Page 57 of Praising Haru

His expression becomes soft and gooey. “I can do that. Oh, the beer’s better here.”

I laugh. “That wouldn’t be hard.”

Knowing we were coming out for food before going to a nightclub, I opted for an opaque top this week. It’s still skin-tight and sleeveless but leaves more to the imagination. I’m fairly sure Kyle lives in polo shirts. The only difference is the ones he wears to go out in are closer fitting. I’m tempted to use my menu as a fan, and I could do with a bucket to catch my drool. He is one gorgeous man. He talks to the waiter, reeling off the names of dishes in a confident voice that leaves me swooning. I love it when the guy I’m with takes charge.

He folds his hands on the table. “All done.”

“I can’t wait. Okay, can I ask you something? I don’t want to come across as rude.”

“You can ask me anything, gorgeous.”

I shiver and arch an eyebrow.

“Want me to stop?”

“No.”

“You’re always beautiful, but you look especially stunning tonight.”

I fan my top against my chest. “Saying things like that will get you everywhere.”

“I’m saying it because it’s true.”

“Not because you want to get into my pants tonight?”

“Shall we instigate a no-sex rule?”

I gape at him. “Why would we want to do that?”

“To prove I mean it when I call you pretty.”

I wave my hands. “I believe you. No need to ban sex.”

He laughs and then clamps his lips together as the waiter brings over two bottles of Thai beer and a bowl of prawn crackers. The crackers are beige rather than white, like you’d get in Chinese restaurants.

I try the beer. “So much better than at Blayd’s.” The crackers are spicy, which I wasn’t expecting, so I wash the taste down with another swig of beer. I have no intentions of getting drunk tonight, but one or two bottles, with food, won’t inebriate me. I’ll stick to water once we’re at the club.

“You were going to ask me a potentially rude question?”

“Oh, right. Have you ever broken your nose?”

“Twice. Both times playing rugby.”

I wince. “And you still play?”

“Yeah, I love it. Injuries are a hazard of the game.”

“Did you ever think about going pro?”

“I’m not that good. It’s a hobby that helps keep me fit.”

“You are very fit.”

“I’m glad you appreciate my efforts, gorgeous.” He drinks some beer, his lips pursing around the bottle opening.

“I do.”

“You must work out?”