Page 8 of Take the Bait

“I started small. Blew bubbles into my drink. Nada.”

He grinned at her. He really liked this girl. She was funny. Bold. Weird—super fucking weird. And pretty. “And then?”

“Took a selfie with a duck face.” She mimicked the action.

He cackled. “You didn’t.”

“I did.”

“And nothing?”

“Tragically, no.”

He couldn’t remember the last time he laughed this much. Couldn’t remember the last time he’d gone this long without stressing about the restaurant. “And then?”

“Well, I’ve always been able to burp on command, but I felt like it was time to go big or go home, ya know?” She was gesturing wildly, hands flying around as she spoke with conviction. “So I chugged some of my drink to make sure it was a big one. And then you came up, and I tried to hold it in, but…”

“But then you had a giggle fit because he was being an idiot and it just slipped out?”

She smiled at him, and damn it if he didn’t love it. “Exactly.”

His gaze fell to her mouth—supple, pink lips that men dreamed about—until he noticed a pretty flush creeping up her cheeks. They held eye contact for a few sustained moments before the barista returned with their orders.

“Well,” she said awkwardly. “Thanks. For the drink. And helping me with all of that.”

“No problem.” He didn’t want to stop talking to her, but could feel her pulling away. “Want to sit down with me for a bit?”

She bit her lip. “I should really be going.”

“Can I at least get your number?” He sounded desperate, but he didn’t care. He wanted to keep getting to know this girl. Maybe hear more burping stories. Maybe try to put her mouth to other uses.

Her cheeks turned a delightful shade of pink. “Um…”

“C’mon, what’s the harm?”

“I’ve now embarrassed myself in front of you twice. I don’t think I want to do it a third time.”

He wasn’t going to push. Tucker had been around the creepy guys who didn’t know how to take no for an answer. He wouldn’t do that. But fuck if he didn’t want to get on his knees and beg this girl for her number—beg her to keep reminding him there was life to live outside of his job.

“Well.” He exhaled. “You know where to find me if you change your mind.”

Her cheeks grew pink again, and she nodded. “I’m sorry for being a mess, but thanks again. For being so nice. For the drink.”

“Don’t worry about it, shortcake.”

She sucked her lips in, as if holding back a smile, then nodded. “Well.”

She was so adorably awkward.

He liked it. A lot.

“Well,” he said again.

“See you around.”

“I hope so.”

And he meant it.

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