It was my turn to laugh.
I pointed outside. “Tell that to someonewho doesn’t know the crazy people you call family.”
His lips turned up into a faint smile.“Touché.”
“So what about my lessons?” Going forbroke, I gave him a grin. “I think dinner this week might be a good idea. Thenyou could help me practice conversational skills outside of the club as well.You’re going to want to do a thorough job. That’s just the kind of hardworkingman you are.”
He rolled his eyes. “You are not nearly asentertaining as you think you are.”
That was not a no.
“How does Wednesday work for you?”
That earned me a dejected sigh like hethought I was boring and it would be a terrible struggle, but it was one hecouldn’t get out of. I was pretty sure I’d heard him use the same tone withAustin, though, so I wasn’t worried. It meant that I’d won.
“Fine.” He gave me a quick glare beforelooking back outside. “Our conversational practice will not take place at yourhome or at a fast-food restaurant. If you want help, then you have to do yourbest.”
So he wanted a real date, not somethingthat felt casual and unimportant? I could deal with that.
“I think that makes perfect sense.” In aweird kind of way. “But you’re going to have to do your best to be a goodteacher. That means realistic reactions and behaviors.”
He snorted. “Be careful what you wish for.”
Oh, I liked a challenge.
“I’m pretty sure I can handle any lessonyou can dish out, teach.” I had to smile when he groaned.
“Do not call me that.” He was so stern itjust got me more turned on. I kept imagining ways I would punish him when hefinally submitted.
“You’re going to have to make it worth mywhile. I think Austin would like the nickname.” I knew how to fight dirty. Itwas just going to take me some time to figure out all his weaknesses.
“You’re just as evil as the rest of them.”The snotty response said I was making some headway.
“Why thank you.” I chuckled when he huffed.“But that still doesn’t address my bribery.”
He made me wait several long seconds tofigure out whether he was going to play the game or not. Just when I thoughtI’d pushed him too far, he gave in. “Fine.”
He was definitely trying to make it soundlike he was doing me a favor, but something about the way he was holdinghimself said it was more than that.
“I think the best way to get started on mylessons and handle the bribe at the same time would be for you to have fun atthe pool party. I clearly need practice flirting, so this will be the perfectopportunity.” Yeah, I was pushing it, but he had more than enough gumption totell me where to stick it if I overstepped things.
Besides, if I couldn’t figure out hisboundaries and limits in a regular conversation, this would have to do…andhonestly, flustering him was going to be just as much fun as frustrating him.
He barked out a laugh. “You have no shame.”
“None.” Especially when it came to gettingwhat I wanted.
That earned me another roll of his eyes.“Fine. How do you define having fun and flirting?”
And now we’d see where he was going to laydown the line. “Well.”
I paused and gave a casual shrug beforegesturing out at the pool. “Everyone else is in the water and playing.”
I gave him my best innocent smile. “I thinkthat’s a step in the right direction.”
He snorted. “They’re all naked. Is thatwhat you’re insinuating?”
Oh yeah.
