Page 212 of A Song for You

Yeah. Why him? What’s she got against hot blond men with a sense of humor and impeccable taste in fashion?

Cat’s red lips turn up in a smile. “He’s looking at her like my brother looked at you. Not a woman in this room could tear his gaze away. I want to be that for someone. I want someone to feel that way about me. But I want him to almost lose control in his thirst for me. I want him hungry. Desperate for me. Find me that, Grace. Anything less isn’t worth my time.”

My heart pounds in my chest. Yeah, she’s ready.

“Got it. One insanely hot, narcissistic asshole coming up,” Grace teases.

I can’t help but laugh. Loudly. “Did someone summon me?”

Cat’s eyes dart to mine, and she shakes her head, but the smile remains on her face. That’s right, baby, I’m here. I’m the one you’ve been looking for. And I swear to God her eyes are saying the exact same thing. She knows it, and I know it. Fucking finally, we’re both on the same damn page.

“You ladies enjoying dinner?” I ask as I squeeze Grace’s shoulder. I lean down and kiss her cheek and whisper in her ear. “Is she playing nice?”

She laughs and motions to the chair beside her. “We’re fine. Join us for dinner? Or do you have a date tonight?”

Before replying, I move to the object of my desire and press a kiss to the spot just below her ear. “Completely. Irrevocably. Head over fucking heels. Our life begins tomorrow, Kitten. You own me,” I whisper.

She bites her lip and shakes her head, but her eyes are wide and filled with wonder.

Turning back to Grace, I reply, “Can’t. Just wanted to stop and say hi to my two favorite girls. Make sure you’re playing nice.” I wink at Grace and then look back at Cat, because honestly, I can’t take my damn eyes off her. “I’d ask you to join us for a drink after dinner, but I don’t want my friends looking at either of you the way I know they will.”

Grace pouts. “After all I’ve been through, you’d deny me a fun night of no strings attached?”

“Don’t even think about it, Gracie. You deserve better than all of them. You deserve better than everyone in this damn restaurant.”

“Thanks, Jay. Enjoy your drinks.”

Before I walk away, I pin Cat with a look and mouth, “Only you.”

Then I stride back to the guys, because tonight is the last night before my life begins again. And I’m going to enjoy it.

Forty-Six

Cat

Cardigan by Taylor Swift

“Ineed you to dress me,” I shout as I walk into the models’ closet.

Inside, Dexter has Sophie pressed up against the wall. One hand is splayed across her breast, and the other grips her hip tightly.

I roll my eyes. They never stop. “Guys, focus!”

Dexter groans as Sophie pulls away and rights her shirt.

But my best friend ignores his protests. “Oh my God, Cat,” she says, eyes wide. “Your hair looks fucking amazing.”

I finger the ends nervously. “You think?”

Dex nods. “You look hot.”

“You’re like a mom but hotter,” Sophie teases.

I snort. “You goof. But seriously, I need help. What does one wear when introducing her daughter to her long-lost father who until recently was thought to be the devil incarnate but is actually quite likable and she maybe sort of likes him but wants him to suffer a bit longer before putting him out of his misery?”

Dex blinks a few times and Sophie bursts out laughing.

“Oh, I love this version of you.” Without another word, she whips around and sifts through the racks of clothes. “Dex, where is that red sweater with the slouchy neck and the open shoulder?”