Page 34 of Off the Hook

“Oh my god,” I said, pointing to a shooting star streaking across the sky. “Did you see that?”

Coulter nodded, with a big smile. “Quick, make a wish!”

I wished I didn’t want to kiss him so badly.

Stargazing beside a hot man was not how I thought my evening would end up. But it felt so easy and natural. I was more relaxed than I had been in months. Our conversation flowed like we’d known each other for years, sipping our wine under the stars.

As I finished the last of my wine, Coulter offered to open another bottle.

“I shouldn’t. In fact, I should probably get going,” I said, sitting up, running my hand through my hair. The combination of beer, wine, starlit night, and the devastatingly handsome man next to me was the perfect mix for me to make decisions I might regret.

I stood, swaying a bit on my feet. I was more than a little tipsy.

“Are you okay to drive?”

“No, I probably shouldn’t,” I answered, suddenly embarrassed. “Do you mind if I leave my car here? I’ll call an Uber.”

Coulter looked at me, a slight smile playing on his luscious lips. “You’re welcome to stay here.”

Feeling a flush rise in my cheeks, I shook my head. “That’s really kind of you, but...”

“I’ll give you the bed,” he interjected, “and I’ll sleep on the couch. I promise.”

Suddenly I wanted this man to make me all kinds of promises. “That wouldn’t be appropriate.” I bit my lip.

He frowned slightly, “Why not? We’re having a good time. I don’t want it to end just yet.”

“Honestly, this is the most fun I’ve had in the six months since I moved here,” I admitted, “but I’ve had a little too much to drink, and I don’t want to cross any lines.”

Coulter leaned forward, his eyes sincere. “Faith, this is the most fun I’ve had talking to a woman in ages. You’re welcome to stay. I promise I won’t sneak into your bed in the middle of the night.”

“That’snotwhat I’m worried about.” It was me I wasn’t sure I could trust.

He gave me a roguish smile. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”

I bit my lip again, torn between propriety and the undeniable connection I felt. “It’s just…”

“Just what?” he asked softly. “We’ve been talking all night. It’s been… nice.”

I sighed, knowing he was right and hoping I was being silly. It had been more than nice. “Alright,” I said finally. “But I’ll take the couch.”

He shook his head, a teasing light in his eyes. “No way. My mother will come back from the grave and skin me alive if I put you on the couch. You take the bed so I live to see morning. Deal?”

“Deal,” I said, smiling.

He stood, towering over me as his broad hand wrapped around my arm just above the elbow. “Let’s turn in before I convince you to let me open another bottle of wine.”

“That would be a very bad idea.”

“I’m full of those.” He laughed as he guided me back into his house.

“I bet you are.” I snickered, realizing how easily he made me laugh.

Coulter showed me to his room, motioning toward the neatly-made bed. “The sheets are pretty clean. I changed them a couple of days ago. But I can get you a fresh set if you like.”

“Don’t be silly,” I said. “It’s fine.” Part of me liked the idea of sleeping in sheets he’d been between just this morning. “Thank you, Coulter,” I said, touching his arm. “Tonight has been fantastic.”

His lips parted in a smile. “Yes it has.'' He looked around me toward the bathroom off his bedroom. “I just need to brush my teeth and then I’ll get out of your hair.”

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