Page 22 of The First Time

But I won’t. I will not fall for his charm again. I look over at him and I can just tell he knows what I’m doing. He knows I’m arguing with myself.

“Who won?” he asks with a raised eyebrow.

“What are you talking about?”

“Who won in the little argument in your head? The you that hates me or the one who wants me?”

“Didn’t your parents ever teach you how to talk to a lady?” I fire back.

He looks away from me, the tension evident in his shoulders. “My parents didn’t teach me shit,” he says under his breath.

I know he grew up in Texas and his parents are still there, but I don’t know much beyond that. Asher told me once that he doesn’t go home very often. He’s spent quite a few holidays with us since he met Asher in college.

“Are you not close with your parents?” I ask, suddenly curious to know more about his upbringing.

He scoffs. “That’s an understatement.”

“You never talk about them.”

He tips back the last of his beer. “I don’t like to,” he says, then slams down his glass. “What do you say we loosen you up and make this night a little wild and crazy? We can bring back the old Layla. Although, I like the one right in front of me too.”

His eyes roam up and down my body. He’s not subtle with his appreciative gaze.

“How do you propose we make it a crazy night?”

He gives me his megawatt grin. “Shots.”

He leaves our table and comes back with a tray of drinks. Thank goodness we ate a massive amount of carbs today. I’m hoping it helps absorb this alcohol.

“A secret for a shot?” he suggests with a knowing look on his face.

I cross my arms across my chest. “If you want to pretend that we’re in high school. Fine. But you have to go first.”

He rubs his hands together in anticipation. “Bring your best, Layla. Let’s get personal.”

I tap my finger to my chin as I ponder all the things I want to know about this man. Without any liquid courage yet, I think our first round of questions should be easier. We can get to the good stuff after I have some hard liquor in my system.

“Best sex you’ve ever had?” I challenge him.

Am I torturing myself with this question? Yes, I am. But I still want to know the answer.

He shakes his head as he grabs his shot glass. “You go straight for the tough questions.”

He has no idea what’s coming if he thinks this is a hard question.

His eyes trail down the length of my body again, making me break out in goosebumps. “I have a feeling I haven’t had my best sex yet, but it’ll happen soon.”

I wiggle in my seat as my body scorches with desire. He throws his shot back. I should point out that he didn’t answer the question, but I think he just insinuated sex with me would be the best he’s ever had.

“Alright, Freckles. I believe it’s my turn to pick a question.” He slides a shot glass my way. “Are you ready?”

“Bring it on, Josh.”

“What’s the most important quality you’re looking for in a man?”

I’m stunned. This is not the type of question I was expecting. “You’re making my question look bad. I didn’t realize we were asking serious questions, not dirty ones.”

“Just answer the question, Freckles.”

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