Nick grabbed the napkin from his lap, handing it back to me. “You dropped something.”
I shook my head and poured myself more wine. For some reason I gave him more, even though he didn’t ask for it or deserve it.
I fought hard to hold back a smile, even though I was embarrassed. Maybe it was because that was the third or fourth time I’d embarrassed myself with the man, and it was starting to become a regular thing.
I pointed my fork at him. “Say you’re sorry.”
“For what?”
“I can give you a list.”
He chuckled. “I’m a big fan of lists, but I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“That was a private message from Dee to me. You read it.”
“A private message in public view. You’re dating . . . what’s the big deal? Everybody dates at one point or another because they want someone in their lives. And those who say they don’t need anybody are lying. Personally, Ilovebeing in a relationship, although there’s nobody in my life at the moment.”
“Probably because people don’t appreciate you invading their privacy.”
“I can assure you, that’s not it.”
“Yeah, then why are you single?” I took a sip, waiting for his answer.
Nick chuckled. “You mean, what’swrongwith me? Hey, you’re single. I could ask you the exact same thing.” He took another sip of his wine. “Although I already know the answer. We don’t need to go there.” He grinned. “This lasagna is fantastic.”
I stopped chewing. “Please. Enlighten me. Tell me why I’m single.”
This oughta be good.
“You’re a stunning woman, I’ll tell you that much.”
I blinked.
What?
That sounded like a compliment.
Okay, it wasdefinitelya compliment.
Why was he complimenting me when he was supposed to be telling me why I was single?
I felt the patio heating up.
I took another sip of wine, waiting for him to continue because I really didn’t know if he was being serious or yanking my chain. My bullshit detector was not even moving at this point. I could only assume it was faulty and needed a tune-up because why would he compliment me when he was supposed to be giving me a list of my faults?
I waited for him to continue.
“Some people might say that your beauty is off the charts,” Nick continued.
I don’t get what’s happening here. Nick was not my type at all, but why did I like that he thought I was beautiful?
“Most men would never have the confidence to approach someone like you because they think you’re out of their league.”
I nodded. “You’re saying I’m single because I’m attractive. Is that it?”
He shook his head. “No—that has nothing to do with it.”
I let out a frustrated breath and took another sip of wine.
