Page 44 of Fumbled Love

“None taken,” I whispered back. “It’s one of the reasons why I joined. Plus, it’s not as stuffy as some of the other country clubs around here.”

The older members usually minded their business while their wives pretended not to be bored out of their minds. There was a mix of everything in this room, people of all ages, and the best part was everyone left you alone.

I caught a few curious glances as we rounded a few tables. It wasn’t like I had never brought a date before. It just didn’t happen all that often.

“Are you sure I’m dressed okay?” Kinley asked timidly.

“You look perfect.” I pulled her chair out and stared at her red silk top that hung off her one shoulder. Her hair was down in soft waves; she was the hottest woman in the room, and she didn’t even realize it.

“Thank you.” She placed her napkin on her lap. “You seem pretty popular. Do you come often?”

I removed my sport coat and folded my frame into the seat across from her. “It’s one of the few places I can enjoy a meal and hang out without being heckled by fans.” I rolled the sleeves up on my dress shirt and placed my arms on the table. “I joined more for the golf course than I did for the country club membership, though.”

“I don’t remember you playing a lot of golf when you were younger. Are you any good?”

“I never had the time back then. I mostly play during the off-season. And to answer your question, I am a damn good golfer.”

Her lips twitched. “I’ll have to see for myself.”

“You golf?”

She chuckled. “Nope, but I would be happy to follow you around in a golf cart with a glass of wine and watch you play.” She took a sip of her tonic water. “After the baby is born, of course.”

I leaned back in my chair and smiled at her cuteness. “How hard is it to go without alcohol?”

“Not as bad as going without caffeine. I think I’m allowed to have one cup, but I’m waiting to verify that with my doctor first.”

I was just about to ask her when her doctor’s appointment was when George Aarons, our head marketing manager, clasped me on the shoulder. “What’s up, Mav.”

“How’s it going, G-Man?” I shook his hand and watched his gaze drift to my dinner companion.

“Who is this pretty little thing?” His grin was wide, and his breath reeked of Maker’s Mark.

“This is Kinley. My date,” I said and left it at that, but if he didn’t take his eyes off her in the next second, we were going to have a problem.

“Nice to meet you.” She took a sip of her drink, and I suddenly doubted bringing her here tonight.

“Pleasure’s all mine, darlin’.”

Her cheeks turned pink, and I pointed a glare in his direction.

“Did you need something, G-Man?” I asked, in case he forgot that I was sitting right fucking here.

“The boys and I are going to Deluce tonight. You are more than welcome to bring your lady friend.”

There wasn’t a chance in hell I would bring Kinley to that club. It was nothing more than an upscale drug den that drew in the wrong type of crowd. The guys seemed to favor it because the dance floor was always filled with beautiful women who would do whatever was necessary to get into the VIP section.

When I said anything, I meant anything. With tonight being the biggest party night of the year, it would be wilder and crazier than usual. It wasn’t the type of establishment you brought a woman like Kinley to unless you were asking for trouble.

“We’re good.” I picked up the menu, hoping he would get the hint and move along. “Thanks for the invite.”

He gave me a nod and shot Kinley a wink, which pissed me off. “It’s New Year’s Eve, we have the blue room secured, it’ll be a good time.”

“We’ve got plans tonight, so the answer is still no,” I said through gritted teeth. I wanted to spend my time getting to know Kinley, not at some club, getting shit-faced and fielding off half-dressed women.

He chuckled. “All right, dude. Enjoy your night.”

Kinley’s eyebrows dipped down as he walked away. “You know I wouldn’t mind if you went out with your friends later. He’s right. It’s New Year’s Eve. You should be out having fun.”

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