Page 72 of Choosing Stella

“There is.”

“And somehow the part making me nervous right now is asking whether the man I slept with plans to pretend it didn’t matter when this is over.”

Geo’s face went still.

“I wouldn’t do that.”

“You didn’t say what you would do.”

He leaned back.

“I met you yesterday morning.”

“I’m aware.”

“You were under suspicion for murder. Two men tried to take you. I moved you here. You told me something about your past you didn’t owe me. Then you asked me to chase you through my safe house.”

“When you put it that way, we’re very efficient.”

His mouth almost curved.

“I’m trying to tell you why I haven’t pushed this.”

“I know.”

“I didn’t want you wondering whether being protected by me came with something attached.”

“It doesn’t.”

“No.”

“But that isn’t the same as not wanting something.”

Geo held my eyes.

“I want you.”

My pulse picked up.

“You already had me.”

“That isn’t what I mean.”

I stayed still.

Geo’s voice lowered.

“I want you when this assignment ends. I want to know where you are because you tell me, not because I’m tracking you. I want to take you somewhere that doesn’t have reinforced doors and emergency equipment on the table. I want to find out what this is when neither of us has a job to do.”

I swallowed.

“That sounds dangerously close to dating.”

“I can survive it.”

“Very brave.”

“I’ve done worse.”