When she looks back up at me, her cheeks go pink again. “Are you the cocky one because you’re the hotter one?” I know she’s trying to tease me. I haven't known Kinley for more than a handful of minutes, but I’m noticing it’s something she does. I’ve always been good at reading people. It’s partly why I’m so good at the line of work I’m in now.
“I could ask the same of you.”
She lets out a very unladylike snort. Or at least one for this place. It’s sexy as hell. There is no shame in it. She laughs how she wants and doesn't care what others might think.
“Kennedy is the pretty one. Not that I’m ugly,” she rushes to say. “She just has this air about her.”
“Hmm.” I ponder her words for a moment. “Do you like art, Kinley?”
“Some.”
“Each piece is seen differently by every person. One that someone might hate another might love.” Her lips part in understanding. That spark behind her eyes dies when she catches something over my shoulder. “What can I get you to drink?” I ask, getting her attention back on me where I want it.
“Vodka martini,” Kinley blurts out instantly. I don’t take her for much of a drinker, but something has just put her on edge.
I mouth to the bartender that I want a club soda with lime before I see what has set Kinley off. I’m sure it’s an ex I’m going to want to punch, but there is no missing the woman Kinley is staring at. I’m guessing it’s her mother since she looks like her. Except my Kinley does not have a pursed look on her face.
“Let’s steal our seats,” I suggest, picking up both our drinks and heading over to the long table to sit down next to each other. Since I have her drink, I knew she would have to follow.
She polishes off the first drink fast but doesn't order another. It does, however, make her extra chatty. I grab at every detail that she divulges, having a feeling I’m going to need them.
Then when she lets me in on the fact that she’s leaving for Europe for a partial work trip and to travel, it’s a punch to my gut. It’s not like I could stay either. I have shit to wrap up too. Now more than ever I want to be back home.
My brother keeps sending me death glares like I give a fuck. Before I know it, the dinner is pretty much over. I want to somehow make this night longer, ask them to serve another course in order to have more time with her. I am down to an hour with Kinley, and we’ve only just started. I need more time because it is quickly running out.
I want to tell her to come back to my room with me, but I know that’s too fast. I don’t want to scare her off. I also don’t think she’s that type of girl. I am not usually that fucking type either. But there’s something about her.
“More coffee?” the server asks. Her perfume burns my nose.
“I guess another cup won’t hurt,” I say after she’s already poured it. When the waitress retreats, Kinley is now talking to the man on the other side of her, laughing about something he said. I grind my teeth together.
“I’m so glad everyone could join us tonight, but we’re calling it a night. We have a big day tomorrow,” my brother says, stealing everyone's attention. I grab Kinley’s hand before I stand up. I don’t try to say goodbye to anyone. Everyone that’s here will be at the wedding tomorrow. I’m still holding Kinley’s hand as we make our way toward the doors. The minute we escape, I pull her into the first door I can find that’s open.
“Come back to the hotel with me,” I blurt out.
“I can’t.” She bites her plump bottom lip, but I can see it in her eyes. I pull her lip out from between her teeth.
“I don’t want our night to end.”
“You sure you don’t want to take big boobs in there back to the hotel?” I can tell she is trying to tease, but I can see the hurt in her gorgeous eyes.
“No, I want you. I’ve wanted you since I stepped into the room and saw you standing there.” Hell, I think I wanted her when my plane landed and I stepped off. There was something different in the air. I’ve flown home many times, but this time when I got off that plane I really felt like I was home.
“I’m staying at the hotel too. I might be able to sneak out.” I reach in my pocket and pull out a key as I ramble off the room number. “This doesn’t mean I’m definitely coming.”