Chapter 12

“What makes you think I’m up to anything?” Rene asks, closing in. He’ll give Evan his due—Evan has the spine to stand his ground and not back away.

“You didn’t smile once all day. Now it’s the middle of the night, we’re out in your yard, and you look like the cat that’s gotten the cream.” Evan doesn’t sound like he’s accusing Rene of anything, but he’s suspicious, which is healthy. Being too trusting is stupid.

“Maybe I’m smiling because you’re wearing less clothing,” Rene teases.

“Is that so?” Evan sounds so uncertain, especially for a smart, confident doctor who’d seemed so in control when he’d been with the children and nurses. Now he seems unsure, and Rene enjoys being able to do that to him. It makes him feel more like they’re on even footing. “Are you then?”

“Am I what?” Rene asks, taking another step closer to Evan, who shivers, and Rene suspects it’s not from the cold this time.

“Gay?” Evan asks quietly, even though it’s just the two of them for miles.