“Hey,” I whisper, and wait until she’s looking at me. “There’s no one watching you but me. It’s just us, right here, right now. Making memories.” I wink, and her lips tilt in a smile.
“Are you always this charming? Or just when you’re on the prowl?”
“On the prowl?” This girl is a ball buster.
“Yeah, isn’t that what you’re doing? Trying to sweeten me up so when you ask me to go home with you later, I’ll go willingly?”
“Are you suggesting that I would force you to go otherwise?”
“Not at all. I just meant, if you’re sweet and charming, you assume my answer will be yes.”
“Would it be?” I know the answer is a resounding no.
“No.”
“Good thing that’s not what I’m doing then, huh?” I give her hip a gentle squeeze.
“Right.” She laughs. “I’m the first baseman for the Tennessee Blaze, and we’re making memories,” she coos, mocking me.
I don’t bother to hide my grin. “So, you think this is all talk, just to get you into my bed?”
She shrugs. “If the shoe fits.”
“We fit,” I say, pulling her tight against me. The subtle hint of warm vanilla assaults my senses. Her hands, which were resting against my chest, snake up around my neck. I could pull out my phone and type my name into the search engine and prove her wrong, but I don’t. Instead, I sing along to the song, my voice just low enough for her to hear. I like the thought of just being Easton to her. I like it a whole hell of a lot.
When the song is over, I don’t let go. She’s going to have to be the one to break this connection. It’s been too damn long since a woman has felt this right in my arms. Then again, has it ever felt this right? Chloe appears beside us and pulls Larissa with her to the restroom. I watch them disappear down the hall before going back to our table. Back at the table, Drew sets three fresh beers down, keeping the fourth for himself.
“We’re getting ready to head out,” he says.
r /> “You and Chloe?” I clarify. I’m not leaving here until Larissa does.
“Yep,” he says, popping the p and grinning like a fool. “I’m sure they’re discussing it now.”
“Ready?” Chloe asks, sneaking up on us.
“Got you another.” Drew points at the three bottles on the table. I have yet to touch mine.
“We’re going to drop Larissa off at her place,” she tells him, ignoring the beer.
“I can take you,” I offer. “I’ve only had two.” I point to the bottles on the table.
“That’s sweet of you, but not necessary.”
I stand and grab her hand. “I’d like to.” I’m not ready to end my time with her.
She gives me a smile, one that says, “I appreciate the offer, but it’s not happening.” Her words confirm the look. “Really, I’m good. We live in the same complex, so it’s a wasted trip.”
“Can I see you again?” I ask her.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Are you seeing someone?” Please say no.
“No.”
“We could have dinner,” I suggest.
“Other obligations.” She shrugs.