I must look startled.
“It’s just our siblings, mostly. My boyfriend Hudson will be there, and maybe our brother’s friend. It’s really chill, so we can chat while we play games.”
“Would you get enough information that way?” I ask.
Paisley nods. “I usually take my people out for lunch or dinner or chat while they work, so game night is perfect for me. If you let me pick you up, we can talk on the way over, too.”
But do I want to be thrown into a family night with Dorian’s siblings?
An immediate gut reaction slams into my chest. Yes. I do. Badly. It’s suddenly apparent that if Dorian overheard anything in this bookstore today, it didn’t drive him away.
The magnetism I always imagined between us is still there, except now it’s flipped around. Instead of repelling me like he used to, I can sense him trying to draw me in. Natalie isright. The way Dorian is standing so close to me right now, leaning in my direction, is sending me distinct vibes.
Either I’m terrible at reading him, or he’s done a complete one-eighty. This is not the man I used to know.
Both McConkies blink at me. “Yes,” I hurry to say. “That sounds great.”
There’s nothing wrong with a little healthy curiosity, right? Natalie lit a little flame under me, and now I can’t stop wondering what’s going on in Dorian’s head.
I turn the knob, drawing away from them.
“See you tomorrow,” Paisley says brightly.
Dorian nods, his brown eyes tracking my movements. I watch him note the staircase behind me, curious. He knows I live here, though, doesn’t he? Our pajama interaction last week cemented that. I move to shut the door when my gaze drops to the book he came here for.
Broken Vicesby Clancy Calloway.
I’m sorry, but what? My feet plant in the doorway, my grip tightening on the knob. “I figured you would’ve gone for something a little grittier.”
“These books are plenty gritty,” he says, a chuckle lacing his words. “Have you read this one?”
“Yeah.”
“Maybe we can have our own book club when I’m finished with it.”
“It might not be a good idea if you want to stay friends. I take my books very seriously.”
A grin splits Dorian’s face. “Why do you make that sound like so much fun?”
“To argue about books?”
He shrugs. “To defend them.”
“Okay. You’re on.” I nod to the one in his hands. “Bring your best defense.”
“I plan to.”
Paisley whistles. “Cool. Loving this energy. How long have you two been?—”
“Paise,” Dorian warns.
She isn’t pulling any punches. I’d better be careful what I say around her before that article comes out.
Paisley shoots her brother an innocent look.
I swallow, shooting them both a smile. “See you tomorrow.”
And then I run away.
