Page 19 of Hooked on Mack (Hooked #7)

Larissa

I glance at the clock for the hundredth time. Butterflies flutter in my stomach, leaving me feeling excited and nervous. It's funny how quickly things have changed between us since the divorce case ended. We've been seeing each other every night.

Get a grip, Larissa. It's just a date. It's just Mack.

“Talking to yourself again?” My friend, Jess, teased from the doorway.

“Ugh, don't sneak up on me like that!” I exclaimed, startled by her sudden appearance.

“Sorry, I couldn't resist. So, this Mack guy must be pretty special if you're this worked up about a date.”

“Maybe he is.” Since the case, Mack had really opened himself up to me, showing a different side to him that I found incredibly endearing.

“Ooh, I want details!” Jess insisted, sitting on my bed and giving me an expectant look.

“Later, okay? I need to focus on getting ready.”

“Fine, fine. Have fun, lovebirds!” she called out as she left, causing me to roll my eyes.

With Jess gone, I took a moment to remember the Mack I’d come to know.

I applied the finishing touches to my makeup, taking special care to accentuate my features without looking overdone.

Tonight felt different somehow—as if there was something new and exciting waiting just around the corner for Mack and me.

Before leaving, I gave myself one last once-over. Wow, Montgomery. You clean up pretty good. Okay, this is it. He's the one you've been waiting for.

I’d always been so guarded, so focused on my career and success. The idea of opening my heart to someone had always seemed too risky, too vulnerable. But with Mack, it suddenly felt worth the plunge.

As I arrived at the restaurant, Mack was already waiting for me, his eyes lighting up when he saw me. God, he looked amazing in that suit.

“Wow, you look absolutely stunning.”

“You don't look too bad yourself.”

“Shall we?” he asked, offering me his arm. I took it with a smile.

As we perused our menus, I was torn between the lobster risotto and filet mignon. Decisions, decisions. Though, honestly, I was more focused on the man sitting across from me than the food tonight.

“Have you decided?” Mack asked, setting down his menu.

“What are you getting?”

“Salmon and shrimp,” he said confidently. “You should try it; it's supposed to be their specialty.”

“Alright then, salmon and shrimp it is,” I agreed, grateful for the suggestion. The waiter took our orders, and we clinked glasses of wine in a silent toast.

“So, tell me more about your family. What were they like growing up?”

Mack paused for a moment, considering. “Well, my parents… They've always been pretty hard to please, especially my dad. He's the main reason I became a lawyer, actually.”

“Really?” I leaned in closer, intrigued. “How so?”

He sighed, swirling his wine around in his glass. “Growing up, it was all about making him proud. And since he's a lawyer himself, the best way to do that was to follow in his footsteps.”

“Did it work?” I asked, wondering what kind of man would be so difficult to please.

Mack chuckled bitterly. “Not really. As an adult, I've learned that nothing will ever be quite good enough for him.”

“I’m so sorry. That must have been really difficult.”

“Hey, it's okay,” he assured me, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’ve learned to accept it, and it led me to where I am now. Plus, look at the bright side—if it weren't for my dad, we might never have met.”

I smiled, squeezing his hand back. “Well, I'm certainly grateful for that.”

“I’ve been waiting for this. Larissa Montgomery, the woman who single-handedly dismantled an entire law firm and then danced on its ashes.”

"Okay, okay. But I’m not exactly the more spontaneous person.”

“You are perfect just the way you are. No need to change anything about yourself.”

He sure had a way with words. I was lucky to get to know him without all his defenses. He was charismatic, but there was so much more to him.

Oh my god, I’m falling for him…