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“That looks tasty. Can I have a sip?” John says as he glances at my drink.

I shake my head. “No, but you can get your own drink if you want.”

“Touché,” he says. “So, I’m guessing I am too old for you?”

“Yes, you are.”

“Ouch. I thought women liked older men.”

“Maybe some women do, but I’m not the girl for you.”

“I see,” he says. “That’s a pity.”

“Yeah, it really is.” I take another sip of my drink and look over to the side of the room.

I see Brett still standing at the bar, still staring at me, and I wonder what he’s thinking. I wonder if there’s even a teensy-weensy part of him that’s attracted to me, but I’m not going to waste my time thinking about him and the intense way he looks at me.

Who is he to give me advice on dating? I’d love to see him do better.

Chapter Two

BRETT

“How many lemon drops is that now?” I ask Rosie as she grabs another glass from the bar and takes a sip. I know I sound annoying, but I can’t stop myself.

I should have left the event as soon as I saw Rosie flirting with her different dates, but I haven’t been able to make myself leave.

“Sorry, what?” She looks over at me, her red lips parted as she brushes her dark hair back.

“Should you be drinking more lemon drops? Isn’t that your fifth drink?” I nod toward the drink, and her jaw drops, like she’s not happy that I’ve been keeping track of how much she’s been drinking.

She moves closer to me and flutters her long, dark eyelashes before speaking again.

“Why are you counting my drinks, Brett?” She takes another sip and throws her head back, showing off her slender neck. Her cheeks are flushed, and her eyes are glowing in a challenge as she stares at me.

“Just trying to ensure that⁠—”

“Are you coming, Rosie?” Izzy calls out from the makeshift dance floor in the restaurant.

The tables have been shifted to the side, and now the daters are mingling on the dance floor and flirting with each other. I’ve noticed several of the men acting like vultures, circling Rosie, and I can feel the tenseness building up in my shoulder muscles.

“Yes, give me a second,” Rosie calls back to Izzy.

We both watch as Izzy and Lucia swing each other around the dance floor. She looks back at me, and I can tell from the expression on her face that she’s itching for an argument.

“So, what was it you were saying, Warden Brett?”

“I’m obviously not your warden, Rosie. I’m trying to ensure that you’re safe and making good decisions.”

“I’m making absolutely perfect and fine decisions, thank you very much.” She hiccups loudly and then giggles girlishly.

The sound makes me soften for a moment until I notice the tall blond guy approaching her again. It has to be the fourth time tonight.

“There you are, Rosebud.” He grabs her hand and pulls her into him. “I’ve been looking for you, darling. You promised me a dance.”

“I did?” She giggles loudly, and I frown as she gives him her full attention. “I was getting a drink.”

“How is it possible that you look even more beautiful right now than you looked ten minutes ago?” He wraps his arms around her waist, and I can see the surprise on her face.