“You aren’t.”
His gaze meandered over me, assessing. “Surely there’s something else you could be doing where men aren’t touching you without permission.”
“You’ve clearly never been a woman.” I propped my chin on my fist. “Waitressing isn’t my forever plan, but it pays the bills for now.”
His brow furrowed. “The man was thrown out with an applaudable amount of force. Is that what always happens?”
“Duke takes care of us, for sure.” I sighed and changed the subject before he could fixate even more. “I know you’re just visiting Denver. Where do you live?”
“LA, but if Sam has his way, our company will be relocating here.” He drummed his fingers on the table. “I’m comfortable in LA., and my routine is an important part of my productivity. Sam has been trying to sell me on this city.”
“What’s the top selling point so far?”
“Should I be brutally honest?”
“It’s my favorite kind of honesty.”
He didn’t blink a lot, making his gaze even more searing. There was no escape from it. Once it landed, it remained steady. Not invasive, interested.
He tilted toward me slightly. “So far, you’re the most enticing thing Denver has to offer.”
My lips parted as I sucked in a shallow breath. “Me?”
“Yes, Bea. If I were to move to Denver, I would very much like to take you on a date.”
My heart leaped into my throat. I appreciated honesty, but Tore’s was next level, knocking me off-balance.
Not for long, though.
“I don’t know if that would be wise.”
He straightened. “No?”
“No. You shouldn’t move all the way here on the promise of a date with me. What if we don’t get along outside this bubble?” I rubbed my lips together. “I think it makes more sense for you to take me out before making that decision.”
He cocked his head. “You’re right. That would be the next logical step.” He slipped his phone from his pocket and swiped the screen. “My next two nights are free. Are you available?”
I nodded. “I happen to have tomorrow night off.”
He held his phone out to me. “Put your number in. I’ll text you once I find the best place to take you—unless you have a preference?”
“No preference. Surprise me.” I entered my number, sent myself a short text, and returned his phone with a smile. “You’re now one of a handful of people who have that.”
“I’m in cybersecurity. You can trust your number is locked behind multiple firewalls.”
It was cute how deadly serious he was.
“That’s reassuring, but if you come up short on your rent next month, don’t sell it on the black market.”
“Not even if I’m down to my last dollar.” He put his phone away and patted his pocket. “I’m not sure what I did to have capturedyour attention, but I don’t take it for granted. I’m looking forward to spending more time with you and getting to know you better.”
“Me too, Tore,” I whispered, breathless. Was this asthma? I’d have to add going to the doctor to my list of things to do once I moved out of my hovel and could afford health insurance. Surely being short of breath around a man was a dire medical situation.
His mouth hitched into a half smile. “This city might have a lot more to offer than I first thought.”
As much as I liked hearing that, the air around us became a little too thick, warming my skin uncomfortably. I felt it in my cheeks, between my legs, under my breasts.
Last night’s conversation with his friend came back to me in a flash.
