Page 39 of Shades of Grey & Gold

“Because I think I did a long time ago,” I say looking down at our fingers laced between us. “I think there was just stuff in the way and I couldn’t see it clearly. I didn’t know what to call it.”

The silence after is long enough for my brain to turn back on and start figuring out an exit strategy.

Then he steps closer.

Not too close. Just close enough the air shifts and he has to really look down at me.

“I knew what to call it.”

My breath catches.

“Then why didn’t you?”

His mouth curves, sad at the edges. “Because you weren’t mine to name.”

I think the ground might give out below me as he lets my fingers drop and lifts his hand, then stops like he’s giving me the choice to close the distance.

And I do.

I step closer and his fingers brush my chin, and I think I might drown in that look in his eyes that’s saying so many things and nothing at all.

“I’m here now,” I say.

His eyes hold mine. “I know.”

“And you’re also here.”

“I know that too.”

“Good.”

“Good,” he repeats, and the smile is devastating.

Bart barks once.

We both look down.

I sigh, “He’s very needy.”

“He gets it from you.”

I gasp. “Take that back!”

“Nah.”

“I will take this coffee and leave you here.”

“You won’t.”

“I might.”

“You like me too much.”

“Not even!”

“Admit it, you have a crush on me,” he laughs, his grin is immediate and criminal.

“I do not.”