I say as calmly as I can, “Yes. Sex.”
For the love of all that is holy, I’m a twenty-seven-year-old woman who’s had her fair share of sex. Why do I feel like a blushing virgin fumbling over it now?
Briggs slices another piece of his steak. He pops it into his mouth and chews. He swallows, says, “I’m not the man you think I am, Lilah.” My eyes flash up to his at the seriousness in his tone only to find that he’s already looking at me.Into me.“I don’t seek out partners purely to fill sexual need. I’m perfectly capable of handling my own needs if and when they arise.”
I think my heart is going to mine itself straight out of my chest, it’s beating so hard at the cage. “You don’t do one-night stands?”
“No.”
“Casual hookups with someone you know and trust?” I probe.
“No.” He cuts another slice of steak.
I frown. “How can that be?”
His eyes connect with mine again. “Not all men are in it purely for sex. I’ve never been that guy.”
Is my jaw on the table? IfGoogleis accurate, the man is a billionaire. How hasn’t he caved to the ocean of women who’ve tossed themselves at him in the hopes he’ll be their big catch?
As I open my mouth to speak, an unhinged, slightly nervous giggle escapes. I snap my mouth closed and wash the rest of the giggle down with a gulp of wine all while he watches. Then I say with just a tad more decorum, “I’m confused.”
“How so?”
“I just don’t know how a man who doesn’t engage in sex is capable of kissing the way you kiss.”
“How do I kiss?”
“How is that the only piece of my statement you took?”
“It’s the only piece I care about, currently.”
Yeah, I’m a beacon for whatever extraterrestrials are up there. I tip my head back and send up a thought,beam me up, buttercup.
When I dare a look at Briggs again, it’s to find that he’s waiting. Patiently.
I groan. “You kiss like you’ve got experience, okay?”
“I do.”
“But you said?—”
“Just because I don’t engage in casual sex doesn’t mean I haven’t had sex or relationships. I have.”
Don’t do it, Lilah. It’s none of your business.None of your…“You must have a lot of exes.”
I freaking did it.
“Two long-term. One that didn’t last as long.”
My eyes bulge. “Three? You’ve been with three women?”
“Four. My first was,” he cocks a grin. “She was a friend, and it was an experience.”
“Wow.”
Briggs sits back in his chair, his eyes settled on me. “What’s your number?” Before I can refuse, he says, “You interrogated mine out of me, it’s only fair.”
“I didn’t interrogate anything out of you.” He raises a single brow. I huff a sigh. “Oh, fine. Five. Happy?”
