Page 88 of The Prize

He peered over his flute and held my gaze. “Go on.”

“If you and I are to work, Tobias, there must be no walls between us.” I sat back. “So let me in.”

He blew out a sigh. “What do you want to know?”

“What drives you?”

“Bringing new concepts into the world. But you know that about me. More recently you inspire me, Zara. Your bravery. Us being here is my way of rewarding your courage.”

“Because I went with you to Liberty Island?”

“Because you’re giving me a chance to prove who I am.”

“I know why you’re closed off,” I said softly. “Once you’re in survival mode—”

He went to say something but changed his mind.

“Do you trust me, Tobias?”

“I find that I do.”

“Why did you hold back so much from me when we first met?”

“Other than the obvious?” He arched a brow to remind me who he was.

“Something is holding you back from happiness.”

He pushed his plate away. “Loving someone leads to pain. That was my experience. During the hours after my parents died I felt a shift and since that day I’ve been reluctant to open up.”

“Tell me about that shift.”

“After the plane came down I knew what had to be done. I searched for water and food on the plane. I tried the radio. It was broken. I made a fire. What kept me going was getting Annibale Carracci’sMadonna Enthroned with Saint Matthewto Sydney. I vowed to complete my parents’ mission.”

“And you fulfilled your promise.”

“And I hardened my heart against the agony. I felt guilty I’d made it and they hadn’t. I made the promisenever to allow vulnerability near me again.”

I swallowed past a lump of sadness.

“I was nine when I made that pledge to myself. Nine when I lay beneath the stars in the Outback in the dead of night and promised never to get close to anyone.”

“You love your uncle?”

“My heart is impervious to a relationship.” He raised his gaze to meet mine. “I believed that right up until I met you. My feelings for you are complicated.”

“Complicated?”

“My heart tells me you’re The One.” He reached over and took my hand. “You’ve asked me to give up the only thing that made sense of all that happened to me. You’re asking me to suppress that part of me.” He looked around the display as though mulling over that thought. “I promise you I will. I’m ready for the next chapter in my life.”

And I was ready to tell him how much I loved him, because he deserved to know.I’ve always loved him.

He let go of my hand and gestured to let me know the waiter was behind me. The server removed our plates and set down two entrées of fish and chips.

I’d missed my chance.

Tobias smiled as he motioned to the paintings. “This was to soothe your homesickness for England—” He pointed to our meal. “This is mine.”

I blushed a little, having been so close to saying that four-letter word that would have left me vulnerable.