Page 60 of Her Possessive Daddies

"I'll call Donovan too," Corey says, reaching for his phone again. "Make it a proper dinner party."

Perfect. Just what this disaster needs - another alpha male in the mix. I massage my temples, watching Corey dial.

"Don, hey. Friday night at my place? Bringing Mindy?" Corey's voice shifts to that easy camaraderie he only uses with his oldest friend. "Yeah, Abbie will be there. And Seth. And... Chandler's coming with his new girlfriend."

The pause that follows speaks volumes. I can practically hear Donovan's hesitation through the phone.

"I know, I know." Corey pinches the bridge of his nose. "But it is what it is."

Chandler beams, oblivious to the subtext. He's already texting - probably to the flavor of the week, making plans.

"Great, see you then." Corey hangs up and addresses the room. "Donovan and Mindy are in."

"Sweet!" Chandler jumps up. "This is gonna be epic. Dad's new girlfriend, good food, fancy wine-"

"It's just dinner," I cut in, my voice sharper than intended. "Not one of your ridiculous frat parties."

"What about you, Seth?" Chandler turns to me with that shit-eating grin. "Bringing anyone special?"

"You know me." I sit stiffly in my chair, forcing casual indifference. "Always fly solo. Keep my options open."

"Man, you're missing out. Should see the twins that just started at my gym-"

"I'm good." My tone cuts him off. The last thing I need is dating advice from this overgrown frat boy.

"Your loss." Chandler shrugs, gathering his things. "Friday's gonna be lit though. Can't wait to see what kind of bartender caught Dad's attention."

I gather my papers, avoiding Corey's eyes. The thought of Friday night sends electricity through my veins - seeing Abbie again, watching her react to this circus I helped create.

"Later!" Chandler calls over his shoulder as he saunters out.

I stand, briefcase in hand. "I should head out too. Early meeting tomorrow."

"Seth." Corey's voice stops me at the door. "Thanks for having my back with this dinner thing."

"Always." The word sounds insincere, even to my ears.

I stride to the elevator, already counting the hours until Friday night. Three days. Just three days until I see her again.

29

COREY

The Velvet Room's amber lights cast a warm glow across the room as I slip inside. No Seth. No Donovan. Just me tonight. The thought of having Abbie to myself makes my whole body warm.

"Well, look who decided to grace us with his presence." Abbie's eyes light up as I take a seat on the barstool. "Flying solo tonight?"

"Thought I'd keep things simple." I lean forward, drinking in the sight of her. "Unless you'd prefer the whole entourage?"

"Maybe not at work." She laughs, already reaching for a glass. "One hot guy in here is more than enough trouble for tonight."

"Trouble? I'm wounded." I press a hand to my chest in mock offense. "Here I thought I was your favorite silent partner."

"Mmm. The jury's still out on that one." She slides my usual bourbon toward me, her fingers lingering on the glass. "Though Seth hasn't tried bribing me with expensive liquor lately."

"Is that what it takes? And here I've been relying on my charm."

"Your charm?" She snorts, wiping down the bar. "Is that what we're calling it now?"

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