Page 35 of Love Me Like It's Real
“Hm…” he says. “We can start with that third speed-dating event next week.”
I clear my throat and tap my chest for good measure before I turn to him. “Is that your way of asking me out on a second date, Mr. Hayworth?”
The way he snorts brings me back down to earth in record time.
“Me? A second date? No. I don’t even do regular dates. It’s too risky.”
“Risky? What’s risky about it?”
“It’s easy to think you’re catching feelings. And that’s the last thing I want. Me? I’m a hookup guy. That way there’s guaranteed no feelings involved.”
“No feelings? In sex? You must be doing it wrong.”
He chuckles. “No. Definitely not. I can show you if you like.”
Snap.
This time, the sting of the elastic band does wake me up a little. And it definitely sobers me up.
This guy is a player. He’s the last person on earth I should even entertain dating, or hooking up with.
“It’s okay. I believe you,” I say and turn to face the bar.
“Well, I’m here if you change your mind.”
“I’m okay.” I wave my hand in front of his face and turn to my cocktail.
It’s tempting and of course my cock throbs at the suggestion but I can’t. I can’t change my mind.
I need to change the subject. Yeah. That’s what I need to do.
“So, what do you do, Hayworth? For work, I mean.”
He takes a deep breath and licks his lips and I brace myself.
“You first.”
I deflate.
Of course. Nothing is easy with this guy, is it?
“Are you hiding from me?”
He laughs. “No. But mine is…complicated.”
Now I’m even more intrigued.
“Well, I’m a graphic designer. More specifically a book cover designer.”
“No way!” His eyes pop wide open as if he doesn’t believe me but then he does a little approving nod and smiles. “What kind of books do you design?”
“Romance, mainly.”
I don’t miss the way his face twists in disgust. It only lasts a second but I see it.
“Now it’s your turn. What do you do?”
He licks his lips again. He takes a sip of his cocktail. He clears his throat. Then he turns to me. “I’m a dating specialist.”
