Page 18 of Temptation (Temptation 1)

“Better now. I mean, not better right now, but it’s…better.”

“Good to hear.”

“So, do you come here often?” she asked after a few silent moments as I examined her leg. Partly to make sure it was healing correctly and hadn’t gotten infected. Partly because I couldn’t stop touching her, even though all rationale told me that was precisely what I should do. “Wait. That came out wrong,” she stammered. “I meant to ask, well… I guess if you came here often, but not in a cheesy pickup line kind of way. More out of curiosity.”

I met her gaze. “Curiosity?”

“Yeah. To see if it’s a strange occurrence for you to be in this restaurant.”

“And if it were?”

“Then I’d have to wonder what the chances were of running into you twice in one day. Mainly to gauge whether I should grab a lottery ticket after leaving here.”

“It’s a local favorite,” I finally answered, albeit somewhat evasively. “I practically grew up here.”

“Really?” She leaned forward, seemingly interested to learn more about me.

But the less she knew, the better.

“Your sting is healing great.” I released my hold on her leg and lowered it, my abrupt retreat obviously taking her by surprise, her eyes wide as she stared back at me. “Just keep hydrocortisone nearby and take some acetaminophen to dull any pain.”

Sliding off the stool, I gave her a curt smile, then turned and disappeared into the restaurant, ignoring Nikko’s questions as I walked past him and locked myself in the bathroom, taking a few moments to shake off the interaction.

What the hell was wrong with me?

Since Piper, I’d been with more than my fair share of women.

It was a way to blow off some steam. Nothing more. Not a single woman in the last five years had been able to get under my skin.

Until this morning.

Why her?

Why here?

And why now?