“This is going to happen. When you’re ready.”
“Trust me. I’m ready. I—”
“No. You’re not. You’re sexy, beautiful, strong, tempting.” He pressed a kiss to my temple. “Did I mention sexy?”
I laughed, totally confused, yet…happy. He didn’t want sex from me? Every guy wanted sex with me. This didn’t make sense. What did I have to offer him other than sex? What did I have to offer anyone?
“And what I want…starts with a date.” He brushed his cheek along mine, and the contrast of his stubbly skin against my smooth skin kick-started my heart again, not that it’d calmed down much. “You smell good.”
“No I don’t. I just…got off work.”
He drew in a deep breath. “Always smell good. About that date.”
“I don’t know, Drey, I—”
“You’ll have sex with me but not go out on a date with me?”
Sex was way more safe.ThatI knew. And I did that very well.
Dating…I’d never even been on one. What did people on a date talk about? What did they do? How did they act? I hated the lack of control.
“Shhh, wait. It’s okay.” He nudged my chin up with his finger. “It’s just a date.”
Just a date. He had no clue.
“Umm, I don’t…think that’s a good idea.” I pressed against his chest, dislodging him from me, and I immediately felt his absence. And I hated the feeling. “Maybe…you should go.”
“Why?” He snagged my hand.
“Drey. Please. I—”
“Tell me why, Sarah.” His voice was deep, controlled.
I didn’t see anger in his eyes, more…hurt.Hefelt hurt?Hedid? I shook my head.No!I needed to keep him out of my heart. Out of my life. I—but I wanted him. Even more now that he’d refused me. That felt completely backward, but totally right.
He didn’t want to take from me then discard me. Like every single man I’d ever known. Ever hooked up with. Ever deserved.
Instead of the whore I was, he treated me…with respect. I couldn’t help but laugh. He had no clue what I really was. What kind of person he was trying to…date.
But he wanted to find out. To spend time with me. His thumb rubbed over my knuckle as he held my hand, in silence. He really was going to stand there until I answered him, wasn’t he?
“I’ve…never been on a date,” I whispered, my eyes closed. No way did I want to see his reaction.
“Good. Then you’re all mine.” I opened my eyes and he smiled down at me. “And I will get that kiss, Sarah. So be ready.”
Chapter Fifteen
Drey
“So,everyoneisgoodwith their assignments?” Bill stood at the head of the tables all us bouncers and coolers were huddled around. “I don’t want anything going wrong tonight. This is a big gig we got here. It’ll help the club push to that next level.”
“We’re good, boss,” Sam said as he stood. “We got your back.”
“Hunter is point. He has eyes on the lead singer with Drey. All hands on deck for the two others. They’ll have their own security detail, but I don’t trust anyone but my guys.”
“Because we’re the shit.” Aiden yelled out.
“Right-o, mate!” Sam cheered.