Page 69 of Kiss and Tell

“I don’t know.” He sounded unsure of my line of questioning. “I guess we’d have some drinks and get to know each other better.”

“Would you have asked me back to your place?” I came right out and said it.

“If things went well, then probably.” His eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Why?”

“And afterward?” I asked. “Then what?”

“Considering this is a hypothetical situation, I have no idea.” Connor’s mouth twisted in frustration. “What are you really trying to ask me?”

I smoothed down my shirt with numb fingers, making sure it was tucked properly into my blouse.

“I’m trying to ask if I’m just some passing fun for you or—” I clutched my trembling hands together in my lap, not finishing the statement.

Connor’s lips firmed.

“You’re the one who insisted what we had was a one-night stand,” he said, his tone going cold.

“Shh!” I cast my eyes around to see if anyone was listening in. “That’s because I can’t be seen sleeping around with a client,” I said under my breath, “and the more times we did, the more chance we’d get caught. But it would be different if…” I stopped.

“If what?” Connor asked slowly.

I stared at him straight on, unflinching.

“It would be different if this thing between us was real,” I said.

Connor leaned back heavily in his seat, expression inscrutable.

“When you say things would bedifferent,” he stressed the last word. “What exactly do you mean?”

“I can’t risk my career for some fling,” I began. “I won’t.”

“I’m not asking you to,” he replied. “This isn’t some fling for me.”

“Connor, you’d be the first person to admit you’re not exactly Mr. Monogamous,” I said patiently.

“Are you trying to slut-shame me?” He raised an eyebrow.

“No.” I placed my palms on the table and leaned forward so I could talk quietly without being overheard. “But how am I supposed to know whether or not this is just sex for you?”

“It’s not.”

The words were calm, decisive and final. Connor’s expression was smooth, aside from a small frown line between his brows. My heart thumped a rapid beat in my chest.

“Is that what you’ve been worrying about?” he asked. “Whether or not I’m serious about you?”

“I’m worried about people finding out about us,” I replied. “I couldn’t stand the rumors it would cause. But you…” My stomach fluttered with nerves as a flush rose to my face.

“What about me?” he asked softly.

I took a steadying breath and met his deep, dark eyes before speaking.

“I think you might be worth the risk.”

Connor reached out and took one of my hands in his. His thumb stroked back and forth along my wrist.

“Let me prove to you that I am.”

Twenty-Two