He’s teasing me. I know he would never do that. And there’s no way in hell that I’m going to tell my dad anything that would make him think Declan and I already know each other. I don’t even want to think about the hell I’d catch from my father if he ever found out that his baby girl went to a sex club, let alone that she spent the night with his newest all-star rookie while she was there.

Still, although I’d never admit it to him or anyone else, part of me actually wants to give in and agree to teach Declan. Part of me wants to see him again, to test whether the chemistry between us was real or just a trick of the club’s seductive atmosphere.

“You went quiet on me,” he says, his voice softer now, less teasing. “Still there, hummingbird?”

The nickname sends an electric current through me.

“Yeah. I’m here.”

“Alright, then what do you say? Are we doing this or not?”

“Are you going to behave?” I ask, trying to sound stern but hearing the breathless quality in my own voice.

Declan chuckles. “I’ll do my best. But no promises.”

“If you can’t keep your hands to yourself⁠—”

“Don’t worry. I remember exactly where the lines are drawn,” he says, his voice a mixture of warmth and challenge. “But something tells me I’m not going to be the only one having trouble with that part.”

My face burns hot enough that I press a hand to my cheek to cool it off—because he’s right. I close my eyes, biting my lip for a second before I ask, “Are you free on Friday?”

“For you? Of course I am.”

“Good. Meet me at the studio around five. It’s called Yoga Flow. I’ll text you the address.”

“I’ll be there. Looking forward to it,” he says, and I hang up quickly before I have the chance to say something I might regret.

When I turn, I find Ralph perched on the edge of the bed and staring down at me with her tail swishing like she can see right through me.

“What?” I ask.

She just blinks at me and flicks her tail.

“Don’t judge me,” I mutter, flopping back onto the bed. “You’ve never had to choose between your father’s approval and a man who can make your toes curl from across a hockey arena.”

Ralph just stares, unimpressed with my justifications. I bury my face in a pillow and groan.

What have I just agreed to?

10. Declan

Chapter 10

Declan