Chapter 1
Spinoff
Sara
Clarity. That’s what I found when my newest friend barely escaped her stalker. It took a few weeks, but I found it. For years, I’ve waited for Wyatt Hawkins to give me the time of day, but I’m done waiting for him. No, I’m not going to force his hand like I’ve tried dozens of times before. Fuck that.
I’ve got just the man in mind who can help me with the one tiny problem that remains.
But first, brunch. It’s ten o’clock on Saturday. An odd time for a first date, but Drew Young isn’t your typical guy. And we didn’t meet in the typical fashion. Meaning my mother didn’t set me up with him.
Nope, I chose Drew Young myself. He made me laugh. But mother would approve. He’s socially acceptable, having dated a much wealthier woman than me. He’s new money, which isn’t a problem with our family because so are we. Kind of.
Newer than most families, at least. My grandfather squirreled away a fortune and my father was a brilliant investor until he passed. My brother Tom, well... he did get a degree in accounting, so we’re hopeful.
“Sara.”
Turning, I smile at Drew as he strides toward me in front of the restaurant. His sparkling brown eyes capture mine. His light brown hair has some wave, but it’s styled nicely. He has on a blue buttoned shirt tucked into his dark jeans. His sleeves are rolled up, showing his muscled forearms.
I’ve seen him in a tux at events and even nice clothes at the restaurant, but I’ve never caught sight of his muscular forearms. Didn’t think that would do it for me, but damn.
When he reaches me, he pulls me into his arms and envelops me in a rich, spicy scent. “I’m so glad you called.”
I have to admit, the draw I feel for him isn’t as strong as the one I feel for my brother’s best friend, Wyatt, but it’s still there. There’s this buzz of attraction that makes me want to do naughty things with him.
“How could I not?” I step back and self-consciously try to tuck my hair behind my ear, but it’s in a bun. The dinner I met Drew at was an ambush on the two women he was fucking at the time. So he’s perfect for what I need. “You definitely kept me entertained.”
His eyes twinkle with mischief. “Just a warning. I only fake date women I fuck.”
I laugh as he opens the door to the restaurant. “I’m not looking for a fake date anymore.”
He takes hold of my elbow and leans in close to my ear. “So only a fuck then?”
“Maybe.” I try to be nonchalant while everything in me is wondering, What the fuck am I doing? I can be forward when I need to be, but I’m not typically this forward.
His heated smile makes my heart skip and my panties melt. He turns to the host. “Table for two.”
The woman is dressed all in black with her blond hair sleeked back in a high ponytail. Her flirty smile is all for Drew. “Right this way, Mr. Young.”
Drew leads me through the tables to a two-seater right next to the window. One of the best places to be seen. I almost ask for a dark corner, but the host is already returning to her station.
I won’t flat out proposition the man, but I’m definitely open to the possibilities.
He holds out my chair for me. I gather my skirt before sitting and allowing him to push me in. When he sits across from me, he doesn’t pick up the menu. Instead, he leans on his elbows and looks at me.
“So, is this a revenge fuck then?” He winks. “Getting back at an ex?”
My cheeks flush with heat. “No, not revenge.”
His eyes widen when I once again don’t deny the fuck part of his statement. I set the menu to the side. Both of us have obviously been here before. I don’t need to casually peruse the menu before getting what I always get.
I lean my elbows on the table and fold my hands together to rest my chin on them. “I’m curious about you. You made me laugh, and I have to admit, I felt a little spark even though you were fucking two of the women at the table.”
“Currently, fuck buddy free.” His brown eyes twinkle with mischief. “Are you applying for the position?”
I blow out a breath. I can do this. “Can I be honest with you?”
“Of course.”