Page 11 of Claimed By the Villain

“Are you sure you’re gonna drink?” I ask.

“Just a sip. I need to relax. What do you suggest?”

“A cocktail. Something really girly, nothing too strong.”

“You’re the bartender, babe. Pick something for me.”

I know this will be the first time she drinks a full cocktail. Taylor’s incredibly responsible for her age, but I think the combo of her father’s death anniversary and that heartbreak she went through pushed her to her limit. She needs to let loose.

A few minutes later, once the bartender hands over our drinks, I give her a Cosmopolitan.

She rolls her eyes.

“This is such a cliché. Are we channeling that old showSex and the City?”

“Why not? We’re single and we’re in Manhattan. Let’s drink in honor of the queen herself—Carrie Bradshaw,” I say, referring to one of the show’s leads.

Just as she reaches for her drink, her phone lights up with a new message.

She shows me the screen. It’s from the hot doctor.

I grab the phone and read aloud:

“Have dinner with me tomorrow.Oh my God, Taylor! Subtlety is definitely not his thing.”

She repeats the message under her breath, as if processing it.

“What do I say?”

“What do you want to say?” I ask.

“Nothing appropriate.”

“Like…yes, absolutely?”

“Exactly. But I know I shouldn’t.”

“Send him a photo of your drink, thank him, and tell him you’ve moved on.”

“I can’t do that.” She pauses. “Idon’t wantto do that.”

“What do you want?”

“I don’t know… but I won’t lie. I haven’t moved on.”

“Then show him the drink and invite him here.”

“What? Are you insane?”

“No, I know exactly what I’m doing, baby. Send him a picture of the drink, drop the name of the club, and make your doctor sweat a little. If he’s really into you, he’ll come.”

“And what if he doesn’t?”

“Then you’re lucky to get rid of a loser, Taylor. Anyone worth having will make at least some effort.”

She takes a sip of the cocktail before following my advice.

She snaps a picture of her drink, attaches it, and types:At Vanity in Manhattan, having the time of my life. Hope you’re enjoying your night too, Mr. Marshall.