My heart pounds in my chest. The man is even more attractive in-person than online, not that I’ve been cyber-stalking him of course. I sashay over, pulling my shoulders back to look confident, before stopping at his elbow.
“Hi, you must be Cameron. I’m Patty’s friend, Corrie.”
Blue eyes turn to sear me, and I swear, I melt into a puddle right there. Then, a white smile flashes and he holds out his hand to mine.
“It’s nice to meet you, Corrie. Patty wasn’t lying about how beautiful you are.”
I blush. “I’m sure she exaggerated.”
He shakes his head.
“If anything, she understated your charm.”
Warmth spreads throughout my body. Wow, maybe I can do this!
“Well, thank you,” I say in a gracious voice. “So Mr. Hanssen, what are you drinking?” I ask, while hoisting myself onto the bar stool next to him. I don’t miss the way his blue eyes gleam as he glimpses a flash of white thigh, but his composure stays intact.
“Please honey, call me Cameron. And I’m having scotch on the rocks. Can I get you something while we wait for our table?”
I smile.
“Yes, definitely. Surprise me.”
He thinks for a moment.
“Well, most women seem to enjoy fruity drinks. How about something with pineapple juice?”
I nod.
“Sounds good.”
Cameron orders in his low voice, and within seconds I’m delivered a tall glass of yellow liquid which smells faintly of rum, coconut, and palm trees. I take a long sip and moan.
“Oh my god, this tastes like an island breeze, if that’s even possible. What is it called?”
He grins, white teeth flashing.
“Actually, it’s called an Island Breeze. It’s got peach schnapps, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and Malibu in it. I take it it’s fruity?”
I nod, sipping again.
“Yes, this is delicious.”
He grins.
“Then I’m glad you like it. So, have you and Patty been friends long?” he asks conversationally.
I swallow another sip of my drink. “Yes, for a few years now. She and I attended the Wellness Atrium together, except she graduated already and I’m still there. But we’re both physical therapists, so we had a bunch of classes together.”
He nods.
“So you’re still in school?”
I nod. “Yes, but it’s my last year and none too soon. I feel like I’ve been in classes forever now.”
A white grin flashes over his features.
“Congratulations. It feels good to be almost at the finish line, doesn’t it?”
I smirk a little.
“Yes, but the key word is ‘almost.’ Plus, the real test is coming soon because I need to find a job, and that’s going to be nearly impossible.”
He quirks an eyebrow.
“Really? How so?”
I sigh.
“Not to be a downer, but there aren’t that many positions out there, and there are a lot of really qualified, talented physical therapists. So I feel like I’ll be competing against hundreds of people for maybe one or two slots in the area.”
Cameron nods slowly.
“Yes, but you’re a smart girl. I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”
“I hope so,” I sigh before brightening. “So, you’re Chase’s brother right? Do you see Patty often?”
“Not that often, but on a regular basis,” Cameron grins. “I like her because she’s good for my brother and Chris. Plus, Luna is a perfect doll.”
“She is perfect!” I exclaim. “I adore that little girl.”
The handsome man nods.
“Me, too. The three of them have done a great job with their daughter, and I couldn’t be happier whenever I get a chance to play with my niece.”
I giggle.
“Yeah, it’s really amazing, and I know my friend’s happy too. We always thought we were going to be such dedicated career women, but honestly, Patty seems happier now as a mom than I’ve ever seen her.”
Cameron nods with satisfaction.
“Good, because I know Chase and Chris really appreciate her giving up her career so that they could focus on their business. It’s worked out well,” he says.
We continue to chat until the waitress comes over with two menus in hand. “Your table is ready, sir,” she murmurs with a smile, focusing only on Cameron. It’s only our first date, but I feel possessive of the man already and I link my hand into his elbow.
“Shall we eat?” I coo prettily.
“Yes, I’m starving,” he growls.
But as we stand, I catch a glimpse of someone waving in our direction from the other end of the bar. Hmm, that’s weird. Are they looking for someone behind us? I glance over my shoulder, but that can’t be it because only the bartender stands behind us. Yet, the strange man keeps waving and smiling and I cock my head, puzzled.
“Do you know him?” Cameron asks, one black brow arched.
“No, I don’t think so,” I begin. But then, my eyes squint because the man does look familiar, and as we draw closer, I realize that I do in fact know him. OMG. It’s Justin Kay, my date for tomorrow night. What is he doing here? What a weird coincidence. I didn’t know people came to the Sherwood every night of the week, but then again, I’m hardly part of the social set.