Page 47 of Rooster

The promise makes me walk even faster toward the stairs.

I don't know that I'll make a move on this man, but I need to be prepared if I do, so a shower and shaving are required.

Robert is already in the hot tub when I make my way out there, and I feel a little disappointed when I see him submerged in the water. The best part of spending time out here is being able to watch him get in and climb out of the hot tub.

I give him an easy smile as I drop my towel onto one of the nearby loungers before traversing the stairs to sink into the heated, bubbly water.

I settle in, letting the warmth wrap around me.

"The air seems chillier tonight," I say, dipping deeper into the water.

"We can use the inside hot tub," he says.

"I like the contrast."

"Tell me more about Steve."

The abrupt subject change draws my eyes to his handsome face.

"What?"

"The guy at your job."

"I know who we're talking about. Why are we talking about him?"

"He shouldn't be making you uncomfortable. I looked up your company's sexual harassment policy and—"

"Steve is a menace, but I can handle him," I say, watching him frown. "I think he's just flirting, and he doesn't really know how to do it without it coming off as super creepy."

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure. The guy isn't going to follow me to my car or show up on my front porch with expectations."

"Okay," he says, looking away. "I completely understand about struggling at flirting. It's never been something I've been good at."

"With a body like yours, you don't really have to flirt, Robert," I tease.

He doesn't chuckle as I expect him to, and his face is a mask of seriousness when he turns to look at me.

"I have more to offer than just a good physique."

I mull over this information, wondering if this is my opportunity to speak more about this attraction I feel for him.

"How do you feel about casual sex?"

He tilts his head, a hint of shock in his eyes that I would ask something so bluntly.

"I'm not a fan."

Well, shit.

"It's why I haven't had many girlfriends. Yet, I seem to attract that type. Women who simply want to hook up with no strings or attachments."

"And that doesn't interest you?"

He shakes his head. "Not at all. I want to see where things can go with a woman."

"You're looking for a wife?"

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