Page 7 of On the Dean's Naughty List
He watches me for a moment, then pushes from the truck and towers over me. I bend my neck to keep eye contact, his foot advantage really making me work.
“You’re right. I agree. And I wouldn’t want anything to happen to your job, so that’s fine. I actually know a place down the road from here if you’re up for the task now.” He’s got a smirk, and he knows he’s got me.
“I walked right into that, didn’t I?”
“Come with me. Just be careful where you step. I don’t want you falling for anyone else.”
MARK
“Best tacos around! You’re going to love their salsa. It’s made with fresh pineapple.”
I knew I couldn’t let her get away from me today. And not because I thought she’d back out on our date, but because I needed more of her right now.
“So, tell me about you. And if you catch me staring at your lips when we talk, just kiss me to make me stop.”
She shakes her head at my nonsense. “Do you ever quit?”
“I’ll quit at a perfect ten. You’re a nine and IbelieveI’m the one you need, so we’re getting really close.”
She belly laughs at me and I love it. I even love her eye roll that comes at the end. I’m beginning to really like this chick and I know nothing about her. “Ok, seriously, tell me about Mackenzie West.” At the raise of her eyebrow, “Summer told me. She said your full name while we were all together.”
“Did she tell you my cell number, too?”
“Honestly, Mackenzie,” I draw out the words to exaggerate the sarcasm. “I’m a computer tech specialist, I don’t need Summer.”
She swallows down the bite she took, and I force myself to concentrate on her words as I watch her tongue peek out to catch some salsa on her lip. “Right. I’m thirty-one. I just moved down here to the Keys from Northern Florida. I’ve been a cheerleader all my life and I knew when I was done doing the cheering, I wanted to coach. So, when this opportunity came up, I jumped on it. I’m the youngest of three. I have two older brothers who were relentless playboys until they met their wives, so every pickup line you try on me, I have a comeback for.”
“Ahh, that explains it. I was wondering how you were so savvy. I figured it’s just because you’re so beautiful, you’re used to warding off guys left and right.”
“What about you? What makes Mark so charming?”
“I’m glad you asked. Basically, it’s hard to resist a bad boy who’s a good man.” He leans back in his chair, a smile dancing across his face.
“Is that your tagline?”
“Listen, I know what they say about me. I’m not disputing it. I date. A lot. I love women. I love getting to know people. I’m easy to talk to and can carry a conversation with anyone.” I lean in. “But I’m not sleeping around, Mackenzie. That’s not me. People like to assume and even if I took the time to correct them, they’re going to think what they want, anyway. It’s not my job to convince someone else of something I already know about myself.”
I want her to know I’m not a pig. I’m not a male whore. Yes, I have fun. I enjoy being out, but seven nights a week? I’m sleeping alone.
“That’s good to know, Mark. I was cautious of you at first because of what I’ve heard, but you’re right. Gossip is just that.”
“Thank you.”
We quietly admire each other for a moment.
“So, our next date will be McDonald’s because, our chemistry? I’m lovin’ it!”
She groans and stands, gathering our garbage. I chuckle, stilling her hands and taking the items from her, walking to the trash bin. I hurry back because I just need to touch her again. Be close to her. There’s some pull between us. I know she feels it, but she still wants to fight it.
I walk us over to my truck “Before I take you back to your car, I want you to know, no lines, I had a great time this afternoon.”
“I did, too. You’re not who I thought you were, Mr. McCall.”
I raise a brow and smirk at her addressing me officially. “Can I take you out again?”
She stalls and I’m afraid I’m pushing too hard, but I can’t help it. I want more from her. “I know you’re nervous about the University. What if we keep this on the down low?”
She narrows her eyes at me. “Down low? That sounds so sketchy.”