Speaking of attraction… Now that we’re facing each other, I can truly admire how handsome he is. It’s no wonder the bar bunny came sniffing around. There’s something about an older man which appeals to my tastes. Maybe it’s because I expect him to be more mature than my peers.
I’d love to label a silver fox as drama-free, but there’s a good chance he comes with baggage. Pursing my lips, I glance at his hand once again. Does he have an ex-wife out there? Kids?
“What’s that look for?” he asks, leaning toward me.
My gaze flicks back and forth, and I bite my lip. I don’t know the protocol here. Can I ask?ShouldI ask him? “Nothing,” I mumble and drink my second cosmopolitan. It hits my belly, and I sigh.
“I’m an open book, Ava. Whatever you’re thinking about, it’s okay to ask.”
I stare at him and see he’s not just saying this. His brown pools are welcoming me in. “Are you married?”
His smile is sad as he lifts his empty bottle toward the bartender. “No, Ava. I’m not married or seeing anyone.”
“Have you—”
“Been married?” he asks, and I nod. “No. I almost got married once. It seems I’m married to my job, and my ex felt we deserved each other.” The pain is evident in his voice.
“You still love her.”
He accepts a new beer with a smile and turns toward me. “No. I don’t love her anymore. I’m sad it didn’t work out. Since then I’ve learned to do a better job at not getting lost in my work. It’s not healthy for me or any future relationships.”
I nod, understanding what he’s saying. “Finding balance can be tough. What do you do?” I ask, hoping to pull away from the depressing topic.
Jason looks me over with a smirk. “I’m a doctor.”
There’s something about the way he says it that makes me think there’s more to it. Or maybe he’s lying, and it’s his line into women’s panties. “Is that how you plan to work your way into my panties?” The question flies from my mouth, and my eyes round. I blame the alcohol. I’m never this forward, especially not with a stranger. This one is a hot silver fox but a stranger nonetheless.
Jason chuckles. The sound is deep and seductive, making my insides quiver and my breath hitch. Yup, it’s the alcohol. I take another sip, ignoring the voice telling me it’s time to switch to water.
“Ava, I don’t think we’d both fit in yourpanties. Removing them would be the better option.” Jason’s grin is mischievous. He’s clearly amused. A deadly combination for my neglected body. “If you wanted me to remove them, I wouldn’t use my profession to do it.”
“Ethics and all?” I flirt. How I manage to form a sentence is beyond me. I sit here in a puddle, surprised and excited to have Jason flirt with me.
I’m not an ugly woman. I’m also not some bombshell dripping with sex appeal. Pretty and intelligent are two words I’d use to describe myself. I don’t get attention from men who remove women’s underwear with just one glance. That’s not me. I’m okay with that. Then again, I’m not a woman who flirts with a virtual stranger at a bar like I am now.
Jason lays his hand on my knee. The pressure is not too heavy or too soft, and heat seeps through my slacks. My heart skips a beat, and my breath lodges at the contact. I lick my suddenly dry lips and stare at him. What about this man makes me want to speed down the highway and toss the rule handbook out the window?
“Sure there’s ethics, but mostly, I don’t like easy. I find more pleasure in working for things, especially for a woman as tantalizing as you.”
