Page 86 of Titus

Titus looked out the windshield, then slowly turned toward me. “You brought me to a fish shack.”

I chuckled. “It’s not a fish shack.”

“It has picnic tables.”

“Yes.”

“There’s a guy outside who isn’t wearing any shoes.”

“That’s beach life, guapo.”

His mouth twitched as we got out of the SUV. His tailored charcoal jacket and black leather shoes looked absurdly out of place in the salty harbor air and among the casual crowd. I wasn’t surprised when people glanced at him. It wasn’t the suit he wore; it was the way he walked with an air of supremacy.

The man honestly looked like he belonged on the cover of Forbes… all while standing beside a bait shop.

“You’re smiling,” he observed from beside me.

“Because this is the first time I’ve seen you look slightly uncomfortable.”

“I am not uncomfortable.”

“You absolutely are.”

“I’m adapting.”

I laughed under my breath as we stepped into the crowded restaurant, the scents of grilled fish, garlic, lime, and ocean air wrapping around us instantly. Titus looked confused when he realized there was no hostess stand and no staff waiting for him.

Just a line.

“Oh my God,” I whispered dramatically. “You’re going to have to stand with the rest of us peasants.”

He looked down at me as if genuinely offended. “You speak as if I believe I’m above all this?”

“Until you got into my car tonight,” I said with a smile, “that’s exactly how you portrayed yourself.”

His eyes narrowed in a cute way that kept the smile on my face. “You’re testing me?”

“I’m taking you to one of my my favorite seafood places,” I smiled. “But call it a test if you want.”

He licked his lips, eyes locked on me, and I honestly had to look away because some bizarre spell seemed to wash over me, drawing me into him. I knew that was a dangerous place to be.

“You’ll survive, Hawk,” I smiled.

“I’m confident I will.”

Strangely, it felt easy standing here in line with him. He adapted very well, as if he didn’t commute to work in a damn helicopter or own half the world’s luxury real estate.

I was shoved into Titus when a little girl darted between us, chasing her brother through the place.

Titus’s arms came up loosing around my back, pulling me close. I didn’t resist.

“I think this might be my new favorite spot as well,” he said, then released me.

We stepped up to the counter where a sun-bleached teenager called out order numbers from behind the counter.

“What can I get for you both?”

I looked at Titus, “Do you like Ahi?”