“Well, I realize I don't actually know anything about you. Except you volunteer and you have a job. But you're somehow privy to all my deep dark shit.”

His lips curved into a tight smile. “How about you play hooky with me today, and I'll tell you.”

My heart thumped faster. I wanted more of that feeling of time standing still that I’d experienced with him on the roof and in Brixton. With him, I could spend hours and have them feel like minutes. But he wasn’t part of the plan. And he made me uneasy. He seemed nice enough, but then so had Easton. “I wish I could, Lex, but I have work to do. Lots of work.”

“Well, do you have an actual class tonight?”

“No, but...” My voice trailed as he deftly pulled in to a parking space. “What are you doing? I really do have to work today.”

He grinned. “Then let me help. I'm good with my hands, and I've always been curious about photography. You can show me the ropes.”

He wanted to hang out with me? A rush of blood heated my skin. You’ve just escaped domineering and smothering, is that really what you want again? I shook my head to dissipate the errant thought.

Lex was not Easton. He was someone completely new. I didn’t have much dating experience, but even I knew I couldn’t let my past dictate my future. It didn’t matter that the two men had that same air of sophistication. They were not the same.

Still, me and Lex in a confined space wasn’t a good call. The way the energy crackled around us both tempted and scared me. “Are you serious? It's pretty boring.”

“I'm serious. Besides, I like spending time with you.”

Oh, great. How was I supposed to say no to that?

Before I answered, I needed to know something first. “Can I ask you a question?” I licked my lips nervously.

His lips tipped into a lopsided smile, and I couldn’t help but smile back at him. “Depends on the question, but go on.”

“What deep dark secret are you hiding?”

19

Lex…

For several hard-fought breaths, I wondered if Abbie had seen past my carefully constructed walls. Could she see the darkness locked inside?

I frowned. When I spoke, my voice was even. “What do you mean?” A layer of frost dusted each of my words.