Page 2 of Rowdy & Kat

“We have met before, though.”

“No,” I stammered, nearly unable to lie.

Rowdy sized me up with his icy blue eyes and frowned. “I’ve seen you somewhere.”

“Maybe. I’ve visited Little Memphis from time to time.”

“But you don’t live here?”

“No.”

Rowdy watched me with a suspicious gaze. “What’s your name?”

“Katie,” I lied.

When Rowdy froze, I felt him pinpointing where he knew me. Instead of calling me out on my lies, he said, “I’m Rowdy.”

“Did your parents name you that?”

“Yes. They knew how I’d turn out.”

As I shared his grin, my heart slammed inside my chest. I hoped I didn’t look as scared as I felt.

“Are you here with anyone?” Rowdy asked, revealing a panty-wetting smile.

“No. I wanted a drink and heard this place was fun.”

Rowdy narrowed his eyes. “That seems unsafe.”

“It takes more than one drink to get me wasted. I’ll be able to drive to my hotel.”

“I wasn’t worried about your ability to drive,” he said and took a swig from his beer bottle.

I stared fascinated at his lips lingering on the rim and imagined them on my body.

Was that the real reason I wanted to see Rowdy again? Did I hope to win over this jerk like I couldn’t in high school? What happened to winding him up and laughing in his fucking face?

“I can get my sisters to trail you to your hotel when you’re done here,” Rowdy suggested. “Little Memphis can be dangerous.”

“I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Maybe you do. Are you even old enough to drink that?” Rowdy asked and gestured at the bartender. “Did you card this young lady?”

“Are you fucking serious?” I demanded before the bartender could respond.

Rowdy flashed a big smile. “A little, yeah, but mostly no.”

My temper fizzled once I knew he was teasing. Instead of anger, I felt sadness. Rowdy had teased me plenty in high school. Each time was a dagger in my heart.

“Don’t take my shit personally,” Rowdy insisted and slid an arm across my shoulders. “I’m only playing with you. No harm, no foul.”

“Why do you assume I don’t have a boyfriend?” I asked while glancing at his arm resting against me.

“I’m not assuming anything. I just don’t see him right now.”

“Do you often flirt with taken women?”

“Taken women? That sounds like old-fashioned tomfoolery,” he said and nudged me with his hip. “What makes you think I’m flirting with you? I’m only concerned for your safety.”