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“I don’t think people are looking for a date at a funeral.”
“No, I guess not.” He settled back in his chair and lifted his own mug of coffee. “Which brings us back to the discussion we didn’t finish last night.”
Dammit.
Silence settled between them. She didn’t know what to say, especially since he hadn’t yet asked her a question. But then he did.
“Have you thought about us?”
Only every day for the past year.
She sure as hell couldn’t say that. While she watched him carefully, debating how to answer, a smile spread his mouth.
“Listen, Addi.” He leaned forward, his voice lower and, if possible, more seductive. “You don’t have to say yes. We can finish out the weekend as friends and, much as it pains me to offer, I won’t kiss you again. If that’s what you want, say the word.”
His low voice swirled around her like a vortex, threatening to suck her in. She really wanted him to kiss her again.
“But—” he took her hand and held onto her fingers, his gaze unwavering on hers “—I really, really want to kiss you again. And again and again.”
Oh, Lordy. Easy for him to say. He hadn’t had his heartstrings tangled in knots over her for the last twelve months. He hadn’t agonized over his own emotions because she was suddenly dating someone in the office.
She could either tell him no—but how, when he wanted her as much as she wanted him?—or she could consider this weekend a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. An all-access pass to Brannon Knox.
Her earlier justification that sleeping with him was a bad idea had grown stale since the kiss. Since he’d approached her so openly and honestly. As long as she maintained some control in this situation, she could have what she wanted and escape unscathed.
“Okay, but I need to set a few ground rules.”
He put an elbow on the table. “I’m not much of a rules guy anymore.”
“We can call them guidelines.” She nodded succinctly. She didn’t want any bizarre vibes once they were back in the office. Setting parameters would help both of them know how to behave. “Tonight and that’s it. Once the ball is over and we...do whatever we do, then that’s the end.”
“Okay.” He nodded slowly. “I agree to your terms.”
She smiled and he smiled back and there they sat at brunch, having made the craziest agreement of all time. She was buoyant, excited...and slightly nauseous.
One night with Brannon Knox. She was going to make it count.
“Should we shake on it?” She disentangled their hands and held out her palm, which he shook officially. Before he could pull away, she added the caveat, “I have a strict curfew of midnight.”
“No worries, Cinderella.” A barely banked heat darkened his eyes. “I promise to have you in bed before then.”
