Page 21 of Only Be Mine

John kicked him under the table. “Stop.”

Seth winked at me. “I’ll behave. Maybe.”

Seth stole one of John’s fries. “So,” he said, talking around it, “how long have you two been… whatever this is?”

John groaned. “We met last night.”

Seth’s eyebrows shot up. “And you convinced her to come here anyway? Damn, man, she likes you.”

“I do not,” I said automatically.

Seth spread his hands like he was laying out evidence on a table.

“You showed up at a bar, alone, to meet a man you barely know, in a town where men don’t even text back. That’s interest, sweetheart.”

I stole a fry and aimed it at his forehead.

He dodged. “See? She likes me too.”

John reached over and gently lowered my hand. “Please don’t throw food at him. That’s learned behavior, and he doesn’t need encouragement.”

I rolled my eyes, but my heart thudded a little harder beneath my ribs. His hand had been warm against mine. Steady, and easy. Like touching me was natural.

Seth noticed. Of course he did. He whistled low. “Anyway, I’m gonna grab darts before those college kids snag ’em. Try not to flirt too aggressively while I’m gone.”

“I’m not flirting,” I hissed.

John smiled into his drink. “You kind of are.”

“I absolutely am not.”

He tipped his head and gave me a slow once-over. Not sleazy, just observant. Curious. Like I was a puzzle he wanted to spend an entire afternoon putting together.

“Okay,” he said softly. “Then I’m the one flirting.”

My stomach dropped straight into my knees.

He didn’t look away, didn't fidget, didn't back down. He just waited… warm and calm and devastating.

I swallowed hard. “Why?”

He blinked, surprised by the question. Then leaned forward, elbows on the table, forearms brushing the wood.

“Because you’re interesting.”

“I’m not,” I said too quickly.

“You are,” he countered gently. “And because I like the way you look at me when you think I’m not paying attention.”

Heat flooded my cheeks. “I don’t…”

“You do.”

His smile deepened. “Don’t worry. I look at you too.”

Oh God.

My entire body buzzed, a slow warm hum under my skin.