"What happens now?" Jenn asked as he returned. The guardedness was back in her voice.
"Whatever you want," he said in as level a voice as he could. He set their dinner down.
"What if I don't want anything to happen?"
Darian sat down. "Then nothing happens."
"No, really," she said, crossing her arms.
"Yes, really. I'm not some source you're obligated to sleep with. You have a few things to learn about a healthy relationship," he said. "Though I'll admit, I'm really curious for you to teach me a few things, since you've been with so many men. Like, thousands, right?"
Fuck. Darian wished to take the words back the moment he said them. He grabbed a cheeseburger and took a huge bite, glancing up.
Jenn looked startled. She began to laugh.
"That was meant as a compliment. I meant to say, you probably know a lot more than I do because I've been with one woman only," he said when he'd swallowed. "It didn't come out right that time either, did it?"
Jenn laughed harder. Darian relaxed, pleased to see her genuinely laughing after their otherwise traumatic night.
"Sorry," she managed at last. "I'm really not laughing at you."
"It's fine if you do. I'm happy to see you smile again."
"Not many people can take me by surprise, but you manage to every time we're together."
"I imagine you like that about me," he guessed. "Seems like it would appeal to your cruel streak of messing with people to see what they'll do."
"It does," she confirmed. "I admire you, Darian. No one can go through what you have and still have the sense of humor you do."
"Do we have a shot together?"
She hesitated then said slowly, "If you felt a fraction of what I did in the wine cellar …"
"Good," he said.
"Did you?"
"Like nothing I ever felt before," he replied honestly. "I've never wanted anyone the way I do you. I wouldn't have walked away that day."
Jenn's gaze flashed with a different emotion before she looked away. He recognized her desire. It ran through him as well. She hadn't quite yet surrendered to her fate at his side; this much he sensed.
"I'll sleep on the couch tonight," he added. "No pressure."
"I think I can handle you if you get fresh," she replied, amused.