“Especially not someone like me,” Jason repeated. “I see.”
“No, you don’t. But I do. And that’s why I think this would be a horrible idea.”
“Kennedy, when you retire from the Bureau, you should go into sales. You’re a natural.”
Kennedy finished quietly, “Because I care about you, Jason. More than I thought I could.”
Jason rubbed his eyes. Pinched the bridge of his nose. He opened his eyes. “Okay. Let me get this straight. You like me too much to ever see me again. Is that pretty much it?”
Kennedy stared at him. There was so much pain in his face. He wasn’t even trying to hide it. Features set and pale, mouth too firm, eyes dark with naked emotion. Where had all that come from? Four hours ago he had been Mr. Freeze.
“Jesus Christ,” Jason said. “I was just asking for a fucking date. But since you’re putting it out there, I didn’t expect this either. And I can’t say it particularly fits in with my plans. I’m not whatever it is you’ve convinced yourself I am. I’m not a civilian, for one thing. I don’t care that you’re an asshole—although you are—and I don’t care how old you are, or that you travel a lot, or that the job comes first. And I don’t even want to know what the rest of it is, though obviously there’s something I should probably know about. I would like to…” He was astonished when his voice cut out.
Kennedy stared at him, watching his struggle.
Jason finished steadily, “I would like to try.” He amended, “I would at least like to try one date.”
Kennedy let out a long breath, like a swimmer who just didn’t have the strength to keep fighting current. The moment seemed to float there, and then he reached out, hand locking in Jason’s hair, pulling him in for a kiss.
Just before their lips met Kennedy said softly, “When and where?”