Page 9 of Mafia Captor

The real question is, do I have what it takes to go on a date with a man this drop-dead gorgeous? I picture myself sitting across from him, wanting to make conversation but instead just staring at him with my jaw dropped open as I sit in a puddle of my own arousal.

Forgive me, Jesus. It’s been a minute…

Slugging down more wine, I reread the message. Then I do what any good girl would do. Google the heck out of him. Turns out the Sullivans throw an annual charity ball that just happens to be this weekend. I freaking love charity events. I think the wealthy should share what they have with others, and who doesn’t love a glamorous party? Not to mention a chance to dive into my favorite secondhand app and buy myself a lightly loved Chanel gown.

He wants me… to be his date… to Boston’s most powerful family’s biggest event of the year.

Me. Little old Ashely. I stare at his picture. I’ve been called cute, even pretty a couple of times in my life. But I’m short, curvy, the girl next door. Yeah, okay, I’ve got a face that doesn’t crack a mirror—especially with the help of a little makeup—but this man could be a model in one of those black-and-white cologne commercials. I can see his abs rippling, thigh muscles flexing as he runs down the beach.

I think of Reece and Bryant, Nik and Charlie. I remember Danny’s smile from earlier, then Mr. Rude stepping in, his back to me like I’m nothing. Even with the newfound truth bomb Tess dropped on me, my confidence is still just about shot. I can’t do this. I can’t go on a date with a gorgeous stranger who messaged me on a dating app.

I need more time to lean into the idea that I’m ready to really meet someone.

I’m going to politely decline the invitation.

My fingers shake as I type my reply.

I’msorry but I don’t think I’m ready to date. Not sure why I filled out that profile. I’m going to delete it. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Very best, Ashely

Almost instantly,another arrow pops up.

Hmm… what’s this? He’s already messaged me back? Or turned me in to the cupid police for being a complete and total fraud.

Do I click on it? Curiosity travels up my spine, warm and tingly, little fingers of hope daring to enter my heart. Maybe he messaged me. Perhaps he’ll talk me into going out with him after all. My finger hovers over the arrow.

I thrive in organized chaos. Leaving a message unopened makes a little bit of bile rise in my throat.

I need to know what he’s written.

Dear Very Best Ashely.

I won’t take no for an answer. I’ve sent over a background check as well as three references and the promise of my firstborn. Please send me your address. I’ll be picking you up at six on Saturday. That’ll give us plenty of time to get to the estate in Boston via private plane. I look forward to getting to know you on the drive. Dress is formal.

I turn to Giorgio.“What do you think? Should I take a risk and go out with Mr. Gorgeous?”

G blinks lazily then drops his head back down. He’s good for a cuddle but this cat is useless at conversation. Looks like I’m on my own to make this decision.

I think of my bad luck. The two unavailable bosses I fell for. Heck—I couldn’t even get past introductions with that Danny Bachman tonight. What makes me think I’ll be able to have a successful blind date?

Tess’s words come to my mind. My protective bubble. My rules. One of which is no online dating. Rules that have all led me to be home alone with my cat tonight. Again.

I think of the sweet messages my mystery man sent. At least he’s a Sullivan and not a Bachman. Still—it’s risky.

What on earth do I do?

ChapterFour

Boss

It’sgood to be back at the Sullivan Estate in Boston. I don’t get the chance to visit often. It’s always nice to arrive. But 24 hours later? I’m ready to leave. My mom has one agenda—get me married off. For a self-proclaimed forever bachelor, it’s exhausting.

Plus, I can’t be away from my dogs that long.

I lean down to kiss my mother’s cheek. The familiar scent of her perfume hits me. It’s been the same since I was a kid. “You look gorgeous, as always.”

“Aw, stop it, Boston! I’m old,” she laughs.

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