Page 9 of Burning Daylight
My gaze drops to his tattoos and then runs back up. He’s unpolished in a way that seems so effortless, it looks manufactured. Rough around the edges, like he could try harder if he wanted but doesn’t care to.
He’s the kind of guy my parents would hate.
Unfortunately, that makes him infinitely more attractive.
“I appreciate it,” I force out.
He cocks his head. “Appreciate what?”
I throw my hands up. “Did you want a thank-you or not?”
“Are you always so combative?”
“Are you always this insufferable?”
His smirk spreads, dimples and all. “This is fun, getting to know each other like this.”
I scoff. “I do not want toknowyou.”
“Ouch, Princess.” He grips his chest and staggers like I’ve wounded him. “Straight to the heart. Ever heard of etiquette?”
Color blooms on my cheeks. I’ve been in etiquette classes since I was old enough to hold a fork, but I amnotgoing to give him the satisfaction of knowing that.
Who the hell does he think he is, anyway, judgingme?
There’s just something about this guy. His energy rubs across my skin like sandpaper, leaving me raw and exposed.
“Don’t call me princess,” I snap.
“Whatever you want…Princess.” He says it slowly, like he’s tasting the word.
I flush deeper.
“Do you always blush so easily?”
“It’s not like I can control it.” My hands fly up to cover my face. “You know, you ask a lot of questions.”
The stranger tsks and steps closer.
And for whatever reason, I stand still as he does.
“Don’t do that,” he utters softly, peeling my fingers from my cheeks. “It’d be a shame to hide something so gorgeous.”
My stomach flutters again, and I don’t like the feeling.
“That sounds like something a serial killer would say,” I tell him. “Are you a criminal?”
“Depends. Is it a crime to want to know a pretty girl?”
“Maybe,” I reply. “You’re attractive. And you’re a guy. Statistically, I’m pretty sure that makes you a red flag.”
His eyes spark with mischief. “So youdothink I’m hot.”
My mouth pops open, but words trip and stumble on my tongue until I finally settle on, “I have a boyfriend.”
Awesome, Juliette. Real smooth.
Guilt hits me, because this is the first time I’ve thought of Preston since meeting this stranger.
