I tried to reason with myself using logic. I couldn't be in love with him. I'd only known him for a few days! It wasn't mathematically possible. People didn't just fall head over heels for someone they just met unless it was a crush.
Yes, that's what it was. A crush.
Way to go, Miguel. Crushing on the first man who gives you positive attention...
Something nudged my foot, making me snap my head up. Daemen grinned at me as he tapped his shoe against mine.
"You alive in there?" he asked.
"Yeah, sorry, just spacing out."
I tried to act normal, so I took a bite of my burger. The sliced pickle fell out and dropped into my lap. I stared at it in resignation.
"Let me get that for you," Daemen said.
Before I could stop him, Daemen reached around and picked up the pickle on my lap, which had fallen dangerously close to my crotch. I could've sworn his long pale fingers deliberately grazed the fabric in front of my cock.
Oh, god. Did anyone see? I frantically examined the food court.
My brain instantly conjured up a scene from a movie where the popular character dotes on the loser nerd in public and everyone in the crowd laughs. But that didn't happen. In fact, nobody was looking at us at all.
In one fluid motion, Daemen relocated the pickle back to my plate. "I'd eat it, but I only like sweet foods. But I am a fan of theotherkind of pickle."
I swallowed a high-pitched squeak. How much more of Daemen's flirting could I take before blowing up? Judging by how hot my cheeks felt, I was close. Maybe I'd end up on the news:Local Nerd Bursts Into Flames At Mall Food Court!
Since my brain was jumbled and I didn't know what to say, I stuffed the rest of my food into my mouth. Daemen finished off his waffle, though he eyed me the entire time like he was waiting for something.
"Are you all right, Miguel?" he finally asked.
"Sorry. I'm fine."
A gentleness came over Daemen's expression. He tilted his head, examining me closely. "You know you can tell me if you're feeling unwell. I am a doctor, after all."
"It's not that," I said quickly. "My body's fine. Actually it's more than fine since—" Thankfully my brain stopped before my mouth blurted out what it wanted to say about Daemen making me cum earlier. "I mean, it's a mental thing."
My intention was to satisfy Daemen with this remark, since why the hell would he be interested in my mental state? Maybe if he thought I was crazy he'd realize I wasn't worth the effort, even for a fake boyfriend.
But Daemen didn't budge. His blue eyes were laser focused on me.
"The mind and body are connected," he said patiently. "If something's upsetting you, it can affect you physiologically as well. Mental stress often causes physical reactions."
Why did this man have to be so smart? And more importantly, why did he seem so invested in me? That was the big, flashing neon question. Daemen had no horse in this race, yet was throwing himself all in. What did he have to gain from helping me?
I averted my gaze, feeling shy and ashamed. "I'm just confused," I admitted in a small voice.
"About?"
"Why you're being so nice to me."
"Why shouldn't I be nice to you?" Daemen countered.
My tongue tied in knots. "Not that you shouldn't be nice, but I mean, no one's reallythisnice to me, and I don't just mean the—thingwe did earlier, that was, um—anyway, you just don't treat me like the loser I am—"
"Stop."
Daemen put his drink down and stared at me like I was a butterfly pinned to a board. His gaze was possessive yet proud, ferocious yet kind. I'd never been on the receiving end of such a passionate stare. I froze in place.
Daemen stood and offered his hand. When I took it, he helped me up but refused to let go, his fingers still clenching mine. Even though we were surrounded by people, they all blended into one big blur in the background. Daemen looked at me like I was the only other person in existence.
