Page 4 of The Don’s Virgin Obsession

That got a small laugh out of her.

Because the truth was…

I had let my old situation go on longer than I should have. And I didn’t like anything that felt like I couldn’t control it.

“So where does that leave you now?” she asked. “Are you dating again? Taking time for yourself?”

I looked at her as I leaned forward just enough. “I think I’m done dating for fun.”

Her eyebrows lifted. “Oh?”

“Yeah. At this point, it’s either making sense… or it’s not happening at all.”

“That sounds serious,” she said, a little intrigued now.

“It is.”

She smiled, then tilted her head. “So… are you saying you’re ready to settle down?”

I shrugged.

“Might be time I pick a wife. Honestly… I might just hold auditions.”

Her eyes widened, a smile breaking into a laugh.

“Auditions?” she repeated.

I nodded once.

“Yeah. Applications. Interviews. Background checks. Full process. Y’all women be snitching and playing both sides. I gotta see what’s going on.”

She shook her head, laughing again. “You’re joking.”

“Am I?” I asked, calm.

“Well,” she said, trying to recover, “I’m sure a lot of women would line up for that opportunity.”

“That’s the problem. Too many options usually mean none of them are worth it.”

“So, what are you actually looking for?”

That question…

I didn’t answer it right away.

Because the truth wasn’t something I was about to hand to her, or anybody watching this. But it still crossed my mind, clear as it always was.

She was impressed by nothing and not moved by everything in the city.

The only woman I had ever seen move like that…

She never gave me access.

I leaned back again, meeting her eyes. “I’ll know when I see it,” I said simply.

She nodded like that made sense. It didn’t. Not to her. But it did to me. Because while the world was about to take what I said and run with it… Turn it into headlines, clips, and conversations. I wasn’t looking for a woman. I wasn’t holding auditions like I was some rich ass bachelor.

I had already seen her. Years ago. I just never went back and got it. Until now.