Page 20 of Crease Collision

He nods. “Well, that certainly clears things up.”

I don’t know what to say. He didn’t tell me about his job, so why is he asking about mine? But when I look into his eyes, I lose my head. I’m about to confess the truth when he lets me off the hook.

“This is nice. The park. The picnic.” He lowers his glasses again, enough for me to see the smile lines around his eyes. “The handsome company.”

“You’re such a flirt,” I say. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you wanted something out of me.”

His lips twist into a wicked smirk. “Or maybe to put something in you.”

We laugh again, but I can’t help thinking that sounds like a fantastic idea. It almost fits into my plan if I’m careful. Since we won’t be seeing each other much longer, I might as well get some while I can.

CHAPTER SEVEN

OSKAR

After we finish our meal and dispose of the empty containers, neither of us can sit still.

“Should we go for a walk?” I ask. “You promised to show me around.”

Kai tilts his head. “And here I thought you liked looking at me.”

“Can I not do both?” I flick his arm with a fingernail. “I can watch you with other things in the background. You will only make them look better.”

He scrunches his eyebrows together and frowns.

Helvete. Why would he react that way?

I risk brushing his hand with mine. “Do not let me scare you, Kai. I meant it as a compliment.”

His eyes get shiny, and after a moment, he clears his throat. “Sorry. I just…”

I can’t tell whether he is struggling to say something or fighting not to, so I wait.

“I’m not used to guys telling me things like that,” he finally says. “Usually, all we do is fuck and say goodbye.”

“I surprised you, then. If I may ask…” He nods, so I go on. “Did you like what I said?”

It takes him a moment to answer. “More than I want to admit. I feel better around you.”

I rest my hand on top of his. “You do not have to be nervous with me.”

He sighs. “That should scare me more than it does.” He looks like he has surrendered a state secret. “Ready for that walk now?” he asks.

We get up, and he leads us down a walkway, deeper into the park.

“What do you think of New York?” he asks.

I bump my arm against his. “I like it. There are too many people and buildings, but the city is very interesting.”

“There are too many people and buildings, but the city is very interesting?” His eyes are full of mischief. “You need a refresher course.”

“Excuse me, tutor. There’re way too many people, but it’s as interesting as a fuck.” I grin, absurdly pleased with myself. “Was that better?”

“Well…” He rubs a hand over his mouth. “Sort of. Fucks can be described as interesting, I guess, but I think the expression you meant to use was ‘it’s interesting as fuck.’ Not ‘a fuck’”

My cheeks get hot, but I laugh along with him. After a passing couple gives us a wide berth, Kai looks at me. “That definitely sounded more like my friends, though.”

“I take that as a compliment,” I say. “Assuming they are nice.”