Page 8 of Bloody Seven

"I've been trying to get you to come to my Valentine's Day party for years, and you've never shown up. In fact, you never come out at all anymore. The only reason you would be here on a night like this is because you're chasing some tail." He grins. "Please tell me Goody Boy Corbin is finally trying to get laid."

"It's not like that," I say, not denying the fact that I'm meeting someone tonight.

"I knew it! What does she look like? Is she hot? Does she have a sister? Do you want me to talk you up? I can tell her you save puppies or some shit like that."

"I want you to chill the fuck out and leave me be." I toss back the drink, knowing he's most likely going to fuck this up for me. I should have had her meet me somewhere else.

"Please tell me all about how he saved the puppies." A soft voice interrupts. "I think I would love that story."

I turn, and my heart skips a beat when my eyes land on the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. A strange sensation fills me, and I don’t know what to think of it. All I know for certain is that I want to do whatever I can to make her mine.

I knew she was gorgeous at the sandwich shop in her leggings, but dressed like this? I have to actively control myself from getting a raging hard-on like a fucking teenager.

"You look stunning," I say as I bend down to kiss her on the cheek.

When I straighten myself back up, I notice her wide eyed as a shade of pink creeps onto her cheeks. She's wearing a black mini-dress that falls just above her knees with black boots. The sleeves of her dress fall loosely over her shoulders, and her hair is curled, making me want to run my fingers through it.

I wonder if she's the kind of girl who likes to have it pulled. The sound of her moaning after taking a bite of that sandwich earlier fills my thoughts again. Fuck, this girl could tell me to crawl around and bark like a dog, and I think I would.

"Hello? I believe I asked to hear about the puppies," she persists, keeping her eyes on Trent.

"I don't really think that's necessary," he concedes.

"And why is that?" she tosses back, eyeing him like she recognizes him from somewhere.

"Because you're clearly already smitten for my boy Corbin. He kissed your cheek, and you almost climaxed. You two shouldsave yourselves some money and just go to Corbin's place to bang it out. The sex might be better when you're sober."

"This is the kind of company you like to keep?" she directs toward me.

"It's not my fault. We were roommates in college. I had to be friends with him."

"Yeah? What's the excuse for keeping him around now?" she jokes.

"Free booze." I laugh before turning toward Trent again. "Get the lady a drink. It's the least you can do after ruining my second first impression. I've got to do everything I can to salvage this date now."

"Uh, not a date," she insists.

"Wow, kind of harsh there, cupid. Hate to break it to you, but this is a date. I'll change your mind by the end of the night, and then the two of us will leave here with me escorting you to your place like a true gentleman."

"I'll take a Gin and tonic. And not that bottom shelf Gin that's going to give me gut rot either. Give me Hendrick's."

"Bossy little thing." Trent laughs before turning to make her drink.

"Oh, and I don't live in the city. My place is a hotel room."

As he hands the drink to her, he looks back over at me. "I like her. She's got a bit of fire. Might be worth keeping this one around."

"Thanks for the approval, Dad." I roll my eyes before giving Poppy my attention. "Let's go over there where he can't bother us."

"Aww, I was just warming up too." She smiles but lets me lead her across the bar to a small corner with tables that are roped off.

"V.I.P.?" she questions.

"It helps when you know the owner. Lots of perks."

"I take it Mr. Personality over there is the owner?"

"Indeed, he is. It's not too loud here, is it? I didn't think things through when I brought this party up. I just wanted an excuse to see you again, and it was the first thing that came to mind."

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