Page 8 of Lorcan's Obsession

My phone buzzed next to me, vibrating loudly on the mat. So much for blocking out distractions. I jumped up and took the call.

“Hello?”

“Hey, gorgeous!” Dom’s chirpy voice made me smile. “How you doin’?”

“I’m good, pudding. Is Curtis the reason you are smiling with your words today?”

“You could say that. But I also blew his goddamn socks off. Literally.”

“What’s that even supposed to mean?” I chuckled.

“Trust me, the less you know, the better.”

“Aiight. I trust your word. So what's cooking?”

“You coming to hang out with me today as well?”

“Of course, I’m free as a bird.”

“Really? What about those upcoming CATs you got?”

Damn him and his good memory.

“Dom, I need to unwind,” I dragged out.

“Fine. See you at four?”

I was at his bar by three fucking thirty. Today was a mission, and in order to nail my target, I needed to scout all areas of this hotel, from restaurants to elevators to ballrooms. If the hot guy from last night was still here, I’d find him.

"You look ravishing for a work date with me." Dom gave me three air kisses.

"Pfft, I always look hot for you."

It was a straight-up lie. I had gone the extra mile to look hotter today. The red Jersey dress and black Jordans were serving some serious girl-next-door vibes. I didn’t want the guy to raise his guard because I looked like I was there for a free drink. Today’s ensemble could pass for a neighborly friend who's taking you around the block for coffee and a croissant. Totally harmless.

Dom raised a brow. "Fine. How long did it take you to get ready? That’s a three-hour makeup job at least. And that dress is meant to trap an unknowing fella."

I fluffed my hair and started scanning all corners for my mystery man.

"Tristen?"

“What?” I snapped, startling Dom. “I’m sorry, bestie. Did I miss something important?”

Dom leaned in and whispered, "I can hear your twat humming from here. Are you that desperate to get laid tonight?"

"Nooo. What makes you say that?" I cooed, trying and failing to muster a poker face. I would never hide anything from Dom, but this mystery guy had me unnerved like no one ever had. And until I had the answers, I didn’t want the questions.

"This overproduction you have going on"—his index finger waggled accusingly—"is because you want something or someone too specific to share. Now, start singing."

Despite Dom’s needling tone, his kind brown eyes were smiling. I couldn’t help but give in to him.

"Okay, Dominique. I'm looking for the guy who spilled his drink on me last night."

"You don’t say! I didn't notice him. But I’m curious to know what happened last night."

"Nothing happened!” I shrieked. “It was just a little accident, and the guy helped me clean it up. That’s it.” I straightened my posture on the barstool. “You said you didn't notice him at all? He was sitting right there."

"Let me get this straight: some guy makes a mess of your dress, and you come to reward him the next day with a visit? Is it idiots day around here, or are you hiding something?"

---