Shock and then sadness filled her at the reminder of their date. They’d shared so much and finally she’d found someone who loved reading as much as she did. She raised her eyebrows. “Didn’t you say it was too young adult for your tastes?”
“I thought it would be, but it was pretty good.”
“That’s why I recommended it.”
He grinned at her and she shoved another spoonful of the satay into her mouth to stop herself from smiling back.
“I particularly liked the ending with the big reveal on who the Great Khan was.”
Excitement bubbled inside her. Hell. How was she supposed to keep her distance when he was talking about one of her favourite books? “You didn’t pick it?”
“No.” He sipped his water. “Of course then I had to read the prequel and the other two books in the series.”
She bit her lip, but couldn’t help herself. “Favourite character?”
“Kew, of course.”
She waved his choice away. “Doesn’t count. Kew’s a dragon, she’s everyone’s favourite.”
“Then I would say Shan.”
Interesting. “Why?”
“Because despite the lack of control she has over what happens to her, she manages to succeed.” He smiled. “Who was yours?”
Shan was her favourite as well, but admitting it felt a little too much like they were bonding. “Checheg.”
“The fate of her people resting in her hands. It’s a lot of responsibility.”
Nhiari nodded.
“What should I read next?”
“There’s hardly time to read novels right now.” Oh, but she had a list she could give him. She pressed her lips together to stop herself from blurting out recommendations.
“You’re right.” He collected her empty bowl and cleaned the dishes with some wet wipes.
She ignored the disappointment. It wasn’t often she found someone who was well-read. She loved discussing stories with others and getting their opinions.
Nhiari muffled a yawn.
“I tend to schedule my day with the sun,” Lee said. “I go to bed when she does.”
It made sense to save power, not having to run lights. “Sounds good.”
“You can take the tent.” He handed her a cup of white tea.
She sipped and discovered he’d added a half teaspoon of sugar to it, just the way she liked. They’d only had tea together once, the morning after their date.
She closed her eyes against the barrage of emotion. It only made her vulnerable. She hardened herself. “No,” she snapped. “It’s your bed. I’m fine on the ground.”
He studied her for a moment and then nodded. “Whatever you want.”
What she wanted was for this to be over, to not have to fight the attraction and the memories of their perfect night together. She didn’t want hope to rise again only to be shattered when she had to arrest him.
Leaving the tea on the table, she hobbled over and unrolled the thin mattress and removed the one shoe she still wore.
Then she lay down and closed her eyes. She needed distance and time to rebuild her walls.
