Page 8 of The Originals

Asshole.

This was a first for her. She could’ve done without this specific life experience.

It’s official. I’ve been stood up.

Meg had accepted the date, but for obvious reasons insisted on meeting Mick at the movie theater. She might be an adult, but she still lived with her parents and wasn’t looking for any type of interrogation. But if she’d just had him pick her up at her door, she wouldn’t be standing on the street in front of the theater.By myself.

It wouldn’t have been so bad had she not been subjected to couples walking into the theater. Their dates showed up. The thought of him standing her up hadn’t crossed her mind. Until now. It just didn’t make much sense. He’d been so persistent. Why push for the date just to be a no-show? Maybe that was the type of man Mick was. She glanced down at her watch and rocked on her feet. How humiliating.

“Hey.”

Meg spun around, flattening her lips and ignoring the butterflies swarming in her belly. It was a complete contradiction to how she’d felt a minute ago. It was as if her memory had been wiped clean, and she was dialed back intoa lust-craved teenager, hoping the quarterback shows up. That thought alone had her mind shifting and settling on being pissed off once again.

“Parking’s a bitch around here, huh?” Mick smiled, stopping a foot away. “Been waiting long?”

Yes!Even standing there, looking sexy, she was reminded of the last fifteen minutes. What kind of man makes a woman wait fifteen minutes on a date he’d set up? Obviously, one who didn’t take her feelings into consideration.

Meg folded her arms. “Fifteen minutes.”

His smile faltered. “Got caught up with something at the club.”

It was a fair excuse, though his attitude seemed a bit flippant.No apology, Mick?Still, people ran late, things came up. This shouldn’t have been too big of a deal. But it was starting off all wrong. It set the tone for the date. She’d been surprisingly excited and a bit nervous all afternoon. Meg had changed her outfit three times and fiddled with her hair to the point of frustration. She’d purposely left her house an extra few minutes early to ensure she’d arrive on time. Why couldn’t he?

“You ready?” He hooked his thumb over his shoulder, gesturing to the ticket counter.

“I was ready fifteen minutes ago.” The bite in her tone didn’t go unnoticed, but his response was unexpected. Mick grinned, let out a soft chuckle, and cupped his jaw, eyeing her.

“Pissed at me for being late?” He spread out his arms. “Look, shit happens. Doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a movie, get some food, and hang out.”

Meg squinted. His nonchalant attitude was speaking volumes. In his mind it was no big deal. But in hers? Meg forced a smile.

“Actually, it does. The movie sold out ten minutes ago. And as for food, I have plenty at home. Have a great night, Mick.”Meg turned and started down the sidewalk. She only made it a few feet when Mick stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

“Are you fucking serious?”

Meg scoffed. “Areyoufucking serious asking me ifI’mfucking serious?”

His lips twitched until he broke out in a full smile. He may have found humor in this situation, but she didn’t. Meg stepped to the side to pass him, but Mick matched her steps. His smile, while sexy, was grating on her last nerve.

“Can you get out of my way, please?”

Mick snickered, shaking his head. He moved closer, invading her space. Meg was tempted to back up, but she was determined to hold her ground. This tactic may have worked on other women, but not her.

“Let me take you out to eat.”

“No.” She snapped.

“Come on, Meg.” He was so close they were practically touching, and she could smell his faint cologne when the air shifted. It was a mixture of pine and fire.

“You wanna know why I asked you out?”

“I don’t care.” That was a lie, and from the smirk on his face, he knew it.

“’Cause you’re probably the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen. Had to do a double take when you came into my clubhouse. From the second you walked in to the minute I talked to you, I watched you. Out of your fucking element, but taking it all in and keeping a low profile. You didn’t act like any other girl there. I liked that.” He paused and arched his brow. “A lot.”

Meg bit her lip, trying not to give in to his compliments.

“Even knowing, ’cause you made it clear fucking was off the table, I still wanted to take you out. I respect that. You don’t wanna give that up for the first time to a guy you don’t know.”