Page 36 of Between Love & Ruin

“I am sorry if that came out as a question. Now, after you.”

I roll my eyes before exiting the booth. “Such a gentleman.”

“Only for you.”

Dominic Wolfe

Did I accidentally flirt with Sienna Hayes?

Yes. Yes, I absolutely did.

Do I regret it because she has a boyfriend? Fuck no.

Because he is a loser despite whatever Sienna tries to portray.

Because if he weren’t, he wouldn’t even leave her side, let alone let her travel so far for so long. I know if I were in his place, I would never leave her side. Not even for a single day. No matter how annoying she would find me.

Because being around her is a delight. You would never get bored in her proximity. Even the small, minuscule movements of her are entertaining. At least to me.

“So, how’s your boyfriend?” I ask, and the term “boyfriend” leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

Did I ever mention that I hate that fucking loser? I hope we never see each other in person.

“Fine,” she side-eyes me suspiciously. Even when I flirted with her in the cafe, she didn’t say a word, but I noticed the way she was surprised. The way her eyes widened and her mouth was left open just slightly. “Why are you asking?”

“Because,” I say, and I am left out of words because why would I be asking that?

“Because…?”

“I want to know you more,” I say, the truth. I don’t hide my intentions, especially when it comes to anyone. If I want someone or something, I go after them.

And I think I really fucking want her.

I want Sienna Hayes in my life.

“But why would you want to know me more?” She questions, investigating me like wanting to know her is criminal.

“Why wouldn’t I be? I’m not a fool, Ms. Hayes. You’re the most interesting person I’ve met.”

She looks at me incredulously but doesn’t say anything.

“Let me be very clear,” I say as we reach the road leading up to her hotel. “I don’t have any ill intentions toward you. But I also don’t want to keep things strictly professional between us.”

“What do you mean? You want more than business?”

“Yes,” I say, looking straight into her questioning eyes. “I want… friendship.”

I very carefully choose my words, knowing that one word could push her away.

And I don’t want that in any case.

She narrows her eyes at me. “That’s a little hard to believe. I don’t take you as someone who does just friendship.”

I tilt my head, a slow smirk spreading across my face. Her eyes don’t leave my face for even a second, and I find that extremely validating.

I know I have a good face, but having her eyes on me makes me feel particularly lucky to have been blessed with good genetics.

“What type do I look like?”