I am<i ss="calibre2">exhausted.</i>


    Idon’t know how women do this every single freaking day.


    Luckyfor me,Palmertalked me into full-bodyser hair removal years ago, so shaving wasn’t necessary.Still, it took me hours to pluck my eyebrows, put on a face mask, then wash, blow-dry, and curl my long hair.Ispent an ungodly amount of time going down the rabbit hole of smoky-eye tutorials, which turns outIsuck at, soIended up settling on several thick coats of mascara, ck eyeliner, a little pink eyeshadow, and matching blush.Thisis about as m asIcan get it.


    It’snot about impressingFinn.It’sabout impressing myself.<i ss="calibre2">Ican do this</i>.Ican learn to appreciate more about myself than the businessIcreated.Looksshouldn’t be the most important thing…but should they still be a<i ss="calibre2">thing</i>?Isa man wrong for wanting a woman to try a little bit?MaybewithMasonIshould’ve put on makeup and worn clothes that didn’t look like they barely survived a moth attack.Thereis a part of me that<i ss="calibre2">knows</i>I’mpartially culpable forMason’ck of interest in our sex life.


    ButIcan turn this around.


    Thisis my decade.Iwon’t wallow.Iwon’t whine.I<i ss="calibre2">will</i>figure this out.I<i ss="calibre2">will</i>have my cake and eat it, too.I’llfind a man who can do more than tolerate me.Oneday,I’llhave children with a man who loves to be cozy with me in sweatpants but appreciates me in the bedroom too.Aunicorn?Perhaps.ButI’mgreat at research.I’llfind him if it’s thest thingIdo.


    Ordie single.


    Whichevees first.


    Ihead to the fridge to grab a bottle of water.I’mwalking around in my bra and underwear becauseFinndid not tell me what time he was picking me up tonight andIdon’t have his number.I’massuming he’s picking me up.There’sa small chance he thinksI’mmeeting him at the restaurant, but seeing asIdon’t know<i ss="calibre2">which</i>restaurant we’re going to,Isincerely hope he’s not that clueless.


    Hetold me he was done with work around six o’clock, soI’vebeen primped and polished since six on the dot.Mydress is on a hanger, dangling from the staircase railing, and my strappy ck heels are lined up neatly underneath.Mysatin dress is restricting, soIfiguredI’denjoy myfort untilFinnrings the doorbell.Ifthis is going to continue for the summer, we need to n better.I’mnot sure ifI’mgoing to be in my underwear for minutes or hours.I’ma dinner at five-thirty kind of girl, butVegaspeople are a different breed.


    Coldwater bottle in hand,Ihunch over, peering into the enormous built-in fish tank in the living room that doubles as a see-through wall.<i ss="calibre2">Whereis she…ah, there’s my little spaz.</i>


    “Hey,Cherry, so dumdum, as in my ex-boyfriendMason, hasn’t sent the reports onLegacyResortsyet, therefore instead of working on my big proposal,Idid some research on<i ss="calibre2">you</i>today.I’mpretty sure you’re aCherryBarb.”<i ss="calibre2">Wow.I’mtalking to a fish…a fish that paces like it’s high on cocaine.</i>“I’skDexwhen he’s back, but ifI’mright, can we pause for a moment and appreciate how apt and intuitive my nickname is for you?Istarted calling youCherrya week ago.”


    Iraise my brows at the tank as ifIexpect the little fish to answer.


    “Also, please don’t be offended, butI’vedubbed you<i ss="calibre2">she</i>because you’re so shiny and pretty.Ifyou are a male and that’s offensive,Isincerely apologize.Apparently, the only wayIcan confirm your gender is by scooping you out of the water, gutting you, and checking your intestines, and we’re just not going to do that,Cherry.Butit seems rude to continue to call you ‘it.’Youhave such a big personality for a fish.Iwatch you all the time.You’rea total spaz.Youeither have severe anxiety, or that fish goop the aquarium guy feeds you once a week has you on uppers.ButIdon’t mind.You’reup at all hours of the day and night, and it makes me feel less alone.MasonandIare a mess.Palmer’sso wrapped up in her show.Myparents are on another.You’rethe only oneIcan really talk to whenever—”


    “Youcan talk to me.”


    Ishoot up straight and immediately try to cover my bare ass that my thong does not conceal.Spinningaround, my heartbeat doesn’t calm whenIseeFinnleaning in the doorway of the sliding ss patio doors.


    He’schuckling at me.Thesmug bastard is in stitches asItry my best to cover my nakedness. “Ialready saw your bare ass bent over, sweetheart.Ilicked your pussy cleanst night.What’reyou trying to hide?”


    Iopen my mouth and then close it.Ican’t think of anything better to say, soIblurt out, “Lurker.Howlong have you been standing there?”


    “Notlong.Justsince you toldCherryyou wouldn’t gut her to check out her equipment.”


    I’mnot sure what’s more concerning at the moment—thatFinncaught me talking to a fish, or caught me in my underwear, talking to a fish.


    “Whywouldn’t you ring the doorbell?”


    “Idid,”Finnsays, holding up three fingers. “Threetimes.Youdidn’t answer.Icame through the back to make sure you were okay.Youlive alone here,Avery.Ifwe make ns and you don’t answer the door…I’mgoing to check on you.”


    Itake a moment to eye him up and down and as my shock and mortification simmer,Ihave time to notice how handsome he looks dressed up in clean ck cks and a baby blue button-down that matches his eyes.Hehas a sports coat draped over his arm.


    “IguessIdidn’t hear the doorbell from upstairs.”


    Heshrugs as he enters and closes the sliding door behind him. “Well,I’mhere now.Youready?Ordo you need more time?OurUberis outside.”


    “Uber?”


    “Yeah, it’s a pain in the ass to park my truck on theStrip.It’seasier to get dropped off.”


    “We’regoing to theStrip?”


    Hecinches one eye closed. “Isthat okay?”


    Inod, still stupefied at his attire.He’sdazzling.There’sno other way to describe it.<i ss="calibre2">Goodgrief.</i>He’sso sweet and normal,Iforgot he’s a god among men.Howthe hell didItrick this man into taking me out to dinner?We’renot even the same species.


    Ipull my gold clutch off the kitchen counter and make my way to the front door.Myhead is a little fuzzy.Ireally felt in control of this situation until now…


    Finnis wonderful in every way.Ithoughtpletely understood that he’s too good to be true…<i ss="calibre2">for me</i>.Heneeds a princess, a<i ss="calibre2">real</i>prize.I’mjust his friend.That’swhy this works.He’ssafe with me just likeI’msafe with him because our hearts are not involved.Itighten my jaw asIreach the front door.<i ss="calibre2">Stayout of it, feelings.</i>Idon’t want to walk down the painful path of unrequited love.


    “Hey,Avery?”


    “Yes?”Iask, spinning around.


    “Shouldwe put on your dress?Asmuch asI’menjoying the view, the restaurant has a dress code and at the bare minimum, you need to be<i ss="calibre2">dressed</i>.”


    “Oh, fuck me,”Imumble, palming my forehead, mumbling to myself.<i ss="calibre2">Okay,Iofficially need to calm the hell down.</i>Iwas about two seconds away from walking outside in my thong and bra, not to mention barefoot.


    “That’sthe one?”Finnasks, pointing to my dress hanging from the staircase.


    “Yep.”


    Hefetches it for me, pulling it off the hanger. “Doyou step in, or does it go over your head?” he asks, examining my sleek ck dress.


    “Overhead,”Isay asIgrab my shoes and slip into them.Ireach for my dress, butFinndoesn’t hand it over.Heswivels his finger in the air.


    “Turnaround.”There’sa determination in his voice. “Armsup.”


    Ido asI’mtold, relieved that he can’t see my face.Thisis a level of intimacyIwasn’t quite prepared for.Roughand tumble sex, sure.ThatIwas expecting from a man who’d make professional models feel insecure.Buthis tenderness?Hisslow, sweet touches?Checkingon me instead of abandoning our ns whenIdidn’t answer the doorbell?Takingme to dinner to show me kindness and respect?


    <i ss="calibre2">IthinkIbit off way more thanIcan chew…</i>


    Oncethe fabric cloaks my body,Finntraces my curves with both hands, smoothing my dress in ce. “Thisfits you like a glove.”Spinningme around, he keeps his hands on the outward curve of my hips as he studies me.Ifeel my cheeks reddening.<i ss="calibre2">Shit.</i>WhatcanIdo?Ican’t control it. “Yourmakeup is really pretty and your dress is stunning,Avery.”Hehooks his finger under my chin and tilts my head upward, forcing me to stare into his eyes.Inotice he always does this when he’s about topliment me when he really wants me to soak up his praise. “Youlook like royalty—a goddamn queen.”


    Icouldn’t control my smile ifItried.Iwant to say<i ss="calibre2">thank you</i>, butI’mspeechless.


    “Justremember, you’re going out with me tonight,”Finncontinues. “Idon’t care who hits on you this evening.You’ring home with me.”Hetaps the tip of my nose. “Notrading me for something better.”


    Hereleases my hips and strides past me, grabbing my hand in the process and leading me toward the front door.Hesnags my clutch off the entry table then tucks it under his arm so allIhave to hold is his warm hand inteced with mine.


    <i ss="calibre2">Somethingbetter,Finn?Ha.Nosuch thing.</i>


    Finnseems slightly agitated, butI’mhappy as a m.Itmight have something to do with my third whiskey sour.Ican’t even feel my feet anymore, which is great, because we’ve been standing for forty-five minutes at the bar.Finnmade a reservation, but the restaurant clearly gives zero fucks about calling ahead.


    “Sorry,” he mutters, scouring the restaurant. “Itshouldn’t take this long.”


    “Finn,I’mfine.”Ipop a maraschino cherry in my mouth and munch happily.Justgive me a few more cherries, and we can call this dinner.It’salready the perfect evening.Thisrestaurant is fantastic.I’mnot used to such a swanky, club-like vibe paired with the most sophisticated menuI’veever seen.Itjust feels nice to be out and dolled up for once.IwishPalmercould see me now, with my makeup, in this dress, at this restaurant,<i ss="calibre2">with this man</i>.Iswear she’d tear up and slow p—her life missionplete.


    “We’repacked like sardines.Youmust be ufortable,” he grumbles. “I’mufortable.”


    He’sspot-on.Aboutthirty of us, waiting on our tables, are huddled around a bar that would barely seat twelve.Elbowto elbow, everyone is crammed, hungry, and grumpy…except me, especially whenIfind a bonus maraschino cherry at the bottom of my drink.<i ss="calibre2">Munch, munch, munch.</i>


    I’mabout to tellFinnto calm down becauseI’mthoroughly enjoying myself whenInotice a small hand with red manicured nails slink over his.Finnfreezes and turns his rmed expression to the woman standing next to him.


    “What’reyou drinking?” she says over the dull roar of the restaurant. “Thatlooks good.”


    Finnshes me a quick telling look, his eyes bulging.<i ss="calibre2">Saveme,</i>he says wordlessly.ButIdon’t.Becausethe woman standing next to him is slim, blond, beautiful, andIsuddenly feel very out of ce standing next toFinn.


    “It’stheir signature whiskey.”Finntakes the opportunity to remove his hand from under hers and points to the top shelf of the bar. “Thatone right there.”N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Heangles his shoulders to face me, but the blond woman isn’t dissuaded.


    “Wouldyou rmend it on the rocks or neat?” she asks.ButI’malmost certain this woman with the pouty red lips and tinum-blond hair doesn’t drink whiskey.Shewants to drinkFinn.


    “Dependson what you like,Isuppose,”Finnreplies with a clipped smile.


    “Whatdo<i ss="calibre2">you</i>like?” she basically purrs.


    <i ss="calibre2">Wow.</i>


    Ican tellFinnis torn.Hedoesn’t want to be a dick.It’dbe easier ifIwas the kind of woman who’d throw her drink in this poacher’s face and tell her to back the fuck off my man.ExceptI’mnot that kind of woman…


    AndFinnis not my man.


    “Ilike whatIhave.”Finntaps the side of his ss, making the ice clink in his whiskey on the rocks.Butit’s obvious his response is edgy andced with double meaning.<i ss="calibre2">Ilike whatIhave.</i>Doeshe mean me?


    “You’remore than wee to order me one on your next round,” she replies, shooting him a wink.Iwatch his strong jaw twitch.Nowhe’s annoyed.


    “I’mwith a friend this evening,” he says.


    Inthe most unsubtle, mean-girl way possible, the blond woman leans backward, looking me up and down.Shesnorts to herself. “Ohwell, then excuse me,” she snarks. “Ididn’t mean to interrupt you and your<i ss="calibre2">friend</i>.”


    <i ss="calibre2">Yes, you did.Youmeant to interrupt.Youjust couldn’t fathom he’d pick me over you.</i>


    “Hey, do you want to go somewhere else?”Finnasks. “I’msorry about all this.”


    Ishake my head. “No, this ce seems great.Ican wait.”Itry to sound chirpy, but it’s toote.Henotices my mood slightly deted and my eyes that are probably just a shade less sparkly.It’sthe result of a stranger subtly insulting you.


    “Miss,”Finnsays sternly as a hostess, dressed from head to toe in ck, passes by the bar.I’msurprised when he catches her by the wrist.Shelooks rmed as well, even asFinnimmediately drops her arm. “IsAngeloin tonight?”


    Thehostess narrows her eyes. “Asin the manager?”


    “Yes,”Finnsays, trying his best to curb his annoyance.


    Overworkedand dealing with endless customerints, the hostess matches his annoyance. “He’sin his office, but there’s nothingining will do for you.We’reoverbooked.We’lllet you know when your table is ready.”Sheall but hisses atFinn.


    Pullinghis wallet out of his back pocket,Finnproduces a one hundred dor bill.Hefolds it between his fingers and holds it out to the hostess. “Willyou please take a moment to tellAngelothatGriffinHarveytheThirdis here, waiting at the bar, and would really like to say hello beforeIleave?”Hewiggles the bill at her. “Canyou remember all that or do you need me to write it down?”


    Snatchingthe bill from his fingers, she grumbles something under her breath.“I’lllet him know,” she says clearly before disappearing into the back of the restaurant.


    Finnces his hand on my lower back and leans down to whisper into my ear.Hesmells intoxicating.Hisrich cologne is sweet and earthy, with a touch of sandalwood. “Willyou do me a favor?”Finnasks.


    “Sure.”


    “Don’torder any more drinks.”


    Iimmediately shrivel in ce.Howinsensitive of me.Actually,I’mall sorts of confused.Onone hand,Finn’sbusiness is struggling, hence our deal, but on the other, he just tipped the hostess one hundred bucks to simply deliver a message.Ihaven’t been toFinn’shouse yet, butIknow it’s much smaller thanDex’s.Thenagain,IsawFinn’struck and either his car payment is more than his mortgage or he stole the damn thing.


    “I’msorry.Igot carried away.These<i ss="calibre2">are</i>expensive,”Isay, nodding toward my whiskey sour on the bar. “Letme at least pay for my drinks.Iinsist.”


    Confusionbriefly shes over his face until he realizes whatI’minsinuating.Hechuckles. “Oh, no,Avery.It’snot the money.”Heleans in closer, dropping his tone. “AllIwant to do right now is rip off that dress, get you soaking wet for me, and then bend you over.Youhave no idea what’sing for you tonight.ButIcan’t fuck you if you’re drunk.”


    “Oh…”Mybreathing kicks up.WhenFinnsays stuff like this in private,Iknow it’s part of the game.Butin public?Itfeels dangerously sincere.Likehe actually wants me all of his ord.


    “That’sanother lesson, by the way.”Finnwinks at me.


    “Huh?”


    “Flirtingin public.It’sgood for your sex life.”


    Inod in a hurry, hoping no one can hear us over the sea of chatter at the bar. “Gotit.Publicflirting.<i ss="calibre2">Noted.</i>Um…butI’mnot drunk, just so you know.Noteven close.”<i ss="calibre2">Partiallie.</i>


    “Yousure?Spellhippopotamus backward.”


    Igive him a deadpan stare. “Icouldn’t do thatpletely sober,Finn.”


    Hiughter is yful as he rubs his palm from side to side across my lower back.Inever rememberMasontouching me like this in public.He’dopen doors and pull out my chair like a gentleman, but he never touched me like this, at every opportunity, just because he wanted to.


    “Mr.Harvey?”


    Wewhip our heads around to see the hostess from before, back, with a tucked-tail expression on her face. “Angelowanted to apologize for the dy.He’llbe out a littleter to say hello.Inthe meantime, we have theVIPtable ready for you.”


    “Thankyou,”Finnsays<i ss="calibre2">expectantly</i>.I’mincredibly impressed, butFinnnods like he knew exactly the card he yed and what the end result would be.


    “I’msorry about before,” the hostess says, obviously nervous. “I’vebeen getting yelled at all evening…but anyway,Ididn’t realize who you are.”


    “It’s<i ss="calibre2">fine</i>.Noapologies necessary.Thankyou.”Finnsmiles at me. “Youready,Queen?”Heholds out his hand.


    “Yes.”Inperfect timing, my appetite hits me like a freight train.I’mstarving. “Oh, we need to pay for our drinks, though.”Ispin to try and g down the bartender, but the hostess interrupts.


    “Noneed.They’rped.Rightthis way.”Shegestures away from the bar, and my hand is almost inFinn’suntilInotice the rude blond woman giving me a nasty stare with her lips pursed.Ialmost ignore it, taking a few steps behindFinn, butIsuddenly change my mind.


    “Onesecond,”Isay. “Iforgot something.”Idouble back to the bar and grab my now watery whiskey sour.Makinga point to brush up against the blond woman,Iclear my throat.Hereyes, full of contempt, snap down at me.Itake in a deep breath asIdo somethingI’venever done before…


    Maybeit’s the drinks, maybe it’sFinn’senergy, or perhaps it’s the fact thatIactually fixed up, went out, and am feeling damn good about myself tonight.<i ss="calibre2">Youhave no right to take that away from me.Iwon’t let you.</i>SoIproceed to put this bitch in her ce.


    “Yourjealousy is warranted,”Isay beforeItake a small sip of my drink. “Hisdick is huge, he fucks like a god, and he’s also the kindest manI’veever met.”Ish her a cocky smile. “Enjoyyour evening.”


    Spinningon my heel,Idon’t bother to stick around for her reaction.ButIhope her jaw is dropped and she’s shocked at my audacity.


    “Allgood?”Finnasks.He’swaiting, his hand still outstretched for mine.


    ce my fingers in his. “Allgood.”