Page 67 of A Convenient Secret

Both kids make a beelinefor the stairs.

“Slow down.” I glance at Declan and turn to follow the kids.

“Lily,” his voice booms behind. “A word.”

Filled with anticipation, I almost skip across the floor like Zoya.Pull yourself together.

When I reach his door, I realize he already walked in. If this was a romance novel, he would shut the door and pin me against it.

In the reality of Declan’s dark soul, he’s already putting on his shirt. I falter. I’ve never been here.

His room is large, luxurious, and airy, with white curtains billowing around the glass walls. It’s in such contrast to his personality.

In the middle, the bed looks larger than king-sized, the white bedding so at odds with the man.

The sheets are crumpled, and I can’t help but think about his body rolling in them… With me if possible.

There is a freestanding mirror in the corner, and I see him in its reflection, moving about his walk-in closet. Unfortunately he already shed the towel, his ass clad in briefs as he puts on his pants.

“Have you found an apartment yet?”

His question throws me. I didn’t expect this topic. I thought he would set the rules for us fooling around, or the exact opposite: go back to insisting the two of us are not an option.

He slides his arms into his shirt, the muscles bulging.

“Lily?” he urges, his tone showing about as much patience as a toddler in a toy store, ready to throw a tantrum.

What was the question? I look away, hoping to find my wits.

“No,” I say, hating that the morning starts with me admitting how my life is not at all under control. In such stark contrast with his.

“My housekeeper just called. She needs to leave for a few weeks; her mother is sick.” He buttons his shirt. “Would you be available to stay with us for about three weeks to help me run the household?”

“You want me to move in?” I enunciate each word, like saying it slowly will make the situation easier.

He walks out, and without looking at me he marches to the mirror to tie his tie.

“I understand it’s an inconvenience, but if you get additional responsibilities, it makes sense you stay here with us.”

Is that his way of making sure we have more alone time together?

“Sure. I’ll bring over my things—”

“Don’t worry about it. You’re doing us a favor; the least I can do is take care of your things.” He straightens the knot and walks back to his closet.

Us? Who isusin this equation?

“Just send my driver over.” He walks out again, putting on his suit jacket.

Damn, the man can wear a suit. I lick my lips. He comes to me, and again, with his gaze-avoiding superpower, he reaches above me. My breath catches, but I immediately feel like an idiot when he pushes the door open.

So this is how it’s going to be? Let’s just go back to the Ice Age.

I take a deep breath and grip his arm. A current zaps through us, and he jerks away, his gaze finally landing on me.

“Declan, we should talk—”

“No, we shouldn’t.”