Page 12 of Sunkissed Colorado

“Ever.”

“I get the point. I’ve never seen you naked.” My eyes flicked over her. “Too bad,” I muttered. “I’ll bet you another hundred bucks we would’ve had fun.”

Her mouth pursed. “You really get around so much you don’t remember who you’ve slept with?”

My palm pressed to my heart. “That’s harsh. You saying I’m easy?”

She lifted her hands. “Wasn’t judging. I don’t slut shame.”

“Now you’ve called me easyanda slut. Those might be the same, but you’re sure covering all your bases.”

“I was being rude. I’m sorry.” She didn’t seem that sorry.

But I’d never been one to have a problem laughing at myself. “I thought it was kinda funny, actually. You’re feisty.”

“Ugh.” Her eyes rolled. “I hate being called feisty.”

“I’m guessing it happens a lot?”

“As much as you’re probably called obnoxious.”

“That does happen a lot. I’m also called fun. Happy-go-lucky.” I shrugged. “Amazing in the sack.”

“Don’t forget humble.”

I barked a laugh, and was gratified that her smirk turned to a real smile.There we go, I thought.

Told you I was good.

“Hey!” someone down the bar said. “Can I get a drink or what?”

“Duty calls,” I murmured to my brunette.

Mybrunette. But I was pretty sure she liked me, despite our rocky start. I was turning this ship around. Whatever her issue with me, winning this woman over would be extra satisfying. For the both of us, if ya know what I mean.

Every few minutes, I kept circling back to her with more guesses, each more outlandish.You’re a loan shark I borrowed money from.You’re a CIA operative here to recruit me. My antics coaxed even more sarcastic responses from her lips.

And a few reluctant smiles.

The funny thing was, I didn’t want this to be over too soon. Didn’t even want to go back to her hotel room or rental condo tonight, simply because I wanted to keep bantering with her tomorrow. How long would she be in Silver Ridge?

Other customers pulled me away again, since it was just me working the bar tonight. But when the rush finally died down, I made my way back to her.

“Okay. I give up. I owe you a hundred bucks.”

“Pay up.”

“I’m good for it.” I leaned against the bar, making sure she got a good view of the muscles and tattoos on my forearm as I braced myself. It was shameless, but it usually worked. “How about I take you out tomorrow with your earnings. Or I guess you’d be takingmeout. Either way, we can spend some more time together while you’re in town.”

She studied me for a long moment. “Spend some time together. Are you seriously trying to get me into bed, O’Neal?”

“If I’m lucky.” I wasn’t a subtle guy. No point in denying it.

“After what I said earlier?”

“I’m an optimist.”

She leaned forward, and for a second I thought she was in, at least for getting together tomorrow. That she was just as intrigued by the possibilities as I was.