“Oh," he mumbles. "His real name is Tagland, but he shortened it to Tag. It’s a hell of a lot cooler than the stupid name he fucking left me with.”
My eyes cock up, and I suddenly find myself excited to have something new to tease him about.
“And that would be?”
He cuts his eyes toward me as he turns the car on the backside of the lengthy drive, bypassing the valets who are now pouting over the loss of a tip.
“You’ll find out soon enough. Just do me a favor, please.”
“What now?” I playfully grumble, feigning exhaustion.
“Don’t get Tagged.”
“Tagged?” I ask, arching an eyebrow.
“Yeah, Tagged. It’s what we call the girls when they go gaga for Tag. One look at you, and he’ll definitely be trying to get into your pants. I don’t need Rene thinking I can’t hold my own. You promised you wouldn’t look too hot, by the way. I don’t want her to be that intimidated,” he says with a scowl, his eyes motioning toward my attire.
I look down and then back up. “I’m wearing a formal dress and heels. What was I supposed to do? Wear my jeans and tank?”
He purses his lips, his eyes appraising me once more, and then he parks the car in the family spot before climbing out and walking over to open my door for me.
“No, but you could have chosen a dress that didn’t accentuate all your best features. I didn’t realize I was buying you a dress that looks this damn good.”
I let a laugh out while standing up and clutching my purse under one arm. I loop my other through his, and then we start walking toward the back of the house to join the congregation out front.
“I’m sorry. Next time I’ll do my best to dull it down. Besides, the better I look, the more Rene is going to be jealous—if you’re right about this.”
“Yeah, but if Tag sees you looking this good, he’s going to be full-blown predator. That’ll fuck up everything.”
“You’re acting like I just walked out of a swimsuit commercial. I know you’re nervous, and you tend to exaggerate when you’re nervous. I look the same as always, just in a short dress. Now man up. It’s time to start making Rene jealous.”
He doesn't argue any further as we reach the front, and he quickly starts introducing me to numerous people I've never met before. I fool them into thinking I belong in this ritzy place with my forced etiquette. With the drought of available men at this gathering, Billy shouldn't have a problem getting the single Rene's attention.
A dark Jag pulls up, drawing my attention away from the elderly lady with a high bun on her head. She continues to speak with her fake British accent, though I don't acknowledge a word she's saying. I can't.
Inside that car is the most mouthwatering man I’ve ever seen. My eyes become glued, unable to tear away from the divine creature climbing free and handing his keys to the giddy valet.
He steps to the side and starts buttoning his suit jacket as his dark shades hide the eyes I’d more than likely be lost in. Two sexy girls climb free from his car as well, giggles exuding from them as they follow behind the unknown masterpiece.
His dark hair, sculpted physique, and pe
rfect strut are all it takes to make me regret the sexual drought I've been in. It’s been rough, and now it’s more excruciating than ever, as certain areas throb to remind me I’m still a woman with real needs.
Billy's eyes are on me when I finally cut my gaze away from the beautiful man I don't even know. Stupid hormones. I feel like a teenager again.
Billy scowls at me for reasons unbeknownst to me, but I don't feel like getting lectured about whatever small infraction I've just committed. He's too high-strung, worried Rene is going to think this is a sham - which it is.
“I need a drink,” I mumble while walking toward the bar set up outside.
“Damn,” Billy huffs. “You’ve been Tagged.”
***
Tag
I love making an entrance. Right now every guy here is envious of me, and they should be.
My eyes search the place, making sure there aren’t any other prospects - in case I grow bored with the two I brought. It's the usual people, for the most part. Eager Rene - damn, I hate that girl. The Millstone twins. Been there, done that. Nope, nothing better than what I've already got.