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“Dinner?” I eventually repeat.

“Aye.”

“As in…”

“A date.”

“But you just said you don’t do that. One night only, and all that.”

“I’d like to make an exception. For you.”

That lands somewhere it has no business landing, which is why I need to be very careful.

“Ryan, can I be honest with you?”

“I’d rather you were.”

“I’m not a casual person. Last night was the first time I’ve agreed to something purely physical, and it turns out I can’t do it. I can’t keep the physical part separate from the feelings part the way you can. I think maybe we’re just different that way.”

“Then we don’t have sex.” He shrugs. “I want to get to know you, Briony. I’m capable of keeping it in my pants.”

Naturally, my gaze drops to the relevant area before I can stop it. Truth be told, I’m not averse to seeing Ryan’s penis again. Not at all. But I refuse to put myself through another emotional roller coaster like last night, so that seems like a sensible rule.

I raise my gaze back to his face. “Okay,” I say.

“Okay?”

“Okay, you may take me to dinner.”

“Great.” He looks as surprised by my answer as I am. “Does Saturday work for you?”

“It does.”

“Perfect.” His lips curl. He looks very pleased. “I’ll book somewhere and let you know the details. See you Saturday?”

“See you Saturday.”

“Right, then. I’ll let you get on with things here.” He gives me a nod, that familiar confidence creeping back into his expression, then leaves the shop.

I let out a long breath.

Ryan Sloan and I are going on a date.

Shiitake mushrooms.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

RYAN

My heart is going like it does before a fight. My mouth is dry. I’ve got that restless buzz under my skin.

I roll my shoulders, crack my neck, flex my fingers.

Jesus Christ, Ryan. It’s just dinner. Grow a pair and knock her fucking door.

I knock.

After a moment it opens, and I forget about being nervous. Because fuck me.