I laugh, “Now you’re prettier than I am.”
Tanner is so heartstoppingly handsome, I could lead him by the hand to my bedroom and ride him until the cows come home, and I wouldn’t be a bit sorry we missed our date.
His gaze turns heated. “You keep calling me pretty. I might have to spank you.”
“Promise?”
Tanner comes to me and leans forward, sliding a hand to the back of my neck, and crashes his mouth against mine.
There’s a sleepy Catahoula on the sofa. Otherwise, I might drag this cowboy down with me and let him press his weight on me in a hot and heavy makeout session. God, how long has it been since I messed around?
When Tanner pulls away from the kiss, he seems to have the same idea as I do, judging by his hooded gaze.
I swallow back my feelings about him leaving tomorrow and give him my best teasing, seductive smile. “We could just stay in.”
He takes my hand, pulling me to my feet. “What if I want to show you off?”
Show me off? That could mean a dozen different things, none of which are appealing to me. I’m a bit of a hermit, after all.
But the nagging voice in my head is getting drowned out by my growling stomach.
Makeup or no makeup, cute dress or not, I’m happy just to have dinner with someone who makes me laugh.
Whether or not he realizes my heart will hurt when he leaves.
ChapterTen
Tanner
People talk a lot of shit but rarely to my face.
Add alcohol to the mix, though, and we might see some people telling me exactly what they think tonight.
There’s a live band at Willie’s Bar & Grill tonight, and they’ve got a new delivery of local grass-fed beef, so the place is packed. So it’s good that I convinced the owner to reserve a table for us, even though they don’t take reservations.
We’re seated near the back of the restaurant in a cozy booth. Although the conversation is flowing and we both enjoy our food, I can’t help but notice something is off with Casey. She seems guarded, even more than usual.
I’d thought we were getting somewhere, but I’m starting to wonder if her feelings have diminished now that she’s thinking straight with food in her belly.
My worry spikes when she looks past me and suddenly stands up.
“I’ll be right back. I have to use the ladies’ room.”
I stand while she walks away, right on the heels of Rachel Springer.
Shit. What the hell is she up to?
ChapterEleven
Casey
Subtle, Casey. Be cool.
I don’t go out much, but I have been out enough to know that the quickest way to a tipsy girl’s heart is to make friends in the restroom.
In the mirror next to Rachel Springer, I apply my lip balm. I feel a little stupid since it’s not actually makeup, but does anyone notice? Of course not. She’s dressed for a date, too, so she must have the night off. It must suck to be a nightclub server in a town with only one nightclub to visit on your nights off.
“I love your shoes,” I say, nodding to Rachel’s wedges.