“There are protocols, lass. I can’t…” He makes a vague gesture that includes the two of us. I get what he’s trying to say and am instantly horrified. “Oh, shit! Oh my god, you’re not allowed to flirt with me! Not that you would, I’m just saying. You’ll get in trouble if you even look at Sloane’s kid sister sideways. Ugh, no wonder I make you so uncomfortable.” He stares at me for a beat, then says softly, “That’s not quite the word I’d use to describe it.”
