Page 29 of Royal Bosshole

“Hi,” they said in unison, and I saw April pull on Stevie’s arm. “We were just going to powder our noses.”

“No, I—” I started.

“Bye!” April called, and then it was just me and James.

James, who smelled great with that stupid sea-smelly cologne and the perfectly cut beard and jawline that could cut glass. James, with a waistcoat under which I was pretty sure, had a hell of a lot of abs. Abs for days.

“So, I didn’t think karaoke was your thing.” I had no idea where to put my hands, so I clasped them in front of me and then behind me.

“It’s not,” he said, waving down a waiter. “What do you want?”

He looked down at my empty drink. “Gin and tonic,” I said, and he ordered something as well.

“I just wanted to go out with a friend, and I heard this place was good. Didn’t realize it was karaoke too.”

“Yep.” I nodded, and I could tell my face was flushing.

I had been super boss bitch back at the office where I’d pushed out of the kiss and told him he was a jackass. Where was that girl now?

“Look, Lily.” He always got a stern look on his face whenever he said my name. I couldn’t tell if I liked it or not. His green eyes were intent as he said, “I wanted to apologize.”

The drinks arrived, and my mouth fell open as I took in his words. “Apologize?” I repeated. “I didn’t know that word existed in your vocabulary.”

He smirked before he clinked his glass against mine. “It doesn’t. But I thought I’d make an exception.”

“Oh, thanks,” I replied with an eye roll, but then his eyes turned intent again.

“I’m serious. I shouldn’t have forced you into anything regarding your business. I didn’t handle it well, and I’m sorry.”

“Oh.” My whole body was heating up, and I prayed he didn’t notice.

This guy was hot, a super good kisser, a man who knew his way around a pussy, and he was apologizing to me? Lord help me. I took a massive sip of my drink, and it backfired, going down the wrong pipe. I burst into a seriously embarrassing fit of coughing that had James patting me on the back.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Yeah, thanks,” I croaked, once I had it all under control.

Smooth move there, Lil.

I patted my chest. “I’m good.”

“So, look.” That seemed to be his tagline. He shifted on his feet and brushed a hand over his jaw. “I was wondering if you’d go out with me tomorrow night.”

I was in the middle of taking a sip, and I nearly choked again.

“Go out with you?” I sputtered.

“Yeah.” For the first time in our acquaintance, I noticed that fancy pants Mr. Perry looked almost nervous. “What do you say?”

“Well—” the truth was, I wanted to.

I could try to hide it, but I was attracted as hell, and it had been a long time since anyone had wanted to take me out. That one time Parker and I had gone out was well in the past. Hmm…Parker. I hadn’t thought about him lately. That was odd.

Not really. You’ve been a bit distracted, to say the least.

“All right,” I said slowly, and he grinned.

It was the kind of grin that made butter melt or thighs melt. I swallowed.

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