I shrugged. “It's low stakes for him. He can fawn over me, spoil me, and cart me around on his arm. For me, it's career-ending.”
“You would not be the first woman to sleep with someone she worked with.”
“Why, so people can believe I slept my way to the top?”
“Oh, honey, people would get over it so fast if they thought you were the real deal. It'd be a love story. He's not predatory. Don't you still hold all the cards?”
“He acknowledged his inevitable position of power, which is accurate. And if it goes wrong, it goesreallywrong. I'd be lying if I didn't admit it soundedfun, but?—”
“Hey. Let's take it back a moment. Do you care about him? D? And don't lie to me, Ella. Because I know when you are lying.”
“He was a client. I care about clients. I always?—”
“No. Don't tell me that. As a person, do you care about him?”
I was flailing. I didn't want to admit I had feelings. Maybe I hadn't known until last night. The way he kissed me made me weak. The way he spoke to me. He was so tender and vulnerable. He wantedme. Little old me. But was that where my attraction began and ended? This powerful man wanted me?
“You care. I know you care.”
“What!? How?”
“When he came over to the table, he wanted to know more. He wanted an excuse to insert himself and you told him we mattered. He was showing a genuine interest. You got all flustered and didn't even bother standing. Girl, you have it bad for him. And if you deny it, you arelyingto yourself.”
“I cannot have it bad for him. He is older and there is no way we make it out alive together. It's crazy!”
“Crazy shit happensallthe time. Word on the street is his parents whole thing is the result of a missed-opportunity drunken hookup and now look at them. Anything is possible.”
“They were both athletic and gorgeous people. They made a smokin' hot child who should have zero interest his chubby member of staff.”
“You aren't chubby. You're built with a dump truck ass, and he seems to appreciate it! He said he wanted tospoilyou?”
“Mercilessly, yes.”
“Run, don't walk. Give in. Even if you like him a little now, could it grow? Could you see yourself enjoying him? Even if it wasn't all that serious? You realize you don't have to marry him, right?”
“I know,” I nodded. “But damn the pressure is real. You don't understand?—”
“Well, if no one knows and you're as good at hiding it as I think you are, it will be fine!”
45
READY AND WILLING
DUNCAN
17 January
London Daily Times
We finally learned that our wayward Prince of Wales will be departing on his North American tour followed by a documentary crew. Cressida Patterson, famed documentarian and friend of the Prince's cousin, is at the helm. The Palace has yet to confirm this news, but a confirmation is expected shortly. This seems an interesting approach. We wonder if His Royal Highness can behave himself long enough for the charm offensive to work?
There was a knock at my office door.
I was packing to rush back to Wales.
“I have a note from Miss Mills, sir,” my assistant said. “She said she would meet you at the airport. John arranged a car for her. She wanted to drop that nice French woman off.”
“Monique,” I said. “Monique Vincent.”
