Page 47 of Samson

“When you came to check up on me. See if I was okay.”

“Oh, that. You didn’t ask me out.”

“I did. I distinctly remember.”

“You asked me back to your place. There’s a big difference.”

“Is there?”

“Maybe not in your world, but there is in mine.”

“It wouldn’t have mattered. You’d already made up your mind about me the moment I walked in. Before I ever said a word, you’d already decided.”

She shook her head. “You hit on me while you were on a date. What was I supposed to think?”

“I never made any promises to them. They knew what they were getting.”

“And that makes it okay to use them?”

“Do you think it’s okay for them to use me?”

“Is that what happens?”

He smiled sadly. “Most of the people in my life do.”

“Are you trying to make me feel bad for you?”

“No. I give as good as I get. But I wouldn’t do that to you.”

“I don’t believe you.”

He crossed his arms. “Then go.”

She pushed her tongue into her cheek. It had been easy up until now, but if she was going to protect Luca, she’d have to change tack. She’d have to lie. At least she’d prepared for it.

“This is hard for me.”

He leaned forward. “Why?”

“I had a bad breakup recently, and when you came in looking as good as you do, it scared me.” She squirmed in her seat but kept her discomfort off her face. “I don’t want to get hurt again.”

He slowly reached across the table and touched her hand. “You think I would hurt you?”

His focus was so completely on her, she found it hard to breathe. But she wouldn’t allow herself to drink from his deep, dark eyes.

“I don’t know. You could.” She didn’t like how small her voice sounded, but at least her plan was working. He wasn’t looking anywhere else. And neither was she. She couldn’t if she tried.

“I wouldn’t,” he said. “I wouldn’t ever hurt you.”

“Maybe.”

“Maybe you should get to know me better.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

The smile left his eyes as he pulled his hand back. “What are you doing here?” An edge had appeared in his tone.

“What do you mean? You invited me to sit. I thought we were having a conversation.”

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