Simon smiles tensely. “I appreciate the offer, but skulking around Pleasure Road at night isn’t good for my reputation, let alone yours.” He’s trying to make light of his refusal.
“I don’t care.”
“You may not, but I do, and”—Simon steps closer—“it could be dangerous.” His eyes rove over my face, and the fake smile softens into something real. He raises a hand and traces a finger under my jaw. “I know that stubborn look. But you have to promise me you won’t do anything foolish.”
“Me?” I reply with forced humor. “Act sensibly?”
“Please,” he says quietly. “If only because I can’t act sensibly around you, and I need all my wits tonight.”
He can’t just say something like that and expect me to think rationally. “I won’t do anything foolish,” I whisper.
“Good, because I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you.” Simon takes a deep breath, and I think for one glorious second that he’s going to kiss me, but instead he exhales slowly and takes a step back. “I need to go.”
I stand rooted to the spot as he lets himself out. Then I count to twenty before bolting the door and heading upstairs to my room.
I know I promised, but my definition of foolish is not the same as his, especially when I have certain skills which are very useful at night.