Page 48 of Last Round

He chuckles. “Why’s that? Don’t like it?”

“It’s not that I don’t like it. Just... I can’t believe you still have this old thing. I mean, the first thing most guys do when they bring in that kind of money is buy something flashy that makes the ladies think their penis is large.”

“My dick does that fine on his own.” Killian winks at me.

God, the ego of this man. Not that I’ve seen it, but from what I’ve felt, he isn’t lying.

“It’s a classic, even considered rare by some.”

“Your cock or the car?” I question, raising an eyebrow.

“My cock is one of a kind.” My panties melt as he flashes me a satisfied grin. “Believe me, this baby…” He pats the dashboard. “There’s a line of people who’d love to get their hands on her—would pay top dollar too.” He thinks for a moment. “I guess the same can be said for my cock.”

“It’s a Subaru.” I steer the conversation back towards the car, because if we talk about his…you know… much longer, I’m going to have a red face for our entire date.

“A Subaru 2.5 RS,” he justifies in a high-pitched tone. “They don’t even make these anymore.”

“Call it whatever you want. It just surprises me, is all.”

“Are you embarrassed? Did you expect me to show up in a Lamborghini?”

I shrug. “Honestly, I guess not. It’s not the type of car that’s so surprising. I don’t know crap about motors, but even I can tell you’ve made a few mechanical improvements to it.” It makes this sound every time he shifts and there is a heavy rumble that’s definitely been doing something to my lady bits. “I’m just wondering why you didn’t buy something newer? That doesn’t have a stain in the back seat from when I spilt Kool-Aid? Or at the very least why you haven’t had it detailed?”

“Truthfully? I bought it with my first winnings. They weren’t much, and the cash was stained with blood. But when I saw it, I had just enough to buy it. Felt like a sign I was on the right path. It seemed silly to give it up. Besides, I like the stains and dents. They’re memories.”

“That’s sweet.” And sounds very much like the old Killian to me.

“So let me get this straight,” I say, looking up at the giant structure. “For our first date, we’re going to the mall.”

“Yup.” Killian’s megawatt smile doesn’t falter.

“The Mall of America. The place normal Minnesotans avoid at all costs, unless absolutely necessary?”

“You’ve been gone for a while. A lot’s changed.”

“Have the hours? I’m pretty sure the reason the parking ramp is nearly empty is because the shops are closed.”

“You trust me, right?” That seems like such an odd question.

Crap, he told me he’s never done the whole date thing before, and here I am, asking a million questions and making him doubt himself. “Of course.” I squeeze his hand, feeling like a jerk for not being more open-minded. I’m on a date, a real, live, actual date with Killian—a dream come true. That’s all that really matters.

“Then come on.” He exits the car and rushes to my door before opening it and extending a hand.

“Okay.” I accept the offer and he pulls me to my feet.

We walk to the first level, east entrance. A security guard is standing on duty. “Mr. Murphy,” the guy says.

“Ernie, my man.” Killian greets him like they are old pals and shakes his hand. “Everything set up?”

“Yes, the floor is yours for one hour. Theitemsyou requested were delivered.”

“You’re amazing, thank you. Remember, bring the crew. Any night, drinks and food are on the house.”

“Enjoy your evening.” Ernie opens the door and bows. “Miss.”

“Thank you,” is all I can think to say.

I have no idea what Killian’s up to. I assumed we were eating dinner or catching a show—that’s how dates usually go. Then again, Killian isn’t your usual guy. I bite my tongue, resist the urge to ask him what’s going on again. While I can’t wait to find out, I don’t want to mess with his plans. Clearly, he worked hard on this and given it’s been less than seventy-two hours since he asked me out, he’s probably been working nonstop to ensure everything is ready to go.

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