Just enough that he has to tilt his head slightly downward to look at me.
"Next time," I say lightly, "if you want to apologize…"
He narrows his eyes slightly.
"…which you clearly do."
"I clearly don't."
"…you should probably try using actual words instead of buying expensive objects."
He stares at me and I hold his gaze calmly.
For a long moment neither of us says anything.
Then he exhales slowly.
"You're unbelievable."
"And you bought me a piano."
"Yes."
"So I'm still winning this argument."
His jaw tightens but there's a flicker of reluctant amusement in his eyes now.
"You're very pleased with yourself right now."
"Just a little."
He shakes his head once, looking away toward the patio doors.
And for the first time since the conversation started… Zane actually looks slightly flustered which might be the most satisfying part of the entire evening.
————
"No!"
