“You’re really purdy,” she slurred with a lopsided grin, running her finger down my cheek.

“That’s it. No more drinks for you,” I said, dragging the glass away from her.

“No! I’ve only had three,” she said as she lurched forward, pulling the drink out of my hands. “I’m enjoying myself. I’ve had a bitch of a week and I deserve to let loose a little.”

I held my hands up. “You’ve actually had four martinis, but anything you want, princess.”

Her eyes grew into little slits. “I’m not your princess,” she slurred, sounding completely adorable.

My cheeks hurt as I smiled. “I’m going to take you home now. I think you need to sleep it off.”

“Last time I checked,” she said before hiccupping, “you’re not my daddy.” A slow smile crept across her face. She scooted closer and whispered, “Unless that’s your thing.” She tried to wink, but both eyes closed, one after the other.

I leaned into her space, a breath away from her lips. “It’s not my thing, but I’m happy to act out your fantasies. But I don’t think you want to cross that line. Once you go there, there’s no going back.” I stared into her eyes.

“Oooh.” Her eyes grew wide. “Is that supposed to scare me, Mr. DeLuca?”

I didn’t move. “I’m just giving you fair warning. You’ve had a few drinks, and I won’t take advantage of that. I’m just telling you how it is.”

“You’re full of yourself.” Her warm, sweet breath caressed my lips as she spoke.

All I wanted to do was reach out, pull her face to mine, and kiss her full, beautiful lips. “I’m sure of myself and confident in my abilities, yes. That’s entirely different than being full of myself.” I licked my lips, testing her.

Her eyes dropped to my mouth as her lips parted.

“Another?” Lisa interrupted.

“We’re good,” I replied, keeping my eyes pinned to Race and waving Lisa off.

“Pfft,” Lisa scoffed, stomping away.

Race glared in Lisa’s direction. “She wants you,” she whispered.

Was she jealous?

“I don’t want her.”

“She’s a sure thing though.”

I leaned closer, leaving very little space between us. “I never liked easy.”

“All men like easy.” Her body swayed, moving so close our lips almost brushed.

Yep, she was definitely jealous.

I reached out, steadying her. “Maybe for a cheap fuck, but nothing more.”

Her body jolted as someone bumped into her chair and she tumbled forward, her face landing against my chest.

“Watch it, asshole,” I barked.

“Fuck off,” the drunk asshole called out as he staggered away.

“Don’t,” she muttered into my chest, her hands squeezing my thighs.

I grabbed her arms, starting to stand.

“No!” she yelled into my chest, trying to hold me in place. “Don’t start a fight.”

I grunted, staying in my chair. I didn’t want the night to end already. I couldn’t risk Race getting upset with me.

I grabbed her shoulders and tried to prop her upright.

“Gimme a minute,” she said, her voice muffled by my shirt.

“He should apologize to you,” I growled, trying to find him in the sea of people.

Her fingertips dug into my skin as she felt my thighs. She nestled her face deeper into my chest, her warm breath coming through my shirt.

“Come on, big girl. Let’s get you home.” I lifted her up, pushing her against the chair.

“I’m not ready to go home though,” she whined as her eyes tried to focus on me but crossed instead.

“I think it’s best for us both if I take you home.”

“I’ll grab a cab.” She straightened and started to tip sideways.

I shook my head and held her up with one hand. “I’d feel better if I took you home.”

“I’d feel better with you in my home too.” She leaned into my touch.

“Okay, Race. That’s it.” I stood, reached in my pocket for a fifty, and tossed it on the bar. “Come on, lightweight. Let’s get you to bed.”

“Mmm,” she mumbled as she tried to stand. “Bed sounds perfect.”

I held her by the waist as she stumbled out of the restaurant on unsteady feet. When we hit the sidewalk, I lifted her into my arms.

“Oh my God,” she screeched, batting at my chest. “Put me down.”

I held her tight as she started to wiggle. “You can’t walk in those heels on this shitty, cracked sidewalk. You’ll fall and break your neck. Stop wigglin’, woman, or I’ll drop you,” I lied.

She weighed nothing, but I’d use it as an excuse to hold her for a little while. Relaxing, she laid her head on my shoulder.

“Are you smelling me?” she asked as we approached my car.

“No.” I moved my face away from her head, knowing I’d been caught. I couldn’t get enough of her sweet scent.

“Surrre,” she slurred as she snuggled into me.

“We’re here,” I said, looking down at her and smiling.

“I’m so tired,” she mumbled, sagging closer to me, “and comfortable.”

“I’m going to put you down now,” I warned her before releasing my grip.

She slid down my body, letting her face press against my chest. I didn’t bother to hide my amusement. I pushed her back and propped her against the car as I unlocked it and opened the door. “In ya go.” I held her by the arm, making sure she got in without banging her head.

“You’re really a nice guy,” she said, blinking slowly, out of sync, as her body swayed.

“Let’s keep that our little secret.” I lifted her legs inside and closed the door. “Lord give me strength not to fuck this up,” I mumbled, glancing upward as I walked around the car. “I cannot sleep with her.”

The hard dick inside my pants begged to differ, but I knew I couldn’t take advantage of her. That was what I’d be doing if I let tonight get out of control.

I can’t fuck her tonight.