CHAPTER 7 - I LIKE IT

(Adeline’s POV)

I stared out the passenger window, pretending the city was more interesting than the man sitting beside me.

It wasn't.

Not even close.

Travis drove with one hand resting casually on the steering wheel, his attention fixed on the road. He looked completely relaxed, as if picking up his best friend's sister from campus after sleeping with her the night before was the most normal thing in the world.

I, on the other hand, felt like I was seconds away from exploding.

“Where are we going?” I finally asked.

“Lunch.”

I turned toward him. “I didn't agree to lunch.”

“You're hungry.”

“How do you know?”

“I watched you spend half the party eating beside the pool.”

My cheeks warmed.

“You were watching me?”

His lips curved.

“Maybe.”

I immediately looked away.

That stupid smirk.

“You're unbelievable.”

“I've been called worse.”

“I'm sure.”

Silence filled the car again.

I tried to focus on the buildings passing outside, but my mind kept dragging me back to last night. Every time I remembered something, my stomach twisted.

I hated how easily Travis made me nervous.

And I hated even more that I liked it.

“You've been avoiding my messages,” he said.

I stiffened.

“I've been busy.”

“Too busy to answer one text?”

“Yes.”

“Interesting.”

I glanced at him. “What's interesting?”

“You're a terrible liar.”

I rolled my eyes. “And you're an annoying person.”

“Yet you're still sitting in my car.”

“You practically kidnapped me from campus.”

“I asked you to get in.”

“And you didn't exactly give me much choice.”

He chuckled.

I crossed my arms. “Besides, I have somewhere to be.”

“Your friend can wait.”

“No, she can't.”

“Then I'll take you there after lunch.”

I frowned. “Why are you doing this?”

He glanced at me briefly.

“Doing what?”

“Showing up at my campus. Taking me somewhere. Texting me.”

His expression became quieter.

“Because I wanted to see you.”

My heart skipped.

I immediately looked away.

“That doesn't mean anything.”

“I didn't say it did.”

“Good.”

“Unless you want it to.”

I turned toward him. “Travis.”

He smiled.

“What?”

“Stop.”

“Stop what?”

“Whatever you're doing.”

“I'm driving.”

“You know what I mean.”

His smile faded slightly.

“I know.”

For some reason, that answer made me even more uncomfortable.

The car eventually slowed in front of an elegant restaurant tucked between several upscale buildings. Its tall glass windows reflected the afternoon sunlight, and a valet immediately approached us.

I stared at the entrance.

“You brought me here?”

“Yes.”

“This place looks expensive.”

“It is.”

I turned toward him suspiciously.

“Why?”

“Because I wanted somewhere quiet.”

“Quiet?”

He nodded.

“So we could talk.”

I swallowed.

That sounded much more dangerous than a crowded party.

Travis got out first and walked around the car. Before he could open my door, I pushed it open myself.

“I can do it.”

“I know.”

He stepped aside.

I climbed out, adjusting my blazer and smoothing my purple dress.

His gaze briefly traveled over me.

I noticed.

“You're staring.”

“I know.”

I narrowed my eyes.

“Stop.”

“No.”

My cheeks heated.

“You're impossible.”

“And you're beautiful.”

The words came so naturally that I didn't know how to respond.

I followed him toward the entrance, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach.

Inside, the restaurant was quiet and elegant. Soft music played in the background while sunlight streamed through the enormous windows.

The hostess smiled.

“Good afternoon. Table for two?”

Travis nodded.

I followed him toward the table, still confused.

Once we sat down, I immediately reached for the menu.

“This is ridiculous.”

“What is?”

“You're bringing me here.”

He leaned back.

“Why?”

“Because Jose would lose his mind.”

“Jose doesn't have to know.”

I looked at him sharply.

“That sounds like something a criminal would say.”

“Maybe I am one.”

I laughed before I could stop myself.

Travis's eyes softened.

“There.”

I frowned. “What?”

“That laugh.”

“What about it?”

“I like it.”

My smile disappeared.

I suddenly found the menu fascinating.

“Don't say things like that.”

“Why?”

“Because…”

I stopped.

Because I didn't know what to do when he was sweet.

Teasing Travis was easy.

Fighting with him was easy.

But when he looked at me like that, I didn't know where to put my eyes.

“Because what?” he asked.

“Because you're making this complicated.”

His expression became serious.

“It was complicated the moment you walked into my villa.”

I swallowed.

Neither of us spoke for several seconds.

Then he leaned forward slightly.

“I know you regret last night.”

I froze.

“I didn't say that.”

“You didn't have to.”

I lowered my gaze.

“I don't regret everything.”

His eyes remained on me.

“But?”

I sighed.

“I don't know what I'm supposed to think.”

“That makes two of us.”

I looked up.

“You?”

He nodded.

“You surprised me, Ava.”

“How?”

“You were nothing like what Jose described.”

I frowned. “What did he describe?”

Travis smiled faintly.

“His annoying little sister.”

I gasped.

“He said that?”

“Frequently.”

“I'll kill him.”

Travis laughed.

“And apparently,” he continued, “you were supposed to be harmless.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“Am I not?”

“No.”

The answer came immediately.

My heart began beating faster.

Travis leaned back as the waiter approached our table.

“We'll have two iced waters first,” he said. Then he looked at me. “And whatever she wants.”

I glanced at him.

“I'm choosing.”

“Of course.”

The waiter left.

I looked across the table at him.

“Travis?”

“Hmm?”

“If Jose finds out…”

“I know.”

“He'll kill you.”

“I know.”

“And probably me too.”

“I know.”

I sighed.

“You don't seem worried.”

His eyes held mine.

“I've dealt with worse.”

“That isn't comforting.”

A slow smile appeared on his face.

“Don't worry, little canary.”

I frowned.

“I'm beginning to hate that nickname.”

He grinned, "I'm the exact opposite."