That gives me five years before she has access to anything regarding me.
“Yes. You’ll be working alongside Ryker.” For added benefit, I say, “My best friend. But I’m sure you know that, seeing as you’re friends with his sister.”
Hana nods, and our conversation is paused when Chef Anand brings out a tray of side dishes. He sets them down on the side of the table, and with a slight bow of his head, he heads back to the kitchen.
Hana opens her mouth to say something, but I lift a finger to show her to wait.
Chef Anand comes back with the main course and then says, “I’ll leave you to enjoy your meal.”
“Thank you, Chef.” I give him a grateful smile before he walks away. I turn my attention back to Hana. “You were going to say?”
“You get bonus points for being friends with Ryker.”
I begin to chuckle as I pick up the chopsticks. Taking a steamed dumpling, I set it down on Hana’s plate. “I hope I’ve set your mind at ease. Let’s enjoy the meal.”
“For now,” she murmurs before she dips the dumpling in soy sauce.
I watch her savor a bite, and the expression of enjoyment on her face makes me instantly harden.
Christ. If watching her eat is a turn on, getting her in my bed might just kill me.
The thought makes a burst of excitement rush through my body.
Hana’s eyes flit to my face, and then she stops eating to ask, “Doesn’t it get tiring being so intense all the time?”
Shaking my head slowly, I murmur, “No.”
She reaches for the deep-fried pancake, and breaking off a piece with her chopsticks, she places it on my plate. “Eat, Tristan.”
Hana’s so calm it helps take the edge off the guard I always have up. It’s soothing just being around her.
Needing more of the peacefulness she exudes, I say, “Don’t say no.”
Hana takes a sip of her water before she asks, “What will I be saying yes to?”
Chapter 4
HANA
I hope to God I come across as calm and collected because my heart is fluttering in my chest like a caged bird.
I will definitely check with Dad, but if Tristan isn’t involved in anything illegal, I don’t see why I can’t give him a chance… once I start at Trinity.
A triumphant smile tugs at his lips, making him look hotter than any man should be allowed.
“Dating, of course,” he answers, his voice so low it sends goosebumps racing over my skin.
Don’t give in. You need to focus on finishing your senior year.
“And?” I ask, the food on the table now forgotten.
“And what, Hana?” he throws the question back at me.
“What’s your definition of dating?” I clarify for him.
He lets out another chuckle that zaps me right in the abdomen. “Two people assessing whether they’re suitable as partners, romantically and… intimately.”
The way he says intimately sends vibrations of need straight to my core.
“Exclusively?” I ask, my voice carrying a slight tremor.
Of course, Tristan picks up on it. His eyes lock with mine, and the moment is so charged it feels as if I’m being drawn in like a moth to a flame.
“Definitely,” he murmurs.
I clear my throat as I shift in my chair, and it makes the world come back into focus.
I place more food on my plate, stalling for time to think.
“I’ll allow you to set the pace,” he adds.
My hand stills beside my plate, and I take a deep breath before I look up. “If I say yes and I feel different a week or a month from now, will you accept it?”
Tristan stares at me for a while, then he answers, “That all depends.”
“On?” the word pops from me.
“If we’ve exchanged I love you’s, then I won’t accept it.”
His honesty makes my mouth go bone dry. I reach for my water and take a couple of sips.
My gaze drifts over him, taking in his strong features and observant eyes.
He’s worlds apart from the boys at school. In a way, it’s refreshing as well as scary.
“I can set the pace?” I ask, needing to make sure we’re on the same page.
Tristan nods, the ever-present hot smirk tugging at his mouth.
“The pace will be slow,” I state.
“Like I said, I love a challenge,” he murmurs.
God, don’t let me regret this decision.
A warm smile spreads over his face, making him look less… threatening. I can only stare because he’s incredibly good-looking.
“Just so we’re clear, that was a yes, right?” he teases me.
Shaking my head, my lips curl up as I mutter, “Yes.” I take a deep breath. “But I won’t date until I start at Trinity. I have to focus on completing my senior year. I’ll also be going to Korea with my mom for the coming summer break.”
His eyes sharpen on me. “Eight months.”
I frown at him, wondering if he understands what I’m saying. “Eight months for what?”