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“I’ll tell him you said thanks,” the server replies, blushing.
When I muster the courage to look up, he’s staring at me. His eyes dance with amusement even though he doesn’t smile. Those are fuck-me eyes. He leans back in his seat, one arm extended, the other holding a beer. He balls his hand into a fist and releases it again.
Choose wisely, he mouths.
The rush of emotion that swells in my throat is almost overwhelming, and I have to fight like hell to hide it. I know he wants vulnerability, but we’re literally communicating across a bar. I look away but can see that big white smile out of the corner of my eye.
Micky digs in, she eats one bite, but then pushes it away. “Gross, this one’s frozen yogurt. Let me try yours.”
I look down at the ornate glass dish. Mint chocolate chip.That fucker.
THIRTY-SIX
Adjusting my cufflinks one more time, I check myself in the mirror. The bespoke tux fits perfectly, but it can only take me so far. I’m fucking nervous. Tonight is the night.
I told Nikki to meet me at the gala. She knows she’s there as arm candy and that there will be nothing happening between us. I’m 99 percent sure she only agreed so she can rub shoulders with the new rookie, Rhys Kucera. He seems to be on every woman’s radar, but I haven’t seen the guy take one piece of pussy home yet. Usually, the young ones want to party and throw themselves into the spotlight; I certainly did. Not Rhys. He’s quiet and keeps to himself. I can’t get a read on him. That is probably why the ladies want him so bad. It makes him “mysterious,” and they all want to be the one to break him.
After one final look, I grab the keys for my Bentley Continental. A little classy, a little sporty. When I drop it off with the valet, I tell him to keep it close. I plan on taking Bridget home tonight, and I don’t want to waste any time. We need a quick getaway before she starts overthinking.
I walk into the spacious Landmark Center Ballroom and scan the room, Lori and Ken are already chatting with some of their friends, and I stride toward them when my eyes catch on Bridget.Goddamn.She’s stunning. She’s wearing a one-shoulder gown; the top half is tight and form-fitting, showing off every curve. The bottom half of the dress is long and flowing, with a big slit up the side. Good. That’ll make it easier to shove up when I fuck her in the coat closet later.
Seeing her with Nate pisses me off. Her gaze meets mine and she inhales deep.
That’s right, baby. I’m the one that takes your breath away. Not him.
Just then, Nikki saddles up to me and hands me a champagne glass. I keep my eyes on Bridget. I might be standing next to this one, but Bridget is the only woman I plan to go home with. Her chin lifts and she purses her lips, tonight they are painted in a deep cabernet color to match her dress. They would look so pretty wrapped around my cock. She slides her arm through the crook of Nate’s elbow.I see how it is.
Jack walks up and claps me on the back, pulling my attention from her.
“Hey, man.” He glances to Nikki and then back to me. I’m sure he’s wondering what kind of bullshit I’m up to. And he’s right, this is some bullshit.
“Hey. Good to see you.”
“Mind if we chat for a minute?”
Nikki smiles and walks away. Off to find the new rookie, I assume. Honestly, I don’t care if she’s gone for the rest of the night. I only wanted one appearance in front of Bridget to get her blood pumping a little. Hate and lust aren’t that far apart.
“What’s that about?” he asks, nodding toward my date as she wanders toward some of the other players.
“Nothing. What’s the deal with her and Nate?”
“I dunno. But considering she’s paying more attention to you than him, I’d say it’s nothing of concern.”
It’s hard to take my eyes off her.
“How’s she doing? Really?”
“Okay. She got a place in the city, loves her new job.”
I suspected she had moved out but didn’t know for sure.
“Where at?”
“Nuh-uh. I’m no snitch. You can ask her yourself.”
“What happened to pals before gals?”
“Sisters before misters, bud.”
