Page 76 of I Love My Mistake

“Stick around. I’ve got more.”

The look changes behind his eyes like a thought has occurred to him, and he’s not sure if he should say it. His eyes narrow and his head tilts to the side, looking down and back up. “So…”

I rest my elbows on the table, one hand holding my glass. “So?”

Mark looks younger as he searches for the right words, less sure of himself. It’s charming. “You said something last night.”

“Did I? What’d I say?”

He takes a deep breath and laughs, shaking his head and looking away. “Well, you said you don’t want to be in a relationship. You actually warned me.”

It’s my turn to look away. I laugh nervously, taking another sip, quickly. Playing with my napkin, I say, “I warned you? How rude of me.”

His eyes dance as they meet mine. “It was very rude.” A mischievous smile tugs at his sexy mouth.

My eyes go innocent, and I shrug. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I said that?”

He nods very slowly, biting his lip and his look is enough to make me wish we were alone. “You know you did.”

I stare at his mouth, my mood changing. “Did I?”

He leans forward. In a deep, sexy voice, he says, “Yeah,” drawing out the single syllable until it seems to lick my earlobes.

Oh my. I lean forward, pausing for drama. “I lied.”

His eyebrows shoot up. His face changes several times as surprise has its way with it. “All of a sudden lying seems hot.” He watches me laugh, as his eyes smolder. He reaches for my hand again. “I don’t want to see anyone else.”

I turn his hand over and trace the lines on his palm. “Neither do I. When is your flight?” Dammit. Why’d I have to go and say that? Saying it out loud hurts.

He frowns. “Tomorrow morning.”

My whole body sinks. We weave our fingers, lightly caressing them together. “That soon. For some reason I thought it was at night.

He looks down, releasing my hand. “I hate it, too.”

We stay silent as the server comes back. I shoot him a look and shake my head. He turns and goes away again. I look back to Mark, who’s waiting for what I have to say.

“I have an idea,” I say quietly.

He gets hopeful. “Yeah? I’m listening.”

“Why don’t I tell my girls I’ll see them another time… just you and me tonight.”

His shoulders shift, relieved. He doesn’t ask me if I’m sure. He doesn’t act like he’s putting me out and is that okay, like some weenie. He just takes the opportunity as it’s presented and says, “That sounds incredible.”

This feels right. I really want them to meet him...I do. What a weird feeling for me, for me to want to introduce them to a man I’ve met. Three years is a long time to not have done that. Too long. But it can wait. I don’t want to share him.

“Let me just tell them.”

He nods, and sits back in his chair, watching me pull out my phone.

I text Jess: Hi love. Can’t tonight after all. He’s leaving in the morning. I want to spend as much time with him as I can. How’s tomorrow night?

Looking up at him, we share a happy look, excited to be on the same page, excited to be spending a whole evening alone. My phone vibrates in my hand and I look down.

Jess: Oooooooo. Sexy sexy! Have fun! And yes, tomorrow works! Love you!

I meet his eyes long enough to say, “She’s fine with it.”

“I like her already,” Mark smiles.

I look down and text back: Love you, too!