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Veronica makes me wait twenty minutes in her hallway when I arrive. Her butler answers the door and shows me inside. Like me, she’s old money. She’s probably used to men waiting on her for attention and willing to take what she offers. I’d rather she was ready on time so we can start enjoying the evening.
Her picture from the dating app doesn’t do her justice. She’s wearing a fitted red dress with ruffles along her thighs. The outfit leaves very little to the imagination, and I can’t help undressing her with my eyes. Her lips have fillers, and maybe her breasts too. She fills out her outfit like it was designed for her. “You look stunning,” I say, forgetting my annoyance at being left in the hallway.
She pushes her lips together into a smile. “You’re not so bad yourself.” Her gaze wanders over my physique like I’m a snack to gobble up. As well as doing hard labour on the farm, I also work out in the gym a couple of times a week. It’s safe to say I’m in good shape. I’m wearing an expensive tailor-made suit and I’ve used styling wax on my hair. I’ve made an effort to impress, and I’m glad it’s paying off. She’s eyeing me up like she wants to skip the drinks and head for the main event.
“Shall we?” I take her arm and lead her to my car. Like a gentleman, I get the door and let her in before heading around to my side. I’m a creature of habit and already have a place lined up for the evening. I park on the docks, and we walk to Sweet Cocktails. The bar is one of my favourite hotspots. I hold the door for her, and we step inside.
Sweet Cocktails is engulfed with black and gold décor. The flooring has a checked high gloss pattern that continues along the skirting board. The bar top is onyx marble with a gold handrail. Dark leather stools with brass frames line the edge of it, and there’s deep-coloured chestnut leather in all the tabled booths.
Veronica smiles, clearly impressed with my choice of venue. “Do we need to wait to be seated?” She looks around.
“This is a bar, not a restaurant. We’ll grab the booth in the corner.” My answer is a little abrupt, but it’s better than admitting I know the owner, who saves me a regular seat. The less she knows about how to find me, the better. I lead the way to my familiar spot.
Once seated, Veronica starts to talk, but it doesn’t take long for me to shut down. I watch her lips move, but the words are shallow. Already, I have a good idea of what dating this woman would be like. Hours waiting around for her to groom and endless superficial conversations. I don’t mind talking about superficial things, but I draw the line at shopping, spa days, and cosmetics. Her lips are full and look soft. I wonder if she’d be quiet if I kissed her.
“Evening, Mr McNabb. What can I get you?” Nellie, one of the barmaids, asks me. She’s a natural beauty, which is a bold contrast to Veronica. Totally not the sort of woman I’d go for, but she seems like a kind soul from what I’ve seen. Nellie is closer to what my grandpa would approve of; hardworking, sensible, and smart.
“I’ll have a neat whisky.”
She nods, then turns to my date. “And for you?”
Veronica picks up the menu from the middle of the table. “What’s good?”
“I’d recommend one of the martini cocktails.” Nellie points to the section on the menu.
“A French martini sounds sophisticated.”
“Yes. It has a delicious taste that fizzes on your tongue. Great choice.”
Veronica smiles, looking pleased with herself. “Thanks.”
Nellie takes down the order and heads for the bar.
“Do you come in here a lot?” Veronica asks with a frown.
“From time to time.”
She nods. “There’s a bar in Barcelona I go to all the time with my girlfriends.”
“So, you like to travel?”
“Who doesn’t? White beaches and fashion week are some of my favourite things.” She pauses until my focus is back on her. Was I staring at Nellie? “Look, I’m going to be blunt so we don’t have to waste any more time. I’m looking for some nice arm candy for my friend’s wedding. From what I’ve heard, you’re a playboy who’s scared of commitment. You don’t care about my life, and I don’t mind fooling around for a while if you’ll help me out.”
I blink rapidly a few times. Usually, people like to do the dating dance, but I’m guessing Veronica isn’t impressed with the attention I’ve been giving her tonight. I admit, I could pretend to be more interested in what she has to say. For the first time, I’m seeing the real her. Like me, she doesn’t want to get close, but she still has an agenda. I should be glad I can avoid the awkward after-sex talk, but something tells me what Veronica wants is much worse than commitment.
Nellie arrives with our drinks, which she sets down on the table. “While you’re here, Nellie, I need your opinion on something. Would you be someone’s plus one to a wedding in exchange for what would hopefully be great sex?”
Veronica huffs, clearly offended I’ve asked for someone else’s opinion. She stumbles to her feet, picks up her glass, and throws the contents in my face before storming out of Sweet Cocktails. Being washed down with alcohol is a first for me, although maybe I deserve it. I could have told her I wasn’t interested in her proposal. Bluntly asking someone she’d class as a stranger wasn’t smart. Honestly, I’m not going to lose sleep over what happened, though. I saved us both from a disappointing evening.
Nellie hands me a napkin, breaking me from my thoughts. The little black scrap of material is laughable. It’s going to do nothing to soak up the liquid. A bit of alcohol is nothing compared to mucking out horses, though. I slip off my jacket, ridding myself of most of the drink.
“I think that was a no for the wedding date. I hope you have a backup plan,” Nellie says with a mischievous smile. She’s seen me with multiple dates, so it’s obvious I wouldn’t have a problem in that department. She must be joking.
A laugh rumbles deep from my core. I’m willing to play along with her assumption. “What makes you think I would need a fake date for a wedding? I’d rather go solo.”
“Of course you would, Mr Single.” She shakes her head, giving a disapproving look. Her lips are pulled tight as she arches her brow at me. I like Nellie; she isn’t afraid to call me out. A little like my grandpa, but when she does it, I’m amused.
“Do you think I went too far?” I ask, ready to hear some honesty.
