Hers to Keep (Irresistibly Bound 3)

“Well, you have to talk about the financial side of things, at least. You don’t want to go on a bunch of dates only to find that your sugar mama isn’t going to give you any sugar.”

Lindsey looked in the mirror. The dress was exactly as short on her as she expected it to be. But it covered her up everywhere else. And it did look pretty classy.

“See?” Faith said. “It’s perfect.”

Lindsey turned in the mirror. “I sure hope so.”

“You seem nervous.”

“Well yeah. I mean I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“Just treat it like any other date,” Faith said. “Well, a date with someone you’re really trying to impress. Flirt, compliment her, laugh at her jokes. Show an interest in her life.”

“I can do that.” Lindsey picked up her phone and looked at the time. “I should get going.”

“Okay. Don’t forget to check in with me when you get there. Just so I know you’re okay and that this woman isn’t some creep.”

“I doubt Camilla is a creep.”

“You never know,” Faith said. “And if anything happens, and you need rescuing, call me.”

“Is there anything else, Mom?” Lindsey asked.

Faith stuck out her tongue. “I’m just looking out for you. I know you weren’t sure about this, so if you start to feel uncomfortable, get out of there.”

“I will, I promise. And I don’t feel weird about this anymore. I’m actually pretty excited.” Lindsey took one last look in the mirror and smoothed down her dress. “Wish me luck.”

Lindsey’s ride pulled up to the club where she was meeting Camilla. The Lounge was an exclusive upmarket bar that catered to the city’s wealthy. As Lindsey stepped out onto the sidewalk, she wondered if she’d even be able to get inside. Then she spotted Camilla waiting for her out front.

The woman was even more beautiful in person than in her photos. Her chocolate brown hair was dead straight, and she had the kind of curves that would make a fifties pinup model jealous. Her black dress, which was short and tight but had long sleeves, flattered every inch of her. She was shorter than Lindsey, even in heels, but she somehow managed to look like she stood above everyone else around her. Lindsey knew from Camilla’s profile that she was 39, but Lindsey would have pegged her for a bit younger. Either way, she certainly looked older than Lindsey.

Suddenly, Lindsey felt like a high schooler.

As Lindsey stood on the sidewalk examining Camilla, the woman turned her way and gave her a warm smile.

Lindsey collected herself. Here goes nothing. She strode over to the other woman.

“Camilla,” she said. “Hi.”

“You must be Lindsey. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Camilla’s voice was melodious and clear, and she had a refined way of speaking. “Let’s go inside.”

Lindsey glanced at the line at the entrance of the bar. They were going to be waiting for a while. But Camilla simply walked to the door and gave a brief nod to security, who stepped aside without hesitation.

They entered the club. It was even more luxurious than Lindsey expected. Glittering lights. Gold accents on everything. Plush seating. Despite the line outside, the dimly lit club wasn’t full. Men and women lounged about, all dressed in suits and dresses. The music was loud, but not so loud that they’d have to shout to talk. It was the perfect place to take a date if you wanted to impress them.

And Lindsey was impressed.

Camilla led her to a small corner booth. “After you.”

Lindsey took a seat. The booth was only big enough for two. Camilla slid in after her and sat down so that they were half facing each other, half next to each other.

Camilla looked around the bar. “I haven’t been here for a while. I have to say, it’s a lot tackier than I remember.” She brushed some invisible dust off the table in front of her.

Lindsey didn’t know what Camilla was talking about. This place was classier than anywhere Lindsey had ever been.

A waitress came over to take their orders. Camilla ordered a cocktail, so Lindsey did the same.

“We’ll have the truffle fries too,” Camilla said. She turned back to Lindsey. “I hope you’re hungry. I don’t usually eat this kind of food, but the truffle fries are to die for.”