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A smile curved his lips, giving him an entirely different look, one that was even more attractive. She felt a knot grow in her throat.
"I dreamt about a beautiful blonde with big brown eyes," he said. "A full mouth, with soft kissable lips and a killer body." His gaze drifted down to her breasts. "I think I found her."
Her nerves tingled under his scrutiny and she had to fight the urge to cover her breasts, not that much was showing in her bar uniform, a coral-colored red tank top over white shorts. Most of the women in the bar were showing more skin than she was.
"You're quite the flirt," she said lightly.
"Actually, I'm a little out of practice."
"Just getting out of a relationship?" she queried, unable to believe this man would have any trouble getting a date.
"I've been focused on other things. Staying alive for one."
"I can see how that might be a priority."
"What about you?" he asked. "Are you involved with anyone?"
"No."
"Good."
"Why is that good?" she challenged.
He smiled. "Because I like you, Ria. What time do you get off?"
Her heart jumped at the hungry look in his eyes. "You're very direct."
"I'm leaving tomorrow. I don't have a lot of time."
"Where are you going?"
"San Francisco."
A wistful yearning filled her body. San Francisco was one of her favorite cities. And she'd been away for too long.
"I love San Francisco," she said. "I lived there when I was a child. My grandfather was a fisherman. He'd take me out on the bay every chance he got." She drew in a quick breath, realizing she was talking way too much. "What part of the city do you live in?"
"I grew up in St. Francis Wood, but I'll be living South of Market starting next week. It's the hot area to live in now, right near the new ballpark." He paused. "You didn't answer my question, Ria. What time do you get off?"
She gave him a long look, feeling incredibly tempted. His eyes were so dark and intriguing, his features pure masculine gorgeousness. He had a mouth that looked really kissable, too, and a purposeful attitude that made her think he probably knew what to do with a woman. It had been a long time since she'd lost herself in a man's arms for a few hours. And despite the fact that he was a stranger, she had the strangest feeling that she could trust him not to hurt her. That was a dangerous thought, because she couldn't afford to be wrong.
"Ria?" he pressed.
"Do you think I'm that easy?" she countered.
"Not easy, but I think maybe you're important."
The serious note in his voice shot a shiver down her spine. She told herself not to get carried away. He was just trying to get her into bed. He'd say anything. She couldn't believe a word.
"Why on earth would you say that?"
"I don't know. Ever since I saw you I've wanted to talk to you."
"You didn't ask me what time I got off so you could talk to me."
"Well, that was one of the reasons," he said. "I'm not trying to insult you. If I had more time, I'd ask you out on a date. I'd bring you flowers and take you to an expensive restaurant and buy you a really expensive cut of steak."
"Is that your usual style?"
He gave her a smile. "I don't have a style. And while I would never profess to understand or know what a woman wants, I do have sisters, and they talk and complain a lot, especially when it comes to men and dating."
"How many sisters?"
"Three sisters and four brothers."
"Big family. Where are you in the line-up?"
"Fourth from the top."
"Otherwise known as the middle."
He tipped his head. "Yes. What about you? Big family?"
"No. I'm an only child." It was part of the backstory she'd made up before coming to the island; it was also partly true. "I used to wish I had a big family."
"It's not all it's cracked up to be," he said dryly. "A lot of noise and chaos."
"And love," she suggested, feeling an ache that went deep into her soul.
Her family had always been complicated. Love, betrayal, divorce, death … She supposed that's what made up a life, but it seemed like she'd seen too much of the dark side of love.
