Page 29 of Burn Protocol

There it is again, work. Of course she ties me to her job. She is a professional. A reporter who knows how to soften her interviewees, which she is very good at. My lips press together and I clench my fists. I need to keep this professional too.

“But El,” she suddenly whispers, leaning forward toward me. “Can we forget about work tonight? I want to get to know you. The real you.”

I nearly choke on my breath. My pupils dilate as I stare at her. Fuck professionalism.

“Okay,” I whisper back, hoarsely.

Her lips curl up and she props her chin on her hands.

“Good. Then tell me all about little Elena.”

Maya and I fall into an easy conversation. I tell her about my parents. How my father was a diplomat, and my mother the silent force behind him. About my brother, who lost his way in his twenties. How he finally found peace in a temple in Japan. About my friends at school, and how we slowly grew apart.

I ask her about her childhood too, wanting to know all of her. Her mother was a German professor, but she passed when Maya was only twelve. Her father never got over it. But by the sound of it, he took good care of her. When he passed, a few years after her mother, she decided to travel.

“I mean, Bosnia was really cool. The people there are warm and they really know how to connect. It felt special just to be there. But when I came here, I just knew I came home, you know?”

I nod. Barcelona had that same effect on me.

“I didn’t want to come here, originally,” I offer quietly, “but after the first two weeks, I realized I felt calm.”

I shrug. It doesn’t make much sense. A busy capital like this, bustling with life. Yet it was true. All my thoughts about that one day—they vanished. I needed them to, more than anything. I raise my eyes to meet Maya’s. She frowns slightly, but doesn’t press. Instead, she just nods in understanding. I offer her a smile.

“So, what about dating then? Are you with someone?” Her voice rises slightly.

Her question takes me by surprise. Not because she asked it, but because of how she bites her lip right after. Is she fishing?

“I’ve dated a few women, but it didn’t really work out.”

The relief on her face puts me on edge.

“So, you are into women,” she whispers almost inaudibly. Then she squares her shoulders slightly and tilts her head. “Why didn’t it work out? Did they put sugar in your coffee or something?”

I huff out a laugh and shake my head.

“Really?” I quip.

She grins and nods, a playful gleam in her eyes. I smile back at her, before shaking my head.

“No such thing. They were wonderful people. It’s the job. I am practically married to it.”

Maya’s pupils dilate as the realization dawns on her. Having seen me at work, she knows how demanding it is.

“I figure they were worried every time you stepped out.”

I nod. “It wasn’t fair to them. So, I decided dating isn’t for me.”

Her lips curl slightly at that remark and something playful flashes behind her eyes.

“Good thing this isn’t a date then,” she teases.

The words cut like a blade, carving to the bone. I feel my smile falter and my stomach clench. You thought this was a date, Gonzales? My jaw ticks. Maya’s eyes keep sparkling as she holds my gaze. A playful smile on her lips. She is watching me. Every moment I keep quiet is a moment she can read into. Keep it professional.

“Yeah, good thing,” I retort with more bravado than I feel.

I can’t resist adding a wink to it. Something, anything, to take back control. Her eyebrows shoot up in amusement and she giggles. Actually giggles. It sounds delicious. Before I know it, my smile creeps back to my lips. Laughter rises behind my ribs. It escapes and suddenly, we are both laughing, the tension seeping away from me. Whatever this is, it feels good. And right now, that’s enough. Even if it isn’t a date.

The tight hold around my heart releases when Elena starts to laugh. The sound is so free that I can’t help but join her. I let go of the tension I was holding right after that stupid remark slipped out. What did I expect? For Elena to argue that it was a date? I shake my head.