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Rowan likes me.
And he hates it.
My small smile becomes a grin.
“Why are you smiling? Did you not hear a thing I said?”
“You like me,” I blurt out.
“No. I tolerate you more than most people. That’s why I want to date you.”
The laugh that explodes out of me has Rowan rearing back.
“You find this funny?”
“A little. But it’s cute.”
He sighs.
It clicks for me. “You don’t like the idea of liking me.”
“I can’t promise you that I won’t mess up again. I’m learning as I go, but there’s something about you that makes me happy in a way I haven’t felt before. So, if you want to quit, I understand, but go knowing that I never wanted to harm you or make you feel like a fool.” He stares at me, making me feel exposed in a whole new kind of way.
He cares about you. Really, truly cares.
“I think part of me wants to dislike you for being mistrusting, but part of me can’t help but relate.”
He doesn’t move or breathe. “What do you mean? You’re the most trusting person of all.”
I release a sad laugh. After all he has confessed, it’s only fair to share my story. “My boyfriend at the time broke my heart and my trust the day I found him with another woman. She—God. It’s something I can never unsee.” I’ve tried to wipe the memory of them from my brain, but some parts still leak through. “And because one blow to my life wasn’t enough, Lance—my ex—demolished a part of my heart I’ll never get back.”
“What did he do?” His voice is low, carrying the same kind of lethality as his gaze.
I look away, unable to hold his stare. “He stole my Nebula Land submission, impressed the Creators, and used the bonus to buy his lover an engagement ring.” The words leave my mouth in a rush, sounding clunky and unrehearsed.
He leans over the table, gently cups my chin, turns my head to face him. “While I’m sorry he hurt you, I’m not sorry he let you go.”
I shoot him a wobbly smile. “Are you always so selfish?”
His eyes glint. “With you, yes.”
I shake my head.
He tucks my hair behind my ear before tracing my earrings with his finger. I shiver, and goosebumps explode across my skin.
“I might be many things but I’m no cheater. And while I lied to you about everything before, I won’t do it anymore. That I can assure you.”
I swallow, fighting the tightness in my throat. “So that’s it? I’m supposed to take your word for it and hope for the best?”
“No, I know firsthand how words mean nothing.”
“Then what?”
He leans in and presses a featherlight kiss against my lips. “I’ll prove it to you.”
“How so?”
His eyes brighten in a way I’ve never seen before. “Would you rather me show or tell you?” His husky tone makes my skin break out in a wave of fresh goosebumps.
