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“Seriously?”
He nods. “As serious as a family feud.”
“How come you don’t date?” We’re cruising through Manhattan’s wealthiest district. This means the ride is almost over. After we drop him off, the driver will take me home.
“I didn’t say I don’t date. I said I’m always single.”
“But you go on dates?”
Corrado finishes his drink, then studies his glass. “Not quite, no.”
“I don’t believe you.”
He shrugs. “You don’t have to.”
I clear my throat and open the conversation again. “Since the driver doesn’t know where I live, I presume you get dropped off first?”
“About that…” He leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees. “Come here.” He crooks his finger, inviting me into his space.
I meet him halfway.
Warm breath brushes my earlobe. “I would very much enjoy an evening with you. What do you say? Join me for the party?”
Stunned, I rear back, waiting for him to laugh, to say he’s joking. I don’t think he is.
Corrado lifts an eyebrow. “Did you hear what I asked you?”
“I did.”
“And?”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Tino won’t like it.”
Corrado smiles wide, and dimples form on his cheeks. It’s the smile of a male lion who just saw a dainty gazelle. When he asked for a name, I wouldn’t give it to him, so he drew it out of me somehow. This man should come with a warning label.
“I’m single,” he continues. “It occurs to me my attendance tonight might be perceived as a gesture I don’t wish to make.”
“What kind of a gesture?”
“The uncle of the birthday girl whose party we’re crashing might interpret it as a sign that I’m interested in her. And the father of her best friend might think I came for his daughter. You can help me with this delicate situation. In return, I’ll take care of your car.”
“And my house-sitting job?”
He purses his lips. “If you play your role well, I’m certain you will house-sit for a long time yet. Now, will you come with me?”
I bite my lip. “If I’m gone all night, my mom will worry.” My mom won’t know I haven’t gone home, but I can’t let him think nobody cares about me anymore. If he dumped me in a ditch, people wouldn’t notice I was missing for days.
“You won’t be gone all night. Unless…” A glint in his eye tells me where his thoughts took him, and I blush at his suggestive words.
“I don’t sleep with guys on first dates.”
“It’s not a date.”
“You know what I mean.” I wish I could be as careless as some of the women in the movies, but I’m not. I need emotions to sleep with someone, and I need to feel like the guy wants me as much as I want him. But since I can’t seem to meet nice guys, I haven’t been sexually active in a while.
