“You flatter me.”
“I’m not sure how much of what I said was flattering, but I do wonder if it’s true.”
“I suppose you’ll know in time, then?”
I nod and finish my pint. “Alright, then. Let’s hear your guesses about me.”
She smiles. “Let’s see. You know about things most men I know are ignorant about, so I'm guessing that’s because you have sisters. I already know you love your mum, because you picked up her favorite treats in town. I'm not sure how you feel about your father, but you bristle whenever I mention him, so I'm going to guess like most men of your age, you're not super into a relationship with your dad."
Accurate. All of it.
She’s unapologetic in her delivery and sips her wine before continuing.
“You mentioned brothers, but given your own rather jovial nature, I’m going to guess they’re older as well. You’re big and strong, so I'm also going to guess that your brothers had a hand in boxing, weightlifting, or some other sporty type thing with you. Football?”
She goes on before I can reply.
“You're a hard worker.” She places her wine down and reaches for my hand, nestling it between hers. Heat rises in my chest when she touches me, and her own heavier breathing makes me wonder if she feels the same.
“I can tell by the calluses on your palms, and a few other things that you've said, that when you put your mind to something, you get it. I'm not sure what you do for work, but whatever it is, you put yourself fully into it. I would guess that you're also loyal. There's just something about you that makes me think that it's in your nature.” She smiles softly. “You like a good time." She drops her head, and a sultry smile comes over her lips. Her voice is just above a whisper. "Especially sex.” She gives me a wink. “One might even say you’re a bit of a player.”
I finish my pint with a snort. “Well, that’s not that perceptive. Any red-blooded man will say that.”
She laughs. “And any red-blooded woman! Honestly, you men think you’re the only ones that enjoy sex?”
We’ve caught the attention of the bartender, but I don’t bloody care.
I lean toward her, brushing my thumb across the top of her hand that lies casually on the bar. “I’ll tell you what, Bryn.” I lower my voice so she has to lean in to hear me. “If I got you alone, I’d absolutely prove you wrong.”
She takes such a big chug of wine, she half-empties her glass. “Wrong about what?”
I grin at her. “That men don’t think women enjoy sex.” I lean in even closer, my mouth to her ear. “And if I had you alone, even if you didn’t enjoy sex, you would when I was done with you.”
She touches her fingers to her throat and swallows hard. “Oh?”
“Oh.”
I nod and raise my hand for the tab.
“Tell you what, I’m famished. Let’s get something to eat?”
The bartender brings over the tab, and I hand him cash.
“Yes, I’d love that. Where to?”
“I’ve got a specific place in mind. But first, how did you get here tonight, and where’s your bodyguard?”
“Drove on my own,” she says with a sigh. “And he’s out there, waiting. I’m sure he’s got us on his radar one way or another.”
I shrug. “I can deal with that. Just taking you for dinner.”
She nods. “Fair enough.”
But she won't meet my eyes. It's the first time I wonder if she knows who I am. I can't imagine she'd ever suspect what my real purpose is, but if she had any idea who I am… I’m not exactly sure how we’ll navigate this.
“Ride with me, then we’ll come back later to pick up your car. Deal?”
She nods. “Deal.”
