Before I can answer, Levi’s voice cuts through the moment. “Guys, you coming or what?” He’s standing at the shop door a few feet away, radiating impatience.
It seems that boy never had to wait for anything in his life.
I glance toward him, but Koen’s fingers catch my chin, pulling my focus back.
“How am I different today?” His dark eyes are searching, and I’m suddenly hyperaware of how close we are. Close enough that I register the warmth of his breath.
I swallow, feeling the weight of his question and the way his gaze seems to pin me in place. “Well, you’re… like this.” I gesture vaguely, feeling stupid under his gaze. “Nice.”I swat his hand away. “And I don’t know if I like it.”
He studies me, his eyes boring into mine as if he’s stripping away my words to see what’s underneath. And dammit, he must find the truth in them because a genuine smile spreads across his face.
I hate that he knows and sees through my sarcasm and hesitation. Yes, I like this side of Koen, which is even more dangerous than his infuriating side.
If the last few days have taught me anything, it’s that I’m done being alone. Maybe Levi is right. Maybe I should live in case something good happens. Maybe thisissomething good. And if it isn’t, I can still sink back into my black hole if it goes wrong.
It’s not like anybody is waiting for me there.
Koen’s eyes glimmer with something I can’t quite place—an invitation, a promise, or maybe it’s the satisfaction of knowing he’s cracked my façade. He raises an eyebrow, his lips still curved. “Nice, huh? I’ll take it.” His hand brushes down my arm, then he steps back, his smirk growing wider. “Let’s catch up before Levi explodes.”
“Finally.” Levi throws his arms up dramatically. “You guys can flirt some more when we’re inside, not standing on the threshold like peasants who aren’t invited.”
Koen snorts, shaking his head. “Relax, Dove. Not everyone is as desperate to make an entrance as you.”
Levi places a hand on his chest, feigning offense. “Desperate? I prefer the termenthusiastically dramatic. It’s called charisma, darling.”
Koen turns to me, his smirk still in place as he whispers, “See what I have to deal with every day?”
“Excuse me? I heard that,” Levi accuses while stepping into the shop, and I follow him, suppressing a laugh.
The clerk at the counter glances up, and her eyes widen as she immediately recognizes the twins. Her face lights up, and she practically skips around the counter to greet Levi. “Hey, you,” she says, throwing her arms around him. Pulling back, she questions, “You’re back already?”
“You know me.” Levi returns the hug, then shrugs boyishly as he adds, “I can’t stay away. But today, it’s not about me. I’ve got you a nice little project.”
“You do?” she asks, glancing at Koen and giving him a friendly smile, which he returns with a polite nod.
“As you know, it’s my birthday tomorrow—” Levi starts.
“Our birthday,” Koen mutters.
“Technicalities.” Levi waves him off, and I have to suppress another laugh. “Anyway, I want my girl,Glitter,here to be the star of the show. Give me your most beautiful and sexy dress. Something that fits this vision of a woman.”
Her eyes shift to me, and she smiles, her expression kind. “It’s nice to meet you, Glitter. I’m Kati. And I’m sure everything will look amazing on you, so I guess we have a big selection to choose from.”
She didn’t even bat an eye at my sweatpants.
“Ah! I think this screams for champagne, don’t you?” Levi exclaims, and Kati nods, disappearing to the back and leaving us standing by the counter. When she returns, she starts to hand us each a glass, but Koen shakes his head, holding up a hand. “None for me, thank you. I’m driving.”
Levi, however, takes two glasses and looks at me expectantly. “You won’t make me drink alone, right?”
I clench my teeth, shaking my head while I glare at Koen. “I can’t.”
“Why not?” Levi’s eyes flick to Koen, then back to me.
“Koen wants me sober.Always.” The words are clipped, my gaze still on the man in question, who’s watching me carefully.
Levi grins, his gaze bouncing between us again. “Right.Ko, brother, please, get that stick out of your ass so she can have a glass of champagne with me?”
Koen sighs, but there’s a hint of amusement playing on his lips. He steps closer, his eyes locking onto mine as his hand comes to cup my cheek. “All right,” he says softly. “You’re allowed to drink champagne with Levi.”
