“But a Dom has to be worthy of such a gift,” he reminded her. “And he has to feel worthy of it.”

Katie’s eyes widened. “That’s really Patrick’s problem.”

“Yes,” Liam agreed. “That, and his damned pride.”

He looked up as the waitress approached. She was the bright, shiny sort of pretty Katie always wished she could be-bubbly and blonde, she smiled easily and flirted with her customers, moving with a natural grace.

“Tiramisu,” Liam ordered.

“Two?” she asked, putting pen to pad.

“Just one.”

Katie opened her mouth to protest-dessert sounded delightful! — but she argued with herself that she’d had more than enough as the waitress continued to flirt with Liam, exchanging some pleasantries about where she was going to school, what she was studying. Katie hadn’t been paying close attention-she’d been too focused on how the girl flipped her hair and flashed her smile, the way her hips swayed under her black skirt when she walked away.

“But you can read all this in the book.” Liam sat back in his chair as the waitress departed, taking his napkin from his lap and putting it over his plate. “Didn’t you say you learn best from books?”

“I like hearing it from you.” Katie watched the waitress stop and take plates from another table, balancing them easily, even in heels.

“You’re jealous.”

“What?” Katie coughed, reaching for her water.

He chuckled. “I can almost hear the voices in your head.”

“I hope not,” she muttered, gulping water. Of course, he was right.