I cross my arms and stick my tongue out at him. He nearly bursts out laughing.
The sight shouldnotmake me feel so euphoric. It absolutely should not… but it does.
The appointment ends a few minutes later.
And then comes the worst part. The bill.
My stomach knots as I step toward the counter.
But before I can even open my wallet, Daltyn slides his card across the desk.
“Daltyn—”
“I’ve got it.”
“I can pay my own?—”
His eyes meet mine. “You’re not alone anymore, Peyton.”
The words are firm. Certain. And hit me straight in the chest like a bullet.
Not alone anymore.
Something dangerously emotional rises in my throat.
Instead of arguing, I look away quickly before he notices.
Unfortunately for me?
He notices everything.
“You’ve been quiet,”Daltyn says later as we stand waiting for coffee.
“I’m thinking.”
“That’s concerning.”
I roll my eyes, but a smile plays on my lips.
The coffee shop smells of espresso and cinnamon, while soft music hums through the overhead speakers. Normally, it would feel relaxing.
Except the male barista keeps staring at me. Like… really staring.
I pretend not to notice.
Unfortunately, Daltyn notices. His entire body goes still beside me.
Oh no.
“Anything else for you?” the barista asks me, smiling a little too brightly as he slides my cup across the counter.
Before I can answer, Daltyn steps closer to me, his arm brushing mine. I feel the heat rolling off his body.
“She’s good,” he says calmly.
The barista’s eyes flick between us. Something shifts in his expression.
Oh.He thinks we’re together.
