“Well, first of all, the fact that I brought up my sex life—or lack thereof—to you at all makes me want to walk into the sea. The fact that I phrased it like I did? Even more embarrassing.”
There’s a beat of silence, and I let myself look at him, only to find him staring directly at me. I’m snared in his gaze. Couldn’t look away if I wanted to. And I really,reallydon’t want to.
“There’s no shame in wanting what you want,” he says.
This man’s voice must be a defibrillator, because my heart jolts.
“I know that,” I say. Then, because he’s still looking right atme and I haven’t woken up, I try something a little bit bolder. “I’m not ashamed to want it.”
“Good,” he says, his eyes still boring into me. I feel his gaze like it’s a living thing, like it’s caressing my skin, and I shiver. “Because you deserve it.”
My blood turns to lava in my veins. This is either a dream, in which case dear god, let me never wake up, or it’s a brand-new reality I never want to leave. Dan McBride, who never saysanything, is talking to me, and he’s saying that I deserve good sex.
“Thank you” is all I can say to that, and it comes out a little breathy, almost a whisper.
The tiniest grin tugs at his mouth, and then his teeth sink into his full bottom lip, suppressing the smile. “And if you don’t mind me saying so, I don’t think you’re going to find it on Hinge.”
As delicious as this conversation is, a sudden wave of indignation crashes over me, because buddy, I’ve been lookingeverywhere. “Well, where the heck am I going to find it, then?” I ask, then shovel another spoonful of Lucky Charms into my mouth.
Dan shrugs. “Hell if I know.”
I bark out a laugh. “Well, thanks for the sage advice.”
He takes a long swig of his gritty-looking protein shake. “Never said I was an expert.”
“I’m sure you’ve gotsomeexpertise,” I say before I can run that particular quip through mymake sure you’re not sexually harassing your best friend’s brotherfilter.
My cheeks heat, but he doesn’t glower or bolt. Instead, the corner of his full lips twitches again. But he bites back the grin a second time. Oh, I want inside that head so bad.
“I certainly do,” he replies, his eyebrows lifting like a challenge.
Oh my god, is this really happening? Is this man actuallyflirtingwith me? The tension between us feels like a live electric current. My heart is pounding like a whole high school marching band drum line, and my breath comes in shallow little bursts.
Dan leans forward, pressing his elbows into the table as hedraws closer to me. I lean forward, closing the gap between us just a bit. I nearly stop breathing, so anxious am I to hear what he might say next. This moment feels big. Alive. And like I need to bring all my faculties to it, because whatever comes next is about to change everything.
He draws in a long, slow, deep breath, then looks up from beneath his impossibly long lashes. “Carson, if there’s anything I can help you with?—”
The sound of the doorbell interrupts us like a shriek.
If this were a dream, this would be the moment I wake up and sit bolt upright in bed. But I don’t. Instead, I jump a mile, letting out an embarrassing little yelp. The spoon falls from my hand, clattering into my bowl again and sending a splatter of milk across the table. I gasp, sending a bit of marshmallow straight down my esophagus, and my eyes water as I try not to choke.
It’s not a dream. I’m still sitting across from him. Staring at him. Dare I say…bantering with him?
Screw the doorbell. I’m not leaving this table. I want him to finish that sentence. What exactly is he offering, and how fast can I say yes?
“Carson! I want to hear about your date! I have muffins!”
Dan sighs, leaning back in his chair. Because that’s my best friend at the door, his little sister.
Which means this conversation is over. For now, at least.
“I’m going to shower,” Dan says, and before I can read his face, he’s standing and reaching for his gym bag, then disappearing down the hall. A few seconds later, I hear the creaking of the old pipes as water rushes through them. Or maybe it’s the sound of my own blood rushing through my body.
CHAPTER 7
CARSON
“Hewhat?” Grace cries from the chair Dan formerly occupied. “Okay, that’s it, no more app dates.”
