Page 2 of Flirting with Trouble

“This must be my lucky day,” I say as I sit on the stool beside her.

She turns with a serious expression, but those plump lips I’ve thought about far too many times curve into a taunting grin. Her hair is styled sleeker than it was on the island, bringing out streaks of gold in the tamer waves. “Wells. What brings you into the city? Have you worked your way through all the island girls? Meeting your latest swipe date?”

Damn, I love her snark. “I don’t play the swipe game.”

“No?” She arches a perfectly manicured brow. “Did they add a one-click bulk-match option on those dating apps?”

I laugh. “Can I buy you a drink, or”—I drag my gaze down her body, admiring the way her sleeveless designer dress hugs her curves, exposing just enough thigh to whet my appetite; she is stunning—“are you waiting on a date?”

“My dates just left, so I’ll happily take another whiskey, thank you.”

Whiskey? That’s hot. I flag down the bartender. “Dates? As in more than one?” A slow grin tugs at my lips as that imagery takes hold. “No wonder they call you Victory.”

She gives me the look she gave me on the island. The one that says she’s enjoying our banter but trying to act annoyed. “In your fantasies, maybe.”

“Maybe my ass. That image has already taken root and moved to the top of my fantasy list. Like I said, it’s my lucky day.” That earns a soft laugh and a shake of her head as the bartender arrives to take our order.

Victory taps her fingernail against her glass, watching me talk with the bartender as he fills our orders. There’s no missing the spark of interest in her eyes. For me, not the bartender.

When the bartender walks away, Victory cocks her head and says, “Why are you really in the city?”

I can’t resist fucking with her. “I felt your energy calling me across the ocean, so I caught the first ferry out. I booked a hotel room around the corner, and here I am. At your service.”

She deadpans.

“What can I say? A woman like you leaves an indelible mark.”

“Because I turned you down for a night of hot sex at my brother’s wedding?”

“Yes. It was a first, and it stung.” I put my hand over my heart. “Like it or not, we’re now connected forever.”

She smiles. “Wells Silver, you are too much.”

“I hear that a lot. Is that why you turned me down?” I lean in, palming her hip as I swivel her stool so she’s facing me, and lower my voice seductively. “Don’t be nervous, gorgeous. We can take it slow. Ease into it until we find our rhythm.” Her eyes flame, spurring me on. “I guarantee I’ll hit the spot so many times, you’ll forget your own name.”

Our gazes hold, her eyes darkening. I’m tempted to lean in and show her what she’s missing.

She smirks. “Why do guys overestimate their skills in the bedroom? Is it a size thing? Are you lacking in that department?”

I scoff. “Hardly. You must be dating the wrong guys.”

Her smirk falters, and she sits back, sipping her whiskey. “It’s okay if you don’t want to tell me why you’re really in the city.”

I have a feeling I hit a nerve, but I let it go for now. “I don’t mind telling you. I’m here looking for property to open another restaurant.”

Her eyes light up. “You own a restaurant?”

“Are you messing with me, or did I really pass right under your radar?” Shit. Is it possible I’m reading her wrong? I can’t be that far off my game.

“Not under it. I mean, I’d have to be blind not to notice your movie-star good looks.” She motions toward my face. “With that thick dark hair, sexy scruff, and chiseled jaw, you look like you could be one of the actors we rep.”

I grin. “I knew you were into me.”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Mr. Silver. I might’ve found you attractive when we met, but then you opened your mouth and rang the player bell, and nothing else computed.”

Why do I find her challenges so sexy? “Damn. I don’t usually have to say shit like this, but I’m kind of a big deal on the island.”

A playful glint shimmers in her eyes. “Because you were born with a Silver spoon in your mouth?”