Page 59 of Spilling the Tea

If he told her the truth, she would really think he was an ass. But then maybe that was good. Letting her know the real him, issues and all. “I’m into one-night stands.”

She tilted her head. “And?”

“And the one-and-done kind. I make it my business to never sleep with the same woman twice. I came here tonight thinking I’d hook up with someone.”

She nodded, staring at him. Was that disappointment that flashed in her eyes? “Some woman you’ve never slept with before?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, I see.”

“No, I don’t think that you do, Zoey. The woman I wanted to hook up with tonight was you.”

He saw the heat in her eyes, and then he watched the heat turn into a glare. “You honestly thought I’d be your one-night stand? Your one and done?” she asked. “Why would you assume such a thing?”

“Because we’re intensely attracted to each other.”

“No matter how attracted I am to you, Chance, I don’t sleep with anyone to relieve sexual urges. For me, it has to mean more than a tumble between the sheets. You would have known that if you had gotten to know me instead of passing me off to Corbin.”

He shouldn’t be surprised she had figured that out. The music ended, and she walked off without waiting for him to escort her back to the table.

Damn. He’d messed that up big-time and knew he owed her an apology. The second one that night. He followed her back to the table, and when his relatives began shifting in their chairs to make room for him to sit down, he said, “Don’t bother.”

He turned to Zoey. “May I speak with you privately for a minute?” It would have served him right if she’d refused in front of everyone.

She pushed her chair back and stood, and Chance released the breath he’d been holding. He was tempted to take her hand but figured it was best not to press his luck. Instead, they walked outside to an area away from prying eyes and nosy ears.

“What do you want to talk to me about, Chance?” The glare was back in her eyes.

“I want to apologize.”

“Again? Why? Obviously, you were being you. A person I’m beginning not to like.”

Her words were like a kick in the gut. Over the years, he’d prided himself on not caring what anyone thought about him or his attitude. However, now it mattered. “We need to talk, Zoey.”

“No, we don’t.”

“Yes, we do, and here is not the place. Will you join me for dinner tomorrow at my ranch?”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Did you not tell me earlier that you don’t invite women to your place for dinner?”

“Yes, but I want to share a few things about myself. Then you’ll understand why I am the way I am.”

She didn’t say anything for a long moment, then uncrossed her arms and said, “Okay, Chance. I will join you for dinner tomorrow. But like I said before, I’m not into meaningless sex.”

He nodded. “I got that. Now, may I give you my phone number?” he asked.

She pulled her cell phone out of the back pocket of her jeans. He did the same, and he called her. It then occurred to him this wasn’t the first time he’d called her from his cell phone. However, this was the first time he’d invited her to use it to call him. Any other woman would have done so regardless. That once again proved how different she was from other women. He appreciated she didn’t make a pest of herself.

A short while later, while walking Zoey back to her table, he noticed Ravena sitting at the bar, staring at him. When he and Zoey reached the table, he was about to bid everyone good night, but impulsively, he reached for her hand before she could take a seat. “Another dance? Okay?”

“It’s a Texas line dance, Chance. It’s been a long time. You think you’re up to it?” Blade asked jokingly.

“I’m a Texan. I’m also a Madaris. Watch me.” He led Zoey to the dance floor, and the line dancing began. A full hour of it.

His family joined in with the line dancing, and he figured they were surprised he knew the steps. There was no need to mention dancing was a great form of leg exercise. Therefore, for years he’d subscribed to one of those line dance channels.

When the line dance marathon was over, it was followed by several slow dances. He danced every one with Zoey. If his cousins found it odd that although Zoey was Corbin’s date, Chance was dominating her time, they didn’t show it.

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