by Gina Azzi
“Nothing matches?” Zoe guesses as we start up the stairs.
“Not a damn thing! I’m going to bring over my clothes and personal items after the premiere. It will be a good time for me to pack up my L.A. life.”
Zoe guides me into her bedroom and points to her closet. “Until then, what’s mine is yours.”
I place my wine glass on her bedside table and bounce into her to-die-for walk-in, lined with shelves of shoes and an absurd amount of clothes.
“I think you should wear a dress. Something flirty and summery and a little bit sexy,” Zoe explains, pulling six different hangers before I can even see what she chooses. She pushes the dresses in my arms. “Let’s start with these.” She grins, gesturing to a little changing area in her closet. “I’ll pull some shoes.”
“You’re like a stylist!” I gush, dropping the dresses on a small bench she has set up and wiggling out of my shorts.
“If only. I just miss this part. The getting ready, the gossiping…it’s so fun!”
“It is,” I agree, beaming at my friend. I’ve missed this girl time more than I even realized. “Thank you, Zoe.”
“Please.” She flicks her wrist at me. “I’m so happy you’re here. Your moving to Chicago has been my secret plan all along. Now, I just need to get Charlie back here.”
I try on the first few dresses as Zoe hums, but on dress number four, her eyes light up. “That’s the one!”
I turn slowly to check myself out in the mirror and I inhale sharply when I see my reflection.
The dress is beautiful. Sleeveless, with a ruffled neckline, fitted bodice, and full skirt, it’s flirty yet elegant. A diamond cut out down the back shows some skin without being too much. The white pops against my summer tan while the floral pattern makes it a perfect fit for the season.
“I love this,” I breathe out, toying with the skirt. My eyes are glowing, my hair is shining, and I look better than I have since landing in Chicago.
“You look beautiful, Harlow. Happy.” Zoe hands me a pair of nude, strappy heels.
I grin at her, our gazes meeting in the mirror. “Happy is the best compliment you can give someone.”
“I know.” She smiles back before checking her watch. “We need to start on your makeup if you’re going to be home and ready in time. You know what? Let’s drive to your place now and I can help you and slip out before Connor arrives.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, even though I love this idea.
“Absolutely.” Zoe grabs some chandelier earrings from her jewelry box. “These will look perfect. Finish that wine and let’s go!”
14
Connor
“Let me guess. You need my help planning the perfect date?” Eli says in greeting to my phone call.
I lean back in my office chair and grin at no one. “How do you know about my date?”
“Zoe and Harlow are giggling like two schoolgirls upstairs in her closet. I just came home from some meetings and I swear, my place feels like a sorority house,” Eli jokes.
I chuckle and straighten in my chair. “I do need your help. I have no idea where to take Harlow. The place Evan suggested earlier is fully booked. Who the hell makes reservations weeks in advance?”
“People who want to eat at a good restaurant.”
I scoff.
“I got you,” Eli says. “What vibe are you going for? Gastro pub? Farm-to-table? Fancy? Any cuisine preference?”
“Who are you and what have you done with my broody bastard of a friend?”
“Hey! I’m trying to help you out here.”
I snort. “Gastro pub or farm-to-table. Something nice but not crazy fancy.”
“Okay. I’d suggest either Maurice’s on Michigan Avenue. It’s a gastro pub that’s trendy and eclectic. Or, another place I haven’t tried yet but have heard really great things about is Abigail’s on Wells Street.”
“Let’s try Maurice’s,” I say, figuring it’s best to stick with what Eli knows.
“What time?”
“I’m picking Low up at eight.”
“Okay, give me a minute. I’ll call you right back.”
I place my phone on my desk and lean back in my chair. It’s been a long, long time since I’ve had a real date. Usually, my interactions with women involve meeting at a bar, slightly drunk, and agreeing to spend a night together. No more, no less. Sure, I treat them with respect, make sure they have a good time, but when the sun rises, there’s never even a need to exchange phone numbers.
But I’m looking forward to tonight. I’m looking forward to seeing Harlow, spending time with her, enjoying the moment.
My phone buzzes on my desk.
“Hey,” I pick up.
“You have reservations at Maurice’s at 8:30PM,” Eli says and I can hear the irritating grin in his voice.
“Thanks, man.”
“Anytime. Have fun tonight.” He hesitates, clearing his throat as if he isn’t sure to say what’s on his mind.
“And?”
“And…look, I told Low the same thing. I’m not trying to be preachy but you guys have both been through a lot. Just, make sure you’re being honest with each other.”
“I’d never lie to Low.”
“I know, not intentionally. It’s not lying…” Eli sighs. “I just mean you guys are starting something back up and it’s going really well. Make sure you stick to the same page. That’s all.”
I scrub a hand over my face and blow out an exhale. I know Eli is just looking out for me and Low. He’s had both of our backs for a really long time and right now, he’s trying to be a friend. Despite the fact that his words irritate me, because I’ve always been straight with Harlow, I try to take them from the place they’re coming from. A good place.
“Yeah, man. I get it.”
“Cool. Don’t forget to send a picture. Evan and I are taking bets on if you’re going to wear sneakers or work boots,” Eli jokes, chuckling.
“I own shoes, asshole.”
“Really? I’ve yet to see ‘em!”
“Fuck off.” I wrack my brain to make sure I do have real shoes. A pair I wore to one of Eli’s charity galas flickers in my mind and relief fills my chest. “I do,” I confirm.
Eli’s laughter booms through the line. “Have a great night, man.”
“Yep. Thanks for the hook-up.”
“Anytime.”
Once I hang up with Eli, I glance back at my schedule. I have one more training session before I can go home and shower. I know it’s only a couple of hours, but I really can’t wait for 8PM.
I’m nervous when I knock on Harlow’s door.
It’s ridiculous because it’s Low. I’ve seen her naked in more compromising positions than I can count. I’ve held her against my chest on several occasions as her emotions spiraled. I’ve fallen asleep on her shoulder.
But I’ve never taken her on a proper date. In many ways, tonight holds a gravity I wasn’t anticipating, causing my stomach to tighten as I knock again.
Her apartment door swings open and my breath lodges in my chest.
Jesus Christ, she’s gorgeous.
Her honey-blonde hair falls in waves around her shoulders and her green eyes sparkle. A flowy dress hugs her curves before flaring out from her hips. She’s also several inches taller than normal. When I glance down, I note the sexy heels she’s rocking as an image of her long, lean legs wrapped around my hips flickers through my mind.
I swallow and snap my head back up.
Harlow grins, biting her lower lip.
“You look breathtaking, Harlow. Literally.” I manage to say, holding out the bouquet of flowers I bought. I felt like an idiot in the flower shop, but when I saw the number of guys in there buying flowers for their sweethearts, I realized the joke had been on me for a long ass time.
“Thank you.” She takes the flowers from my hand and dips her nose into the bouquet. “I love peonies.”
I clear my throat. Thank God for the woman working at the flower s
hop. I had no idea what the hell a peony was.
“You clean up nice, Connor.” Harlow meets my eyes again, a soft smile on her lips.
I run my hand over my clean-shaven jawline. Clad in navy pants and a crisp, white button down, rolled up on the forearms, I’m more dressed than I’ve been all year. The entire ride to Harlow’s, I felt fidgety, the material of my shirt tight against my skin.
All my discomfort fades the second I see her eyes widen in appreciation.
“Thanks, Low.” I tilt my head toward the elevator. “You want to head out?”
“Sure. Let me just put these in some water. Here, come in for a second.” She opens her door wider and I step inside.
I can’t tear my gaze away from her as she rushes to the kitchen, drops the bouquet in a bowl of water, and glances at me sheepishly over her shoulder. “I don’t have a vase yet!”
I chuckle and she laughs. My nerves dissipate and I grin at Harlow, just happy to spend time with her.
“I’m ready,” she declares, smoothing the skirt of her dress as she sidles up next to me.
Not overthinking it, I take her hand in mine. My thumb swipes against her smooth skin, running over her knuckles. “Let’s do this, babe.”
We step outside into the breezy night air and I glance at Low. “We can walk if you’d prefer? It’s only a few blocks from here.” My gaze drops to her high heels. “Or drive…”
“Worried about these?” She lifts her foot, showing off her shoe. “Please, I can wear heels all day, every day. Let’s walk!”
“Okay.” I grip her hand tighter as we set off toward Maurice’s.
Summer wraps around us, bursting with anticipation, filled with promise. I glance down at Harlow, wondering how the hell I got so lucky.
15
Harlow
Connor is the hottest man I’ve ever laid eyes on.
I mean that. And I’ve seen a lot of hot guys in my line of work.
But Jesus, can Connor rock a button-down as easily as a T-shirt. No matter what the man wears, his biceps stretch the material, his shoulders and back bunching and rippling in waves of muscle I want to run my hands over. Of course, I’ve seen Connor dressed up before, at a handful of Eli’s events. But those were always necessary. Tonight, he shaved and wore dress shoes for me. He bought flowers for me.
He showed up for me.
The realization sends a shiver up my spine. My skin feels too sensitive, even to the night air, and my heart rate ticks up.
With his large hand covering mine and his eyes drinking me in like he’ll never have his fill, I feel like a damn movie star. Desired and alluring. This is already the best date I’ve ever been on.
“We’re here,” he says easily, tipping his head toward a trendy restaurant on the corner of the street. He holds the door open for me and I slip inside.
As Connor tells the hostess his name, I glance around the stylish space. Contemporary and open, with wood accents and a wall filled with quotes in bright, neon signs, I can tell this is a current hotspot.
“How’d you get a reservation so last minute?” I question as our hostess leads us through a fully packed dining room toward the only empty table set for two.
Connor glances at me and quirks an eyebrow.
“Eli,” I guess.
He nods and pulls out my chair for me.
The gesture is simple, but something swells inside me as I slide onto the chair. I’ve known Connor for a long time, but tonight, it’s like I’m getting to see a different side of him for the first time.
A romantic side. A vulnerable side he very rarely shows.
He sits down across from me and I smile at him, gesturing around the space. “Thanks for this.”
His eyes meet mine. Dark and deep, they blaze with an intensity that surprises me. “Thank you, Low.”
My smile widens and he grins. In this moment, a peace settles over me that I’ve been searching for for way too long. Being with Connor feels right. He feels like home.
“What are you in the mood for?” He glances at the menu, his question bringing me back to the now.
I look over the menu and settle on the sea scallops while Connor decides on some fancy kind of schnitzel.
When our waitress comes, we order a bottle of wine, a few appetizers, and our mains. As soon as she’s gone, Connor leans back in his chair and glances around the space.
“I’ve never been here,” he says.
“No?” I ask in mock-shock.
“Quit it. I haven’t been to most of the restaurants downtown. If it wasn’t for Eli or Evan, I’d probably never go out to eat. Takeout is more my jam.”
“Do you brunch?”
He blanches and I giggle.
“I love brunch,” I say, wrinkling my nose. “To be honest, I love eating out. In L.A., I’m out for dinner two or three times a week.”
“Seriously?” Connor leans closer, the scent of his cologne perfuming the space between us.
I breathe it in as I nod.
“You must have a ton of friends,” he comments.
“I have a lot of acquaintances. My true friends are all here.”
Our server drops off our wine and pours two glasses.
Connor lifts his glass toward me, his eyes soft, like melted dark chocolate. Tenderness sweeps his expression and a wave of exhilaration rushes through me. “To you, Low. May you always be happy.”
I lift my glass and clink it against his. “Thank you for tonight, Connor.”
“Thank you for everything, Harlow.” His eyes never leave mine as he takes a sip of his wine.
I shiver from the intensity rolling off of him, his eyes dark with desire. Already, my body is desperate for the delicious finale tonight promises. But right now, my heart is fluttering from Connor’s heady gaze and truthful words.
It’s a combination that pulls me under his spell. And I don’t ever want it to break.
Connor does not disappoint.
After a date that ends with a delicious tiramisu, we walk back to my apartment hand in hand. The city streets are lit up and the summer wraps around us, sultry and brimming with possibility. Even the stars seem brighter with Connor by my side. A certainty that everything happens for a reason, that I’m finally right where I’m supposed to be, settles over me.
I grin up at the sexiest man I’ve ever known. “Tonight was fun.”
He squeezes my hand. “As far as dates go, that’s the best I’ve ever been on.”
I laugh. “You mean the only one you’ve ever been on, right?”
He snickers and I smile and our eyes catch and hold.
Desire darkens his already midnight eyes as he slows his gait. When I stop walking beside him, his hand reaches up to cup my cheek, keeping my eyes locked on his. His thumb sweeps along my cheekbone, sending a rush of shivers down my spine.
Connor holds my gaze for a long beat, his eyes swirling with emotions. The tension between us thickens as the city falls away. When his mouth arcs over mine, I tip my chin up and meet his lips. He kisses me sweetly, reverently and I melt into him. But when his hands drop to my hips and pull me flush against his body, our kiss turns spicy, offering glimpses of what’s waiting the second we get to my place.
His tongue slips into my mouth and connects with mine. I moan, not caring who hears. My arms wrap around his broad shoulders, my nails taking purchase in his strong back. He hisses and I grin.
“Take me home, Scott.”
Connor bends and sweeps me into his arms, like a fairytale princess. “It’d be a goddamn pleasure, Reid,” he murmurs into my ear as he carries me the last half block home. I’m giggling again and Connor’s smirking down at me, but the hunger in his eyes is insatiable and my body is tight with anticipation.
The moment the door to my apartment closes behind us, he settles me on my feet.
My hands slide up the corded muscles of his arms as he pulls me into his frame. His face is flushed with lust, his eyes flickering with desire that fills me with satisfaction and w
ant.
So gently I shudder, his fingers slide the straps of Zoe’s dress off my shoulders. His hands wrap around my back, keeping my chest flushed with his, as he slowly unzips the back of my dress.
I gaze up at him, falling headfirst into the longing etched in his expression. When my zipper is completely down, I shuffle back a half step and let the dress fall to the floor. Stepping out of it, I kick it to the side as Connor’s gaze drops the length of my body and he swears.
“Jesus Christ, Harlow,” he mutters, his hands gliding up my hips, skating over the thin lace of my panties, and clutching at my waist. “You’re so goddamn sexy.”
I bend to unclasp my shoes but he shakes his head.
“No, babe. Keep those on.” His voice is rough, strained. The sound of it turns me on just as much as the wild look in his eyes.
I step closer. My hands skate over his shirt as I undo the buttons. He watches me, his gaze heavy on my face but I don’t look up. Not yet.
Once I’ve cleared the last button, I push his shirt off his shoulders and drink in the ripple of his abdomen, the strength of his upper body.
Connor growls and lifts me easily. My legs wrap around his waist as he strides to my bedroom.
“Bet your glad my headboard arrived,” I joke as he tosses me in the center of my mattress.
“Not if we break it.”
I laugh. “So cocky.”
He smirks, shaking his head as he scans my body again. “Just truthful. You have no goddamn idea what you do to me, Harlow.” His frame shadows mine and I lay back into the soft bedding as he covers me. His eyes pierce me to my core, causing me to freeze as he brushes a kiss across my lips. “Not a fucking clue,” he murmurs.
Then, his mouth drops to mine and my legs hook around his back, the heels of my shoes digging into his flesh. I pull him closer until there’s no space between us and our bodies meld together until I don’t know where I end and he begins. Connor kisses me with such reckless abandon that my thoughts cease to exist.