I would’ve thought once I moved to New York City it would’ve been different, but again, I have goals. Big goals that don’t include a guy messing up my world.
So, it just…hasn’t happened.
I haven’t really thought much of it—until now.
“I think having options is always important,” his deep voice slides over the words, sending a shiver down my spine.
“Agreed. Options make us feel less…trapped.”
He laughs once. “They do. So, let’s think about your options.”
The ones I’m thinking about all involve lips, tongues, hands, and…other body parts.
I close my eyes, mentally slap myself, and put my dirty mind to the backburner because this never happens. We’re talking about food, not sex.
“There’s a burger,” I say, keeping my gaze on the menu.
“Solid choice.”
“Chicken tenders.”
“Ehh, can be kept on the short list.”
I smile. “Salad?”
“Boring. You don’t seem like a salad girl.”
At that I look up. “I don’t?”
For some reason, I don’t think we’re talking about food.
He shakes his head. “I think you’re a bit more adventurous.”
I lean in, unable to stop myself. “You don’t know me at all.”
His eyes move to my lips. “I think I do.”
I raise one brow and run my eyes along that chiseled jawline. “And what do you know?”
He doesn’t hesitate to answer, and I’m caught off guard by his words. “You’re beautiful, smart, and take what you want.You work hard, harder than you get credit for, but you don’t complain. No, you’re too proud for that.”
My heart is pounding so hard it’s almost all I can hear. He’s right about so much of it and how he was able to read me so easily is…unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
I hide those things. I hide a lot of myself because anytime I’ve exposed a part of my heart, it’s been broken. By men, my family, my friends—myself.
Needing to keep this conversation back to the light and fun, I smile and return the topic to food. “And that makes me a non-salad girl?”
He moves his hand closer, the tip of his finger just grazing mine. “Do youwanta salad?”
I shake my head. “I don’t.”
“Then what do you want?”
For him to take me out of this bar and make me forget about food.
But that would be reckless, and that’s the one thing I never am.
three
