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“Byte, I would never start a relationship with the goal of changing someone. That would be insane, and quite frankly, foolish and uncaring. I have no doubt you are tenacious at what you do. I have never associated you with a quitter, and I’m sure the more we get to know each other, you’ll discover that I don’t pursue what I don’t think will work. I’m twenty-eight. I know you’re younger on paper, but I believe your life experience probably ages you another fifteen years.”
“Or more,” she interrupted.
“Yes, or more, but I’m looking for a partner. I’m not saying it will happen overnight, but I want to give it a try.”
“So we’re dating?”
“That’s what I’d like to happen. Have you ever dated before?”
“No.”
“Then we’ll take it slow. Dating will let us see if we’re compatible.”
“And if we are… would you be my boyfriend?”
“If that’s what you want. Byte, you hold all the power right now. We see where this takes us. We go at your speed. I will never pressure you to do anything you’re not ready for.”
“And you’ll do things out of your comfort zone too.”
“I will, as long as it’s not deadly or illegal.”
“Well, that sucks for you then,” Byte said, trying to hold back a laugh.
“No truer words have ever been spoken. I have a feeling dating you will be an adventure of a lifetime.”
“Especially when you get on my death trap.” This time she didn’t hold back her laughter.
“We’ll see. Now kiss me goodnight.”
Byte wasn’t someone who did well with orders, but she didn’t find following that one difficult.
Rising on her tiptoes, Byte threw her arms around his neck and kissed him the only way she knew how to do anything… full-on, without regret.
She wiped the corner of his lips, removing the smudged lipstick. Hunter took her finger and chuckled.
“What’s so funny?”
“It’s just that crazy blue lipstick didn’t leave any marks, but give you something classic and it’s a mess. I have a feeling that’s going to be the way our relationship will go.”
“I’ve got to be true to myself.”
“I agree, except for one thing.”
“What? I already told you, I’m not quitting my job.”
Hunter smirked at the stubbornness and hostility in her voice.
“No. It’s not that. It’s your name. I want to know you, the real you, and I feel like Byte is a moniker for your work. Can I call you Danielle?”
Byte’s jaw clinched and then relaxed. She wasn’t Danielle. Aaron called her Dani, but that still reminded her of some of the darkest days in her life.
“You can call me Elle. No one ever has.”
“So it’s just for me.”
“It’s just for us.”
Kissing the crown of her head, he told her thank you. They were already creating their own bubble, even if she didn’t realize it yet.
