He chuckled. “You were obviously distracted.”
“Do you play?”
Stefan shook his head. “It belonged to the previous owner. I got the feeling it was an unpleasant reminder of something, because he didn’t want to take it with him.” He smiled. “Maybe you could play something. That wasn’t a request, by the way.”
I watched him as he poured the dark liquid into them, and the noise in my head started to quiet down. By the time he joined me on the couch, I felt more like myself again. He handed me a glass, then leaned back.
We drank in silence for a moment, the rum warming me.
I set the glass down on his coffee table. “I think I might have overthought this.”
Stefan seemed to be holding back his smile. “I hadn’t noticed.”
I shot him a look. “I’m serious.”
“So am I.”
I took a calming breath. “I don’t want to rush into anything.”
“Good.”
That word again, but this time it felt… right.
I twisted in my seat, gazing at him. “And I don’t want to misread anything either.”
“You’re not.” His tone spoke of calm assurance.
My nerves hadn’t gone, but now I felt less overwhelmed.
More focused.
I expelled a long breath before speaking. “Can I be honest?”
“Of course.”
I hesitated for a fraction of a second. “I think what I actually want is another kiss.”
Stefan regarded me steadily, and heat rose at the back of my neck.
I’ve said it now. No taking it back.
“I’ve only had one,” I added, as if that helped somehow. “From a man, I mean.”
Stefan’s mouth twitched. “Yes, I think you mentioned that part.”
“Right.” I cleared my throat. “So it would be irresponsible not to… confirm the data.”
A beat of silence, and then Stefan let out a quiet breath, something very close to a laugh.
“Of course,” he said, his expression grave. “For research purposes.”
“Exactly.” I paused. “I just want to be sure.”
Stefan held my gaze, and I knew what he saw wasn’t my attempt at humour, but what lay beneath it.
“I know.”
There was no teasing now.