Page 17 of The Sweetmate (Check-In #2)

Lisa

I’m completely out of my element here. I’ve never worn a dress like this.

Before Casey, I wouldn’t have even considered it, but I wanted to be bold for once.

At first, I felt silly and foolish. Then his eyes devoured me.

The rush that came with having that kind of power over such a man…

I’d never been the type who could seduce someone.

My dating experience has been limited, and my sexual experience is even more lacking.

However, throwing caution to the wind may have been a mistake.

I don’t feel as brave now that we’re stepping into a room full of glitz and glamour.

I feel like a fraud. Every part of my body is buzzing, and the need to hold on to Casey is overwhelming.

“Ready?” Casey asks.

My nose scrunches up. “Not really.”

He taps my nose and chuckles. “We could go back to the room?” He waggles his eyebrows. I give him a deadpan look. “Alright, alright.” He wraps an arm around me and gives me a squeeze. “Hey, you’ve got this.” And throws that signature wink at me.

I roll my eyes. “Let’s go, dear. Time to swing me around the dance floor.”

“That’s the spirit, cupcake!”

Casey guides us farther into the room. Of course, everyone greets and fawns over him. He does have a magnetic personality. He introduces me to a few people, but I don’t remember any names, but there are a few faces I recognize instantly.

“Can we get something to drink?” I whisper to Casey. “I’m feeling a little parched and overwhelmed.”

“Coming right up.” He gives my hips a gentle squeeze before he slides up to the bar. The female bartender bats her lashes at him and giggles at something he’s saying. Other people navigate their way toward him.

A man who’s probably about twenty years my senior approaches me.

He’s the classic silver fox. He smells incredible and has a soothing, deep voice.

I recognize immediately that he’s flirting with me.

This guy is attractive, but age gaps aren’t my thing.

I love reading about them in romance novels, but not experiencing them in real life.

“Your date is preoccupied,” the gentleman observes. “How about I entertain you? Allow me one dance?”

That does sound nice. I accept his outstretched hand, and he glides us deep onto the dance floor. This gentleman has to be in his early sixties. His moves are impressive. I bet he’s charmed quite a few ladies with these skills.

“May I?” Casey’s voice cuts in.

My dance partner bows out gracefully and I thank him.

“Sorry, the bar took forever. I placed lids on our drinks.”

“Thank you.”

I have a red wine and Casey’s glass has a golden amber liquid. His breath doesn’t smell like whisky though.

“I had a feeling I might not be your type. Older men, huh?”

“I love older men.”

“Aren’t they grouchy?”

I snicker. “No. You argue with them and they get exhausted and just give in.”

“I figured you’d like a challenge. You know, if you have daddy issues…you could call me Daddy. I’d be your daddy.”

“That guy was definitely worth the title ‘Daddy.’”

Casey rolls his eyes and then bites his bottom lip.

My stomach flips at the sight. Our playful banter comes to an end as a group of people approach.

Casey keeps me included in the conversation flow; the man can converse with anyone about anything.

I’ve noticed he always makes everyone around him feel important and seen.

I leave his side to go get a refill at the bar. A man around my age—late twenties or early thirties—eases in next to me.

“Aren’t you a pretty kitty?” He has a deep, gravely voice.

He did not just say that. I make a point to look around and then point to myself. “Who? Mee-ow?”

“Are you a chef? Sponsor? Model, perhaps?” His voice lowers as he keeps easing closer.

“Publicist.”

“Really? I’ve been needing one of those.”

I mockingly mimic his excitement. “No kidding?”

“How about we get together at my place?” He’s officially invaded my personal space.

I take my drink and take a step away, raising a hand. “I’m unavailable. Good luck on your hunt for a publicist or kitten.”

He gives me a two-finger solute and I make my way back to Casey. He wraps his arm around me as soon as I’m within reach.

“What did he have to say? That guy is a sleaze, so be honest.”

“I think he wants me to be his kitten.”

Casey’s jaw drops. “What?”

“I could be a house cat. Sleep. Wake up to be fed. If I get annoyed, I could just walk by and knock stuff over.”

“Nope. You do not qualify as a cat.”

“I could be a cat.”

“Cats give zero fucks. You’re not a cat.”

“Don’t make me unleash my claws.” I make a motion of my curled fingers as claws and playfully hiss. “Rawr.”

Casey brings his cheek next to mine, and in a husky voice, says, “Oh, I’d love to have your claws sink into me. Preferably my back.”

“Stop it or I’ll go tell Daddy on you.” I nod toward the man I’d been dancing with earlier.

“Nope. Don’t even.” Casey downs his drink and places both of our glasses onto a table. “Come on.”

Casey leads me to the center of the room and presses our bodies together. I place my palms on his shoulders and he laughs. “You were more relaxed with your sugar daddy.”

“I’m nervous,” I admit.

“Don’t be. I’ve got you.”

After a few more dances, Casey and I go to the bar. Again, he whispers and giggles with the bartender. I’m right here! For a guy who gets jealous, he doesn’t consider that I might also feel a little protective. She hands us our drinks and I eye his.

“What are you drinking?”

A flicker of panic crosses his face for the briefest second. Then he calmly says, “Beer.”

“Can I try some?”

“What? No. I’ll order you one.”

Suspicion trickles through me. I’m not sure why, but there’s something up with his drink. Is he having the bartender slip drugs in it? “No. I just want a sip.”

“You’re not going to let this go. You’re so stubborn. Come on.” We squeeze and weave past all the people to a dark corner. His expression is serious, with a hint of guilt in his eyes. “Please promise me you’ll keep this between us.”

I’m scared now. What if this secret changes everything between us?

No. We’ve developed a deep connection. If he’s putting drugs in his alcohol, I’ll stand by his side and get him help.

It’s not uncommon for the new publicity to get to people.

It’s happened before. They need something to take the edge off but it quickly becomes an addiction.

“Whatever it is, I’m here for you, Casey. ”

He hands me the glass. “Try it.”

“Absolutely not. Whatever you’re messing with, I want no part of it. I said I’d help you, not join you in your addiction.”

“The only thing I’ve become addicted to is you. Try it.”

I bring the glass to my nose and sniff. “Are you trying to kill me?”

“What? Oh shit!” He takes the drink back. “Sorry. I didn’t think about liquids affecting you.”

“Also, why are you drinking apple juice?”

“It looks like beer.” When I continue to stare he explains. “I don’t drink. At these events, everyone is always offering a drink or wanting you to drink. It’s a whole thing. So, I started getting apple juice. Nobody suspects anything.”

And why would they? That explains why he whispers to the bartender. From what I’ve learned about Casey, when he’s nervous or embarrassed, his go-to is humor. He wasn’t flirting with the bartender. He was just trying to order some apple juice.

“Do you always do this?”

“Yup. Everywhere I go that involves cocktails or alcoholic beverages.”

“You know that’s another lie. You down like five of these and people will assume you’re drunk or an alcoholic.”

“That sounds better than being the lame guy simping his apple juice.”

Unbelievable. Casey Riis is a brilliant, kind, and creative man. But he’s also an idiot. That’s his biggest flaw. “You’d rather be known as an alcoholic ladies’ man asshole than be yourself?”

“All I’m hearing is that you don’t think I’m an asshole.”

“I think you’re a dumbass! Stand up and be yourself.”

“You’re one to talk. Take your own advice and stop being a doormat at my uncle’s company.”

I jerk back and stare at him. Has Brox been talking about me? Is it a running joke that I’m a doormat there? “What do you know about who I am at the company?”

“I’m observant. Brox told me about the creep who was head of your department. You’ve been there five years and still promotion? Yet you’re extremely qualified and good at your job? Even a dumbass like me can put things together.”

There’s a lot to process there but I focus on the use of past tense. “You said was ?”

“I told you, I take care of what’s mine.”

Casey turns his back on me and disappears into the crowd.

I chase after him. Weaving and pushing between the elegant bodies on the dance floor.

My fingers reach out and grab onto his muscular arm.

He stops and I ease my body around to pull him into a dance.

With my arms wrapped around his neck I hiss, “Doormat? Ha. I quit. Also, don’t you dare try to kiss me any tonight after you’ve been sipping that poison. ”

“I’ll never drink another carton of apple juice for as long as I live.”

“That’s a bit extreme.”

He tightens his hold on me as our bodies sway. “I never want to not be able to kiss you. Like right now. In this moment. I’m so pissed at myself and feel helpless; I never want to feel this way again.”

I’m tempted to risk it. I have some medicine in my purse. Nope. I turn my face away and lean it against his broad chest. “Never is a long time, Casey.”

“I know. I stand by what I said. There’s not going to be a time when I don’t want to kiss you.”

I roll my eyes. Somebody get Romeo here his Oscar. “You don’t know me.”

“I don’t need to. I’m always down for lip locking.”

Laughter bubbles out of me. “Did you actually have my cousin’s husband fired?”

“That creep was related to you?”

“By marriage.”

“Yes. And if I ever meet the guy, I’ll make sure he never treats anyone that way again. I’m pissed at my uncle, too. He suspected the guy and did nothing. I don’t know which one is the bigger creep. I’m disgusted. I don’t want that loser representing me, cupcake.”

I raise my head up to study his face. Wrapped securely in his strong arms, beneath his towering presence, and looking into those kind blue eyes, a warmth spreads through me.

Not wanting to break the spell between us, I raise up on my tippy toes and kiss his lips.

He returns the kiss ever so lightly that it sends a round of shivers down my spine.

My lips tingle with excitement… No. That’s not excitement.

Kissing him I taste carbonation and apple.

Both of us break apart. Cheering erupts from around us.

Casey’s eyes are heavy hooded but then quickly become wide.

The tingling sensation in my lips is stronger.

I cover my hand over my mouth as I can feel the swelling.

“Let’s go!” Casey breathes out. “Here.” He takes me under his arm and whispers, “Pretend your shy and embarrassed we were caught making out in public. I’m just horny and trying to get you back to the room as quickly as possible.”

“Reawy,” I try to speak with my swollen tongue.

“Do I need to take you to a hospital?” Casey whispers in between nodding and smiling goodbye.

“Room. Pills. Shot.”

“Now that sounds like a party. Umph. ” I punch him in the sides. What a in poor taste joke. I bet the jerk is even winking at people as we walk out of here while I swell up like a balloon.

“I’ve given women plenty of reactions but this is the first time I need to give her a shot to calm her down.” Casey teases in the elevator.

My tongue is thick as I force the words out. “Giving hives is not something to brag about.”

“That’s your version of the story. I’m going with you swelled with excitement and needed to be sedated to calm down after my kiss.”

I flip him my middle finger. This is humiliating. Worse, it was me who kissed him. I know better! I knew he was drinking apple juice. Tears begin to swell in my eyes and that’s all I need now is to be snotty and wet faced on top of a swollen mouth.

“Come here.” The warmth of Casey’s body immediately puts my body at ease. “I’m sorry.” He kisses the top of my hair. “I shouldn’t have been drinking.”

“It was apple juiws.” I barely manage to say juice.

“I forgot you were allergic. I feel like such a shit. I was trying to tease you to make you feel better. And make myself feel less awkward.”

Why does he have to be so honest and cute? I want to sulk and be pissy. He’s the worst. “It’s not your fault. I kithed you.”

“I love hearing you admit that you kissed me. Although it borderline sounded like you killed me.” He tilts his head.

“I did almost kill you.” A slow smirk spreads across his smug face.

“With my kiss.” If looks could kill right now, he’d be dead on this elevator floor.

“Sorry. I make jokes when I’m nervous. I can’t be serious right now or I’ll start freaking out. ”

The elevator finally dings and we hurry to our room. I go to my bag and find my emergency kit. Right now, I need to take some medicine, shower, and sleep. In the short time I’ve known Casey, I’ve made one reckless decision after another. However, it’s also the most fun and alive I’ve felt…ever.

As I lock myself in the bathroom, I hear the gentle tap of Casey’s fingers against the door. “I’m here if you need me. You know…this will be a fun story to tell one day.”

If my mouth wasn’t so swollen, I’d smile. He’s right. Of course, he’s right. Kissing Casey Riis under sparkling lights while dressed like a goddess, it was worth an allergic reaction.