a can of whipped cream left over from the party.
"I think we should get very, very messy."
Lee Know's eyes darken with desire.
"As you wish."
Lee Know's grip tightens around me, bowing his head to trail breathy kisses along my neck. I shiver at the feeling. I tug on his clothes, and he steps back just enough to undress. I follow suit, my clothes joining his in a pile at my feet.
"Now, where were we?"
He takes the can of whipped cream from me and squirts a dollop on his finger. I grab his wrist, maintaining eye contact as I pull him toward me. I trail his whipped cream finger over the top of my breast, then look up at him.
"Whoops. You got me all messy..."
"Let me fix that."
He bends his head and starts to lick the whipped cream off my skin, his tongue darting out to get every last drop. I pick up the can of whipped cream, eyeing Lee Know's body. I trail the nozzle along his chest, creating an intricate pattern along his skin.
"Are you writing something?"
"Just giving you a little sneak peek of exactly how I'm going to torture you with my tongue."
After I finish writing All Mine with the whipped cream, I lean down and start making good on my promise. Lee Know's head falls back with a groan as I nip and suck on his skin.
"Such a...tease..."
I continue my ministrations until Lee Know is squeaky clean again. I reach for the can to cover his skin again, but he stops me. I can see the anticipation, the passion, burning in his eyes.
"My turn."
"Oh!"
I let out a little squeak as Lee Know picks me up and lays me out on the kitchen table. He trails his hands over my body, and I realize just how much tutoring him has turned me on.
"Lee Know..."
He sprays my breasts with whipped cream, then leans over to devour the sweetness. He spends extra time circling my nipples with his tongue. My hips buck helplessly.
"I need you..."
I reach for him, but he grabs my wrists and pins them above my head.
"Not so fast. I haven't finished my dessert."
With a warning look not to move my hands, Lee Know picks up the whipped cream can again. He covers my body in the decadent foam, the light sensation teasing me as I imagine his tongue taking his place.
"You're exquisite."
I look up to catch his gaze. Despite my body being on display for him, his eyes burn into mine.
"Lee Know, please I'm begging you."
I shiver under his intense gaze, my body desperate for his touch.
"Please..."
Lee Know curses under his breath as he leans in to devour me. I moan as I finally get the friction I've been craving...
"God, I love when you beg for me."
He licks and nibbles at every inch of my skin, as if I'm the most decadent dessert he's ever had. His fingers follow close behind his mouth, setting my body on fire under his touch. I cup my hand behind his neck and pull his gaze to meet mine.
"I need you inside me, now. I can't wait any longer."
"Me neither."
"Take me...right here, on the table."
He nods. He pulls my hips to the edge of the table and lines himself up with my entrance.
"Are you ready?"
"See yourself."
I take his hand and run his fingers against my wet center, my hips bucking at his light touch.
"Stop teasing and–"
I cut off with a moan as his hips surge forward to meet mine.
"Yes..."
Lee Know pulls back, then pushes back in, over and over again as he picks up speed. His grip on my waist tightens as my hands snake down my body to cup my breasts.
"Oh God...I could watch you do that all night."
"I'm definitely not going to last that long..."
Our bodies find a rhythm together as we chase our pleasure toward the edge.
"(Y/N), I'm..."
"Almost...there..."
Finally, my stomach clenches as the heavy storm crashes over me, leaving euphoria in its wake."
"...Lee Know!! "
After a moment, the two of us untangle and find a more comfortable position. I lean my head on Lee Know's shoulder...
"That was amazing."
He drops a kiss on my forehead.
"You're amazing...even if a little sticky." he chuckles.
"I wonder whose fault that is."
"I'll happily take credit...but we should probably wash up before we get carried away again."
"Mmm...you and me in the shower together? Lead the way."
I grin as Lee Know stands and offers me his hand. We head into the bathroom together for round two.
Later that week, Lee Know and I have another meeting with Naya to talk about our progress.
"So, word on the street is your party was a big hit."
"I never had any doubt." Lee Know smiles.
"I'm ready to move on to the next step. The paparazzi aren't breaking down the doors, so this feels like a win. Did I mention that Marisol invited me to a regatta next week?"
"She must really like you, if she got you a last-minute ticket. And there should be plenty of cameras there, so the timing works out perfectly."
"The timing for what, exactly?" Lee Know asks.
"For your official meet-cute, of course. (Y/N), Min-ho, it's time to take your relationship to the next level."
Going out in public with Lee Know? Finally!