Poppy groans. “Yeah, yeah. Your life motto. But I’m picky. I need a guy who rocks my world, someone I’m so attracted to that I don’t fixate on one or two negative things. This guy already has a yellow card, but I’m hoping he’s as hot in person as his picture so I can overlook his unhealthy obsession withStar Wars,” she grumbles, making me laugh.
“You’re hilarious, but I agree with you…. He better be one hell of a hottie to ignore that. Geez, I need to come back so we can commiserate about the male population over a bottle of wine at least once a week.”
“You definitely do.”
“Since I’m not there yet, text me ASAP and tell me how it goes,” I say sternly.
“I will. Do I even have to ask what your plans are tonight, or do they involve Eli and a certain club he owns?”
“I’m that predictable, huh?”
“I would be, too, if I had access to sex on a stick,” she says, making me cringe at the simplicity of her statement and all it leaves out.
A man who smells like him, touches like him, treats me the way he does, makes me feel treasured, and the scariest of all, causes me to want more than I can handle. That’s the problem with the entire situation. It’s not just physical. Admitting that to myself is hard enough—there’s no way I’d fess up out loud. I’m already aware of how difficult it will be when I leave, and if I validate my feelings by putting words to them, it’ll be even worse. So whileIknow it’s more than looks and great sex, I’ll happily leave everyone else in the dark, wishing I were too.
“You’ll find one, I’m sure of it. Keep the faith, and who knows?Maybe your date tonight will turn out amazing, and it’ll be love at first sight.”
“Don’t hold your breath. I can’t be the cause of your early demise.”
“If I don’t hear from you, I’ll assume you ended up at his place.”
“Five date minimum, remember,” she reminds me.
“Fine, I’ll assume he abducted you and call the authorities.”
“I’ll text you, don’t worry, Mom.” Her eye roll is evident in her tone.
“You better.”
“Good luck with your parents tomorrow. See ya.”
“Bye, Poppy.”
The rest of the day went smoothly, which I hope is a sign of how well the weekend will go. At least I have nothing to worry about tonight. Since the cat came out of the bag regarding Eli and me, it’s become routine for us to meet Lily, Sebastian, Lucy, and Justin at the club on Fridays. We all hang out while the guys keep an eye on things during one of the busiest nights of the week, so it’s a win-win. Braden joins us when he doesn’t have a date lined up, and this must be one of those occasions, as he’s already at our usual table alongside Lucy and her man.
“It’s been a while. I was starting to think you were involved and the next time we saw you would be with a girl on your arm. No date tonight?” I ask Braden before saying hi to the others and giving Lucy a quick hug. Taking the seat across from him, I briefly glance around. Lily and Sebastian are on their way, and Eli must be off handling something because he texted earlier to say he was already here.
“No. This case I’m working on is a bitch, and I haven’t had time for shit. Figured I’d meet you guys for a couple beers to take the edge off.”
The waitress brings me a cosmo, knowing all our drink orders by now. I don’t deviate often unless they order champagne for the night.
“That sucks. Though I heard Eli has gotten you out a bit recently.”
“Yeah, someone has to keep an eye on that guy, and this one’s too smart to do it,” he says, pointing to Justin. “Sebastian’s too busy, so that leaves moi.” He shrugs. “That man is fucking reckless, but he sure comes up with some fun distractions—I’ll give him that.” Braden toasts the air and takes a swig of his beer.
“So I’ve heard. Where is he anyway? Have you seen him yet?” I glance around, trying to spot him.
“He was here earlier but got called downstairs. He’ll be back soon, I’m sure,” Justin says as he scans the club. “Oh, there he is.” He points to the first-level bar.
I look behind me in the direction he indicates and watch Eli casually lean against the bar top, conversing with a woman. He’s facing my way, and the woman’s back is to me. She’s a patron, not an employee, as indicated by the drink in her hand and how she’s dressed to impress. My hackles rise before I immediately scold myself. I should not be jealous. It’s not like we’re committed or anything. And with me leaving soon, it makes perfect sense for him to start playing the field.
“You okay?” Braden asks with a chuckle.
When I turn around, I’m met with a knowing smirk, which only irritates me more. “I’m fine. Eli and I aren’t serious. He can talk to whoever he wants, whenever he wants.”
“The daggers you’re shooting say something else entirely. Part of why I’m a shark in the courtroom is because I can read people, and your thoughts are loud and clear, babe.”
“Don’t ‘babe’ me, and leave your skills in the courtroom where they belong.”
