My brow creases. He’s really comfortable putting it all out there, isn’t he?
“So you sought them out in Shreveport of all places? That’s… elaborate. Do you do anything small?”
A wide grin crosses his face. “Not for you, I don’t.”
“And here I wasn’t sure if this was a date or not,” I say sarcastically, rolling my eyes at his forwardness and trying not to smile. Damn it, why do I have to be like that?
He steps closer, running a finger along the neckline of my sweater. “Oh, this isdefinitelya date. And for the record, I’m trying to be a good boy. I told myself I wasn’t going to try to get in your pants, but then you showed up looking like,” he gestures to all of me, “and now I can’t control the flirt.”
I choke out a laugh. “You’re ridiculous.”
Jesse cocks his head, then slowly drops his gaze down my body again. “Would you like a drink? The bar is fully stocked.”
“I thought you said you don’t drink anymore.”
“I don’t, but that doesn’t mean you can’t.”
“Trying to loosen me up?” I smirk.
He scrunches up his nose like the thought offends him. “Okay, nothing from the bar then. There are a few options in the fridge. I have sweet tea in case you’re one of those southerners, and there’s soda, sparkling water–“
“Sparkling water is fine, thanks.”
I follow him into the darker part of the suite, which seems to go on forever. Recessed lighting comes on automatically as we walk.
Jesse gestures for me to sit at the kitchen island while he prepares two sparkling waters with lime wedges and hands one to me. He holds his up and I tap mine against it, repeating his murmured, “To new beginnings.”
I take a sip and look back to where the small table is glowing on the other side of the suite. It looks like something out of a cheesyHallmarkmovie. The scene feels intimate and deliberate. I can’t decide how to feel about how hard he’s trying. It’s kind of endearing, though.
“You know,” he says, catching my attention again by guiding me back towards the table. “Aside from potentially chasing you off with my slightly over-the-top gesture–”
“Slightly?”
“Aside from that,” he continues, shoulders shaking with laughter. “I kind of like how this has worked out. I have you all to myself now.”
My throat goes dry. “You say that like we’re already dating.”
His green eyes lock onto mine, steady and unflinching. “I’d be okay with that.”
My chest tightens, sharp and aching. Butterflies claw their way up, threatening to spill out. I clear my throat, trying to get control. He’s obviously joking.
I chuckle, but I’m sure it sounds strained. “I’m not sure how that would work, considering our schedules. And how would we go anywhere and not get mobbed?”
The whole reason our date was changed is because their fans figured out where they were staying and basically mobbed the hotel. A security guard, as well as a bellhop, were injured in the fray. Not only did the band have to sneak out of the hotel and check into a new place across town, but Jesse and his bandmates went to visit the injured people at the hospital. They actually had to wear disguises and everything. Luckily, everyone is going to be okay, but I can’t imagine how scary that would be
His grin tilts sideways, playful but careful. “I’m not gonna out you, if that’s what you’re worried about. And I’m not asking you to marry me. It’s just dinner. I really do want to get to know you.”
A beat passes. I nod once. “I want to get to know you too. I just–I don’t really like attention. Publicity isn’t really my thing.”
Jesse chuckles. “Big football star doesn’t like attention? How exactly does that work?”
I roll my eyes, but I’m used to getting teased about this. “I’m a footballplayer, not a football star. I went pro to help my family, and it’s really the only thing I’ve ever been good at.”
He steps closer, heat radiating off him, warm spice curling into my lungs. His hand lifts, cupping my jaw like he’s been waiting years to do it. “I’m pretty sure I remember you being good at a lot of things,” he says, his voice low.
His green eyes bore into me, and he moves in close enough I can feel the brush of his breath. I close my eyes and lean forward.
When his lips touch mine, my skin ignites. Goosebumps erupt over every inch of my skin, electricity buzzing all the way down to my toes and snapping back up to my scalp. It’s like I’ve been plunged into a pool of static.
