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“See you there.” She reaches forward to lay a quick kiss on my lips, the action natural. What would it be like to be free to do that whenever we want?
She spins and heads toward the elevator, those glorious red curls of hers bouncing with each step. But as she moves further away, the doubts creep in. Logically, I know this isn’t a good idea. And yet, how far can I push myself before I reach the breaking point? Like she said, I want her and she wants me. That’s ultimately what it comes down to, right?
Or, again, am I just trying to convince myself?
No, no doubts. Gabriel told me I’d kill myself with the what-ifs, and he was right. Emma’s waiting for me. And after I make my excuses to Archer, we’ll be together. Alone in my hotel room, ready for her to tell me what to do.
I silently thank whatever higher power there is that we’re finally on the same page, that she’s agreed to this at all. In my wildest dreams, I hadn’t imagined she’d be this eager to be with me too.
I return to the apartment, finding Archer still in his office, his reading glasses on as he types. He’s itching to get back to work, and I hope this consulting business idea he has pans out.
I rap twice on the door, getting his attention. “I’m gonna get going, okay?”
He glances up at me over the rim of his glasses. “Right after Emma left?”
Damn. I knew it was a mistake asking for his advice. But after Gabriel practically shouted at me to go for it, I needed a voice of reason to balance him. And while Archer’s never been remotely interested in anyone at work, he understands where I’m coming from. There are definite expectations in the office.
Except, I’m off the clock tonight.
And I really want this.
“Yeah, Emma left too.” I shrug my shoulders, probably not as nonchalantly as I intend. “What about it?”
His brows lift the slightest bit. “You don’t have to get defensive with me. You came over here like you wanted me to talk you out of it. Now you meet with her for five minutes and your whole mindset changes?”
I suck in my bottom lip, knowing he’s right, but unable to admit it. “It’s not what you think.”
What a crock of shit. It’s absolutely what he thinks.
His mouth quirks on one side, but he doesn’t call me out on it. “Just be careful, okay? It’s not only yourself you have to worry about.”
“You mean the company?” I’m well aware of what thecompanybelieves I should do.
“That too. But also her. Whatever you do affects her not just privately, but publicly. If photographers catch you two again in even the slightest compromising position, they’ll have a field day. Especially after you said it was nothing the first time.”
My jaw firms. “I know what’s at risk here.”
He nods. “As long as it’s worth it.”
“It is.” If our brief tryst this morning is any kind of indication, at least. And now that I’ve finally allowed myself to believe there could be something between us, even the smallest bit, I can’t go back.
That pathway is wide open.
* * *
I only haveto knock once on the hotel door I’m beginning to think of as home before Emma opens it, looking up shyly at me. “Hi.”
I glance down, realizing she’s noticeably shorter without the heels she normally wears. What else will I discover about her tonight? “Hi.” I shut the door quickly behind me, not wanting anyone to catch us in the open doorway together.
She rubs at her arms, biting her lip as she takes brief glances toward the bedroom in the corner. “This place is amazing.”
I step closer, covering her hands on her upper arms with my own. God, it feels good to touch her freely. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, of course.” She smiles, but I’m not sure if I believe it. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
“We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, you know.” I can’t say for certain, but it seems like she needs to hear that.
Her mouth trembles the slightest bit. “It just seems so real all of a sudden. It was one thing to think about it, but now we’re actually here…” She ducks her head down, slipping her hands out from under mine to cover her face. “Ignore me, sorry.”