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“We talk about the boys, and we talk about your work. We never really talk about you.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Why aren’t you dating anyone, Shaw? You’re a catch.”
He chuckles, his chest vibrating under my cheek, as he runs his hands through my hair. “Catch, huh? Not sure I agree.”
I lift up, bracing on his chest. His face is relaxed and soft, and I love it. “You are to me. You’re perfect.” The alcohol is obviously guiding my words.
“Oh, sweet Bizzy, I’m far from perfect. I’m an asshole in my business, never letting anyone get the upper hand. I run my clients like a fucking drill sergeant, not putting up with any shit. When it comes to my personal life, I spend most of my time with family. There’s no time for much else, especially the drama that comes with relationships in my line of work. I’ve stayed single on purpose.”
His words sting, and I flinch, backing away. Even in my inebriated haze, his meaning is clear. There’s no time for a relationship. He senses my unease and curls his hand around my neck, squeezing lightly. I drop my eyes to stare at the floor and swallow back the lump in my throat.
Getting emotional is one thing, but getting emotional while drunk is dangerous. I risk blurting out everything.
“What’s going through your mind?”
“Nothing,” I lie.
“Look at me.”
I shake my head and take a deep breath, trying to regain some sense. I need to redirect the conversation then escape to bed.
“Lizbeth, look at me.”
I raise my face to his, and wish like hell I’d have kept my mouth shut. His eyes have now transformed to a deep shade of green that makes me want to confess everything I feel for him.
“What happened? What did I say wrong?”
Luckily, my brain catches up before I profess my decade long infatuation. “Nothing at all, I just want the best for you. You deserve to be happy. It sounds like you don’t have room for romantic relationships, and I hate that for you.”
“Who says I don’t have time for romance?”
“You did.”
“No, I said I didn’t have time for bullshit. Up until recently, I never saw myself being a relationship guy. Seemed like a waste of time, only to learn someone was after my money or my family name. Now, I’m seeing things differently.”
“Really? What happened?”
He runs the tip of
his tongue along his lower lip and gently grips my hips. Before I can comprehend what’s happening, he’s lifted me onto his lap and has both my hands in his. He moves our joined hands to rest on his stomach. The muscles contract under the touch.
“You happened.”
I freeze, my heart stopping. “W-w-what?”
“You happened. So pure, so sweet, so goddamn beautiful my heart hurts when I see you. That day in my office, your lips on mine, you crying in my arms, your incredible sadness over a young boy who will lose his life… It hit me hard. So fucking hard. I knew it then.”
“Oh my God.”
“Bizzy, I need you to look at me.”
I raise my eyes to his and feel the heat searing me again. “I didn’t plan to do this tonight. You’ve had a lot to drink, but you’ve left me no choice. I’ve been holding this in for weeks. This is my weekend to prove it to you. It’s you that’s changed my mind. Everything is about you. If you don’t feel the same, it’s okay. No pressure.”
“I’m not exactly sure what you’re saying. Feel the same about what?”
He stays quiet for too long, then he stands easily, moving his hands to my waist and holding me against him. “Go get changed. You need to sleep.”
