Page 35 of Rounding Third

“Well, normally Liliana isn't about to go out with a guy on a date where he’s going to try to touch her and kiss her,” I growl.

We wait while the guy climbs the stairs and disappears inside Liliana’s apartment complex. I bounce my knee and check the time every millisecond, more than anxious.

“What is taking him so long?” I grumble under my breath. “He better not be trying anything with her. Maybe I should go check on her.” I reach for the door handle, but Cici stops me.

“You need to chill, Smithy. He’s been in there for about thirty seconds. If she’s not out in five minutes, I’ll let you go, but you’re going to ruin the plan and upset Liliana if you storm in there now.” She places her hand on my forearm and holds on tightly.

“Fine,” I groan, letting my head fall back so I can stare up at the ceiling. I try counting slowly to three hundred seconds, but each one is making me more and more anxious.

“Here she comes. See? He was only up there for about a minute. You can chill out now.” She pats my arm before releasing her hold on me.

I watch them move towards his car and see his hand on her lower back. I let out a growl before I can stop myself, making Cici laugh. I'm glad she finds this so funny, I'm seconds away from punching this guy in the face and I barely know him.

“Fuck,” I groan.

“What’s wrong now?”

“Look at how stunning she looks!” I motion towards Liliana. “He’d be stupid to not ask for a second date already.”

Winnie did a great job helping Liliana pick out a dress. The black fabric hugs her skin, showing off those amazing curves she has. The black heeled boots make her legs look long and sexy. They add so much to the outfit without taking away from it. Winnie knew exactly how to make her as tempting as possible, without making Liliana look like an easy lay.

I'm just about to complain about this guy again, when Liliana looks in our direction. We both drop as low as we can in our seats and hide.

“Do you think she saw us?” Cici whispers like Liliana might be able to hear us.

“How am I supposed to know?” I grumble.

“You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a bad mood before.” She laughs again. “You’re pouting like a toddler because another boy is playing with your toy.”

“She’s not my toy. She’s my entire world.” I sit up just in time to see his car pull out of the parking lot. I put my SUV in drive and follow them from a distance.

“Then you better do something to make her yours, because even if she isn't interested in this guy, sooner or later she’ll be interested in another one. And when you lose her, you’ll have no one to blame except yourself.”

“You should quit your day job and become a motivational speaker. You’d do great. You’d motivate each person to go into a deep depression they’ll never be able to get out of.”

“Oh my gosh! Stop it. I'm trying to be honest with you.”

“It doesn’t matter. Liliana will be mine by the end of the night. I won't stop until she is.”

As soon as we pull into the parking lot, I'm reaching for my door. Cici stops me again and I growl at her, making her laugh again.

“I'm glad I'm such good entertainment for you.”

“I just keep thinking how similar you are to Cord. I never noticed it before, but if we were in this same situation with Macy, he’d be acting just like you. It’s funny.”

“Hilarious,” I deadpan. “Now, can we go in?”

“Not yet! You need to give them a chance to get seated before we go in.”

“Why? Why can't I just storm in there, throw Liliana over my shoulder and march out. You can stay and go on the date in her place since you think he’s so hot.” I roll my eyes.

“Maybe I should. There’s no reason for him to be lonely when I'm single and bored.” She grins.

“I'm going to tell your brother you have a crush on Covey.”

I’ve seen the way Cici and Covey look at each other, there’s no way they don’t have feelings for each other, but they haven’t acted on it… unless they’re just hiding it from Cord.

“Smithy! What the hell? I'm trying to help you and you’re threatening to get Cord sniffing around my personal life?”

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