Page 25 of Who's Your Daddy?

A hint of bashfulness colors her cheeks. “You are probably the worst thing that could have ever happened to my battered self-esteem.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Just...the way you look at me. The way you kiss me. The way your arms are locked around me right now...You make me feel very...wanted. And I keep telling myself to not overthink it because you probably do the same thing with every other girl.”

The vulnerability in her voice strikes something inside me. Part of me is glad that she feels comfortable enough to share that with me, but the undertone of what she’s saying truly troubles me. I want to believe that she’s right, that I do the same thing with every other girl. I want to believe that there’s nothing unique about the way I look at her or kiss her, but something inside me knows this feels different.

I’m a one-night stand kinda guy. Once I’ve had sex with a woman, I generally lose interest. So, why is Lia in my arms right now? Why am I still pursuing her, especially after finding out that she came here for another guy? Maybe I’m just trying to prove something to myself. Maybe my ego is still bruised and—

Shit, this chick’s got me firing on all cylinders. I’m out here horny as fuck yet still dissecting everything she says in my inebriated state.

“If I look at you like I want you, it’s because I do,” I reply, simultaneously reasoning with myself that it is that simple. “I think you’re hot. There’s nothing more to it.”

“You’re right.” She sways, reminding me that we’re still on the dance floor. Her words are slow, and her movements are fluid, a clear indication that the daiquiris have taken full effect. “We don’t have genuine chemistry. It’s just shallow physical attraction.”

God, why is every word coming out of her mouth annoying me so much? Now I want to prove that we do have genuine chemistry. Why? This is just a physical thing...right?

“Listen, don’t take offense to what I’m about to say. It’s not you, it’s me, but everything you’re saying is bugging the hell out of me, so can we stop talking, get wasted, then go back to my place, and have wild, uninhibited sex?”

“That’s a terrible idea,” she replies with a giggle.

“You got a better one?”

She gives it a moment’s thought. “Nope. Not really.”

“Then let’s get another drink.”

I lead her back to the bar, and in between sips of strawberry daiquiri, I steal a few more kisses. It’s the fourth daiquiri that sends her over the edge. She’s hammered, giggling at everything. I swear, it’s like her lips have never touched alcohol before because I didn’t expect her to reach this level of drunkenness onfourdrinks.

I’m nowhere near sober either. I’m at a point where even the lightest touch from her is sending me into overdrive. So, when she throws her arms around my neck and kisses me with a hunger so intense that I have to physically restrain myself from ripping her clothes off and fucking her right here on the bar, I know it’s time for us to leave.

I pull away, my breaths labored. “We need to go.”

“Agreed.”

It’s only then that I remember I didn’t come here alone. “Wait here. I just need to get my friends.”

That instantly puts her on edge. “You...we...we’re going home with your friends?”

“No, but all of us came together. I’ll just ask the driver to drop us off at my place first.”

She’s not too happy with this arrangement, but gives a small nod, and I set off to find the rest of the gang. I scan the dance floor and I’m not surprised that Isabella and Dylan are nowhere in sight. Chances are the dork called an Uber and left early. Why we even had this lame-ass bachelor party is beyond me, but I’m not complaining. Seeing Lia again made the whole night worth it.

I spot Scott and Cat dancing on the opposite end and make my way through the crowd to reach them. “Are you guys ready to leave?” I ask, tapping Scott on the shoulder. “Because I’m ready to get out of here.”

He turns to Cat, who looks like she still has the energy to dance for another six hours. “Nah, we’re not ready to leave,” he replies. “It’s only two o’clock. It’s still early, Pete. Why don’t you stay for a bit?”

I look back at Lia, and considering how close I am to abandoning all forms of social etiquette, it’s gonna be a hard no from me. “Hmm...tough choice. Stay here with you two...or get my world rocked by that model over there.” Hearing myself say it solidifies just how hot she is. “She’s amodel. Don’t take it personally, but it’s a landslide victory for her. Sorry, but I’m out. I’ll send the limo back for you guys.”

He challenges me with his eyes. “Aren’t you the one who’s always preaching the philosophy of bros before hos?”

“Alright, let’s make a deal. Show me your tits, and if they’re even twenty percent as hot as hers, I’ll stay.”

Scott laughs. “Fine, you win. Have a good night, Pete.”

“Trust me...I will.”

I head back to Lia, taking her hand in mine as I take long, determined strides to the exit. The alcohol makes it a little difficult for her to keep up in her heels, but I grip her tighter to stop her from stumbling.

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