Page 3 of Holidate Pursuit

“He’ll manage, I’m sure. So, are you two dating then?”

“Who? Me and Eli?” He nods. “God, no. He’s my boss—well, technically Sebastian is, but Eli is by default.” Months ago, that question would have made me turn ten shades of red since it was once a dream of mine. But after spending more time together now that Lily and I are friends, Eli and I have become friends as well.

“Does that mean you’d want to go out later?” he asks with a smirk.

“Oh… uh… I don’t know…”

He raises his eyebrows in question.

“You work for the Dubrees, too, so that might be messy.” Been there, done that, security guard and all.

“Good thing I like to get messy. Plus, I’m going to fantasize about being showered in your fairy dust all night,” Tom says, wiggling his eyebrows as Eli appears with my drink, my mouth hanging open in shock.

“Dude. You just spewed that shit?” Eli says to him.

“Hey, just tryin’ to have a little fun, is all.”

“Yeah, well, get back to your job before Sebastian gets here and sees you flirting with his woman’s friend.”

Tom gives me a wink and a sexy smile before walking away, which isn’t a minute too soon since Lily plops down next to me in the second that follows.

“Hey, what was that about? Was Tom flirting with you?” she asks immediately, seeing his departure.

“Something like that,” I respond, then add, “I can’t believe you just left. Scratch that—I can.”

“It’s not like I was given a choice.”

“Riiight. You egged him on, and you know it.”

“It happens to be my favorite pastime,” she says with a sly smile. “Now, tell me about Tom over there. What did he say?”

Before answering, I glance over to make sure Sebastian isn’t paying attention since Eli’s comment made it clear that Sebastian wouldn’t handle Tom’s flirting very well. “He asked if I wanted to go out later,” I finally respond.

“And…?”

“And nothing. I told him we work together, so…”

“So, nothing. Lucy, you need to get out there… date… have a one-night stand or something.”

“Yeah, because that went so well last time.”

“You know what they say, the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else. Let’s go dance and see if there’sanyone you can’t use the work excuse with. Come on.” She stands, dragging me with her.

It doesn’t go unnoticed that Tom and another bodyguard follow us to the dance floor, flanking us on either side. I’m not sure how we’re supposed to find anyone else with Starsky and Hutch hovering.

Maybe Lily’s right and I do need a one-night stand. Tom is undoubtedly easy on the eyes and probably good in the bedroom. Damn Justin for making me question everything so much. He really did a number on me if I’m still letting his rejection affect me months later. It’s just that I still don’t know if it was because I lacked bedroom skills or if he pulled the wool over my eyes, and his plan all along was to one and done me.

The bottom line is this is completely ridiculous, and I need to stop thinking about him because it doesn’t matter. What matters is that right here, right now, he’s gone, so it’s time to get my damn groove on.

“I’m glad you at least gave it a go. Sorry it didn’t work out,” Lily says as she fixes her coffee the next day.

Last night, after a few flirty looks from Tom on the dance floor, I decided to sample the goods. Giving my goodbyes to Lily and the others, it was no surprise when he offered to escort me to my Uber. Of course, since I’m with the owners, I use the back entrance, which was apparently private enough for a test run.

He made his move the moment we stepped outside and after being met with no resistance, he let me have it. Sure, it was hot,but the spark I was hoping for—the one to make me want to climb him like a tree then and there—was unfortunately missing. By the time he pulled away, rather than alluding to wanting more and leading him on, I graciously thanked him and said I’d see him next time, leaving him speechless as I got into the car.

“That’s okay. I still had fun. And besides, you never know, right?” I shrug.

“You should still let me set you up with Jordan.”

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