Conception (The Wellingtons #4) - Tessa Teevan Page 0,17
you, I haven’t asked for yet.”
I grab a cocktail napkin, dig a pen out my purse, and hurriedly jot down the number to the lake house. Then I fold it in half and push it across the bar to Knox, who looks confused. “There you go, Knox. You’ll win your bet. Now, just do me one favor: Don’t bother using it.”
It practically kills me to turn back to the bar, setting my shoulders. Just like I thought. Cocky. Arrogant. Too damn good to be true.
Sunny frowns in my direction and I just shake my head at her.
This time, his hand touches my wrist. I try my hardest to ignore the electric spark it elicits. It’s not him, I convince myself. Just that someone after so long is touching me.
I sigh. I’m not nearly as convincing as I’d hoped.
“Hey, don’t be so prickly, sweetheart. It was just something stupid between me and my brother. Bet or not, I’d still have come over here to meet the most beautiful girl in all of Tennessee. I told you earlier today I’d find you, and I’d come for you, so when I saw you, I knew it was a win. Hell, I didn’t even think of the bet until Clay just mentioned it. It was just you.” He scoots his barstool back. “But I’m also a man of my word. I told you if you didn’t want me coming around, I’d leave you be. It was good meeting you, Amelia. I’ll see you around.”
And just like that, my heart plummets. The last thing I want is for him to leave. The earnest sound in his voice causes me to twist my barstool until our eyes meet. Good, those browns remind me of a puppy I once saw in a pet store window, just begging for a chance.
I lean forward to kiss Knox’s cheek, not even minding the stubble that scratches my skin. In fact, I feel like a cat who wants to do nothing but lean up against the rough terrain, rubbing up and down until every unsatisfied itch has been scratched. When I pull back, I give him a wink.
“I’m just messing with you, Knox. It’s perfectly understandable.” I glance over to the pool table, where his brother is leaning against the wall, a pool stick in hand. “Even more so, I appreciate that you’re a man of your word. But I think I’m over playing hard to get. I’m attracted to you, and since I’ve decided you’re likely not a serial killer, I wouldn’t mind seeing more of you this summer.”
His infectious answering grins sends those butterflies into a tailspin. “Good. Because I’d have to kick his ass if he ruined…whatever this is,” he says. “For now, I should probably go rescue him from losing all his money our first night here. He’s not exactly the best pool player but never turns down a bet. Plus, you just admitted your attraction and I don’t want my stupid mouth changing your mind.”
I grin, because even though I’d rather Knox stay right here and talk to me all night, it’s sweet he has affection for his brother. And since he’s currently playing a game with Joe, who’s been playing pool since he could practically walk, I don’t doubt his brother is losing money.
“Clearly your brother needs help. Admirable you’d take up that cause. It’s been nice chatting with you. Now, go back to your brother, tell him mission accomplished, and give me a call sometime. I look forward to hearing from you.” I lower my voice. “Especially when the mood strikes me.”
He tugs his lower lip in between his teeth as he contemplates my words. Then he rises from his stool and throws a few bills on the counter before turning back to me. “And I, Amelia, look forward to gettin’ you in the mood.”
Even after our flirtatious exchange, I don’t have the courage to tell him he’s already succeeded.
EVEN THOUGH I’D RATHER SPEND my night getting to know Amelia better, I walk away with the intention of calling her the next day. When I make it back to Clay, he’s negotiating terms for the next game. As soon as he sees me, he asks the guy he’s playing with if he wants to do doubles. I stand by as the man, who my brother introduces as Joe, whistles to one of his buddies, Amelia’s number burning a hole in my back pocket. As much as I want to slam it down in front