Page 49 of Tempting Me

“Um, it’s a bar called The Black Alcove.”

She’s looking at her phone as if she needs to be reminded where to go.

“Your date is at a bar?” Even my voice is unimpressed.

“Yep. It’s newly remodeled with a new menu and music for everyone.”

What the … is she reading that right from her phone?

I pull into a spot out front and slowly look around. There aren't any loiterers, so if her date is here, he wasn’t man enough to wait outside for her. I should walk her in and prove a point to this jackass.

I unlock my seat belt at the same time as Shay.

“What are you doing?” The panic in her voice makes me pause.

“Walking you to the door.”

“I don't need you to walk me to the door.”

“Well, I don’t see your date waiting for you, and I’m not just going to let you go in alone. What if he stands you up and then you spend the night alone? Because let’s be real here, you wouldn't tell me if he did.”

The briefest smile touches her lips, but she catches herself and rolls her eyes.

“I’ll call you if he doesn’t show.”

“Swear it.”

“I swear.”

Another eye roll.

I can’t place it. I really can’t, but I do not like this right now. I’m half tempted to reach for her, pull her back into the truck, and beg her to stay with me. I’ll take her somewhere. Anywhere she wants.

This is new for me when it comes to her.

“I mean it, Shay. Swear that you’ll call me.”

“Oh god. Yes, daddy, I swear I’ll call you if I need you to save me.”

Her voice is laced with sarcasm, but I... just ... can’t right now.

I close my eyes for a split second and pinch the bridge of my nose. “Get out of the fucking truck.”

Her laughter is the last thing I hear before she closes the door.

She even sticks her tongue out at me as she crosses in front of the truck.

And then she smiles. It’s a genuine, pure Shay Parker smile, and I swear my heart skips a beat.

I sit in my truck as I wait for Shay to walk into the bar. My actions are twofold. I want her to get inside safely, but I also can’t stop looking at her.

Jesus.

I’ve never felt more like a creep than I do right now.

I’d be lying if I said I never thought of her as more than my friend's sister more than once growing up, but that was that. I never shared those thoughts with anyone and then when my friendship with her brother fell apart, I didn’t see the pointin ever letting those thoughts consume me again. But right now, hell, it’s going to be hard not to forget her now.

The door to the bar closes, so I lean my head back and take a breath.

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