Attractionleft my mouth before I could soften it. Amy’s hand flattened over the blue fabric. Not chemistry. Not performance. Attraction. The track seemed suddenly public. Carol passed us and did not comment, which meant the situation was serious. Amy lifted her gaze to mine.
“You are attracted to me.”
It was not a question. I could lie. That would violate the entire conversation we had at her table. Accurate information. Direct answers.
“Yes.”
Amy’s cheeks changed color.
“Is that a problem?”
“I don’t know.”
“That is not reassuring.”
“I’m being honest.”
“I appreciate that.”
She touched her watch.
“Are you attracted to me?” I asked.
Her eyes lifted.
“This conversation was not scheduled.”
“Does attraction need a calendar invite?”
“Potentially.”
“Price.”
“What?”
“Be honest.”
She inhaled.
“Yes.”
Her yes sent a starting-gun jolt through me. She continued before I could react.
“That does not change the agreement.”
“No.”
“Or Miguel’s authority.”
“No.”
“Unless there is another Level Three event.”
I smiled.
“You make kissing sound like a security breach.”
“It was.”
