“No names it is. Although, I do know yours, but I’m okay with keeping mine to myself.”

“Good.”

Despite the arctic blast I kept sending his way, he continued to chat amiably next to me. The more he talked, the more I understood that this wasn’t about the sex. This was about winning something you couldn’t have. Not about getting laid for the night. If that was all he wanted, he could have either Abby or Brianna. They’d vied for his attention since we sat down.

If I wasn’t so determined to beat him at his own game, I’d take a moment to congratulate him on his ability to deflect the women’s obvious attention while still fighting so valiantly for mine.

No, this man wanted me for the simple fact that I refused to fall at his feet. I was a challenge. Sadly for him, after the week I’d had, I was more determined than him to win this challenge.

More like sadly for us.

He oozed sex appeal, and my body responded as if he had been made just for me. No matter how many times I jerked my hand back after each accidental graze or diverted my attention to anyone else at the table, my pulse hummed with want. My senses attuned to the deep resonance of his voice. My core softened and tightened as if preparing for this man.

By the time the plates cleared, my nerves fired on high alert, making me both exhausted and energized.

It was…exhausting.

And exhilarating.

And I needed to go.

I needed sleep and a clear head. This week had worn me down, and every time this man ran his fingers through his dark hair, pushing the strands back off his forehead, I failed to resist the urge to take in his thick bicep straining against his shirt.

“Can I get you a drink?” Carina asked.

“Thank you, but I think I’m going to head out,” I said, offering an apologetic smile to the table.

“You sure?” she asked.

“Yeah, it’s been a long week, and my bed is calling my name.”

She offered a commiserating grimace before standing. I said my goodbyes, pointedly ignoring Mr. Dark, Handsome, and Arrogant beside me. I had just turned to head to the door when his soft murmur reached my ears.

“Scaredy cat.”

The insult was barely a whisper issued only for me. I should have ignored it—pretended I hadn’t even heard it.

But I couldn’t.

Turning back just enough to face him, I softened my cold shoulder, switching it out for a seductive heat I knew melted more than a few people. His gaze morphed from taunting to an inferno in seconds. If my look melted, then his ignited. Before he could read anything on my face, I simply raised a brow, letting the ice slide back in place.

“Goodbye.”

And then I left.