| FEATURE AUTHOR | Quint’s eyes widened. “As a date?” She gulped. “Well…” I’m such an idiot. He smiled mischievously. “No backing out now. You asked. I accepted. We’ll toss a coin as to who gets to wash off whom afterwards.” She frowned. “That’s not exactly how it works.” He shrugged. “So, you teach me a few things.” A little voice nagged at her. She took a drink of sweet tea. “I feel I should warn you that I’m not good dating material.” He pinned her with those gorgeous, all-seeing eyes. “Why is that?” “I meant it when I said I have a bad boy complex. Problem is, I don’t look before I leap, and they all end up being toads.” Quint’s lips turned up in a quirky grin. “I happen to be free of warts.” She blinked. “You can check for yourself.” “Umm. No thanks.” She blew out a breath and picked at her food. Barely, she resisted the urge to squirm in her seat. Self-preservation and a stillwounded heart reminded her of the last time she took a chance on a bad boy, and the reason she vowed never again. “Can’t we just go as friends? No pressure. Nothing except for a good time.” “Deal.” She peered up at him from under her lashes. He didn’t appear angry or upset. Instead, he carried an air of confidence, ability, and competence she’d never seen in another man. Leave it to me to be turned on by competence. Not quite romantic, if I do say so myself. Mentally, she rolled her eyes and resumed eating. “Becky said you were an ace,” Quint said. “If you’re worried about fairness, I’ll give you a handicap.” He snorted. “Don’t need one.” “Male pride or do I detect you’ve had some experience with firearms?” For a few seconds Quint worked on his meal. “I can hold my own.” The low timbre of his voice and the spark in his eyes sent a tiny shiver down her back. He’d said nothing, but again, everything. 96 | UncagedBooks.com
“You’re safe with me, Taryn.” She met his eyes, stared back for a long moment, then gave a brief nod. “I’ll hold you to that.”
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