Page 6 of His Curvy Obsession

CHAPTER THREE

. . .

Olivia tossed and turned all night, unable to stop thinking about the charming bartender from Club Curve. She finally got up and started her weekend chores. As she worked, she wondered if she’d see him when she worked on the campaign. That was still several weeks away, but her heart raced a little. Then it dropped into her stomach. No doubt she was just a way to pass the time. He probably flirted with every woman who came near him.

And they would flirt back.

Those piercing eyes, that dazzling smile—he was the perfect charmer.

She hadn’t planned on going out last night, but she’d let herself be talked into going to the club—for work purposes. It had been a good excuse and would have worked, if her heart hadn’t gotten involved so quickly.

Or maybe it was just hormones. The man exuded charm from his pores. He was witty, playful, and so attractive she’d had to force herself not to stare at him all night. Olivia knew she should put any thoughts of seeing him, much less entertaining the idea that they would be working together, far, far away—James was probably just a flirtatious bartender plying his charms on every woman who sat at his bar. But there was something about the way he looked at her, as if she was the only woman in the room, that made her want to throw caution to the wind, put her red dress back on and go to the club.

Just as she finished putting in a load of laundry, her phone rang. Expecting it to be Jenny calling to ask how she was feeling, she answered, “Hey, babe, what’s shaking?”

Silence on the other end.

“Jenny?” she asked.

“No, Olivia, it’s James.”

“Oh, hi.”

“Hi, yourself. I was calling to see how your wrist was feeling this morning.”

Olivia tried to control the fast beating of her heart. She had never expected to hear from James again. In fact…

“Um, not that I care, but how did you get my number?”

Jams gave a deep chuckle. “I have my friend to thank for that. He apparently got it from your friend Jenny.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, I owe him one. I was hoping you’d let me take you out for dinner tonight to make up for last night’s disaster.”

“There’s no need, James. You already made up for last night by coming to my rescue. Besides it wasn’t your fault in any way.”

James realized this would be the perfect opportunity to tell her he was the owner of Club Curve but didn’t want to just yet. He’d been chased for his money one too many times.

“I like to see you again.”

Olivia bit her lip, excited yet knowing she shouldn’t be. He was way out of her league, but something told her to push that shy girl way down deep inside, maybe even get out the duct tape and cover her mouth. She wanted this man…She drew a deep breath and answered before she lost her nerve. Or came to her senses.

“I’d like that too.”

“Good. Then I’ll pick up at five.”

“Tonight?”

“Yes, Olivia. Tonight. I don’t want you to change your mind.”

“How did you know—”

“I probably know more about you, sweetheart, then you realize. Wear something comfortable.”

Olivia quickly abandoned her chores and spent the rest of the day getting ready. She knew James had probably just asked her out because he felt bad about last night, but the thought of seeing him again thrilled her more than it should. As she showered, doubt crept in. She wasn’t bold or flashy like the women James surely dated. She dried her hair and tried to figure out what to wear. Comfortable, he’d said—did that mean dress down?

Luckily, most of her clothing was comfortable. Unfortunately, it was also drab and fit her like a tent. She sighed, now regretting all the times Jenny had volunteered to take her shopping. Finally, she chose a floral sundress and sandals, hoping she hadn’t over or underdressed. She left her hair down and put on a minimum amount of makeup. She’d worn more last night, but that wasn’t her usual style.