Page 34 of Wicked Flirt
“Does it bother you?”
“Actually, yeah. It’s like they want to pigeonhole me for some reason. Some people are rude. Like they’ll say, ‘What are you?’ Some people just guess.” She cocked her head in imitation of the rude people. “Latina? Asian? Mixed race?”
Marcus scowled. “So rude. And what do you say?”
“I tell them I’m an American mutt because it’s none of their freaking business.”
He grinned. “I knew you’d have a good comeback. Everyone’s a bit of something here. I’m a mutt too.”
She smiled, and then he unexpectedly barked, startling her. She cracked up. Some people from nearby tables looked over, and she tried to calm herself, but then he started growling and woofing, and she lost it.
Finally when she calmed down, she wiped her eyes and took a sip of wine. “This is the best wine I’ve ever tasted. This is my new favorite.”
“Then I’ll be sure to keep it in stock at the bar.”
She shook her head. “You’re almost too good to be true.”
“And to think you didn’t like me when we first met.”
“I liked you okay.”
He wagged his finger at her. “I caught the evil eye you sent my way on more than one occasion.”
She bit back a smile. “Caught that, huh?” She lifted her palms. “I just thought you were a man-whore.”
He snorted. “I thought you were a man-hater, so I guess we’re even.” He gestured her closer and she leaned in. “Truth? I always thought you were hot.”
She grinned. “I thought you were cute too.”
“Cute?” He wrinkled his nose in pure disgust. “You don’t reduce this hunk of manhood to cute!”
“Pleasant?”
“Nope.”
“Lovely.”
He gestured her on. “Getting closer.”
“Darling.”
His voice dropped to a husky tone. “All right, you can call me darling, sweetheart.”
She melted into a puddle of lovey-dovey couple goo.
And she never quite recovered. The meal was delicious, Marcus kept up a steady stream of questions, wanting to get to know her, and he did his part in sharing more about himself. It felt like they were old friends. Except for the occasional smoldering looks he gave her.
By the time he dropped her off at her apartment, she was dying to get him alone. She stopped at her door and turned to him. “You want to come inside?”And I mean that as dirty as it sounds.
He placed a palm on the door above her head, and she flushed hot, his musky sexy scent making her crazy. He dipped his head, leaning close, and her pulse skyrocketed. She closed her eyes, nearly vibrating in anticipation.
His lips met her cheek in a chaste kiss.
Her eyes flew open.
He straightened, his voice gravelly. “See you tomorrow, sweetheart.” Then he turned and strode away.
She sank against the door. “Bye, darling,” she whispered.
