Jane thought back on it. “Yes, he did an adequate job.”
Byron hooted. “Damn, darlin’. You can be harsh, but in this instance, I kinda love it. And since then, has it ever been better than adequate?” He took another sip from the glass.
“Yes, with a girl named Rachel in college.”
Byron spit it right back out. “Fuck me, you had sex with a girl.”
“Only the once.” She stood and dabbed at the mess he’d made on the floor with one of the leftover napkins from their meal. Jane couldn’t stand being in a room with a spill or a stain. “We were friends and roommates. One night, we went to a party together. I had a lot to drink, and so did she. I was inquisitive, and it just happened.” She had a hazy memory of the night, but it was blurry in a pleasant sort of way. “Though it ultimately wasn’t for me.”
After she sat down once more, Byron laid down across the foot of the bed. Somehow, it seemed much smaller now. He propped his head on one hand. “I want to hear the story—in glorious, 3D, surround-sound detail.”
Jane realized she’d overshared yet again. Honestly, why did everyone have so many hang-ups about sex?
“No, I’ve talked enough for one night.”
“You can’t tempt a man with a tale about lesbian lust in college and then clam up on him.” Byron ran a hand down the length of his body, and for some reason, her foolish fingers itched to do the same.
“I think I just did. What about your first time?”
Instantly, his face shuttered.
“Come on. I told you my story.”
“In high school, a good friend of my father’s took me to see a woman in Dallas. She owned a house.”
“Oh, you mean a brothel.” Jane was aghast. “How old were you?”
“Sixteen.”
Yuck. “Old enough to bypass statutory rape laws, but still—”
“Believe me, darlin’, I wasn’t a victim. She was twenty and had lovely red hair.” His smile was lazy, but Jane got the impression it was all for show. “The lady showed me a real good time, and I got no regrets.”
“So you frequent prostitutes?” She didn’t even bother keeping the disdain from her tone.
“Look at me.”
Jane did. “Yes…and?”
“You think I gotta pay for it?”
“I guess not.” He was awfully handsome. Was it possible he was getting more attractive?
“You guessed right. Since then, it’s been on my terms.”
“I find romance draining. I honestly don’t understand it. Sex can be fun, but all of the silliness surrounding it isn’t.”
In college, she’d watched the girls in her dorm get all dressed up every Saturday night—fussing and primping in front of a mirror for hours when they should’ve been studying. Jane never lost sight of her goals and ambitions.
“A bit of romance now and then never hurt anyone. I ain’t sayin’ I’m goin’ whole hog like this town, but I like some magic and moonlight.”
“If you say so.” Sounded like a waste of time to her.
“Maybe the right man hasn’t put the moves on you yet.” He nodded to the decorations. “Even you gotta admit, it’s enchantin’.”
“Sure.”
“Hasn’t anyone tempted you? Made you want more?”
There was something enthralling about the man. Jane wouldn’t admit it, though. She had to deflect his charm or fall victim to it.
“Nope, I’m in love with the law, and it’s a forever sort of romance. Attorneys aren’t built for happily ever afters. Haven’t you heard the old joke?”
“What joke?”
“A lawyer doesn’t say ‘I do’ when she gets married. Instead, she accepts the terms and conditions.”
Byron didn’t laugh.
Strange. Most people love a good lawyer joke. Jane had practiced them for office cocktail parties.
“I’m certain someone could tempt you.” Again, he crooked a finger. “C’mere.”
And once more, Jane only wanted to get closer to him.
“No.”
“I’m gonna romance you a bit.”
“We should go to bed…to sleep.” Jane sputtered the words. She felt inexplicably hot, anxious. “We’ve got a long day tomorrow in the prison system.”
“We do, but I’m cravin’ another taste. I know you enjoyed it earlier.”
This has “bad idea” written all over it.
“We’ll kiss tomorrow. I don’t want another one tonight.” It was a lie. Jane hoped she pulled it off.
His jaw clenched, and for a second, she thought he’d argue with her. Then he heaved a sigh.