There was no doubt what he was thinking about now. What she was thinking. The two of them. Alone. Picking up where they’d left off in the car that day. And then again in the tent at the wedding.
No.
She didn’t want to think about it. Didn’t want to think about what it would be like riding James in bed, dragging her nails down his chest.
Yet, here she was with that image burned into her brain.
Her blood quickened, and the sensitive spot between her legs pulsed to life.
She lowered her gaze, keeping on that poker face she’d perfected over the years.
“You know, you and Ryan really couldn’t be more different. Are you sure he’s your cousin? He’s super-extroverted and outgoing, and you’re—”
“Not?”
“I get the impression you’re more introverted. You don’t seem to love hanging out at parties or in big groups.”
“I have my moments. With friends and family, I don’t mind the big groups for a while. And I’m always down to have fun.”
“Oh, I’m not sure you’d know fun, even if it was literally going downonyou.”
The stunned look on his face made sure she had no regrets for her crass statement.
Worth it!
She didn’t try and smother her laugh. “See, like this right here. Your cousin would never blush like this.” She gave him a sympathetic look. “You’re also kind of stuffy compared to your cousin.”
He didn’t answer for a moment, and she could practically hear the thoughts in his head. And then his gaze darkened, became a bit predatory and knowing.
Crap.
Before he opened his mouth, she knew what he was thinking. What he would say.
You set yourself up for this.
“Funny. You didn’t seem to think I was stuffy when I had my hand up your dress at Kris and Blake’s wedding.”
She’d braced for it, but the words still came as a shock. Especially when she added in the visual that went with it.
The air whooshed out from her lips, and beneath the table, she clenched her thighs together. The memory was there, just as fresh in her head as the day it happened.
His eyes rounded, and his mouth thinned. She could tell he wasn’t sure if he’d gone too far with that remark. Maybe he thought she’d freak out and throw her water on him or something?
But that wasn’t her. She could accept when she was well-matched. And right now, James was holding his own.
“Touché, James. You’re right. There was nothing stuffy about you that day.” Nothing stuffy at all, and she could not—would not—dwell on it. “You should embrace that side of yourself a little more often.”
Seeming a bit confused at her reply, he waved down their waiter to order another drink.
“What about you? Clearly not the introvert?” He changed the subject a moment later. “Love being at parties, and also being the life of them?”
Oh, Lord, this man really thought he had her figured out. He wasn’t the first to make such shallow assumptions.
She took a moment to adjust her ponytail.
“I enjoy a good party, yes, but do I need to be the life of it? No.” She tilted her head. “Do I have to sidestep a bunch of cringy guys who hit on me? Resounding yes. Do I sometimes have to worry about guys who won’t take no for an answer? Occasionally, yes.”
James’s brows furrowed and a flash of anger lit his eyes, but she continued on.