Kolton guided Kimi through the glass doors of an upscale restaurant, the kind of place that whispered luxury from its marble floors to its crystal chandeliers. The drive from the shopping center had taken them across town, putting distance between them and the familiar chaos of their usual haunts.
He moved behind her chair, pulling it out with practiced ease. The gesture caught Kimi completely off guard. This wasn't the Kolton she knew - the one who bulldozed through life without concern for social graces.
Her confusion must have been written across her face because he caught her stare and offered an explanation that was more warning than comfort.
"Don't get used to this version of me. I'm just trying to keep my temper in check around you."
The honesty in his voice made her look away quickly, focusing instead on the pristine white tablecloth between them.
"You don't have to pretend to be someone else," she said quietly. "I'd rather deal with the real you."
