The restaurant’s air grew heavier after Ethan’s teasing. Camellia sat stiff in her chair, her fingers glued to her book though she hadn’t turned a page in ten minutes.
Across from her, Williams said nothing. But his silence wasn’t empty…… it was sharp, like glass pressed against skin. She felt it on her without looking up. Every time she dared breathe, she knew his eyes were there.
Ethan, oblivious to the storm brewing, stretched lazily and chuckled. “Relax, Willy. You’re staring at her like she stole your guitar.”
Williams didn’t move. His jaw flexed, the only sign he’d heard. Mitchell groaned, dragging Ethan away toward the bar. “Let’s order before you dig us into a grave.”
Finally, it was just the two of them again.
“You smiled,” Williams said after a moment of silence.
Her eyes
