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“Our trauma taught us to deal with our own shit and keep our noses down.” I took another fry. “I wish I had the guts to be as nosy as they are. It would be awesome to have access to all the juicy drama. I like to stay out of things, but I still want to know about them.”

“You like drama, huh?”

“Oh, yes. I live for drama.”

His lips curved upward, and he leaned toward me.

Something told me he had drama for me, so I leaned in too.

“Jerri’s pregnant,” he murmured. “Only a few weeks along, so they’re not telling anyone yet.”

My eyes widened. “How do you know this?”

“I’m the beta. I hear everything.”

“Tell me more.”

“Come home with me, and I will.”

Ohh.

Wow.

That sly invitation was totally hot.

“I don’t have sex on the first date,” I warned.

I’d never even had a first date before. Or a second. Or sex.

“Neither do I.”

“Good,” I agreed. “You have to tell Belle and Melissa for me, and grab my bag, though.”

His eyes gleamed. “No problem.”

He set some cash on the bar, then strode over to the table where my friends sat. I looked pointedly at my drink, not sure I’d have the balls to leave if they looked disappointed or upset in any way.

Bauther was back a minute later, with my simple, fuzzy brown crossbody bag over his shoulder. Tori had bought it for me, and I was slightly obsessed with it. It kind of reminded me of my cat, although the reminder was usually unwanted considering how much she disliked me.

He offered me his hand. “Ready?”

Yes.

No?

I had no idea.

What did it take to be ready to go on a date with someone?

“Sure.” I took his hand and flashed him a smile, like I had my crap together.

Which I didn’t.

And never had.

But he didn’t need to know that.

His lips brushed my knuckles—which made me warm even though I didn’t question why his nostrils flared when he did—and let him lead me out of the bar.