Black

“On the cheek.” Butterflies flit around my stomach. “You were watching me?”

“Of course I was. I’ve spent the last three weeks thinking about you, and then you show up in my club. No way was I letting you out of my sight.”

So he does remember. “I wasn’t sure if you recognized me.”

“How could I forget?” Rex tilts his head, peering down at me. “Is that why you turned down my dinner offer, because of him?”

“No.”

“So why turn me down?”

Shit. There’s no right answer. Rex is attractive and charismatic, and I could easily see myself dating him, but I’m not ready for something like that. Hell, at the rate I’m going, I’ll never be ready.

But that doesn’t stop the loneliness from creeping in.

Sure, I’ve got JJ and Erin, but I yearn for the love and affection of a good, strong man. What I wouldn’t give to fall in love and have the kind of relationship I thought my parents had.

Devoted.

Strong.

Passionate.

But that’s just a dream, because there’s no room in my life for that sort of love—I won’t let there be, which is why I don’t date. Dating leads to falling, which leads to love, and in my life, love leads to deep, soul-piercing heartache. That’s a pain I don’t ever care to experience again.

Rex leans down until we’re eye to eye. His smile is hopeful, and I know I have to be honest. There’s no other option.

“I’m not looking for a relationship,” I explain.

“I wasn’t asking you to go steady; I was asking you to dinner.”

“Why?”

He looks at me funny, but it’s a legitimate question. I don’t look anything like Liza, and there’s no doubt in my mind that he could have any woman he wants.

?

?Do you want my honest answer?”

“That’s a silly question,” I tell him. “Of course I want an honest answer.”

“I’m not sure you’re ready for it.”

“Flatter me.”

Rex studies me for a few seconds and then nods. “I asked you to dinner because I want to fuck you.”

My mouth drops open. I blink, and blink again. “You…what?” He can’t be serious.

Rex’s gaze is unwavering.

Oh my gosh, he’s totally serious.

“But you don’t even know me. I could be bat-shit crazy.”

He laughs. It’s loud and deep and causes all of my lady parts to sit up and take notice. Not that they weren’t already aware, because they certainly were, but now they’re running on all cylinders, ready to take off.

“I haven’t been this attracted to a woman in months. From the second I saw you, I knew I had to have you. Plus,” he adds, lowering his mouth to my ear, “maybe I like bat-shit crazy.”