Darkest Sins (Perfectly Imperfect #9)

“I know.” My lips curve up. The guys I know would never say something like that to me. They would shower me with faux compliments, saying how beautiful my singing is because that’s what they think I want to hear.

“So why did you do it?”

“It was fun. And because it put a smile on my sister’s face.”

His forehead furrows. “You wanted your sister to laugh at you?”

“She wasn’t laughingatme. She was laughing because of me.”

“Isn’t that the same thing?”

“Um, nope. True friends and family would never laugh at you, no matter how stupid your actions may be.”

“Mm-hmm . . . I never thought about it like that.” He retreats and leans back on the wall again, crossing his arms as before. His stance stretches the black fabric of his shirt over his muscular arms and across his broad shoulders.

Heat floods my cheeks as I recall him sitting in front of me—shirtless—that day at the vet clinic. I guess, any woman would be beguiled by a man like him. I can’t say I haven’t imagined him naked. But my fascination with my stranger goes beyond the physical attraction. On one hand, his turning up out of the blue only to disappear again soon after, leaves me with few cryptic answers and more questions following our short time together. He remains a complete enigma. On the other, he outright confessed to stalking me. Any sensible woman in my place would run, far and fast, screaming all the way. Me? I just want to know more about him.

“Can I ask you something?” His raspy voice breaks the silence, and, I swear, I can feel the vibrations against my skin.

“Sure,” I breathe out.

“What’s with the weed?”

“The what?”

“The green things you keep along your windows?”

I arch my eyebrow. “How do you know about my plants?”

“The rooftop across from your building has a good view of your place. I saw you spraying the leaves when I came to check up on you.”

“They’re herbs. Oregano. Mint. Parsley. Rosemary. I like their smells. Though, I’m afraid I might’ve killed the parsley. It’s almost completely dried out.” I sigh. “I’ll have to buy a new one when I have some free time.”

“I thought women liked flowers. Not grass.”

“Herbs,” I point out again. “I like flowers, too, but I tend to get into a sneezing fit whenever I get too close to most varieties.”

“Mm-hmm.” He nods. “So, this stuff can grow on its own, yes? Like grass?”

I snort. “I can’t believe I’m discussing houseplants with the guy who’s been stalking me.”

“Why? I think it’s been a nice, interesting chat so far.”

My brows hit my hairline. “You need to go out more, buddy.”

A tiny little smile transforms his lips, and a swarm of butterflies invades my stomach.

“Why are you here, instead of with your friends?”

“I didn’t like the direction of our conversation and needed a break.” I put my hand over my mouth to cover a yawn. “Sorry. I didn’t sleep much last night.”

“Why don’t you go home?”

“I would. But my friend drove me here.” I meet his gaze. “And I’d rather not take a taxi if I can avoid it.”

He tilts his head to the side. “Are you covertly asking me for a ride?”

“Maybe.” I bite my lower lip.