“Nothing, it’s just… listen, I’m not sure I can handle a relationship right now. I’m really busy with school and the yoga studio, and dating wasn’t really in my plans for this year.”

Declan doesn’t seem fazed by this at all. His smile actually deepens for a second before he plants another kiss on my forehead. “That’s okay. I’ll respect your boundaries.”

My heart flutters again at that and at the intense way he’s staring into my eyes—because I believe him. Most other guys would’ve tried to be all smooth about it and convince me that they could be the exception. But not Declan.

“I know you’re busy and that you have a lot on your plate right now. I respect the hell out of you for that, so I won’t push you. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want you. And it doesn’t mean I won’t keep wanting more.”

Now my heart is beating so hard and fast that it feels like it could burst out of my chest at any moment. And a blush creeps up my cheeks as I realize that, while I wasn’t trying to scare him off or anything by sharing that, part of me was hoping he’d say exactly what he did. Because we can’t really be together, at least not in the typical sense, but that doesn’t mean we couldn’t find some way to keep what we have right now going without any strings attached.

Declan must think I’m freaking out because his expression softens. “I mean, that’s all assuming I still have the green light from you. As long as I do, I’m not going to stop pursuing you. So do I have the green light?”

My heart is thumping against my ribs, making it difficult to speak. I want to tell him yes so badly, to scream it out just like I’ve screamed his name in bed, but I can’t seem to get the words out. So I just nod at him instead because it’s all I can manage—and I don’t trust myself not to say something more. Something I can’t take back.

Declan grins, satisfaction evident in his eyes, and presses his lips against mine one more time before he finally lets me go and moves over to the counter where his cell phone is plugged in and charging.

“I borrowed your charger,” he tells me. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. Sorry I accidentally stole your phone.”

“I’m not.” He grins, winking at me as he unplugs it. “Anyway, eat up, and don’t forget to take something with you for lunch. What I made is in the fridge, all ready to go.”

He tucks his phone into his pocket before heading for the door again, and I give a little wave.