Page 40 of Hard to Get

“Were you really worried about me?” he teases.

I purse my lips. “Maybe a little.”

The sun gleams off his brown hair and makes his eyes glow like the autumn leaves.

“I’ll take it,” he says drolly.

A fluttery sensation swoops in my belly and heat rises between us.

“What did you want to talk about?” he asks quietly.

Just say it. I swallow.

“Well.” I clear my throat. “I really like you.”

What? That’s not what I’m supposed to say.

He nods, eyes fastened on my face. “Me, too. But…?”

Maybe we don’t have to end things. I mean, that’s extreme. We can have a fling. A flingship. Situationship. A winterlude. “I just want to make sure we’re on the same page.”

“That sounds very businesslike.” His tone is light, but his eyes stay serious.

Yes. Treat this like a business deal. “I just want us to be aligned⁠—”

“I know what it means, Stella.”

“Right.” I twist my fingers together. “I really like you.”

He nods.

“I said that already.”

He nods again.

“I’m not looking for a serious relationship.” It comes out in a rush.

“Okay.” He gives me a searching look. “Am I moving too fast for you?”

“No. It’s not that. Not at all. I just want to be clear about that. I’m busy. I have a lot going on in my life.”

“I’m aware,” he says dryly.

I give a quick nod. “Right. But I do have fun with you.” I add a smile to the nod.

“I have fun with you, too. So what are you saying?”

“I’m sorry.” I drop my head briefly. I’ve had this conversation with men more than a few times and it’s always easy. Sometimes, they just end things. Sometimes, they get offended and end things. Sometimes, they’re fine with it. “I’m not expressing myself very well.”

“Let me help. When a woman says she isn’t looking for a relationship, it could mean she really doesn’t have the time or emotional capacity.”

I duck my chin in acknowledgment.

“But usually it means she’s not interested in a relationship with you. Or in this case… me.”

“No! It was the first. The time and emotional capacity thing.”

The corners of his mouth quirk. “Okay.” He still regards me thoughtfully.