Lena held her breath for his answer. Theon’s gaze rested on her for a few seconds before he placed his phone down on the table. The teasing look on his face faded bit by bit. “How much time?” he asked at last. Lena lowered her eyes to her plate. “I… don’t know.”

Silence settled between them. The only sound in the room was the faint hum of the air conditioner. Theon leaned back in his chair, studying her. “You’re reconsidering?” he asked. Lena raised her head at once. “No.” The answer came too fast.

One of Theon’s brows lifted. Lena bit her lip and looked away. “It’s just…” She let...