He cocks his head to the side, his lips curving at the corners. “So, when are we going out?”
I bark out a short laugh, shaking my head. “You think I’d make it that easy on you?”
His grin expands. “Challenge accepted, Presley baby.”
“I’m not a challenge or some prize for you to win.”
“I know you’re not. You’re so much more than that.” He looks sincere, but I can’t tell if it’s real or part of the game.
“Don’t set the bar too high, Romeo. You’ll only be disappointed.”
“I can be very determined when I want something.” Kent waggles his brows, eyeing me over the rim of his glass with a pointed look that does funny things to my insides. “And I want you.”
Tommy chuckles. “I think he’s growing on me.”
Unfortunately, I’m afraid he’s growing on me too.
***
Footsteps pound across the floor the following morning while I’m doing inventory, and I shout over my shoulder, “We’re closed. Come back in an hour.”
“I just came to give you this,” Kent says, and I spin around, watching him approach the bar.
“How did you get in here?”
“Bugger let me in.”
I narrow my eyes because Bugger isn’t known for his charitable gestures. I prop my hip against the counter as Kent places a coffee cup and paper bag down on the scratched laminate surface. “How much did you pay him?” I inquire.
Kent smirks. “Who says I paid him? How do you know it wasn’t my legendary charm and wit that got me through that door?”
“He doesn’t have a vagina, and he’s not exactly your biggest fan.”
Kent pushes the coffee at me. “I’ve been known to charm even the grumpiest motherfuckers. Consider it a warning.” His blue eyes sparkle with confidence, and it’s hella sexy. Almost as sexy as the dark scruff covering his chin and cheeks.
In daylight, Kent is even more hazardous to my health. He’s wearing dark jeans that hug his muscular thighs and a tight white T-shirt under a grayish-blue shirt that really makes his eyes pop. Scuffed, unlaced boots adorn his feet, and he’s wearing a ball cap backward, showcasing his high cheekbones, strong nose, and chiseled jawline.
He’s truly beautiful in a strictly masculine way.
He hands me a tissue, his lips twitching. “For the drool.”
I snap out of it, straightening up. “Ugh. Thanks for the reminder.”
“I’ll bite.” He leans forward, bringing his stunning face closer to mine.
“I was almost in danger of falling for the sweet act.”
The smile falls off his lips, and he takes a step back. “It’s not an act, Presley. I’m interested in getting to know you. Why is that so hard to believe?” He shoves his hands in the back pockets of his jeans as his jaw tenses. “Enjoy your breakfast.” His expression is devoid of warmth, and the sparkle has faded from his eyes as he shakes his head before walking off.
My eyes stay glued to the door long after he has exited. He seemed genuinely hurt by my comment, and I wonder if I haven’t completely misjudged him. Taking a sip of the coffee, I groan appreciatively as familiar notes of cinnamon and nutmeg coat my tongue and swirl around my mouth. Pumpkin spice latte is one of my favorite drinks, and what are the chances Kent guessed correctly?
Opening the paper bag, I remove the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich as my tummy rumbles in appreciation. I had to skip breakfast, thanks to waking up late, so this is exactly what the doctor ordered. I devour my food while opening the small envelope inside. It’s another note, and I can’t stop the cheesy smile creeping across my face.
Go out with me? Because “A Boy Like Me needs A Girl Like You.”
“Why are you grinning like you’ve just won the lottery?” Imogen asks, ducking underneath the counter and coming up alongside me.
I show her the note, quickly explaining what’s been going on because I haven’t had a chance to fill her in since the first time Kent came into the bar. “So, youhavewon the lottery,” she teases, wrapping an apron around her waist. “The boy lottery.” She waggles her brows, and I snicker.
