Want To Date You: Brisbane City Hearts, #2

Prologue

A short history of the evolution of friendship between Darcy and Cole…

Darcy

It was late and I was so done. Who knew accountants could be such party animals? Definitely not me, that was for sure. But now that I knew and I wouldn’t be making that mistake again. Accountants could actually party like an entire jock frat house hosting a kegger. I’d been prepared for a quiet event and an early night and I was wrong, wrong, wrong. Even the bartenders I’d hired for the night were a little shell-shocked and that was not an easy thing to do. Bartenders had seen everything…or, at least the ones I’d hired had seen everything now.

Clean up and bump out were a nightmare, especially when sloppy drunk accountants decided it was the perfect time to slow dance to bad eighties ballads…okay, it was only two sloppy drunk accountants trying to dance, but it did make clean up a pain.

I finally managed to drag myself out of the venue and into my car way later than I’d planned for. I made a mental note to never book another event with that accountancy firm ever again. Although…they did pay well and on time and more than one of the attendees had tried to tip me tonight so maybe I would take another booking from them. My fledgeling business couldn’t really afford to blackball anyone, let alone an accountancy firm with perfect credit.

I reached my car in the middle of the dark car park and groaned. A flat tire. Seriously? Could this night get any worse? I kicked the offending tire and then went to my boot to get the spare. Yes, I knew how to change a tire. No, I didn’t want to do it, but what choice did I have?

I opened the boot and stared down at the empty space where my spare tire should be. Shit, shit, shit. I hadn’t replaced the tire from the last time I had a flat which was…I had no idea how long ago that was.

I closed the boot and climbed into my car, locking the doors. I was a woman alone at night in a deserted car park, that’s how horror movies started and I was nobody’s fool.

I scrolled through my phone contacts and hit the name I wanted.

I need help, I said as soon as the phone connected.

Where are you?

I gave the address.

I’ll be there in ten.

Cole

I looked at the woman across from me and smiled. Things were just about to go from pleasant evening to happy ending and I was all in. The food had been delightful and the wine was great. The woman was beautiful and definitely ticked all my boxes.

My phone buzzed and I looked down at it. I saw Darcy’s name and didn’t think twice about answering.

I need help, she said, not even saying hello.

I’ll be there in ten minutes, I replied, after she gave me the address. I didn’t even give a second thought about ending my date. I looked up at the woman across from me and smiled sadly. I’m sorry, I said and truly meant it. A family emergency. Can I get a rain check?

She smiled prettily and I made sure to walk her to her car. I kissed her to make sure she knew I would be calling in my rain check, but as soon as she was in her car and driving away my thoughts turned to Darcy.

A couple of weeks later…

Darcy

I was snuggled under the blanket on my couch getting ready to hide under the blanket to avoid seeing Stefan Salvatore sink his fangs into an unsuspecting victim when my phone buzzed beside me and made me jump ten feet in the air.

Shit, I mumbled as I searched through the blankets and pillows to find the phone.

Save me, the text said and I groaned. I looked down at myself in my comfortable pjs with suspicious bright orange crumbs and dust coating the front of my top. I contemplated tossing my phone and ignoring the text, but another one came through before I could. She has the crazy eyes.

Well. I couldn’t ignore a friend in need, especially when crazy eyes were involved.

I tossed the blanket off and replied to the text, Where are you?

The address came through almost immediately and I shook my head even as a smile curved my lips. I looked down at myself once more and shrugged. This would work. I shoved my feet into slippers and grabbed my car keys as I headed out the door.

The drive was short and I parked my car haphazardly out the front of the hotel giving the valet a death glare as I strode past him. I ignored the host at the restaurant and stomped right through the crowded and gaping patrons. I knew exactly how scary I looked. My hair was a tangled mess that I’d pulled up on top of my head in a messy bun. I still wore makeup from my day at work, but it was smudged and my lipstick was a faded streak.

I walked right up to the table and thumped it with the flat of my hand.

So this is where you are, I said with a growl.

Um, sweetheart…? Cole said trying to look guilty and shocked and only just hiding his smile.

I work all day long trying to pay off all your bloody gambling debts and then you leave me at home with the twins so you can come out and eat a fancy dinner with… I turned to look at the woman, who did indeed have crazy eyes. Who are you and what are you doing with my husband?

She shot a look at me and then at Cole.

You know what? I said, standing and throwing my hands in the air. I am so done. You can have him and the hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt he owes. I hope you came prepared to pay for dinner because his credit card was cut up at the last place he tried to use it.

You’re married? she asked, looking at Cole.

He nodded, looking solemn and guilty. And a father. He turned to look at me. Where are the cherubs, by the way?

At home with my mother, I replied.

He swallowed and reached for his glass, looking at the woman. Maybe I could go home with you, he said. Her mother is…crazy.

The woman jumped up so fast her chair tumbled over. She threw her napkin on the table and backed away. I don’t think this is going to work out, she mumbled before practically running from the restaurant.

I watched her go and then slumped into the other woman’s chair, reaching for Cole’s glass. I told you not to ask her out. I warned you about the crazy eyes.

He sighed. I know, he said. I should have listened.

I nodded and then looked down at the untouched plate of chocolate cake in front of Cole. You know you interrupted Vampire Diaries, I said, picking up the dessert fork and dragging the plate across the table to me. You owe me.

Cole motioned for the server to bring another wine glass. The server looked wary but did as he was asked and Cole poured a healthy slug of wine into the glass before taking a sip. How much is this going to cost me?

I smiled up at him around a mouthful of cake. This cake is a good start.

Cole laughed but then stopped as the host appeared beside the table. Mr. Lanham. About your bill?

Cole sighed and dug his credit card out. She was joking about my credit being bad, he said. And the twins.

Of course, the host said, taking the card to run it through the machine.

I picked up the wine and smiled at him across the table. This wine is pretty good. Maybe you could add another bottle of it to the tab so I can take it home to finish watching Stefan and Damon?

A couple of weeks later…

Cole

What are you doing here? Darcy asked when she opened her door.

You look terrible, I said, taking in the puffy eyes and the red nose.

Gee thanks, Darcy said. If you only came here to insult me, then can we do it another day? I’m not really feeling up to it.

I grinned and held up the bag I carried. I brought sustenance.

Darcy groaned. I don’t know—

I didn’t wait for her to finish. I pulled her into a hug and then turned her around and walked her back into the apartment. Darcy had made a nest on the couch with blankets and pillows and used tissues scattered about.

Here or in the bedroom? I asked.

Here, Darcy said, collapsing on the couch and burrowing into her pillows.

Noelle said you were sick but… I looked around. I didn’t realise you were this sick. Have you been to the doctor?

It’s just a cold, she mumbled, her voice muffled by the pillows. I’ll be fine in a couple of days.

I pushed the blankets aside and sat down beside her, pulling her feet onto my lap so she could stretch out. She was wearing the ugliest woollen socks I’d ever seen.

You must be pretty sick if you’re wearing these, I commented.

She snorted and then snuffled and then groaned. Don’t make me laugh. I’ll end up snotting all over you.

What’s a little snot between friends? I said with a grin.

She blinked at me with heavy eyelids. Her hair was a tangled mess around her face and her skin was an awful grey colour. You probably shouldn’t be here, she said. I think I’m contagious.

I grinned at her. I’m immune. No, seriously, I said when she rolled her eyes at me. I have the immune system of an ox.

Are oxen particularly immune? she asked.

I don’t know, I said with a shrug. But it’s true just the same. I never get sick.

Whatever, she groaned, reaching for the remote and pressing play.

So what are the Salvatore brothers up to this week? I asked, grabbing the bag I bought and pulling out the two tubs of wonton soup I’d brought with me.

That smells amazing, Darcy said. I’m surprised I can smell anything at all. She made grabby hands and I helped her sit up before handing over the soup.

Careful, I said. It’s hot.

We slurped in silence as Darcy’s vampires did their thing on the television.

Thanks, Cole, she said. You didn’t need to—

Of course I did, I said. You would do the same for me.

Darcy

I woke feeling almost human, even if I did have a crick in my neck and my throat was as dry as the Simpson Desert.

I shifted and heard a groan. Blinking my eyes open in the grey morning light I noticed I wasn’t alone. Cole was asleep on the other end of the couch, his head tilted back and his mouth open. I nudged him with my foot and he snorted before opening his eyes and looking at me blearily.

Wha? he asked, his voice suspiciously raspy.

Why are you asleep on my couch? I asked.

Cole swallowed and winced and I knew exactly how it felt…like swallowing razor blades. His eyes looked puffy and his skin was a weird pale shade.

I must’ve fallen asleep, he said with a snuffle. Did you drug me? he asked, thunking his head back against the couch and groaning again. I feel like I’ve been drugged.

You’re sick, I said.

Shut your mouth, he said, but it lacked any heat. I never get sick. I’m just tired. Or drugged. He opened one eye to look at me accusingly before closing it again.

So much for your ‘immune system of an ox,’ I said. I don’t think oxen are as immune as you think.

This is all your fault, he said without opening his eyes. You must have had some sort of super-bug bacteria.

Or maybe it’s just a run-of-the-mill bug and you’re not as strong as you think you are.

Shut your mouth, he repeated and then groaned. It hurts. Why does it hurt so much?

I sat up and reached over to rest my hand on his forehead. He was burning up.

Come on, I said, getting to my feet and taking his hand. I tried to pull him off the couch but he was a dead weight. Come on, Cole. Time for bed.

He grinned dopily at me. I always knew you wanted to get into bed with me.

I rolled my eyes. Whatever, stud. Come on.

He got to his feet slowly and let me pull him through my tiny apartment and into the bedroom. I shoved the pile of clothes and whatever mess I’d dumped on my bed and he fell face first onto the mattress. He tugged me down next to him and I didn’t fight it. I may be feeling better than yesterday, but I was still sick. Helping Cole to the bedroom had worn me out more than I liked to admit.

I’ll just close my eyes for a few minutes, I murmured before falling asleep beside Cole.

Chapter One

Cole

I could feel the warmth of her skin through my shirt as we sat next to each other on the barstool. The party was winding down. The fireworks were done and a New Year had begun, but instead of being on my way home with a beautiful woman on my arm and headed for my bed, I was sitting next to Darcy, and I was utterly fucked.

No, I wasn't drunk, but it would've made a hell of a lot more sense if I was. No, the reason I was completely, one hundred percent, quantifiably fucked was that Darcy was my friend—good friend, close friend, the best friend I'd ever had who was a girl—and now my body had decided it wanted to tap that. But that could never happen.

Not that Darce wasn't hot. She was. Darcy was tiny, pocket-sized even. Her long dark hair tumbled in loose curls over her shoulders and down her back, the blonde highlights giving it that special something. Her face was cute with big brown eyes, a button nose and a heart-stopping smile. Her body was kick-arse with a pert rack and a tight arse and her legs, wow, her legs were lickable. The first time I saw her, I wanted to pick her up and carry her home.

She had a boyfriend at the time, and I’d somehow ended up in the friend zone. Regardless, and despite the blue balls, I wouldn't be without her, and there was no way I was going to jeopardise our friendship for one hot night in the sack. She meant more to me than that. Although I knew we would be spectacular between the sheets, I just couldn't let myself go there. So I just needed to suck it up and pull my traitorous body back into line.

Darcy was off-limits.

What about her? she said, pulling me out of my self-induced hell and pointing to a stacked blonde in a tiny black bandage dress that show-cased an incredible body.

Nah, I replied, sipping my bottle of craft beer. She's smashed. I don't do drunk girls.

The fact was, I had no desire whatsoever to take anyone home tonight. Alert the media. Self-confessed man-whore Cole Lanham doesn't want to get laid tonight.

Well, that was not exactly true. I did want to get laid, I just wanted it to be with Darcy, and seeing as though it couldn't be her, then I didn't want anyone else.

That was such a depressing thought that I downed the rest of my beer in one long swallow.

What's up with you tonight? Darcy asked, turning to look at me.

I shrugged and flashed her my trademark grin. I don't know what you mean, I replied, fighting down the overwhelming desire to lean into her and nuzzle her neck. The skin at the base of her throat fluttered with her pulse, and I imagined what it would taste like if I pressed my lips to that spot.

Come on, Cole, she said with a chuckle. You've been off all night. Not even the blonde who draped herself across you earlier tonight was enough to put a smile on your face. What's got you down, buddy?

I gestured to the barman for another beer and nudged her shoulder with mine. It's been a long year, I said. I'm just tired. Bambi was too high maintenance for me tonight.

"Bambi, huh? she laughed. Is that really her name?"

I smiled. How the hell should I know? She didn't really introduce herself to me before shoving her tongue down my throat.

Darcy shook her head and chuckled before sipping her beer.

The problem of being an international playboy, she quipped.

I don't know about the international part, I said with a grin. Although I like the way it sounds.

She got a contemplative look on her face and stared across the bar. The first time I saw you, she said softly, I thought you'd make a great James Bond.

I choked on my beer as I laughed. What the hell, I spluttered.

She looked at me and laughed. Her whole face lighting up with it and I was mesmerised by her. She was gorgeous and so far out of my league it wasn't funny.

She finally stopped laughing and looked at me with her sparkling brown eyes, and I felt like I was drowning in their chocolate depths.

You're suave, she said. Sophisticated, smooth. You look good in a tux. She gestured to my appearance tonight as exhibit A. And you drive an Aston Martin.

James Bond hasn't always driven an Aston Martin, I said before sipping my fresh beer.

She rolled her eyes. Whatever.

The first time I saw you, I said, feeling melancholy. I wanted to put you in my pocket and take you home.

She slapped me on the arm with an indignant laugh. I might be fun-size, but I'm not a Polly Pocket.

You're definitely not that, I replied softly.

A tall, stunning woman who looked like a stylist dressed her and quite possibly had a great big stick up her arse, interrupted our quiet moment. She gave me a tight smile before turning to Darcy.

Well done, Ms Shaw, she said in a clipped voice. You impressed me tonight. February fourteenth is yours.

Darcy's face broke into a professional smile, but I could see the excitement in her eyes. Thank you, Mrs Tavish, she said. I won't disappoint you.

You'd better not, Mrs Tavish replied. It's the first event of the year, and it will set the tone for the rest. If you impress me again, I'll keep you employed all year.

Thank you for the opportunity, Darcy said as the woman walked away. Once Darcy was sure the hostess was out of sight, she jumped up and down, doing a little happy dance, and I couldn't help being drawn to the way certain parts of her jiggled temptingly. Yeah, I was that guy...or at least I was where Darcy was concerned.

Did you hear that, she squealed, slapping my arm. I impressed the un-impressible Mrs Tavish, and I got the hottest job going.

What job is that?

Duh, she said, rolling her eyes. Valentine's Day, you idiot.

Valentine's Day. My nemesis. I always made sure that I wasn’t involved with anyone around Valentine's Day, and I made it a priority not to go near a bar or a club or a party in the lead up to Valentine's Day. Women got the wrong idea, and I definitely didn't want them to get the wrong idea about me. I didn't do relationships.

I stood to my feet. I'm outta here, I said, draining the remaining beer in my bottle.

Seriously, Cole? Darcy stared up at me incredulously. You can't even talk about Valentine's Day?

I shrugged. It gives me hives, I replied with a shit-eating grin. Nah, I'm just really beat.

She gave me one of her momma-bear looks, and I rolled my eyes at her.

I'm fine, I said with exasperation. I'm just tired. I'll call you tomorrow?

Her face softened, and she gave me a smile. Not too early, she said. I'll be here for another couple hours yet while we bump out.

I raised a quizzical eyebrow at her. "Bump out?" I asked.

You know, she said, making a rolling motion with her hands. Clean up, pack down, move all the stuff out.

You have to do that tonight?

She nodded. Welcome to my world.

You need help? I asked, not sure whether I wanted her to say yes or not.

She looked at me for a moment before dropping her eyes and shaking her head with a sigh. Nah, I've got a team, she replied, looking back up at me. There was a look in her eye that slew me where I stood. It was only there for a moment, but it was unmistakable. It was vulnerability, and I never thought I'd ever see it in her eyes. Darcy was the most capable person I knew. She managed her own event planning business, looked after her father and three brothers and did it with flair. She was always upbeat, always happy, always on top of things, and she was fun. Vulnerability didn't fit her.

She stood up and kissed my cheek. I'm fine, she whispered in my ear, and I suppressed a shiver. Go home and get some sleep. We'll do brunch tomorrow.

I kissed her on the cheek in return and rested my forehead on hers for a moment.

Don't overwork yourself, I whispered, and she smiled up at me, melting my heart.

I was so bloody fucked.

D: Meet you at Lafayette in half an hour.

I groaned as I squinted at the text message that woke me. It was ten o' lock, and I thought Darcy would still be pumping out z's after her late night. She probably got more sleep than I did, though.

I rolled over and levered myself into a sitting position on the side of the bed, hitting reply on my phone.

C: Sure. C U soon.

Lafayette was a little french inspired bistro that we frequented for brunch every Saturday. It started out as a random meeting one weekend and had turned into a regular appointment on my calendar, regardless of who I'd been with the night before. Not that that was a problem this morning.

I looked at the rumpled sheets of my very empty bed and sighed. Maybe there was something wrong with me. I didn't know the last time I'd had so many empty-bed-Saturday-mornings in a row. Friday night had always been the night to blow off a little steam and find a nice, soft bed partner. But the desire had been absent for far too many Friday nights now, and I was starting to worry. Maybe if I had more Friday night action, I wouldn't be looking at Darcy the way I had been.

I knew that was a lie, but it was what I needed to tell myself. I couldn't let myself go there with Darcy.

With a groan, I got out of bed and hit the shower. I'd tossed and turned so much the night before that I felt like I'd gone ten rounds on the wrestling mats. Sleep evaded me. Persistent thoughts of Darcy and what I wanted to do with her…and to her…in my bed kept me awake and hard. I barely got four hours of sleep, even after giving in and relieving the pressure while fantasising about her.

But hey, it was New Year's Day, and that meant new beginnings, right? Time for New Year's resolutions and starting over and all that crap. So that was my New Year's resolution…no hitting on, fantasising about, or pining for Darcy. I needed to find myself a woman—STAT. Luckily, Darcy was a great wingman and had never failed to find me someone to take home.

I dried off and dressed in denim shorts and my favourite shirt, and grabbed my keys on the way out the door. I slipped into my baby (Aston Martin Vanquish Volante in Diavolo Red) and slid my