“Of course it did,” I muttered, feeling my cheeks heat up. Ugh. One thing I loved about a Kindle was that no one could know what I was reading. Not that I was ashamed, but I’d never cared for the judgy looks my book covers had gotten. I was a huge fan of sexy guys on covers. The fewer clothes they had on, the better.

Carter finally sat down, looking at me as if this was the first time he’d seen me. “So, what’s the book about?”

“It’s a romance. A sexy romance.”

His lip curled in a half smile. “I got the sexy part, all right. So this is how you spend your mornings?”

“No, I usually read before going to sleep, but I’d gotten to a good part and couldn’t help myself.”

“I see. What other genres do you read?”

“You really want to talk about my reading habits?”

“Yes. I like talking to you. I find you to be a fascinating woman. This is an unexpected angle, that’s all.”

Unexpected angle. Uh-huh. I bet he thought I was some kind of nympho.

“I read almost everything, from thrillers to mysteries. Even the occasional horror. But romance is my favorite. Nothing like some sweetness and sexy times to make me happy. Dreaming about a swoon-worthy hero is a great way to pass the time.”

“Raises the bar for real-life dating, doesn’t it?”

“Not really. I know it’s a fantasy.”

Carter set one forearm on the table, watching me with an undecipherable frown. “Do you still have feelings for that Ethan guy?”

I blinked, completely taken by surprise. “Ethan? Not really. We’d only been dating for two months. It’s just that... well, I’m still a bit wary. I haven’t had the best luck in the dating world, so I’m taking it easy.” I shrugged, hoping he’d let it go. Of course he had other intentions.

“I happen to be just as unlucky.”

I squinted, because, well... that seemed unlikely.

“You don’t believe me?” He sounded amused.

“I can’t quite picture it, no.”

“Well, that’s the honest truth.”

He drew his chair nearer to mine, whispering again. “I’m looking for someone smart and with a sense of humor.”

We were interrupted just then as Zachary came back, informing Carter they had to go and introducing himself to me.

Carter stood up as I shook hands with Zachary, still looking at me. “Know anyone interested?”

The heat in his gaze had reached lethal levels. He winked as Zachary pulled him away, and I took in a shaky breath.

I sensed that our morning meetings were going to become a thing, and Carter proved me correct the next morning.