"I don't use lines."
"Really? Because that sounded like a line."
"Lines are for men who need help." He said it matter-of-factly, no arrogance in his tone. Just certainty. "I don't."
"Because women just... what? Line up at your feet?"
"Yes."
The single word should have sounded cocky. Instead it came out like a simple statement of fact, and that made it so much worse.
"You're very confident."
"I'm honest." His hand came up, not quite touching my face but close enough that I could feel the heat. "Women don't interest me usually. Too much effort, too many games. But you—" His eyes traveled over my face slowly. "You interest me."
"You don't even know me."
"Then tell me about yourself." He leaned against the wall beside me, all casual confidence. "Level the playing field."
"What do youwant to know?"
"Anything. Everything." His mouth curved. "Start with what brings an innocent girl to a place like this."
"I'm not innocent."
"You're a terrible liar." But he didn't sound judgmental. "Let me guess—eighteenth birthday? First time at a club? Friend convinced you to come out and 'live a little'?"
My mouth fell open. "How did you—"
"I'm good at reading people." He took a sip of his drink, eyes never leaving mine. "So was I right?"
"Maybe."
"That's a yes." He looked pleased with himself. "So what's your plan for this momentous night? Get drunk? Dance on tables? Make some bad decisions?"
"I'm the kind of girl who doesn't make bad decisions."
"Even better." His voice dropped lower. "I'm the kind of man who likes corrupting good girls."
Oh god. Oh god, the way he said that made heat pool low in my stomach.
"I should—" I gestured vaguely toward the dance floor. "My friend is probably looking for me."
"Your friend is currently making out with a guy by the bar. Pretty sure she's not looking for you."
I glanced over. He was right. Sophie was wrapped around someone—presumably Derek—like she was trying to merge with him on a molecular level.
"I should still—"
"Stay." His hand found my wrist, fingers wrapping around it lightly. "Talk to me."
"Why?"
"Because I want to know you." He said it simply. "And because you want to stay."
"You're very presumptuous about what I want."
"Am I wrong?"
