Page 76 of The Dicktionary Club

Dom let out a sigh. ‘Yes and no. I’ve dated a few people here and there but haven’t become official with anyone for about five years. What about yourself?’

Jesus, she thought.Officially, I had a boyfriend last week!

‘Yeah, pretty similar to yourself. A couple of years, but I have dated on the odd occasion.’

‘And what do you look for in a man, Katy? If you don’t mind me asking,’ Dom said.

Katy gazed at him, still summing him up. He was certainly attractive, with that whole macho vibe going on.

‘I suppose someone who likes similar things as me, who I get along with, someone I can have a cuddle with and who is up for a laugh. You wouldn’t think that’d be so hard to find in this dating world, would you? Trust me, it is!’ she insisted, slurping another drink of her minty mojito.

‘What about a man who looks after you? Who wants to protect you at all costs?’ he asked. ‘Is that important to you?’

Immediately, shockwaves travelled between her legs. Jesus, why is there something so manly about a man who wants to protect you?I mean, I know Glasgow gets a bad rep, but it’s hardly the Bronx.

‘Yeah, I think I’d like that,’ she admitted, feeling flustered by arousal. ‘It’s very attractive.’

‘Good. Because I like to care for people, but it’s an old-fashioned value. I get how women like to be independent these days, but I like to protect and keep whoever I’m with safe.’

‘Aw, that’s nice of you. It’s really kind actually,’ Katy said, knowing she had well and truly ducked at the first hint of a redflag.

A couple of hours later, the bar was quietening down. Katy had already received a text from Zola saying she was heading to bed, but no matter how much she knew the countdown for work in the morning was looming, the cocktail buzz was well and truly flowing.

‘I’ve had such a great time tonight,’ she admitted to Dom, feeling unbelievably tipsy.

Dom grinned. ‘Me too. You are adorable.’

He pressed on her nose cutely, and their eyes locked across the table. As Dom came closer, leaning in, Katy felt her breathing change. She shut her eyes in anticipation of a sloppy snog but felt a soft peck on the cheek instead.

What the fuck?she wondered. She opened her eyes to see Dom looking around, slightly shy at his gesture. But Katy managed a smile.

‘I better walk you home, Miss McIntyre,’ Dom declared. ‘Before it gets too late.’

Katy agreed, only a little reluctantly.

Together, they finished off the rest of their drinks and staggered out of the bar.

‘Which way?’ Dom asked.

‘No, no, don’t be silly. I can make my own way home. I only stay on Argyle Street. Don’t worry about me!’ she chirped.

‘Absolutely not! I invited you out with me tonight, so I’d like to ensure you return home safely, Katy.’

She blushed at his overprotective chivalry. ‘OK, right.’

They turned, and she began leading the way to her flat.

‘I would love to see you again,’ Dom said while they strolled, hand in hand.

Katy nodded. ‘Of course! Me too.’

‘Maybe dinner next time?’ he suggested.

‘That would be lovely.’

‘It lets me observe your cooking skills, too,’ he added.

Katy laughed loudly, but Dom frowned at her.Fuck, that wasn’t a joke, she thought.

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