“Then why did you agree to this date?”
“Honestly?”
I nod when he glances over at me.
“I saw how pissed it made Lo. I thought he was why you asked me out, to make him jealous.”
I chuckle. “Actually, he is why I kept the date. I do want to make him jealous.”
“I figured when you picked the Brooklyn Lounge to have our date. Everyone knows Lo loves this place. He practically spends every Friday and Saturday night there.”
Except when he spent time with me. Before, he spent almost every night with me.
That was before the kiss.
“Was I that obvious?”
He chuckles. “Hate to break it to you, but you are a shitty liar.”
“Am not! Just feeling guilty about leading you on.”
“No need. I’ll play this game with you for now.”
We pull up to the longue, and my heart drops when I see Lo’s car is missing from the parking lot. This might be for nothing.
“Come on, sugar. Let’s get inside and get a couple of drinks. For you of course. I’m driving.” He gives me a wink, and I giggle.
I watch as Angelo pulls to the front of the place and parks right outside the door. He has been way more visible than the last guard. I think he wants me to know he’s here in case I need him. I appreciate it. After the events from a couple months ago, I feel better knowing he is always there, even if I think it is a bit much.
Matt walks in the bar first, reaching back to grab my hand. This probably looks as if he’s a dick, but undoubtedly it’s the gentleman move. He knows outside is safe. I have Angelo watching my back. He’s going in first to eye the place before allowing me in. It’s these little things I have picked up from the guys since hanging out with them.
Once inside, Matt gets us a table on the wall and positions himself so he can watch the door. A pretty, young waitress walks up and flutters her eyelashes at Matt. He doesn’t even look her way, and I smile. I know it’s not because of me, but in a way, it is. He’s on a date with me, and while we agreed this is a fake date, he’s still going to play his part.
“What can I get you to drink?” she asks Matt.
“Ladies first.”
He gestures to me, and she sighs as she switches her position so she can look in my direction. I don’t blame her. I would be upset too. Matt is tall, about six foot four, and looks like he stepped off the cover of GQ. He has dark brownish-black hair and golden eyes. His tan skin and athletic build make him the perfect package. If I didn’t have my own godlike creature I’m in love with, I would want him too.
“Vodka and cranberry please.”
She gives me a tight smile as she writes my order down then turns to Matt.
“I’ll take a water. Bottled. Sealed.”
As she nods then heads back to the bar, I take in the place. The bar is on the opposite wall from our table. Our table is at one end of the room while a huge dance floor is located at the other end. A stage sits right at the edge of the dance floor. Music plays above while several people smoke throughout.
I look through the throngs of people, but the person I’m looking for isn’t one of them.
“Relax, he’s not here yet. I’ll tell you when he arrives.”
“What if he doesn’t come?”
He chuckles. “He’ll be here.”
We get to talking about life. Hearing about Matt’s childhood and the antics of his sister cracks me up. They remind me of me and Izzy when we get crazy ideas in our head. After two drinks and an hour later, Matt’s demeanor changes. He goes from friend to doting date in seconds.
“He just walked through the door.”
