Page 5 of Her Paramedic
Nova laughed. “If you say so.” She took a drink as they swayed. “You know, when she finds out, she won’t be happy about missing out.”
“I know,” Talia sighed. “But today isn’t about her, and I want to keep it that way.”
“I suppose that couldn’t be guaranteed if she were invited. Maybe she needs to sign up for some dating sites, or I can hook her up with someone. I’ve got a client who’s single, handsome, and seems like a good guy.”
Talia was sure that Alivia was on dating sites. It was probably how she was finding the flings she found herself in. She didn’t think they should try to hook her up with anyone, either. She’d tried a few times with a few of the single men who came into her shop for haircuts. The two dates Alivia went on weren’t the best, and she’d almost lost clientele because of it. That lesson was learned the hard way, and she wouldn’t be repeating it. She also would not let Nova fall victim to it.
“I don’t think she’s looking for anything serious. So, I wouldn’t hook her up with a client. We don’t want it going wrong.”
Nova raised a brow at her. “In other words, you’ve done it, and it is ill-advised. Gotcha.”
Talia rolled her eyes playfully. “What are you drinking?”
“Some fruity thing the bartender had on his specials menu. I’d let you taste it, but it has kiwi in it.”
She had an Epi vial with her, but she would not risk having an allergic reaction to taste a drink purposely.
“Excuse me, ladies.” Talia turned her attention and found Slate. “Nova, do you mind if I cut in?”
“Not at all,” her friend responded with a smile before throwing a wink at her and walking off.
“May I?” Slate asked, and with a nod of consent, he placed his hands on her waist while she slid her arms over his shoulders. They swayed silently for a few seconds before he broke it. “I recall having a conversation where you were supposed to get my number from Axel.”
“I know. Things were hectic that night after we left, and I meant to get it the following day and forgot.”
“It wounds me to know I’m so forgettable,Ms. Talia.”
There he went, saying her name like that again. Like the word alone was a seduction he was trying to get her to fall into. It was purposeful, and she wanted to hear him repeat it.
“I didn’t say that,” she defended.
Truthfully, when he asked for her number, she’d been seeing someone casually for a couple of months. They weren’t exclusive, and she didn’t see the harm in exchanging numbers. However, a week after that, things had gone to the gutter, and all her focus had been on a hair show she’d taken part in. So she’d honestly forgotten.
“Besides, if you wanted to talk to me, you could have gottenmynumber from Axel,” Talia added.
Slate raised a brow at her as he wrapped one arm around her waist and pulled her flush against him. “I could have. I even thought about it,” he admitted. “But I don’t deal in unwanted pursuits.”
“I didn’t say—”
“No, you didn’t,” he cut her off. “You showed me.”
It was her turn to lift a brow quizzically. “If that’s the case, if that’s what you think, then why are we talking about it?”
“A problem is still a problem, even when left unspoken. I’d prefer not to have any unspoken things between us.”
Talia studied him momentarily before rising on her toes when realization hit, lips close to his. “You’re full of it,” she stated, then lowered herself.
Slate chuckled. “Is that so?”
“Yes. You knew I most likely forgot and wasn’t purposely keeping you at bay. You just wanted to hear me say it.”
He smiled at her, and she was sure that damn smile should be illegal. “You caught me, but can you blame me for wanting a gorgeous woman to stroke my ego?” He licked his lower lip as he stared into her eyes. “Among other things,” he added, voice an octave lower.
“I’m sure I could. Blame you, that is.” Though if she were honest, she wouldn’t be opposed to stroking other things.
“Let me take you out next weekend.”
“Mm, I suppose I can grant you that honor if it’s for me to kick your ass again in pool,” she teased with a smile.
