Well, this makes ten times that my eyes drift from the bar to the door leading outside.

How many more fucking times do I need to check to see where Mr. BadBoy is? What’s taking him so damn long?

More importantly, why am I feeling rejected right now? Fuck that shit.

I glance at my phone again, afraid that from the noise of the club I might not be able to hear my phone if it buzzes. I put it on vibrate and place it back in my pocket so that I can feel any alerts as they come in.

So far, I haven’t heard a word from Mr. BadBoy. This is ironic because when I go out on these little ventures, I’m the one who’s supposed to stand up the men. Obviously, I can’t meet any of them because I’m a dude and I don’t want to inevitably get punched in the face by blowing my cover.

Not to mention, it’s a shitty way to conduct business. A magician never reveals his secrets. The way to keep them coming back is to give them just a little taste of what they want. I don’t reveal much, I simply give them bits and pieces that they’re happy to pick up.

This whole situation is quite absurd. I can’t get offended by Mr. BadBoy being a no-show. It’s not like I can actually introduce myself to the guy anyway. But it’s still annoying as fuck because it means I wasn’t able to really reel him in. And now, I can’t be sure he’s a good fit for the brand, never having met him.

I turn back around to face the bar and place my elbows on the table. Then, I down the rest of the scotch from my glass.

Just before I try and grab the bartender’s attention for round two of drinks, I decide to give it one more shot and glance back at the door of the bar.

My heart gallops in my chest and heat flushes my face as I notice who’s walking in at just the same exact moment I happen to look that way.

Chloe is standing there at the entrance, wearing a gorgeous slim-fitting red dress. She has a sequined silver clutch purse that she’s tucking under her arm.

She has legs for days and her cleavage is spilling deliciously from her dress, and fuck, do I ever want to motorboat those enormous things. Her hair is long, silky and smooth as it casually splashes down her back in perfect little waves.

Fuck, I want to devour her in one bite.

I still have no idea why she would be at this same restaurant. What are the odds? Well, I’m not usually one to play the lottery but it looks like tonight is my lucky night. I’m hitting the fucking jackpot, folks.

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner. Guess who it is?

It’s fucking me, that’s who.

I am looking forward to being able to enjoy some time with her while I scope out Mr. BadBoy and get a feel for his potential.

Then a thought dawns on me. Fuck that, I only want Chloe tonight. I should focus my attention exclusively on her because she’s too beautiful to half-ass any activity with.

I quickly scoop up my phone from my pocket and message Mr. BadBoy.

Sorry, something’s come up.

(Yeah, it’s my hard-on again but I omit that part of the story).

I won’t be able to make it tonight.

He probably wasn’t gonna make it anyway, but I can’t have him feeling bad and come rushing in here. Nope, I have to make sure he doesn’t spoil this lucky moment.

Then, for effect and to show that I’m a person who cares about other people’s feelings, I add: I am so sorry, and hope I can make it up to you soon.

I, of course, won’t be doing anything of the sort, but it can’t hurt to lead him on a little bit. I need to remain professional and polite as a business dealer, anyway.

I shove my phone back in my pocket at the same time that Chloe notices me. I chuckle internally at the fact that I just told Mr. BadBoy I won’t be able to make it to the restaurant tonight and here I sit, in said restaurant. But whatever, it’s Ms. Winters he wants, and she’ll never make it anyway.

My eyes are set to that beautiful woman in red. I’m drawn in to her splendor and I don’t think I can ever fucking look away.

I can tell that Chloe is glancing around the bar area and the nearby tables as if she’s looking for someone in particular. And then the fucking thought hits me and makes me see red. A girl only dresses up that good for a man.

She’s probably here for a fucking date. I mean, why wouldn’t she be? She’s too gorgeous and hot to waste a perfectly good night not being out with a handsome man. I even wish I was that guy. I imagine her getting all pretty like this for me. She’d be going back to my apartment with me, that’s for fucking sure.

Whomever her ‘date’ is supposed to be, I’m sure I can top this fucker and beat him at his own game. It’s what I fucking do.

I’m certain that by the end of the night, I could make Chloe forget all about him. If our night together turns out to be anything like the time we spent fucking at District 21, then I’m home free. Just call me a professional NBA star because I’m getting ready to slam-dunk that shit.

Chloe gives me a sexy yet subtle wave, and I notice a rush of relief flush her cheeks. She begins walking towards me. Hmm. That’s a good sign. It means her date might not even show up. Though what kind of motherfucker would stand her up? The thought enrages me almost as much as the idea of her meeting another guy in the first place.

I need a moment to prepare myself to be in her presence because, fuck, she’s ridiculously hot.

When she approaches me at the bar, I do as any true gentleman would. I stand up and greet her with a peck on the cheek, softly drawing her in and giving her a hug. I place my palm on the small of her back and imagine ripping this dress right from her fucking body.

I bet if I made it a competition with myself, I could actually make that work. Maybe later I’ll get to find out. Wink, wink.

“Chloe, you look absolutely ravishing. Stunning.” I take a step back to soak in and absorb her surreal beauty. “You’re just a classic beauty.”

She blushes from my burst of enthusiastic compliments but keeps the mood and the conversation light for now.

“A classic? You sound like you are describing a car.” Her laugh twinkles through the room.

“A classic car doesn’t hold a candle to you,” I tell her and flash her a sexy smile. Her eyes dance with flirtation.

“What are you doing here?” she asks.

I gesture to the bar.

“I’m here probably for the same reason as you, and every other patron in the place.” I’m teasing her in a light sarcastic tone.

“To get shit-faced?” she quips back with a smirk.

“There’s nothing wrong with relishing in a divine scotch.” I swish my empty glass in the air, pretending to be an elitist.

Chloe rolls her eyes, but I can tell by her playful expression that she’s having a fantastic time already. As she moves, I get a whiff of her perfume and it floors me, throwing me right into Extreme Lust Mode. This woman has such good taste in fucking everything.

“Well, anyway, to answer your question seriously, I’m actually supposed to be meeting someone.”

“Oh.” Her face drops in disappointment.

“Now that I see you, I’d much rather dine in your company.” I quickly try to recover before she bolts.

She lets out a small laugh.

“Well, actually, if we’re opting for honesty tonight, I’m actually supposed to be meeting someone here too.”

She bites her lips in sheepish awkwardness, but all my eyes can see is how delectably adorable she truly is. I can tell she also wishes her date wouldn’t show up anymore.

At that moment, the bartender breezes past me and I call out to capture his attention.

“Excuse me, can I get another scotch and a…”

I turn to face Chloe.

“For you, ma’am?”

I grin at her with the full force of my charm while I try to remember what she was drinking the night we met at the club.

Chloe’s grin is provocative, but she still refuses my initial advances.

“Nothing for me, thanks.”

She waves her hand dismissively to the bartender and nervously glances back at the entrance to the restaurant. Now, I’m curious what kind of guy she’s seeing tonight.

“Don’t break my heart.” I pout my lip and give her my saddest puppy dog face.

“Oh please.” She checks me out and scoffs lightheartedly. “I’m here to enjoy my date, not play drinking games with you. Remember?”

She grins at me and I take the opportunity to lay on the charm.

“It’s a cosmo, isn’t it?”

“What?” Chloe laughs and shakes her head as if she has no idea what I’m referring to.

“That’s your drink!” I say and point a finger at her. “Bartender, she’ll have a cosmopolitan, please. Put it on my tab.”

“Stop it!” Chloe says and slaps my thigh. She’s smiling at me, so I know I’m at least entertaining her while she waits for Mr. Douchebag to show up. I have to up my game before he gets to step in.

“I’m right, though, aren’t I?” I grin widely at her.

Chloe rolls her eyes.

“So what if you are?”

“So…” I begin with a smile. “Since I’m right, and I’m paying, at least do me the honor of enjoying one drink.”

“You just want to get me sloppy again,” she teases, reading through my intentions clearly.

“I’m sorry, did you say soaking?” I say friskily.

“I said sloppy!” she exclaims and giggles. “You know exactly what I fucking said so don’t play games.”

“I think soaking is better, though…” I trail off and give her a wink.

She blushes and flicks her eyes to the floor. I’m enjoying our flirty banter, but I desperately want to take it to the next level now that I’m with her.

She pulls out her phone and I see it flashing.

“Interesting,” she acknowledges as she scrolls through her messages.

“What is it?” I ask with curiosity.

“This is going to sound crazy…” she trails off.

“Try me, I’m the king of crazy.” I lean in and smile at her.

“My date is unable to make it.” She shrugs as if she’s totally unaffected by this new development. Fucking wonderful for me. “So, it looks like I’m free tonight after all.”

“What a coincidence,” I whisper in her ear. “Me too. My date canceled on me before you walked over here.”

Chloe gives me a seductive glance which I return with a wild grin. Her date’s loss is only my gain. I won’t let this opportunity slip through my fingers because I plan on slipping something very hard her way.

“Excuse me, waiter?” I call out as a staff member passes by.

The man spins around and looks at me.

“Can I help you, sir?”

“Yes.” I stand up and offer a hand to Chloe. “We would like to be seated now.”