Page 95 of Midnights
That look happens to be the one that makes my pulse stutter and heat bloom across my skin. Staying here was a bad idea.
I quickly drop my gaze, pretending to clean up my mess, but I can still feel him watching me. Like he’s waiting for me to break first. Then, of course, he chuckles. Again.
Ass.
Cam walks over, probably to see if we’re actually being helpful. “You ladies go take a seat, we’ll get your drinks.”
Just as I start to pull out my chair, Kane’s voice rumbles from behind me, and I jump. It's husky enough to send an inconvenient shiver down my spine.
“Would you like some water, or can I get you something else?”
I clear my throat, snapping out of my wandering thoughts. “Water is great, but also… what exactly issomething else?” I aim for light and playful,but my traitorous voice comes out softer than I intended. Like I'm trying to seduce him. Which I'm not. Obviously.
He doesn’t even give me a chance to respond, which is probably for the best, considering I'm momentarily speechless. My body, however, has zero shame. I'm starting to sweat. In lots of places.
I silently curse him for being so damn good-looking. And worse? For knowing it.
Rachel, of course, catches the entire exchange and nudges me hard enough to jolt me back to reality. “He’s totally into you,” she whispers, barely containing her grin.
I shoot her a desperate look, hoping she'll shove something in her mouth or talk about anything else, but she just winks. She's clearly enjoying my slow, inevitable unraveling. Meanwhile, Kane is still watching me.
My throat tightens and I can’t decide if I need water or a damn fire extinguisher.
“We’re just friends, Rach.” The words fall out, sharper than I meant.
“Sure, keep telling yourself that.” She raises a brow, unconvinced. “Friends don't look at each other like that.”
I risk another glance at Kane, who’s casually making our drinks like he didn’t just reduce me to a puddle.
Staying here tonight was a very bad idea.
A moment later, he returns with two glasses of water, setting them down in front of us without a word. He disappears and comes right back with two more drinks.
Rachel takes a sip and her eyes widen in delight. “Okay, this is good,” she says, raising her glass in a toast to him.
I follow suit, taking a cautious sip. It's actually perfect. Not too sweet, but it has just enough bite to keep it interesting.
“Well, I had a lot of fun, and I'm genuinely shocked that you got Raven to cook,” Rachel teases, nudging me again. She knows exactly how I feel about cooking. It’s basically a running joke at this point. She’s tried so many times to get me to make something, only for it to end in disaster. “I’m counting this trip as a win! Miracles do happen.”
“Wait, are you telling me you don’t like to cook either?” Cam looks horrified, maybe even a little offended. “I can tell you right now, if you hatecooking, it’s because you’ve had the wrong teacher, or you’re cooking the wrong dishes.”
I giggle, unable to stop myself. I'm blaming the drink. It’s just the right amount of strong, and I’m feeling a little more relaxed than usual
“Yeah, cooking has just never been my thing.” I admit. “And hold on, let’s be clear. I know how to cook some things. I’m not completely helpless. I’ve made it this far in life, so let’s not get it twisted.”
My gaze locks onto Kane and I hope he can see the challenge sparking in my eyes. “Do you know how to cook?”
Who am I kidding? He looks like he was bred for luxury. The way he moves, the way he carries himself, it all screams that he was raised with etiquette and fine dining lessons.
He’s a mystery wrapped in control and sharp edges, and some reckless part of me wants to dive in. Kane looks like he was born to be a National Treasure with that body.
Where’s Nicholas Cage, and where do I sign up?
“I happen to know how to cook quite well, thank you very much,” he murmurs, but his voice is laced with confidence. “I actually enjoy it. Although… I haven't really cooked like this in a long time.”
I blink, slightly thrown off by how at ease he looks. Actually, this is the most relaxed I've seen him since we met. His usual guarded intensity isn't there and for some reason, that makes my heart skip.
Rachel crosses her arms, throwing me a teasing look. “See? Even Kane can cook. Surely you can give it a whirl?”
