I sat straighter. “We do. My stepdad’s in finance too, an analyst. That’s how I found my interest in it.”
“Same, really. My father is also a financial advisor. Or rather, he was. Now he owns the firm and does less advising and more hobnobbing on golf courses.”
“Small world, huh? You know, you’re a lot easier to talk to than I’d expected for being so old.”
“Ouch. Hope you weren’t aiming for a second date,” he laughed.
“Ha. Of course not.” I checked a watch that wasn’t on my wrist. “I’ve got six other hookups to get to after this.”
“You said no sex until date number three.”
“No, forgetful old man. I’m the nineteen-year-old with raging hormones and a V-card that needs punchin’.”
He stared.
I stared.
His lips twitched, and I caved.
“Fine, you caught me. I have nothing planned after this.”
“And that V-card?”
I narrowed my eyes, wishing like hell I could really say what was on my mind. That I could suggest he be the one to do the honors. Fuck that third-date jazz. But I couldn’t, because we couldn’t. So I shrugged and said the responsible thing. “With the right person, sure.”
“How very mature.”
“Don’t be shocked. I told you I’m no sex fiend.”
“Until the right person comes along.”
“Yep.” I flipped imaginary hair over my shoulder. “And when he does, I hope he’s in shape because I’m gonna turn him out.”
Luke’s blush darkened. “I’m sure you will.”
Before we could move on to another topic or slip into dreadful silence, our food arrived.
And we’d ordered each other the exact same thing.
I stared at my plate, then at him, and then we busted into laughter loud enough people at other tables craned their necks, being nosey.
“Why did you order me this?” I said as I blotted the tears at my eyes.
“I dunno, it seemed like something a younger person would want.”
“I got you that because I was sure you’d be the type to order something that required a knife and fork at a burger joint, of all places.”
He chuckled and draped his napkin over his lap. “You’re right. I was eyeing the steak.”
“Oh no.” I placed my hand on his bicep and jolted at the shock of firmness under my fingers. In a suit, Luke cut a trim and tight figure, but his reasoning for not wanting to get married wasn’t the only secret he kept. “Uh.” I cleared my throat and removed my hand slowly. “If you hate it, don’t eat it. I’d offer to swap you, but …”
“It’s fine. I think I’ll like it.” He eyed the burger from several angles. “I might need a shower afterward, but I’ll like it.”
“The messier, the better.”
“In all things or only food?” he asked.
“Depends,” I said with a shrug.
