Page 28 of Ashes of Saints

Shit. I need her to stay.

I need her to trust me.

“Surely I’m not that bad of a date.” I tilt my head, giving her an amused smile to lighten the mood.

“It’s not you, it’s—”

“Me? Ouch.” I clasp my chest dramatically. “Every man’s nightmare words.”

Aurora giggles. Then it abruptly disappears and she lets out a sigh, leaning forward as if she’s about to whisper some state secret.

What is going on here?

Does she have multiple personalities? Who would know? She’s Mary-Anne’s daughter after all.

“Parker, why am I here? I know I’m not your type. Hell, my dress is from a Macy’s sale and I think these heels were from Nordstrom Rack. The last discount clearance.”

I don’t know what that means.

But the insecurity lining her face bothers me. It shouldn’t, and yet I find myself wanting to reassure her that I don’t care about her fucking shoes. I will buy her fifty pairs of shoes if she will smile like she did a moment ago.

She’s way too beautiful to think she isn’t my type. Who the fuck told her that?

Right now, I need her to relax, so we can get through dinner and I can take her utensils for DNA testing.

I reach and tuck a lock of hair over her ear.

“Well, if we’re being honest, I’m less interested in your dress than I am in what’s underneath it, Aurora Whitlock.”

Her cheeks flame once more.

“I’m a sexual man. You’re a very sexy woman. Is there anything wrong with that?” I rasp, all humor gone, as I gaze deeply into her emerald eyes.

A bolt of electricity shoots between us, almost forcing me back into my seat.

The hell is that?

When she licks her lips, unconsciously, and her eyes dilate richly, I don’t know whether to run or shove the table aside and carry her out caveman style.

Fortunately, she beats me to it and asks, “So is this a one-night stand?”

No. I’m not fucking you.

“This is dinner.”

Her blush deepens, showing her embarrassment.

“See, I’m not cut out for this. Most women would play along, go home with you, and then overthink it with her girlfriends.”

I almost laugh.

She’s not wrong, but once again, I find myself amused and intrigued by this unusual creature. Her lack of confidence is almost sexy, but it also annoys me somewhat.

Not that it matters. This is not a proper date.

She covers her insecurity with directness, likely a survival technique she’s adopted along the way.

I wonder why.

---