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Before I can decide whether I should answer her or kiss her, the band lets out a blast of a note meant to signal the end of a set. In the sudden lack of noise, I peer around in a daze, resurfacing from the drug-like state caused by dancing and proximity to Paige.
I don’t know why this woman is hitting me so hard. New Orleans is full of beautiful women, a lot of them looking for quick flings. That’s who I should be dancing with: some girl who just wants fun for the night, and we can part ways the next day. No need to even exchange names.
Instead, I’m still holding Paige Herbert, someone who’s better suited for a relationship. Paige doesn’t seem the type to hook up then not call the next day.
No, Paige is the type of woman you take on dates. Someone you sit down at a restaurant with and have actual conversations. She’s fun, and sweet, and deserves someone a lot better than me.
I’m one step above trash. And that’s me being generous with myself.
I let my arms drop and walk back toward the bar, unsure if Paige will follow me or not. Even though the band has taken a break, more music spills out of the speakers.
“Dash!” At first, I think that Paige shouted my name, but when I turn around to look at her, she’s peering off to the side. That’s when I realize the voice, while familiar, didn’t send pleasure goosebumps racing over my skin. I search around the dance floor until I find the speaker.
And try not to frown.
Teresa weaves her way through the crowd, charcoaled eyes locked on me, red lips tilted in a sultry smile. When she reaches me, her hand snakes around my neck and drags me down so she can press a kiss on my cheek.
“I haven’t seen you around lately. Where’ve you been?”
“Working.” I shrug and shift to the side. Teresa stands directly in between me and Paige, who’s watching the two of us with an unreadable expression.
“Look at you. Professional man. I like that. Maybe next time we—“
“This is my friend, Paige.” I cut Teresa off before she can get to whatever comment she was about to make. Knowing her as I do, it probably would’ve been extremely suggestive, and left no doubt in Paige’s mind that we’ve hooked up in the past.
For some reason, I’m desperate for her to remain in the dark about that.
Teresa turns to get a look at my companion. With her back to me, I have no idea what expression is on her face, but Paige offers a hesitant smile and a half-wave.
“Hello.”
“Well, hello Miss Paige. I’m Teresa. And how do you know my good friend, Dash?” Teresa’s voice gives nothing of her inner thoughts away, which starts me sweating. If she wants, Tea could destroy whatever slightly decent image Paige has of me in her mind.
Maybe I should let her. It would probably be better for the innocent girl to get away from me.
But apparently, I’m being selfish tonight because I take a step toward Paige, ready to hustle her away from Bomb Teresa.
“Dash helped me find my life partner. Well, actually, I found her. He just gave her back to me once he was sure she was ready to go.” Paige stumbles over her explanation, laying out our meeting in the most awkward wording imaginable.
I turn to glance at Teresa’s face, wondering if I’ll find jealousy or confusion.
Instead, her eyes have homed in on Paige in distinct interest.
“Your life partner, huh? Surprised she let you out with a scoundrel like Dash.” Teresa says my name in an almost affectionate manner.
“Oh, Pumpkin loves Dash. Maybe even more than me.” Paige grins up into my face, her voice coming out steadier.
“Pumpkin? That’s a sweet little pet name.” Teresa moves in closer. I expect her to step towards me, but instead she saunters into Paige’s space. “So, you, Pumpkin, and Dash are close?” She flicks her eyes to me, a smoldering in their striking green depths.
And suddenly, I realize her angle. I’m torn between laughing hysterically and bundling Paige under my arm to sprint out of the bar with her.
Teresa and I have hooked up a few times, just the two of us, but I’m not unaware of her reputation. She likes to experiment with multiple partners. At once. I shouldn’t be surprised that Paige, who I’ve been panting over since she walked into the bar, would strike Tea’s interest.
For a moment I imagine it: me, Paige, and Teresa. Should be any guy’s fantasy. But when I get another look at the predatory nature of Teresa’s stare, I realize that I don’t want to share Paige with her.
I want the curvy, innocent book editor all to myself.
“Pumpkin is a dog!” My words come out louder than I expected them to.
