“I know you didn’t tell me because of how I’d react. I know that. But it just felt like that move was more about you than me. Do you understand?”

He nodded. “Yeah. I didn’t want you to end it. I didn’t give you the chance to decide for yourself. I assumed for you.”

“Yes. If we’re going to do this, you can’t keep shit from me because you’re afraid I’ll get angry and end it.” She took his hand. “That’s no way to build anything. I can’t be with someone like that. The terrible singing isn’t a dealbreaker, but that is.”

“I sang in front of people. Feels like I can do anything now.” His thumb caressed her hand. “I can’t promise that I won’t mess up, but I won’t disrespect you like that again.”

“Good. See that you don’t. I will be calling you on your shit. And I expect the same. I don’t want to bury shit just because we decide to date. It wasn’t easy for me to admit that I could feel anything more than frustration for you. I mean, sexual chemistry is one thing, but this other thing...” She bit her lip. It didn’t get easier to admit. “That’s way more terrifying. Knowing that I think about you with your clothes on too, all the damn time.”

Keiran laughed. “I feel you. Not gonna lie, though. I think about you without your clothes on a lot too. Those dimples are pretty distracting.” He dodged the elbow she tried to poke him with. “You still like like me,” he repeated, almost a whisper as if he couldn’t quite believe it. “That’s not something I hold lightly. So, about labels?”

She narrowed her eyes. “Don’t push it.”

“How about I just refer to you as the woman I l—”

She clamped her hand over his mouth, heart racing. “Shh!” She felt his grin spread behind her hand. Mischief twinkled in his eyes, or maybe it was just the lights strung overhead reflecting in their depths. The wet flick of his tongue against her palm had her pulling her hand away. “Eww.”

“I’ve licked more things than your hand. You’ll be fine.” He reached for her hand to rub at her palm. “There, all dry now.” He inhaled deeply. “Okay, so no major declarations yet. Got it.”

“Definitely too soon.” Sweet God, she wasn’t ready for that yet.

“Someday,” he proclaimed, sounding so sure.

She rolled her eyes but didn’t pull away, basking in the feel of his fingers tracing lazy circles on her palm. “I’m having second thoughts.” She really wasn’t. Just standing here with him touching her had her insides a jumbled mess.

“You think I’m gorgeous. You want to kiss me—” he sang.

“No, Keiran, I swear—”

“—you want to huuug me. You want to lo—”

She nudged him in the stomach with her elbow. “On second thought, the singing may actually be a dealbreaker. Please, no more! How are you so bad at this?”