I’d seen, dated, and bedded my share of beautiful women. From models to co-eds, to up-and-coming businesswomen … I loved them all. But there was something about one of the women in that group that made my pulse quicken.
They were an odd trio. One blonde bombshell, one maneater/ballbuster, and then there was her.
Decidedly feminine, in her navy-blue dress with white polka dots, which seemed to float around her. Her chestnut hair hit her shoulders and looked incredibly soft, making my hands itch to touch. Her face was captivating. The slight smile on her lips as she listened to her friends and the way her eyes seemed to complete that smile made her seem not only approachable, but like she would be a kind and understanding person.
It could all be bullshit, of course.
I’d had plenty of instances where my first impression of someone was way off and I’d ended up with a stage-five clinger on my hands, or on a date with a woman who was so self-involved there wasn’t room for anyone else in her life.
I was an optimist at heart, however, so I embraced my first impression and vowed to talk to her before I left the bar.
“Quite an attractive group,” my father said, pulling my attention from the women. “That Margo is a force to be reckoned with, or so I’ve heard.”
“Which one is she?” I asked, even though I was pretty sure I knew who he meant.
“The tall dark-haired woman,” he said, eyeing me curiously.
“And the brunette? Do you know her?”
He raised an eyebrow and said, “Can’t say I do … Why the interest?”
“What’s not to be interested in?”
“Well, I’d guess she’s closer to my age than yours…”
I took a sip of my drink and grinned at him.
“Come on, Pops,” I joked, knowing how much he hated being called that. “Age is just a number.”
My father simply shook his head, downed his drink, and said, “See you tomorrow.”
“Have a good night, Dad. Drive safe.”
“You too, Luca.”
He paid the bill and walked out into the cold evening. Not that I was alone, considering I knew fifty percent of the people in the place. Still, there was only one person I was interested in talking to at the moment.
I swiveled on the bar stool just in time to see my pretty brunette sliding off her chair and heading toward the restrooms in the back.
Seeing an opportunity, I picked up my glass and made my way to the back of the bar to the jukebox, which was near the bathroom. Most of the customers thought it was just a nice piece of nostalgia, but the jukebox actually worked and was stocked with classic rock, top forty hits, and a little jazz.
I kept a lookout for her blue-and-white dress as I scanned the offered tunes and when I saw her coming, I felt the thrill of anticipation and maneuvered my body slightly toward her.
“Excuse me, Miss?” I called when she was about to pass me.
I gave her a onceover, noting her ballet slippers, shapely calves, and absence of a wedding ring, before I gave her my most charming smile.
When her dark, chocolate eyes met mine, a jolt rocked through me and I knew my initial attraction was nothing compared to seeing her up close.
“Yes?” she asked, her tone friendly, yet apprehensive.
“I was wondering if you could help me … I can’t decide between Wicked Game and Fade into You.”
Her lips quirked up and she met my gaze straight on.
“Why not just go for it and choose Let’s Get It On?”
“I was trying to be subtle,” I countered.
“Oh, is that what you’re doing?” she asked with a laugh, looking down at the ground briefly before meeting my eyes once again and tucking her hair behind her ear in what I assumed was a nervous gesture.
I lifted a shoulder in response and said, “I’m Luca.”
“Whitney.”
“Whitney,” I repeated softly. “It’s nice to meet you. Would you join me for a drink?”
Her cheeks pinkened prettily and when her head tilted slightly, I knew I was about to be rejected.
“I’m flattered, Luca. Truly. But I’m actually here with some new friends and I need to get back.”
“Maybe another time,” I said, hoping she’d respond in kind, but she simply gave me one last smile before turning and walking away.
After pressing the button for Wicked Game, I headed toward the exit, glancing her way when I walked past and lifting my chin in acknowledgement before leaving the restaurant.
I’d see Whitney again. And next time, I hoped she’d give me a shot.
Three
Whitney
“Did that guy just hit on you?” Summer asked when I rejoined the table. “Cause he’s seriously hot. You should totally go for it.”
I let out a derisive snort as I settled back onto the stool.
“He’s like … an infant. Way too young for me.”
“Sometimes younger can be fun,” Margo said with a smirk. “So enthusiastic.”
I shook my head and picked up my fresh drink, grinning as I made out Chris Isaak’s voice.
“I’m not interested in being a cougar. Hell, I can’t imagine getting naked with anyone let alone a much younger, gorgeous guy like Luca.”
“Luca, is that his name? Sexy,” Summer said, leaning over on her stool so she could look around me toward the door I’d seen him walk out of.
I was nodding absently in response when Margo snapped her fingers and snagged my attention.
“Hey,” she said, her tone sharp. “You are one sexy, gorgeous person yourself and young Mr. Luca would be lucky if you granted him the gift of your naked body. Don’t talk down about yourself and don’t sell yourself short by living your life with conditions, labels, or worrying about other people’s narrowminded opinions. I mean, as long as it’s not illegal, go for it … and, even then there can be some wiggle room.”
Summer was watching Margo with such admiration I thought she was going to stand up and cheer.
“I agree
