“Nah, it’s not like that at all,” he says, keeping his eyes on me. “I think you’re absolutely adorable. You're refreshing. The date is just getting started, but I swear I like everything about you already. You’re not afraid to allow yourself to be impressed by something new, and that's sexy. You have sort of an innocence that makes me want to act up. You're like the world's greatest temptation, and I can't get enough.”

My wide eyes become stuck as I look at Nathan, who sips his champagne like he didn’t just floor me with that monologue.

“Do you always do that?” I ask as he puts his glass down and I lift mine to sip.

“Do what?”

“Compliment women like you’re trying to make them fall in love with you on the first date?”

“I apologize if I’m a bit much,” he answers. “I have a habit of saying what’s on my mind when it comes to things I like. I’m a big fan of open communication so that lines don’t get crossed, and I prefer people to be the same way with me. Keisha tells me I don't have a filter, and I guess she’s right. I learned that the more open the communication, the easier things are.”

“Oh, is that right? Don’t tell me that, Nathan. I’ll put it to the test right here, right now.”

“Oh, it’s gonna be like that?” he says with a smile. “Okay, test me out then.”

“I will!” I chirp after my second sip of wine. It’s crisp and delicious, and I know I’ll be gladly enjoying this the rest of the night. “Okay. What’s the real reason you don’t like doing book signings?”

“Wow,” Nathan replies, drawing the word out.

“What? You thought I was gonna let you off easy by asking what your favorite color is? No way. I want the realness, Nathan Booker. I saw the way you looked in the car when I brought it up before. Since you’re Mr. Honesty, tell the truth then.”

Nathan nods his head before lifting his glass again and knocking back the rest of his wine. Almost as soon as he sets the empty glass back on the table, I waiter rushes over to refill it.