Page 49 of The Penalty Shot (Totally Pucked 5)

It flares at the hips and dips slightly at the chest, while hugging my thighs and butt tastefully, yet sexy at the same time.

It’s perfect.

When Friday rolls around, Alex leaves to spend the night at Callum’s, and I start to prepare for tonight’s date. I spend extra time in the shower, exfoliating, and shaving every part of my body. I blow my hair out and wear it down, curling it in loose curls framing my face. I decide on light makeup for the night with tinted moisturizer, eyeshadow, mascara, a hint of blush, and a bright red lip that compliments the dress. MJ also let me borrow a pair of tall red heels that went perfectly with the lipstick.

Standing in front of the mirror, I inspect my reflection, from my curls down to the heels on my feet. I’ve never felt more beautiful, never felt more like myself.

I blow out a breath and grab the small clutch from my vanity, slipping the lipstick inside and grabbing my phone and a pair of simple earrings to wear. Once I’m done, I walk out to the kitchen and lock up, before taking the elevator to the bottom floor at exactly five o’clock, when Asher told me to meet him.

He’s waiting at the entrance, leaning against a black SUV, with a grin that’s so handsome, I forget to breathe for a second.

He’s wearing a dark navy suit with a starched white shirt and a dark burgundy tie, and he’s got his hands shoved in his pockets as he leans against the SUV.

When he catches my eyes, I watch his Adam’s apple bob, and he swallows, then blows out a deep breath.

“Auden…you look…” he trails off, shaking his head, “fucking stunning.”

My cheeks heat under his gaze. I’m not used to the constant stream of compliments that come from him.

“Thank you. Where’s your truck?”

“I wanted to have my full attention on you tonight, so I hired a driver to take us.” He opens the back door and holds out his hand to help me inside.

I climb into the SUV, and then he walks around to open the passenger door and slides into the back seat with me. Inside the Range Rover is tan leather, and a privacy screen that has been momentarily lowered for the driver.

“Wow,” I breathe, “you’re really setting the bar high for future dates, Mr. Hart.”

Asher’s smile widens boyishly, and he reaches out to take my hand, lacing his fingers in mine. He leans in and his lips brush against the shell of my ear, causing me to shiver. “As long as they’re all with me then that’s perfectly fine, Auden.”

Oh God.

How is it that he always says the perfect thing that makes my insides flutter?

Squeezing my hand, he sits back and drags me closer to his side, as if the few inches separating us was too much.

A short ride later and we’re pulling up outside of Chicago’s most sought-after restaurant. When Asher offers me his hand to help me out of the car, my jaw hangs open in disbelief.

“I’ve heard about this place. It’s nearly impossible to get a reservation. MJ said they’re booked out over a year.”

He shrugs. “Hudson knew someone and called in a favor. I’m a little offended, Killer, did you think I was going to half-ass our very first date?”

“No, of course not, I ju-”

“I’m teasing.” His eyes twinkle with amusement, a playful smirk hanging on his lips. “But impressing you is important to me, so I called in a favor. No big deal.”

Hand in hand, we walk inside the restaurant, and the moment we walk through the door, I know that I’m going to love this place. I love the quiet, romantic vibe. Low conversation floats through the room as I admire the venue, noting the candle-lit tables and soft violin playing in the background.

For a first date, Asher picked a restaurant that couldn’t be beat.

The hostess leads us to a small, tucked-away burgundy booth with a single white candle on the table. Proving even further that he’s nothing but a gentleman, Asher holds out his hand to help me slide into the booth before joining me.

“Asher, this is beautiful,” I say as I gaze up at the crystal chandelier, hanging above our table.

“Beautiful,” he murmurs.

My eyes drop back to his stormy gaze, and I see it’s on me, the meaning of his words clear. Under the table, he takes my hand in his and laces our fingers together, our eyes locked in a stare so intense, it feels palpable.

Like two magnetic fields circling around each other.

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