Stunned, I open my mouth to argue, but nothing comes out.
Because he’s right. Would I hustle this much if I weren’t trying to flee the hell I grew up in? If I weren’t trying to fill the empty space created by my mother’s death? For years, I’ve done nothing but attempt to escape the void before it swallows me whole.
Somehow, Kellin gets that. Getsme.
An eventuality I never anticipated.
“You’re not what I expected.”
His eyes bore into mine in the mirror. Electricity sizzles between us, charging the air. If I reached out, I fear my fingers would come away singed.
“I could say the same about you.”
The elevator jostles as it nears his floor. We both shift, shoulders bumping. Heat burns through my skin from the contact.
Kellin steadies me with a hand against the small of my back. The touch is featherlight but may as well be a fifty-pound magnet. I resist the urge to press back against his palm.
Control yourself.
I’m a professional.Heis a professional. We’re just ending a night of business talk over dinner and dessert. There is no reason for me to act this way. Nothing’s going to happen.
If only my traitorous body would get that memo.
By the time we exit into the seventh-floor hallway, my entire body vibrates with the strain of holding myself together.
We stroll toward his junior suite, his magnetic pull drawing me closer with every leisurely step. He keeps sneaking glimpses at me. I only notice because I do the same to him. During this short walk, we’ve already caught one another staring four times. We’re like kindling just waiting for the strike of a match to go up in flames.
I’m ready to throw in the towel and sayscrew it.
Since this hotel opened, I’ve dedicated my entire life to its success. To running a business of my own and escaping whatever destiny my father decided for me.
For once, I want to succumb to temptation and choose something just for me. What’s wrong with that?
Nothing crazy. I just want to kiss him. One little taste to silence the desire flooding my system.
One kiss to get him out of my system.
When we arrive at his door, I touch his arm as he reaches into his pocket for the key card. “Why did you ask me to walk you home?”
Kellin shifts toward me. Though he hides it well, I catch the flicker of heat in his eyes. The magnetic force draws me to him. I see my own desire reflected back at me.
His sexy mouth quirks into a half smile. “I suppose I’m selfish.”
I recline against the door, blocking the lock as the breath I take goes nowhere. “Am I allowed to be selfish too?”
Kellin’s eyes skate down over my body—god,whydidn’t I wear a sexier dress?—before he rests his arm on the door beside my head and looms over me.
“Is that what you want?” His voice is low. Dirty. “To be selfish with me?”
I lick my lips and watch him track the movement. “I think I do.”
Kellin cups my chin. His rough fingers tilt up my face. I hold my breath.
He closes in, enveloping me in whiskey and cologne that I inhale with a soft gasp. His forehead presses against mine, his lips a breath away.
My hands settle on the lapels of his jacket. Even through his clothing, this man’s body is rock solid. And emitting so much heat that he practically scorches me. His eyes are dark above me, pupils black and wide and staring so, so intently. I shudder beneath the scrutiny.
His mouth isright here. Just one kiss?—
