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“I wanted time with you. And you weren’t interested in that. And then Ruth kept putting you in my path and it just became overwhelming being around you and not getting the Layla I knew, but professional Layla.” I take a breath, but I’m not letting her get a word in until I’m done. “Then I had a taste of you and I knew I needed more. So when I asked for a sex only thing, it’s not really what I wanted, but it was the only thing you seemed to be open to. So I went for it. And I just kept asking for more, quietly, and you kept giving it to me. The trip to Chicago changed it all for me, though…” I trail off.
“Cole,” she starts, her tone soft.
I shake my head, rushing to finish. “I should have canceled the contract and flat out told Ruth that I wanted you. Knowing all that I know now, she would have been on board.” I give her a lopsided grin.
Her stone façade crumples under my charm and she lets out a small laugh. “Sure, but then it would have been a totally different story.”
I bark out a laugh. “Very true.” That’s when I realize she’s still smiling at me.
I reach out and snag her hands in mine. “Lays. I know you said it was over between us, but that’s not what I want. I don’t think that’s what you want either.”
She shakes her head. Her eyes start to gloss over. “I don’t want it to be over either, but I can’t keep hiding. I don’t want to risk my business because of my personal life. I have rules and standards and I can’t be the businesswoman I want to be if I’m picking and choosing which ones I follow.”
I squeeze her hands. “Baby, you don’t have to choose. I ended my contract with HEA. I’m no longer a client. Having a relationship with me and being the badass you are in the business word are not mutually exclusive. You can have both.”
“You’re not a client?” She gasps.
“No, remember our agreement? I told you if I started to feel a connection with another woman, we would end this. I meant what I said at Ruth’s party. I do have a connection with you. I’m not interested in giving anyone else my time. So I ended the contract with Ruth.”
Layla just stares at me, eyes wet with unshed tears. If I know this woman, she won’t let them fall, though.
“Lays. Haven’t you figured it out yet? I’m in love with you. No one else will do. You’re it.”
She sniffs, nodding. “I love you too.”
Hearing those words causes me to laugh as I pull her into me and she comes willingly. Crushing my mouth to her, I lean back on the couch, her on top of me, her lips sealed to mine. I feel a hint of wetness from her eyes but nothing more.
And then I kiss her stupid. Moments pass and my hard-on presses between us, and as badly as I want to take her right here and now, I know it’s not the time.
She pulls back just as I was considering saying the hell with it.
“We have to stop.” Her breathing is ragged. I lift my head and steal another kiss but don’t take it further.
“I know. Too many people know I’m here. If we are in here too long, then everyone is gonna think you’re a sex fiend.” My hands are on her hips and I squeeze as she huffs out a laugh.
“What? Not me. They will all think you’re the problem. And when you say ‘many’ how many people know about this staged trickery?” She starts to pull away from me and on instinct, I yank her back, but she giggles, then again pushes off me. But she doesn’t go far, opting to lean into my side as I explain myself.
“First of all, no hijinks were intended. My accomplice took matters into her own hands once I explained my intentions.” I refuse to throw Cassie under the bus, she did me a solid today. She and Theo are getting treated to a VIP dinner at LACE soon.
“Right. So Cassie was clearly in on it. Who else? I’m trying to figure out if I need to be humiliated or not.” She sighs.
“No need for that. Everyone here adores you and wants to see you happy.” I lean in and kiss her temple.
“Tell me now, Cole,” she demands. Chuckling, I try for a quick boob grab, but she’s on to me and smacks my hand away. “None of that until I know who was in on this.” Her grin is wide.
With a fake pout, I hold up one finger. “The receptionist knows.” I add a second finger. “So did Ruth. She’s been pestering me to give you less space and happened to text me this morning after I talked to Cassie.”
“All right, so with just those two in the loop, the whole office knows.” She pulls her bottom lip between her teeth.
“Pretty sure even my grandma probably knows,” I add. She tilts her head back and forth in agreement while she thinks it over.
“Oh.” I remember. “Hazel knows. I mean, not the deets, but she’s the one who hooked me up with the correct sweets. So you should add her.”
“Ugh. So you’re right. Everyone knows and thinks we are probably getting all hot and heavy right now.”
“Well, if the shoe fits…” I say as I lean in and nibble her ear. She giggles but pushes me away. Her eyes stare into mine and her face takes on a serious look.
“Cole, I really do love you.”
