I wondered how best to answer that question. “Depends on how you count them.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” She let out a little laugh while her brows knit together.
“I grew up in a foster home and considered all the other guys there my brothers.”
Instead of the pity I usually saw in a woman’s eyes when I talked about my past, Mariella slid her hand over mine and smiled. “I have a couple of foster cousins of my own. I think it’s wonderful that a family doesn’t have to be the one you’re born into.”
“Especially if that one sucks,” I added. Eager to change the subject back to something a lot less personal, I nudged my chin toward the last oyster. “That one’s yours. I’ve already had more than my fair share.”
She tucked her chin toward her chest. “If I want to eat that oyster, it would mean I’d have to let go of your hand.”
Her comment ignited a spark of heat in my gut. I’d been biding my time before, circling back to the attraction between us. Having her bring it up first was a very good sign. “We can’t have that. I bet you can eat an oyster with one hand. What do you think about that?”
“I think that’s the worst idea I’ve heard all day.”
“Come on, I’ll help.” I picked up the bottle of Tabasco and held it out to her. “I’ll hold it while you unscrew the top.”
She held my gaze while she undid the small plastic lid. “Now what?”
“Pick up the oyster and I’ll add a dash of hot sauce for you.”
Her fingers closed around the shell of the oyster, and she lifted it off the plate. I added a dash of hot sauce, then watched her shoot it down. The way she licked her lips afterward had to be one of the sexiest things I’d seen in months. Maybe even years. Which meant I either needed to get out more, or this woman might have the power to bring me to my knees. Even with the beginning of a beer buzz, I was smart enough to realize those two statements didn’t have to be mutually exclusive. They were both true.
“Are you going to tell me how you lost that bet to your brothers?” She set the oyster shell down and reached for her beer.
“That depends.”
“On what?”
“On whether you want to head back or stick around for another beer.”
“Now I’m intrigued.” She lifted her hand and waved our server over to order another round.