“Lottie said you weren’t on a date.”
“She’s a private person.”
“Bullshit. She knew about me.”
“I had to explain about the headlines. That’s all.”
“And that required her knowing about my PhD and looking for a new job?”
“She’s infuriatingly nosy, like you. Now can we please get in my car? You’re shivering.”
“Why do you care if I’m shivering? I’ll just get an Uber.”
“No, it’s nighttime and dangerous.”
“You literally just put your date in a cab, you idiot. I can manage. I’m a big girl who can make her own way home.”
He huffs, clearly annoyed that I’ve outlogicked him yet again. God, he’s infuriating. His annoying protectiveness comes across as overbearing, especially when he’s so goddamn irritated by it all. Just leave me be. I’ve been on my own in the city since I was eighteen and moved here from Texas. I’ve got it covered. I’m well equipped to handle my shit, and I don’t need him poking his nose where it’s not wanted.
“You need to stop insulting me. The names. They’ve got to stop.”
“Well, stop acting like my father, and I won’t need to rebel against you, Da—”
“Don’t say it,” he warns, his eyes flaring with heat.
A maniacal grin breaks out across my face. “I won’t say it if you explain to me why you crashed my date.”
“I’m not going to indulge this line of questioning.”
“Of course you’re not,” I huff. “Well given you’ve completed your extracurricular activities for the evening, I’m going to see if there’s anyone else who is less of a dickhead than you or David. See you tomorrow.” I turn on my heel and stomp down the street, letting my hips sway a little more than usual, hoping it will piss him off.
Chapter Five
Alfie
The hellion was flirting with not one, not two, but three guys. Three guys who were drooling and hanging off every word she said like they wanted to audition for a reverse harem novel with her as the centerpiece. Palm on forearms, smiling like they are the funniest men she’s ever met, when really they’re probably joking that they could bench press her and take her on an all expenses paid trip to Mexico. All whilst she leaves her boring, predictable boss to fend for himself and live a life alone because of his own stupid, choices which he whole-heartedly agrees with and lives by despite this annoying twinge in my chest every time I think about her with another man. Jesus Christ.
I need to down this whiskey and leave. Go home. Get into bed. Strangle my cock with my fist and sleep. If I leave now, I could get at least six hours before giving one hundred percent to my patients tomorrow.
Why are so many people out on a Monday night? This is ridiculous. I’m tempted to pull the fire alarm just so everyone has to leave, and it might kick Mia into leaving too. But thenwhat if she went home with one of them? What if she went home with all three?
Nope. I will sit and wait as punishment for being an ass.
“Hey, you’re looking a little lonely over here,” a soft velvet voice says as I glance at the woman in question. Brunette, tall, blue eyes. She’s kind of like Mia, but not.
“Just looking for a quiet night,” I reply.
“I figured you were waiting for that girl to notice you staring at her.” She laughs. “But it looks like you might need to get in line.”
A low possessive growl crawls up my throat, but it doesn't deter the woman now blocking my view of Mia.
“You could pretend I’m her if you like?” My eyes snap to hers, and she shrugs. “I’m looking for a good time, not a marriage proposal. I don’t mind you calling me someone else’s name.”
Good God. This is why I don’t date. Don’t pursue women. I go into therapist mode every time.
“I’m good.”
“I bet you are.” She winks, clearly not taking a hint.
