Page 6 of Before Dawn

“The airport,” he clarified.

My eyes widened. “I didn’t think you’d remember that.”

He chuckled. “I always remember a pretty face.”

I sat upright, bringing the bottle to my lips to hide my smile. “You’ve seen quite a few, then?”

“None have been in my memory as much as yours, Red.”

My stomach flipped.Oh, he was smooth.

“Flattery will get you everywhere,” I murmured.

He chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement, dimples deepening on his cheeks.

“Jokes aside, though—are you better?” His voice was softer now, laced with something real. Genuine.

I exhaled slowly, nodding. “That was so embarrassing,” I admitted. “But, yes. I’m better.”

“You were upset and showed emotion,” he noted, tone calm and matter-of-fact. “There’s nothing embarrassing about that.”

He was right, but I rarely let my emotions show—especially in public.

“Thank you for that,” I replied, my voice softer now, more relaxed. “Sure you’re not sparing my feelings?”

“Lying isn’t my thing.” His steady gaze locked onto mine, and something about the weight of it made my heart stutter.

I tried to hold his gaze, but my cheeks warmed again. “I’ve heard that before.”

“You’ve never heard it from me,” he countered, a sly grin tugging at his lips. “So, it counts, right?”

Ridiculous. This was ridiculous. I didn’t even know his name, and yet my pulse was doing a whole damn sprint.

Focus, Abigail.

“Your girlfriend must adore you,” I blurted, unable to stop myself.

He adjusted his glasses, scanning the room with an exaggerated glance. “I don’t see her, do you?”

His lips curled into a teasing smile, but his voice dropped just slightly when he added, “And if I had a girlfriend, I wouldn’t be anywhere near another woman—let alone spending my Friday night in a club, Red.”

I blinked.Okay, damn.

“No girlfriend?” I mused. “You don’t seem like the single type.”

He arched his brow. “What type do I seem like, then?”

My stomach twisted as I scrambled for a reply. Before I could recover, he leaned in slightly, his grin turning more playful.

“I’m not the type to settle for less than what I want.” His gaze locked onto mine, slow and deliberate. “And what I want is to spend the rest of my night with the beautiful woman in front of me.”

My breath hitched.

Oh.

Well.

Shit.

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