Page 62 of His To Erase
“Can’t blame a man for trying.”
I set the drink down harder than I need to, watching the amber swirl. “Are you staying until we kick you out?”
He shrugs, taking a long, unbothered sip. “Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve closed down a place with you.”
“You mean sat in the corner until I told you to leave?”
He grins. “Semantics.”
Across the bar, the new girl throws me a look, mouthing everything okay? I nod once. It’s not a lie, but it’s not the truth either.
Where’s Sarah when I need her? She would’ve clocked this whole thing five minutes ago and started dry-running his obituary.
It’s always like this. It’s been this way since that night in the alley. He’s always been flirty, so it doesn’t really bother me.
I start counting the till and wiping the last stubborn ring of grime off the bar. He stands slow and unrushed, with that same air of entitlement he always wears.
“Come on, Ani. Let me give you a ride.”
I grab my bag without looking at him. “My Uber’s already on the way.”
He doesn’t answer right away.
“You sure?” he asks. Voice dipping just enough in something that doesn’t quite match the charm.
“Positive.” I tap the side of my phone like it’s proof. It’s a lie. I was going to walk, but I’ll be damned if I owe him anything. I’m not giving him any ideas.
The second he steps out the door, I sigh and finally order the damn car. The price climbs with every passing second, mocking me.
The bright side is, at least I don’t have to walk home. My feet will thank me—my pride, maybe not so much.
I finish locking the door behind me, sliding the key into place with a satisfying click. The alley beside the bar is quiet, lit only bythe flickering lights overhead. I shove my hands into my jacket pockets, bracing for the chill that always creeps in after close—only to freeze halfway through the motion.
Frank’s standing there like he’s been waiting for me.
He has one foot propped against the wall, with his hands tucked into his coat and that same cocky half-smile plastered across his face.
“You really should let me drive you home,” he says smoothly, pushing off the wall and stepping toward me.
I take a small step back, not because I’m afraid, but because his presence always feels like a little too much. Like standing too close to a fire. You don’t know if you’re warming up or about to get burned.
“My Uber’s almost here.” I shrug, forcing my voice to stay light. “Besides, I don’t make a habit of getting into cars with strange men.”
“Strange?” His smile tilts, not quite a smirk, but not super friendly either. “Ani, we’ve been seeing each other for months. Come on.”
Fuck. I was afraid of this. Why can’t men just let things be the way they are and be okay with being friend zoned.
If we’re dating then what I did in the library… No, I’m not going there.I’ve always been clear with Frank about my feelings.
His gaze drags over me, and he smiles. “Why are you still pretending this is some cat-and-mouse thing? You’re not hard to get—you’re just scared to want it.”
I scoff, but before I can come up with something snarky, he moves closer.
My back hits the wall with a soft thud as his hand braces beside my head, his body angled just enough to keep me boxed in without ever touching me.
“I know you’re stubborn,” he murmurs, voice dipping low. “But isn’t it exhausting pretending you don’t want this.”
His mouth dips—hovering near mine. Just close enough that I can feel his breath, and taste the mix of whiskey and smoke still clinging to him.
