Dating Games(30)

“I’m happy for you, Nora.” Despite their unconventional beginning, they are perfect for each other, not to mention Jeremy treats her like a queen. That’s all any woman wants. Too bad there appears to be a lack of kings around these days.

I return my eyes to the mirror to do one last check. Nora was right. I don’t look like myself. I wear makeup on a regular basis, but don’t spend this amount of time on all the shading and contouring. The pallet Nora used makes the green of my eyes pop even more. Couple that with my red hair, the pouty, red lips, and the slim-fit black dress that hugs all my curves in the right places, which Chloe insisted I wear, and I’ve never felt so glamorous, so...beautiful.

“You don’t think it looks like I’m trying too hard?” I spin around to face my friends. “I mean, this isn’t a date.”

“We know,” Chloe groans. “You’ve only reminded us every minute since you hung up with this guy. And it’s not about trying too hard. It’s about using your natural…assets to come out on top in your negotiation. With a dress like that and your fantastic curves…” She gestures down my frame, “this guy will be eating out of the palm of your hand. Trust me.”

“I don’t—”

The buzzer rips through the apartment, interrupting me, and we all jump. My pulse skyrockets as I fling my wide eyes to the door, my breath quickening. I’ve never wanted to run away and hide as much as I do right now. I don’t remember being this on edge when Trevor picked me up for our first date. Then again, we were friends first. Not to mention, all he had to do was take the elevator down a few floors in our dorm.

“Evie…” Nora places her hands on my arms, soothing me. “Relax. You remember all the conditions we discussed earlier?”

I nod quickly. “I made a list in my phone.”

“Good. Remain firm. Keep the ball in your court.”

“How do I even do that? I haven’t been on a date, real or fake, in over a decade. Not like you guys.”

“Well, then…” Chloe approaches and slings an arm along my shoulders. “If you ever find yourself in an uncomfortable situation and aren’t sure what to do, ask yourself, ‘What would Chloe do?’”

My two best friends burst out laughing. It’s no secret what Chloe would do. It’s what she always does.

With a groan, I push away from them. “That would end with me beneath him. And we are not going there. It’s on my list.” I hold up my phone before dropping it into my clutch. “No sex.”

“It wouldn’t end with me beneath him,” she argues, then winks. “I much prefer being on top.” With that, she spins, heading toward the door.

When her hand touches the doorknob, about to turn it, she glances over her shoulder, her brow arched, giving me one last chance to call it off. This is why I love her. No matter what, she’ll always have my back. As much as she’s exhibited her excitement over the idea of me going to dinner with Julian, she’ll support me if I decide to cancel. Friends like Chloe and Nora are nearly impossible to find. I’m grateful I did. Navigating the stormy waters of my break up with Trevor would have been infinitely more difficult had it not been for them.

On a deep inhale, I nod. Time seems to stand still as she opens the door, revealing Julian on her front stoop. The instant my eyes lock with his, all the breath leaves me. He parts his lips slightly, his gaze darkening as he takes in my appearance, scanning me from head to toe. He doesn’t even pay attention to Chloe, which is different. Whenever the three of us go out, Chloe seems to get the majority of the attention, what with her slender physique and unique shade of hair. It’s difficult not to notice Chloe. But Julian doesn’t even give her a second glance. I like that he notices me.

“Hi,” his voice cuts through the silence.

I’m not sure how long we’ve been staring at each other. All I know is I can stare at this man all night and not be tired of the way he looks. A pair of dark jeans hang from his waist. Not too tight, but not too baggy, either. A beige jacket is slung over a white button-down shirt, the top two buttons undone, revealing a few tufts of chest hair. The previous times I’ve seen him, he’s been in business attire — perfectly tailored suit, tie, shoes that cost more than I make in a year…including the ones I threw up on. While I like him in a suit, I love this dressy, yet casual look.

Nora nudges me and I snap out of my stupor. “Hi.”

He bites his lower lip, reluctant to rip his eyes away from me, but he eventually does, addressing Chloe. “You must be Chloe.” He holds out his hand.

“And you’re Julian Gage.” Her tone is borderline accusatory. I furrow my brow. I don’t remember telling her his last name. Then again, the entire afternoon is a whirlwind. It probably slipped out while they helped me get ready.

“Guilty as charged.” He laughs politely as Chloe steps back, allowing him to enter the apartment, but keeping her furtive stare trained on his every move.

As he walks toward me, his eyes rake over me in a way that makes me think he’s seeing me for the first time. Or maybe, thanks to my impromptu makeover, he’s seeing me in a different light. During our previous encounters, I was dressed well, but not like this. Not in a dress that clung to my curves. Not with my hair styled. Not with my makeup impeccable. I don’t even feel like that same woman anymore. Maybe that’s a good thing.