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He gives me a sly look, and Mel throws in a curious glance.
“Jenson, feel free to walk her up if you’d like. I’m sure you’ll keep any interactions from here on out appropriate. And don’t forget, we have that presentation with Chiron Healthcare later today.”
With a grateful smile, I rise and follow Mel, keeping enough space between us to not look too attached—but to make it obvious to anyone who is paying attention that there’s a tether between us.
As soon as we’re back in the darkened hallway, Mel whirls.
“What was that?”
“The implementation of step one: make our relationship public.”
Her cheeks burn as we pass the alcove where, less than ten minutes ago, I pressed her lush body against the wall. For a moment, I’m tempted to tug her into the shadowed area again.
Public, I remind myself.If it’s not for the public, who is it for?
And then the devil on my shoulder chimes in:Why not have a little fun while you’re hard at work?
I don’t even bother listing the reasons. It’s obvious. And cliché. The moment I set eyes on Mel last week, I knew I had to keep her at arm’s length.
I just need to balance that and…keeping her close enough for people to think we’re in love.
“Do you think he bought it?” There’s worry in her voice as we step into the elevator. Mel presses the button for her floor, and I tap the little icon that goes to mine. Another reminder that I’ve risen in the ranks quickly here. Literally.
“I think so. Mostly, anyway.” I sigh. “The problem is, I know Roy. It’ll take more than one little make out session to convince him we’re committed to each other. Which is why we need to really sell it at the company retreat.”
“Won’t everyone have questions, though? Won’t they be wondering why you didn’t go public sooner?”
“It’s none of their business, frankly.”
Our eyes meet. For a moment, the walls come down. “What I do, and who I fall in love with, isn’t their concern.”
The blush on her cheeks, which had been subsiding, darkens slowly. In the small space, I hear her breath catch.
Unable to stop myself, I step toward her. Into her orbit.
Her hand comes up and brushes my hip bone, steadying herself. I rest mine on her lower back, offering support even as I feel the universe reeling at the pull between us.
Our lips touch again, this time just a graze. Not the hot devouring claim I had on her earlier for show.
Mel’s breath feathers against my mouth as I drag my lips across hers, a ghost of a kiss, a taste. I bring my free hand up to cup the back of her head and steal one last kiss.
Just one more, I promise myself.
She doesn’t fight it, but she doesn’t dive in the way I’m so ready to. Her shoulders fall back and she tips her face toward mine, but she doesn’t kiss back—only lets me take what I want, carefully, slowly.
Mel totters on her heels and I pull back with a grin.
“Still worried about faking it?”
She rolls her eyes and steps away as the elevator doors open.
“It’s not like we haven’t had any practice.”
Her words are an echo when the doors close and I’m alone. The past rushes in, humid and suffocating, reminding me of the harsh truth.
Mel Atkinson left town, and left me, without an explanation twelve years ago.
And when this is over, she’ll undoubtedly leave again.
