Page 15 of The Monster’s Weakness

“You’re still too warm.”

Her gaze stayed on his. “Maybe that’s your fault.”

“Careful, cariño.”

She went very still. “What does that mean?”

“Look it up later.”

She didn’t know how thoroughly he’d already inserted himself into the details of her life. She only knew the man sitting across from her. And she was looking at him like she wanted that man.

“Come on,” he said. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Where?”

“Somewhere cooler.”

She smiled. “Is that really why?”

No. Not remotely. He stood, taking her hand when she joined him.

“No.”

The answer made her blush. It looked so pretty on her pale skin. He’d see how long he could stay a gentleman tonight.

Chapter Six

Gemma was not used to flirting.

Her pulse was racing. She didn’t know how she was able to even stomach any food, because she kept thinking about what would happen later in the night. Caleb was amazing company.

He was attentive and smart. She loved the little Spanish words he spoke, and the lilt of his voice. In fact, she found everything about him so arousing. The little touches when they talked. It was like a carefully choreographed dance.

He kept reaching out and wrapping his fingers around her wrist, teasing across her pulse. She couldn’t help but wonder what he would be like naked. From what she could tell, his body was hard and powerful.

This never happened to her. She didn’t go out on dates that actually went well. Most men tended to see her and make some lame excuse like needing to call their mother. Before her date with Caleb, she expected him to cancel. The fact they got to eat a full meal and spend the night together was just amazing.

She couldn’t stop smiling, it was that good. Even though the flirting had started awkwardly, it had become fun and playful.

Caleb put his hand at the base of her back and helped her out into the night air, and she took a deep breath. She had no idea what was going to happen next. He helped her into his car, and she sat back, enjoying the lavishness of the seats. They were so comfortable. It was nice to sit on seats that were not torn or scuffed in odd places. She definitely liked it.

Caleb sat behind the wheel, turning over the ignition, and she wondered what it was like to have a car that actually purred to life, rather than grumbled. Her car was in a terrible state and she knew she needed to get it into the shop. It was only a matter of time before the dashboard lit up with all the faults and failures.

“I don’t want this night to end,” Caleb said. “I’m staying in a hotel for now, just ten minutes from here. Would you like to come and join me?”

She’d never joined anyone and she took a deep breath, because this is what she wanted, even though it crossed so many lines.

“Yes.”

She was living on the edge, and Caleb reached over and put his hand on her thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. She was so touched by how caring he actually was. She wanted to reach out, grip his hand, and hold onto him, but she calmed herself.

They didn’t talk this time.

She watched the scenery go by, and her heart raced. It felt ... scary and good, and so many different things in between.

He pulled up outside of the hotel and there was a concierge outside waiting to take his car. Caleb put a hand on her arm and told her to wait. He climbed out of the car, tossing the keys toward the man waiting to take the car, and rounded the vehicle. He was so composed. Always in control. When he got to her door, he held it open, and she stepped out, taking his hand.

“Treat her well,” Caleb said, and she couldn’t help but smile. Men and their cars.