Page 24 of Home Field Advantage
He faces me again, offering me a lopsided grin. “There you go again.”
“I’m sorry?”
“And again.” He laughs, and I remain silent, lips forming a straight line. “I don’t know what you’re sorry for, Poppy.”
“Just didn’t want to bring the mood down.”
“There’s no way you can bring the mood down, even if you try.” He winks. “Besides, it’s only temporary unemployment. Just have to get my shit together before I go back.”
This time, I don’t ask for more.
This time, I opt not to pry into his personal life and all the reasons he’s here.
But my brain locks on the four words.
Before I go back.
Meaning he’s not planning to stay. And there’s no reason that should sting. Even with this conversation, he’s still nothing but a stranger to me. So why do I hate the thought of him not staying here and missing out on a chance to get to know him more?
This was only a casual drink,I remind myself.
I don’t do relationships or want one.
He checks all the boxes for someone who’s looking. Older and more experienced than I am, not just in the bedroom but in life. My brain can’t help but go to thoughts about him finding out I’m youngandstill a virgin.
He seems laid-back and spontaneous, but if something were to spark between us, would he end things the moment he finds out I have a strict routine I follow to keep me sane? And when things stray from my normal, I get too overwhelmed and shut down. Or that I have little everyday quirks that I worry would cause judgment when others find out?
Shaking my head from the wandering thoughts, I look to Dallas sitting on my left. He’s staring at me. I don’t think he’s stopped for more than a few seconds all night, and it lights me up more than it should.
Yep. He checks all the boxes.
But he can’t check mine. The boxes need to remain unchecked here.
Standing from my stool, I finish my drink and stick out my hand for a handshake. Dallas looks down at it and back up to meet my eyes.
“I have to head out. I have to be up early.”
“So soon?”
I nod. “We agreed to one drink.”
“If I had known I was going to have such a good timelistening to you talk, watching you smile, and hearing your laugh, I would have asked for a minimum of five drinks.”
I blush.Again.
“How about your number?” he asks. “I’d love to take you out.”
The question throws me off guard. It shouldn’t, because I had a good time with him tonight.
“I’m not sure it’s the best idea,” I admit.
He takes my hand in his, and his large palm engulfs mine. He stands, forcing my head to tilt up and keep eye contact. Then he tugs me just enough for me to step closer to him. My heart skips a beat from the movement, but also from the intensity of his cologne hitting my senses. It’s a blend of earthy wood and cinnamon. He leans down, bringing his head over my shoulder and his lips to my ear. I can’t help but suck in a breath.
Him being so close.
His hand in mine.
His breath in my ear.
