“I would really just like to go home.”
“I can take you back to my place. I have a wonderful apartment above the casino. Perfect for being at work and in bed all at the same time.”
Harper stopped. “Why didn’t your brothers take my friends back to their place?”
Abel shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m not my brothers, and I’m inviting you back to mine, no one else.”
“I don’t know if I want to go with you. You’ve been very…”
“Creepy. I know.” He held his hands up. “I can promise to keep my naughty hands to myself, and I will not cause you any trouble.”
“Do you promise?”
“Yes, I promise. I want to get to know you.”
Harper stared at him. “Fine.”
“Are you always this judgmental?”
“Not usually. I’ve never had to deal with a guy who has grabby hands. That was weird. Your wandering hands. Shouldn’t a guy get to know a girl first?” Harper asked.
“Would it help if I let you slap me?”
“I’m not a violent person. I hate violence.” She wrinkled her nose. Even movies with too much blood and gore made her feel sick.
“No slapping then.”
“I don’t feel comfortable going to your place. I don’t know you, and I left my cell phone at home so I can’t call my friends to let them know that I’m with you.”
“I won’t hurt you.”
“I just don’t want to go home with you.” She hated being mean, and the way Abel was looking all sad was really making it hard for her to keep firm to her resolve. “Maybe we could go get some dinner? Would that be okay?” Biting her lip, she stared at him, wishing she had a backbone. This guy was just so intense, and she wasn’t used to that kind of intensity from anyone.
“I can handle that.” He pulled his cell phone out, and she listened in utter amazement as within seconds he spoke his name, and got them both a table. “Our table will be ready within fifteen minutes.”
“Wow, I’ve never seen anything like that.”
“Impressed?”
“A little bit. Is Denton a popular name?” She noticed he froze at her comment. “I don’t mean to sound insulting.”
“You’ve never heard of the Denton name?”
“Nope. Well, apart from it being above the casino last night.”
“You don’t know anything else?”
She crossed her fingers over her heart. “Nothing.”
He paused, staring at her. “You are a different girl.”
“Your brother said as much last night.”
“I know you don’t want to hear it, but I’m a much better choice than Damian.”
“You don’t like your brother?” she asked.
“I like him. I just think he’s a lazy ass who does as little as possible.”