Page 5 of The Forbidden Note

Neither do I.

I motion to the drumsticks. “You’re a musician?”

“Struggling.”

“No shame in that.”

He tilts his head. “You think so?”

“It’s hard to make a living. Might as well pursue what you love when you’re young.”

One corner of his lips arches up again. The sight of it burns me alive.

“Why are you talking like you’re older than me?”

“Aren’t I?”

“What?”

I take a sip. “Older than you.”

“How old are you?”

“Don’t you know you should never ask a woman her age?”

He squints at me. “Can I guess?”

“Be very careful.” The words sound seductive. Now, I know I’m tipsy.

His eyes linger on my curly hair and move down to my lips. I feel his study like a caress on my skin.

“Twenty-four.”

My brows hike.

“Am I right?”

“No.” I glance away.

His lips curl up higher. “You can’t lie, tiger. That’s cute.”

“Cute?”

“I have other adjectives, but I’m trying to be a gentleman.”

My skin sizzles with every second that passes. It’s beensolong since I’ve felt this attracted to someone.

“What if you weren’t?”

“What?”

“A gentleman?”

“Is that a challenge?”

“Just curiosity.” Heart slamming against my ribs, I motion for another drink.

I’ve had more than three bottles tonight.

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