The name on the business card read, "Amy Maria Douglas, Periodontist, Happy Smile Dentistry." He studied it for a moment, then glanced over at the picture he had taken of her on his iPhone.
She looked utterly adorable, even though she appeared taken aback. Her expression resembled someone who had just bitten into a sour lemon. It was strangely amusing, and it caused him to burst into laughter, the first genuine laugh since he had arrived in Queenstown.
Perhaps, he mused, he should pay her a visit at her dental clinic when he returned to Chicago. It wasn't as if he had any dental or gum issues; his teeth were in perfect condition.
He simply relished the idea of playfully getting under her skin again. Teasing her had proved to be quite enjoyable.
Wait a minute, he thought, what was he thinking? "Mighty fun teasing her?" That sounded ridiculous.
Justin shook his head, dismissing the absurd notion. It didn't feel right to be dwelling on that peculiar avocado right now.
She was older than he typically preferred, and he had never dated older women. He didn't want to risk tarnishing his reputation as the city's hottest bachelor and Casanova. Maintaining that reputation was a formidable task, and he couldn't afford any slips.
All this pondering about the avocado had left him feeling rather thirsty. He gestured to the bartender to come over.
"Another beer, Mr. Queen?" the bartender asked with a smile. "You read my mind, mate," Justin declared.
Just as he was about to take a sip of his beer, a soft, sultry whisper reached his ear. Justin turned his head to the side, his curiosity piqued.
"Hello there, handsome. What's a hunk like you doing here all by yourself?"
Turning around, Justin flashed a wide grin. Finally, a beautiful woman had approached him, and she was undeniably attractive.
All thoughts of the avocado faded into the background as he took in the sight of the stunning blonde seated before him, radiating an irresistible allure.
She sat provocatively, with her long, slender legs crossed, revealing a generous expanse of bare skin, and her blouse provocatively unbuttoned.
!
Coughing discreetly, Justin nearly choked on his drink. The woman's top was almost see-through, a creamy white color that revealed her lacy bra beneath. He couldn't help but guess that it must be at least a D-cup, given the ample curves it supported.
Thank goodness! He quickly regained his composure. "Yes, I'm alone," Justin replied, acting suave once more. "For now. Can I buy you a drink?"
The woman nodded, her voice exuding an undeniable sensuality as she spoke. "Make it a Cosmopolitan."
Justin was thrilled, his excitement palpable. He signaled for the bartender again. "Put it on the tab again, sir?" the bartender inquired.
"Yep," Justin confirmed, his attention still firmly fixed on the captivating beauty before him.
When their drinks arrived, they raised their glasses in a toast. "Your name, sweetheart?" Justin inquired, leaning in slightly.
"Mystery," she replied with a playful smile.
"You want to keep it a secret?" Justin asked, genuinely intrigued. Her every feature seemed perfect – her legs, her face, her lips. And those breasts, like perfectly ripe watermelons, were tantalizingly displayed, tempting him to savor their sweet allure.
However, as he took in her slender frame, he couldn't help but feel she was a bit too thin for his taste. He preferred women with a little more substance. But tonight, he was eager for some company, so he pushed aside his preferences.
"I don't know you yet," she replied softly, her gaze sultry as she peered at him through long, shaded lashes. Her fingers instinctively traced the outline of his collar, gliding along his short stubble.
"I get a feeling we might not be strangers for long," Justin huskily whispered in her ear, his eyes smoldering with desire as he sent out unmistakable signals.
"You think?" she playfully teased.
"I don't think," he declared, his voice dripping with confidence. "I know, sweetheart."
The mysterious woman laughed, and they began chatting as if they were long-lost lovers. They enjoyed each other's company, and just as Justin was about to make his move, she excused herself.
Damn! It seemed like he wouldn't be finding a hot companion to share his bed tonight.
"Are you looking for Mr. Queen?" inquired the Korean waiter, addressing Larry.
"Yep, hyung," Larry responded, using the honorific "hyung" as a sign of respect to refer to an older brother in Korean, hoping to earn the waiter's favor. "Where is he? I was told he would be here tonight."
"He's right over there." The waiter pointed to a man sitting alone at the bar, sipping on a Speight's. "What's with everyone?
Why is everyone looking for Mr. Queen? Just a moment ago, I was asked to deliver a note to Mr.
Queen by this blond-haired lady," the waiter grumbled. "And I have so much work to do right now."
"Have you delivered it yet?" Larry asked, as a plan began to take shape in his mind.
"No, not yet. I'm about to do it right now."
"Jackpot!" Larry exclaimed.
"Jackpot?" the waiter asked, puzzled.
"Don't worry, hyung, I meant the jackpot," Larry said with a reassuring smile. "As for the message, though, I'll take care of it for you, okay?"
"You sure?" the waiter inquired, uncertain about allowing a young person who wasn't even of legal drinking age to handle this task in the bar.
If authorities found out, he could be in serious trouble. Besides, the kid didn't even work there; he was only acquainted with the owner of Torque.
Well, if he kept this matter hush-hush, perhaps no one would be the wiser.
"Sure, hyung," Larry assured him. "You mentioned you have a lot of work to do, so I'll handle it for you, alright?"
"Well, I suppose it won't do any harm. Thanks. Please pass the message to Mr. Queen, then." The waiter entrusted the note to Larry's care.
"No problem, hyung," Larry replied, smiling with a sense of accomplishment. "Mission one accomplished. Mission two is now in progress." He then made his way over to Justin, reading the note along the way.
The note read: "Meet me in room 46 at Night Love Hotel in 10 minutes. Your Mysterious Lady, Tiara."
"Tiara," Larry muttered to himself as he finished reading the note. "I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait for another opportunity. Tonight, Mr. Queen needs to make a special contribution for someone in need." With that, he crumpled up the note, stuffed it into his jeans pocket, straightened his borrowed white pressed shirt and black bowtie, and made his way toward Justin, ready for the next phase of his plan.
Putting his plan into action, Larry moved with confidence, adopting the demeanor of one of the waitstaff as he approached the individual claiming to be Mr. Kyle Queen.
"Sir," Larry greeted, bowing slightly, uncertain if it was the appropriate gesture. He had never worked as a waiter before and wasn't entirely sure of the etiquette.
"That's me," Justin responded, swiveling to face the waiter. After a few pints of Speight's, he was starting to feel a bit fuzzy, but he held his liquor well. However, he couldn't help but notice that the waiter appeared exceptionally young tonight.
"I was told by a lady to give you this," Larry explained, handing Justin a note of his own. Justin's curiosity was instantly piqued at the mention of a lady. He unfolded the paper and began reading, a smile slowly spreading across his face.
Thank you, Lord. I thought you'd forgotten about me. It must be that mysterious woman from before.
Justin crumpled up the note and tucked it into his pocket. When he remembered Larry's presence, he glanced up, wondering why the young man had lingered.
At this point, Larry began rubbing his fingers together, subtly signaling that a tip would be appreciated. There was no way he was leaving without one. He needed something as an incentive for assisting Amy.
"A tip?" Justin inquired, raising an eyebrow in amusement. This kid reminded him of himself at that age, always seeking handouts from his father.
"You read my mind, sir," Larry cheekily replied.
He even speaks like me, Justin thought with a hint of amusement. "Sure, sure," Justin said, handing him a twenty since he was feeling generous that evening.
"If you don't mind, sir," Larry continued, "I was asked to escort you to her suite."
"Really?" Justin exclaimed in amazement. "She's that eager?"
"You could say that," Larry replied, his smile concealing a snarky smirk.
"Alright, then," Justin agreed, brushing himself off as he stood. "Never keep a lady waiting if she requests your presence. Lead the way, my young friend."
"This way, sir," Larry said, guiding Justin out of the bar and into the hotel next door.
"We're going to the Night Love Hotel?" Justin asked with interest, his nerves now more pronounced than ever. The surprises of the evening were getting to him, and he couldn't wait to see her. His excitement was like a taut bowstring, a sensation he hadn't experienced before, which surprised him.
"So, you work at the bar?" Justin inquired, trying to strike up a conversation to alleviate his nerves. "You do look quite young."
"I'm over eighteen," Larry lied, feeling a bit irritated.
"You're quite petite," Justin prodded, further needling the young man about his height.
Larry felt a surge of anger at the comment about his height. He was rather sensitive about it, knowing that his growth spurt hadn't kicked in yet, but he hoped to outgrow this guy soon.
"Alright, here we are," Larry declared, coming to a stop in front of a door. Seeking to even the score for Justin's earlier comments, Larry literally shoved him into the room, catching Justin off guard as he stumbled headfirst into the darkness.
Larry then swiftly closed the door behind him and locked it from the outside.
"Job well done," Larry muttered to himself, dusting his hands in triumph. He then sent a text to his cousin: "Hey, cuz. Cupid has brought you Kyle. Get that sperm