The pretty blonde across from me certainly wasn't my usual type. She had her secrets, burdens she liked to hide behind those soulful brown eyes. I didn't like secrets. I had enough of those myself to hold me over. With her looks alone, this chick should have the men of this town wrapped around her little finger, but I had a feeling she could keep them on their side of the room with just one look. She wasn't easy. She wasn't straight forward. She wasn't the love 'em and leave 'em type. She was the one you spent all your time on just to figure her out, trying to climb those impenetrable walls she spent so long putting up. She was the long haul. Definitely not what I was looking for. So why was I still talking to her? She said that everyone was a riddle to be solved and I couldn't help but shake my head with a chuckle. "I beg to differ. I've been in this bar enough times to know some people are more of a nursery rhyme. Quick to figure out and corny as hell. Just put a little liquor in them and they open right up." That was my experience so far. I don't know what made me reach for her hand when she got up. It wasn't like me to stop a girl from walking away, especially not one with so many bells and whistles. She should have been easy to say good bye to. I'd already told myself multiple times she wasn't my type, anyway. So why couldn't I let her go? Even I was confused. I didn't expect her to stumble at my touch, though. Was she that surprised? Being the gentleman I was raised to be, I still leaned forward as if to stand, ready to throw my arm out if she fell. It wouldn't be right to let it happen if I could stop it, right? I couldn't help but quirk a brow when she didn't believe me that I wasn't looking. She mentioned how I was looking around the bar earlier before saying I could have my pick. That was enough to bring another chuckle to my lips. "Those aren't everything. I've been here too many times this week alone. The girls who come here already know I'm a lost cause, not worth the effort." Was that a little bit of bitterness? Maybe just a little. When I offered to take her home, she turned me down, saying she wanted to walk it off. My brows furrowed as I glanced out at the darkened sky through the glass door. Alone? No way. Shaking my head, I went to stand. "It wouldn't be right to let you walk alone at this hour. At least let me walk with you. It'll make me feel better." ![]() |