“Loves books, has great taste in books too, I might add. You’re kind and thoughtful, and you notice things about people that most people wouldn’t.”

“I do?”

“Sure. Like Feri,” he said, nodding toward where Feri was talking to another couple at the counter. “Most people would have described him as short, kinda round, Hungarian, or loud. All they see are obvious physical descriptors. But not you. You said he has the best laugh. You see a trait that embodies him as a human being.”

I was a little stunned by his assessment. He had an uncanny way of stripping away the bullshit and seeing the real me.

“Oh,” he added, then leaned across the table. “And you’re a great kisser.”

I snorted out a laugh and let my smile linger as I studied him for a moment. “It was kinda great.”

His cheeks drew a nice pink, and he rolled his eyes. “Actually, it was terrible. It was so bad, I think we might need to practise a whole lot more until we improve. And the hand holding needs work; there should be much more of it until we have it mastered. And we haven’t got to hugging yet, but I’m confident enough to know there will probably be a need for much training. I hear repetition is key.”

I laughed. “Most definitely is key.”

Just then Feri came over to ask if there was anything he could get us, but we were done. We halved the bill, bid Feri good night, and walked out into the street. The night had gotten dark and cold, and we both shoved our hands in our jacket pockets for warmth as we began walking back toward Cleveland Street.

“So we should try and organise a meeting of friends,” I suggested. “For me to meet Angus, and for you to meet Michael. Or do we leave it a while and just enjoy being us for a bit.”

“I don’t mind,” he replied. “I’d say you could meet Angus right now, only he’s getting his itch scratched and won’t be home until morning.”

“An itch?” I asked. “Does he need antibiotics?”

Jordan snorted. “He probably will after.” Then he explained. “He has a couple he meets up with every other weekend when they have an itch or when he does. If you get my drift.”

“Oh.”