“—but I’m not really in the mood to chat.”
“That’s obvious.” Her eyes danced with mirth. “I was curious how long it would take you to break.”
I looked at her askance, and she laughed that throaty laugh again.
“In my line of work,” she said, “reading body language is pretty important. And you seem like a lonely guy in need of a good woman.”
She laughed again at the alarm on my face.
“I’m messing with you.”
“I’m not interested in dating.”
“Sure, if that’s what you have to tell yourself. Unfortunately for you, you’re the most interesting person here, so you’re stuck with me. I promise to dial down the flirtation, though.”
“I’m not sure you know how,” I said tartly.
“Touché.”
But she grinned, so we were good. She snagged a small table when it opened up, and I followed her. We settled into an irregular conversation over the next hour. Finally, I sat forward in my chair when Dani walked by and signaled for her attention. Her expression lit up but faltered when her eyes landed on Shayla.
“What are you two doing here?” Dani’s eyes darted back and forth between us.
“I bullied him into accepting my company,” Shayla said. “I needed a break from men slobbering on me, and talking to him is like talking to a brick wall.”
I rolled my eyes at her, but Dani laughed. Then she turned her beautiful eyes on me, and my truth spilled out.
“It was too quiet at home.”
Her face softened. Then some drunken asshole shouted and ruined the moment.
“It’s crazy tonight, but I’ll stop by again if I can.”
“Don’t worry about us,” Shayla said. “I have a cat at home who’s about as responsive as your friend here, so I’m used to amusing myself.”
Dani laughed again and waved as she headed back to work.
“So, how long have you been in love with your roommate?” Shayla asked.
“Since eighth grade.”
I set my drink down hard. Shit. I didn’t mean to say. Shayla laughed again.
“Don’t worry about it. People always tell me things they don’t mean to. I have that way about me. Your secret’s safe.” She leaned closer. “I don’t understand why she doesn’t know, though. You two would be great together. You’re not secretly an asshole, are you?”
“No, I’m pretty open about it.”
There went that laugh again. It would be much easier if I found her attractive.
“Are you a cheater? Do you plan to steal from her? Cut her down at every opportunity until she’s a shadow of her former self?”
My expression grew darker with every word.
“Fuck, no,” I snarled. “I’m not Beau.”
“Then I don’t see the problem. No matter what, you’d be an improvement.”
“You don’t get it.”
