Page 2 of Fumbling for Perfection

“Not anymore.”

He studies me with interest and I glance over to the dance floor, seeking out Kendall. She’s too caught up in her dance partners to notice me.

I return my attention to the dark-haired Adonis in front of me. “Thanks, um, for my water.”

The corner of his lip quirks. “You’re welcome. Are you here alone?”

I shake my head. “No.”

The beautiful man nods and takes a step back. “I apologize for overstepping.”

Gorgeousandmanners? “Oh. No.” I wrap my hand around his forearm. At least, I think it’s his forearm. It’s huge and solid. Maybe his bicep slid down his arm? Or maybe he’s wearing a prosthetic under his leather jacket. “I, um. I’m here with a girlfriend.”

“She left you alone?”

“Not exactly.” I chuckle. “I was dancing and needed a water break. Besides, I’m more than capable of being out on my own.”

His eyes rake my body up and down and I feel my nipples pebble. Damn this tight, slutty dress. There’s no way he doesn’t notice.

“Looking like this?” His eyebrow quirks. “You’re a lamb among wolves.”

“A wolf, are you?”

This time, his lips grow into a full-fledged smile. “You could say that.”

“And am I in danger of being eaten by you?” I feel my cheeks redden as soon as the words slip past my tongue, realizing the double entendre. The mystery man is enough of a gentleman not to call me on it.

We stare at each other for a few moments, the thump of the music vibrating through the soles of my high-heeled boots, until he finally breaks the spell. “A table opened up in the back. Care to join me for a drink? Water or something stronger?”

He takes my elbow and guides me to a quieter corner in the back, not waiting for my reply. Not that I’m about to turn down the offer to be in his company. The man is gorgeous. Thick with muscle, yet trim like he takes care of his body and doesn’t just chest press trucks in his spare time.

“Is this okay?” He offers me the seat with my back to the wall and a view of the bar while he takes the one that puts his back to the room.

In all the suspense books I’ve read, the guy never takes the seat with his back to the door or the crowd. Granted, those are detectives, police officers, security teams, or mafia heroes who are protecting the heroine or are on the defense for their own lives.

My hottie stranger does the opposite, which tells me he’s not looking for anyone. If anything, he wants to avoid people.

“Do you come here often?” I scrunch my nose. “Sorry. That sounded like a cheesy pick-up line.”

He chuckles. “I haven’t been here in years.” He doesn’t say it with a sense of nostalgia. There’s a slight edge to his tone, but I can’t pick up on it with the music beating through the bar. It’s not as loud in our secluded corner, but we do have to talk loudly to hear each other.

“Are you from around here?” Again with the edge to his tone.

I shake my head and finish my water. “No. First time to Providence.”

“Are you here for business or pleasure?”

Great question. I roll my bottom lip between my teeth and let out a deep sigh. “I guess a little of both.”

“You don’t sound too excited about the pleasure part.”

I let out an unladylike snort. “Pleasure would be an added bonus. Not sure if that’s going to happen.”

I bite my lip again. My mouth needs a backspace key. It’s not like I’m stupid drunk and spilling all my secrets, but the three rum and diets have me loose lipped.

“Are you here for business or pleasure? Or do you, um, live around here?” Hell, if he’s a local, I need to run. Fast. Like, a super-fast getaway.

Sexy Man loops his finger around the neck of his beer bottle and swirls it a few times while he studies me. “Business but hoping for pleasure. And no, I don’t live around here.”

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