Page 16 of The Rescuer

He tilted his head. “Bridesmaids don’t bring dates?”

“Are you offering?” She regretted the words as soon as they tumbled out of her big, fat mouth. Audacious wasnother style, yet here she was, being brazen as hell.

“If the spot isn’t already filled, yeah, I’d love to be your date.”

Propping her elbow on the table, she dropped her chin into her cupped palm to corral theyeson the tip of her tongue. “The spot’s open.”

“Then I’d like to fill it.” He winked a baby blue. “I think this is the part where you’re supposed to invite me.”

She’d almost forgotten how fun it was to flirt! “Hmm, I get the distinct impression you’re inviting yourself.”

“Then I accept.”

She barked a most unladylike laugh. “You don’t hold back, do you?”

“Not when I want something.” He gave her a smoldering look that had her tummy executing backflips.

She picked up her fork and began scoring parallel lines on the tablecloth. “Can I ask you something?”

He spread his hands in invitation. “Of course.”

“Why me?”

“Not sure I follow.”

“Why did you ask me out? Why do you want to come to the wedding with me?”

He leaned forward, placing his weight on tanned forearms bared to the elbows. “Because I like you, Neve. You’re smart, funny, and kind. Oh, and did I mention beautiful?” The compliment hung in the air. “I’m having a hella good time with you tonight.” He leaned back, all ease. “Just like I knew I would.” His eyes twinkled with mischief.

Heat rose from her chest to her cheeks. She hated that her fair skin gave her away so easily. “I’m sure you’re surrounded by smart, funny, beautiful women every day.”Who know how to sail through compliments with the utmost grace.

“Maybe, but none of them play hockey. Do you know how sexy that is?”

Neve nearly spat out the wine she’d just swallowed.

His expression shifted to one he probably used when he got down to business. “Let me put it this way: Yes, you’re all those things, but there’s so much more under the surface that I’m dying to uncover. You’ve got mountain-girl steel that I’m drawn to. A lot. You’re also approachable, down-to-earth. No airs, no pretenses, no gamesmanship. That counts for a lot in my book.”

Neve squirmed in her seat. She wasn’t good with admiration of the personal variety—not that she was used to fielding that much of it. Praise her as a vet in her comfortable clinic setting, and she was likely to agree with the person complimenting her. But over a romantic dinner with an attractive man? She was a fish out of water.

“And one more thing.” Now that sexy sparkle was back. “Any woman who not only runs a grueling race like the one last summer but places in the top twenty will always get my attention. You’re damn refreshing, Neve. I admire that about you.”

“Um, thank you.” She looked around at the empty dining room. “Oops. Guess we closed the place.”

“At eight thirty,” Leo deadpanned.

“Welcome to Fall River.”

“Is there somewhere we can go for an after-dinner drink, or does everything button up early?”

Neve tapped her chin. “The Brothel is closed for the season, and we don’t want to go to Dell’s.” An errant shiver moved through her.Definitely not Dell’s. “That leaves the Miners Tavern.” Or her place, but she wasn’t ready for that step. Plus, it was a mess.

“Can you stand to spend a few more minutes with me? Or is this a school night and you have to be back by a certain time?”

She giggled. “It’s definitely a school night, but my curfew’s not until nine thirty, so I’m yours for another whole hour.”

Oh God,thatdidn’t sound forward!

“Good, because I’m not ready to drive back up the mountain just yet.” The devil lights reappeared in his eyes.

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