Page 21 of Say My Name

“You arranged an entire private tasting menu. I think you’ve fulfilled your annual politeness requirement.”

“Put on the coat, Elena.”

The quiet order makes my pulse jump.

I turn away before my face gives me up again and slide my arms into the sleeves. Dominic draws the coat over my shoulders. His fingers brush the back of my neck, just below my hair, and stay there one beat longer than the movement requires.

My skin prickles under his hand.

I turn my head slightly. He’s close enough that I catch the clean scent of his cologne and the warmth of his breath near my temple. His eyes meet mine, and for a second neither of us moves.

A couple comes through the door behind us. Dominic drops his hand and steps aside.

“Ready?” he asks.

“Yes.”

The drive to my building is quieter. I keep remembering his hand against my neck and his words across the table.

Any man would be lucky to be chosen by you.

I’m still trying to decide why it sounded so personal when he stops in front of my building.

“Thank you for dinner.”

“You thanked me this morning.”

“That was prior to the financial damage.”

“I’ll recover.”

He gets out and walks around the car. I have my door open by the time he reaches me, ...which earns me a dry look.

“What?”

“I was going to do that.”

“I saved you the trip.”

“You made me take the trip and then did it yourself.”

He offers his hand anyway. I hesitate, then put my hand in his. His fingers close around mine as I step onto the sidewalk, his grip firm until my feet are solidly planted.

We walk to the entrance, and I stop beneath the light over the door. “You don’t have to escort me all the way inside.”

“I know where you live, El. The mystery is gone.”

“I’m devastated.”

He studies me, then the teasing leaves his face.

“You don’t have to do everything alone.”

He says it so softly that I can’t dismiss it. He could be talking about childcare, clinic appointments, or what I told him over dinner, ...but there’s an intensity in his gaze that goes beyond concern.

I hear the offer. I just don’t know what he’s offering.

“I know,” I say.