Still so cocky. But now he had every reason to be. Her gaze lingered a moment on his abs, appreciating each subtle bulge even as her brain protested. “God it’s been forever. You really…” she forced her betraying eyes up, “filled out.”
Smooth. Real smooth.
His lips quirked. “And you’re even more beautiful than I remembered.”
Be still my heart.
No, Riley! He was probably taken. A guy this hot? She checked his ring finger. Hmm. No ring. Still…a girlfriend or something.
/>
“There you are!” Jack appeared beside her. “Did you find someone to play –” He stopped when he noticed Nate then cast him a wide grin. “Well hello.”
Riley stepped on his foot in warning. If he found out this was her ex, she’d never hear the end of it. The last thing she wanted to do was rehash…all of that.
“I’m Nate,” he said to Jack. “Sorry, are you two together?”
Riley blurted a short laugh.
“Just friends,” Jack answered. “You’re more my type.”
Nate nodded. “Sorry – straight.”
“That’s a shame,” Jack teased. “Straight, huh? Well, Riley, here, is single.”
“Is she?” Nate’s eyes narrowed. “Her and I go way back. Maybe we can have a drink and catch up.”
“You’re not here with someone?” she asked, not sure what she wanted his answer to be. Why did he have to be so hot? Weren’t women supposed to see their exes and be glad they’d split up?
He shook his head. “No, I don’t have a play partner for tonight. I run the beginner rope classes.” He held up the rope in his hand.
“Oh,” was all she could manage. Brilliant, Riley.
Jack gave her a little push. “She loves Mojitos and she’d love to have a chat.”
She scowled at Jack.
Nate chuckled. “I have some very interesting memories about you and Mojiitos.”
“Sounds fun.” Jack waggled his brows at her. “I’ll catch up with you later.” In her ear he whispered, “He’s hot. Don’t fuck it up.”
Rolling her eyes, she pushed him away. Nate ushered her to an empty booth in a dark corner. Her knees suddenly felt shaky. So he taught rope classes. That meant he was experienced.
Could her lovable high school sweetheart really be a dominant? How weird was that? Sure, he’d changed, grew up, filled out, but a dom? Seven years ago, she’d never guessed he had it in him. And she’d know. She’d tried so hard to trigger it.
She gazed at him with a silly smile at first, unsure of where to begin. Finally, he broke the growing tension.
“I didn’t think you’d ever come back,” he said. “Are you just visiting?”
“No. I’m here for a while.”
He nodded thoughtfully. “What brought you back?”
My inability to find the right guy? My failed attempt at a career as a concert pianist?
“My mom,” she answered, which was partially the truth.
“How is she? I haven’t seen her around.”