“Okay. From now on, I will tell you everything.”
“Great.”
“I’ll let you know about any future dates I go on.”
Fuck no, that’s not what I meant.
My arm muscles seize, my fist tightening around the handle of the whisk.
Erika pushes me to the edge. “And I’ll let you know on a ratings scale how good they were in bed.”
I drop the bowl with an almighty clatter, nearly smashing it against the worktop, making her jump, but I can see a smirk touching her lips.
“You don’t like that idea, then?” she asks, her voice full of cheer, and I know she’s testing me.
“I fucking hate it.”
“We’ll continue to not share those things then.” She nods slowly.
“You’re not dating.” I grit the words out between my clenched teeth.
Her neck jerks back, confusion lining her brows. “Why not?”
I’ve never told her who to date or not to date, so it’s no wonder she’s puzzled by my sudden interest in her love life.
“It’s too soon for you,” I try to explain, but fail to sound convincing.
She brushes me off right away. “I was going to join one of those dating apps.”
“You’ll do no such fucking thing.” I storm over to her, my actions set adrift without fully thinking it through, and stand between her legs that are hanging off the edge of the island.
My hands find her bare thighs because she’s still wearing her running shorts.
She gulps, momentarily appearing like her mind is stuck in quicksand. “Why can’t I join a dating app, Leon?” Her honeyed tone sounds teasing. It’s as if she’s provoking me to tell her the truth.
I shake my head slowly, not answering her question. “Just promise me you won’t download any apps or date anyone.” I dig my fingers into her flesh slightly, causing her eyes to widen and inhale a deep gasp.
My eyes lock onto hers as if daring her to break eye contact. “Promise me right now that you won’t do it.” My tone softens, but the tension remains, making my jaw ache.
“I promise.”
I exhale sharply, unclenching my teeth, and briefly close my eyes to gather my thoughts before looking at her again. “Good.” She doesn’t need to swipe left or right when I’m the only option she should be considering.
Tell her you’re in love with her, Leon.
I can’t. It’s too soon. She’s only just closed the Huck chapter on her life.
I’m also praying over the next few days that she will see what has been in front of her all along.
What happens if she never sees you?
I can’t even think about that.
“Sorry, it’s just, I—” She doesn’t let me finish.
“You care about me. I know, I get it. You’re just like my brother sometimes.”
“Annoying?” I suggest, being coy.
