"By asking you to dinner?" I raise an eyebrow. "Come on, Sadie. He was into you."
She shrugs, but there's a pleased flush to her cheeks now. "Maybe."
"Definitely." I lean slightly closer. "Can't say I blame him."
Her eyes meet mine, the tension between us shifting from uncomfortable to something else entirely. "Is that why you kissed me? To mark your territory?"
"No." I keep my voice low, controlled. "I kissed you because I haven't been able to think about anything else since the other night. Because you're beautiful and brave and I'm crazy about you."
She goes still, breath stuttering.
"Axel…"
"But," I continue, stepping back, "I shouldn't have done it here. And it won't happen again. Not in your café."
She studies me for a long moment. "Thank you for understanding."
"I do understand." I run a hand through my hair. "And I meant what I said. I'm sorry."
She nods, then glances at the door. "I should get back out there."
"Of course." I follow her toward the door but pause before she can open it. "Sadie?"
She turns, eyebrow raised. "Yes?"
"Let me take you away from here. Just for one night."
Her eyes widen. "What?"
"Not like that," I clarify quickly.
"I mean, not just like that. We can get a fancy hotel in Denver, eat room service and just exist together." I step closer, not touching her but close enough to smell her coffee-and-vanilla scent.
"One night where you can just breathe. You and Poppy."
"I can't just leave the café."
"Rowan can handle it for one day," I counter gently. "And you need a break before you head to Oregon."
I watch the war play out on her face, longing versus practicality, desire versus fear.
"Think about it," I say, not pushing. "The offer's open."
She bites her lip, then nods. "I'll think about it."
I reach for the door handle but stop when her hand touches my arm.
"Axel?" Her voice is soft, almost shy.
"Yeah?"
"For the record…" She glances up through her lashes. "I like that you got jealous. Even if you can't kiss me here."
Want kicks through me, sharp and immediate, at her admission.
"Good to know," I murmur, voice rougher than I intend.
She smiles, a real smile this time, and opens the door. "I'll text you about Denver."
