"Like what?"
"I know you're smart enough to see through bullshit when you want to. I know you're brave enough to move halfway around the world for a house you'd never seen. I know you kiss like you've been thinking about it as much as I have."
Her cheeks flush again. "Have you? Been thinking about it?"
"Since the first day I met you."
She laughs, and the sound does something to my chest. "You have serious issues."
"Probably."
"And I'm in debt to you for fifty-eight thousand euros."
"Fifty-seven thousand, nine hundred and twelve. But who's counting?"
"You, apparently." She takes another sip of wine. "This is complicated."
"Everything worth having is complicated."
"Is that what this is? Something worth having?"
The question catches me off guard. She's looking at me with those blue eyes, waiting for an answer I'm not sure I can give honestly.
"I don't know," I tell her, which is the truth. "But I want to find out."
She's quiet for a moment, turning her wine glass in her hands. "What if we find out it's not?"
"Then we deal with that when it happens."
"And my debt?"
"Remains your debt."
"So, this doesn't change our business arrangement?"
I lean back in my chair, studying her. "You think I'd forgive fifty-eight thousand euros for a kiss?"
She lets out a laugh. "I don't know what to think about you."
"It’s better to keep it that way."
She frowns. "Why?"
"Because the moment you think you've got me figured out is the moment you stop being careful."
"Should I be careful? Around you?"
The question is loaded, and we both know it. She's asking if I'm dangerous. If she should be afraid. If the attraction between us is something she should run from.
"Yeah," I say quietly. "You should be very careful."
"But not tonight?"
"No, tonight, you're safe."
"Promise?"
I reach across the table and take her hand. Her skin is soft, warm, and I can feel her pulse jumping under my thumb.
