“You can’t do that. It’s mine for the summer. You said so yourself.”
“Oh, you’ll get it back. When I replace the tires you took without permission.”
I glare at him until a waitress sets a drink in front of him. “Thanks, darlin’.” He takes a sip and leans back in his chair, watching me. “So, what’s a girl like you doin’ in a place like this?”
I lean back too, playing his game. And I think I might be better at it. “Lookin’ to take the edge off.”
He growls to himself, voice strained when he says my name. “Rose.”
“What, like I’ve never done it before?”
His jaw tenses, eyes darkening as he exhales.
The halftime buzzer goes off, signaling we have three minutes left.
“Enough. Now, let’s get out of here.”
“Why would I do that? You’re a terrible date.”
“How’d you figure?”
“The second you sat down you accused me of stealing.”
“Got a point.” He takes another sip of the amber liquid.
“You haven’t asked me what my favorite color is.”
“Blue,” he says in one breath.
“My flaw.”
He shrugs. “I don’t know .?.?. trouble sleeping?”
My breath catches in my throat. I didn’t think it was noticeable, but then he frowns, sets his drink down, and leans in, his voice low but not judging.
“I’m right, aren’t I?”
I swallow. “Sleep is overrated.”
“Sorry you feel that way. When that buzzer goes off, we’releaving.”
“I’m not going home.”
He swirls the remaining liquid in his glass. “Who said anything about going home?”
I look over his shoulder. “I’ve still got three more dates.”
He looks over mine to see what he’s got ahead. I watch his face for a reaction, fighting the urge to turn around and see. Are they older? Blonder?
His quick peek doesn’t give anything away, but that’s not new for him.
I glance at his drink, and he holds it out for me.
I shake my head. “I don’t drink.”
Wilder cocks his head, narrows his eyes, and watches me for a moment—even after the buzzer goes off.
“To be continued,” he says, then inhales the remains of his glass and stands, holding his hand out for me. “Let’s go, Blue.”
