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“Yeah, but I’m made in the USA, baby. Built with the highest quality material.” He tosses a quick wink my way, but I don’t react. “You’re a little grumpy, huh?” he presses.
“I prefer to think of it as reserved. If I laugh at your joke, you’ve earned it.”
“I guess I better try harder, then.”
I throw my hands up. “In no way was that meant as a personal challenge.”
“So you say now,” he teases.
“I’m serious,” I insist.
“So you don’t like having any attention on you?”
“Not really. I prefer to stay in the background. Really, I like to remain behind my computer screen. If my job didn’t require me leaving my office, I probably wouldn’t.”
“Does that mean you don’t go out very often when you’re not working?”
“No, I’m just particular about who I devote my free time to.” He doesn’t need to know Scarlett is my only friend.
“How would someone go about earning thepleasureof your company?” His deep voice has my toes curling in my sneakers. I’m just glad he can’t tell.
“They’d have to make me want to spend time with them.”
“That doesn’t sound too daunting.” His lips tease at a smile.
“Don’t be so sure about that.”
“I guess I’ll have to find a way to pique your interest.”
You already have.But that doesn’t mean I’m going to get distracted by a pretty face—or a tight set of buns, or dimples, or broad shoulders.Okay, that’s enough.I’m supposed to be talking myself away from the ledge, not giving myself more reasons to make the jump.
“I think you should keep your focus on the field. You’re doing really well.”
“Thanks, but I have the bandwidth for both,” he states confidently.
My stomach gives a little anxious flip. What if he means what he’s saying? What if he tries to wear me down? Most likely he’ll tire of the chase rather quickly, like most guys do. Why would he want to put in all kinds of effort with me when he can snap his fingers and get female company elsewhere?
“Do you have any siblings?” he asks.
“Nope. I’m an only child.”
“So that’s why you don’t feel the need to be around others. You’re not used to it,” he offers.
“Maybe I just don’t like other people.”
“I bet you’ll like me if you give me a chance.” His dimple pops in and out as he fights a smile.
I pluck at a loose thread on the outside of my front pocket. “Making bets you have no chance of winning is never a good idea.”
He chuckles. “I make it a habit to win at everything I do. I might have to warm the bench for a couple of seasons, but eventually, I get what I want. Mind over matter works every single time.”
“Maybe you’re not as likable as you seem to think you are,” I suggest.
“You’re kind of brutal, but it works for you. All that grumpy tension under those sexy curves.” He flicks a flirty side-eye my way. “I like it.”
Sexy curves? He must mean my stomach roll that’s hanging over my waistband.
Feeling self-conscious, I cross my arms over my mid-section and stare out the windshield.
