Page 19 of Burn With Me

“I’m sorry, what?”

My face began to heat as he let the shirt hang open like he wasn’t changing in front of me. I tried not to stare. I would swear on any bible if I had to, but holy fuck, my eyes refused to listen. Those suckers had a mind of their own. His chest tattoo of a fiery skull was so realistic that it looked like it would burst right out of his torso. Then, those amazing pecks flexed for no reason, yet I shamefully watched them, my mouth running dry. I had to admit that I was disappointed the show was ending as his hands were working to close the buttons.

“I asked what is your favorite spot to get noodles?”

It was such a simple question, and all I really wanted to say was something completely inappropriate.

“Um…I…I don’t think I have a favorite. It’s more about what I happen to be near,” I managed to spit out and then bit my lip to keep myself from spewing out something stupid.

“You think this will do?” He smoothed down the front of the shirt before rolling up the sleeves. My mind jerked out of the slow-mo montage it had going on and then scrambled to catch up with what he said.

“Yup, but I’m pretty sure you already knew that,” I said.

That mischievous look was back in his eyes, and although he didn’t say it, I knew he knew I enjoyed what I was seeing. He unzipped his black jeans, and I was graced with a quick view of a perfect Adonis V before he tucked in his shirt.

Florida was known for being hot in the summer, but I suddenly needed to install an entire air conditioner inside my dress.

“You ready?” Asher pointed to the large boat. “The restaurant. Are you ready to go eat,” he asked again as I’d once more drifted off into la-la land where my hands were ripping his shirt off instead of him putting it on.

“Yes, of course. Lead the way.”

“Have you lived here your whole life,” Asher asked as he held out his elbow.

I stared at it. I’d never been offered an elbow. I was a tomboy, one of the guys. I got punches in the arm and high-fives. Swallowing down the strange nervousness of the situation, I slowly looped my arm through his.

“Yeah, I have.”

“Then tell me, how is it that you have not tried, Poppy Cox? I mean, the name alone screams, ‘eat here at least once.’ ” The wonderful aroma of steak and seafood was already wafting toward me.

“I’m allergic to shellfish,” I said, keeping my face straight as Asher’s fell.

“Shit, I’m sorry. I should’ve asked. We could go somewhere else? There’s an Italian restaurant not far from here or….”

I started to laugh, bringing Asher’s rant to a halt.

“You’re not allergic, are you?” I shook my head no, unable to stop laughing. “That was just mean,” he said, but his look said he was more surprised I’d pulled one over on him. Looked good on him not to be so confident for a moment. It made him feel more real.

“I couldn’t resist. Honestly, I just don’t go out much.”

“I know, but not even a date has brought you here?”

I didn’t look up at him. It seemed stupid that I was embarrassed to say that I didn’t date much. I mean, it was normal, not everyone had a social schedule they needed a calendar for, but it did feel weird to admit.

“I don’t date.”

“Oh.”

“I mean, I don’t do one-night stands or troll the streets. It’s not like I’m desperate,” I babbled, and I wanted so badly to smack a hand on my forehead. “Let me try that again. I’ve not had the interest or time to date someone. I like my life the way it is,” I said, sounding more confident that time.

“Huh, interesting.”

“Huh, interesting? What does that mean?” My back started to bristle for his inevitable, ‘you’re pathetic speech.’

Asher shrugged. “Just what I said. I find it interesting. You’re an amazingly beautiful woman. I’m just shocked, is all. But, I like that you knew what you wanted or didn’t and stuck with it.”

My stomach took that exact moment to growl like a bear had just stepped up beside us, which was also another reason why I didn’t date. This moment right here encapsulated everything I hated about trying to impress another human being. It simply sucked, shit happened, and I always felt like an idiot.

“Well, at least I know you’re hungry.” Asher laughed as my cheeks heated.