Page 60 of Say My Name

“Do you want me to apologize?”

I think about it. “No. I wanted the vodka.”

His thumb moves once. “Good.”

This is no longer my boss making a polite appearance at my birthday drinks. He wants my friends to remember him. He’s stepping outside the lines of our agreement, and a part of me is letting him.

After cake, Dominic and I end up alone at the table while everyone else drifts toward the bar or dance floor.

He rests one arm along the back of my chair. “Have you collected enough evidence yet?”

“You’ve demonstrated social competence.”

“That isn’t the test we were discussing.”

His knee settles more firmly between mine.

I take a drink. “This is a limited sample.”

“I remember how you kissed me, Elena.” His fingers curve around my waist. “Do you?”

A jolt goes through me at the memory, sharp and immediate. “One kiss,” I say, and I have to stop, start over. “One kiss remains inconclusive.”

“You keep saying that while sitting pressed against me.”

I should move. Instead, I turn toward him. “You’re confident for someone who hasn’t been invited anywhere private.”

His hand stays still, giving me room to pull away. “I know exactly where I’ve been invited.”

Marcus drops into the empty chair on my other side with a fresh beer. His eyes move from Dominic’s hand to the way our legs are touching under the table.

“Are you two planning to tell us what’s happening?” he asks.

My entire body tenses. I can feel Dominic’s stillness beside me, waiting for my answer. I give Marcus the only one I have. “We work together.”

“You’re sitting close enough to share a chair.”

Dominic’s fingers remain at my waist. “Is monitoring my employee’s seating arrangements part of your job description?”

Marcus takes a drink. “Only when her boss looks like he’s about to have me physically removed for occupying it.”

“You’re still here.”

“Very reassuring.” Marcus stands. “I’m going to find Maya.”

I wait until he leaves. “You promised to behave.”

“I am behaving.”

“Your standards are concerning.”

“Did you want him to stay?”

“No.”

“Then we’re fine.”

Maya returns before I can answer. She looks between us, then checks the time.