Page 34 of The Forever Song (Blood of Eden 3)

“Okay, okay. That’s enough of my nice and generous side.” She truly needed a lobotomy. “The guy I slept with last night is giving me a repeat, so you’ll need to be up around three in the morning just in case I need you to help me with, you know, again.”

I take back being ‘elated’ to hear from you.

“Anyway, enjoy your night!” She put me out of my misery by ending the call, and I pushed the stairwell door open.

“Wait, wait.” Sexy Towel Guy grabbed my wrist before I could run down the stairwell. He still hadn’t put on any clothes. “Allow me a few seconds, please.”

“I really have no interest in getting your picture, okay?” I snatched my hand back. “I’m sorry about the mixup—truly—but you need to get over yourself.”

“I’m the one who owes you an apology.” He smiled. “I shouldn’t have made assumptions about you wanting my picture.”

“Apology unaccepted.”

“I also want to apologize for coming off like an arse.”

“An arse?”

“I believe the American term for it is ‘asshole.’”

“Yes, well..” I noticed the dimples in his cheeks. “That apology is somewhat unaccepted.”

“One out of two is fair.” He eyed the slit of my dress. “I was actually hoping to find a local who could show me around the city tonight. Perhaps we can help each other.”

“Is this a joke?”

“I’m being quite serious.” He stepped closer, closing the gap between us. “I think you should at least consider my offer.”

“What exactly are you proposing?”

“I’ll go with you on your scavenger hunt.” He handed me the crumpled cheat sheet I’d dropped. “I’ll gladly pay for everything, but you have to let me drive my car and tell me where we’re going in advance.”

“Oh, so let me guess the rest. Whenever we’re done, you’ll want to tie me up in your bed?”

“If that’s what you’re into, I’m more than happy to oblige.”

“I was implying murder.”

“I’m implying sex.”

My cheeks heated as he leaned forward and tucked a loose curl behind my ear.

“I won’t hurt you.” He paused. “I’m celebrating my birthday this weekend as well.”

“I don’t believe you,” I said. “How old are you turning?”

“Thirty-five.”

“What’s your name?” I asked.

“William,” he said. “Yours?”

“Mia.”

“Your scavenger hunt sheet says Chloe.”

“It’s pronounced like Mia. All the other letters are silent.”

He let out a low laugh. “You’re making this very difficult.”