Page 38 of Necessary Roughness

“Are you always this much of a smart-ass, or just days ending in y?”

Jordan let out a laugh. He leaned forward to rest his forearm on the table.

“I thought it was time I went out on a date. Everyone else has a social life. Mine has been—shall we say—curtailed over the past eight months or so.”

“Weren’t you dating that singer, Flowerbomb?” She tried to sound as disinterested as possible. He was still working her last nerve. Or was he? If she had to classify how the past hour and a half or so had gone, they were friendly to each other.

“She dumped me.”

“That sucks. I’m sorry.”

The corner of his mouth twitched. “It was the best day of my life so far.”

“Should I ask what happened?”

He rubbed his hand over his face. “She decided surgical rehab is boring and nobody wanted to take her picture. She’s now dating a boy bander.”

Jordan was sure there was more to the story, but she wanted to keep him talking. “I thought boy bands were out.”

“Not so. She was the main story on E! News for several days running. The guy she’s with now broke the hearts of millions of teenage girls.”

“How old is he?”

“He’s twenty-five, but he lies about his age.”

“Isn’t she thirty-five?”

“You’re not an ageist, are you? I can’t believe you don’t want to date a guy ten years younger than you are.” He propped his chin on his hand. “You could break the hearts of millions too.”

It slipped out before she could stop herself: “I have enough trouble with guys my own age,” she said.

“This sounds like a story. How about another glass of wine?” He leaned back in his chair. He was the picture of relaxation, but his expression was intent.

“No, thanks.”

“So, what’s up?” he said.

She shifted in her chair. She should tell him she was tired and they could talk again tomorrow. She’d swung the door wide open, and he’d walked through it.

“I don’t have a problem with meeting men. I have a problem meeting the ones I’d actually enjoy dating.”

That sounded mature and levelheaded. She didn’t sound like she was whining. She fidgeted while the silence stretched on.

“What is it that you’re looking for? Just because you date them doesn’t mean you have to marry them.”

He sounded like Jordan’s maiden aunt. She let out a snort.

“It’s not a case of going out to dinner or a bike ride or whatever. I’m looking for a guy that I could talk with as well as date. They’re hard to find.”

“Don’t most guys enjoy talking?”

“Not in my experience.”

“You’re not attracted to them.” He let out a sigh. “This could be a problem.”

“That’s not it at all. I’d like to get to know someone I’m out with before things get physical. The guys I meet aren’t into it.”

He rubbed a hand over his face. “Let me guess.” He deepened his voice. “Hey, baby, let’s go back to my place and I’ll let you take my clothes off.”

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