Page 6 of Fumbled Love

He barked out a laugh. “It was an invitation.”

I was seriously starting to get a headache. “And I just declined.”

“What?” He looked like that was the first time a woman had ever told him no, and it probably was.

“I’m not interested,” I repeated, just in case he was having trouble understanding English today.

He jerked his head back quickly. “Impossible. Every woman is interested.”

I snorted because, honestly, I had no idea how to respond. “I’m sure one-night stands are completely normal for you, but I don’t sleep around, especially with someone I don’t know.”

Ha! Take that. I patted myself on the back at how unaffected I appeared.

His brows dipped down. “Who said anything about sleeping? And we don’t need a whole night, just an hour or two.” He started laughing, but his hands went up in mock surrender when I didn’t. “Sorry, bad joke. That’s why I play football instead of performing stand-up comedy.”

“You actually get women to go home with you with lines like that?”

He shook his head, and I saw a hint of embarrassment jump in his features. “Honestly, I can’t remember ever having to work so hard in my life just to get a woman to talk to me, let alone like me.”

Of course, he didn’t. Everyone loved him. He assumed I was just playing hard to get. He had no idea that I was only protecting my heart.

”Listen, Maverick. I’m sure a famous good-looking guy like yourself has plenty of young, beautiful women to pick from.” I pointed across the bar and toward the window. “You won’t have trouble finding someone.”

When he leaned in close to my face, I had to suck in a breath. His scent, his stare, and the close proximity were too much and not enough at the same time. It took all the willpower I could muster to pull away. He was offering me more than I’d ever thought I’d have.

“I don’t know why you are hell-bent on fighting this, but you’re like a goddamned mystery that I want to solve.” He swirled his whiskey around in his glass before bringing it to his lips. They were full and pink and way too tempting, just like the rest of him, from his short-trimmed beard to his warm chocolate eyes. Everything about him was alluring. “Don’t take this the wrong way, because I swear, it’s not some cheesy pickup line, but I feel like we’ve met before, which is crazy because I would have definitely remembered you.”

I blinked up at him and allowed his words to hang in the air. My body went completely still. My mouth would not move. My mind was firing blanks. My chest was so tight it was about to explode. The way he looked at me. The suggestion in his eyes. The implication of his words, was too much for me to process.

“I’m going to need a yes or a no, sweetheart.” His eyes held mine, and I wasn’t sure how much longer I’d be able to play this little game, because it felt like I was already in over my head.

I picked up my drink and drained the rest of it. A little liquid courage would help. It certainly wouldn’t hurt, I thought to myself as I set the empty glass down on the coaster.

“Why are you being so persistent?” I asked, finally finding my voice. I wasn’t being very nice to him. Sure, it was all an act, and I only did it to protect myself, but he didn’t know that. He’s had plenty of reasons to excuse himself and sit far enough away from me. The bar was big enough. But he stayed and engaged with me, and without even trying, made my night better. I’d smile when he wasn’t looking, and even though I’d never admit it, I liked that he hadn’t moved from his seat.

Was I softening up to this idea? It had disaster written all over it. Saying no would be the right thing to do because saying yes would be a horrible idea.

“Honestly, maybe, because your little attitude has made this night a lot more interesting. Although, I do find it a little odd that you’re rejecting me because that never happens,” he teased, then his tone turned serious. “It’s a refreshing change to have a conversation with someone who isn’t kissing my ass because they have an agenda.”

Could I have a one-night stand with Maverick and keep my feelings detached? The answer was no. Not a chance in hell, but if this were my only shot, I’d be a fool not to consider it.

“That’s sad that you’re in a world where you always have to question people’s intentions.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “Story of my life.”

There was a devil on my shoulder telling me I would be crazy to walk away and the other telling me he would be pissed when he found out the truth. Despite the mixed emotions in my head, his offer was too good to refuse.

“The ball is in your court.”

When he scraped his stool back, getting ready to leave, my mind was made up. This might be the only way to know for sure if I had built him up in my head all those years. I’d be crazy to let this opportunity slip through my fingertips. I just needed to remind myself that there would be no tender smiles, or sweet words. This was strictly physical. There would be no emotions involved. The hurt feelings and broken heart could be dealt with tomorrow. Tonight, I would find out once and for all if those teenage fantasies I conjured up in my mind were as good as the real thing.

I didn’t trust my voice, so I stood and held my hand out for him to lead the way.

He smiled in victory, snagged his jacket from behind the stool, and shrugged it on. He placed a hand on my back and led me out the door.

CHAPTER3

MAVERICK

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