Page 32 of Prince Charming

He felt attraction, intense and burning hot, but he didn’t know if he felt the same as they did for their old ladies. If he wanted to hand over his property patch.

It was a moot point, anyway, seeing as how Marianna wasn’t interested.

First time in history a woman thought of him as a piece of furniture.

“Who’s coming running with me?” He asked and watched as they all refused like pussies. He bundled into a hoodie and wool gloves to combat against the falling snow, and he set off out the back door. Running five circuits around the base of the mountain at the edge of the club before he took his tired body home.

He showered and ate a meal. Dressed in his club insignia cut, he headed back a few hours later. Ellie was a long-time groupie, she waved to him but stayed talking with Zara. Marietta was bringing a tray of food out of the kitchen when she saw him and flashed a grin. Tight little skirt, a body-hugging shirt. She was throwing out signs she’d like to spend time with Tag.

He answered her smile with one of his own, not really interested.

Maybe later.

Later came, and he left the club to go home alone.

Not before he swung by the gym to watch Marianna dancing.

He had it so bad.Fuck.

Goddamn, that woman could move.

He could only imagine, with his tongue hanging out, what she’d be like in bed.

It was torture of the worst kind ripping his gaze away to leave her to quiet time.

Strung tight when he swung a leg over his bike.

This friend shit was gonna turn him into a monk.

ELEVEN

“Friends + attraction = not friends.” - Marianna

When Tag said they were going to be friends, he meant it.

One week turned into two and then three.

Within three weeks, he’d firmly planted himself in her life.

Bringing her coffee, stopping by her apartment every other day to hang out, grabbing her for lunch and conversations during work time.

He was such a talker, and she secretly loved listening to him.

She discovered he liked action and comedy movies but hated romantic anything. Making fun of her when she confessed her love of all things romance.

Marianna, to her delight, discovered their age difference.

“You can no longer boss me around, Tag. I’m older than you.” She informed him as he handed her a coffee after telling her she was going to spend Thanksgiving at his house.

“It’s barely two years, darlin’, and you like me bossing you.”

It was a bold claim, and she scoffed at his heart-stopping smile.

Not denying it.

Twenty-nine to her thirty-one.

He continued to boss hergently.

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