Page 66 of Kiss of Deceit

Yet, I didn’t want to push him away.

And that was a terrifying realization.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

kole

“You know,the diner is still open if you want real food.” Adella laughed, her eyes darting to me before looking back at Dani. “I think that’s your third serving.”

Dani ate another spoonful of the chocolate ice cream I’d gotten out of the freezer for her. She’d been at my bar for the last half hour, devouring ice cream like it was her last meal. Her gaze landed on me as she licked ice cream off the corner of her lip.

Fucking hell.

The hard-on I’d been fighting ever since she sat down sprang to life. I hadn’t been able to look at chocolate ice cream without thinking of her ever since I tasted it when I first kissed her.

“It’s my favorite,” Dani replied, dipping the spoon back into the small container. “I went years without having it.”

The way she abruptly stopped talking made me believe she shared that without thinking first. As I continued to wash the dirty glasses in the sink, Adella propped her elbows on the counter in front of Dani.

“Why?” Adella asked, sounding curious.

“Vegan,” Dani answered with a shake of her head. “I tried cutting meat and dairy out of my diet.”

I arched an eyebrow. “For how long?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. A few years.”

What I would give to get into this woman’s head. Was she lying? I had no idea. But it sounded like she didn’t eat ice cream for as long as she abstained from sex. Why? Every time I thought I was learning something about her, I only had more questions. For the last week, she’d spent every night in my bed, but she was keeping me at arm’s length. Which wasn’t anything new.

Ever since I’d told her about the footprints at her window, she wouldn’t talk about anything personal. She didn’t hide her scars from me anymore but didn’t offer any more about her past. And I didn’t ask.

Adella scoffed, pulling my attention back to the conversation. “It’s impossible to be vegan here. Meat is how we survive the winter.”

They continued to chat as I peered around, catching Miles staring at Dani. He was sitting at a table with other interns, the frown on his face proving he was upset when she chose to sit at the bar near me instead of accepting his offer to sit with him.

It was loud and chaotic, just like every Sunday afternoon. Most people were off work today, and with all the fresh snow, there wasn’t much to do except come here and drink or sit at home. Every table was full, the crowd so thick that I couldn’t even see the pool tables in the back.

Adella moved farther down the bar to take more orders, and I took her spot in front of Dani. She finished her ice cream, setting the empty container down before reaching for her purse.

“Don’t,” I murmured loud enough for her to hear over the noise and music. “Same as drinks—you don’t pay.”

She smiled wickedly. “Because I’m sleeping with you?”

I set the clean glass on the towel before leaning over the bar. “Because watching you eat ice cream reminds me of the first time I tasted you in my pantry.” I couldn’t stop my grin when hercheeks flushed. “I’m going on break in an hour. Care to keep me company?”

She tilted her head. “Have I changed your mind?”

“Changed my mind about what?”

“Interns,” she stated simply. “It wasn’t a secret you didn’t like us. Yet, I think you like me.”

“I’ve only changed my mind about one. All the rest are still annoying.”

Her giggle was husky. “I’ll have to take a raincheck on keeping you company. I need to get back to the station.”

With a frown, I checked my watch. “It’s five on a Sunday. Harry has been here all day drinking.”

“We’re catching up on questioning people about Jillian’s murder,” she muttered. “Natalie was at the clinic all week, so we’re behind.”