Page 2 of Summer with a Single Dad

“And to think,”—his voice flowed like honeyed whiskey—“I was going to ask you the same thing.”

“Are you making fun of me?” Heat burned my cheeks.

His left knee brushed against me when he turned toward me. His legs spread open in invitation. “What’s your name?”

I turned and leaned against the counter. “Uh, Madison.” It was partially true. He didn’t need to know my first name. In my mind, I’d enjoy him for the night and forget about him. Anonymity dictated I lie, but I offered my last name instead.

“I’m Chris. I’m in town on business until tomorrow night. A coworker said this was a great spot, and it’s close enough to walk to from my hotel.” He beamed a genuine smile my way, and guilt crawled up my throat along with the lie.

“He’s right. You can’t go wrong with this place. Especially if you want to watch a game.”

“Can I get you another drink?”

“I’m—that’s actually for my friend.”

We both turned to where Cassie watched us like a hawk. She smiled and waved.

“I’m sorry,” I said, as my face flushed with embarrassment.

“What’s she having?” His voice drew me back in.

“Gin and tonic.” My heart hammered in my chest as he looked deep into my eyes.

He looked over my shoulder and signaled the bartender. I released the breath I held as he said, “Gin and tonic. What do you want, Madison?”

“Extra lime,” I answered.

He laughed. “Did you want anything to go with your lime?”

Why am I acting like a nervous schoolgirl?“Extra lime for the gin and tonic. I’ll take a—what are you having?”

“A Nutty Brunette.”

“Are you insinuating that I’m nutty?”

The left corner of his lips lifted into a sexy smirk, and he leaned closer. “Are you nutty?”

I held my fingers an inch apart. “Maybe just a little.”

“Yeah, me too.”

The air between us shifted suddenly.I might be in over my head.I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Are you seducing me?”

“I’m trying to.” Time passed as we stared at one another. “Are you okay with that?”

“I think I can be persuaded.”

“Good,” he said.

Before I could say anything else, the bartender arrived with our drinks.

“Thanks, Micky,” he said, handing him a stack of bills. “I don’t need any change.”

Micky’s eyes went wide. Clearly, Chris tipped well.

Chris passed Cassie’s drink and my beer to me. I tapped my bottle against his, and we took a sip. “Let’s go meet your friend,” he said, smiling.

At five foot eight, I wasn’t particularly short, but Chris towered over me when he stood. He gave me a sheepish grin.Before my tongue fell out of my mouth like a bitch in heat, I turned and led the way.

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