He twists the watch on his wrist, rolling his shoulders. “When you have as much money as I do, women start seeing your bank account instead of you.”
“I’m sure that’s not true. You’re hot—kind of hard to overlook that.”
“Why, thank you.” The wry grin that melts my insides returns.
“I’m sure women don’t do you just for your money.”
“Do me? Why would you do me, Ava?”
“Hypothetically speaking?”
“Of course,” he says solemnly.
“Because you’re fun, kind, and caring.” Realizing this must sound like I want to have your babies to a man, I try to downplay it. “But mostly because you’re hot.” I lick my lips. “I bet you can do some very hot things in bed.” My face reddens. I never meant to say the last sentence out loud; but apparently, my mouth didn’t get the memo from my brain.
“I can tell you exactly what I’d do to you,” he says, making me shiver. “Hypothetically, of course.”
“No, thanks.” My voice is undependable, while he looks perfectly composed. Obviously, he’s better at this game than I am.
“I can assure you, the reality would be much more delicious than you can imagine.”
I sigh at how much like a promise his words sound. This man won’t tire until he has me, and I’m not sure I mind anymore, risks be damned.
Clearing my throat, I push myself a few inches from him and say, “See, plenty of reasons for women to want you. They can’t all be after your bank account.”
“If they aren’t in the beginning, they learn quickly. I’ve been burned plenty of times.”
“Maybe you’ve gotten burned because you’re too hot. Are you sure you’re not paranoid?”
“I wish I was. I envy my parents. They had nothing when they were young, but they found each other, fell in love, and stayed that way. Wish things were that simple now, too.”
I open my mouth to reply, then clamp my lips shut. I’m not sure what to tell him. Sure, I gave up on believing in happily-ever-after too, but that’s because the men I’ve been with couldn’t keep it in their pants.
Looking to switch the topic, I say, “Look, they’re selling popcorn.”
Before Sebastian has time to reply, I jump in my flats and run to the popcorn stand. By the time the popcorn guy hands me a bucketful, Sebastian is by my side, opening his wallet.
“I’ve got this covered,” I say. “You already bought my sandwich.”
“You won’t pay for anything while you’re with me.” Holding a ten-dollar bill between his fingers, he stretches his arm to the vendor. I block his hand.
“Sebastian, this is not a date.”
“Nope, it’s me being a gentleman,” he says. My insides squirm, even as I try to hold my ground.
“I’m not letting you pay.”
He looks at me with narrowed eyes. “I’m not asking for permission.”
I throw my hands up in despair. “Are you going to go caveman on me every time I don’t agree with you?”
Sebastian drops the money on the counter, telling the vendor to keep the change, and drapes an arm around my waist, pushing me away from the cart.
“I’d like to go caveman on you somewhere else. I picture us in a bed, you under me. You’d love it.”
“I thought we said no flirting,” I say weakly.
“You said that. I never play by anyone’s rules except my own,” he whispers in my ear.