Page 11 of The Last Date

“Did you speak with your mother about not wanting a date this Saturday night?” I asked.

Her breath hitched awkwardly. “Yes. How did you know that?”

“Just a hunch,” I murmured, slowly releasing her and stepping back.

“Um, yeah, I told her I wouldn’t be going on her set up dates anymore. She started to get fussy, so I dialed that back and told her for at least a month or two. This weekend I’m going out with my friend instead.”

“Your girlfriend with the auburn hair?” I asked.

Her eyes grew wide, as her lips curled into a grin. “You looked me up online.”

“Are you saying that you didn’t look me up?” I asked.

“What’s your last name?” she asked quickly.

“Gosh, that’s rather personal,” I said. “You’re terribly forward, Sasha. I’ll just chalk that up to you not having had a coffee yet.”

“How did you know that?”

“The second you smelled it, you made that tiny shiver like an addict needing a hit,” I chuckled. Reaching over to the desk, I took the lid off for her. “It’s incredibly hot, so give it a moment.”

“How did you know I take my coffee black?” she smiled.

“I didn’t. But this is amazing coffee, and it would be a sin to taint it with anything else.”

“You seem to have pretty strict rules about coffee.”

“Yes, I do. Morning coffee is black. Afternoon or evening coffee, drink the lousy dairy dessert version if you must. But morning coffee is serious. Sets the tone for the day.”

Sasha smirked. “What tone are you setting today with that suit and shoe combination?”

“That I have some important meetings, but I’ll still do whatever the hell I want.”

I could tell that she approved of that answer. My little angel liked a bad boy, apparently.

Reaching for her hand, I missed on purpose, trailing my fingers along her inner wrist. Her lips parted slightly as she stepped toward me. Seeing how badly she wanted to kiss me almost made me want to give in. I’d probably be dreaming about those perfect lips for the rest of my life.

Therefore, I had to play the game perfectly so that I was guaranteed to lock this gorgeous girl down.

Gripping her wrist gently, I pulled her toward me, grazing my lips across her cheek on my way to her ear. “Well, have fun with your friend this weekend. Dates with girls are fine. But no boys,” I breathed.

She nodded. “Okay.”

“Have a good day, Sasha.”

I turned to leave, but she grabbed my arm. “Wait, don’t you want my number?”

“I’ve already got your number, gorgeous. Number one.”

“What does that even mean?” she asked.

“That means you’re mine, and you’ll never have to date again. That’s what you wanted, right?”

“Yes,” she barely whispered.

I knew that I could have taken her to the back room and enjoyed this adorable girl any way I wanted. She was so open to me. Completely under my spell.

Taking her by the shoulders, I turned her away from me, brushing her wavy blonde hair over her right shoulder, exposing her neck.

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