Page 5 of Just Is Not Enough

“Keeping notes on me, are you?” He says, flashing those pearly whites again.

Heat rushes to my face. “No!” I blurt out and take a deep breath. “At least you knew my name prior to dragging me off the dance floor. It’s hard not to notice how vague you were about yourself. What’s so bad that you don’t want people to know anything about you? Are you a criminal? Are you in hiding? Are you with the mafia? Oh wait, are you in WITSEC?”

This would be a good time to stop talking, Kaden.

Chapter Six

I Like Learning Things About Him and Myself

Luke

Ican’thelpbutthrowmy head back, laughing at his rambling. “You’re fascinating, Kaden. It’s refreshing.” I try to simmer down, attempting not to hurt his feelings by laughing at him.

I notice the way his eyes light up from my modest praise. He finally shows a hint of a smile behind all the nervousness and his shoulders relax the slightest bit.

“No, I am not in hiding or any of that. But if I were, would I tell you?” I say with a grin.

“Well, I suppose not. Then why all the secrecy?”

“I didn’t want to be here. My brother and cousin think I need to get out more, said I work too much. They convinced me to come tonight against better judgement. So, I’m here, but if someone wants to know something about me, they can ask me. I’m not a steak on a menu you can order without earning the right to eat it first. I don’t give everyone, and anyone access to me.” That may have come off cocky, but he doesn’t react.

I realize I said Ididn’twant to be here. Interesting.

“Asked and still not answered,” Kaden gestures towards me with a hand and wide eyes, as if I forgot he had asked me already. I did.

He quickly follows up with “or have I not earned access yet?” Surprisingly, he has.

“I am an owner by title, chef at heart. My first restaurant opens in three months.” I subconsciously puff my chest out with pride.

“Someone is proud of himself,” he says, acknowledging the movement, “rightfully so given the accomplishment at your age.” He gives me a small smile, enough to reveal a dimple on his right cheek I hadn’t noticed until now. Dimples are cute.

My cheeks heat with…embarrassment? No, that’s not it.

“When you know what you want in life, you go after it. No matter what it takes,” I say with determination in my eyes and tone.

“Yeah, I suppose we should,” Kaden ponders, his gaze never leaving mine.

Is he blushing?

He exhales softly before turning away and redirecting the topic. “I feel like a piece of meat on a menu being on that list, too. I’m not used to being put on display. It’s uncomfortable,” his voice calmer, less nervous than a few minutes ago.

“You don’t seem uncomfortable now. What’s different?”

He hesitates answering. “Probably the whiskey,” he says, shrugging one shoulder.

I follow his gaze turning to look over his shoulder at the dance floor. Jackson and Lanie are still laughing and dancing together, looking like they are enjoying each other’s company.

“What’s with the shirt anyway? Is it a joke or something?” I ask, nodding toward Lanie.

“My sister’s answer to making sure everyone knew we weren’t a couple. For some reason, it happens more often than you’d think,” Kaden muses.

“That’s weird, but you two must be close if people are assuming that.”

“Yeah, we were always close growing up. She’s my best friend. I mean, look at her. She’s a lot of fun to be around. How could you not love her?” he says with such adoration.

“And you’re not?” I raised an eyebrow, confused.

“Not what?” He turns back to face me, confused like I am, now.

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