I consider being polite. But he asked, and after the week I’ve had, I’m tired of holding back my thoughts. I snap my book closed and meet his stare.
“It’s sort of pathetic, using your dad’s condition to find your next hookup.”
Hiseyes widen and he leans back. “Wow.”
“I warned you it wasn’t nice.”
He nods. “I did ask for it.”
“You did.”
He shrugs. “For the record, I’m not using his illness to score.”
“No?”
“I mean, I can do that just fine on my own.” The wink he flashes me before he takes a long sip of beer is equal parts flirty and annoying. “I can’t help that everyone in this town knows about Pops, or that women are drawn to me. Who am I to turn away the attention when all they want is to offer a little comfort?”
“Comfort?” My eyebrows lift. “Is that what we’re calling it these days?”
“Yeah.” He rests an elbow on the bar top and turns to aim another charming smile my way. Despite my defenses, a little flutter of nerves takes root in my belly. “I know it’s been a while for you, but I’d be happy to reintroduce you to the vernacular.”
He leans back a few inches and sweeps his gaze appreciatively over my modest outfit. I can’t tell whether he’s teasing or actually checking me out. Or if I should be insulted that he assumes it’s been a while since I’ve gotten laid.Even if he’s right.
He meets my stare. “Feel free to employ my services at any time.”
“Thanks, but I’m familiar with how a dictionary works.”
A burst of laughter tips his head back in amusement. “Oh, I bet you are.”
I don’t know why or how, but a suggestive response flies from my lips before I can censor myself. “You know, I could probably teachyoua few things.”
“That so?” Jackson’s eyes grow with a hunger that trickles straight to my core.
Shit.Am I flirting with Maeve’s little brother? I hold his gaze for as long as I can, refusing to be the one to back down, but ultimately, I break the tension.
“I should get back to my book.”
“Or . . .” He reaches for my book and closes it on the bar top, flashing me his signature grin. “You could have a drink with me.”
I smile sweetly. “I wouldn’t want to derail your evening plans of hitting on unsuspecting women.” I glance across the bar to the table where Daisy and several women are staring at Jackson. “Maybe not so unsuspecting.”
“Oh, you wouldn’t.” He leans closer, ignoring everyone else in the room.
It’s a lot, having all his attention focused on me, and I enjoy it more than I should. Especially when he’s just playing around.
“I think you have fans waiting.” I glance over his shoulder toward the group.
“Really? ’Cause from where I’m sitting, there’s only one woman in this bar I’d like to take home, and I’m looking right at her.”
Did Jackson Wilder just ask if he could take me home?
This was not on my bingo card.
“That’s a bad idea.”
I feel the need to state the obvious as I stare at his chest. The top button on his shirt is undone and heat rises in my cheeks as I imagine undoing the rest. I am not a prudish person, but I am extremely private with my personal life. It feels reckless just sitting next to Jackson in this bar, let alone considering sleeping with him.
“Yeah. Probably.” His throaty chuckle scatters goosebumps over my skin as he leans forward. He dips his chin, speaking his next words softly at the shell of my ear. “The thing is, darlin’, I’m a big fan of bad ideas.”
