"Anytime,” he said intimately. “Want to take a walk?”
I shrugged. “Sure.” At this point, why not?
We walked in silence for a while, our shoulders brushing occasionally. The streets were mostly empty now, and the shops were closed for the night. But up ahead, warm light spilled from the open doors of a small bar, the low thrum of music drifting out.
Nathan tilted his head toward it. "Nightcap?"
I hesitated. Alcohol probably wasn't the bestidea right now. Not with the way my head was spinning, my defenses crumbling.
But the idea of the night ending… "Why not," I said, mustering a smile. "Lead the way."
He took my hand, tugging me inside. The bar was cozy, all dark wood and vintage posters. A small stage sat in the corner, where a woman crooned a slow, bluesy number.
Nathan guided me to a table near the back, his hand settling on my lower back briefly as I slid into the booth. That simple touch sent heat curling through me, settling low in my belly.
Geez.
A waitress appeared, and Nathan ordered us both whiskeys. I raised a brow.
"Trying to get me drunk?"
He smirked. "Maybe I'm trying to get myself drunk. Ever think of that?"
"Please. You could drink this whole bar under the table."
"Probably," he agreed with a chuckle. "But lucky for you, I'm a gentleman."
I snorted. "Since when?"
"Since always." He placed a hand on his heart, feigning offense. "I'm wounded. Truly."
"Uh-huh."
We lapsed into comfortable silence, sipping our drinks and listening to the music. It was nice. Easy.
It shouldn't have been this easy.
The song changed to something slower, the sultry notes of a saxophone filling the air. I watched the couples on the small dance floor, swaying in time.
"Dance with me."
I turned to find Nathan watching me, his expression unreadable. My stomach flipped.
"I don't think that's a good idea," I said carefully.
He slid out of the booth, holding out a hand. "Come on, live a little."
I stared at his outstretched hand, my heart tripping. "Nathan..."
But I was already rising, letting him tug me toward the dance floor. He pulled me close, onehand settling on my waist while the other tangled with mine.
For a moment, I let myself pretend that this was real. That we weren't making a huge mistake.
"Rissa," he murmured, dipping his head. His nose brushed my temple, his breath warm on my skin. "You have no idea how badly I want to kiss you right now."
I swallowed hard, my pulse thundering. "I might have an idea."
His grip tightened, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "Don't tempt me."
