Page 9

Giggle and flirtand then play hard to get. The innocent act—at least, that’s what these guys are thinking.
But it’s not an act. She’s pure temptation, and I need to move fast before some guy gets any fucking ideas.
She’s only allowed to have one stalker. Me.
“When was your last relationship?”
She hesitates, her eyes searching mine. “In high school. Two years ago.”
“See, we’re not that different. I haven’t had a relationship since high school either.”
Not that it was much of a relationship, and certainly nothing serious. There are only two things to do at boarding school: sports and girls.
“Yeah, okay,” she mutters.
She doesn’t believe me—likely assumes I sleep with a lot of women. You need trust to jump in bed with people. I do, anyhow.
I smirk. “Are you stereotyping me again?”
“Whatever.” She rolls her eyes. “Can I have my shoes?”
“No. I’m not done getting to know you, and you haven’t eaten.”
My tone is nonnegotiable, and to my surprise, it works. Granted, she appears to be sulking, but at least she has relaxed into the couch cushion and isn’t racing for the door.
“Fine. I live with my grandparents, raised by my grandparents. My grandmother is a seamstress, and my grandfather works in construction. I help my grandmother, work with Emily, and waitress. I have a shift in the morning. I don’t date because I don’t have time.”
I know what she’s doing, but there’s nothing she can say to turn me away.
“Why do you work so much?”
“Always have. I’m sorry I wasted your time. I thought we’d go to dinner, and I’d go home. I didn’t know you’d bring me here.” After taking a breath, she adds, “And thank you for sticking up for me.” Polite, even when annoyed.
With my fingers steepled against my lips, I sit on the ottoman and contemplate the beautiful girl staring back at me. She was okay having dinner with me and was fine when we first got here, but now, she’s freaking out because I offered her a change of clothes.
Is she worried I’ll pressure her into sex? She said she was intimidated by me, not my place or my lifestyle. Me. I laughed at her innocence, and I’ll never do that again.
“I could stare at you all night, and it wouldn’t be a waste of my time. You don’t have to change. It was only a suggestion. I won’t pressure you, but make no mistake, I want you. And if I have to, I’ll get your agency information and book you.” Fuck, that’s it. The solution to keeping her is right in front of me. “You know what? That’s what I’ll do. That way, you’ll know I’m serious about you. What’s the agency?”
Her face scrunches up in horror. “Why me?”
I bite my lips to stop from laughing. “Why not you? You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, inside and out. Am I that terrible? Are you not attracted to guys? What is it?”
Not my most convincing speech, but no one ever said I was great with words. Aside from hockey, I have little going for me.
Other than being damn good-looking, of course.
“I’m attracted to guys…in certain places.”
Certain places? What the hell does that mean?
“Where?”
“Books.”
Did she say books? Yes. Yes, she did.
This time, I can’t stop myself from bursting out laughing.