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“James and Elizabeth don’t need to know.”
I scoff and gently push him back. He removes his hands and stands up straight, stuffing his hands in his pockets. He’s staring at me with such intensity that I have to look away.
“You really think we could keep this a secret? Has anyone ever successfully kept a secret from James?”
He tilts his head up and thinks for a moment and then says, “Nope.”
I hold my palms up in his direction. “There you go.”
“But...”
“But what?” I say.
He stands beside me, his shoulder touching mine. “He’s really distracted right now. Hell, he’s got a country to run. He doesn’t have time to worry about me, and he’s getting married soon. Both of them are totally wrapped up in their own things.”
I consider this for a moment. The door opens on the elevator, and we walk off.
“Even still, it’s a bad idea, right?”
His eyes light up. “I love bad ideas.”
I laugh loudly and then hold my hand over my mouth, remembering it’s four in the morning.
“I bet you do,” I whisper.
We walk down the hallway together, not touching, but the air around us feels electrified.
“I mean, what happens after? We’re going to see each other all the time for the rest of our lives. Your brother is marrying my sister. I’m sure they’ll have kids together – our nieces and nephews. Won’t this get awkward?”
He lowers his brow. “Why? It’s just sex, right?”
I don’t know whether to be relieved or offended. But he’s right. I’m not interested in a relationship. He clearly isn’t. What would be the harm?
We stand in front of my door for a minute without speaking. I place my hand on his chest and pat it twice. “It’s a terrible idea.”
He groans.
“Night, Dex.” I stretch up on my toes and kiss his cheek. He grabs my arm before I can pull away and says, “Have I told you that you smell fucking amazing yet?”
I laugh, “No you haven’t. Goodnight.”
He drops my arm and then hooks his thumb over his shoulder. “I’m just across the hall if you change your mind, Buttercup.”
I wave the key card in front of the door, and it clicks. As I push it open, I call, “Night, Declan. I had fun.”
I don’t look back at him. I don’t trust myself for a second to look back at him. As soon as the door is closed behind me, I lean my back against it and let out all the air from my lungs. All my lady parts are buzzing – apparently they didn’t get the memo about this being a terrible, horrible, stupid, idiotic, absolutely-guaranteed-to-backfire idea.
As I pull off my dress, I run through all the reasons why this would be the worst decision and yet, I’m not getting into bed. No, I’m pulling on a robe from the bathroom and stepping toward the door.
Maggie, don’t do this. You’re going to regret it.Elizabeth will kill you when she finds out.
Declan does have a point. Maybe Elizabeth won’t find out? Maybe we can keep this a secret? James and Elizabeth are very distracted right now. Everyone is.
I crack open the door and then jump.
“Declan, what the hell are you doing?” I clutch my heart. He’s leaning against the doorframe, grinning. He checks his watch. “Less than five minutes. Thought it would take you ten.”
I glare up at him, and he smirks. He takes a step toward me.
