I step closer. “Forty-five?”

“Warmer.”

I reach out, reeling her in. “Maybe I’ve got a thing for MILFs.”

“Unfortunately for you, I do not go for younger men.”

“A little late for that.” I push a lock of hair behind her ears. “How old are you?”

“Thirty-four.”

I’m not sure why this bothers her so much. Women are funny. Most men would be congratulating themselves if the tables were turned. She seems genuinely put off. Little does she know, I’m going to win her over. “Come back to my place with me.” I murmur, brushing my lips across her cheekbones. “We can talk about all your worldly experience.”

She shivers in my arms, but places a palm on my chest. Pressing firmly against me, she creates space between the two of us. “Sorry, baby. I’m not in the mood for a slumber party.”

Ouch. “Give me your number, then.”

She studies me, eyes slowly scanning my body. They linger on my bare chest, but then she’s shaking herself. “You’re nothing but trouble.”

I wince at that. She’s closer to the truth than she realizes.

Her expression softens. She sweeps forward, raising up on her toes to press a light kiss to my cheek. “Thanks for the distraction, baby. See you around.”

10.

Dusty

Before I can react, she’s gone.

Just like that.

I stand, shellshocked, and drop back onto the desk with a huff.

A laugh, a little crazed, bubbles up from my chest.

I didn’t even get her name.

That figures.

Fate wasn’t giving me a win tonight. Fate was fucking with me.

God damnit.

I find my shirt on the ground and slip it over my head. Wondering if it would be too pathetic to chase after her, I push back into the bar and find Tia waiting for me with her hands on her hips. “Do I need to get the bottle of Lysol?”

I give her a sheepish smile, the one that works on her every time. “Probably a good idea.”

“You rapscallion.”

I chuckle, strolling past the bar. “Rapscallion?”

She whips the bar rag at me and I just barely dodge its vicious snap. “Get out of here before I start throwing bottles.”

I hustle out, but I can hear her chuckling behind me.

At least some people find me amusing.

I hesitate on the street. The dance is still going in full effect. It’s almost bizarre to see everything carrying on like the world didn’t just implode down to one perfect, tantalizing fuck.