Page 86 of The Heartbreaker Next Door

Mikayla’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t know what liar and cheat mean?”

“Oh, I’m clear on those.” He placed a hand over his heart. “And I can say, hand to God, I’m innocent of both charges.”

Her eyebrow lifted. “So you’re a player, then.”

“Hmmm.” His eyes traveled slowly over her face. “That one might require a more thorough investigation.”

Her nose scrunched dismissively. “I think I’ve heard enough.”

“I haven’t.” He held out his hand. “Dance with me.”

She glanced at it but didn’t take it. “Why?”

“So I can defend my reputation.”

“Oh, you have a reputation?”

His grin widened. “Dance with me and you can find out.”

For a second, I thought she might actually do it.

Then she shook her head. “I’m good.”

Damon didn’t look remotely discouraged. If anything, her rejection seemed to amuse him.

His gaze dipped over her before returning to her eyes, a slow smile spreading across his face.

“Yes, you are.” His voice dropped just enough to make his meaning unmistakable. “You are very good.”

Color climbed Mikayla’s cheeks.

She rolled her eyes, but Damon’s grin told me he’d noticed the blush too.

“You know,” he added, leaning slightly closer, “you keep looking at me like that, and I’m going to start thinking you’re interested.”

“I’m looking at you like I’m trying to figure out how your ego fits through doorways.”

His smile turned downright wicked. “Careful. Keep thinking about me and you might start liking it.”

Mikayla bit the inside of her cheek, clearly fighting a smile.

Damon then turned to me and held out his hand. “What about you? Care to have one last dance?”

“Tempting, but I’m working.”

“Fair enough.” He dropped his hand, then glanced back at Mikayla. “Guess I’ll have to save my best moves for someone else.”

“Please do,” Mikayla said flatly.

“Oh, I will.” His eyes held hers. “Try not to be too jealous.”

She gave him a look that should’ve sent a smarter man running.

Damon just smiled.

Then he turned back to me. “For the record, my brother’s an idiot for letting you go.”

“Oh, I wasn’t…we weren’t…”