Page 82 of Waiting For Fate

“Oh, I intend to. Come down here and wait in the hallway, I’ll be ready in ten.”

“Ready? For what?”

“Our first date, what else?” I smirk when the line goes quiet. “Ten minutes.”

“Okay, bye.” She hangs up and I dress in the suit I showed up in tonight instead of the clothes I was planning on leaving in. Exactly ten minutes later I’m walking out of the locker room with my bag slung over my shoulder, and when Leah comes into view I come to a halt. She is wearing a blue dress that makes me want to blind anyone else who’s had the absolute privilege of looking at her in it.

The peasant style sleeves are long and flowy, gathering around her wrist more tightly, while the skirt is layered and dangerously high on her thighs. She has on some gray booties with it, and I physically cannot pull my eyes away from her.

“You okay there, Moose?” She blushes and my feet finally start working again.

I stalk towards her, dropping my bag a few feet away from where she stands, and when I finally reach her, I wrap my arms around her ass, careful not to lift her dress when I pick her up, and kiss her. She wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me right back and it isn’t until some of the guys start to exit the locker room, starting with their shenanigans, that our kiss breaks.

She bites down on her bottom lip and buries her face in my neck, giving me a sense of pride. Knowing that she’s mine and that she finally feels comfortable and safe with me is a feeling I won’t ever take for granted.

“I’m better than okay. And you look absolutely breathtaking tonight.” I finally put her feet back on the ground and she grabs the collar of my suit jacket, taking me in.

“Back at you. I can’t decide what I like you in more, your uniform, your suit or your boxers.” She raises a brow, causing my dick to follow suit.

“Want me to let you see option number three again? To help you make a final decision of course.” I wink at her, and she playfully rolls her eyes. “Ah, maybe another time then, I’ve got better plans for us tonight anyhow.” I wrap my arm around her, grabbing my bag from the ground as I lead the way to my truck.

When we pull up to the restaurant Leah’s eyes light up. It’s notorious for being booked out for months but they’re also known to have the best drinks in Nashville and if there’s one thing I’ve learned about Leah—and the rest of the girls—it’s that they can appreciate a good mixed drink.

“Are you serious? This place is impossible to get into!”

“I may or may not have a standing reservation here.” I shrug, and her eyes grow wide.

“How rich are you?” I bark out a laugh, unbuckling my seatbelt and she mirrors my movement.

“Oh, come on now, I was sure you didn’t care about that stuff.” She shrugs at my teasing tone as I get out to round the truck and help her out.

“I don’t,” she says simply, lacing her fingers through mine as I walk a step ahead of her the whole way up to the entrance.

“Good evening Mr. Clark, your usual table?”

“Yes, Maggie. Thanks so much.” The hostess smiles and leads us through the quiet restaurant to the table in the far-right corner.

“I live a modest life; the way Momma always told me to when I made it big. I make smart investments, only spend what I need, and when I do decide to splurge, I make sure it’s on important things. Your money goes a lot further that way.” Leah nods in understanding, propping her elbow on the table as she studies me.

“You are never going to stop surprising me, are you?”

“I sure hope not.” I wink and lean in to kiss her but before I can, we’re interrupted.

“Leah Gates?” A voice I don’t recognize pulls Leah’s attention away from me, her eyes widening as her mouth pops open.

“Joshua Miller?”

I look up to see a guy standing by our small, round table, the look of joy on his face matching Leah’s which immediately pisses me off. I spent long enough trying to convince her she should be with me instead of the weasel, I’m not in the mood for any more distractions.

I take the opportunity to grab the back of Leah’s chair and pull it seamlessly closer to mine, placing my hand on her leg somewhere between her knee and the bottom of her dress. Never breaking eye contact with the guy. Though he doesn’t take his eyes off of her.

Motherfu—

“I can’t believe it. I mean, what are the chances I’d run into you after all these years?”

My jaw is clenched tight, trying to keep myself from asking who the fuck this is and how the fuck they know each other. Especially when she pops out of her seat and rounds the table to give him a hug.

“I know! Oh my gosh, it’s so good to see you.” I grab her hand and pull her back into my lap. Startling the guy and causing Leah’s head to whip around to look at me.

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