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“I… I haven’t wanted to get serious with anyone. Not after what happened with us.”
“And there’s your office. It’s made up like a mini-apartment with all of your essentials. I bet if I was to look in the closet, I’d find a few changes of clothes.”
She didn’t say a word. How could she? He’d nailed her down perfectly. She’d become the very thing she’d accused him of being—a workaholic. It was easier this way. Her career couldn’t hurt her in the same way a relationship could. It also kept her from dwelling on her shortcomings as a fiancée and a daughter.
Realizing she had to leave soon to meet a potential client, she almost sighed in relief. This conversation with Andrew had gone far deeper than she’d ever intended it to. “I really must be going. I have a meeting.”
She’d started past him when he said, “Aren’t you even going to ask what I’m doing here?”
She turned to him. “If it’s about the bachelor party—”
“It isn’t. Listen, I realize things between us are complicated. I didn’t come to California to confuse you, or to confuse myself.”
He was confused, too? Somehow she found comfort in his spontaneous confession. She wasn’t the only one who realized an old flame still flickered between them. But should they fan the flames? Or snuff them out?
But now wasn’t the time to explore the answers. That seemed to be a growing theme in their relationship—bad timing.
Her business had come so far, and now her biggest wedding was just on the horizon. She couldn’t let herself get distracted. She couldn’t let Andrew find his way back into her heart. After all, his future was in New York. Hers was in San Francisco.
She cleared her throat. “You don’t have to worry. We’re good.”
“And last night?”
“We got caught up in the past. Just, um, forget it.”
His gaze probed hers. “Is that what you’ve done?”
How did she answer him? Did she tell him the truth about how she’d stayed awake most of the night, staring into the dark, recalling every delicious detail of that kiss? Or did she brush off his question, letting him know she wouldn’t be swayed by one simple kiss?
She glanced down at her papers. “I’m a busy person with a major wedding event in a couple of weeks. I don’t have time to dwell on it.”
“Or you’re afraid to admit there’s something between us.”
“Don’t do this. Not here. Not now. It was a kiss. Nothing more.”
He sighed. “If telling yourself that makes you happy, then so be it—”
“It does.”
His gaze said he didn’t believe her, but he didn’t argue.
She took a deep breath, realizing she was letting her emotions get the best of her. That couldn’t happen. Because when it all boiled down to it, Andrew was a client, part of the biggest wedding of her career. She had to keep him happy.
She tilted her chin. “I was going to call you later today to discuss the party plans. I have an update for you that I think you’re going to like.”
He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “What is it?”
“That’s the thing. I’d rather show you.” In truth, spending more time with him was dangerous. Because no matter how much she denied it, they had a boatload of chemistry bubbling just beneath the surface. “I don’t have time now, but would you be available tomorrow morning?”
He hesitated. “I’m afraid that won’t work for me. Would another time work for you?”
“We’re running out of time. The party isn’t far off.”
“What about later today?” When she paused to recall today’s agenda, he added, “I promise no kissing this time.” He smiled at her, sending her heart tumbling in her chest. “I’ll be a perfect gentleman.”
“In that case, it’s a date.”Ugh! She would have to be more careful with her words going forward. She needed to treat him like any other client. And that meant no more kissing—absolutely none.
His eyes lit up, but he let her slip of the tongue slide without a comment. “Shall I meet you at your office?”
