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He tilted his head down shyly, hoping he hadn’t looked like too much of a fool. He couldn’t seem to help himself when it came to her. He didn’t think he’d ever been in the presence of such a stunning woman before. Sometimes she didn’t seem real.
But it wasn’t only her appearance that drew him to her. She was strong and intelligent and funny, and talking to her was easy and comfortable, which wasn’t usually the case for him with women.
They ate in silence, enjoying another breathtaking sunset, then Adelia moved the basket aside and scooted closer, stretching her legs out in front of her. She leaned back on her hands like he was already doing, and her arm rested against his.
He swallowed at the feel of her warm, silky skin against his and tried to keep his eyes off of those long, smooth legs before him.
“I like you, Oliver Wood.”
He wasn’t sure he’d heard her correctly.
“You’re such a good guy. You’ve been such a loyal friend to the Schultz family and now to me.”
Right. Friends. That’s all they were.
“I’m seeing so many situations differently because you let me see them through your eyes rather than my privileged view of things.”
She looked over at him, and their gazes locked.
“I like who I am when I’m with you. I like being around you, talking to you. I feel like I can be myself and not worry about the whole fame thing.” Her voice turned soft as she spoke. “And even before I arrived at the junket today, I was anxious all day, thinking about the moment I would get back to the house so I could see you and hear all about your day.”
What? She was thinking about me?
He shifted and leaned closer, and she did the same. Was this really happening?
Her eyes fell to his mouth, and he thought he might spontaneously combust when she wetted her lips. That was the signal girls made when they wanted to be kissed. She was waiting for him to kiss her, but his brain was still trying to catch up with all this new information she’d thrown at him. And as much as he longed to make this happen, there was still a voice in his head that told him not to go there.
When he didn’t move for several long torturous beats, her eyes lifted to his.
“Did I just make a complete fool of myself?” She sounded insecure, which seemed so out of character for her. “Was I wrong to think there’s something between us?”
He lifted his hand, holding her cheek in his palm. “You weren’t wrong.” His thumb was dangerously close to touching that full bottom lip of hers.
“But?”
“I don’t think we should get swept up in something because we’re stuck together for a few weeks.”
“That’s not what this is. Not for me anyway.”
“We barely know each other.”
“I know. I want to get to know you.”
“We come from very different worlds.”
“Why should that make a difference?”
Oliver lowered his hand. “Because it does. You come from a life of fame and fortune. You’re used to people dropping everything to do things for you. I come from humble beginnings. People don’t just hand me things. I’ve worked every minute of my adult life for what I have.”
Adelia sat up straighter and pulled her knees into her chest, curling into herself like she was hiding from the truth she didn’t want to hear.
“I’m not saying these things to hurt you, Adelia. It is what it is.”
She looked over at him with tears in her eyes. “I didn’t choose this life, Olly. I told you that before. I was born into this. And I would give it all up right now if you’d just give me a chance.”
He shook his head. “I don’t think you really know what you’re saying. And this world you’re from wouldn’t let you walk away so easily.”
“This isn’t fair.” Her lips pressed together in a firm line.