Page 16 of The Heartbreaker

My tongue folded over my top lip for a second. “I wouldn’t have put it that way. But, yes, not everyone is meant to be.”

“And you think we are?”

She was smiling.

Which made me grin harder. “I have very little doubt … but you’re asking some heavy questions that come with a lot of pressure.”

She placed both arms on the table, confirming she was staying put for the moment. “Listen, mister, if you want my lips, you’re going to have to earn them.”

“With words.”

“Only with words,” she replied.

“What if my words are lies?”

“They’re not.” Her stare intensified.

“You still don’t believe I’m one of the good guys, so how do you know if I’m telling the truth?”

“That job that I spoke about—the one that pays me shit—it’s taught me a lot about people. Especially their eyes. And when someone speaks to me, of course I can’t see directly through them, but I get a good read and whether they’re just talking to hear their own voice or if there’s meaning behind what they’re saying.”

“What have you learned from me?”

Her head bobbed to the music that was playing. But it wasn’t a dance. It was a stall. “In theory, you’ve probably earned that kiss.”

I laughed. “But in reality?”

“Playing hard to get is so fun.”

More honesty.

I couldn’t get enough.

“Here’s the thing, Ridge.” She focused on the table instead of meeting my stare. “Regardless of how steamy things can get between us”—she finally glanced up—“I’m in a tough place, like I told you. There are so many things happening in my life. You need to know that—and I need to remind myself of that.”

The latter seemed the most important of the two.

And it was a reminder because I was sure she was feeling the same way as me.

All this banter only proved it.

“What I’m hearing is that you want me to give you as many orgasms as possible.”

“Ridge—”

“Don’t worry, I’ll treat your pussy better than it’s ever felt.”

“Ridge!”

I chuckled. “I hear you. Your request has been noted.” I watched her struggle to breathe. “Admit it, you’ve never met anyone like me.”

“That’s easy to admit.”

“Had I been just a regular dude, this right here”—I pointed to her and then me—“would look a lot different.” I held out my hand. “Come here.”

She didn’t immediately set her palm in mine, but when she did, I waited until her feet were on the ground and led her to my chair, sliding back so she could stand between my legs. Once she was positioned in front of me, our eyes locked, my fingers fanned over her cheeks, and I tilted her head back. During those few seconds of silence, I searched her stare for the truth—a truth that was buried behind the beautiful light brown of her eyes and long lashes and dark makeup.

“Do you want to know something?” My voice was soft.