Page 34 of Once Upon A Player
That’s okay. I need to get back to the dating scene and can’t think of anyone I’d rather break my self-imposed drought with than Lucas.
Most of my shifts at the Lodge so far have been for three to five hours, but because Katie’s so short staffed this week, I offered to do a double one on Friday. Even though my back’s killing me when my ten-hour shift finishes and I finally get home, it doesn’t dampen the excitement swirling around my stomach as I open the new lipstick I bought yesterday. It’s a red-wine color, not my usual shade of pastel at all. But red stands for courage and sex, and I need the first and hope to God I get some of the second.
“Shut up,” I tell my reflection, since there’s no way I can give myself the perfect pout if I’m sniggering.
When I’m done, I stare at the siren in the mirror. I’m a little in awe of what a difference the bright lips make, but in a good way. Since I had nothing to wear for such a milestone date, I had to go buy something new, and even this form-fitting green dress isn’t quite like anything I’ve owned before.
Am I showing too much cleavage?
I bite my lip before I remember the lipstick, but luckily it does what it says on the box, and there are no smudges on my teeth. But still, back to the cleavage. I’m not used to seeing my boobs pushed up on display like this, and I’m sure they didn’t look this big when I tried the dress on in the shop. Then again, I wasn’t wearing a new push-up, padded bra, whichtotallydoes what it promises and makes mountains out of molehills.
I grab my phone and send a pic to Katie, although I don’t know why. It’s not as though I’ve anythingelseto wear.
Luckily for my tattered nerves, she answers straight away.
It’s definitely not too much! Don’t you dare get changed. Tho you might not get as far as the restaurant tonight, ha ha :)
I’m standing in the hallway five minutes before Lucas is due to pick me up and check my cute new bag again to make sure I’ve remembered all the essentials.
Wallet and phone.Check.
Lipstick and condoms.Check.
Toothbrush.Check. There’s nothing worse than not cleaning your teeth before bed,andthere’s no way I want any morning breath coming between me and Lucas.
I fiddle with my hair and flex my toes in my new peep-toe sandals that are already giving me grief. At least I’ll be sitting down for most of the evening.
Seriously, was I this edgy for my first date with Geoff?
A car pulls up into the driveway, and even though I don’t hear the throaty purr of Lucas’s sports engine, it can’t be anyone else. I take a quick breath, which doesn’t help with the hyperventilation, and squash the urge to put my cardigan on. I didn’t pay a fortune for the dress just to cover the skimpy parts.
I wait until he raps on the door before I open it, and the air whooshes from my lungs at the sight of him in a casual designer suit and navy shirt. His usual gold ear hoop is gone, replaced with a black diamond stud, and his warm smile is a lethal weapon.
“Hi, Violet. You look amazing.” His voice is low and sexy, and he leans in and kisses my cheek, which gives me a chance to catch my breath. Except his cologne is different to his usual one, subtle and spicy, and doesn’t help with the wholestay coolthing at all.
“Hi.” I sound as though there’s an asthmatic frog in my throat.Why did he give me such a platonic kiss?Although, on second thought, if he’d done anything else, I’d be a puddle of goo at his feet. “You look pretty amazing yourself.”
He offers me his arm like we’re at a red-carpet event. “I’ve been counting the hours until I saw you again.”
He’s such a charmer, not that I’m complaining. It’s been way too long since I’ve been on the receiving end of compliments, and I’m going to relish every one. Even though it’s probably part of his seduction technique.And it’s working.
“I missed not seeing you, too.” Oh, wait. Does that make me sound needy? I double lock the front door and try not to analyze my stupid comment. He didn’t say he’dmissedme, after all.
He pulls me close, his arm around my waist. His hand brands me through the thin material of my dress, and it’s insanely arousing. I forget about my foot-in-mouth comment, slide my fingers beneath the lapel of his jacket, and risk inhaling his addictive scent.
We definitely won’t make it as far as the restaurant at this rate.
Although I’ve seen him wearing impeccable suits countless times in magazines and on the TV, there’s no comparison when it comes to real life. It doesn’t matter what he wears, he’s the sexiest guy alive, but there’s something extra irresistible about Lucas in a suit, and my palm slides slowly from his shoulder to his chest.
“Good.” There’s an undercurrent of possession in the word, which shouldn’t thrill me so much. But tonight is all about the fantasy, as one night together may be all we ever have.
This isn’t going to be a one-night stand.
Except it might be, and I’m big enough to face that.
Riiight…
And then I catch sight of the car. It’s a black sedan, nothing like I’d ever expect him to drive. A middle-aged guy gets out from the driver’s seat and opens the rear door.
