Page 22 of Succeeding Love

“Oh, yes, I am.” Her eyes twinkled wickedly. “By the time I’m done with you, you’re going to be the hottest woman in this town, hairless kitty and all.”

~

Vin

“You look nice,” mom praised my appearance as I came down the stairs.

I had on the nicest jeans I own, a white fitted shirt, and my boots. I felt like a tool bag, dressing like most privates did on a Friday night before hitting the strip clubs. I hadn’t been on a date in so long; I agonized over what to wear until this was what I settled on.

“Do you really think so?”

“Sure!” Mom said enthusiastically, her knitting needles clinking away in her hands. “Where are you going this evening?”

“Just out to dinner,” I kissed her head before checking my appearance once more in the hall mirror one last time.

“You and Mindy have fun, sweetie.”

I cringed at my ex-wife’s name. Far too often, Mom forgets I divorced my ex-wife more than a decade ago.

Instead of correcting her this time, I just grabbed my keys and headed out, wishing her a good night as I closed the door.

My 1970 Dodge charger sitting in the driveway lifts my mood as I walk past. I worried when it was delivered that it may have scratches or damage, but it was perfect. No dents or anything.

Feighlynn and the visitor she had today were funny, watching me in her window as I was finishing signing the papers for it. The woman with her seemed as friendly as Feighlynn when she pulled up. She waved excitedly and stared as she walked to her door. Feighlynn seemed completely embarrassed. It was cute. So fucking cute.

It was just about six. I fidgeted with my shirt, looking down to check my pants and boots one last time as I crossed the street. I looked as good as I could; I guess. The young guys must dress like this for a reason, right? She called this a date before I could and then sped off with her dog. I’m not exactly sure what she was expecting, but I think I pulled myself together enough.

When I knocked on the front door, I laughed softly to myself, hearing Kevin go crazy on the other side. Seconds later, his face poked through the curtains, just like his owner did earlier.

“Oh, hush!” I heard Feighlynn yell, making my smile stretch further on my face. “It’s your friend. We don’t bark at our friends.”

Damn, she’s cute. I couldn’t see her yet, but I could imagine her face.

My imagination didn’t prepare me for when she opened that door.

My lord, she was gorgeous. Looking at her, I never felt more like a schmuck. I tried to dress like a brat and she looked like a tiny goddess. Her hair was framing her small, heart-shaped face in gigantic waves. Her eyes were smoky but not overdone. She had just enough makeup on to make her eyes pop. And her dress. I knew Feighlynn wearing this dress would be what haunted my dreams tonight. The red fabric bunched and clung to her small, curvy fame. My hands flexed with the urge to touch her hips where it clung to her the most.

“Hello, action hero Vin,” she giggled, opening the door wide while holding back Kevin by the collar.

“Damn,” I slipped and said. She cocked her head to the side in confusion. “Sorry.” I ran a hand over my chin. “You, uh, you look fantastic.”

She smiled warmly. “Thank you. My sister helped. You look pretty good yourself.”

I adjusted the sleeves of my shirt, nervous about my clothes again until I caught her eyes lingering on my biceps. She bit her lip in that way women do when they like what they see, and my confidence suddenly returned.

“Ready to go?” I asked, holding out my elbow as she pushed back her dog to lock the door.

“Ready,” she grinned, linking her hand behind my elbow. My heart pounded, feeling her direct touch. Her perfume wafted up to me, making my mouth water. She smelled as sweet as she acted.

I’m way too old to be getting all flushed and fluttery because of a first date, but here I am, nervous like a kid. Damn, I hope I don’t sweat through my shirt.

After opening her door for her, she giggled in that sweet way while checking out my car. “You really are an action hero. You have the car for it.”

“You like it? I restored it myself.”

“It looks really fast.”

I shrugged. “It should be.”

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