Chapter 11 Kelsey #2
Harrison didn’t respond right away, but the corner of his mouth curved slightly as he returned his attention to the road.
“That was a good decision.”
The simple approval settled somewhere warm in her chest, even though she couldn’t quite explain why.
Harrison drove with the easy confidence of someone who knew exactly where he was going. Within a few minutes the buildings near the harbor began to come into view, warm golden lights reflecting across the water.
When he turned into the private lot beside Salt if anything, it had grown more intent, stripping away the "business rival" and the "chef" until there was just her, feeling small and very seen under his scrutiny.
“It is a lot,” he repeated, his voice dropping into that quiet, commanding register that made her toes curl. “And I’m not planning on making it any easier for you.”
Something about the way he said the words made warmth creep slowly up her neck.
Kelsey cleared her throat, the dry heat in her chest making her reach for her water glass just to have something to do with her hands.
“So…” she started, trying for a casual tone that didn't quite land. “Do you bring all your dates to places like this? Somewhere your friends can keep an eye on you?”
“No.”
The answer was immediate, cutting through the ambient noise of the restaurant with a blunt honesty that made her blink.
“Oh.” She set her glass down, the condensation cool against her palms.
Harrison leaned back slightly, his broad shoulders filling the space as he studied her. The flickering candle between them cast long shadows across his face, making that observant gaze feel even more heavy. “I don’t make a habit of asking women out, Kelsey.”
A little spark of her usual spirit flickered to life. “Confident,” she murmured, tilting her head.
“Selective,” he corrected, a faint, dangerous hum in his voice that made her pulse skip.