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“You really shouldn’t say things like that to someone you just met. Someone might get the wrong idea,” she murmurs, her voice no louder than a whisper. Her face turns three different shades of red.
I need to put the brakes on my emotions or I’ll scare her away. Marissa isn’t like the usual girls I’d find in a bar, and I need to remember that. I’m not used to things working out how I plan, but I will try my hardest to ensure nothing damages my chance with her.
“And what idea might that be?”
“That you want something more than one night,” she responds defensively.
“You and I both know that there’s so much more between us than just one night, Marissa.”
Maybe this isn’t the best strategy, letting her know she means something to me. This is supposed to be a quick hookup, something to forget when the sun peeks over the horizon. Marissa has no idea that I want so much more from her, not yet, at least.
“I still can’t figure out if I want to kiss you or slap you.” Her body tenses in my arms.
“If I get a choice, I’d prefer another taste of those sweet lips, sugar.” I chuckle softly, brushing my lips against her cheek. “Tastes just like sugar.”
“Sugar? Have we started giving each other nicknames?” She snorts loudly before slapping her hand over her mouth, her eyes widening in surprise, causing me to laugh. I honestly can’t remember the last time I smiled. Being an aerospace engineer doesn’t leave much time for fun and games.
“This is fucking embarrassing.”
“Nothing to be embarrassed about when being yourself. I find it endearing.” She tries to pull back from me. When will this girl get it through her head that I’m not letting her go?
“Easy there, sugar. I won’t hurt you.”
“Not physically.”
I get the feeling that Marissa’s heart is a little more battered than I expected. It’s going to take a lot more than some sweet words and a little flirting to get her to open up to me. Good thing I’m up for a challenge.
CHAPTERTHREE
MARISSA
“Who hurt you so badly you can’t trust a good thing when it’s right in front of your face?”
I keep my head down, not wanting to answer his question. The truth is beyond pathetic. So pathetic that the last thing I want to remember is the day my life changed forever. It was years ago; I should be over it by now, but that little voice in the back of my head continues to remind me that I’m just not good enough. Especially for a man like Finn.
“Are you still here with me, sugar?”
Goodness, who knew such a simple word could turn my insides to liquid? Sugar. It’s something to put in my coffee or to borrow from a neighbor. But when Finn says it, it takes on an entirely different meaning.
“Where else would I be?” My head pops up, and I plaster a big smile on my face. “You said you were headed home. Is it for a visit or for good?”
“What?” he questions, leaning forward so our noses are only a few inches apart.
“Are you going home for a visit or for good?” I blurt out the very first thing I could think of.
Finn inches closer, his lips brushing against my skin, causing my breath to hitch. “Oh, I’m not sure yet. The verdict is still out.”
My heart rate quickens, and I can feel my cheeks flush. I need to keep my wits about me. The last thing I need to do is fall for a man with a gorgeous smile and a sexy country twang. Been there, done that, and had my heart shattered into a million pieces. I’m not too keen on a repeat performance, especially since I can’t say I’m 100 percent over what happened.
For a moment, we just stand there, staring at each other as we sway slowly to the music. I can feel myself getting lost in his deep brown eyes, and I have to remind myself to snap out of it.
“Sounds ominous.”
“Nothing as exotic as you’re thinking. My mother called, so I came.”
“Momma’s boy, I see.” I giggle, turning to head back to the bar.
Standing in the middle of the dance floor is probably safer, much safer. This man, with his smooth words and devilish grin, is playing a dangerous game. But I can’t help feeling drawn in, curious about where this could lead if I give it the chance.
