The conversation she’d had with Colbert replayed in her mind. He’d suggested she assure Dexter that her relationship with Ackley was platonic.

“Sorry,” he mumbled. “That’s probably not what you want to hear. You don’t need some overprotective, jealous man around. I’m not usually like this. It’s just that Ackley brings out this side of me.” He reached forward, taking her hands in his. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re jealous of Ackley?” There was nothing to be jealous of.

He nodded. “You two are obviously friends. I’m jealous we don’t have the same easy rapport with one another.”

She was about to say she’d known Ackley longer. However, that wasn’t the issue. “I feel comfortable around him,” she admitted.

“And you don’t with me?” he asked, a hint of hurt lacing his voice.

“When I first met you, you threatened to kill me.”

He chuckled. “I wasn’t serious.”

“How was I supposed to know that?” Again, that wasn’t the only reason she was awkward around him. In the semi-darkness, she couldn’t see his eyes. It emboldened her. Taking a steadying breath, she said, “I’ve never been physically attracted to Ackley, so talking to him is always easy.” She held her breath, awaiting his reaction.

His grip on her hands tightened, and he reared back ever so slightly. “Are you implying you’re attracted to me?”

Her entire body warmed. Whether it was from her close proximity to Dexter, the fact he was holding her hands, or that she had a clear view of his chest and stomach muscles, she couldn’t be sure. But holy hell, she needed some fresh air. She tried pulling her hands free, embarrassed she’d just admitted her attraction to him.

He gripped her hands even tighter. “Don’t run away.” He slid his hands up her forearms to her elbows, holding her in place. “This entire time, I thought the attraction was one-sided. I didn’t think you wanted anything to do with me,” he murmured, his hands gliding to her shoulders.

Was there a fire raging in the hearth she couldn’t see? Maybe in his bedchamber? Something that gave off a tremendous amount of heat? Wait—did Dexter just admit he was attracted to her? Her eyes widened.

Reaching up, he gently trailed his fingers from her forehead down to her cheek. He pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “Have you…ever been with a man before?”

She shook her head, not sure her voice would work right now. Obviously, she’d never had a gentleman court her since she’d been raised as a man. She’d never even had someone look at her the way Dexter was now. Her toes curled.

“I feel like I need to be honest with you,” he said. “I’ve been with a few women before.”