Page 54 of Her Possessive Daddies

Corey kills the engine and before I can reach for the handle, he's already out and coming around to my side. The door opens with a soft click, and his hand appears before me. Such an old-school gesture, but it makes my heart flutter all the same.

"M'lady." His eyes dance with playful charm as I place my hand in his.

The warmth of his palm steadies me as I step out, my heels a bit unsteady against the pavement. He offers his arm, and I slip mine through it, fitting perfectly against his side. The solid strength of him grounds me, makes me feel delicate and protected all at once.

"Ready to face the inquisition?" He winks down at me.

"As I'll ever be." I squeeze his arm lightly. "I'm starting to think you're overselling how scary your friend is."

"Oh, just wait. Don can smell fear."

A laugh bubbles up from my chest, genuine and light. This is what dating should feel like, isn't it? Easy conversation, gentle teasing, that spark of chemistry without the overwhelming pressure. No games, no uncertainty about where I stand.

His hand covers mine where it rests in the crook of his elbow, thumb brushing over my knuckles. Such a simple touch, but it sends warmth spreading through my entire body. After everything that's happened between us - the speakeasy, that night with Seth - this feels almost surreal in its normalcy.

Am I stupid to hope for a happily ever after?

26

DONOVAN

My beer burns my throat as I catch sight of Corey walking through the entrance. But it's not my old friend that makes me choke - it's the goddess trailing behind him.

"You okay?" Mindy touches my arm.

"Wrong pipe." I cough, dabbing my mouth with a napkin. "Happens sometimes."

Holy hell. When Corey mentioned Abbie, he failed to mention she looked like that. All curves and wild curls, wrapped in a dress that hugs every inch. My hands clench under the table. This is Corey's girl. She’s off limits. Get it together, man.

"Donovan." Corey claps my shoulder. "This is Abbie."

"Hi." Her voice matches her looks - sweet with an edge of something more.

"Pleasure." I manage to keep my voice steady as I extend my hand. "This is Mindy."

The women exchange greetings while Corey slides into the booth. His hand finds the small of Abbie's back as she settles beside him. The possessive gesture isn't lost on me. Neither is the way she leans into his touch.

I take another swig from my bottle, longer this time. Focus on Mindy's perfume, the menu, anything but the way Abbie's laugh makes my pants tight. Damn Corey for not warning me. And damn me for noticing every detail - the flutter of her lashes, the curve of her neck, the way her fingers trace the stem of her wine glass.

This is going to be a long fucking dinner.

"So Abbie, Corey tells me you're studying psychology?" I try to act casual, ignoring how my pulse races when those beautiful eyes meet mine.

"Part time. Night classes mostly."

"Must be fascinating getting inside people's heads."

"Sometimes too fascinating." Her lips curl into a knowing smile. "Like right now, I'm analyzing why you're asking all these questions."

Shit. Direct hit. I cover with a laugh. "Guilty as charged. Just looking out for my boy here."

"Don't mind him." Corey's arm slides around her shoulders. "Donovan thinks he's my personal PI."

"More like your conscience." I wink at Abbie. "Someone's got to keep him honest."

"Oh really?" She leans forward, elbows on the table. "Got any dirt to share?"

"Don't you dare." Corey points his fork at me.

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