Page 115 of Dream On, Liar

No. Just trying to make sense of this version of you.

Instead, I shrugged. “Maybe, or just a case of oversleeping.”

“Is there such a thing?”

I nodded. “Both under-sleeping and over-sleeping can make your metabolism slower. They both can make you more lethargic, and cause inadequate sleep. And considering, I never nap and the last week altogether—I’ve really messed up my sleep schedule.”

“Last week?”

I covered my mouth, hiding my yawn before nodding. “Haven’t slept all that well.”

“I thought it was just the night before.” He sounded smug, and if my watering gaze was to be trusted, he looked it too.

“Jet lag.” I muttered, trying to cover up.

“Now, who’s the liar?” He smirked.

“Oh, bite me.” I snapped, even though there was no real bite to my own words.

“Sure, if you’re into it.” Rihaan blinked, like realising what he’d spoken out loud. Only, he made no effort to take it back.

His gaze fell to my mouth just as my did to his, and suddenly, the temperature in the room dropped.

I became far more aware that his face was inches from mine.

Close enough that I could feel his breath.

Close enough that one small movement would have erased the space between us.

My heart hammered.

Then a knock sounded against the adjoining door, making both of jump. “Rihaan! We’re back.”

Rihaan’s gaze was still fixed on me. Like he was giving me a choice.

And there was a part of me that wanted to say fuck it to my own rules. But, it had been my father’s voice surfaced in my head with cruel precision that had brought me back to reality.

You do not cross lines with the players.

You keep this professional.

You are there to do your job.

Disappointment was evident in Rihaan’s eyes as I pulled back. Before he could reply to them, I spoke softly. “Go. I’ll be out of here in a few.”

He frowned, but gave me a nod anyway and pushed himself straight. Rounding the bed, he moved to grab his phone.

“Rihaan?”

“Yeah?” When he looked at me, I could see that I’d forced him to shut something down. I tried to enjoy the fact that I could read him just as easily as I thought he could me, but failed.

“Thanks for letting me stay.”

He gave me a silent reply before he left his room, as I remained sitting there, staring at the floor.

I wanted to kiss him.

The realisation moved through me slowly.