He smirked but kept his focus on the road. "Favorite movie growing up?"
I exhaled, relaxing. "Oh, that’s easy. Beauty and the Beast."
Nathan chuckled. "Let me guess. Because of the library?"
I grinned. "Exactly. How’d you know?"
“Every woman under the age of forty-five is obsessed with that library. I figured you wouldn't be any different. Even Elle is.”
The playful banter felt good. Natural, even. But beneath the easy smiles and laughter, I could still feel the undercurrent of attraction. The magnetic pull that drew us together no matter how hard I tried to resist.
It was dangerous. Reckless.
But as we sped down the highway, the night whipping past the windows and the man beside me making my heart race in a way it hadn't in years...
I couldn't bring myself to care.
Silence stretched again, but it wasn't as heavy this time. Nathan cleared his throat. "All right, last one. Dream vacation?"
I smiled. "Greece. I want to see the ruins."
Nathan nodded. "Good choice."
I tilted my head. "What about you?"
Nathan thought for a moment. "Somewhere quiet. Mountains, maybe. No cell service."
I snorted. "You sound like an old man. Welivein the mountains."
He shot me a look. "I am an old man, remember?"
My stomach clenched at the reminder of our age gap. I quickly looked out the window. "We're almost there."
Nathan glanced at me. "Nervous?"
I exhaled. "I just… I don't do this."
Nathan's hands tightened on the wheel. "Me either." Something in his tone made me glance at him. There was something in his expression,something conflicted.
Before I could figure out what it was, he pulled into the restaurant parking lot. Nathan shifted into park and turned to me. "Too late to run now."
I squared my shoulders, forcing a smirk. "I don't run."
Nathan's gaze dropped to my lips for half a second before he smirked back. "We'll see."
I swallowed hard, pushing the car door open before I could say something stupid. My heart raced as we walked toward the entrance. This was really happening. A date. With Nathan Gallagher. My pack leader, my...whatever this was.
I tried to ignore the butterflies rioting in my stomach. The way my skin tingled with awareness every time he got too close. I was in over my head, and I knew it. But for some reason, I couldn't make myself turn back. Couldn't stop myself from wanting to see where this night would lead.
Nathan's hand brushed against mine as we approached the door. I pretended not to notice. He pretended he hadn't done it on purpose. The restaurant was nice. Warm lighting, cozy booths, nothing too fancy. Just easy. Relaxed.
I slid into the booth across from him, fiddling with my napkin. Nathan watched me, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"You're nervous," he observed.
I huffed. "I'm not nervous."
Nathan raised a brow. "You keep fixing your napkin."
