Page 72 of Mr. Flirt

Shep reached for my hands the moment they’d released the napkin and clasped them in his. “Lucy, I would never send another man to do my job. In fact, I’m not exactly thrilled that when you’re done with me, it’s all for another guy to enjoy.”

His words carved a chunk out of my heart.

“It’s not exactly like that.” I shook my head and drew a breath.

“It is, actually, but that’s for another day.” He winked at me and let go of my hands. “Sorry I’m late. We had a mini-crisis at the office that involved two developers nearly fighting one another over a new feature.”

“Sounds lovely.”

“I always thought computer guys were laidback, but they’re really passionate when it comes to certain topics, particularly gaming.”

I laughed, seeing the light behind his gaze before it slid to the magazine I hadn’t read yet.

“That was a pretty smooth line you gave to Juliette.”

“Julien,” I corrected. “And I told him my name was Terry Bartholomew.”

Shep laughed. “You mean Perry Bartholomew? The man who handed me a fate worse than death?”

I chuckled and shook my head. “Why would you say that?”

“Because I don’t get to have you, Lucy. This is all pretend to you.”

His words dug deep into my soul.

Again.

Shep gave a nod with his chin. “Did you read the article yet?”

“Full confession,” I said with a smile. “I did not read the article. I only stared at the photos of you.”

Shep laughed. “And did it sway your opinion of me?”

“You mean that you have an insane body and a way with the camera? No. I knew that already.”

The bar was getting more crowded. Julien found another woman to buy a drink for, so I felt a little less guilty about that situation. As more drinks were served, the volume of the place went up, and I wondered what was next.

“I just want to go on record with you, Lucy.”

“About what?”

“I don’t think you need my help at all. Not with the way you handled that guy, and never with the way you’ve handled me. I think you’re amazing and could land any guy in this bar. If I hadn’t already learned my lesson about placing bets, I’d offer a wager.”

My stomach clenched at the thought as I looked around the crowded room with men holding drinks, flirting with women, and chatting with each other. As I brought my eyes back to Shep, a sinking feeling shoved its way through me.

The man I wanted was sitting across from me and was completely averse to the idea of monogamy.

“I only had that confidence because I thought you’d sent that guy over to me. I’m usually a wreck.”

“Okay. Prove it. I want you to bring me a drink with your best pickup line. The bartender has two waiting for us.”

“He does?” I glanced over at him.

“Yeah. I ordered them before I came over to the table.”

“Okay.” I wasn’t sure I could do this. “I think I already gave up my best line to Julien.”

“We’ll see.” He motioned for me to leave, so I reluctantly got up from the table and made my way over to the two lonely drinks at the end of the bar.

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