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“I’ll keep that in mind,” Dillon said with a nod. “Any hobbies?”
“I paint and journal, a lot.”
“That’s actually amazing. Not many men engage in those activities.”
“Because most men have toxic masculinity. I’m comfortable in my sexuality, and I believe that no activity is gender-specific. If a woman or a man wants to paint, dance, do makeup, or whatever it is, they can.”
This just made him 10 times more attractive. It wasn’t every day that I heard a man speak like this.
“I’m shocked,” I blurted.
“Why? Do I come off as an ass that much?”
“It’s not that. You’re often perceived as one-dimensional—an egotistical, narcissistic rich person.”
“Fair enough, but what do you see me as?”
“I see you as a man who’s experienced more pain than he likes to admit and is simply searching for some genuine happiness,” I explained. “I also believe there’s more to you than meets the eye, but people aren’t patient enough to discover it. Many just view you as a wealthy person who needs nothing but power.”
“You see a lot.”
“I do.” I smiled. “Power is nothing when you’re alone, I’ve heard.”
“You’ve heard right.”
“And hey,” I called out to him. He seemed to have been getting distracted. “You’ll have to give me a tour of your favorite paintings soon.”
We spent the rest of our lunch in delightful silence, both of us savoring the rare comfort of being in each other’s presence. “Thank you for this,” I said as we returned to the office, sitting in the parking lot. “I appreciate you bringing me here and getting me to go architecture with your company. And just for being amazing.” I couldn’t wait to tell Abigail this. I was happy, he was making me happy.
“The pleasure is mine,” Dillon replied. “Let’s go back to the office.”
“Let’s go.”
My excitement bubbled over, and I couldn’t help but feel butterflies in my stomach. Suddenly, the prospect of a committed relationship that I had shied away from seemed more possible. But I knew, in the world of romance novels, two good days in a row usually meant that the storm was just beginning.
“Let’s do that dinner date Friday, if you’re free.”
“I’ll always be free for you.”
CHAPTER 18
Dillon
My grandmother often told me that it wasn’t about how long you knew a person, it’s about how that person came into your life and made you feel. I never believed her, until now.
Azzaria made everything better.
Her smile.
The way she spoke.
The way she did her work.
Everything.
I settled into the car next to Mikkel, my thoughts still reeling from what had just happened. I had no intention of ever going back there but there was a voice in my head telling me to take her, and I did, and it was great.
Mikkel glanced at me and said, “That was brave.”
