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Of course I accept the challenge. I swoop low and brush a quick kiss across her lips and grin when she sucks in a sharp breath.

"Aww, so sweet," Genevieve says as the elevator dings its arrival.

"And good timing," Arthur adds. "Best get her on there before she runs away, young man."

I chuckle as the doors part. I keep my arm around Vi's shoulders, my other hand holding the door open so that the couple has plenty of time to get aboard before I urge Violet to follow.

The couple makes small talk as we climb to the top of the hotel. Vi is quiet as always, but that's okay. I know I've rushed things a bit with that kiss, and she needs processing time. But she isn't stalking away or ending our date so far, and I take that as a good sign.

Arthur and Genevieve are settled first and then the hostess returns to walk us to our table. I made reservations for a window table, and the view does not disappoint. We're left with menus and the promise of a waitress soon.

I meet Violet's blue gaze and see the questions swirling behind her eyes. I manage an engaging grin. "Are you mad at me?"

"You kissed me."

"I'd like to do it again, too." I let that sink in before adding, "But later. Right now I need food, conversation and hopefully a dance or two. With my friend," I say when she opens her mouth and I see a protest forming.

"Do you kiss all your friends?"

My grin widens. "Nope, only you."

A flush rises up her neck and into her cheeks, but she's saved from further teasing by the arrival of the waitress. She takes our drink order, gives us the chef's specials and leaves us to ponder our dinner choices.

Violet stares at the menu like there's going to be a test, and I know it's her way of avoiding me. I let that slide. For now. After all, once the waitress returns, the menu will disappear and Violet will have to look at me eventually. "I'm getting a steak. I've heard Elias makes a mean steak. What are you getting?"

I silently curse my lack of table conversation, but I know my go-to lines won't work with her. Not that I want them to. Violet's different. I've never met a woman so opposite to those I've dated in the past, but that's part of what makes Violet so intriguing. She's a unicorn, and I love that she doesn't go out of her way to chase me or flirt or any of the things women tend to do around me. I like the challenge of her, yes, but I like her confidence and standoffishness, too. The way she knows who she is and doesn't change for attention.

Violet is proud and sharp, and despite whatever happened in her past to put the shadows in her eyes, she isn't a woman to pity but one to admire. It takes strength to stand up after a disaster, and while I don't know what her disaster entails, I see the steel in her.

We place our orders when the waitress returns with our drinks, and once she's gone, I stretch out a hand and place mine over Violet's. "Look at me."

Her gaze flicks warily to mine, and I can tell it's a struggle for her to maintain eye contact. "I need you to know something. I will tease and flirt and steal kisses every chance I get tonight," I say firmly, "but you say stop, and I stop. You're in control. Okay?"

I see her inhale. Watch as she absorbs the words and my sincere intentions and seems to come to terms.

Then she nods.

I smile at her, pleasure sliding through me as I lift my glass to toast her. "Here's to our first date—and many more to come."

Chapter 13

Violet

* * *

Okay is such a simple word, but in this case, it represents what amounts to pure chaos. And my acceptance of it.

Because that's what Sully's words bring out in me. Chaos.

I'm in control? The words are sweet, but only time will tell if they're real. If they're true. I learned a long time ago that when I'm with someone, I tend to lose myself. And that? That's how women—how I—get trapped.

But Jasmine's urging to go out with Sully on a "safe" first date is something I remind myself I can do. I have to try, and who better to try with than a man like him?

Sully won't be hurt by my inevitable rejection because he's always surrounded by women at the bar.

Once the novelty wears off and he sees how damaged I am from the past, he'll move on. I know this like I know my eyes are blue and this dress is too short. "So what now?"

Sully's lips tilt up at the corners before his face breaks into a breath-stealing grin that leaves the butterflies in my belly flapping at warp speed.