Leading the way, Brooke was eventually joined by Nathan and Lucas around the pool table at the back of the bar. In the hushed atmosphere of the back room, Brooke placed the colored balls one by one in the plastic triangle. Her two suitors evaluated and chose their instrument on the wooden cue rack hanging on the wall. Brooke placed the white ball precisely at the end of the green carpet that covered the massive and imposing table. Concentrating, she leaned over the table to achieve the perfect alignment. She could already feel their eyes resting on her.
BROOKE : Gentlemen, honor to women, right?
She looked at them questioningly as the frenzy of the game and competition took hold of her more and more. Lucas seemed amused and touched by her attitude while Nathan, impatient, seemed already enticed.
NATHAN : Let's see what you're worth... By the way, what do we bet?
The idea of a bet appealed to Brooke quite well. Especially if it was an opportunity to obtain something interesting. Her attention then turned to the priest could thwart this suggestion. Judging from Brooke's reaction, Lucas easily guessed what was bothering her. He approached her a little closer.
LUCAS : The Bible does not forbid it but warns us against ill-gotten gains and gambling.
BROOKE : And then... It's always a question of moderation, isn't it?
LUCAS : You're a quick learner!
Brooke merely answered him with a knowing wink.
NATHAN : What are you allowed to bet then, Father?
Lucas did not lack ideas, but none that his priestly commitment could not validate ... They obviously all revolved around the charming Brooke, or his desire to oust Nathan.
LUCAS' THOUGHT : I only have thoughts in my head that are inappropriate or impossible to assume for the priest that I am. If I involve Brooke in my suggestions, it could arouse Nathan's suspicions. I can't bring myself to do it.
Lucas was just as afraid of letting Brooke be the first to make this dangerous choice. Who knew what she would suggest ...
LUCAS : I fear that our choices are far too limited and perhaps we should refrain from any bet?
NATHAN : But no, Father! It adds challenge and spice ... We'll find something! Well, let's recap ... Nothing that involves money or alcohol. No nudity or naughty dares, I suppose?
Lucas seemed increasingly annoyed by Nathan's insistence and his low level of insight.
LUCAS : I think that goes without saying.
NATHAN : Can we go for some slightly shameful or even downright embarrassing challenges?
Seeing the distress in Lucas' eyes and his growing irritation, Brooke intervened.
BROOKE : Uh, Lucas is a public man and exposed by his position, embodying a certain exemplarity. And then there's nothing funny about it. I'd rather not have anything at stake than to make fun of or laugh at someone's expense.
Touched by her support, Lucas gave her a little smirk that almost made her melt on the spot. Brooke gave him an embarrassed smile back, almost ready to give up on this idea of a bet that made him uncomfortable.
BROOKE : Well, maybe I have an idea... Something I used to do when I was a kid!
Nathan and Lucas, interested, were waiting for his famous proposition. They were hanging on his every word.
BROOKE : When I was younger, I was more friends with boys than with girls. But I already had quite a character. So, when I didn't like a game, I would challenge the gang and I would win... I would choose the next activity! Something that I was into obviously... And I would often win!
LUCAS : I don't know why but it doesn't surprise me that much...
NATHAN : So, if I follow you correctly, you're suggesting that we transpose this and let the winner choose what we do next?
BROOKE : That's it!
LUCAS : That's a nice idea if only duty didn't call me to the abbey... I have a preparation meeting with a young couple about to get married in a religious ceremony.
NATHAN : Personally, that's fine with me! And besides, Brooke deserves to fully enjoy her first day of freedom! And, once I win the game, I'll be happy to choose the rest of our program one on one.
BROOKE : Thanks Nathan, that's lovely. Even if you seem slightly too confident about your future victory...
Brooke was deliberately putting a hand on the table and leaning towards Nathan, mincing in a slightly exaggerated manner.
LUCAS : Well, let's finish this part already and we'll see later!
Brooke was inwardly gloating at her reaction. Without waiting, she came to stand in front of the white ball. The adrenaline, exacerbated by this male duel, was surging through her body. She positioned her pool cue perpendicular to the playing surface, ready to launch the start of the game. She placed her weight on her back foot, then transferred it to her front foot. She struck with a sharp and precise blow. She followed with her eyes the white ball which shocked the other fifteen, making them scatter on either side of the carpet.
NATHAN : And she's already put one, I don't believe it!
Nathan elbowed Brother Lucas, jabbing his chin at Brooke.
NATHAN : Surely beginner's luck!
BROOKE : I heard you and it's not a question of luck... But of technique and talent!
As she had just hit a ball that went in, Brooke kept her hand and carefully observed the game. Hesitantly, she walked around the table, retraced her steps, walked back in front of them and then changed direction. Once she had chosen her next shot, she leaned over and stretched her body for better support, all the while aiming. She closed one eye to precisely assess the trajectory, her breasts crushing against the table in front of the two men. She was too focused and too far away to hear him but Nathan commented on her position to Lucas..
NATHAN : I love pool games that involve pretty players! Because unlike you, I'm not a sane person and I'm going to soon no longer know which way to turn... You see, this vision is already starting to make me so crazy !
Disturbed by Nathan's intervention, Brooke had just missed her ball. She grumbled and joined them.
BROOKE : Damn it, at least share what looks so funny...
NATHAN : Oh nothing very interesting... !
No sooner had he finished his sentence than his expression changed from amusement to shock to dismay.
NATHAN : Oh shit, the drawing!
Lucas remained impassive and ignorant while Brooke had immediately grasped what he had just become aware of.
BROOKE : And the printer!
The flat tire, Lucas' surprise arrival, the impromptu meal and everything that followed... Brooke had completely forgotten the initial reason for their presence in the area and in this bar.
BROOKE : We'll drop him off right after the party, okay?
NATHAN : I'd rather we go now... If there's anything unexpected, mother might kill me!
LUCAS : Excuse me, but are you talking about the printer who takes care of the invitations for the charity gala?
Brooke and Nathan nodded simultaneously at Lucas.
LUCAS : We're just a stone's throw away. Nathan, if I show you the way, you'll walk there and back in barely 15 minutes.
NATHAN : Oh yeah? And even less if I take my car...!
LUCAS : If I were you, I'd save my miles with the spare tire. Plus, parking's not easy there.
NATHAN : You're right, let's reduce the risk of having another unforeseen event... Perfect, that's perfect!
As Lucas detailed the exact route, Brooke realized that it would be just the two of them after Nathan left...
NATHAN : Hopefully, I'll be back before the end of the game!
Nathan quickly left the bar to head to his car to get the drawing and then set off.
BROOKE : It looks like we're going to have to finish this game together, do you feel up to it, Father?
LUCAS : If I were you, I wouldn't be so confident... You're up against a tough opponent.
BROOKE : Oh, I have absolutely no doubt about it! And I find it very stimulating...
LUCAS : Because it wasn't earlier?
BROOKE : Nathan may be attractive and relatively pleasant to be around... But he's also one of those men who wants to impress and give himself a little too much importance...
LUCAS : I'm relieved to see that you've got him pretty well figured out, after all.
BROOKE : You had a doubt about my lucidity and my capacities of discernment?
LUCAS : Let's say rather that I hoped not to have underestimated them ...
BROOKE : So you preferred to stick around, just in case?
Lucas blushed, caught in his own game. Then, he took on a falsely shocked air as if to deny the obvious.
BROOKE : Be careful, my father ... You are not unaware that lying is a vile sin!
LUCAS : Okay, I admit it. This guy only thinks of one thing, Brooke! His unhealthy eyes are constantly leering at you ... And I grant you, he may be a smooth talker but as soon as your back is turned, he makes unhealthy remarks. He's showing off, even though he knows absolutely nothing about the subject...
Brooke listened to him attentively, amused by the jealousy and rivalry that guided his reasoning and his speech.
BROOKE : He may not know anything about mechanics, but he at least has the merit of knowing how to appreciate a beautiful bodywork...
LUCAS : Except that he is absolutely not interested in what is inside...
BROOKE : He admires a pretty woman and I don't see what's wrong with that... You know, I appreciate your chivalrous and protective side... But many normally constituted men operate like that. Well, all the ones I've met, anyway...
LUCAS : I must be the exception that proves the rule then...
A silence followed while each of them silently drew their impressions and their own conclusions.
BROOKE : You seem so sure of yourself... I suggest we test your theory, then!
LUCAS : My... my theory? What theory?
BROOKE : It's your turn to play... You'll understand.
Lucas, a little wary, approached the table and chose the shot to play. Indeed gifted, he put the ball in the hole. Proud of himself, he looked at Brooke with aplomb. Stung, Brooke decided to launch the offensive ... verbally at first.
BROOKE : Not bad. I appreciate it when my partner lives up to my expectations ...
Lucas pretended not to have heard anything and stepped forward to play again. His ball narrowly missed the hole.
BROOKE'S THOUGHT : Good. It seems to be working at least a little ...
Brooke then came to get into shooting position while taking care to lean over and especially to arch her back well. She accompanied her shot with a small suggestive moan. Taken by surprise, her moan was intended to catch Lucas' attention.
Brooke licked her lips, and as she analyzed what her next move would be, she stared at Lucas cheekily.
BROOKE'S THOUGHT : Looks like this is my lucky day and I hope I hit it big!
Before hitting the ball, Brooke decided to tie her top at her navel and revealed her bare stomach.
LUCAS' THOUGHT : What is she doing... It's completely disloyal!
Also disturbed by Lucas' agitated and insistent gaze, she miserably missed her shot.
BROOKE : Looks like it's your turn!
As Lucas got into position, Brooke came to stand in front of him and leaned right into his field of vision. She smiled at him. She caressed his neck but remained silent. Lucas couldn't concentrate as he would have liked. He swallowed. As he missed his shot, Brooke approached him, undulating her hips lasciviously, deliberately brushing against him...
LUCAS' THOUGHT : She's taking it up a notch...
Stimulated by the confirmation that her efforts were having their little effect on the priest, Brooke continued her little game. Her next position was deliberately indecent in order to let him enjoy a more than eye-catching spectacle. Lucas stood behind her, unable to look away. Brooke wiggled her buttocks molded into her pants. She scored a point. Once up, Lucas's long-awaited reaction was not long in coming.
LUCAS : Brooke, you're not playing fair and I understand that you're trying to make me lose the game.
Brooke slowly approached the stool he was sitting on, while twirling a lock of hair in her fingers.
BROOKE : Me, not fair!? How so?
She delicately placed her two hands on each side of his muscular and tense thighs under his jeans. Lucas froze.
BROOKE : I would rather think that you take your deepest and most unspeakable desires for a reality ... I'm sorry that my means don't suit you but ... I play to win.
Half-heartedly admitting that the end could well justify the means used ... Brooke continued to stare at Lucas who took a deep breath.
LUCAS : You won't win at this game.
BROOKE : You should still specify which game you're talking about, exactly?
Lucas clenched his fists and the scarlet color of his cheeks betrayed his unequivocal confusion. Brooke returned to the game. As her buttocks were once again offered to Lucas's view and the atmosphere became charged with electricity... She felt Lucas' gaze on her buttocks, bringing him back to his status as an original male.
Although Lucas seemed distracted and increasingly feverish, his game remained excellent. Brooke intensified her glances and her positions seemed more and more inspired by the Kama Sutra. Lucas was boiling.
LUCAS' THOUGHT : I'm trying with all my might to stay focused... We're neck and neck, too.
Determined to push the vice a little further, Brooke decided to try a risky and delicate move. In order to increase this more than nascent erotic tension, she turned her head in his direction.
BROOKE : A bit of a risky move, isn't it?
LUCAS : Bold and reckless... You usually appreciate that, don't you?
BROOKE : That's true. But I wouldn't be against the wise advice of a man in perfect control of himself. What would wisdom say on this one? To abstain? Or to try?
LUCAS : I'm flattered that a girl of your caliber would seek my possible advice, but I also wonder where the catch is...?
BROOKE : There's no catch, I told you... I just want to win this game.
Lucas assessed for a few seconds the reliability of Brooke's answer and the possible clues in her body language.
LUCAS : So, the balance has nothing to do with it, it's simply a question of skill and composure. I advocate a flexible approach as precise on the orange ball that would push the gray one into the hole.
Noting that she had brilliantly succeeded in bringing out this weakness common to all males ... Brooke decided to skillfully play both on her natural need for performance and on this need to feel useful.
BROOKE : I think I need your help...
Stimulated by his manhood in all its splendor, and to his great satisfaction, Lucas approached her and the table. He leaned down to appreciate and analyze the possible trajectory then seemed to hesitate.
LUCAS : Mmh. I see what you mean... But it would be enough to...
BROOKE : What if you showed me? First, do I have the right position?
Not loosening his grip on the pool cue, Lucas was forced to position himself behind Brooke. He wrapped his arms around Brooke's back to grab her but remained a little distance from the surface of her body. Brooke moved back frankly to stick to his body. She felt him tense behind her. She tilted her head as if to clear his view but Lucas took the opportunity to sniff her hair and her neck.
BROOKE : Do you like my smell?
LUCAS : I love it, Brooke.
Troubled by this confession so spontaneous and so assumed, Brooke sought his gaze. Lucas devoured her with his eyes with such intensity that all her confidence flew away at once. Instinctively, she rubbed herself against him and their hands began to tremble slightly in unison. Brooke began to feel his sex harden and stiffen against her buttocks but he did not move away. It seemed clear that Lucas had definitely lost all concentration on the game in progress ... Just like Brooke. Only focused on each other, Brooke grabbed his free hand to place it on her stomach.
LUCAS : Brooke, you're killing me.
Brooke continued to tease him by spreading her legs and arching her back even more, her hand moving up to her breast.
BROOKE : Mmmhh! I want you, Lucas.
LUCAS : Me too, fuck! If you knew how much...
Lucas continued to grope her more and more firmly and was now willingly grinding himself against her buttocks.
BROOKE : Can we conclude that I won?
While losing herself in her neck and hair, Brooke felt Lucas' hot breath and then the raspy sound of his voice.
LUCAS : Oh yes, you definitely won...
BROOKE : Good. Then I know exactly what I want to do now.