Page 52 of Beyond Question

Add that to the list of reasons we shouldn’t be on a date tonight.

He loves numbers because of their honesty.

I have a lifetime of secrets that can never be uncovered.

We settle into another comfortable silence as the tour continues, down Broadway, past Central Park… and I find myself closing my eyes, relaxing in the comfort of this man’s arms. Surrounded by Travis, I’m warm and…

My eyes fly open as I realize what word is hovering at the edges of my mind.

Safe.

He makes me feel safe.

It’s such an unsettling realization, because it’s so foreign. I haven’t trulyfeltsafe this whole time. Even in my years of surviving, of living this life, protecting my daughter, our secrets, the life I left behind… I’ve been safe, sure. I haven’t been harmed.

But I don’t recall ever feeling so relaxed like this.

Almost… untouchable.

Like I can breathe for once, without looking over my shoulder. I’m reminded of Rylan’s words, how even Bronte agrees that there is something special about Travis, a calmness.

Selfishly, I want this.

I want this feeling.

I want Travis.

“Why do you like words?”

I blink, returning to the moment with Travis and pushing my thoughts aside. “What?”

He chuckles softly, his chest vibrating against my back. “Words. Books. That’s your thing, right, like numbers are mine? So… tell me what it is that you like about them.”

My shoulders shake on a laugh and Travis squeezes me closer. “What’s so funny?” he whispers.

“Your answer was so succinct. Like math. Mine is… endless and ever changing.”

“Like books.”

“Like imagination,” I correct. “There’s no limit to the imagination, no boundaries to storytelling. Sure, there are rules.” I glance at him over my shoulder but quickly turn away to watch the buildings pass because each time our lips get close like that it gets harder to pull away. “Certain things that need to be followed, especially in romance—”

“Give me an example of a rule in romance.”

“Easy. In order to truly be called a romance, there must be an HEA.”

“Ah, the happily ever after.” He’s quiet for a moment, then adds, “The marriage and baby and white picket fence.”

His voice has changed, like he’s turned thoughtful. Turning my body, I swivel to face him, putting a bit of distance between us as I do so I can keep our lips from that dangerous proximity they keep finding themselves in. “What’s on your mind?”

Travis shrugs, his lips quirking up into a smirk. “Am I that easy to read?”

I nod. “Right then? Yes.”

He smiles and I get a sneak peek of that dimple again. “I was just thinking about Cabot and Rylan.”

“Ah.”

“‘Ah’, she says.” Travis squeezes my shoulder. “What’s that mean?”