A flushed sensation shot through my body. I took a long gulp of icy water to cool off, but it didn't help.
"Thanks, I'm good," I mumbled, indicating I didn't want any more of his fish. I wouldn't be able to handle it if he offered again.
Crimson cleared his throat. "If you say so."
That was the end of it. Or, so I hoped.
Because a second later, something touched my foot under the table. It was Crimson's shoe.
A hot blush bloomed across my cheeks. What was that asshole thinking? Trying to make him stop, I nudged his foot back hard.
But Crimson just grinned. He thought I was playing with him. He circled my foot with his in a teasing gesture.
An electric jolt tingled my skin. I wanted to pull my foot away from him, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.
It felt... good.
Gods, what was I thinking? I must've been touch starved. I shouldn't have been so desperate that playing footsie under the table would get me so worked up.
I tried to ignore Crimson by eating my food. The crepe was just as delicious as it smelled. I'd never eaten something so divine. Now, though, I was carefulnotto moan embarrassingly about it.
"Sure you don't want another bite?" Crimson asked when I was finished. A hearty chunk of grilled fish remained on his plate.
Since I'd eaten light, therewasroom in my stomach... but if that meant subjecting myself to his cute-yet-annoying fork feeding, did I really want it?
My inner tiger growled. Yes, he did.
"Fine," I grumbled.
Looking delighted, Crimson offered me another piece. I took it. He didn't even bother to hide his joy as I swallowed. He liked feeding me.
That was kind of sweet, honestly.
We repeated the process until his plate was empty. I licked my lips, swallowing the last of the grilled fish juices. Now I felt truly satisfied.
Crimson regarded me fondly. "Has anyone ever told you how cute you are when you eat?"
My cheeks turned hot at the sudden comment. "W-what?"
"You get this eager, yet peaceful expression. It's very endearing."
My temperature skyrocketed. I was so baffled I didn't know how to respond.
"Um," I said. "Thanks?"
Crimson's shoe grazed against mine again. I shivered.
"No problem," he murmured, still gazing at me.
My heart flip-flopped in my chest. Hewasflirting with me. Nobody ever did that. Since I had no experience with it, I didn't know what to do except sit there silently, gawking at him.
Crimson tilted his head. "I guess the answer is no. I'm the first one to compliment you like this?"
I nodded slowly.
He grinned, clearly pleased. "When was the last time you were on a date, Taylor?"
The question made me bristle from bad memories. "It's ancient history."
