Chapter Six
Mia swiped anothercoat of burgundy mascara on her lashes and stepped back to look at herself in the full-length mirror in the corner of the bedroom. Sweeping her eyes over her eggplant-colored mesh mini-dress with spaghetti straps, and her five-inch peep-toe lace-up heels, she wondered if she should change into a pair of leggings and a top.
Snickers sat at the base of the mirror, looking up at her. Mia smiled. “You like my shiny dress? Is it too much?” If it was a regular Friday night with her friends, she’d already have been out the door, not giving a second thought about her outfit, but this wasn’t an ordinary clubbing night—Army would be there.
“Why the hell am I second-guessing my wardrobe?” Snickers meowed and blinked her blues. Mia shook her head. “I guess I don’t want him to think I got all dressed up forhim …and I don’t want him ogling me all night.” She glanced back at her reflection; the sheath draped over her body, enhancing every feminine aspect of her figure.I love this dress.The minutes slipped away … Then, she turned away from the mirror, snatched her black clutch that sat on the dresser, and went downstairs.
After refilling her cats’ dry food bowls, she stroked each one behind the ears then picked up her car keys and went into the garage. Butterflies fluttered about inside her as she drove to the restaurant, and she groaned in frustration.How the hell am I going to make it through tonight? I should call Taylor and say I just threw up.The way her sour stomach churned, she wouldn’t be that far off with the white lie.Why did I agree to this!Loyalty weighed her down; she couldn’t disappoint Peyton or Taylor.I’ll just have to make sure I keep my distance from Army and not let him get under my skin.His smugness irked the crap out of her, and she suspected he knew that and got a kick out of egging her on. She vowed not to let him suck her into his childish game.I’ll be polite, but distant.Relieved that she’d come up with a plan, she loosened her death grip on the steering wheel and turned on the radio.
LongHorn was one of Durango’s newer restaurants, and it had a more modern look than the traditional dark woods and burgundy leather chairs that had become the stereotypical décor for steakhouses. Warm burnt-orange-colored walls, maple wood floors, brushed-steel tables, as well as chairs upholstered in a mélange of colors and patterns, and copper animal and landscape wall hangings gave the fine-dining restaurant a cozy but urban ambiance. A spectacular view of the San Juan Mountains helped to keep the place packed almost every night.
After circling the parking lot a few times, Mia finally landed a parking spot. As she slid out of the car, her phone rang.
“Hi. I just got here. Are you inside already?” she asked Peyton.
“I’m not feeling so good,” Peyton replied. Mia’s heartbeat raced as she leaned against the car, her fingers touching her parted lips as Peyton continued, “I know … I’m the one who made you set this whole thing up. I feel terrible about it.”
“I’m at the fucking restaurant. I don’t even want to be here. And you’re bagging out on me? No fucking way.”
“I’m just sick to my stomach. I don’t know what I was thinking,” Peyton said.
“You’re just nervous.” Mia’s mind raced.How can she be canceling?
“I’m terrified.”
“He’s just a guy. I’m going to be there and so is Taylor. Taylor’s real easygoing, and if things don’t click with you and his brother, it’s no big deal. You’re not on a blind date alone with him. Anyway, Taylor didn’t set this up like a date.”At least I don’t think he did.“You have to come. It’ll be fun. Remember how much fun it was the last time we went to Sound?”It really wasn’t—too many guys who touched before asking.
“Yes … we did have fun,” Peyton replied in a soft voice.
“And I hear the steak is superb at LongHorn. If nothing else, we’ll get a good dinner and a few drinks at Sound. You love EDM.” Mia tapped her foot on the asphalt while crossing her fingers.
“All right, but you can’t leave early, okay?” Peyton said.
Irritation pricked along her skin. Peyton was givingherconditions when the whole damn idea had been Peyton’s.Whatever.“Yeah, okay. Deal. Are you dressed?”
“Yes. I just need to do my hair.”
“How long until you get here?”
“Twenty-five minutes?” Peyton replied.
“I’ll meet you inside. Just hurry.” Mia put the phone in her clutch and walked across the parking lot. “I definitely need a drink,” she muttered.
“Hi, Mia.” Taylor’s voice rode on the breeze.
She looked around and saw him standing in front of the restaurant. She waved. “Hey.” Then Army appeared and she gasped at how handsome he looked in a dove gray button-down shirt and black dress pants that fit him to perfection. A dark rim of stubble bracketed his strong jaw and framed his full mouth. Wisps of inked shapes curled around his wrists and reached up under his fitted shirt, which was unbuttoned at the collar. Then he looked directly at her and his eyes sparkled like storm clouds right before lightning hit. A thrill worked its way up her spine.
Army lifted his chin then smirked, his twist of lips almost lethal. Mia broke eye contact with him and smiled at Taylor as she swallowed in a vain attempt to moisten her dry mouth. “You look beautiful.” Army’s voice washed over her, making her insides melt.
They hadn’t even gone into the restaurant and her body was already misbehaving. This was ridiculous. “Thanks,” she sputtered.
“Where’s Peyton?” Taylor asked.
Grateful for breaking through their lust, Mia cleared her throat and walked up to Taylor. “She’s running a little late but should be here soon. Let’s go in. I could use a drink.”
Army opened the door for Mia as she walked past; the heat of his body caressed her, and the intensity of his stare made things inside her clench. She made a beeline to the bar and leaned against the polished stainless steel counter pretending that everything was normal.
“What do you want?” Army asked.