Scored(20)

“Puppy Bowl.” I duck my head. “And for such awful manners today, I will forgo carbs as well.” I push the bread away, but Dallas moves it right back to me.

“I wasn’t offended, Paige.”

“But you were so quiet.”

“That’s what I do when I don’t have a response.” He takes a sip of water. “I needed some time to think about what you said. It hit me as kinda odd, considering what your sister does.”

“About that… I purposefully chose to learn as little as possible about sports.” I unwind my napkin from around the silverware. “It’s a long story. If I told you, you’d probably change your mind about dating me in order to help your friend.”

He tilts his head to one side. “Why don’t you let me be the judge of that?”

“Maybe another time.”

“Second date?”

“We haven’t finished this one yet.”

He forest-colored eyes pin me to my seat. “I know, but I want one anyway.”

The waiter shows up again and goes over the menu with me before we place our orders. Dallas orders lean cuts of meat and a ton of grilled veggies. I almost feel guilty for ordering a filet and baked potato.

Almost.

I like to eat, especially when I’m nervous on a date because it keeps me from laughing like an idiot the entire time.

“Did you tell Aiden we were going out tonight?” I ask.

“Not yet.” He takes another sip of water and gazes longingly at my bread.

“One piece won’t hurt you.” I pinch off a piece and hold it out to him. “I promise I won’t tell anyone you ate it.”

“I’m going to start calling you Eve.”

“It was the snake’s fault,” I protest.

Humor dances in Dallas’ eyes. “I’m pretty sure Adam and Eve both made bad choices.”

“That’s better.” I raise out of my seat and hold the bread to his mouth. Okay, so maybe I shouldn’t protest too much because I’m trying to tempt the heck out of him. “Go on. One little bite.”

His mouth parts as he leans forward, lips wrapping around my finger and thumb. His tongue licks at me as his teeth scrape against my skin. I don’t move. I don’t want him to stop.

“Want another piece?” I ask, all breathless and hot. My nipples are hard, and I can feel my pulse pounding between my thighs.

“Yeah, but it is not a good idea. I’m too close to eating the entire loaf after one taste, and you’ll think the worst of me if I give in too soon.”

No, I won’t… especially if eating is code for sex and loaf is code for me.

He pushes my hand away, and I sit down again.

“You looked so deprived that I couldn’t help myself,” I admit. “Feeding hungry people is a requirement in the South. Even if they’ve already had supper.”

“That hurts. I thought you were being sexy, not feeling sorry for me.” He pounds his hand against his chest a couple of times.

“I think you’ll survive.”

He winks at me. “We’ll see.”

“About us dating… I have more questions.”

“Shoot.” He takes a long drink of water.

“Are we really dating or is it pretend? And even if it is pretend, if I want to have my way with you, can I?”

He chokes on his water. “What?”

Oh, crap. Did I say the wrong thing? Maybe he’s not as attracted to me as he once was. Maybe liking football is a requirement to date him? Or maybe my fingers tasted like cleaner and he’s turned off. I had wiped off the steering wheel before driving over.

“I’m only kidding. Gosh, I had you going.” I snort so hard that I cough. “You and me, like together… that’s silly. Such silly, silly talk.”

His brow furrows. “I’m not following.”

“When I said I wanted to have my way with you—that was only a joke.”

“Too bad because I would have said yes.”

My heart speeds up. “Really?”

“Told you I think quirky is sexy and what you said about flirting or… what did you call it?”

“Banter?”

“Yeah, that, I think you’re the right person too.”

“Oh,” I say softly, then before I make a fool of myself, I focus on eating. “I’m glad this dinner will make things up to you.”

“What’s going to be your excuse to yourself for a second, third, and fourth date with me?”

I jerk my head up. He’s dead serious. “I don’t have an excuse.”

“Do you need one?”

Silently, I shake my head.

“I want to be real clear with you, Paige. The first time I saw you, standing there and trying not to hurt that old guy’s feelings, I knew there was something special about a woman like that. The attraction is a bonus. I want to get to know you.”

Oh. My. Word. Are men like him real?

“I want to take you to bed and fuck you exactly like you want. If along the way, something more comes out of this, I’m fine with that. And if it doesn’t, then what’s the worst that could happen?”

Seriously? This is the impassioned speech I’ve been waiting for all my life. Sure, it’s on the first date, but stranger things have happened. My mom and her fourth husband? Married same day they met. Yes, they divorced three weeks later, but that was only on account that he was already married and his wife was more than a little pissed he’d forgotten—not that I blame her.