Page 6
Hell, there was something about his boyish charm, and that damn laugh. I was so used to being a hard-ass that he was making it awfully tough for me to remain stuck in my ways with the way he’d unintentionally put a crack in my walls.
With my arm resting on the soft velvet of the couch, I finally gave in. “Fine. Let’s circle back to the beginning.”
If he wanted the full Andi experience, I guess he was going to get it.
“How are you doing, Andi?” he relentlessly asked once more.
“I’m doing just fine. How are you, Hunter?”
“I’ve had better days, but I’m a hell of a lot better now.” That smirk of his returned.
“Let me guess … Work stress?”
“Is it that obvious?”
“I’ve been doing this a long time, and I’ve seen a lot of men come through here for the same few reasons. They are either cheating on their wives, need to wind down after a long day, or horny as fuck.” My gaze ran over his wedding finger just to triple check my facts. “Seeing as how you’re not married, and you couldn’t possibly be that horny if you’re paying me for conversation, then that only leaves one reason why you’d be here.”
He let out a pent-up breath.
“It’s two months into hockey season and it already feels like four. So, a long day at work isn’t far off. I’m still a man, though, Andi. There’s a reason I wanted you to dance for me before I walk out of here and get ready for bed this evening.”
My eyes widened at his honesty.
“And that reason being so you could take a mental picture and use it for your spank bank the second you hit the showers?” I didn’t hold back my accusation.
“There’s no use in lying.” Hunter tried his hardest to keep his eyes trained on my face, but he’d slipped up when his eyes dipped down. I’m almost positive by the way he licked his lips that his eyes connected for the briefest moment with my nipple piercings. The lace set I wore was practically useless when it came to hiding anything.
“Since we’re being honest here, what’s your story?” I asked.
“Funny how I asked you to sit down and talk with me, but here you are taking control of the conversation.”
“Does a woman in control bother you, Hotshot?”
I didn’t know what came over me, but as I waited for Hunter to answer, I reached out and ran my fingers lightly through his hair, moving the loose strands away from his eyes only for them to fall back.
Hunter’s breath picked up, and as my finger trailed down his jaw, he turned his head toward my finger, quickly grabbing my wrist before it could drop.
Laying a soft kiss to my fingertip, he answered, his voice an octave lower, “Not in the slightest. I could go either way, actually.”
Was it hot in here?
Suddenly, this private room felt more like a sauna. My lungs were constricting, and when I looked up at the clock, I had no idea how I was possibly going to make it the rest of my shift without crumbling at this man’s feet.
“What do you say we take a raincheck on the whole talking thing, and I do that little dance you asked for?” Andi’s demeanor flipped on a dime. If I had to guess, it was probably difficult for her to let people in.
A raincheck? Was she—
“Are you asking me on a date, Andi?”
“What makes you think that?” Her head reared back, almost as if she were taking offense to the thought of going on a date with me.
“Talking happens on dates. And it’s obvious you like to be in control. I assumed you were taking the initiative and that raincheck was really your way of asking me on a date.” My lips lifted into a sly grin. I wasn’t going to let her get away that easily without talking to me.
Tapping her finger to her chin, she paused for a moment.
“Drinks. Next weekend. Can you swing that?” Her answer took me by surprise.
“Tell me the time and place, and I’ll be there.”
