Chapter 5
Chapter
Five
D amien
I got home late last night, later than I should've. Taking Maggie to a dive bar was a risk. Calculated, but still a risk.
Fact is, I don't know who was more surprised. Her that I took her there, or me that she liked it.
I have to meet the guys for basketball, and I'm not even sure I'm gonna be able to keep my fucking eyes open. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. I used to be able to pull an all-nighter and then slide into class right before the door was shut.
All it took was an energy drink and the adrenaline of living away from home on UK's campus. As I lean over, tying my shoes and adjusting my basketball shorts, I think back to the end of the previous evening.
"I had a really good time," she said, leaning against the passenger-side door of my truck.
"You seem really surprised by that." I tucked my hands into the pockets of my pants, rocking back on my heels.
"Truth is, I am. You're different than I thought you were."
"Believe it or not, I hear that a lot. Most think just because I wear Armani when it's a high-profile case and I wanna look my best that I've forgotten where I came from. I haven't. Now I just know how to dress and appreciate the finer things in life." I reached up, cupping her cheek against my palm. "And I make no excuses about what I want. Some call it cocky, I call it sure of myself."
"You are cocky," she laughed.
"Ehhh, but I'm also sure I'd like to see you again."
Her eyes dropped from mine, seeming to be focused on the buttons of my shirt. "I think I'd like that too," she whispered.
"Good. That's real good, Mags." I tilted her chin up. "Can I kiss you?"
She blew out a laugh. "You're one of the first men to ever actually ask if they can kiss me. Who are you?"
"I'm a lawyer."
Her laughter was so hard she bent at the waist slightly. "Yeah, I guess that does make sense. I promise I won't sue you, counselor."
"Glad to hear it." With those words, I dipped my head and leaned in, taking her lips in the kiss I've wanted all fucking night long.
"Get your head in the game, Damien," Cody grumbles as he throws the basketball at me, but I don't catch it. Instead, it bounces over toward the edge of the court. "What the fuck is going on with you, man?"
"Sorry, I'm tired. I went out last night."
Troy makes a noise in between his teeth. "With Maggie? Heard Lizzie talking about it this morning. Must've been a good date if she was talking about it first thing on the group chat in voice messages."
Good God almighty. These are married men. "What I want to know is why you're paying attention to it."
Cody laughs. "Because he's just like me. He's stuck listening to the goddamn group chat every morning and night. The ladies are so far up each others' asses..."
"They're sisters," I remind him.
"Nosy as fuck sisters," they both say at the same time.
"Just you wait, motherfucker." Cody wags his finger in front of my face. "You're gonna not be able to get away from the group chat either, and the only thing I'm gonna say is 'I love to see it.'" He palms the ball in between his hands. "Now can we check up, please? Some of us count on the weekly game to keep in shape."
"And some of us rely on our wives for that, but you do you, bro." Troy says those words under his breath.
God, I hope I don't end up like these two. Pussy-whipped and bitching just to hear myself talk. Then I look at them and realize how happy they look. Maybe I can only hope to be as lucky. But I guess we'll see.