Deborah Mello - Sweet Stallion

She smiled. “I’d like that. I’d like that a lot.”

He peered down at his own watch. “I need to go shower and change,” he said, waving his berry-stained fingers. “I’ll pick you up at eight.”

Naomi appeared stunned, a wave of surprise washing over her expression. “You mean tonight?”

His mouth lifted. “I can’t risk you changing your mind.” He moved toward the door, then paused. “Shall I pick you up here or...?”

“My brother’s,” she said with a warm laugh, impressed with his commanding spirit. “I’ll text you the address.”

He reached for the phone in his back pocket, eyeing it and then her. When he didn’t make any motion to leave, Naomi laughed. She grabbed her own cell phone from the counter. Seconds later, Patrick’s phone chimed. With a wink, he turned, doing an inner happy dance as he headed to his car.

* * *

Naomi took in her reflection, standing at the full-length mirror as she assessed the dress she’d finally chosen to wear. It was a printed tunic with a hemline that fell to midthigh. It featured button detailing down the front, with a V-neck and slight ruffled collar. The sleeves were long, with billowy flared cuffs. The dress was a gift from her sister, a design from one of the many fashion shows Natalie had been featured in. Its bohemian flavor was everything Naomi. She’d paired it with thigh-high, burgundy suede boots designed by Natalie’s husband, the renowned Tinjin Braddy. It had just the right balance of casual and dressy. She’d coiled her dreadlocks around hair rods before stepping into the shower, and the steam had left the thick tresses with a beautiful curl pattern that cascaded past her shoulders. She’d used a lightly tinted moisturizer on her face, and completed the look with a hint of eyeliner and clear lip gloss. With a slight turn, left and then right, she nodded in approval.

Her brother’s voice echoed from the doorway. “You look beautiful! Mr. O’Brien should be quite impressed.”

Naomi turned to meet his warm smile. “Thank you. I still think this might be a mistake.”

Noah shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not. I had a ton of doubts the weekend of my high school reunion when Catherine and I reconnected. Look how that turned out! This just might be a blessing in disguise. Besides, you deserve a happily-ever-after.”

“You’ve really gotten mushy in your old age,” she quipped, as she reached for the purse she’d tossed on the bed.

Noah laughed. “They say love will do that to you. We’ll see what you’re like in a few weeks.”

Naomi rolled her eyes. “When are you leaving?”

“I’m taking the red-eye back to New York tonight, so I won’t be here when you get home from your date. In case you want to invite your young man in for a nightcap...or something...” Noah laughed.

“I am so done with you,” Naomi said, laughing with him. She pushed past her brother, punching him lightly in the chest as she did so.

The two moved down the hallway to the family room, where they each took a seat. Nervous energy caused Naomi to twist in her chair as she looked from her watch to the oversize clock on the wall and back. The big-screen television was on in the background, an old episode of Law and Order flashing across the screen.

When the doorbell rang, both Naomi and her brother jumped, the loud intonation surprising them. Noah grinned as he cut his eyes toward her. “So, are you ready?” he asked.

She took a deep breath. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

He got to his feet and headed for the front door. Naomi stood with him. “I can get it,” she said.

“You can also make an entrance,” he quipped. “Guys actually like that. It’s dramatic and special.”

“Says the man who dated only his wife and one other woman in his whole life.”

Noah laughed. “You say that like I don’t have any experience,” he countered, as the doorbell rang a second time.

Naomi giggled. “I think you forget who dressed you for both those dates.”

He shook his index finger at her, then turned toward the foyer. Naomi twisted her hands together nervously when she heard Patrick’s voice ring out in greeting. And then she heard a second voice that surprised her. Her brother was laughing, which didn’t help to quell her anxiety. Seconds later, three men came through the entrance, Noah leading Patrick and a stranger.

“Naomi, both of these men claim they’re your date for tonight,” Noah said, his tone tinged with laughter.

Patrick and the other guy tossed each other a look. The man checked his watch. “I was told to be here at eight.”

“So was I,” Patrick said, curiosity seeping from his eyes.

Naomi felt her knees begin to shake as she eyed the short, bald man with reservation. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know you,” she said, taking a step toward Patrick.

The man smiled. “I’m with the car service. Someone is headed to the airport?”

Noah slapped his hand against his forehead. “My bad. He’s my date!”

The three men laughed heartily as Naomi tossed her brother a chilly look.

“It was good to see you again, Patrick,” Noah said. “You two have a great time!” The two men shook hands.

“Safe travels,” Patrick responded. “And enjoy your trip.”

“Thank you. I will,” he answered. “Going home to see my wife!” He moved to his sister’s side and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll call to check on you tomorrow,” he said. “And please have yourself some fun!”

Naomi nodded. “Love you, too! And kiss Cat for me.”

The bald man gave Naomi a slight wave as he turned to follow Noah out the door, grabbing the luggage that rested in wait. When the door slammed behind them Patrick and Naomi stood face-to-face, suddenly self-conscious about being alone together.

“Hi,” he said softly, his dark eyes brightening with his smile. “You look stunning!”

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