Page 174 of Dark Love

“Fine. Dahlia is nice.”

Like I don’t already know that.

“Too nice for you.”

Agreed.

“You should keep her.”

I plan to.

“And remind her not to let strangers in. It would have been all too easy for someone to walk right in.”

Not as easy as you think. “Now I have some dinner to enjoy. And you have to go get to know your tail.”

Dyce shakes her head. “And people wonder why I don’t like you.” Dyce saunters out like we just didn’t do battle.

Cinnamon Toast

Dahlia

“Maybe we should go back and grab the pot of soup?”

“Dahl, stop worrying. Imogene doesn’t need your food.”

I know that. I really do.

What if she doesn’t like me?

What if I flinch when I see her?

What if I can’t handle this?

Vex stops, swinging around to face me. “We don’t need to do this. There’s nothing stopping us from turning around and going back. We could spend the rest of the day in bed with the pile of books you’ve yet to read. Or we could go to a bookstore and find some new books.”

“Don’t tease me.”

“No teasing involved. I’ll get all the books you want if you turn around and leave.”

He’s afraid for me.

And at that, all my nerves settle. Whatever happens today, I go home and fall asleep in this man’s arms, knowing he’ll protect me. “Thank you.”

“You’re not taking my offer, are you?”

Vex isn’t getting away with not taking me to the bookstore. “Oh yes, I am. Saturday, you and I have a date at the bookstore.”

His lips tip up.

What would it feel like to kiss him when he’s smiling?

“Dahl. Don’t.”

“Well then, don’t read my mind.”

The elevator door opens, and the time for indecision is over. “Let’s do this.”

We’re up to Payne’s apartment in just a few moments. As the elevator comes to a stop, I grab Vex’s hand.

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