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“You’ve got problems.”
I crack up laughing. “And you’re one of them.”
The vibe between us is no longer tense like it was this morning. We both fell into mutual states of bliss when we started discovering all the cool stuff in the attic. Despite it being winter, the attic got hot quickly and we both got filthy and sweaty. I suppose it was a good thing I didn’t waste my time on hair and makeup.
Two cruises down Main Street and then parks in front of Soup and More once I point at it. He doesn’t make a face or comment on the front of the building. After we climb out, I lead the way into the dark building. It’s busier than when me and Dempsey came, but there’re a few open tables.
With Two standing beside me at the counter, ready to pay for my food, I suddenly wonder if this is how it would feel to be on a date. Sure, I’ve liked guys over the years, but I haven’t ever been allowed to date any of them. Dad drilled into me that lots of guys are after two things—money and sex—and that I should deny them both until I know they’re the one.
We order our food and then settle at the same table me and Dempsey sat at. Two’s eyes bore into me from across the table. Then, to my surprise, he reaches across the table to wipe at my cheek.
“Dust is smudged on you,” he says, voice a low, guttural growl. “All better.”
I smile at him. “Thanks. What do you think of this place so far? Pretty cool, huh?”
“It’s definitely a hidden gem.” His eyes dart to mine and lock into place. “Pretty cool.”
My flesh heats because I think maybe he’s referring to me being the hidden gem. That I’m pretty cool. Or I could be feeling super vulnerable and reading into it. Ugh.
“Today was a success.”
He nods. “It’ll be even better once we get back to my place.”
Heat coils in the pit of my stomach. I’m definitely reading into everything he says. Why, of all people, does it have to be with Two?
“I don’t like to lose,” Two says, darting his gaze to the table. “That’s why I bolted after the pool game. Plus, your friend didn’t like me.”
“She’s family. And it was just a game, Two. You win some, you lose some.”
“But I don’t like losing to you,” he grits out. “It fucking sucks.”
I recoil at his words. “Oh.”
His panicked eyes land back on mine and he curses under his breath. “Sorry. I’m being dramatic. Supposedly it’s my thing.”
“I’m feeling a bit dramatic too today,” I admit with a shrug. “Can we just be dramatic together and know neither of us is going to leave the other in the literal dust? We’re partners. I like that I can let my guard down with you.”
He softens as he reaches over to touch my hand. “More dust.”
There was no dust. He just wanted an excuse to touch me.
Another shiver dances down my spine.
“I’m glad you’re my partner for this,” he murmurs, thumb gently rubbing at the pretend dust on my hand. “No one else is as serious as we are.”
“I’m an achiever, remember? I like to accomplish my goals and be the best. Even if I feel like a total fraud the entire time.”
He studies me for a long beat. “Is it hard being perfect all the time?”
I don’t fake a smile or spin a lie to make him think better of me. I give him the truth. “So hard. This morning, you almost saw the breakdown. Sometimes, when it’s all too much, I just come crashing down. It takes a few days to pick myself up and put all my armor back on.”
“Sounds heavy.”
“It is.”
“Leave your armor at home, Golden.”
Tears well, but I don’t let them fall. “Okay.”
