Page 45 of Tenure

Because she’s mine.

36

Kiernan

“Where are you taking me?”

“Home.”

“This isn’t the way to my house.”

“I’m not taking you to your house.”

I stare at him, his features visible in the lights of the city. He seems lost in thought, like he’s in even more of a mood than he was after the park, and he’s making me nervous. I’m not entirely sure Iwantto go back to his place, even if I could.

“I don’t think that’s a great idea.”

“None of this is a great idea. We’ve established this.”

I sigh. “I didn’t ask you to out us to my friend, or your colleague. So, if you’re about to act like it’s my fault people know about this, you can pull the fuck over right now and let me out. I’d rather walk home.”

I expect a snappy comeback, something harsh and demanding and very, very James, but he just sighs.

“Did I say any of this was your fault?”

“You’re not saying much ofanythingright now.”

“We had a nice dinner. I’d like to take you home and fuck you. Isn’t that enough?”

“You’re beingweird.And you’re giving mewhiplash.What the fuck is your problem?”

He’s quiet, and my heart sinks into my feet as I think he isn’t going to answer me. But then he sighs again, and I see him grip the steering wheel a little tighter.

“You know how you said you had questions, but you said you weren’t supposed to ask them?”

“Yes?”Where is he going with this . . .

“I have things on my mind that I’m not supposed to say.”

I reach across the console and put my hand on his knee. “No rules, remember?” I murmur. “Talk to me.”

“I like you. A lot more than I should.”

I fight the smile, but I’m pleased. I already know he likes me. If he didn’t, I can’t see him having bothered with any of this. He’s clearly not someone to willingly give up his time for no reason, and I doubt he’s ever suffered so much as an inconvenience without really wanting it. But hearing him say it is still nice.

Nice is an understatement.

“I like you too. What’s the problem? Are you just mad that you couldn’t spend the entire evening brooding? Did I mess up your jaw clenching routine?”

“I don’t want you to see anyone else,” he says, his voice hard.

“Okay.”

“I mean it.”

“Wasn’t really a thing, but sure.”

“Are you going to ask me not to see anyone else?”

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