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Connor’s fingers twitch beneath mine. “It’s fine.” He takes a sip of wine and then meets my gaze evenly. “She left when I was young. Haven’t seen her since.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” No child deserves to be abandoned by their mother.

“Don’t be.” His tone is clipped, final. “Ancient history.”

“What’s your father like?”

“My father is the best. Hardworking. Loyal. He loves me and my brother more than anything.” He exhales heavily. “We didn’t have much, but he made sure we never went without. Put in long hours at the factory to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table.” Connor’s thumb strokes idly over my knuckles. “I think that’s where I get my work ethic from. Seeing how hard he busted his ass for us.”

“He sounds admirable.”

“Always doing the right thing, no matter how tough it got.” His lips quirk in a rueful half-smile. “Could have used some of those values myself over the years.”

I frown. “What do you mean?”

He just shakes his head. “Never mind. Forget I said anything.”

The abrupt shift in his demeanor leaves me reeling. One moment, he’s open and candid, and the next, he’s closed off. Typical Connor.

I open my mouth to press further, but his eyes flick to mine, and the words die on my tongue. His stare reveals nothing of the thoughts churning behind that brilliant mind of his.

The arrival of our next course provides a welcome distraction as the waiter sets down plates of pan-seared duck breast drizzled with a rich cherry gastrique. Steam wafts up from the food, carrying the enticing scent of herbs and fruit.

“This looks amazing.” I dig in.

Connor simply nods, his gaze lingering on me before turning his attention to his plate. “He will love you.”

“Huh?”

“My dad. He will love you.”

“Can’t wait to meet him. He sounds amazing.”

What did I just say?

I raise my head. His smile hits me out of nowhere. I think I’ve never seen him smile like that.

“Careful, Blue. Say things like this, and I’m liable to get ideas.”

Would it be a bad idea? Would me meeting his father mean we’re together? Boyfriend-girlfriend-together?

I clear my throat and reach for my wine glass. “So, um… how did you get into hacking?”

He lets out a soft laugh, leaning back in his chair. “Subtle subject change.”

“Only curious.”

“Back then, I stumbled onto some hacker forums. There was no going back. I was drawn to the challenge, the puzzle, and the thrill if I’m being honest.”

“The thrill?” I raise a brow.

“Some people get their adrenaline rush from extreme sports or fast cars.” Connor gives me a crooked smile. “I get mine from outmaneuvering security systems and gaining access to places I shouldn’t.”

“Just like that, you decided to become a criminal?”

“Never said I was a good boy.” He leans forward again, resting his elbows on the table. “Admit it, you like me this way.”

I peer down at my nails. I do. I… do.

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