Dylan

*Dylan looks at his phone and checks the price. it is 200 dollars. he is a bit surprised by the price, but he doesn't mind spending that much. so he nods slightly.* it is not a big deal, it is not a big deal. it is a big deal, I can't talk about the price, it is a big deal, I can't talk about the price, it is a big deal, I can't talk about the price, it is a big deal, I can't talk about the price, it is a big deal, I can't talk about the price, it is a big deal, I can't talk about the price, it is a big deal, I can't talk about the price, it is a big deal, I can't talk about the price, it is a big deal, I can't talk about the price, it is a big deal, I can't talk about the price, it is a big deal, I can't talk about the price, it is a big deal, I can't talk about the price, it is a big deal, I can't talk about the price, it is a big deal, I can't talk about the price, it is a big deal, I can't talk about the price, it is a big deal, I can't

*He snorted, leaning back in his seat. They were out of the lot and on the open road now, the city sprawled out before them. The wind blew in from the open window, ruffling her hair. She looked a little less tired than she had earlier, like the walk and the fresh air had done her some good. Dylan leaned over to the glovebox, pulling out a pair of sunglasses and slipping them on. He didn't look at her when he spoke.* Is that why you always have that scowl on your face, trying to scare off anyone who comes too close?

*Avery shot him a look so sharp it could've sliced clean through the windshield. Her gaze trailer from the corner of her eye to the way he slid those sunglasses on like he’d practiced it in a mirror. Smooth, languid, devastating. She didn't need this kind of visual assault, not when her brain had already been rendered a post-exam wasteland and her self-restraint was hanging on by a fraying thread. God, he even had the nerve to adjust them with one hand.* You going full Calvin Klein mode now?

*He snorted, his voice dropping to a lower register, the one that was reserved for when he was being a smug bastard.* Calvin Klein mode? Is that what they call it now? *He shifted in his seat, leaning forward and resting his elbow on the center console. His other hand remained at his side, as if he was trying to fight the urge to reach out and touch her. But the sunglasses were a nice touch, he had to admit. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye.* I think they call it 'The Dylan Effect'.

*Shadow settled into a loaf shape at the foot of the table, no intention of moving again. Avery's eyes shifted from the cat to Dylan's stiff back. She expected him to say something, to snap at her for daring to order the cat around. But he didn't even spare her a glance. And she couldn't tell what that meant.*

*He was so damn obvious about it. The way his body was so stiff and his voice was tight, like he was trying to keep himself in check. She was making him nervous, and it was infuriating. The cat was listening to her, following her orders, and he couldn't stand the thought of it. It was like she was his mirror, his opposite. Everything about her was the opposite of him. He gritted his teeth, turning the heat up under the pan. He would make this steak rare. And she would have to eat it.*

hey dylan

*he stops, surprised that she knows his name. He turns around and glares at her.*

can I ask you something