I let out a hard gasp. “God, that’s graphic.”
“Everly…” Grace set her hand on my shoulder and gently rubbed. “A guy like Max Levin works with porn stars all day long. Watches porn all day long. Do you really believe he’s sweet?”
I tried my best to hide my nervousness. I knew full well what I was getting myself into, but it was only one date.
“He’s seen every trick. Probably done every move.” Sadie turned back to the computer and scrolled through the sample videos on the White Lace website. “How are you at giving head?”
I shrugged. “I know the basics.”
Wait! What? I didn’t need to know how to give a blow job. That wouldn’t be happening.
“Oh, honey, we have so much to teach you.”
“I appreciate the effort, ladies, but this date is a one-time thing. Blow jobs not included.”
Sadie stood and reached into the purse that she’d hung on the door handle to the dining room. “At least take this.” She pulled out a book and shoved it into my hands.
The Art of Fellatio.
I laughed and clapped her on the back. Gram did want me to read a book for fun. This one definitely fit the bill. “This is perfect, Sadie.”
“What time is he picking you up?” Grace asked.
“Ten.”
“What are you wearing?” Sadie clapped her hands in excitement. “Let us find you something to wear. We can—”
I held up my hand. “Max agreed to go on a date with Everly Parker. Just as I am. I’m not marrying the man, nor am I trying to woo him into a relationship. I am who I am. And I’m not going to slut myself up just to feel better about being seen in public with him.” I sighed.
“At least borrow my water bra.” Sadie wiggled her eyebrows. “It makes the girls look spectacular.”
“I appreciate the effort, but I’m not going to change my style just to stroke his massive ego, pretend I condone his outlook on women.”
Going out with Max was making me think too much. I did enough of that every other minute of the day.
“This one’s too smart for her own good.” Sadie jerked her thumb at me.
“So there’s not going to be a She’s All That moment?” Grace frowned. “I love makeovers.”
“Sorry, Grace.”
This date was all business. A way to get my feet wet in tackling that damn list.
I didn’t take me long to get ready.
But I did borrow Sadie’s bra.
Chapter 5
Max
I took Everly to my favorite bar—the Concord Lounge.
Keeping us in public was the only way I knew to guarantee keeping my libido in check. Which, ever since I’d laid eyes on her, had been jacked up.
I guided her toward the door with my hand at the small of her back. I pulled the bouncer—Fridge—into a handshake turned one-armed back slap. He’d gotten his nickname because he was as wide as a commercial refrigerator, but he was also Ryan Maddox, one of my best friends.
“Maxy.” He smiled at me and stole a glance at Everly. “Looking for a nightcap before you head upstairs?”