Page 226 of Allegiance

She didn’t like that word.

At.

All.

“Transition?”

“Well, I wanted to say relationship because that’s what I want, but I don’t want to be bossy. I’m already a caveman. I don’t want to scare you away.”

That warmth flooded her.

He did want her.

He was just trying to navigate this like she was, and it just so happened they were both bad at it. His honesty made her incredibly happy.

How could it not?

“Perhaps we call this a date?” he asked, getting bolder, now that he could see that she wasn’t against the idea.

“Mr. Rakin, that sounds inviting. I’d love a living room picnic date.”

Immediately, he held out his arm like a gentleman so she could take it.

She didn’t hesitate and as they walked through her house, she was curious.

“Is this the real you? Or is this the ‘I’m afraid to let me see the real you because there’s so much on the line’.”

He laughed.

Oh, this was the man he didn’t show anyone but the person he was with.

When you hung with Marines, you had to put up that facade to keep your ass from being ridden. Now, she was seeing ‘dating’ Dakota.

“Want to know a secret?”

“Yes.”

“This is the real me. I’m actually fun when I’m not killing people or trying not to lose my mind over a woman I love when she’s in danger.”

“So me?” she asked, her heart racing that he’d freely admitted that he loved her.

He laughed.

“Yeah, definitely you. This is the Dakota I am when I’m calm, and not ready to go to war. I’m calm when I’m with you. Is this the real you?”

She nodded.

“This is ‘Eve in her downtime’. I like movies, junk food, and naps. I’m not as exciting as Adder.”

He disagreed.

“I happen to think this you is much more exciting. It’s a part of you that I’ll get to learn about. Maybe relaxed Dakota and chill Eve can figure this out.”

“I hope so,” she said.

Because she really did.

When they reached the living room, he grabbed a blanket off of the back of the couch and pushed the coffee table out of the way so they’d have space.