I give Lexi a call right before her shift is set to begin and ask her for a favor. Of course, she agrees, and I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face as I go about my normal nightly return.
However, about an hour before the club closes for the night, I tell Meg, “Why don’t you go get dressed in one of those cute skirts Leah brought you, and we’ll go do something fun?”
Her eyes widen as she stares at me. “Seriously?” she asks. “You want to do something fun tonight?”
“Yeah. I think you’re well enough, don’t you?”
She doesn’t answer me. Instead, she hops up from her seat, kisses me quickly, and heads to the bathroom to get ready. I can’t help but chuckle. She’s going to love this.
My plan begins to unfold before Meg even comes out of the bathroom. I feel a wave of sneaky bliss wash over me as I go to the bathroom door and knock gently. “Meg, you about ready?” I ask her.
“Just putting on my earrings,” she replies.
Giddiness washes over me as I stand and wait for her to open the door. When she does, my mouth falls open. She looks gorgeous in a short, tight, purple sequined dress that brings out the color in her hair. The gold hoops in her hair catch the light and sparkle like her eyes.
Everything about her is perfect. I suddenly wish I hadn’t made these plans so I could just carry her to bed instead.
“You look…amazing,” I tell her as I push my lustful thoughts away and take her hand. “Ready?” I ask her.
“Yep, let’s go!” She is practically bouncing. “Where are we going?”
“Not far.” With her hand in mine, I walk back to the living room, and when she sees what’s waiting for her, Meg pulls her hand away to cover her mouth as she gasps.
“Surprise!” everyone shouts.
“Oh, my God!” Meg shouts, running forward to hug all of her friends. I’ve invited all of her crew from the club, as well as had Dylan set up a mini DJ station, and as Meg rushes from one friend to the next, hugging them all tight, Audio Anarchy begins to drop his sick beats.
I stay back with my hands in the pockets of my slacks, watching her. She’s so beautiful, and it’s certain everyone is so happy to see her. Most of her friends have been by, but it’s almost like a class reunion as she flitters about, a drink in her hand, talking to everyone like she hasn’t seen them in years.
Before long, the dancing starts, and she hauls my sorry ass out onto the dance floor. We mostly rock back and forth, even to the faster beats, and I remind myself of just how lucky I am to have her.
“I can’t believe you were able to pull this off,” she says, shaking her head at me. Her red and purple curls dance around her face, making her even more lovely than usual.
“Why can’t you believe it?” I ask. “Because it took forethought and planning? Those skills are in my wheelhouse, you know.”
She giggles. “No, I know they are. It’s just…it was such a sweet gesture, and I’m just not used to seeing this softer side of you, Mr. Stone.” She emphasizes my last name, like she’s reminding me that stones are hard and tough to break. “I like it.”
Feeling heat rise in my face, I shrug, nonchalant. “I just…wanted to make you happy. I couldn’t think of any better way to do that than to invite all of your friends, drop some tunes, drink some of Carter’s finest concoctions, and dance.” With that, I take her hand and twirl her around.
“Whose idea was it to have tacos?” she asks me. “I’m guessing Brandon?”
I laugh. “That guy is always eating.”
“And pomegranate juice and iced tea? Those are two of Carter’s specialties.”
Laughing, I say, “I don’t know what that man needs to work his magic. I just chug it down.”
We continue to dance for a bit before Allie and Sadie come over to interrupt us, wanting to dote on their friend. Everyone from the club loves Meg so much, and it’s so easy for me to see why. She’s beautiful, inside and out, and she’s got the kindest heart of anyone I’ve ever met.
The party lasts for an hour or two before Dylan has to go. Then, just a few of her closest girlfriends stay to sit and talk, and I can tell she is loving the girl time, so I try to stay out of it. But sitting across the room, watching her, I feel myself hardening and know that I’m going to have to run the other waitresses off soon so I can take her back to bed. I’ve gotten spoiled by having her available for me every moment of every day. Now having to wait even a few minutes until I can take her is turning me into a savage.
Patience is not a virtue I can claim—and waiting for Meg is like standing in a desert, waiting for water.
She sees my restlessness from across the room. I can tell by the way she’s looking at me. As soon as there is a short break in the conversation, she yawns, and it looks a little fake to me. “Ladies, it has been so amazing to see you!” she gushes, touching each of them on the arm. “But unfortunately, I’m going to have to get to bed. I am trying to convince Hunter to let me come back to work, so I’ll need to keep my strength up.”
“You are?” Allie asks, smiling widely and looking at me. “That’s amazing! All right, girlfriend. We’ll get out of your hair and let you get to bed.”
I politely walk them to the door, after they’re done hugging Meg goodbye, and as soon as they are gone, I wheel around on her, pulling her to me and kissing her hard. She moans softly and leans into me.