Page 241 of Bend

She sets her glass down with a little more force than necessary and steps closer.

“You have a very concerning idea of flirting.”

“I’m not concerned.”

“You should be.”

“Why? You gonna hurt me?”

“Maybe.”

My gaze drops to her mouth for a second.

“Promise?”

Cece scoffs and shakes her head, muttering, “Pinche idiota,” under her breath.

I laugh.

“I know that one.”

“Good. Saves me explaining.”

She turns away like she’s done with me, and I reach past her for the tequila bottle even though I don’t need it.

She immediately looks over her shoulder.

“What are you doing?”

“Making a drink.”

“You’re holding a beer.”

“I contain multitudes.”

“You contain bullshit.”

“I mean, that is also true.”

I’m close enough now that I can smell lime, tequila and whatever perfume she’s wearing. Cece notices the distance too, because her shoulders go a little tighter even though she doesn’t move away.

Interesting.

“You’re in my space,” she says.

“Your space seems nice.”

“Move.”

“Why? You could move.”

Her eyes flick to mine.

There it is again.

That little hot-cold thing she does, where she acts like she wants me gone while standing perfectly fucking still.

I lean in just enough to make her lift her chin.