I shove my hands in my pockets, eyeing the full package. She’s cute. Innocent, like prey that doesn’t recognize the danger around her. Not sure she would stand out in a crowd, but she stood out to me prior, even in an auditorium full of people.

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’d remember.” I’m too quick with a response. If I’m not careful, I’ll show my cards, and I’d rather her reveal her thoughts first.

Her expression eases, soaking in the compliment. “You would, huh?”

“Absolutely. I’d never forget you.”

She laughs, the sound ringing in the air. “Very charming.” Her gaze slides down my chest and back to the can as if it’s much more interesting.

“I try.”

Sighing, she does the slightest of eye rolls before I’m on the receiving end of her glare. “I have a feeling you don’t have to try at all when it comes to girls.”

Not seeming to break through her cooler composure, I finally realize I have no game with this girl.

“It was a warning,” I reply with full intention.

“For you?” She holds up the small can with an all-knowing grin and sees right through me. “Or this?”

This girl.

Fuck me.

What was I thinking? I just hit on her in a gas station convenience store in the middle of the day like she’d fall at my feet. What did I expect, for fuck’s sake?

I’m arrogant enough to believe I’m worthy of her attention, so I keep my eyes on her. “If you’re wise.”

“What happens if I’m not wise?” Her voice is as steady as her eyes are on me, which are locked in place.

Call me impressed. The girl can stand her ground, but I’m also starting to think she might be into me. “You might get hurt.”

Her gaze shifts, lengthening to a back corner of the store before she looks at me again. “Sometimes the pain is worth the risk.” Her body fills with attitude, shoulders straightening and chin held high. “Don’t you think?”

“Guess it depends on the risk.”

Biting her lip, she smiles to herself and looks back down at the can in her hands. “You’re probably right, but I’ll take my chances.”

Rubbing the pad of my thumb across my lower lip, I then say, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Don’t worry. You won’t be held liable for any damage in the aftermath.” She starts to leave but turns back a few feet away. “We’re talking about the beans, right? Like, this isn’t our meet cute?”

This girl. Fuck. She’s got my full attention and couldn't care less. “I don’t know what a meet cute is.”

“It’s how they meet in the movies.”

“Who’s they?”

“The main characters,” she replies like everyone knows what she’s talking about.

I’m still staring at her, trying to figure out what the fuck we’re going on about when I realize what she means. “You’re really into movies, aren’t you?”

“I am. It’s a nice escape.”