Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

I t’s been six days since I’ve had Alistair inside me. I have no idea what happened to make him put distance between us. But that’s exactly what he’s done. I’ve barely seen him around the office the past few days. And, honestly, after spending the weekend eating ice cream and trying to work up the courage to call him and find out what the hell his problem is—which I never actually did—I’ve decided it’s time to forget Alistair Warner and his lady Viagra cock.

I don’t need it.

I’m sure I can find another man who is just as good at sex. I’m betting my first, Hunter, was just a dud. And that’s why I’ve put Alistair on some pedestal he doesn’t deserve.

I never thought I’d be considering going out on a date and attempting a one-night stand again so soon. I spent my whole life with one boy, who turned into one man. And then there was Alistair, who has absolutely fried my brains with orgasms for the past few weeks. It’s really cruel of him to just take them away like this.

Who does he think he is? You can’t get someone addicted to your magical cock and then go cold turkey on them. At least let me withdrawal slowly so the ache isn’t so bad. Nope, I’m not wasting any more time on Alistair Warner.

I don’t want him. I don’t need him.

Besides, I have a date tonight. Daisy set me up with one of her brother’s friends. I have no idea what this man looks like, but I do know he works in finance and is very well established. A proper grown-up is what Daisy called him. And I also know his name is Bert Taylor. Which I admit I cannot imagine myself being in the height of passion and calling out the name Bert, but I’ll give it my best shot.

Maybe. Depending on how tonight’s date goes.

“You look like you’re a million miles away.” Bentley’s voice comes from my open office door. She’s one of the first-year associates here. She’s also engaged to Nathan, one of the partners.

“Oh, sorry. Just thinking,” I tell her. “What can I do for you?”

“Shar and I are going out for a drink after work. You want to come with?” she asks. Shar is Xavier’s secretary and girlfriend. I wonder if HR even has a policy on office relationships in this place. My guess is probably not.

“Oh, I would but I can’t. I have a date.” I smile.

“A date?” she parrots with a shocked expression. “Who’s the lucky guy?”

“I have no idea, just someone a friend set me up with.”

“Oh, well, enjoy. Hope it goes well.” She nods.

“Thanks, me too.” And I really do. I want to cure myself of this infatuation with Alistair. I want to forget about all the emotional turmoil caused by Hunter. Although, something my boss has done right… is distract me from looking and obsessing over my ex’s honeymoon snaps.

It was meant to be me. On that honeymoon. Hunter literally took her on the exact same trip I planned for us. I wonder if she knows she’s got a hand-me-down. Scratch that, because I don’t care if she knows or not. I know, and even though I’m aware of how childish it sounds, that knowledge also makes me a tad bit happier.

Bentley leaves my office and I try to focus on work for the rest of the afternoon. As soon as the clock hits six, I’m packing up my bag and heading to the restroom. I run a brush through my hair and fix my makeup. I don’t want to look like I’ve just worked ten hours. Even though I have. Satisfied enough with my appearance, I walk out of the bathroom and straight into a waiting Alistair. I attempt to ignore him and step to the side to manoeuvre around him. He reaches out and grabs hold of my wrist.

“Going somewhere?” he asks.

I snatch my arm away. “Not that it’s any of your business, but yes. I’m going somewhere. A date actually.” I smile as sweetly as I can.

A thunderous look passes over his eyes. “No, you’re not,” he grunts out.

“Yes, I am. Now let me pass before I scream bloody murder and cause a scene,” I threaten him. The office is still full of lawyers, his staff. The last thing he’d want is everyone looking at us.

Alistair steps aside. “We’re not done with this conversation, little girl,” he says as I pass.

I try to conceal the shiver that runs through me at his words. Judging by his smirk, I don’t hide it well. I practically run out of the building like my pants are on fire to get away from him.

I make it to the restaurant early and order a glass of white wine. I need something to calm my nerves. This whole dating thing is completely new to me.

When a guy approaches the table with a huge grin, I know it must be my date and I silently thank Daisy for setting me up with someone that is at least easy on the eyes. Shallow, I know. But, hey, if there isn’t attraction, then it’s not a good start.

“You must be Danielle. I’m Bert.” He smiles while holding out a palm to me.

“Just Dani. It’s nice to meet you, Bert.” I stand and shake his hand.

He takes a seat and glances at my glass. “Have you been waiting long?” he asks.

“No, not long at all.”

“Oh, good.”

I look at him. Golden skin, blue eyes, sandy-blonde hair. He is pretty, probably too pretty. “How was your day?” I ask. I have no idea what I’m meant to say.

What do two strangers talk about?

My mind drifts to Alistair. There has never been an awkward silence between us. Our conversations happen organically. Nothing is ever forced.

Blinking away those thoughts, I return my focus to my date.

“Hectic, the market is crazy at the moment. What about you? Daisy tells me you’re a lawyer,” he says.

“I’m a paralegal, not a lawyer. My day was… busy,” I answer him.

“Oh, okay.”

More silence. I pick up the menu. “Have you been here before? I haven’t but everything sounds good.”

“I have. The oysters are always good,” he says.

“Oh, I’m allergic to shellfish,” I lie. I just don’t like seafood, and I find people leave me alone and don’t try to change my opinion if I just tell them I’m allergic.

“That’s a shame. I think I’ll have the steak,” he says, folding the menu and placing it back on the table.

The waiter approaches us. Bert orders a rare porterhouse, and I order the pesto pasta. Halfway through the meal, I excuse myself to go to the bathroom. I can’t handle the silence. I’ve never felt more awkward or out of place in my life.

Staring in the mirror, I reapply my lipstick. You can do this, Dani. Go back out there and charm the guy. I give myself a mental pep talk.

Reclaiming my seat at the table, I notice Bert has stopped eating and waited for me to return. “I’m sorry,” he says.

“About?” I ask, picking up my fork.

“My lack of conversational skills tonight. It’s just been a really long week already and I’m exhausted. It’s not you.”

“Oh, that’s okay. I totally understand. I haven’t been much help either. I’m new at this whole dating thing. I don’t really know how this is meant to work,” I admit.

“You’re new to dating?” he asks.

“Uh-huh, I dated the same guy from fifteen until, well, seven months ago,” I tell him.

“What happened? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“He left me at the altar on our wedding day.”

“Shit, that’s… harsh.” He winces.

“It was… but now I’m a free agent. So here we are.” I smile, even though bringing up memories of that day makes me want to do anything but.

“Well, here’s to starting over.” Bert raises his wine.

Clinking glasses with him, I take a sip and relax a little more. Maybe this date isn’t a total disaster. This could be the start of a great relationship, or even a friendship.

I think I like Bert. I’m not feeling that insane spark like I do for someone else, but perhaps that’s something that can grow.

“Would you like to see the dessert menu?” the waiter asks as he clears the table.

I look to Bert. “Sure, if you do,” he says.

“Sounds good. I’m just going to the restroom. Pick something with chocolate in it for me,” I tell him as I stand.