But I’d be a fool to let it go.
“Are you ready?”
“For this date?”
“For this date,” I confirm, lifting her palm to my lips. I kiss her slowly, watching her eyes dilate.
“Where are we going?” she asks curiously.
I smile and turn, tugging her gently as I lead her down to the road, where I have a black SUV waiting for us.
I open the door and help her in before walking around the car and sliding in behind the driver’s seat.
“I wasn’t sure how to show you how much you meant to me.”
“You don’t need to show me; I can feel it.”
“Of course, I do; it would be a crime not to. I have to say Fox tried to break in three times, and Sebastian went head to head with your mother a few times trying to see you.”
She inhales sharply. “I didn’t know that.”
“I stood outside and stared at your house, lost in thoughts of coming to your rescue the minute I thought you needed me.”
“I always need you.”
“Then, next time, I won’t wait a single moment.”
“Good.”
I huff out a laugh. The tension that’s been like a band across my ribs eases.
“What’s funny?” she asks, laying her head on the headrest and staring at me. The lights from an oncoming car illuminate her face.
“This town loves you very much; they will do anything for you.”
“I’m surprised they let you take me out tonight,” she grumbles.
“Oh, I had to submit the date plan to a panel.”
She explodes into startled laughter. “You’re joking? Please tell me you’re joking!”
“I am, but they have been very diligent in whatever it is they are doing. My thoughts are that they are testing us to make sure we are worthy, and if they care that much to protect you so thoroughly, who am I to get mad?”
Her scent grows warm and sweet. “You aren’t real, are you? You’re someone off the page of a romance book, brought to life because I was too damn lonely.”
“I’m real, flaws and all.”
“What flaws?”
I laugh because she sounds so outraged. “Well, I snore when I’m tired, ask Fox, he will tell you. I get grumpy before my first cup of coffee. I am horrible at directions, and I get lost all the time, but I’m too embarrassed to ask for help.”
“Terrible flaws, I’ll have to rethink our relationship at once,” she says and bites her bottom lip. The car feels like the whole world, and it’s just the two of us with nothing else that exists.
“I don’t express myself well; people think I’m cold.”
“You are anything but cold. I see you, Katsu.”
For a moment, I battle with my emotions, trying not to let them overwhelm me. I’ve spent so many years being told I’m cold, emotionless, a robot.
