Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 77452 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77452 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
She grabs my hand. “That sounds perfect. Lead the way.”
We walk off the deck and through the courtyard to the screened-in pool area. A table for two has been set and a bottle of Dom Perignon should be chilling. I have no idea what Misty likes to eat. I could have asked, but instead, I told Chef to prepare something fit for a Hollywood gala. She’s been to many of those—one on Sebastian’s arm.
If I were choosing for me, I’d have requested a succulent grass-fed ribeye with roasted veggies and a loaded baked potato.
But this isn’t about me. Though damn it, it should be. My buddies and I are supposed to get to know the ladies and see if we match. Instead, I’m stuck doing investigative work with a woman who seems to have her own agenda.
Better get on with it.
Once inside the pool area, I hold out a chair for Misty and then sit across from her. Our table is adjacent to the bar with the pool and hot tub, along with the courtyard, in our view.
Our server, Mariah, arrives to uncork and serve our champagne.
I pick up my glass and clink it to Misty’s. “To making memories.”
“Lovely,” she replies. “To making many memories.”
“Your appetizers will be served shortly,” Mariah says. “Shrimp cocktail with a trio of sauces. Can I bring you anything else to drink?”
“Some sparkling water would be fabulous,” Misty says.
“Right away. Mr. Barrett?”
“Still water for me, please. And a Pappy Van Winkle. Neat.” Dealing with Misty calls for the smoothest bourbon I know.
“Right away.” Mariah bows and leaves the pool area.
Misty takes another drink of the champagne. “I’ve been looking forward to this.”
“I have as well.” I hate lying, but I’ve got a job to do. “I plan to discover exactly what makes you tick, Misty.”
“I think you already know,” she says coyly. “That orgasm today was the best I’ve had in…maybe ever.”
I give her a semi smile, trying to mimic the one I’ve seen on Sebastian’s face that makes ladies swoon. “Then I guess I’m in competition with myself tonight.”
Misty’s nipples harden against her transparent dress. Point one for me.
“Tell me.” I take a sip of bubbly. “What makes you think I’m the hottest man here?”
“Are you kidding?” Her blue eyes widen. “Look at you.”
Not where I was going, but okay. How do I ask why she wants me without letting her know that I know she wants me? Brett would have her eating out of his hands by now.
W W B D?
What would Brett do?
Before I come up with anything—
“I’m sorry about Rachel leaving,” Misty says. “I know you were hoping…”
Yes, she knew something, which is why she told Evangeline to get rid of Rachel.
“Hoping what?” I ask.
“I just… I saw her kiss you last night, and…”
“Misty”—I reach across the table and take one of her hands in mine—“I wish both Rachel and Ginger the best, and I feel terribly about what happened today. Rachel is a lovely woman, but I haven’t made any decisions about any of you ladies yet.”
Her lips turn slightly downward.
Shit. Need to fix this fast.
“I enjoyed our afternoon together.” I squeeze her hand. “And tonight will be even better.”
Her smile returns. “Promise?”
“I don’t say things I don’t mean, Misty.”
She squirms in her chair.
I try to think of something else to say, but I’m saved by Mariah arriving with our shrimp cocktails. She serves us quickly and leaves, and I take a sip of the bourbon she brought me. Smooth and smoky, it slides over my tongue and down my throat.
Something about a top-shelf bourbon. It’s like liquid courage. Just one sip helps me find the right words.
I set the glass down and meet Misty’s gaze head-on. “You say you know my secrets.”
“Some of them,” she says demurely.
I take a bite of shrimp, swirl it in the red cocktail sauce, and bring it my lips, trying like hell to look sexy. Once I chew and swallow, I narrow my eyes. “What if I told you I know yours as well?”
She swallows her bite of shrimp abruptly and takes a sip of champagne. “What secrets are you talking about?”
“Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”
The shrimp she just picked up lands in her lap. She stands quickly. A glob of red cocktail sauce now stains her see-through dress…right at her pussy.
I don’t have a clue what her secrets are, other than she thinks she has something on Evangeline. The statement just popped out of my mouth as I was attempting to channel Brett.
“Did I startle you?” I ask.
“Of course not. But…I should probably go change.”
“Don’t be silly.” I’m not letting her out of my sight. “Just take the dress off. The staff will take care of it. There are plenty of dresses in your locker in the changing area.” I smile. “Or you could wear nothing at all.”