Page 46 of Phantom Faceoff
Might be.
His grin returns. “What’s the next excuse?”
Why is he so insufferable?
“I’m not looking for what you and Jules have.”
“What are you looking for then?”
My chest feels tight, and I check out a few customers in silence before clearing my throat once we’re alone again.
“Nothing. It was a mistake.”
Hurt dances in his eyes, not a shock but a sad revelation. It’s easier if he pulls away of his own accord anyway.
“I don’t believe you.”
I grind my teeth together. “Zander.”
“Daddy.”
“Stop calling me that.” I raise my voice, and he finally backs down.
Eyes wide, he scoots his chair away a few inches. Those hazel eyes scrunch, and he purses his lips.
A silent question.
Dammit. I can’t be angry.
“Listen.” I take a step toward him, resting my weight on the counter between us. “Yes, it’s hot in the moment. You get a pass there. But if we aren’t … you know … don’t. It’s not a joke.”
When he frowns, I drop my head into my hands and massage my temples.
“If you want that to be a thing, we can talk about it. But not while I’m at work.”
He nods but still seems put off, or at the very least thrown for a loop.
“Can we talk about kissing again?”
I guess that’s a better alternative.
“I want to. I really want to. You’re good at it.”
I can’t tell if he’s trying to give me a genuine compliment or play on my ego.
“And do you think you deserve it?”
His brows shoot up and his jaw drops open.
“Excuse you. Are you implying I have toearnyour mouth?”
I chew on the inside of my cheek, debating letting this train of thought continue down the tracks.
“I’m saying you have to earn anything you want from me.”
It’s just as much for me as it is for him. My resolve is weak. I built it up, but all it took was one look at him in that locker room to dissolve it in an instant.
“Win your games,” I say. “You’ll get a reward.”
