I glance over my shoulder at Wyatt and Anthony as they follow me across the street, making sure to keep their distance. I’ve warned them with murder if they blow my cover tonight. I told them I didn’t want my new work colleague to know I have security, which is true, but I also don’t want Sarah to find out who I really am.
I know her opinion of me will change if she finds out, and to be honest, I really like her company. She’s refreshingly honest, and she likes Lottie Preston—the real me.
And I have to admit, I like being Lottie Preston, too.
It’s Saturday night, and I have no idea how, but Sarah has somehow talked me into going on this blind date with her. We are meeting the guys at this restaurant-bar place.
I should be nervous. Charlotte would be terrified of going on a blind date with someone. But somehow, Sarah makes Lottie feel brave.
If we can handle Veronica and acid-dropping photocopiers together, we’ve got this in the bag.
I glance down at myself. I’m wearing a fitted black dress that has little capped sleeves and a gathered waist. I have my best black heels on, and my blonde hair is up in a bouncy ponytail so everyone can see my sassy red lipstick.
Wyatt looked me up and down when I walked out of the lift at the Four Seasons, and I didn’t know whether he wanted to spank me and send me back into the room to change, or whether he wanted to kiss me.
Either way, he looked at me like I was different in this outfit. I’m not sure if I liked it.
Sarah links arms with me as we stride down the street towards our destination. Being this fake version of me gives me a confidence I didn’t know I had.
“Where are we going?” I ask her cheerfully.
“Burbank. It’s just up here, and it’s the hottie capital of London.”
“Remember, if it’s not going well, we’re out of here and we’re going out just the two of us. You promised,” I remind her. “I don’t want to be stuck with a moron all night.”
She nods. “I know, but trust me, my date isn’t a moron. Just the opposite, actually. I hope his friend is cute for you. I’m sure he will be.”
I roll my eyes, and she pulls me up the six sandstone stairs into the swanky looking restaurant.
Seductive music is being piped through the speakers, and the decor is modern and eclectic. Large leather chairs are placed everywhere, with huge low-hanging lanterns over every table. The crowd seems trendy, and the atmosphere is fun.
I glance back out through the glass windows to see Wyatt and Anthony crossing the street towards the club.
I told them to get dinner and have drinks so that they don’t look suspicious. Sarah grabs my hand and pulls me through the crowd.
“Where are we going?” I shout over the noise.
“To the back… I can see them.”
“I thought you said you didn’t know what they look like?”
“I know what my date looks like. I’ve stalked him for years.” She cranes her neck to look over the crowd. “Oh, your date looks hot, too.”
I smile as relief hits me, and then we come into a clearing next to a table.
“Hi, I’m Sarah,” she says nervously before she turns to me. “And this is Lottie. Lottie, this is my date, Spencer Jones, and your date here is Richard Marlin.” She’s beaming with pride, waiting for me to react.
The blood drains from my face.
Her date.
Spencer? My Spencer is her fucking date.
Big blue eyes come to rest on mine, and Spencer raises an eyebrow in surprise, a mischievous smirk crossing his face. “Hello, Lottie.”
Oh. My. God.
6