“Now you’re just being a tease,” he says offhandedly. “Pretty rude to do right in front of the french fries.”
I snort. “My apologies to the appetizer.”
He smirks at me, then nudges my foot with his own under the table. “So, how’s Logan been? He talked to you, right?”
Logan.
“Oh, yeah,” I stammer, reminded of the strong, pale jaw and dirty-blonde hair. “He’s a little awkward, but we get along.”
And he smells just as good as you, I want to add.He smells like I want him to knot me while you watch.
Maybe I should speak to my doctor about my suppressant dose, because these erotic fantasies are out of control.
Along with the usual worries, my brain has been overactive lately, thoughts coming at me a million miles a second.
“He was nervous around you,” Ivan adds, smirking.
I make a face. “Around me? Why?”
Ivan shrugs but keeps the smirk on his face. His dark eyes are playful, and I know he’s hiding something.
“What aren’t you telling me?”
“Helikesyou, Maeve.” Ivan couldn’t sound more thrilled.
It takes a minute for his words to process, but when they do, I almost knock over my soda.
“What?”
Ivan watches my face carefully, and I do my best to conceal my shock and excitement.
I had a feeling he was attracted to me, but I wasn’t sure if he was genuinely interested in me.
“What?” I repeat. “Isn’t he like, a million years old?” I squeak.
“Okay,” Ivan says, holding up his hand. “Hold on. I’m thirty-six. He’s forty.”
“Oh, so a billion years old,” I murmur, and Ivan pretends to toss a fry at me.
“Sure,” Ivan says. “Regardless, he likes you.”
I look down at my drink, hoping to hide my reaction.
I have no idea how Ivan would react if he knew I was attracted to Logan, too.
“Hey. Maeve.” Ivan’s playful tone is gone, replaced by understanding.
“Yeah?”
“He’s a great guy. Someone I’ve respected for a long time.”
I find my paper straw incredibly interesting at the moment, unsure where this conversation is about to go.
Could he warn me away from Logan? Is there jealousy?
But I can’t imagine Ivan being jealous…
“Look, I’m just going to say what’s on my mind,” he says, and I snap my gaze back to him. “I figured—” He pauses to swallow, then continues. “I’ve waited this long, and I’m not going to mess it up now.” His voice wavers a bit, and he sucks in a breath. “I want to tell you exactly how I feel. Is that okay?” I catch a rare flicker of vulnerability in his dark, expressive eyes.
