Page 55 of Not Safe For Work

“Yeah, I guess. Can I try the wine now?”

I’m starting to realize he quickly changes the subject anytime our conversation shifts to his background. Not wanting to push, I pour two glasses of the Vega and slice up my last chunk of Midnight Moon, my very favorite California cheese.

I can’t help it, but I watch closely when he takes his first sip. This wine has always been special to me, ever since I was a little girl and my brothers showed me how to find Vega in the night sky.

“Sirius is bigger,” Owen would say.

“But if you find Vega, you can see the whole Lyra constellation. It looks like a harp,” Deacon always countered.

“What do you think?” I ask Gavin.

“That’s really good. It tastes like…umm…sorry, I can’t describe it. It reminds me of Christmas though.”

“Yes!” I practically jump off the couch. “You tasted baking spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, that’s what makes it so complex.”

“What’s my prize?” he asks.

Before I even realize what I’m doing, I grab a square of cheese and feed it to him.

His eyes flash as his lips part and my finger brushes against them. As soon as I realize what I’m doing I pull my arm back.Jesus, Olivia. But Gavin doesn’t let me. He grabs onto my wrist, holding it in place and takes the cheese out of my hand with his teeth.

My entire body freezes. Even my eyes refuse to look anywhere but straight into Gavin’s. He holds my gaze along with my wrist until he finishes chewing. I watch his Adam's apple bob when he finally swallows and I reluctantly pull away.

“Sorry,” I murmur.

“Liv.”

“Sor—how do you like the cheese?”

“It’s as delicious as the wine. Thank you.”

I smile, grateful for how he just played that off. That’s twice tonight he’s turned me on more than I ever have been before. And he’s barely even touched me. I take a deep breath and try to slow my pounding heart.

“I’m glad you like it. This is my favorite combo, even if they don’t technically pair well together.”

He takes another sip, and I can tell he really enjoys it by the way his eyes squeeze shut, just for a moment. And then he takes another bite of cheese and chews thoughtfully.

“I guess sometimes opposites attract.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

GAVIN

“I don’t needboth of these,” I say to Gabby when she hands me two massive breakfast sandwiches wrapped in foil.

“One’s for Olivia, you doof.”

“Wow. You’re finally coming around to her?” I ask. I know they bonded a little during game night, but Gabby has been so against this fake relationship that it’s made me worry she’d be just as against a real one. Not that I’m delusional enough to think Liv wants to be my girlfriend. But I’d be lying if I said there haven’t been moments.

Liv is always a bit frazzled. Ever since the first interview with her I’ve been aware of the energy she gives off. I find it endearing, but I also love how relaxed she is when we’re together. That has to mean something.

“I’ll admit, she was a very helpful addition to game night,” Gabby replies. “Now that Daanesh is always too busy for us, having a fourth really opens up the game options.” I give her a look. She’s really going to act like she’s coming around just because Liv is another warm body? “And she’s fun, okay? And like, stupid hot. I get why you like her. Just please don’t let her break your heart. I’d really prefer not to commit a felony before I’m twenty-five.”

“Thanks for looking out, Gabs. But I’m the one who takes care of you, remember?”

I grab my bags and head to the door when I notice the Uber’s waiting.

“It doesn’t always have to be a one-way street, you know,” Gabby yells as I leave.

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