Page 73 of Dancing with My Elf
She chewed her lower lip and averted eye contact. “We’re too different, and we want different things in life.”
Her tone sounded practiced, as if she was trying to convince herself as well. “That’s not exactly true. I’m just as concerned about what’s been going on as you are. Sure, maybe I don’t have the same drive, but that doesn’t mean I don’t take it seriously.” The mass in my throat grew larger, and I swallowed. “And you. The way I feel about you….”
She carried her gaze to meet mine. “How?”
I pressed my lips together. How could I say this? It was too big. Epic. Once I said it, I couldn’t take it back.
Rolling my shoulders back, I adjusted in the passenger seat. No, it was safer to refocus on her. “Did something happen?” I searched outside the window, grasping for what could have caused this. We were fine before tonight, right? Until she came to the club. “Is it me working here?”
When she averted her gaze, I pressed, “Does my job bother you?”
She brought her fingertips to her lips. “It’s not easy for me.”
Ah, we were getting somewhere. “You know it’s just pretend, right?”
She pressed her lips together. “Yes, I hate sounding jealous, but I have to admit, it bothered me tonight.”
“It’s just a job. I can quit and find something else.”
“No.” She shook her head with force. “I’d never ask you to do that. That wouldn’t be right. You love your job just as I love mine.” She raised her hand and dropped it to her lap. “It’s part of the bigger picture that we’re too different, and it won’t work. Besides, I can’t focus on anything at the moment besides stopping the demons. It doesn’t seem like a case of ‘if’ with the portal but ‘when,’ and I need to prioritize that over all else.”
“Why can’t we do so together?”
“Please, Lucas.” She raised her hand palm out and then lowered it. “I wish I was optimistic enough to go for it, but I’m not. I’ve been down this road before and have been burned. It won’t work. It can’t.”
“I’m not your ex.”
“I know.” Her voice softened. “I’m not right for you. You deserve someone who’s more carefree and not haunted by demons.” She snorted. “Both figuratively and literally. Someone who won’t make you walk away from what you love, and you’ll end up miserable.”
“You could never make me miserable, Zoe. And we all have demons. Trust me.” I took her hand and rubbed the palm. “Why can’t we give it a go?”
She glanced at our joined hands and then pulled hers away. “I can’t. I’m not able to be as cavalier about relationships as you. I don’t want a fling.”
“Neither do I. I want more.”
She tipped her head and studied me. “I don’t believe it. How can I, considering your past? I mean even Nova and Gianna warned me what you’re like.”
Bitterness coated my tongue. Did they really screw me over like that? I thought we were friends. “I don’t know what they told you, but I’m asking you to listen to me instead. Forget my past. You’re my present and, I hope, my future.”
She studied me, and her bottom lips trembled. “Damn, you’re good.”
Was I finally breaking through? This was it. I had to put it all out there if I wanted a chance. “I don’t want to lose you, Zoe.” My heart rambled against my ribs, and I had to take a deep breath before continuing. “I didn’t think it was possible, but you’ve opened my eyes to new possibilities. And knowing you has changed me for the better.”
Her eyes glistened as she stared at me. “Lucas…”
“Zoe, you’re the only one for me.” My body trembled with heat. Words I never thought I’d say danced along the tip of my tongue.
This was it. I was going all out. “You’re my mate.”
Chapter 15
Zoe
Although I wasn’t driving, I clenched the steering wheel with one hand. I must have misheard Lucas. I’d wanted him for so long that I possibly fantasized him saying I was the only one.
But his mate? That wasn’t something I knew much about so was far from anything I would have dreamed up.
I raised my hand to my temple. “You think I’m your mate?”
