She shrugged once more.

“It’s not bad you want him to pay, sweetheart. It’s natural, normal.”

“He cheated on me with her for six months. She had only turned eighteen when it happened. I know I’m not young, skinny, or beautiful—”

“I’ll stop you there, darlin’. Never put yourself down. You’re mature, have something men would love to hold on to while they fuck you hard, and are stunning. Not everyone likes young bimbos.”

Her chest rose and fell rapidly.

“In fact, I’m not the only man admiring you tonight. If you opened your eyes and saw through the pain, you’ll find I’m telling the truth.”

Her eyes widened, and slowly she glanced around. I hadn’t been lying about anything I’d said. I hoped she saw it when her gaze crossed over the five men looking at her, a couple even raised their drinks her way. Our own beverages arrived, and I told the waitress we needed a moment longer.

When I looked back to Fiona, she was already gazing at me. “You are very good for my confidence.”

I winked. “Always happy to help, but you have to remember, I’m one for the truth.” I took a sip of my beer. “Now, how about we have some fun? Enjoy each other’s company and the meal?”

“That sounds wonderful.”

Fiona managed to keep her mind off her ex and have fun talking and laughing until he decided to step up to our table.

“Fiona, what are you doing here?” the dickhead asked harshly.

I stood. “Excuse me, who do you think you are speaking to Fiona that way?”

“I’m her ex-husband.”

I looked him over slowly and smirked. “Seriously?”

“Yes,” he ground out.

“Nice of you to stop by and say hello, but we were having a nice time, and I don’t want you to tarnish it. Please leave.”

“Fiona—”

“Leave, Lionel.”

He spluttered and stared down at her. Maybe she’d never spoken to him that way before, and if that was the case, I was glad to witness it.

He turned and walked off. I sat back down and smiled widely. “Good job, darlin’.”

She grinned back and shrugged. “I guess having you around gave me confidence.”

“I’m glad.”

As far as first clients went, I was happy with how mine turned out. I dropped Fiona home with a kiss to her cheek and a smile on her face. She was a sweet woman and deserved so much after what her ex had put her through. The poor woman felt unlovable or unworthy. With our time together, I hoped she felt better about herself.

If all clients were like Fiona, I’d be honest-to-God proud of the job I did.

Unfortunately, my smile faded when I remembered I had to head back to Polished to get paid and let Saint know how everything went.

I had to see Saint.

Great.

No doubt I would leave work with a hard-on I would have to take care of myself.

“Jesus motherfuckin’ Christ,” I swore, which helped me feel more normal. It was okay to put on airs and graces for a short while, but wearing this suit just wasn’t me, and I couldn’t wait to get back in jeans and a T-shirt.