Olivia’s heart was in a state of disarray as Evander led her to the dining room. This evening, there had been something unguarded in the way he’d looked at her. When he said she was beautiful, he had meant it. She saw it in his eyes, felt it in the warmth behind his words. And that frightened her more than she cared to admit.
They had always shared honesty. That was the nature of their friendship, but this… this was different. It was fraught with risk.
Could she tell him the truth?
Yes.
It was time for her to be bold.
As he pulled out her chair, she sat down and blurted out, “I have feelings for you.”
Evander froze. “Pardon?”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. She hadn’t meant to say it like that. She straightened her posture, trying to recover. “I mean…I don’t know precisely what I feel, but IthinkI have feelings for you.”
He took his seat at the head of the table, his expression guarded. “You think?”
“I do,” she said, quieter now. “But you don’t have to say anything. Truly. Perhaps we should just forget I said anything.”
“I don’t want to forget.”
The sincerity in his voice stilled her breath. Still, she pressed her lips together and shook her head. “I shouldn’t have said it. But we’ve always been honest with one another. I didn’t want to stop now.”
“I’m glad you said something.”
Her gaze darted to his. “You are?”
He nodded, slowly. “I have feelings for you as well.”
“You do?” The words were barely above a whisper. “Was it… because of the kiss?”
His eyes darkened with something unreadable. “Yes,” he said. “It was the kiss that did me in.”
Her heart leapt and twisted all at once. “What are we to do now?”
A smile curved his lips—mischievous, familiar. “Well, I daresay we proceed on as we have been, and see if these feelings deepen.”
“That’s… a good plan,” she murmured, trying not to look too giddy.
He picked up his wine glass, adopting a mock-serious tone. “I knew it was inevitable, though. Me being so handsome and all. It was only a matter of time before you fell for me.”
She rolled her eyes. “I did not fall for you.”
“Your actions say otherwise.” He leaned closer, his voice teasing. “I can see you undressing me with your eyes.”
Her mouth fell open. “I am doing no such thing!”
“You aren’t?” he asked with a playful pout. “Pity.” He winked as a footman stepped forward and placed a basket of warm rolls between them.
“You’re lucky I don’t throw this roll at you,” she said, picking one up.
Evander clicked his tongue. “Threatening bodily harm with bread? Livy, I expected better.”
She took a bite, trying to hide her grin. But then she said, more softly, “Perhaps we should… kiss more?”
He stared back at her, clearly stunned. “Did you just say what I think you said?”
She met his eyes, bold once again. “I did. If we both started feeling something after that kiss, maybe it’s worth exploring further.”
