Chapter One
Disclaimer: I do not have any rights to any of the real persons depicted in this fiction. No infringement was intended. I promise to return them when I�m done, fed, bathed, and well taken care of.
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Part 1
Justice sighed as she walked into the back of the caf� she was working in. Clocking in she turned to check herself in the mirror behind her. Groaning she figured it would have to do, she hadn�t gotten much sleep last night since she had been out clubbing with some of the other girls she worked with. The only saving factor was that she was only covering for another girl for about half an hour, so she could deal with anything for that long. Before walking out to the floor of the upscale caf� she checked to see her section. The waitress that was coming off of her shift would close out any tables about to leave and Justice would take over from there, both of them knowing the routine all to well. Plastering on a smile Justice began to work.
�Hey Justice.� Shelly said to her as she passed.
�Hey chica. Busy today?� Justice asked nicely to the blonde that was filling up a pitcher of water.
�Nah, not too bad, but you know how it can be on Sundays.�
�Sure do. Well holler at you in a minute I just saw some guys take up a table outside of mine.� Justice said with a short wave and made her way out to the patio. She loved the days when she got the patio, since it gave her an opportunity to be outdoors more. It seemed to Justice that she didn�t spend nearly enough time outdoors anymore. Walking up to the table of four guys she smiled to them. Always on the lookout for some nice eye candy she was not disappointed. Walking up to stand between the two with their backs turned to her she introduced herself.
�Hi my name's Justice and I�ll be your waitress today. Can I start you out with some drinks?� Justice told them nicely trying to hide her thick southern accent, since most people not used to it had a hard time understanding her at times. The two guys across from her smiled nicely. They were good looking, both blonde. Out of the corner of her eye she could tell that the two on either side of her were brunettes, one of them having a Mohawk. The redneck in Justice almost couldn�t contain her laughter at the ridiculous sight of it, but she was a firm believer in �to each their own�. Orlando was drawn out of his thoughts of his hangover when a person came to stand next to him. Starting from the floor where his eyes were he noticed a pair of nice tanned and muscular female legs the led up to a conservative black knee length skirt. Traveling further up he saw a tight black t shirt and a mass of curly brown hair pulled up into a ponytail. Glancing back down a little bit he leaned back to look at her from behind, very nice he thought to himself. Orlando sent a smirk across the table from him to Billy, who had seen him lean back to check out the waitress. He was pulled back to the present when the others at the table began to order their drinks.
�Tea please.� The blonde on the left told Justice with a smile, she could definitely hear a British accent.
�Tea and for you sir.� Justice asked and smiled charmingly at the blonde sitting next to the other.
�Coffee for me, cream please.� This one had a Scottish accent shining through and Justice smiled she definitely never got tired of hearing that particular accent whenever she heard it.
�Sure.� Justice replied and turned her attention to the brunette sitting next to her. He seemed to be lost in his own world and Justice giggled. Nudging him with her hip he startled and looked up at her, both of them smiling to each other immediately.
�Lij?!� Justice nearly screamed it before she quieted herself. The brunette had jumped up from his chair and now the two of them hugged furiously. The others at the table just watched. From behind the two Orlando watched as his normally tame friend lifted the girl from the floor in a huge hug. Setting her back down Elijah looked her over.
�Damn Jus. You look good. You grew up!� He told her and she blushed.
�Thank you, you too. Looking as yummy as normal I see though. Wow, I never thought I�d run into anyone here that I knew!� She beamed at him.
�Me either, what in the hell are you doing here anyways?� He questioned.
�Hmm too long of a story to tell. Wow, its so great seeing you.� Justice couldn�t get over her enthusiasm, it had been so long since she had seen her friend.
�You as well. I didn�t even recognize you without your accent.�
�Oh well I still have that, but I hide it when I�m working. I find most people outside of the south don�t understand redneck all that well.� She said with a laugh. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed her manager looking at her. �Hmmm looks like el capitain has other ideas about our reunion. So um what can I get you to drink?� She asked as he sat back down.
�Tea for me as well.� Elijah said with a smile.
�Still take sugar?� Justice asked knowingly.
�Yah.� He said with a smile amazed at her memory from so long ago. Justice nodded and turned behind her to take the last drink order. Justice was nearly left tongue tied by the warm chocolate eyes that she found herself looking into. In that instant the silly Mohawk was forgotten with images of those eyes and lips. Allowing her eyes to travel over his body she took in his lean but strongly built shoulders and strong hands. It was a well known fact to any of Justice�s friends that she had a major hand fetish. Crushes could be made or broken by the look of a man�s hands for her. Quickly bringing her eyes to her notepad to cover for her obvious staring she waited for his order.
�Decaff coffee for me.� Orlando said to the brunette that seemed interested in her order pad.
�Sounds good.� Justice replied looking up at him briefly then turning away to look over the table one last time with a smile. �I�ll be right back with your drinks, menu�s are there in the middle.� Justice cast one last smile at Elijah before she walked away to fill their drink orders. To her surprise when she walked back over to the beverage station the girl she had been covering for was clocking in.
�Stacey what are you doing here so early?� Justice asked.
�Oh well my doctor called and had to cancel, another of his patients went into labor this morning and he was going to be up at the hospital.� Stacey told her as she patted her small protruding belly. �So I get to wait to be poked with a needle at another time. Thank you so much for covering for me though.� Justice smiled and looked at her friend for approval before reaching out and touching her stomach. Stacey only smiled and grabbed Justice�s hand. Justice smiled.
�He�s moved around since yesterday.� Justice observed. She wanted to have kids one day but she knew it was a few years away still, especially since her break up a few years ago with her long time boyfriend.
�Yah she moved last night to this side.� Stacey said with a laugh as she stressed the she. �Seriously though thank you so much for always covering for me.�
�You are so very welcome. Besides it was fate, I just met up with one of my old school friends that I haven�t seen in years. So I should be thanking you.� Justice looked up and smiled. �Well how about I fill their drinks and that way you can start their tab. I haven�t even started it yet.� Stacey nodded and they turned to begin filling drinks. Stacey went to deliver them as Justice clocked out and went to check her next scheduled time to work.
Back at the table Elijah turned to look at the expectant faces of his friends.
�So are you going to tell us how you know the girl?� Dominic asked Elijah.
�That�s Justice. I went to middle school and part of high school with her.� Elijah explained. �She was like my best friend. We did everything together.�
�So are ye gonna set me up with her?� Billy asked with a smile.
Elijah looked his friend over and smiled.
�Billy you couldn�t handle a girl like her.� He said with a wicked gleam in his eyes and left it at that. Within moments their drinks arrived.
Stacey walked the tray of drinks out to the table. She came to stand where Justice had stood only moments ago. Orlando looked over expecting to get another look at the girl that was Elijah�s friend when he was greeted with a slightly swollen pregnant belly. He was sure that hadn�t been their before. Looking up he noticed that it was another girl.
�Where is Justice?� Elijah asked.
�Oh clocking out I guess. I�m sure she�ll be out soon. My name�s Stacey I�ll be waitress now.� She said with a smile and started taking their orders. Just as they were finishing Justice walked back up to the table with a smile.
�Later Stacey. Make sure to stay off your feet every chance you get.� Justice told her with a stern but friendly voice.
�Yes mommy...dearest.� Stacey said with a giggled as she dodged Justice�s swat to the bottom.
�Don�t make me hurt you girl.� Justice said to her retreating back then turned to the table of guys who were all staring at her.
�Are you leaving?� Elijah asked her as she walked up to stand next to him.
�Yah I was only covering for her for a little bit, but hey I was wondering if ya�ll were going to hang out for a bit after eating or if you had to dash?� This time she didn�t have to cover her accent and all the other guys picked up on the southern drawl distinctly.
�Its our day off so I�m sure we�ll hang for a bit.� Elijah told her. �Do you want to sit down with us?�
�I�d love to but I�ve got to run home real quick. I was out real late last night and I am in serious need of a shower. I only live a few blocks so I should be back in like 45 minutes, still think ya�ll will be here?� She asked.
�Even if they aren�t I�ll wait for you. You got away once but you wont this time.� He said with a smile.
�I don�t plan on it. You are such a welcome sight. But I promise I�ll be back soon. You know how fast I can get dressed.� Justice told him with a smile. Then she bent down and kissed him on the cheek. �See you in a bit.� Then with a wave to the table she disappeared out of the restaurant.
True to her word she was back within 45 minutes just as the group finished their food. She walked up to the table with a smile. She had washed her hair, done her makeup, and changed clothes. Instead of the black skirt and black t shirt of her uniform she was wearing a pair of worn in Docks, a pair of tight blue jeans that hugged her body and rode low enough on her hips to show her belly button. Her shirt was a black v neck baby tee that left much of her stomach and ample breasts exposed, on her shirt was a picture of Chester Bennington from Linkin Park. Her hair was down and in its natural tight brown curls. Dom and Billy were the first to see her and each of them smiled to her in welcoming. Both Orlando and Elijah turned to see her walk up to the table.
�Glad I made it back.� She said with a smile. The others wondered if she was ever without that grin, but Elijah knew different.
�Just as quick as ever. Here.� He said getting up and offering her his chair while he grabbed another from a vacant table to his left. Justice smiled and took the offered chair scooting it a little to the right closer to Orlando to give Elijah enough room. Stacey walked up right after.
�Hey Jus. Back again?� She questioned.
�Yep.�
�What can I get you to drink?� Stacey asked.
�Dr. Pepper please.� Justice told her.
�Sure thing, refills guys?� Stacey asked as each of them told her they would like refills.
After Stacey left she turned her attention to the guys around her.
�Starting from the beginning. Hi my name is Justice.� She said and Elijah jumped in to begin doing the introductions.
�Here on my left is Dominic, on his right is Billy and on your right is Orlando.� Each of them said hi to each other.
�So are you here for a movie or living or visiting?� Justice began trying to make conversation, not one for silences that often.
�Movie actually.� Elijah answered her.
�Are you all actors?� Justice inquired looking around the table.
�Yes, we are in the same movie as Lij here.� Dom told her.
�Cool. What movie?� Justice asked anyone in general.
�Lord of the Rings.� Billy answered her with a bright smile.
�Very cool. I love those books. Who are you Lij?� Justice asked turning her green eyes to her friend.
�I�m Frodo Baggins.� He announced proudly, not expecting her outburst of laughter.
�A Hobbit how fitting.� She mused thinking back to how she used to tease him about being so short until he hit a growth spurt shortly before they lost touch and towered over her mere height of 5'3".
�Shut up. Remember I know just about as many dirty secrets about you as anyone.� He teased her and she stifled her laughing. Justice turned her attention to the others.
�Are you all hobbits as well?�
�Aye, expect for Orli there.� Billy told her.
�Hmm not a Hobbit, who are you then?� Justice turned her attention to Orlando and was happy that since she was waiting for him to reply that she could look at him without being obvious. He really was gorgeous with deep soulful eyes, high cheek bones and soft kissable looking lips. With the exception of the hair he was extremely easy on the eyes. Meanwhile Orlando found himself staring into her deep green eyes as well. Of course he couldn�t help the stray glances that kept going to her cleavage, after all he was a hot blooded male.
�I�m Legolas Greenleaf.� He told her finally.
�An Elf. Actually one of my favorite characters in the book.� Justice smiled and turned her attention away from him.
�I still can�t get over seeing you Lij!� Justice told him as she placed a hand on his arm and leaned over kissing him on the cheek. �I�ve missed you so much. I went to your movies as often as I could, but you know me.�
�Yah I know you. Thank you for the support though. So what have you been up to since you left for Dallas.� He asked.
�You don�t even want to know, same shit, same life, just a different location.� Justice told him and for the first time since any of them had met the girl they saw her loose a little of her smile that she wore.
�That good? Well what brings you here to New Zealand?� He asked lifting the air of conversation.
�Well I figured one day that I�d had enough of all the bull shit...� Justice paused not knowing how her cussing would be taken. �Sorry sometimes my mouth it um, well it can be pretty foul.� She told them with a little blush.
�No worries. I�m sure we�ve all said worse.� Dom told her with a gentle smile. He liked this girl already, especially since she was a friend of Elijah�s she was a friend of his. Justice giggled and returned to her story.
�Well I�d had enough so I wrote down all the places out of the states that I had always wanted to visit on little pieces of paper stuck them in a cup shook them up and then picked. That�s where I went.� She finished with a smile. �Everything happens for a reason Lij.� She told him.
�I know.� Elijah told her with a knowing smile.
�So Lij tells us that you are school friends.� Orlando said and she turned her attention back to him. She took a sip from her drink that Stacey had deposited and then left to tend to other customers.
�Oh yah Elijah and I go pretty far back.� She said with a conspiring grin towards the said boy. �He was actually my first boyfriend.�
�Really now, and here we thought that he had never dated anyone with any class.� Dom joked.
�Oh yah we lasted about a whole 6 months before we figured that we were so much better as friends. He was my first kiss.� Justice told the group and Elijah smiled and blushed thinking about it.
�So I bet you know all kinds of embarrassing stories about him?� Dom asked her.
�Oh you know it.� Justice laughed and for another hour the group sat around talking. By the end of the conversation they all felt like old friends. It was still only mid morning as they got up and exited the caf�.
�Do you want to come and hang out with us at our house?� Dom asked Justice as they all stood outside the caf�. Justice looked to Elijah to see if he wanted her to come over. He was smiling and nodding her head for her to come over.
�Sure, my car is just over here. Elijah want to ride with me and give me directions?� She asked pulling her keys from her pocket.
�Well we took my car, but I guess Dom could drive it.� Elijah said but Orlando broke in.
�I�ll go with her. You lot wanted to stop off at the store for groceries anyway.� He told the other three.
�Sounds good, that cool with you Jus?� Lij asked her.
�Sounds fine.�
�Hey why don�t you guys pick up some stuff we can throw on the grill.� Orlando suggested and the others agreed. �Don�t forget my veg you bastards.� Orlando warned as he turned and followed Justice to her car. As they approached the car Orlando nearly fell over with a heart attack. Justice was unlocking the door of a black and chrome �72 Camaro.
�Is this your car?� He asked amazed.
�Yep, its my baby. I�ve been rebuilding it since I moved here with every spare penny I had. I�ve only finished completely a couple of weeks ago with the addition of the stereo.� Justice told him then got in the car and leaned over to unlock his door. Orlando slid into the car, the lush soft leather seats claiming him. The inside was black with a brand new stereo. The sweet roar then purr of the engine made Orlando smile.
�Who did the engine work? It sounds as sweet as a nut�. He questioned as she put in her newest Linkin Park CD and turned the music on low.
�I did. Something had to keep me busy when I was new here and didn�t know anyone. A friend that I work with happened to know someone who had this rusted out body sitting behind their house. I was nearly floored when I saw what it was. It's taken me about a year to complete. Most of the parts I had to order over the internet and have shipped here, but I think it was worth it.� Justice told him as she put the car in gear and waited for him to tell her where they needed to go. Orlando only looked at her for a moment in awe before snapping from his stupor and began telling her how to get to their house.
�So how long have ya�ll been living here?� She asked after a few minutes.
�Only about 2 weeks.� Orlando told her. She looked sad. �What�s wrong?� He questioned.
�Just a little sad that I�ll only have about four months with Lij and you guys. But I guess that�s better than ya�ll finishing up soon.� She tried to look at it positively.
�Don�t worry, we�ll be filming all three of the movies at once so its going to take a little over a year and then we�ll come back sometime between the next two for a few months here and there.� Orlando told her and was happy that the smile came back to her face. He liked it much better when she was smiling.
�That�s good to know. Do you have people waiting for you back at home? Anyone missing you terribly?� She asked him as he motioned for her to take a left. Then pointed to their driveway that led back to the very secluded condo that over looked the ocean. Pulling up into the driveway she turned off the car and they got out. Orlando answered her question as they walked up the walkway to the large condo.
�Not really. I have my mom and sister back in England but no one else. Its been a few months since I broke up with my fiancee. How about you? Any family or boyfriend missing you?� He asked her as he opened the door and followed her into the house.
�Nah, well I guess they could be missing me but I wouldn�t know. More than likely they aren�t. As far as boyfriends go he and I broke up a while back as well.� She looked around the place and smiled it was nice, but it was a total bachelors pad. Orlando watched her from behind as she surveyed the place. It was very bright and open Justice loved all the windows and the living room was perfect in her opinion with a huge big screen tv and stereo equipment situated in a large entertainment center. Orlando couldn�t help but look her over from head to toe, once again he was drawn to her butt. The jeans were extremely flattering. She turned around to face him.
�Very nice place. Definitely a guys pad, but very nice.� She said with a smile. Orlando smiled and laughed quietly.
�Well make yourself at home love. Would you like a drink? I�m sure we have some Dr. Pepper floating around here somewhere.� He said as he turned towards the kitchen. She followed behind also admiring the few of his jean clad butt allowing her eyes to trail up his back and over his shoulders. Underneath his t shirt she could imagine the way his muscles moved with each step. The kitchen was a cooks dream with a large island with a vegetable sink. The counter tops were a dark granite the main sink was deep with two basins, the fridge and the cabinets all blended and the stove was a stainless steel Viking.
�Oh god I could live in a kitchen like this!� She exclaimed and Orlando turned to her with amusement from the fridge where he was getting her a soda.
�Do you like to cook?� He asked her handing her the DP.
�I love to cook!� She told him excitedly as she ran her hand over the cold surface of the granite counter top.
�Guess we�ll have to keep you around then.� He joked with her. The two stood in silence looking at each other before Justice smiled and couldn�t help herself, she had to know.
�So, Orlando, tell me what in the hell is up with the Mohawk?� He laughed and ran a hand through his newly shaved head.
�Don�t like?� He questioned and she blushed.
�Not particularly but hey whatever blows your skirt up ya know.� She told him with a smile.
�Its for the movie.� He told her.
�Some how I don�t remember Legolas having a Mohawk, in fact weren�t most Elves blonde?� She asked still staring at him openly.
�Very good, hence the Mohawk. I have to run around in a blonde wig and blue contacts and fake ears all day.� He told her.
�Sexy.� She joked then looked around her. �So were you planning on giving me the grand tour or do I need to start snooping by myself?� Justice asked with a smile.
�Well if you snooped it would be at your own risk, seeing as this is a man�s domain.� Orlando told her.
�Oh so you mean its not just you and Dom, Billy and Lij living here, there�s actually a man? By all means introduce us.� Justice joked setting down her drink. Seeing the glint in Orlando�s eyes she turned and ran from the kitchen laughing, only knowing how to get into the living she ran that direction. Laughing the whole way. Orlando was right behind her.
�Take that back.� He told her laughing.
�Take what back?� She asked turning and sitting down on the couch.
�Take it back.� He told her coming closer.
�No.� She told him. Before she could move out of the way he was attacking her sides. Justice wiggled trying to get away from the onslaught as she laughed and tried to catch her breath. The house was filled with her screams and Orlando�s laughs. Scooting further down the couch Orlando followed her down.
�Take it back!� He demanded with a smile. Justice could hardly stand the torture and tried to wiggle away.
�Fine I take it back!� She yelled between her fits, however, Orlando didn�t stop his assault. �Orli, please I take it back.�
�Tell me I�m the sexiest most manly man ever!� He added.
�You are!� She agreed hastily whatever it took to get him to stop.
�Nope you have to say it!� He told her.
�Orlando you are the sexiest most manly man ever!� She screamed and he stopped.
�That�s all you had to say love.� He told her and looked down at her with a smile. He realized that during their struggle her had ended up on top of her on the couch between her legs, her already short shirt had ridden up even higher and his hand now sat touching her exposed stomach where he had been tickling her. His free hand was right up by her head holding him up. Below him Justice was smiling and breathing heavily. Her curly hair was fanned out over the cushions. Orlando didn�t move his hand or his position. He stayed where he was letting his thumb drift softly over her stomach in a caress. Justice tried to catch her breath but his proximity and his touch were making that hard. Shivers were going through her body at his touch, something that she�d only ever heard about from her love struck, hopeless romantic friends that she thought was complete crap until now. She wanted to kiss the man above her so badly.
�Stop that.� Justice whispered to Orlando. It wasn�t mean or demanding it was more of a plea.
�Why does it tickle?� Orlando asked just as quietly with a mischievous grin.
�No, it feels too good.� She told him with a moan and then a sigh. Justice could feel herself slipping away into the pleasure of Orlando and his touch, the feel of his body. She was not ready to feel anything like this yet, especially after only a few hours. After years with Jake she had never felt like this and it was scary to think about that. Another shiver ran through her as Orlando moved above her slightly stretching himself out over her more, the hand on her stomach traveling higher by a bit. Involuntarily her eyes shut at the sensations. Inside she was cussing her body. Above her Orlando was enjoying the feeling of her under him. He moved himself a little to lay out over her better his hand on her stomach drifting higher. Instead of stopping him her eyes slipped shut and he thought her heard a soft sigh. The urge to kiss her was so great.
�Justice.� He said her name quietly and her eyes opened to stare at him with lusty green orbs. �Do you really want me to stop?� Inside he was praying for her to say no. Justice regarded him for a moment. Breathing in deeply she arched up into his aroused body causing him to suck in a breath. She watched him closely. Justice could feel the evidence of how aroused her was on her thigh and she regretted what she was about to say not only for her but for him. She felt like a huge tease. He asked again. �Do you want to stop?� He couldn�t keep the husky timber out of his voice as he asked her, his hand still caressing her soft skin.
�No, but I know that we have to. My body wants you so much that I could scream with need, but I know that I�m not ready to do this with you or anyone else. I�m sorry.� She felt so bad. She was such a tease. Orlando smiled at her and kissed her on the cheek.
�Don�t be sorry.� Orlando told Justice then got up and helped her to sit up. �Wanna watch tv?� Orlando asked. Justice breathed in a sigh of relief, she didn�t want to risk losing a new friend.
�Sure. Thank you for being understanding.� Justice told him, her body still shaking with arousal.
Orlando just looked to her and smiled. He couldn�t be mad at her. She had told him that she wanted him too but he figured she had her reasons and he could be patient, maybe some other time. Of course another part of his body refused to understand and made its aching presence known. After a few moments the front door opened and the others walked in.
�Hey guys we could use some help with the groceries.� They heard Elijah yell from the front hallway. At that moment Orlando was happy that she had stopped them from doing any more since he hadn�t had the chance to ask Elijah what he thought of Orlando hitting on his friend. No chick was worth losing a mate over. Next to him Justice jumped up from the couch and walked to the front. Orlando couldn�t help but watch her walk away watching the sway of her hips and remembering how they felt against his body. Groaning inwardly he cussed his own body for its raging hormones, it wasn�t like he had gone without lately. The opposite was true, he�d been with another girl just he night before at the club they had gone to.
Justice walked up to the front and went out the front to grab some of the bags from the car. She walked back in and went towards the kitchen. Dom and Elijah were in there, Dom unloading the bags and Lij throwing Orlando�s and Justice�s cans away from earlier. Walking in and setting her bags down she turned around and began looking through the sacks that they had gotten.
�Hi honey, how was your day?� Justice asked with a smile kissing Lij on the cheek as he grabbed her around the waist with one arm.
�Fine dear.� He responded the two of them easily falling back into old habits. A few seconds later Orlando walked into the kitchen and noticed Elijah with his arms around Justice�s waist. At that moment he knew that he had to ask Elijah his permission before trying to see if Justice would want to go out with him sometime.
�So what did ya�ll bring home to feed me?� Justice asked with a smile.
�Who said I was going to feed you?� Elijah teased her. And Justice pouted sticking out her lip and lowering her eyes at him.
�I promise to be really good. Please I�m wasting away.�
�Good and you are not to be associated. You are the original bad girl.� Lij laughed and slapped her on the butt. The other guys watched on with humor and surprise they had never seen their friend act like that. None of them would ever expect him to slap a girls butt.
�Hey that�s my ass there buddy. And you three don�t you believe a word he tells you. I�m as pure and innocent as the first buds of spring.� Justice told the group then sent a glare towards Elijah. �Not a word out of you.� She told him with a playful glare and Lij laughed.
�Fine, they�ll find out for themselves soon enough.� He had to side step her playful swat. Turning her attention to Billy who was putting food away she smiled.
�Billy you believe me right?� She walked over to him and stood next to him. The Scotsman could only nod and agree with her. �See at least someone appreciates me.�
�Hey I appreciate you.� Dom added in.
�Thank you.� Justice said and stuck her tongue out at Elijah.
�Especially when you walk away in those jeans. I appreciate you a lot then.� Dom added and Justice turned to him and laughed.
�Men.� She commented. Elijah walked up to her and handed her a Reeses peanut butter cup from the package he had just opened.
�Here and don�t say I never gave you anything.� Lij told her and she smiled immediately biting into the chocolate treat.
�I can�t believe you remembered.� She commented then hugged him. �It�s so nice to be with you again.� She whispered into her ear.
�Well remind yourself that when I have you make me a German Chocolate cake from scratch.� He laughed then walked away.
�Brat.� She mumbled. The whole time Orlando was watching the two. Justice turned and saw Dom and Billy starting to prepare dinner. �What can I help with?� She asked.
�Well you can start with the vegetables.� Dom instructed her with a nod to the stack of fresh veggies to his right. Grabbing them she took them to the island to wash them in the small sink at the end. Orlando watched the whole time not able to keep his eyes off of her. After she finished washing them she turned to look around for a knife. Orlando noticed this and walked over to stand next to her. He showed her to a drawer in front of her where all the knives were.
�Thank you.� She told him with a smile. Orlando smiled as he grabbed one for himself as well.
�Welcome.�
�Um how do ya�ll want these what are they going in?� Justice asked not knowing how they wanted them cut.
�Just cube them, I�m going to make them into kabobs to throw on the grill.� Orlando instructed her. �I don�t eat meat.� He added as an after thought. It took him a few seconds to realize that she wasn�t moving just staring at him. �What�s wrong?� He asked getting un-nerved by her stare.
�What do you mean you don�t eat meat?� Justice could hardly believe what she was hearing, this adonis of a man didn�t eat meat? That was wrong, the heavens were against her.
�I don�t eat it.� He said simply. Setting down her knife Justice walked out of the kitchen to find Elijah walking out of a bathroom across the kitchen that she hadn�t seen.
�Lij. I refuse to let you be friends with this man.� She told him with a wink and a smile. Elijah looked to Orlando who was standing at the island still and saw the man with the vegetables sitting in front of him. He smiled.
�Found out he was a vegetarian did you?� He asked with a knowing smile.
�Its wrong.� She complained then turned back to look at Orlando standing there not knowing how to take her reaction to him being a vegetarian. �Well I suppose I like you well enough to let you slide. Do you at least drink even occasionally?� She asked walking back up to him with a large smile.
�Anyone I know under the table, love.� Orlando told her now realizing that she had been playing.
�Good then I can tolerate you.� She told him with a nudge of her hip to his. �However I still can�t image not eating meat.� She said with a shiver.
�She�s very serious about her meat.� Elijah added only adding to the humor of the situation. Justice watched as Orlando cut a few bell peppers up before she started cutting to see that size that he liked. Across the kitchen the others were getting other things ready for the meal. Occasionally they would notice Orlando reach around behind Justice to grab more vegetables from the counter next to her. They even noticed how close the two were standing to each other, although it seemed that the two involved had no idea of the proximity or ease of being so close together. Billy and Dom sighed inwards realizing that next to Orlando they might not have a chance at the brunette. Both of the blondes had pestered Elijah the whole time they were gone about letting them have a chance at asking the girl out. Elijah had only told them that he wasn�t Justice�s keeper and it would be up to her even though he wouldn�t want her to get tangled up with any of his roommates. Of course this was said with a smile since he respected and trusted these three guys that he had met only a few times in read throughs before they had moved here a few weeks ago. Looking over at Justice and Orlando though he figured it wouldn�t take them long, especially if Justice was anything like her old self. Back in middle school and highschool if she saw something she liked she went for it, that�s how they had met. She had a crush on him and she made it known. After they had dated she had gotten the reputation for being easy but he didn�t know how much of it was true since he never asked about the rumors and she never offered. Elijah smiled looking at his long lost and now found friend.
�I�m gonna go out and start the grill.� He announced and left the room.
Justice and Orlando finished what they were doing and Orlando followed Elijah outside knowing he might not get another opportunity to talk to him in private for some time. Justice walked over to look over Billy and Dominic�s shoulders.
�Ya�ll need any help?� She asked as she saw them pulling the steaks out of the butchers paper.
�Do you want to handle the meat? Lij said you make the best steak he�s ever had.� Dom told her then stepped aside so she could get to the meat.
�I�ll do my best.� She told them then they spent the next few minutes retrieving spices and things she needed.
Outside Orlando walked up to Elijah who stood at the grill that was inside of an outdoor kitchen that they never used.
�Hey man.� Lij greeted as he saw Orlando jump up on the counter next to the grill that he was lighting.
�Hey I have a question for you.� Orlando started but he stopped with Lij chuckled.
�Let me guess you want to see what I would have to say if you want to see if Justice would like to go out with you some time?� Elijah asked and Orlando nodded. �I�ll tell you like I told Dom and Billy, its fine by me. I�m only her friend, not her boyfriend or brother or father. She�ll date who she wants. She is a big girl and I know she is very capable of taking care of herself. If you want to take her out sometime you�ll have to ask her not me. However if you do and you hurt her you�ll not only deal with her but me also. Of course I�d be more worried about her wrath than mine. That�s one seriously scary girl when she wants to be.� Elijah finished and clapped his friend on the back. �Happy hunting.� He told Orlando and they both headed back inside. In the kitchen they heard Dom telling Justice that she was ruining the meat. Walking into the kitchen they saw Billy and Dom starring at the girl with disbelief.
�What�s going on?� Lij asked.
�Lij, this daffy chic just put sugar on steak, sugar!� Dom pleaded. Elijah laughed.
�Just trust the daffy chic.� He said and walked out of the kitchen. Laughing when he heard Justice�s voice.
�Hey would ya�ll quit calling me daffy. I�m not a fuckin� duck.� Orlando laughed at her. She turned and glared at him before smiling and walking from the kitchen. On her way by she shoved him, pushing him off guard and making him fall into the door jam hurting his arm. He followed her into the living room rubbing his sore arm. She turned to him.
�So I remember someone telling me earlier that he could drink anyone under a table. Do you have any evidence of this or do you like to talk shit?� She asked with a grin. Orlando threw a grin of his own back at her.
�I don�t think I�m the one talking shit.� He challenged back. Justice only laughed and went and sat down on the couch next to Elijah. Orlando sitting on the couch on the far end. They were channeling surfing when they passed a soccer game.
�Soccer go back.� Orlando told Elijah, who did and sat the remote down.
�You like soccer?� Justice asked.
�Yes.� He told her and she remained silent. �First I�m not a man, second its that I don�t eat meat and now its that I like soccer. Is there anything I can do right?� He asked. Justice laughed.
�I�ll let you know when you do.� She told him and he had the urge to grab her and throw her over his shoulder and take her away so he could spank some sense into her. Unfortunately that thought brought a whole flood of lewd things to his mind which led back to her being in his arms earlier that afternoon. It was nice having a girl in his life that didn�t just kiss his ass.
About an hour later they sat down to eat dinner. The conversation was light hearted and friendly. After dinner Justice got up to start taking the dishes to the kitchen.
�Hey you don�t have to do that.� Elijah told her as he stood up to help.
�I know, I want to. C�mon you know me, I can�t sit still to save my life most times.� She told him and made her way to the kitchen. The sun was setting outside and the kitchen was dark except for a small light on to her left. She liked the darkness. In the other room she could hear the guys fighting over which CD to play. It had taken her about ten minutes to get them out of the kitchen to let her load the dishwasher and put the left overs away. She was just finishing putting the lid of the last bowl when she was startled by a voice in her ear.
�Is there anything about you that isn�t perfect?� He asked. Justice immediately knew it was Orlando. His warm breath on her ear sent a shiver down her spine. His arms came around her to rest on either side of her body as he gripped the counter, holding her still. His body pushed up tight against her back his warmth everywhere around her. �You cook, you clean, you drive an unbelievably hot car that you built yourself. Not to mention how sexy you are.� Orlando finished then placed a soft barely there kiss to the exposed part of her neck. The fire from earlier was quickly rekindled deep inside of Justice. She grasped what was left of her mind for an answer.
�I�m a bitch.� She told him with a moan.
�I find that hard to believe.� He said with another kiss to her neck, this time adding a little nip to her skin. He pushed her against the counter to bring their bodies into full contact when he felt her knees give out a little. Justice unconsciously tilted her head to the side to let him have more access to her neck.
�It�s true just ask Lij, he�ll tell you.� Justice said. When Orlando kissed her neck again and nipped it she moaned quietly and let both of her hands travel to his arms that were placed on either side of her body. She felt his warm, soft skin and wanted to feel more of him, when a voice from the other room interrupted them.
�Oi, Orli you gonna bring the pop or what?� Dom shouted towards the kitchen from the bar in the living room. Justice sighed with both relief and frustration.
�Maybe a later time.� He said then turned to grab the cases of drinks that they had bought to stock the bar with. �When you come would you mind bringing that case?� He asked and she nodded. After he left she finished putting the food away and then grabbed the drinks and headed out to join the group. When she walked out Billy and Dom were wrestling and Dom had Billy in a headlock. Justice laughed and walked over to the bar where Orlando was. He looked up at her and smiled.
�Can I make you a drink?� He asked.
�What do you have?�
�Anything you want more than likely.� Orlando responded.
�Crown and Dr. Pepper then if you have it.� She told him and she watched as he filled a glass with ice and started to pour her drink. He also poured one for himself. Justice turned back towards the main part of the living room. The other three guys were sitting on the couch, playing a three player game of Halo. Justice chuckled thinking of how she had been addicted to the game for months. Walking over to the stereo she began going through all the books of CD�s they had. Some of them she liked, some of them she hated. Drinking the last of her drink she walked back over and asked if she could make another one. Orlando smiled and said he�d be happy to make it for her.
�Are you a shot drinker Justice?� He asked.
�Sure.� She told him.
�Alright boys, get your assess over here for shots.� Orlando announced as he started pouring five shots of tequila for everyone. Once everyone was lined up and had their hands salted with the exception of Justice who took it straight Orlando proposed a toast. �To finding old friends and gaining new friends.� Everyone nodded and downed their drinks. Justice smiled and walked around the bar as the others recovered from the stout liquor.
�Stand back big boy and let me through.� She told Orlando as she put her hands on his narrow waist and moved him further into the wet bar so she could take a look around. She inspected the rows of liquor and smiled. �Hand me a shaker and a strainer and we�ll really get some shots going.� She announced and Orlando did as he was told. He watched as she expertly began picking up bottles and pouring them into the shaker. Then she filled a glass half with ice and laid it over the shaker, mixing the ice and the liquor to chill it. �Five glasses, please.� She asked Orlando as he laid out five more shot glasses. Justice poured the slightly murky liquid into the glasses and smiled. �Don�t tell me ya�ll have never had a kamikaze shot before? Here I thought ya�ll were pros.� She giggled and tossed her drink back. She watched as the others took their shots and smiled.
�Those are good.� Elijah said handing her the glass.
�Thank you.� She smiled. Dom and Billy also thanked her and within moments the three were back engrossed with their game. Orlando smiled when she turned to him and took his shot glass. She began filling the little bar sink with a little water and soap and washed all 10 of the used shot glasses as Orlando watched. He dried as she handed them to him.
�I take it you were a barmaid.� He stated.
�Yep, until I moved here. I actually put in my two weeks notice already at the caf� to take up a position at the Ozone club next month.�
�I�ve been there a couple of times since we came here. Guess I�ll be going a lot more.� Orlando told her and she blushed.
�Guess so.� Was the only thing she could think of to say to him as he turned and began to refill their glasses. Together they walked over to the stereo to put a new CD in. They argued for a few moments. She was trying to get him to listen to Linkin Park and he was refusing.
�Is that this mate here I�ve had to stare at all night? I�ve begun to think I should kick his arse for touching your breasts so much.� He told her and she laughed.
�Hmm if only, dear if only. He is my little obsession. If he weren�t married I�d be half tempted to fly to states and track him down to have my wicked way with him.� Justice said.
�Now I�ll have to kick his arse.� Orlando told her making her laugh and hit him playfully on the leg. After another few minutes of arguing they compromised with a techno CD. As she put the CD in Orlando made them another drink and when she joined him he poured them another shot of tequila. Without realizing it Justice began to shake her hips to the music. She turned around to watch the game for a minute.
�Don�t open that door, there�s squiddies in there.� She informed the trio and they turned to look at her. They too noticed her unconscious dance to the rhythm. �What? I only played it a billion times for like three months.� They turned back to the game. Turned back to Orlando she told him to turn off the lights for the living room. Now the only light on was the small one under the lip of the counter of the bar. �See how much better you can see everything without the lights.� She said and the three thanked her quickly before being lost in the game again. She watched for a few minutes until she felt Orlando come up behind her. He pulled her close and they began dancing to the song on the stereo. The darkness allowing them some privacy from the other three. The song playing was a slower techno song that let you feel the bass. The two were as close as possible. Orlando had his hands on her hips feeling the movement as she would sway to the music rubbing herself against him from time to time. Eventually he reached up and took her drink from her hand and set it on the counter behind him. With her hands free she intertwined hers with Orlando�s at her hips as they grinded to the music. Justice felt the shivers running through her body at Orlando�s touch. She lost herself to the feel of him pressed right up behind her until a loud whoop from the guys in front of them broke her out of her trance. Orlando felt her pulling back away from him and almost growled at being interrupted again. He pulled away from her and went behind the bar to make them some more drinks. Justice stood in the same spot having an argument with herself. Her body wanted Orlando but her mind and her once to many times broken heart told her no. When she felt Orlando come back up behind her, her body won as her mind conceded and told her heart that they wouldn�t get hurt if it was just fun among friends. Orlando handed her the fresh drink and grabbed her free hand taking her outside with him shutting the door quietly so the others wouldn�t hear them leave. Outside it was cool without being cold. Picking up Justice�s hand again Orlando led her past the outdoor kitchen which only hours ago she had gushed her enthusiasm over. He pulled her down a few stairs to a small yard that they had. At the bottom of the stairs they had a patio table, some chairs and two loungers. Justice looked around and realized that just the few steps that they had come down allowed them to be kept out of view from the living room by the counters of the outdoor kitchen. Looking up Justice was amazed by all the stars.