The words come out quiet and shaky, but they are hers, and I take them like a gift I have no intention of giving back.
I signal the server for the check without taking my eyes off Natalie. “Good girl.”
She draws in a breath, and her thighs press together around my hand.
I feel it.
I let her see that I feel it.
The bill is paid in less than two minutes. I do not rush her out, though every part of me wants to. My hand stays at the small of her back as we leave the restaurant, and this time she leans into me before I ask.
Progress, and the dangerous kind.
The valet brings the car around. I open the passenger door for her, and she pauses before getting in, looking up at me with the kind of nervous courage that strips me down to the bone.
“Where are we going?”
“The Everpine.”
Her eyes widen. “The wedding hotel?”
“Yes.”
“But the rehearsal isn’t until Friday.”
“I booked the suite from tonight through Sunday.”
Her mouth opens, closes, then opens again. “It’s Wednesday.”
“I know.”
“What about work tomorrow?”
“I own the company.”
“That is a very annoying answer.”
“It is an accurate one.”
“What about clothes?”
“I’ll make a call.”
“My clothes?”
“Anything you need will be waiting.”
She stares at me like I am insane.
Maybe I am.
I have spent years keeping my life ordered. Then Natalie Mullen walked into my office and ruined my discipline.
Now I am taking her to a hotel two days early because she said she wanted to come with me. I would burn through a hell of a lot more than a workday for that.
She lowers her voice. “Are we still pretending?”
The question hits harder than it should.
