Page 7

Chapter seven

Maddox

I shift uncomfortably in my seat. This ensemble is working like a charm. It’s getting more attention than I know how to handle. The men keep checking me out, their eyes flickering over my curves as some of them don’t even bother to hide that they’re looking. The women are checking me out too, eyeing me up as competition. I can feel their hate-filled gazes burning against my back. Let them be jealous, I think to myself. I tap on my phone. It’s sitting on the table, face up. I know I should remain focused on the event and appear interested in scoping out the potential matches, but I type out a quick text to the group chat instead.

Maddox: I’m here, safe and sound. Although this outfit is doing too good of a job.

Sam: Stop it, you look fucking hot. Everyone better be checking you out, or I didn’t do a good job.

Maddox: Trust me, you did a great job. Mission accomplished. I feel like a piece of meat.

Callie: Is he there? Have you seen him yet?

Maddox: I’m way too nervous to look.

Sam: You have to look. How else will you know if he’s working or dating?

Maddox: I don’t want to be disappointed.

Callie: There’s nothing to be disappointed about, babe. Fall in love. At the very least, snag a hook-up. If he’s not working and jealous, then he’s blind or stupid.

Sam: Callie. Oh, my god. You’re not wrong, but damn!

Callie: You’ve got this, Madds. Now scope out the bar. Do you see him?

Maddox: Okay, hold on, I’ll look.

I flip my phone back over and tune into everything happening around the bar. It’s filled with people in fancy masks. Thank god Sam and Callie thought of everything. At least I have a mask to hide my disappointment when I find him behind the bar talking to the gorgeous girl working with him. Her eyes light up like sapphires as she laughs at something he’s saying. Of course, he’s working. I shouldn’t have let my friends talk me into this. Then again, maybe they’re right. It was fun while it lasted, but maybe I need to move on. It’s time to let go. Besides, I’m pretty sure you can get in trouble for stalking someone, so it’s probably for the better anyway.

Before I move on, I’m giving myself one last moment to admire him. He looks great in black. The material of the button up dress shirt stretches across his chest and shoulders as if perfectly tailored to fit his body. It smoothes over his hard muscles effortlessly before disappearing below the waistband of his jeans. Slowly, in an effort to avoid the inevitable, I drag my gaze back up to his face. They land on the hard, chiseled edge of his jaw. Then slip across the swollen peaks of his full lips. Goodbye, lips that will never know I exist. I would love to kiss those lips. Instead, I keep going. Goodbye, eyes that never look my way. Goodbye, muscular arms that will never hold me. I sigh. It’s time. This is goodbye. The girls are right. Tonight, I’m down to fuck.

Determined to make the best of the night, I turn my attention back to the group chat, typing out an update.

Maddox: He’s here, but he’s working.

Callie: Motherfucker. You okay? Want us to pick you up and hit the club?

Sam: Anything you want, Maddox, just say the word and we can be there in like fifteen minutes.

Maddox: It’s okay. I love you guys. I’m going to stay though.

Callie: Keep us posted, boo. If you leave with anyone, send a picture so we can identify him.

Sam: Do you have your location sharing turned on?

Maddox: You guys. I’m a big girl. I have my location sharing on, and I promise I’ll send an identifying pic, list of tattoos, birthmarks, moles, hair color, height, and weight if I leave with anyone.

Callie: That’s my girl. Go get laid.

Sam: Go get’em, tiger. Rawr.

Maddox: You guys, he looks hot tonight. I don’t know how I’m supposed to get over him when he looks like this.

Callie: Pictures or I don’t believe you.

Maddox: I can’t take a picture of him. What if he sees me?

Sam: I also require a picture if you want my assistance.

Maddox: You guys suck. I guess I don’t need your help.

Callie: I dare you to take a picture and send it to us.

Sam: Bitch, I triple dog dare you to take a picture of him.

Maddox: Ohhh it’s on. You know I can’t back down from a dare.

Maddox: Incoming…

Sam: Oh my god! I never thought I would appreciate him in long sleeves, but that shirt is fitting in all the right places.

Callie: That look is really working for him. Damn girl. How convinced are you we have to move on?

Sam: You sure you don’t want to slide up to the bar all sexy and trap a man?

Maddox: Don’t give me any ideas.

Callie: If you don’t meet anyone at speed dating, you have to promise to at least sit at the bar for one drink.

Sam: One drink. Come on, Madds, you’ve got this.

Maddox: Fine, if speed dating is a bust, I’ll get one drink from the bar, but that’s it.

Callie: Okay, babe. Have a blast and go find you a victim.

Sam: She means date.

Callie: No, I mean victim. In that outfit she’s a man slayer.

Sam: Slay girl, slay.

Maddox: Love you guys.

I take a deep breath. I have my assignment. Now it’s just a matter of letting my guard down, and enjoying the night.