“Well, I’m glad you’re feeling better, and things are going well. The hotel owner and staff have been really nice to all of us and very accommodating for our needs,” he said.
“Wow, that’s great.” Mickey nodded thinking aboutthe boss.
“Yeah, so, look, I was about to go get some lunch. Do you want to join me?”
“Yeah, sure. I think I can handle some real food now.” She took a deep breath.
“Great,” David said as he began to walk closer to the door. Mickey turned around, and there, standing over her, was the same man she’d first bumped into all those months back. Once again, with a phone glued to his hand.
“I hope it’s not your hobby to run people over.”
He glanced down at her and shook his head. “Ah, my apologies,” he said, taking her hand as he lowered his lips to meet with her delicate fingers. “You must be Mickey. My pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.” His voice was deliciously husky.
She raised a brow and tilted her head curiously. “And, who are you, exactly?”
“Stephan. I…”
“Ah, I see. Well, at least you know how to speak, Stephan.” Before Stephan could finish his introduction, he laughed lightly at her comment.
“Well, I must apologize, but admittedly, you took my breath away that day.” Mickey pursed her lips trying to cover her smile.
“Are you a friend of the bride or groom?”
“Yeah. I am the groom’s friend, as well.” Mickey glanced him up and down. Everything about the man screamed wealth and prestige. From his Italian leather loafers to his silk suit,everything.
“Oh, it’s just… I saw you at the building.”
“Yes, I was there for a meeting,” Stephan said.
“Oh, well, I was there for a meeting as well.”
“Fantastic. I was just about to go grab something to eat; would you care to join me?”
“Um, actually, my friend David and I were just about to grab lunch together,” she said, glancing back at David with a nod.
“Ah, well that is perfectly alright. How about dinner then?” he asked.
“Uh, well, I’m not sure. I should really get to work. My team and I have a lot to do.” She glanced around the room. Her mind instantly fluttered to what Sarai would say:
What is wrong with you? He is handsome and rich and he wants to take you to dinner! How often does a guy like that offer to take you to dinner?
“Well, I’ll give your room a call later. Or, if you like, you are welcome to come to the restaurant here at six o’clock. Tell them your name and they will know where to direct you.”
Mickey nodded, at a loss for words as Stephan turned around and began walking away. One thing was for sure, that handsome man seemed interested in her, and she couldn’t stop thinking about him as she and David went out to get lunch. He was absolutely stunning, and he wanted to take her out on an official date.
*
In the evening, Stephan now sat at the bar with a cigar in one hand and a drink in the other. He turned just in time to see Mickey walking in through the door, and with the cat. He snarled slightly and turned back toward the bar, shaking his head. He knew better than to react outwardly, but it was taking every inch of his self-control not to go over and accost them. The two of them moved to the dance floor and he watched as they laughed and began moving to the music.
Does she even know David is a cat shifter?
Mickey’s body moved so perfectly, with a grace that he couldn’t deny. She was utterly stunning, and any man who got to be as close as David was to her, well, they should consider themselves blessed. He pushed his drink to the side and snubbed his cigar out in an ashtray. It was time for him to be a man and to make the move he knew would make all the difference.
As she strode off the dance floor, he quickly approached. “So, how about dinner tomorrow night?”
“You don’t give up, do you?” The corners of her lips lifted in a curious grin.
“No.” He smiled. “Not when I want something as badly as I want you,” he admitted as Mickey’s jaw dropped a bit in shock.
