Page 9 of Silver Flirt

I can’t help but smile, my chest swelling with pride. “Yeah, it’s called the Silver Coop. Business has been booming. I love it.”

“That’s fantastic, Bash. I’m so happy for you.” Her smile is warm and genuine. It makes me feel ten feet tall.

“Thanks. Yeah, it’s been a hell of a ride. And get this, my twin brother Brett even lives in Barton Beach now, too.”

“No way! How’s Brett doing?”

“Man, he’s crazy in love.” I shake my head in wonder. “He and his wife run a bakery together in town. Can you believe it? My player of a brother, settled down and playing house.”

Melissa beams. “That’s incredible. I’m glad to hear he’s doing so well.”

“Yeah, we both are.” I pause, my gaze caught on the elegant line of her throat as she takes another sip of her martini. I imagine pressing my lips there, feeling her pulse jump under my mouth.

I swallow hard. “You know, you should come visit Barton Beach sometime. I think you’d really like it.”

She arches an eyebrow, a playful gleam in her eye. “Oh yeah? And why’s that?”

Because I want to lay you out on the beach and worship your body under the stars. Because I want to show you just how good we could be together.

But I don’t say any of that. Instead, I say, “It’s a special place. Beautiful. Peaceful. A place where you can just be yourself, no expectations.” I lower my voice to a rumble. “I’d be happy to show you around. Give you the full experience.”

She giggles. “That’s, um, a very tempting offer, Mr. Cooper.”

“You’re a very tempting woman, Ms. Graham.”

Our eyes lock and the air crackles between us, electric and alive with possibility. I watch her throat work as she swallows. I’d give my left nut to know what she’s thinking right now.

Then she shifts gears on me.

“You know, I think I’ve actually driven past the Silver Coop before,” she says, tapping a manicured finger against her glass. “My friend Lisa lives in Barton Beach. I visit her a few times a year.”

My heart kicks into high gear at her words. The thought of Melissa being so close to my stomping grounds, so close to me, without me even knowing it... it’s almost too much to handle.

“No shit?” I ask, trying to play it cool even as my pulse races. “Small world. So you’re telling me we could’ve run into each other before now, and I missed my chance?”

“Maybe it just wasn’t the right time,” she says with a coy smile that makes my blood run hot. “Timing is everything, Bash. You know that.”

I hold her gaze, letting the heat build between us. “Damn straight, I do.”

We spend the next two hours catching up on the past twenty-odd years. I tell her about my baseball career and my decision to retire early. She fills me in on law school and making partner at her firm.

And the entire time, I can’t take my eyes off her. The way she tosses her hair back when she laughs, the graceful movements of her hands as she talks, the fullness of her lips shining with gloss. I’m riveted.

As the conversation flows, I decide to test the waters. “So, is there a Mr. Melissa Graham these days?” I ask casually.

Melissa laughs softly, shaking her head. “No, no husband for me. I’m married to my job at the moment.” She looks down, tracing the rim of her glass with her finger. “Plus, most men aren’t exactly lining up to date a workaholic lawyer who puts in eighty hour weeks.”

“Their loss,” I murmur, my eyes locked on hers. “Sounds like they just can’t handle a woman who knows what she wants.”

She laughs softly. “I don’t know about that. But it’s true I don’t have much time for dating. My career keeps me pretty busy.”

I nod in understanding. “I get that. It can be tough to find someone who appreciates your drive and ambition.”

“Exactly.” She takes a sip of her martini, looking at me curiously. “What about you? Have you found that special someone willing to put up with your busy schedule?”

I shake my head, chuckling. “Nah. I’ve had a few relationships over the years, but nothing that stuck. Guess I’m still waiting for the right woman to come along.”

“I’m sure she’s out there,” Melissa says, her voice softening. “Any woman would be lucky to have you.”

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