Chapter 14
Andrea navigated them through the streets that led to the beach.
It was dark with only the sidewalk lights and the buildings to their right to guide them.
She kicked off her sandals and carried them in her right hand.
Michael took his shoes and socks off and rolled his pant legs up to mid-calf. He carried his shoes in his left hand.
Their free hands dangled between each other. Was he trying to get them to hold hands? It was way too soon for something like that, not that she was even considering holding his hand.
“Please don’t get angry with me, but I’m curious about something.”
“About what?”
“What was it that turned you away from finding love or even a man in your life?”
“Who said there was something that turned me away from it?”
“You seem very bitter toward men. Well, all men except Ben.”
Yeah, her view of Ben was quickly changing.
She didn’t know what he’d said, but it couldn’t have been good for Michael to get so defensive of her.
A fact that she still found shocking. She wasn’t lying when she’d said no one had ever come to her defense before.
Not her family or friends. Andrea had always been alone.
“I can’t say I have a positive view on Ben anymore.
” She didn’t know what was said, but Michael had been ready to go to battle and defend her honor.
It was cute that he would even do that for her.
No one had ever done that before. She was normally left on her own.
“Good, you could do better.”
“Are you going to suggest yourself?”
“Why, are you interested?”
“No,” she denied. Andrea had walked herself into that one.
“Will you tell me?”
“About why I’m not interested?” she asked, purposely misunderstanding him.
“No, why you don’t date.”
“Like I said, I don’t have time.” It was an age-old excuse that she was accustomed to using.
“For the right person, I’m sure you’d make it.”
True. It wasn’t like anything she couldn’t change. Her days and nights weren’t completely consumed by work. She just made it that way, so she was always kept busy. Busy meant she didn’t have time to think.
“What was his name?”
“There wasn’t just one,” she admitted.
“Ah, part of the legions of men you’ve been with.” He sighed, looking off.
Andrea chuckled, forgetting for a moment she had told Michael she had been with a plethora of men. “I might have fudged the number or two.” Or more like the whole legion thing.
“Only part of a legion. Perhaps a battalion?” he suggested.
“More like four.” Andrea glanced at Michael to see if he was laughing at her. She knew it was a paltry number compared to his, but she was more selective with her bedpartners than some.
“And all of them caused this distrust in men?”
No, life had caused that. Okay, so partially. “The men I saw were only after one thing and didn’t care about hurting my feelings to get it. They sweet talked and bribed their way into my bed and couldn’t wait to get away once the deed was done.” She had been nothing more than a conquest to them.
“What are their names?” he suddenly questioned seriously.
“Why, are you going to track them down and give them a dressing down like you did Ben?”
“No.”
Well, that was good. How embarrassing, Michael tracking them down and scolding them for using her. “I’m going to track them down and beat the shit out of them.”
“What? No, you can’t.”
“I assure I’m more than capable of it.”
“I’m not doubting you physically, but I’m saying you shouldn’t.” Honestly, who went around threatening to beat up one’s exes? Especially when that person doing the threatening had no connection to you.
“Why not?” he pouted, which made her laugh despite the seriousness of the conversation.
“Because—” She stopped because she didn’t really have a good reason. “I said so,” she finished lamely.
“Fine, but if you ever change your mind…”
“Thanks.” She wouldn’t. Those men were in her past, and she never wanted to think about them again.
“So they are why you won’t try again?” Michael asked, pressing the issue. He was as relentless as a dog with a bone.
“I mean, I can’t say I’m a glutton for punishment.” One could only try something so many times with the same result before giving up. She wasn’t insane.
“Or you just haven’t found the right kind of guy.”
“True.” But she wasn’t looking for one right now. She was just trying to live her life on her own terms.
“And you never will unless you try.”
“Now you sound like Maya.” She stepped closer and shoved her shoulder into his. Either he had prepared for the move, or the man was made out of concrete because he never faltered.
“She’s just concerned about you. She wants you to be happy.”
“A man in my life doesn’t equal happiness.” Her father had made her mother miserable before he’d left. She didn’t know anyone in happy relationships.
“No, but a life should be shared with someone.”
“I know, I know a person isn’t meant to live in solitaire.” She had heard the tale before. Andrea didn’t want to live the rest of her life alone, but she wasn’t ready to settle down and have a relationship yet.
“No, so if you don’t plan on trying to find your one, there isn’t anything saying you shouldn’t have fun while you still can.”
Andrea rolled her head to the side to give him a sarcastic glance. “And let me guess, you’d be happy to be the one to provide it.”
“If you’ll let me.” Michael stopped and faced her. “I’m attracted to you, Andrea. Plain and simple. And I felt like tonight went well. If you’ll let me, I’d like to see you more in whatever capacity you’ll allow. Friends or more.”
Well, she would say one thing for him, he was honest like he’d said. Instead of answering, Andrea stated, “We should head back.”
She didn’t miss the look of disappointment on Michael’s face. She felt like a coward for not answering him, but it was better this way.