Page 30 of Burn Protocol

But why did she seem so hurt? No, she wasn’t hurt, right? I probably crossed the line between professionalism and intimacy a bit too far, something she seems to draw out of me.

“It is hard though, isn’t it?” I muse after I catch my breath, “to find people who understand the importance of what you do. Even if it isn’t important to them.”

Elena’s eyes grow a little darker and she frowns. Then she nods once, in agreement, followed by a noncommittal hum.

“It is the same for me. The women I’ve dated never understood why I immerse myself in the topics and research so much. Why I want to feel it rather than hear it.”

Her eyebrow lifts briefly at the mention of my exes, but her face falls slightly as I continue. Gosh, I make her feel like a job. She doesn’t realize how much more this is to me.

“But,” I stumble quickly, “I’ve always kept it professional. This,” I gesture between her and me, “is new.”

Her frown deepens and she stares at me intensely.

“Is that a good thing?” She breathes in a low voice, her gaze unbroken.

“I hope so,” I admit quietly as crimson colors my cheeks. “I really do.”

Before she can reply, one of the waiters shows up at our table. His smile is warm and wide.

“Can I get you ladies some dessert?”

I hesitate, lifting my eyes to meet Elena’s. Does she still want to spend time with me after my confession? Hardly a confession, Maya. Don’t make it bigger than it was. But Elena just nods curtly at the waiter.

“The lava cake.” Her voice is flat and clipped again.

The waiter nods with a bigger smile now.

“Shall I bring an extra spoon for your girlfriend?”

The words hang in the air, suspended like cotton. My breath catches in my chest and I feel my cheeks burn. Elena’s eyes quickly flick to mine, and then back to the waiter.

“Yes.”

My heart is hammering against my chest and I feel a slight tremor in my fingers. My chest is coiled and I need to force a gulp of air down before my lungs can expand again. The waiter nods, humming in pleasure as he turns on his heels. Elena just grins at me, her eyes shining bright.

“Hope you like chocolate, babe.”

When she chuckles, something breaks open in me. She is enjoying this. I release the air I held through my nose and close my eyes for a brief moment. I let a grin spread over my face and shake my head in disbelief. Did that really just happen?

***

The streets glisten from the rain, making the lights sparkle in reflection. Elena and I walk side by side through the city. Our steps are slow, like neither of us is willing to end this night, but all too soon we find ourselves in front of my apartment building.

I gaze up at her, just as her lips part. For a moment I hope she wants to come inside. Maybe I should invite her, but she just leans forward and softly kisses my cheek. Her body radiates warmth and her hand feels strong against my shoulder. For a brief moment I close my eyes and inhale her scent. A faint hint of sandalwood tickles my nose, and I smile. It fits her, the smoky, woody smell. Natural and grounding like her.

I sigh softly as she moves back and looks at me. Again, her lips part before she frowns slightly and smiles.

“I had a wonderful evening,” she says in a low voice.

“Me too,” I reply softly while looking into her dark, stormy eyes.

Her hand twitches and for a moment I think she is going to cup my cheek, but then she steps away from me. Her body taut and her spine straight. She nods once, like she ends this part of our conversation. Her face an immovable mask again.

“See you Monday at nine, Carter. Bring workout clothes. We will get you fit.”

She nods again, and then turns around on her heels to stride away. I am left dumbfounded and stay frozen in place, long after Elena disappeared from sight, but not from my mind.

***