“What’s wrong with here?” Her gaze trips around the long narrow room.
“Nothing. I love this place, and the tacos are to die for, but it’s only a diner. If I’m lucky enough to score a date with you, I’ll be taking you to a nicer place. You deserve to be treated like a queen.”
“Fuck me,” she moans before resting her brow on the table.
With pleasure.The snake in my pants reacts immediately to her words, and I silently talk the beast down. I would give my left nut to fuck Stevie but only when it means something to both of us. I have zero desire to be friends with benefits or a one-night stand. With someone as special as Stevie, I want both of us to be all in.
The waitress arrives with our food, and Stevie sits back up, eyeing me curiously. I wait her out as the server sets plates in front of us, taking long pulls of my soda as I silently plead with the universe to help me out.
I have just picked up my silverware when she speaks. Warmth floods her tone and fills her eyes as she holds my gaze. “You make me want to break all my own rules, Garrick.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“It’s a dangerous thing.”
Reaching across the table, I tentatively place my hand on top of hers. “It doesn’t have to be. It could be the greatest thing of all.”
ChapterThirteen
Garrick
Pulling up outside the apartment building Stevie lives at, I pray she invites me in because I’m not ready to say goodbye to her yet.
I’m aware I’m acting like a lovesick teen, but I don’t care—guilty as charged.
I am certifiably crazy about this girl, and I don’t care who knows it.
The conversation flowed easily at the taco place, and it’s like I’ve always known her. It just seems so natural with us, and it’s rare to find that kind of connection. I get the sense Stevie is feeling this too, and though she’s still fighting the attraction, there are holes in her protective shield. I plan to poke them until they grow bigger and eventually become nonexistent.
“Thank you for the ride and dinner.”
“You can’t thank me for dinner.” I wanted to get the check, but she insisted on paying half. I didn’t argue even if the old-world manners instilled deep inside me protested. Stevie likes her independence, and I like that about her. I’m not about to bethat guy. The one who claims hurt male pride because his date insists on paying her share of the meal.
Stevie lifts her head with confidence. “Of course, I can. It’s not about who paid. Thank you for taking me there.”
“You’re welcome.”
“And Sharon said to say thanks for the business. She was thrilled.”
A smirk dances on my lips. “I appreciated the hottie discount.” I was given a fifteen-percent markdown, which was kind of Sharon.
Stevie rolls her eyes. “You’re never going to let that one go.”
“Damn straight.”
“I’m considering proposing it as an official discount.” A grin runs across her face. “Some permanent eye candy at the store would be nice.”
I fake a scowl as I unbuckle my seat belt. “Sharon will never go for it. It was a onetime thing because she likes me.”
“Doesn’t mean I can’t try.”
“If you need permanent eye candy, I can make myself available.” I lean back in my seat and shoot her a flirty smile.
“Nice try, Casanova, but no. I’d never get any work done if you were always around.”
I’m taking that as a win. Before I can celebrate, her hand curls around the door handle as she prepares to make her escape, and instant panic sets in. “Do you want to hang out some more?” I blurt, hoping I don’t sound as desperate as I feel.
This girl has me acting like an inexperienced first-timer with zero game.
