I replayed the evening without meaning to, and my thoughts went to That Moment outside the restaurant.
I could have kissed him.
Kieran wouldn’t have stopped me, but that wasn’t the point, not with this one.
I want?—
I paused, the thought not quite forming fully. Then I had it.
I want Kieran to choose it.
That mattered.
Before my brain could countermand the impulse, I typed a short message.
Pleasant dreams, Kieran.
I half-thought he’d respond, but it was late.
Look at you, sending texts. What’s next, heart emojis?
I ran my hand over the back of my neck.
This had gone way beyond interesting.
I moved towards the bedroom, switching off lights as I went. As I undressed, my thoughts drifted once more to the way Kieran had looked at me. I could recognise attraction, but there was more to him than that.
Something more searching. More open.
I lay back against the pillows, staring up at the ceiling.
I’m not looking for anything.That much hadn’t changed. But…
I closed my eyes.
If something presents itself—something worth the time—I’m not opposed to seeing where it leads.
The last thought that filtered through my brain before sleep claimed me, was to wonder what Kieran would do next.
Chapter Ten
September 3
Kieran
I woke before the alarm,and for a moment, I didn’t know why.
Then I remembered.
Berlin.
Stefan.
Today.
I lay there for a second, staring at the ceiling, aware of an unfamiliar sensation creeping through me.
Anticipation.