“Is it? I’ve sure as hell thought it.”
He snorted and laughed. “Yeah, honey. First time.”
“My apology.”
“Apology accepted.”
“Can we kiss and make up?”
He nodded.
“And talk about you.”
“I don’t want to talk about—”
“Then no kissing and no making up.”
“God…. Sebastian.”
“I’m serious. I’m not backing down this time. Fight me all you want, but I can’t watch you lose this battle alone. I know that I won’t ever really understand what you’ve experienced and what you’ve seen, and if you can’t talk to me about those memories, that’s okay. But I’m in this for the long haul, and if you’re afraid to seek help alone, we’ll do it together.”
Calvin was frowning, but he took my face into his hands and stroked my cheek with his thumb. “You are such a pain in my ass,” he muttered.
“No, I’d make it feel good.”
Calvin laughed again.
“This is why people try to kill me,” I pointed out.
“Don’t joke.”
“Too soon?”
“Yes.”
I stood up on my toes, closed the distance between us, and kissed Calvin, sweet and innocent, just a little peck on his lips. “I’ll stop being a detective.”
“Why do I not believe you?” he murmured against my mouth, kissing me again.
“You’re a realist.”
“Are your fingers crossed?”
“Umm-hmm….”
Calvin held me firmer, kissing me longer. “You frustrate the hell out of me, sweetie.”
“Good.” I stepped back and took Calvin’s big hands into mine. “Let’s talk about dogs.”
“What? Again?”
“Again.”
Calvin didn’t speak.
I let go, tugged his jacket off, and tossed it onto a chair. “Stay awhile.”
“I have to go back soon.”
