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Ryder takes another drink of coffee. “Disappointed?”

“No.”

“Your face says disappointed.”

“My face says relieved.”

“Liar.”

I continue before he can make me blush. “Rule three. No inappropriate touching.”

“Need specifics.”

“You do not need specifics.”

“I absolutely do. I’m trying to respect your boundaries, librarian. Be precise.”

I narrow my eyes. “Lower back is fine.”

“Waist?”

“Fine.”

“Hip?”

“Depends.”

“Thigh?”

“No.”

“Ass?”

“Absolutely not.”

His eyes drop briefly to my chest.

“Don’t even ask.”

He grins. “Wasn’t going to.”

“You were thinking it.”

“Can’t regulate my thoughts, Clara. You’re very authoritarian.”

“Rule four. No pet names.”

“Rejected.”

“You don’t get to reject rules.”

“I’ve already called you sweetheart twice and baby once.”

“And you’re going to stop.”

“No.”

“Ryder.”