“Thanks,” I say softly and slide the mat into its spot on the shelf, turning my back to him in the hope that he won’t pick up on how much his words affected me. But Declan doesn’t seem to notice as he wipes down the last mat and brings it over to me. “Thanks for helping,” I add. “I really appreciate it.”

He shrugs. “It’s the least I can do to repay you for the private lessons.” His stomach rumbles, interrupting him. He laughs and rubs it. “Damn, I guess I worked up an appetite. Do you want to grab a bite with me?”

I hesitate because I know I shouldn’t. What I had with Declan was supposed to be a one-night thing. A wild night in San Diego where my “real” life didn’t follow me and I could do whatever or whoever I wanted. But here in Denver, I need to keep my head on straight. I have to stay focused on my classes, and that means I should go home and study instead of spending another minute with this man who’s way too good at making me forget all the reasons I should stay away.

But something in me refuses to listen to reason.

“Okay. There’s a bar around the corner that I go to sometimes after class. They have food and drinks.”

His face lights up with a smile that makes my stomach flutter. “Sounds perfect. Lead the way.”

I have him step out while I finish arming the alarm and locking up. The entire time, my rational mind is screaming that this is a terrible mistake in the making and that I should make up some excuse why I can’t go. I could tell him I forgot about an assignment, or that I have to meet with one of my classmates to work on a group project. I could say anything to escape the gravitational pull he has on me.

But when I step outside and find him waiting with that crooked smile that reaches his eyes, all my resolve crumbles like sand castles against the tide. I test the door to make sure it’s locked, then head around the corner of the building with Declan right beside me.

“Sideline isn’t the fanciest place in the world, but the food’s pretty good for bar food. And it’s close.”

“Sounds great,” Declan says, smiling as we approach the door. He moves in front of me to open the door for me, then waves me inside. “Ladies first.”

“And they say chivalry is dead.”

Declan quirks an eyebrow as he follows me inside. Peanut shells crunch under our shoes as we step to the host’s podium. A young girl my age with a blonde ponytail smiles and greets us.