Page 295 of Ruthless Court

This time, I don’t glance away.

Her cheeks darken.

“The performer is over there.”

“I know.”

“You’ve missed half the song.”

“I heard enough.”

“Then why are you looking at me?”

I consider giving her something smart.

Don’t.

“Because I like looking at you.”

Her lips part.

There.

No defensive answer ready.

A strand of hair has fallen across her cheek.

I lift my hand slowly enough that she can stop me.

She doesn’t.

I brush it back with my fingers.

Her skin is warm.

My knuckles graze the curve beneath her cheekbone before I tuck the strand behind her ear.

Hannah’s breath catches.

Mine almost does too.

I leave my hand there for one beat.

Then return it to the back of her chair.

She faces the stage again.

The corner of her mouth lifts.

I definitely miss the rest of the song.

Two hours later, people begin folding chairs.

The orange cat has moved onto the platform and appears offended that humans occupied it all evening.

Hannah bought three books.

She insisted on paying.