“I’ll forgive you. Once the phone stops buzzing, anyway. You did a nice job even if it means I might need a new phone number.”
I chuckled and gestured to his chest, since I was unable to stop gawking. “Was twelve your number when you played youth hockey too?”
He looked at me quizzically and then down at his exposed chest. He lifted his eyes back to mine and smirked. “Yes, I’ve been wearing the number since my first organized team.”
“Cool,” I said, shifting awkwardly. “Do the other tattoos have any meaning?”
He raised one eyebrow. “Is this another interview?”
“No.” I shook my head. “I’m asking for me.” My cheeks flushed at the admission.
Leo smiled and pointed to the one above his hip. “My cousin drew all of them. He’s got the same flames on his chest—they’re a symbol of protection since we always have each other’s backs. He’s my best friend and an artist all wrapped up in a businessman’s suit.” Leo chuckled.
“WhyNever Settle?” I asked, pointing to the infinity symbol.
That seems very specific.
His smirk grew as he leaned against the doorframe. “Did you come all the way here to ask about my tattoos or do you have another purpose for knocking on my door this evening?”
“Oh, right,” I said. “They want me to write another article on you and include Shawn Rickles this time. Apparently the first one is generating a lot of buzz already.”
He held up his phone again, still going off with notifications. “Quite literally,” he said, stepping back. “Come on in.”
I stepped through the door and Leo shut it behind me. The living space was small with one couch, TV, and small kitchenette. The bathroom door was open across the room from the entrance, and from a distance, seemed cleaner than most dorm bathrooms I’d seen. He walked toward the open bedroom door on the left.
I followed him, standing in the doorway of his bedroom while he grabbed a T-shirt off the edge of his bed and pulled it on. I watched, captivated by his back muscles as he did, apparently unable to form cohesive thoughts anymore.
I am so in over my head.
“Where’s your notebook?” he asked, gesturing to my empty hands.
“Oh, shoot.” I winced. “I kind of stopped over on a whim. I’m sorry. I can just email you the questions.”
I turned to leave but Leo reached for my hand, causing me to turn and meet his eyes as electricity surged between us. The sensation startled me, and I worked to cover my reaction. “What are you really doing here, Hawaii?”
“I really do have to ask you some questions for another article.” I took a deep breath.
Oh, forget it.
I threw the truth out there. “Do you want to havesex with me?”
Leo’s eyes widened and a grin took over his face. “Right now?”
“No. Well, I don’t know. Maybe?”
Real sexy, Soph. You look like you have no idea what you’re doing already.
“I’ve never propositioned someone before,” I said, my cheeks warm with embarrassment.
“Well, I’m glad you’re starting with me. By all means, please continue,” he said looking like a smug little shit as he sat down on the edge of his bed.
“I came to ask you if you’d be interested in hooking up with me so I can experience good sex for the first time,” I said in a rush.
His lips twitched but to his credit he didn’t laugh at me. “You want me to give you lessons?”
“No, of course not,” I said indignantly. “This isn’t some porn fantasy.”
“Obviously, or you would have shown up for this second interview in a sexy little schoolgirl outfit,” he said with an obnoxious smirk.
