Because I can’t think straight around you.
Because the Sunshine Breakfast Club has created a romance conspiracy theory with our names on it.
Because I’m terrified of wanting more.
What I said was: “I just think it’s a good… leadership opportunity.”
He narrowed his eyes the tiniest bit. “Sienna.”
“Yes?”
“Are you trying to get rid of me?”
“No,” I squeaked.
He leaned closer to the window, voice lower. “Are you sure?”
I nodded too fast. “Completely. Absolutely. One hundred percent sure.”
A beat passed.
And another.
His gaze warmed. “You’re cute when you lie.”
“I am not lying.”
“You’re practically vibrating.”
“That’s the caffeine. I drank what was left in the pot this morning, and it was like syrup.”
“Whatever you need to tell yourself.”
“Carson.”
He laughed softly, the sound sliding across my nerves in a way that made my knees feel liquid, even though I was sitting.
Then, more seriously, “If you want space, you can tell me.”
I shook my head, throat tight. “It’s not that.”
“Then what is it?”
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.
He watched me for a long moment in that steady, patient, and too perceptive way.
“Okay,” he said finally, stepping back from the window but not far. “We’ll talk later. When you’re not armed with a pillow.”
“I’m not armed,” I whispered.
“You absolutely are.”
He started to walk away, then paused and glanced back over his shoulder, voice warm in a way that left me breathless.
“And Sienna?”
“Yeah?”
