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“I do. If you wanted to sell secrets, you would have so many more at your disposal tucked away in your agile brain.”
“That’s a compliment, I think.” Not that he was gaining points in the boyfriend column with bringing up that particular issue.
“It is.”
“Thank you.” She sighed, realizing she wasn’t going to stay silent about his lack of tact, though. “Bringing up the situation that made me wonder if I wanted to ever see you again isn’t your best move right now.”
“I cannot pretend to be other than I am.”
“What does that mean?”
“You cannot be with me only because you’ve chosen to ignore the harder side of spending time with a prince. This thing between us has no chance in those circumstances.”
“This thing between us?” she asked carefully, suddenly feeling that an emotional minefield surrounded her.
“Whatever you want to call it, we are friends. We are having sex. I don’t want to lose either of those things because another situation arises that shows the limits being connected to a family like mine brings.”
“You are so unapologetic about those limits.”
“On the contrary. I feel regret just like the next man.”
“But you still do what you need to.”
“Some consider me ruthless.”
“I am sure they do.”
“And you? Do you think I am ruthless?”
“I think you can be.” She just had to decide if she could live with the knowledge that ruthlessness could be turned on her, just like anyone else.
“Does it help to know that whenever possible, I will give you whatyouneed?”
“This is getting really heavy for a relationship based on sex.” She said it quietly, not wanting to be overheard.
“And friendship.”
“Butnotfriends with benefits.” He’d been adamant that did not describe them adequately.
“No. We have a commitment to exclusivity until we agree that we don’t.” His words were no different than they had been at his penthouse.
But suddenly they felt weightier, like thatuntil they both agreed they didn’tclause was some kind of long-term commitment. Was that because of his attitude, or hers?
Jenna was very much afraid that the feeling of emotional weight came from inside her.
Needing a moment, Jenna picked up her menu and began perusing the offerings. Dishes she’d seen prepared, some she’d never heard of, all sounding beyond delicious.
Dima pressed down on the menu with his hand, his expression telling her he knew exactly what she was doing. And typically, in Dima fashion, he was pushing past the barrier. “We can order off the menu, or we can allow the chef to decide.”
Shock coursed through her. “He’s here?” Jenna looked around furtively, sure she hadn’t seen the celebrated chef when they arrived.
“He is. We are sitting at a table he reserved for us, in fact.”
It had been a long time since Jenna had fangirled out, but she was on the verge. She was sitting at her favorite chef’s table. “That is so cool.”
“I am glad that you think so.” Humor laced his tone.
She made a face at him. “You’re too sophisticated to get excited about stuff like this?”
