Page 94 of Company Ink

"I figured we'd be able to talk more freely without worrying about our colleagues interrupting us," he explains, offering me his arm. "Follow me."

"Where are we going?" I ask, tripping over stones.

"Down to the beach," he says, maneuvering us through trees and bushes and dear God, was that a spider web?

"Nothing I love more than sand fleas," I mutter. Oh my God, something just flew into my hair.

"How the hell did you hike Machu Picchu with this attitude?" Adrian teases. "I thought you were adventurous."

"I am when I have time to prepare, and I'm not wearing a freaking skirt with no bug spray," I retort in a sour tone. "You should've told me where we were going, I would've dressed accordingly."

"Where's the fun in that?" he smirks, leading us through a clearing. "And we're here."

In the midst of all the rocks and washed-up seashells is a checkered blanket spread along the sand, a lantern on every corner. Two take-out containers and a bottle of wine placed carefully in the middle of the adorable setup.

"Adrian..." I shake my head. When the hell did, he have time to do all of this? Lanterns? What?! "This is so...cute."

"Worth the sand fleas?" he asks, leading me to the blanket.

I shrug coyly. "Maybe, we'll see." We sit down and Adrian opens the bottle of wine. "A twist-off cap?" I ask, amused. "Look at you, slumming it."

"It's all they had at the store," he explains. "But I was told this 2019 is just delectable."

"Aged a whole year?" I pout. "You spoil me."

"I'm happy to see that regular Cassie has returned," he grins, pouring us a glass each. "That crazy woman from earlier was quite frightening."

"I just love your sweet talk." I roll my eyes and take a sip. It’s dark enough outside that he won’t notice my face flush. Perfect. "Mmm, it's not bad."

"Good," Adrian smiles, the light from the lanterns reflecting off his eyes. "So..."

I swallow, slowly nodding my head. I guess the small talk is done. "So—"

Adrian takes a deep breath. "Cassie, I…I like you," he says quietly. "I have for a while and I can't lie to myself anymore. I can't pretend that I don't feel what I feel. I've tried and—"

"But why? Why did you have to try?" I ask, my heart thudding in my chest. "I don't get it. Why was it so hard to begin with? Why was itcomplicated?"

Adrian doesn't say anything. He just stares at me, studying me, his eyes flickering to every corner of my face. "I don't do relationships because I know they'll never go anywhere," he finally says. "With a relationship, women expect marriage, and I…I don't plan on ever getting married."

I narrow my eyes, not following his logic whatsoever. "That's...bullshit. You could've just told me that from the get-go, explained yourself. Who the hell thinks about marriage when they first start dating someone? That's something you're supposed to talk about as a couple...I think.I don't have a lot of experience in the area so I'm just speculating, but still. Why didn't you just tell me?"

Adrian sighs, his eyes drowning in frustration. "I don't know, Cassie! I don't. I've never had a girlfriend. Not in high school, sure as hell not in law school. I…I didn't know what to do. I've never felt so strongly about someone before and I just—I tried to fight it."

My eyes widen in astonishment. "You've never had a girlfriend?You? Really?"

"Is that so hard to believe?" Adrian asks, tilting his head.

"Uh…yeah! You're so—" I wave my hands in the air, trying to think of a word that's not slutty. "Datable."

Adrian chuckles. "I'm not saying that I haven't enjoyed the company of women before, Cassie. It's just always been casual."

I can't even get mad at him. Pot meet kettle. "Okay, I get that but—" I bite my lip. "It just seems like you made something that could've been a simple conversation into this super complex thing. I—"

"I know and I'm sorry, Cassie." Adrian shuffles towards me, putting his hand on my thigh. "You have every right to be upset with me, but please believe me when I tell you that I'm all in now. I'm here. I'm ready. I will give you everything you want, just say yes. Be mine."

I close my eyes.Be mine. His. Be with Adrian. I want to sayyes,but the word refuses to leave my mouth. This shouldn't be so difficult, I shouldn't hesitate. I want to believe him. Idobelieve him. His explanation screams immaturity, but who am I to talk? It's not like I have the best track record for dating. I understand his fear. I've felt that fear. I still do.

"Cassie?" Adrian whispers, forcing me to open my eyes. "Say something."

---