Page 52 of Her Possessive Daddies

My phone chimes as I slide into my car, the cardboard box of memories tossed carelessly in the passenger seat.

Still on for tomorrow?

Sure

Double date with my best friend and his girlfriend. Nothing fancy, just dinner.

My heart skips. A real date. Not sneaking around at the speakeasy or late-night encounters. An actual, normal date where he wants to show me off to people who matter to him.

Like a real date? In public and everything?

Exactly like that.

I look at the box of stuff from Chandler. The timing feels almost poetic - closing one door while another opens wide.

Sounds lovely. What time?

7 pm. I'll pick you up.

Looking forward to it.

Me too, beautiful.

I set my phone down, a giddy smile spreading across my face as butterflies dance in my stomach. Just minutes ago, Chandler was trying to drag me back into our old patterns with his typical mix of guilt and sweet talk. Now here's Corey, pulling me forward into something new and exciting, something that feels refreshingly honest.

The contrast couldn't be clearer. While Chandler was all about keeping up appearances and playing games, always worried about what his friends would think or how things looked on social media, Corey just... asks for what he wants. Direct. Clear. No manipulation or guilt trips required. No hidden agendas or passive-aggressive texts at 2 AM. The simplicity of it is intoxicating.

I start my car, leaving the diner and my ex-boyfriend in the rearview mirror where they belong. My fingers grip the cool leather of the wheel with nervous energy as I pull onto the main road. Tomorrow night can't come soon enough, and for the first time in years, I'm actually excited about a date rather than anxious about meeting expectations. The thought of Corey introducing me to his friends makes my heart flutter in a way Chandler never managed.

25

ABBIE

"Stop fidgeting, you'll mess up your lipstick." Tessa swats my hand away from my mouth. "Trust me, this shade of red is perfect on you."

I study my reflection in the full-length mirror, hardly recognizing myself. The black dress hugs every curve, showing just enough skin to be sexy without crossing into trashy territory. My usually unruly curls cascade down my back in perfect waves, thanks to Tessa's expert handling of a curling iron.

"I can't believe you talked me into wearing this." I smooth my hands over the fabric, trying to tug the hemline lower.

"Please, you look incredible." Tessa appears behind me, adjusting the thin straps on my shoulders. "Corey won't know what hit him."

The doorbell rings and my heart jumps into my throat.

"I'll get it!" Tessa bolts for the door before I can stop her. My heels click unsteadily against the hallway floor as I chase after her, my heart hammering against my ribs.

"Wait-"

Too late. Tessa flings the door open with her signature mega-watt, sugary smile. "You must be Corey! So nice to finally meet you. Please, come in."

I realize I'm holding my breath. He fills the doorframe, larger than life in an expertly tailored suit, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement. The silver at his temples catches the light, and dear god, how does he make distinguished look so damn sexy?

Tessa spins around to face me, her eyes wide as saucers. Her lips form the words "HOLY FUCK" in an exaggerated silent scream. A blush spreads across my neck as I try not to laugh at her completely unsubtle reaction.

"Nice to meet you too," Corey says, his voice smooth as aged whiskey. His gaze travels down my dress, lingering just long enough to make my skin tingle. "You look stunning, Abbie."

“Thanks.” I feel a blush rising in my cheeks as I move toward the door.

"Shall we?" Corey extends his arm, and I catch a whiff of his cologne - something woodsy and expensive that makes my knees weak.

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