Page 27 of Just a Little Tempted

Who am I kidding? I’m hurt.Hurt that Simon could brush off a kiss that had left me reeling. Hurt that what felt earth-shattering to me had been nothing more than strategic maneuvering for him.

But then I caught something in Simon’s expression, a flicker of something unguarded before he shuttered it away. His breathing wasn’t quite steady. His hands, which had dropped to his sides, were curled into loose fists, as if he was fighting the urge to reach for me again.

Maybe that kiss hadn’t been purely performance after all.

Or maybe I was just seeing what I wanted to see.

I cleared my throat and pasted on the best smile I could manage. “Right. Of course. The cover story.”

Simon’s gaze sharpened, those green eyes studying my face with an intensity that made me feel transparent. Like he could see straight through my careful composure to the chaos underneath.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“I’m fine.” The lie came out too quickly, too bright. “I just… I think we should leave.”

If he noticed the disappointment threading through my voice, he didn’t show it. I hoped he was simply oblivious to what I was feeling. I was already embarrassed that I’d let myself believe, even for a moment, that the kiss was real.

“You’re right,” he said with a curt nod. “I think we’ve accomplished what we came here to do.”

What we came here to do.My stomach twisted at the reminder that this entire evening—including that devastating kiss—was about securing Alexander’s business.

We were close to the ballroom exit when Alexander appeared in front of us, Brenda at his side.

“Heading out?” he asked warmly.

Simon’s expression transformed, an easy smile sliding into place. “I’m afraid so. But I’m hoping we can meet next week to discuss a potential partnership.”

Alexander nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. “We could do that. But I want to be honest with you, Simon. Chuck has formally expressed interest in working with me as well.” He paused, letting that sink in. “Now, I’m not opposed to partnering with both of you, but I have a feeling that might not be something you’d be comfortable with.”

He must have noticed the animosity crackling between Simon and Chuck during dinner. It would have been impossible to miss. The tension had been thick enough to cut with a knife.

“I don’t think Chuck and I could ever work together,” Simon said honestly, his voice carefully neutral despite the muscle ticking in his jaw.

I could see the curiosity in Alexander’s eyes, but he didn’t push for an explanation. He simply nodded.

“I hope you’ll give me the opportunity to work with you regardless,” Simon continued. “I believe we could accomplish great things together.”

Alexander’s gaze flicked to me, then back to Simon, and I knew in that moment that my impulsive claim about us being in a relationship had been the right move. Simon wasn’t thrilled about it, and that kiss had made it abundantly clear that keeping my real feelings separate from our fake relationship was going to be torture. But Alexander was taking Simon far more seriously now. The wariness from earlier in the evening had been replaced by genuine consideration.

“I’m weighing my options carefully,” Alexander said. “And I believe it’s important for anyone I partner with to truly understand my resort—what makes it special and what we’re trying to build.” He smiled. “I’d like you and Chuck to visit Neptune’s Kingdom in a couple of weeks. Stay a night, free ofcharge. See the place for yourselves.” His eyes warmed as they landed on me. “And please, bring Raina. Brenda enjoyed talking with her tonight.”

“We’d be delighted,” Simon said smoothly, committing us both before I could even process the invitation.

Alexander clapped Simon on the shoulder, promised to reach out soon with details, and walked away with his wife.

Simon stayed at my side as we made our way through the hotel lobby and out into the night. The air was cool against my flushed skin, the parking lot bright with security lights. Away from the crowd and the music, an uncomfortable silence settled between us.

Everything that had happened tonight left me feeling overwhelmed, my mind and heart at war over the man walking beside me. He was my boss, which placed him firmly in the off-limits category. But that kiss… it had changed something inside me. Transformed a crush I was determined to ignore into something far more significant.

And still, undeniably, a terrible idea.

I was so lost in thought that I didn’t realize we’d reached my car until I nearly walked into it. I fumbled with my purse, searching for my keys, when Simon cleared his throat.

I looked up to find him standing in front of me, looking more uncomfortable than I’d ever seen him. His usual confidence had been replaced by something almost awkward—shoulders slightly hunched, one hand rubbing the back of his neck.

“I suppose we should discuss how to handle this going forward,” he said, his voice rough.

Oh, so now he wanted to talk about it?After he’d already volunteered us both for a weekend getaway at Alexander’s resort?