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"That..." He inclines his head and smirks. "That is what I’m talking about."
"What?" I laugh, or at least try to, but all that emerges is a thready sound.
"You sensed it, same as I did This chemistry that sizzles between us."
"We’ve barely met a few times in person."
"And yet, every time I enter a room with you in it, my gaze instantly finds you."
Heat flushes my cheeks, but I manage to school my features into an expression of nonchalance. "Not my fault." I raise a shoulder.
"Don’t shrug it off. If we don’t address this" —he points to the space between us— "it’s only going to build and become so monumental, it’ll hurt something or someone. Possibly, both of us."
I pretend to yawn; except when I pat my mouth, my fingers are shaking. "I have no idea what you mean."
His eyebrows draw down, and for a second, he looks disappointed. "Funny, I had you pegged as the kind of woman who wouldn’t hesitate to speak the truth, no matter how difficult."
"I’m also someone who knows when I’m better off ignoring the obvious."
"So, you’d rather lie to yourself than face the fact that the chemistry between us is explosive?"
"You said it; not me." I bite the inside of my cheek.
"I have a better idea. A way in which we can both be truthful to ourselves, and walk away from this with our careers intact."
"Oh, so you do understand how dangerous it is for the two of us to even be seen together, let alone having dinner?"
"Which is why I’ve ensured privacy." He waves his hand at our surroundings. "And I have absolute trust in the restaurant staff, as well as my security detail. Additionally, I ensured your security detail were vetted, so I know they’re trustworthy."
I stare at him. "I’m not sure if I should be impressed by your thoroughness or creeped out by how rigorous you’ve been in thinking through the possibilities."
"One thing you should realize about me... I’m always one step ahead of the obvious," he murmurs.
"One thing you should realize..." I lean forward in my seat. "I’m always thinking ten steps ahead of my rival."
This time, he’s the one who laughs. "Am I your rival?"
"Aren’t you?"
"When it comes to our jobs, yes, we’re on opposing sides, But I do believe we can use this intense hostility we feel toward each other to our advantage, when it comes to our personal lives."
I tip up my chin. "My personal life is my own business."
"Not anymore. Not since you caught my eye. Not since you can’t stop tracking me with your gaze when we’re in the same space and stalking me online when we’re not."
"I don’t stalk you—" I firm my lips.
He smirks. "That’s what I thought. You’re as obsessed with me as I am with you."
I open my mouth to protest, but he holds up his finger. "Don’t even try to deny it. You and I both know, the fact that we never seem to get along when we meet is more than because we belong to opposing sides. It’s because we are both aware of the other to an extent which is unhealthy."
"I am not going to condone that statement with an acceptance."
"All you need to do is accept my offer."
"Which is?"
"Let’s fuck it out."
