"Tye isn't going to like this," I whisper, my stomach fluttering with nerves. He wants to be seen with me? Yikes. I can see the headlines now…and none of them will be flattering for either of us.
"I'll deal with Tye," Sidney says, his voice firm. "You just be ready when I get there tomorrow night."
I should tell him no. IknowI should.
"Are you sure?" I ask instead. "You really don't have to do thi—"
"Be ready at six, butterfly," he growls.
"Okay," I whisper.
"See you tomorrow, baby."
"Hey, Sidney?" I say quickly, before he can hang up.
"Yeah?"
"Thank you."
"You don't owe me thanks. Just don't stand me up, butterfly." He disconnects, leaving my head spinning. I'm halfway home before I realize I didn't ask him where we're going or what I should wear.
Crap. I guess I have to figure it out myself.
Chapter Four
Sidney
Hattie looks nervous as hell when she opens her door for me at six on the dot. She also looks like a goddess in a retro black dress that bounces around her thighs. The body of it molds to her curves, making sweat trickle down my back. Her makeup is more natural than it was on Saturday, but her hair is still sleek and shiny.
She looks utterly fuckable.
"Jesus, butterfly," I rasp, swallowing hard. "You're going to have me in jail tonight if you're looking like that."
"What?" She startles slightly, smoothing her hands down her sides. Her gaze drops to her dress. "I…I didn't know what I should wear. Did I get it wrong?"
Shit. She thinks I was insulting her.
"Fuck no, you didn't get it wrong." I lean forward, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. I can't help myself. I had a taste the other night, and it's all I've thought about since. She smells like wildflowers and sunshine. Who knew that could be so goddamn erotic? I tip her head up, forcing her to meet my gaze so she knows I'm being truthful. "You look beautiful, butterfly. I'm going to have to beat men off you with sticks."
I already want to gouge eyes out, and we haven't even left her porch.
She beams at me, her smile all shy and sweet. I want to eat her up, just fucking spread her out and devour her. "You look pretty good yourself, Cranky Bear." Her gaze drifts down my body. "Fancy suit."
"It seemed appropriate. We're going to dinner and the ballet," I murmur.
"Really?" Her eyes widen. "I've never been to the ballet before."
"My sister is performing."
"That's so cool," she whispers.
I chuckle, shaking my head. Something about the way she just dives into everything like it's the best thing ever is as sexy as it is endearing. "You ready to go?"
"Yes. If you're sure I look okay."
"Hattie." I curve my hand around the side of her face, tipping her head back until her gaze tangles with mine. "You're perfect. Anyone who disagrees is a fucking idiot."
Her cheeks turn pink, her lips parting slightly.
