(TORREN) After some time passed, a warm hand on my shoulder jolted me.
“Sorry about that,” he said, returning his hand to the gearshift.
I pulled off my headphones, my heart racing.
“It’s fine.
You didn’t have to stop on my account,” I replied.
His lips curved into a slight smile.
“What do you usually do on weekends?” “Go out.” Realizing how lame that sounded, I bit my tongue, feeling self-conscious, and rubbed my nose.
He chuckled.
“Do I make you nervous?” My heart skipped a beat.
I was usually good at hiding that.
How did he figure it out?
I was probably acting like a nervous wreck.
“A little,” I admitted, trying to sound casual.
“I don’t bite, Torren.” He paused.
“What are your plans for today?” “I’m playing tennis at three.
Later tonight, I’m meeting a friend to go out.” “A date?” he teased.
I shot him a look.
“No, not a date.
Just going out tonight.” “What’s a night out like for you?” Taking the bait, I smirked.
“You mean for us young people?” I joked.
He laughed, a genuine, hearty laugh that seemed less controlled.
I smiled, pleased I’d caught him off guard.
“Fuck you, Torren, I’m still young,” he said defensively.
“I didn’t say you weren’t.
It just feels like you’re interviewing me.” “I’m trying to picture it: a day in the life of Torren Matthew,” he said, making me grin.
“Why the interest?” “I’m trying to get to know you.
Isn’t that obvious?” “But why?” I insisted.
“Well, you’re my brother-in-law, for starters.
We’ll see each other quite a bit, assuming Lex’s wedding goes as planned.” “I bet you have more interesting things to do than get to know me.” He glanced over.
“I don’t know about that.
I find you pretty interesting.” “Why?” He chuckled.
“Why so skeptical?” “Did I give you the impression that I’m easygoing?
A lot of people make that mistake.” He laughed again, louder this time.
I looked out the window, hiding a smile.
“So, what are you like then?” “Not easygoing, that’s for sure.” “I didn’t think you were,” he admitted, glancing at me.
“I can tell you’re strong-willed.
I like that about you.” I was speechless again.
How could he read me so easily?
We had barely talked.
I rubbed my nose absently, earning another chuckle.
“Do you hate that I have you figured out?” I scoffed.
“You don’t have me figured out, Theron.” “I told you to call me Theo.” “And I’m just supposed to do as you say?” I shot back.
Leaning slightly toward me, his voice dropped like he needed to share a secret.
“Not yet, but you will.” His grin widened, painting Theron Kane as the devil he was.
I was about to respond when his phone rang again.
His smile faded as he glanced at the caller ID.
“Fucking Warren,” he muttered, clearly annoyed.
“Aren’t you going to take that?” “No.
He can bother me again after I’ve dropped you off.” “You don’t have to entertain me.” “Not doing it for you, darling.
Just don’t feel like talking to him right now.” My heart raced at the casual “darling”.
“Besides, we’re almost there.
Am I dropping you at your apartment?” “Yeah.” “Do you live alone?” My stomach tightened.
His personal questions had a way of doing that.
It’s not that he made me uncomfortable; it was more like he set my nerves on fire.
“I have a roommate.” “Do you ever speak freely, Torren?” he asked.
“Do people have to pry information out of you?
Or is this reserved just for me?” His tone was teasing, but there was a challenge there.
“I don’t trust you yet,” I told him.
His grin turned wolfish.
“Yet?” My face warmed as I shrugged.
“I’m not usually an open book.” “We have that in common.” He pulled up to my building as his GPS announced, “You have reached your destination,” marking the end of our ride.
Unbuckling my seatbelt, I said, “Thanks for the ride.” He reached toward the glove compartment, leaning closer, and his sudden proximity sent a jolt through me.
“Hold on a second,” he murmured, pulling out a sleek black box labelled Barton Perreira.
Handing it to me, he stared expectantly.
“It’s a gift,” he said when I hesitated.
I frowned.
“What for?” “You liked mine.
I got another pair, saw these, and thought they’d suit you.
Go on, open it.” Sliding the box open, I found an elegant black case.
Inside were stylish sunglasses, something I’d expect him to wear but never would have picked for myself.
“They’re great,” I admitted.
He took them out, unfolding the gold frames, and placed them on me.
His dark eyes scanned my face before he leaned back, satisfied.
“I was right,” he said, pulling down the passenger-side mirror so I could see.
They did look good, but the gesture felt overwhelming.
I took them off, carefully placing them back in the case.
“Well, off you go.
I have a meeting to get to,” he said, just as I was about to protest accepting the gift.
“Theron—” “Thank you, Theo,” he corrected, tilting his head.
“I think that’s what you meant to say.” His smile was both charming and disarming.
My heart felt like it was lodged in my throat, and a fluttering sensation stirred in my stomach.
“Thank you, Theo,” I repeated.
The air between us seemed charged as we sat there, eyes locked.
Breaking away from his gaze, I snapped the case shut.
“I’ll see you around.” Before I could open the door, he placed a hand on my shoulder, pulling me back slightly.
Leaning in, he brushed his cheek against mine, the rough stubble sent a shiver through me as he kissed the air beside my face.
The gesture, though meant as a casual goodbye, threw me off.
“You’re welcome, darling.
See you around.” This time, the endearment didn’t sound like an offhand remark.
It felt intimate and intentional, leaving me breathless.
There was something different about him.
I stepped out and watched as he drove away.
Theo handled me like something precious, shifting from blunt attraction to treating me like a pet.
Like he was caring for me, but, at the same time, trying to assert his dominance.
I felt like a mouse staring into a trap, only to realise that escape was impossible.
I was already ensnared.