Page 124 of The Renter

A small smile grows on his face. “It’s good for your brain.”

“You didn’t have to buy us dinner,” I say, wanting to know his intention. His eyes convey that he saw Adam leave.

“Two beautiful women all alone. I’d rather it be me than someone else.”

Those words. They’re intentional, reminding me of the chemistry that simmers beneath our little banters.

“You know that means you bought us drinks,” I sass.

He squints at me, annoyed, before walking away.

“Tiny!” Kate scolds in a whisper. “Let me get this straight. You’re engaged to Adam and want to fuck Declan.”

“Neither of those things are true,” I snap.

She takes a sip of her drink. “Interesting.”

Saying goodbye to Kate outside the restaurant, we agree to get coffee soon. Heading toward my apartment, my thoughts consume me until Declan’s voice stops me in my tracks.

“Dani, wait up.” Turning, he’s jogging to catch up, a determined look on his face making me feel all sorts of ways.

“I’m heading home.”

“Let me walk you.”

I shouldn’t read into it, but I can’t help myself. “I’m okay.”

“It’s late in the city. Let me walk you.” The statement is just that—he’s not taking no for an answer.

“Such a gentleman.”

The city streets are a blur as we silently make our way toward my apartment. His presence is a magnetic force at my side, but I look ahead.

“Why are you stalking me?” I joke, but I am curious why he was at Cut.

“I’m not stalking you.” He chuckles. “That was a monthly meeting of the minds with fellow startup founders.”

I give him a side-eye, but believe him.

“Why did you buy dinner?” I finally ask, needing to hear the words, to understand the why behind his actions.

His reply is a low grumble. “You know why.”

“Mmm. Explain it to me.” My defense mechanisms bring out my bratty side.

“I would never leave you like that,” he says, holding piercing eye contact until his gaze lands on my ring. “Tell me that’s not what I think it is!” His deep voice snarls, catching me off guard.

“It’s not.” The relief is immediately visible on his face. Considering what I said, I’m not ready to be engaged to Adam. We still have so much to figure out—like the prenup that was emailed to me.What the fuck was that?I internally groan, not wanting to think about it.

Then, his expression shifts into a complex matrix of emotions. “What?” I press.

“If we were together, my entire world would revolve around you.”

“You also would never date me.” I laugh, defensive and not ready to let his words sink in. “You’re too self-righteous.”

“Self-righteous?” He shakes his head. “Me? Or you?”

“Me?”