“I’m pretty sure I’ll like anything you suggest.” The mischievous gleam in his eyes makes my stomach flutter even as it hardens my resolve.
“The steak salad then.” I make a note on my pad amid a chorus of laughter from the table. My admirer is undeterred.
“With a side of fries.” He hands me his menu, the satisfied smirk on his face declaring this round a tie.
I collect the rest of the menus and go to place their order, both relieved and disappointed that our brief exchange is over. I don’t have time to dwell on that though, because the restaurant is too busy, and soon my admirer is shoved aside as I dart between the kitchen and the bar, overseeing the hectic energy of the lunch rush.
It’s not until nearly an hour later that I come up for air, and my curiosity gets the better of me. Chancing a look in my admirer’s direction, my stomach drops as I realize he’s not there. None of them are. They’re shuffling out the front as Claire clears their table. I exhale deeply, allowing myself a brief moment of regret for the loss of a man I shouldn’t even want, then make my way towards my office so I canpull up the report on the day’s sales. But my hand freezes halfway to the doorknob, the familiar tingle so overpowering I can’t complete the act of opening the door.
“You never came back to our table.” I feel rather than hear his words, even though he’s several feet away, standing at the end of the secluded hallway that leads to my office.
I turn, putting my back to the door.
“How was your salad?” Those aren’t the words I want, but they’re the only ones that come out as he stalks toward me.
“I’m sure it was delicious.” He doesn’t miss a beat. “I barely tasted it. I was too busy watching you. Why didn’t you come back?” He stops in front of me, effectively caging me between his body and the door.
“I wasn’t your server.” I hold my breath, wondering if that response will satisfy him.
He reaches for a strand of hair that’s hanging over my forehead, running it between his fingers. “I’ve heard so many people rave about how amazing this area is, but fuck if you aren’t the prettiest thing I’ve seen here so far.”
“I didn’t figure you for the kind of guy who has to resort to cheap pickup lines.” My voice is huskier than I want it to be,dammit.
“No line.” He releases my hair and trails his fingers over my bare shoulder, down my arm, smiling to himself when goosebumps rise to the surface. “These mountains are prettier than most I’ve seen. Incredible really. But you’re the only thing I couldn’t take my eyes off of all day. I know you felt it.” His whiskey brown eyes dart to mine for a moment before he resumes watching his fingers glide over my skin. I shiver involuntarily.
“You make for a pretty nice view too. Thanks for giving me something to admire while I worked.” I reach behind me for the doorknob, but he catches my hand before I can make contact.
“When are you done with work?” He strokes his thumb over the back of my hand.
I take a shaky breath, which draws his focus to my mouth.
“Nine.” I breathe.
“I’m staying at the Caldwell’s place on the mountain. You know it?” His gaze leaves my lips to focus on my eyes.
I nod.
“Come over.” It’s both a plea and a demand, and dammit that makes my stomach flutter.
“Thanks for the invite, but I’m not interested.” My voice sounds steady even though I’m lying through my teeth. I do want to go over, I just know I shouldn’t.
“Bullshit,” he growls, his amber eyes clouding.
“Excuse me?” I bristle. I know I’m lying, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to admit it to him.
“I saw you undressing me with your eyes when I got here. You’re just as interested as I am.” He strokes my hand again.
“Admiring something and being interested are two different things.” I protest, trying in vain not to notice how full his lips are up close. “I admire the way you look, but I’m not interested in being another stop on your tour.”
“You told me earlier you don’t know me well enough to know what I like, what makes you think you know me now?” He drops my hand, eyes flaring with anger.
“That’s usually the way it works around here. Pros use this town as their home base to film their latest videos, they have some fun with the locals who view them as celebrities, move to the next town and repeat.” I shrug dismissively, hoping I look more indifferent than I feel.
“You think you have me pegged cause I ride a bike for a living?” He arches a brow.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure it’s a great life. But just because the town is a stop on your tour doesn’t mean I am,” I say with more conviction than I feel.
“If you hadn’t eye fucked me earlier, I’d buy that, but don’t pretend you aren’t as drawn to me as I am you. And don’t assume you know me because of what I do.” He shakes his head in disgust, and for a moment I feel briefly ashamed. But not enough to let him have the last word.
