“Another thing for me to note, then.” I nod. “But, as this is our first date, I’ll keep my hands to myself.”
She pouts, but with her attention back on her phone, it feels halfhearted. “That’s too bad.”
“What else should I know about you?”
“You should know…” Her eyes trail lower. “That I almost asked you to tie my wrists with your belt last night.” The words come out quickly, and she covers her mouth with her hands, as shocked as I am.
It isn’t the answer I expect from Evie, but I can’t deny that my pants grow tighter. “Is that what you like? Being bound?”
“Well… maybe. Just a little.”
Dammit. I shouldn’t have brought up the topic. How am I supposed to keep my hands to myself now?
I clear my throat. “We could probably arrange that—once it’s not our first date.”
She squirms in her seat, her cheeks glowing pink. “I can’t believe we’re having this talk here.”
“Why not? I thought you said this is too private?”
“I guess I can’t believe we’re having it at all. You spent so long acting like you couldn’t be in the same room as me.” She lifts a brow. “What changed?”
“A lot.” I shake my head. “Seeing you almost get hurt. Seeing how sad you were when I was avoiding you.”
“What?” Her face screws up, brows furrowing. “You could tell I was upset?”
I roll my eyes. “Yes, Evie. I can tell when you’re faking a smile.”
“Huh…” She looks up at the ceiling thoughtfully. “I thought fingering me was what did it, that it made you obsessed with me, but I guess that makes more sense.”
“Jesus,” I mutter. “I mean, that may have helped. It was hard to stop thinking about you after that, but what I felt for you hadalready come before. Far before. Seeing your passion, whether it’s about baking or your job. Seeing how hard you work. You’re open-minded and flexible?—”
“In more ways than one. Did you know I’ve dabbled in gymnastics?”
“Stop!” My face feels hot, even as I attempt to laugh her words off. “I’m trying to be sweet here.”
“Sorry.” She moves to my side of the compartment and rests her hand on mine, her head lolling against my shoulder. “It was longer for me, too. I liked you from the start.”
I already know. Her brother told me… in the same breath that he demanded I stay far away from her. I haven’t told Evie about the conversation, and I’m unsure if I want to. I don’t want to risk what we have. It still feels so fragile.
“Good.” I press my lips against her forehead. “Then it sounds like we’ve always been on the same page.”
EVIE
The train ride passes quickly, and the green scenery passes along with it, an hour of blurring trees and little towns. Spending time with someone I like as much as Theo makes it easy for time to fly by, and we’re alone. For the first time since we met, I feel like it’s the two of us.
Even in the cabin, there’s the looming thought that someone else may be around. Now that we’re in a larger city, walking hand-in-hand on a beautiful, cobbled street, that’s the last thingon my mind. His hand is warm in mine, and I’m safe with him—comfortable in a way I rarely am. All I can think of is how good it feels to be alone with him. Everything else is a problem for a later day.
“Hm…” He looks down at his phone, his strong brow furrowing. “This way.”
I haven’t bothered asking where he’s taking me. The last thing I want to do is spoil his surprise. When the shop comes into view, it isn’t surprising, but itisadorable.
Can I read the sign? Of course, I can’t—and I don’t have to. The smell alone lets me know where we are. Fresh bread, a strong smell of chocolate, and melting butter. These scents are a comfort to anyone and usually enough to get someone’s mouth watering. They’re more to me. They’re a warm hug—they’re home.
I gasp.
“Well…” He tugs my hand, leading me inside. “This is it.”
“A bakery?” I lift a brow, tempering my excitement. “You’re taking a baker to a bakery.”
