I wasn’t sure if that made me happy or not, so I focused on the interesting part. “Did you sic your hacker on that kid?”
“Of course I did.” He frowned, looking like he thought the question was ridiculous. “Niko mentioned you were worried, and it wasn’t hard to find pictures of the incident online.”
Shaking his head, he jumped off topic without seeming to realize it. “We’ll have to be careful of that too, but my colleague assures me we can fix any situations that might show up online.”
I probably should’ve guessed that.
“I’m just going to ignore how illegal that sounds.” That made him grin and give me another little bow. “But I’m glad to know he didn’t get completely chased away from meeting someone.”
Brass Man’s lips turned up on one side in a sexy smirk. “And I think you’re glad to know that you didn’t chase him off.”
Maybe.
“Of course not.” My answer had him chuckling.
“I think you like sweet, blushing cuties who get overwhelmed around you.” The way his eyes were sparkling said he wasn’t offended, but it was the oddest topic for a first date ever.
And I’d gone out on a date with a guy whose idea of fun had been debating Bigfoot theories.
“I’m pretty sure that’s supposed to offend you or at the very least worry you so you get all macho and defensive.” My dry retort had his smile going wider.
“Oh, pretty birdie. First of all, we’ve talked about my lack of jealousy as long as you’re mine. Secondly, it’ll take someone special to fall for you if they’re that shy and sweet. You, my dear, are a firecracker. But you also need someone strong to back you up so you feel safe. I’m that person.”
He was so weird.
“And if I find someone cute and sweet I want to bring home?” It was the dumbest conversation ever, but I couldn’t help challenging him for god only knew what reason.
“I’m going to be overly honest here and point out the obvious first. You have to work on that wall around you and the chip on your shoulder before you can take care of anyone like that.” He paused, probably giving me a chance to tell him to go to hell.
When I just frowned at him, he barely smiled and kept going. “If you find a sweet pet to baby and take care of like the little cutie, then we’ll invite him in. I’ve never expected to have a poly relationship but I’m not opposed to it.”
I hated not knowing what to say to him.
And I also hated that I knew what he meant by poly.
Stupid fucking internet.
“You’re so cute when you pout.” His answer had me back to debating the wholethrowing thing at himtopic again, but he realized that and sighed. “Not messing with you is harder than I thought. I’m going to have to work on that. But in my defense, you really are incredible when you’re fired up. It’s like dancing but different.”
Only I could find an idiot who liked crazy men.
“Why do you have the perfect comeback to everything?” Setting the still mostly full water down on the coffee table, I leaned back. “It’s almost too convenient.”
He paused, then shook his head. “No, it’s because you haven’t asked me anything that we clash on. I’ve been honest with you every step of the way.”
I wasn’t sure I believed him but I wasn’t not sure enough to call him out.
Fucker read my mind and almost smiled.
“Let’s say we’d just talked about the same story but instead of the blushing cutie it’d been a stereotypical big dumb jock. Nice enough guy but not enough substance. I’d have given you a different answer.” He paused, raising one eyebrow in a challenge.
When I nodded, believing him completely this time, he kept going. “I like smart and passionate and funny and someone with lots of personality. The shy cutie who was so obviously into you and needed to be protected is someone I can see you bringing home, birdie. We’re well matched, that’s all.”
“Or you’re a serial killer who’s going to put my ass on his basement wall.” Frowning as he giggled, I glanced around the apartment. “Or large closet? Yeah, I can see you turning a walk-in closet into a weird trophy room.”
Space in DC was at a premium, so anything bigger would probably be out of the question since he seemed to want to pour all his money into the club.
“You are fascinating, pretty bird.” The way he seemed to like that had me shaking my head.
