“What do I have to do to get you to say yes?” he asked with a grin that could convince me to do anything right now.
“Nothing.” I shook my head, mentally cursing myself at the missed opportunity to flirt. “I mean…”
“You mean?” he prompted.
“Nothing.” I sighed, disappointed in my inability to tease him. Something about the fire and the crashing waves mixed with people who’d known us since high school made me more nervous than usual. I could barely look him in the eye for more than a few seconds before having to switch my gaze down to the ground.
“You’re telling me no ideas are running through your brain right now?” he challenged, squeezing my fingers in encouragement. “You can ask for anything.”
I snorted. “I doubt that.”
“I’d give it to you,” Leo promised. “Anything.”
“I’m sure you would.” I laughed under my breath.
“You think I’m joking around?”
“I do.” My voice wavered a bit when he brushed a stray hair from my brow.
“What would I have to gain from that?”
“A laugh? I don’t know.” I tilted my head, studying him. It was hard seeing through Leo’s cracks because he sealed them up nicely. Everything about him was wonderfully curated for viewing pleasure. I’d known this before, but something about looking at him tonight reminded me why I admired him so much: he was a pro at being who he needed to be for whoever he was with. It was equal parts admirable as it was concerning. Who was he when he wasn’t playing a part?
His expression turned serious. “I didn’t offer to give you anything just for a laugh, Kira.”
“Then why?” I pressed.
He opened his mouth but closed it again to re-think his response. Before he could share his thoughts, Nate’s hand landed on my shoulder. My brother’s gaze was on Leo’s fingers still hooked around mine.
“Mind if I borrow you for a minute?” Nate asked me with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
I nodded and quickly released Leo’s hand. My voice was impressively calm as I asked, “What’s up?”
“We’re walking.” Nate gestured towards the shore. He started away from the bonfire without even waiting to see if I was following.
“Hey-” Leo tried to start after us.
“It’s fine,” I interrupted, waving him away. “I know how to handle him.”
