“Congratulations. The Dummies books are that way,” I say dryly, pointing across the room. Low blow, I know, but I can’t help it that this man makes me want to punch a wall. I resume stacking the books.
“I never pictured you for the Chinese symbol type. It seems a bit cliché; I figured you would get something more original,” he says, trying to get a rise out of me.
I sigh, and give in. “I got it with Ciara when we turned eighteen. To celebrate becoming legal. She and I got the same one.” Ciara is a friend of mine, another girl we went to school with. She moved away to Scotland last year.
“You still didn’t tell me what it means,” he says imploringly.
I can feel the heat rise to my cheeks, and I know Tane sees it too, because he starts to laugh.
“Come on, Giselle. It can’t be that bad,” he encourages.
“Oh you know …” I evade.
“No, I don’t,” he says, chuckling. “Come on, tell me.”
“Dangerous,” I say softly.
“What?” he asks. I said it so softly he didn’t even hear me.
“Dangerous,” I repeat.
“Dangerous?” he says slowly, his eyes crinkling. It’s silent for a few moments before he bursts out laughing, earning us a few glares from the library occupants.
“Shhhh! Tane!” I hiss.
“Who gets a Chinese symbol tattooed that says dangerous?” he asks, amusement in his tone.
“Me, obviously,” I huff.
“Why?” he asks simply.
“You’re a DJ. I’m sure you can figure it out,” I say as I pick up a few more books. Tane steps in and starts helping me stack, which is actually sweet. The thought makes me frown.
“Okay, so it must be a song then,” he muses.
When he’s still thinking after a minute, I blurt out, “Dangerous by Akon.”
He laughs again, but this time it’s silent. I can still see his body shaking though. Bastard.
“You having fun?” I ask wryly.
“I am, actually,” he says. He then starts singing the song, laughing again when he’s finished.
“You are nothing like the girl in that song. No one could describe you as a bad girl,” he says gently after the laughing subsides. His black hair falls on his forehead, concealing one of his eyes, and I ache to push it back.
“I could have been. You wouldn’t know,” I snap. You weren’t here. My resolve against him hardens.
“I doubt it,” he says casually, stacking the lasts of the books.
“Don’t pretend you know me, Tane.” I take in a deep, calming breath, before walking over to my computer and sitting down.
“I do know you, Giselle. Anyway, I was wondering if I could take you and Parker out,” he says as he follows me.
I instantly stiffen, and keep my eyes on the screen. “No,” I say bluntly.
“And why not?” he asks, not fazed by my attitude.
“Why would I want to?” I counter.
“Because as much as you want to deny it, you like having me around. Besides, I want to spend some time with you. The both of you,” he says. The vulnerability in his voice has me glancing up at him.
“Tane …”
“Come on, Giselle,” he begs, his eyes pleading with mine.
“Look, Tane,” I begin, not quite sure what to say. “I get that you’re back in town for a while and want to have your fun or whatever, but please go do it elsewhere.”
“What?” Tane asks in shock.
“I’m not an idiot any more. I’m not going to waste time on people who don’t deserve it. Parker is my first priority, and …”
“Look,” he interrupts. “I know that I hurt you when I left. I know that I should have kept in contact. I know I’ve been a right jerk. But believe it or not, I’ve grown up a bit. I’m not eighteen anymore.”
I sigh. “I’m sure you have, but you’re still a world-class DJ. I’m a librarian with a kid.”
He gives me a smile that makes my heart ache. That was the old Tane’s smile. “I know. Parker seems great, and I want to spend some time with you. Even if it’s just as friends. So please, let me take you guys out.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I say with a sigh.
“Just give it a chance. Afterwards, if you say the word, I’ll leave you alone. I promise.”
I look into his pleading green eyes and find my defences crumbling.
“Please,” he says softly.
“Okay,” I tell him. I never could tell him no. It’s a weakness. I also think it’s time for the truth to come out. I’m being a coward by not telling him. I just know that once it all comes out—shit is going to hit the fan.