My chuckle is louder than the shocked whispers swarming around the scene we just made. “Your lies taste sweet, but your surrender is my drug of choice. I’m shamelessly addicted.”
Unannounced to me, our elusive date arrives on the following Saturday. We’ve been driving for almost an hour and I still don’t know where Byron is taking me. The unease I’ve been pretending doesn’t exist is getting harder to ignore. It doesn’t help that he’s been quiet behind the wheel, giving my thoughts too much space to roam. This is some sort of warped trust exercise I didn’t sign up for.
When Byron exits the freeway at an unfamiliar town, my knee begins to jiggle. It’s a heavily populated commercial area, which leads to countless destination options. My gaze scans from left to right without really seeing. I’m seconds away from slipping into a full-blown spiral.
“Are we almost there?”
Byron’s chuckle grates on my frazzled patience. “You’re worse than Ronnie.”
“I’ve never been on a date,” I whisper under my breath.
His palm lands on my jumpy thigh, giving me a gentle squeeze. “Honored to be your first. I hope this exceeds your expectations.”
My gaze narrows in on where he’s touching me like an anchored focal point. “I don’t like surprises.”
“You’ll like this one.” And then he pulls into a hotel parking lot.
But this isn’t just any hotel. It looks more like a mountain resort plopped in the middle of suburbia. With multiple buildings and a water park, this place is over the top. Even the name is pretentious.
My nerves evaporate while I let out a wolf whistle. “Grand View Highlands? Damn, stud. This place is ritzy. If you wanted to whisk me away for a fuck-fest, I would’ve settled for a Red Roof Inn.”
His chuckle tries to chastise me. “Gotta get a closer look before you jump to conclusions.”
“If you insist,” I murmur.
“But I won’t say no to renting a room if you’re interested,” he adds.
A snort rips from me. “I doubt they have hourly rates.”
“We can put the bed to use for a full night. You know I’m good for it.”
When I clench my legs, Byron throws me a smirk oozing with appropriate smugness. He parks near the domed convention center, which does little to clue me in. All that’s left to do is get out of the truck and begin the long hike to the entrance. It takes iron-clad resistance to stop myself from peppering him with questions the entire way.
My stride falters as I catch sight of a banner displayed over the bank of double doors. “Is this…?”
He dips his head, understanding what I’m asking. “It’s a special weekend event.”
“You brought me to a guns and knives show?”
The heat of Byron’s smolder burns into me. “Figured you might find a new toy to taunt me with.”
I’m still gaping at the bold letters of the sign. There’s no chance of misinterpreting it. “This is… considerate.”
“Considerate? Wow.” He chuckles and rubs at the back of his neck. “Careful with the compliments.”
My huff pairs well with a scowl. “Give me a break. You sprung this on me.”
“And I’d do it again to catch that look on your face.”
“Nobody’s ever bothered to catch it before,” I mumble.
“What’s that?” There’s an edge of humor in his voice.
“Nothing!” I’m quick to blurt.
“I’ll shock your panties off at every available opportunity.” Byron threads my fingers through his, giving me an encouraging tug. “C’mon, menace. Let’s see what kind of trouble we can find.”
But my boots are rooted to the snowy pavement. I’m staring at our interlocked palms, unable to take my eyes off the connection. A rush of warmth spreads from the point of contact. That foreign thrill stuns me further.