Page 26 of The Renter

“Punching Sorin the other day wasn’t exactly low profile, but Kelsey and I agreed that he deserved it.”

He smiles and turns on an early 2000s rock playlist. As we drive toward Lake Geneva, his hand rests on my knee, and I sing along to a few of the hooks and choruses.

“I’m surprised you like this music.”

“You know …” I think back to my childhood, the motocross scene, and how this music was basically my anthem. “I haven’t told you one of my fun facts.”

“Oh yeah? What’s that?”

“I ride motorcycles.”

“No.” He laughs, not believing me

“Yeah. I have a Ducati Monster.” My thoughts wander.Fuck.It’s going to be so weird when I tell Adam about the Bitcoin from Declan. And if Declan ever sees me on the bike, I hope he doesn’t confuse it with the one Sorin got me. This one is all mine. Well, technically, bought with Declan’s money.

“No way,” Adam says, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“I got it used. It was cheap. I don’t ride it as much as I should, but yeah, I’ve been riding since I was a little kid,” I ramble.

“Full of surprises.”

“Are your shoes Zegna?” I ask after a long pause.

“Honestly, I have no idea,” he says, glancing over.

“You have no idea if you’re wearing thousand-dollar sneakers?” I squint at him.

“I don’t pay too much attention that stuff. I grab whatever’s in my closet.”

“Well, I like them. Never seen them in the wild before.” He chuckles, and I add, “I spent years in the menswear world, so expect a lot of comments. But so far, so good. I like your effortlessly cool style.”

“You always look nice too. Especially in a black bikini.”

I smile and try to hide how much I love hearing him say that.

As we park on Main Street, we walk hand in hand down the quaint downtown toward La Nonna.

“It feels like I’ve known you longer than a week,” I say, smiling up at him.

“Same.” He squeezes my hand.

“I really appreciate you making introductions for me. It’s exactly what I need right now.”

“Anytime.” He lifts my hand and kisses it. “We do need to talk about Shirts at some point, but not tonight.”

“Deal.”We also need to talk about if you know Declan’s in the mafia.

Adam holds open the door for me, and I step inside.

“Welcome to La Nonna. What name is the reservation under?” the high-school-aged hostess asks.

“Harris,” Adam’s sexy voice replies, his hand resting on my hip.

“Great, follow me.”

I love this restaurant’s low lighting and chic vibe. In a cozy booth, Adam immediately examines the wine list before handing it to me. “I’m only having a glass, but get whatever you want.”

“A glass is perfect.” Self-control—it’s something I’m always working on. It’s nice that Adam is moderate in that way.