Just enough that I want to reach across the table, tilt her chin up, and make her look at me until she says my name without fear.
But I don’t touch her.
Not yet.
Instead, I let the tension settle, warm and charged, like a promise between us.
The barista approaches. Ruby jumps like she’s been caught doing something inappropriate. I hold her gaze.
“We’ll get coffee,” I say gently. “We’ll talk. Nothing more.”
She nods, though I can tell she doesn’t believe me.
Smart girl.
Because we both know, with her sitting across from me like this, cheeks flushed, lips parted, eyes bright and nervous, there is absolutely going to be more.
CHAPTER 15
Jaxon
The barista walks away with our order, and Ruby sits across from me with her shoulders tight, her fingers wrapped around the edge of the table like she’s bracing for impact.
She should be.
Because I’m done being careful.
Not reckless.
Not disrespectful.
Just done pretending the tension between us is something we can smother politely.
I watch her for a moment, really watch her, the way her eyes flick anywhere but mine, the way her chest rises a little faster when I lean forward, the way she licks her lips without realizing it.
She feels this.
She feelseverything.
She just doesn’t know what to do with it.
I lower my voice, slow and deliberate. “Ruby.”
She swallows. “Yes?”
“You’re nervous.”
Her breath catches. “I… I’m not..."
“It’s not a bad thing.”
She stiffens. “It’s a terrible thing.”
“No.” I shake my head. “It means you care.”
Her eyes snap up to mine, something sharp and vulnerable flickering there. “No, I don’t. I mean, I shouldn’t.”
“Wanting something isn’t the same as choosing it,” I say. “And you want this.”
