Chapter 3
Saylor
I mean, I wasn’t lying. I’d never had a daddy kink—but I was starting to see the appeal.
Malcolm was gorgeous. He had that whole scruffy surfer vibe down pat. His clearly toned body was beyond hot. And I’d always been a fan of a guy with a dimple. The combination had me flirting outrageously with this stranger.
Flirting that was clearly welcome, judging by the warmth in his dark blue eyes.
“Chicken tagine for the lady.” A large bowl of stew-y chicken slid to a rest in front of me. “And a spicy tuna bowl for the gentleman.Kana vinaka. And we have a few choices for dessert later if you’re interested.” Our waitress melted into the background.
“And now I have meal envy.” Malcolm nodded at my bowl.
“There’s more than enough here. Feel free to help yourself.”
He raised his eyebrows and gave me a smoldering look. “Noted.”
My cheeks burned as I dug into my dinner. I hadn’t meantthat.
Or had I?
What had my bestie, Jayne, told me before I left? ‘The best way to get over a guy is to get under another.Enjoy your trip.’ Complete with eyebrow wiggle.
I’d rolled my eyes at her, but now I was thinking her advice might just come in handy.
If I could ever find my courage to make a move.
But then again, maybe I wouldn’t be the one making the move.
“Uh, how long are you staying on the island, Malcolm?” I asked before forking some of the tender chicken into my mouth.
He winced. “Call me Mal. Please.”
I nodded.
“I think my booking is for two weeks. I need to doublecheck though. Last time I stayed here, I came with a group, and we had the run of the place. The whole couple-y vibe took me by surprise.”
I bit my lip and dragged my fork through the sauce in my bowl. “I’m assuming from your solo attendance here and that little scene on the plane that you’re single?”
He tipped his head. “No, I’m in a relationship. With myself. It’s going really great.”
I laughed. “I’ll have to remember that one.”
“But yes, I’m single.” He shrugged. “Have been for a long time. By choice, of course.”
“Clearly.” My eyes widened as I realized how transparent I was being.
But Mal just smiled and then took a drink from his water glass.
And I might’ve watched him a beat longer than was socially acceptable.
Yeah, definitely going to have to learn some new social skills.
Clearing my throat, I picked up my fork and pretended to be interested in my meal when really I was just watching Mal out of the corner of my eye.
“So you’re not going to even ask?” Mal asked me as he stabbed at his bowl with his chopsticks, leaving the conventional utensils on the table.
I watched, impressed, as he deftly carried rice and tuna to his mouth. His luscious lips parted and he made a growl-humming sound that had me clenching my thighs together.
