Page 8 of Unsure in Love

How frustrating.

Before I turned to signal the bartender, I smirked. “Only to a minor extent, so don’t get too excited.” I caught Damian’s surprised expression which then turned to amusement. My teeth sank into my bottom lip to hide my satisfied smile. Finally, I got something from the maddeningly composed man.

When we got our drinks, he held up his glass in salute. I watched him throw back the vodka. He didn’t flinch as I did after every tiny sip. “So, am I paying for the next round, Cassandra? It’s only fair. We can take turns.”

Grinning like an idiot, I nodded and settled into the chair beside him. “Call me, Cass. All my friends do.”

Damian’s lips curved into the sexiest smile I’d ever seen.

* * *

Damian Alvarez turned out to be daring and funny. His penchant for sarcasm ran even deeper than mine. It was unexpected because of his otherwise stoic demeanor. The man gave off the aura of a badass who didn’t know how to crack a smile. Yet, he was so laid back and humorous. After a few rounds of drinks, I relaxed in his company. I know I said I didn’t want to get to know him, but as we talked, he reeled me in some more, and I changed my mind.

“Are you still in the service?” I asked.

“No.”

That was it. He answered the question asked.

Nibbling my lower lip, I dug deeper. “What part of the military were you in?”

He took a moment to drink. “Special Forces.”

Nothing further.

“What do you do now?”

“I’m mostly into business.”

“Mostly?”

His dark, penetrating orbs landed on me. As usual, my breath hitched. “I thought you said you only wanted to get to know me to a minor extent.”

Lips pursed, I shrugged, hoping I appeared as nonchalant as I aimed. “Knowing what you do for a living is hardly deep personal information.” I gulped my drink to calm my nerves… and my embarrassment. “Just curious.”

“Huh.”

I noticed he didn’t bother to tell me exactly what he did for a living. He didn’t inquire about what I did either. Disappointment settled in my gut. The tables had turned on me rapidly. I’d had the intention of having a little fun with Damian—something I was sure was on his agenda too—but I ended up wanting more from him.

It was just so easy being in his company, easier than it was with most. I even had a hard time communicating with my sisters sometimes, but Damian... understood me. For once, I didn’t feel out of place socializing with someone.

I gazed at him with curiosity, and a strange sensation blossomed in my chest. That feeling hinted at me maybe wanting more from a guy for once. What was happening to me? I studied my almost empty glass of vodka, wanting to blame the alcohol, but I knew I couldn’t. It was all me. I glanced at Damian again. It was all him.

“You okay?” he asked.

I blinked and glanced away.

“Fine.” Clearing my throat, I shoved aside all thoughts of more. By tomorrow, I’d return to my senses. My secret and guilt just had me in a weird mood tonight, that was all.

Damian’s eyes narrowed as if he didn’t believe me, but he changed the subject. “Not that you don’t wear the dress well, Cass, but the wedding ended hours ago.” He swiped my torso in the bridesmaid dress and smiled. “You look out of place in this dive.”

His smile had me entranced. It accentuated his handsome features and also extended to his eyes to light up the dark orbs. The way he smiled said something about his character. He was clearly a tough guy type, but he was genuine.

Putting my glass down, I shrugged and surveyed the bar. Men had been leering at me since I walked into the place. I noticed the looks decreased significantly since my big and intimidating drinking partner came into the picture, even the ones that still sent me interested glances looked away whenever Damian swept the room. I felt safe with him and that was saying a lot, considering I barely knew him.

“I’m not worried.” I gave him a once-over. “You look like you can handle a little trouble.”

He smirked and said, “I’m not worried either. You look like you can take care of yourself and me.”

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