Without a word, Zander reaches for my bags, takes them out of my hand, places his other one in the small of my back and guides me into the building.
“Let’s go.We need to talk.”
I swallow and walk beside him, hating how much I’ve missed him.His height and size make me want to press my face into his chest and hope he wraps his arms around me.
I’m emotional.
Tired.
Confused.
The elevator pings, and we step inside.Zander presses the button to my floor and then stares at the door.
“Zande—”
“Just wait,” he rasps.
I swallow again.
Ping.
We step out, and I take off my jacket as he drops my bags on the floor.When I turn, he steps toward me, cups my face, and kisses me.
Hard.
With purpose.
I cling to his arms, open to him, and let the kiss deepen.
Oh my.
My head swims, not understanding what we’re doing or what it means or what the hell is going on.But I don’t care.I need him.I need this kiss and everything it probably doesn’t mean.I need it like I need oxygen and hope, and some sort of sign that my life will have purpose.
The kiss is over quickly, and his dark blue eyes glare down at me.Not in anger, not toward me.But they are intense and pained.
“I’m sorry.”Zander doesn’t release my face.
“For?”I lick my lips.
“Sleeping with you.Breaking my vow.The things I said.All of it.”
I nod, moving away as his hands fall to his sides, disappointed that I let myself believe the kiss meant something.When will I learn?
He regrets it.
Zander regrets touching me at all.
“The most important thing here is that you know we—I—will represent you as your attorney and do the best I can,” Zander says, tucking his hands into his jeans.“Unless you truly do want me to get another member of my firm to do that.”
“No.”I shake my head.“No, it’s almost over.Let’s just finish it.”
He nods, staring at the floor.
“About those messages last night.”Zander starts, then lifts his face.“They were sponsored by tequila.”
“I figured.”I smile faintly, wishing he’d just leave now.Apology accepted.Another dent in my heart and soul.Thanks.“Which is why I didn’t reply.”
“I wish you had.”
