Page 19 of Eat Slay Love

Me:Never mind that. You better have your ass in that gown and ready to go. Don’t have my big bro waiting for his hot date night.

I hit send and tucked the phone back into my clutch, shaking my head.

Laila was the perfect wing woman, even from miles away.

Alright. So. . .I’m sure his date is back or whatever. I’ll just. . .you know. . .glance that way to confirm.

I slipped my gaze along the walls like I was so into their blackness and then. . .slyly. . .I turned to the left and checked him again.

Fuck.

He was STILL staring at me.

Not glancing.

Not casually looking.

But BOLDY staring.

And that stare wasn’t polite.

It wasn’t casual.

It was the kind of gaze that should’ve beenillegalin public spaces—hungry, unfiltered, dark with something that sent a flush down my spine.

Alright now, handsome. I kidnap fine men so. . .be careful.

As if he heard me, the line of his jaw twitched.

Mmmm.

I blinked, heart hammering, and turned away sharply, not used tothatkind of attention.

That level of enthusiastic intensity from any man.

Maybe. . .he would like me to kidnap him.

I swallowed, exhaling slowly.

Okay. Listen. You’re daydreaming.

There was no wayhewas alone. No man that looked like that would be by himself on Valentine’s Day. His model lover was probably in the bathroom, powdering her nose, or fixing a gown that had cost more than my entire trip.

Still. . .

I glanced back one more time.

Eh. . .this is crazy.

He was still watching me.

And this time, his mouth curved with a hint of wicked knowing.

Heat curled in my belly—low and slow—unexpected but impossible to ignore.

Well damn. I stand. . .corrected. . .maybe. . .

Before I could fully process everything, a soft, refined voice interrupted my thoughts.

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