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His cool demeanor slips for a moment, and Lily smirks at me. “So, Beau, Elsie and I were just talking about the clambake and how much fun it was, but I just realized I have to get going. If—"
“You’re leaving?” I ask flatly.
“I have a thing,” she lies beautifully. “Remember? I told you about it.”
“Thought you canceled the thing.”
“Nope. It’s back on.” She keeps up a ruse better than me. “Beau, maybe you can keep her company? Show her around town? I feel terrible for leaving her all alone. Do me a favor and find some way to entertain Elsie.” She grabs her purse, winks at me, and I want to trip her on her way out. “Talk later, Elsie. Bye.”
You’re evil, Lily. “Bye.” But her exit is smoother than my fake stretch excuse, so kudos to her. He takes her seat at the other end of the couch, and for a moment, neither of us speaks. But I blurt, “You don’t need to stay.”
At the same time, he says, “I hope you’re not mad.”
I frown. “Why would I be mad?”
“Why would I leave? I just got here.”
“Fine. Stay. Why would I be mad?”
“I didn’t call you.” He pauses. “After everything.”
But I shake my head. “I’m not mad about that.”
“Oh. Okay. Good.”
I take a breath and absorb his cologne. God, why does he have to smell so good? Today’s button down is a dark green thing that suits him well. Fitted on his shoulders. The muscles there bulge as he moves—stop it. Be a grown-up.
I nervously bite my lip. “It’s pretty obvious that yesterday—"
“Should have never happened?”
I nod exaggeratedly and take a deep breath. “I am so relieved to hear you say it, too.”
“Yeah, this just—"
“Got completely out of hand.”
“Precisely.” He rakes his fingers through his hair. Those auburn streaks fall perfectly. It is downright annoying how easy it is for guys to have good hair. Or maybe it’s just annoying because it’s him, and everything about Beau MacMillan annoys me.
Okay. Maybe noteverything.
He goes on, “Don’t get me wrong, what happened was…earth shattering, but we must be professionals about this. You are the architect. I am the client. We should have never crossed those boundaries. It was impulsive and reckless.”
“I could not agree more. On all counts.”
“So, it was good for you, too?”
My face burns hot. “Yes.”
He smiles in the proud way that is so quintessentially Beau. “Same.” But then his handsome face goes still. “For the record, I get tested every two months, and I’ve always tested negative for everything. I’m usually a stickler for protection.” He gives a sheepish shrug, encouraging me to spill.
“Me too,” I blurt. “I meant, I don’t get tested every two months—no real need when you’re not getting laid regularly. But I’ve always tested negative, and I’m on the shot, so we’re good there.”
“I appreciate the reassurance, Elsie.” He takes a breath, and I can tell those things were on his mind. It was awkward, but I’m glad to know we’re safe.
I don’t want to think about what could have happened if we weren’t both careful prior to yesterday, so I switch the topic back. “Obviously, we are both quite passionate about our opinions. Things are likely to get heated between us again, and we can’t be doingthatevery time we get into an argument.”
“I agree. On that note, I believe we should give each other whatever space we need. If you need more time on the project or simply to clear your head, take the time. I will speak up regarding my own needs as well. If things become…” He searches for the word and looks like he’s struggling. “…intenseagain, I will ask for a break. Deal?”
