I drag my gaze back up to her face. “That’s where you’re mistaken.” She’s in for a rude awakening if that’s her expectation. “Most guys only care about one thing—themselves. If I hadn’t intervened, your little experiment tonight would’ve been a total letdown, and you’d have been left more on edge than you are now.”
“Is that so?” She reaches over and plucks the beer from my hand and downs a generous swig. “Think you’d be any better, Deputy?”
She doesn’t give me a chance to answer before she’s out of her chair and sliding onto my lap, and I instinctively wind my arms around her waist to steady her.
“What are you doing, Birdie?” I keep my voice steady even though my pulse pounds in my ears.
The woman I’ve fantasized about for years is literally in my lap, enveloping me in her vanilla and orange scent. I want nothing more than to draw her close and nuzzle my nose in her neck, but I have to resist, no matter how fiercely every instinct is urging me to give in.
Birdie’s lip quivers, and her downcast eyes lift to meet mine as she murmurs, “Are you going to reject me too?”
Her sadness hits me square in the chest, and I pull her closer, my hand settling on her hip. “No, I like you where you are—far more than I should.”
The whole bar is watching, and I’m sure the rumors that’ll have spread come morning will be far more scandalous than the reality. But even all the whispers won’t stop me from savoring what could very well be the closest I’ll ever get to Birdie Matterson.
She squints at me, blinking slowly. “You’re only being nice because we’re friends and because Briar would never forgive you if you weren’t.”
My hand frames her cheek, and I’m struck by how soft she is beneath my palm. “No. I’m here because you’re important to me.”
It’s the most honest I’ve ever been with how I feel about her—partly because there’s a good chance she won’t remember in the morning, and partly because finally saying it aloud is like a weight lifted off my shoulders.
Birdie leans into my palm, her lashes fluttering before whispering, “Then I think you should be my first. I trust you.”
It takes every ounce of willpower to ignore the fact that she just asked me to sleep with her. Naturally, it’s my luck that I’m not only stuck in the friend zone but also the safe hypothetical she entertains after a few drinks. Fantastic.
I shake my head, moving my beer out of her reach. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
She straightens in my lap, her eyes locking on mine like she’s just had a revelation. “It’s actually the perfect solution.”
Good thing Ryker cut her off from more alcohol—she’s clearly not thinking straight.
“What is?”
Birdie loops her arms around my neck. “I want you to teach me.”
“Teach you what?” My voice is strained.
“Everything,” she says breathlessly. “Like how to flirt… and, um, how to have sex.” The last part comes out in a whisper.
My jaw drops as my grip around her waist loosens. “Whoa. Slow down a minute. You don’t mean that.”
Her playful smile fades, her expression growing earnest. “I’m serious, Walker. You’re experienced and I feel safe with you.”
I study her carefully. “As much as I wish I could take you up on the offer, I have a sneaking suspicion you’d never forgive me if I did.”
She purses her lips. “You’re wrong. I might be inexperienced, but I know what I want, and right now, I want you to fuck me.” She leans in, running her nose against my collarbone. “Please, Walker. Fuck me.”
Holy shit.Sober Birdie doesn’t swear. Ever. Tipsy Birdie, on the other hand is a flirty little firecracker with a mouth like a trucker.
But as charming as she is, I’d never take advantage of her while she’s intoxicated, and I’m certain that if she remembers this conversation come morning, she’ll want to erase the memory entirely.
I take a deep breath, trying to keep my composure. There’s only so much restraint one man can manage.
“It’s time we got you home,” I tell Birdie.
She huffs, tilting her head as she thinks over my suggestion. “Fine, but only if you come with me. And I want you to carry me.”
I smile, brushing a piece of hair from her face. “Anything for you, troublemaker.”
