What just happened?
We discussed our past, which feels more intimate than last night’s kiss. He’s no longer just my boss, the stranger from the bar, my mistake, my brother’s best friend, or the man I’m fake-dating for money.
He’s starting to matter.
Like,reallymatter.
And that worries me. Mattering means vulnerability; vulnerability means someone has the power to hurt you. Derek has already hurt me. I’ve learned what happens when you trust someone who doesn’t deserve it.
But Daniel isn’t Derek.
Daniel remembers my dreams, defends my work, and sees me as more than Trevor’s sister. Daniel makes me want to risk it all over again.
I grab my phone and stare at his earlier message.
Daniel:We should talk.
I type out another response before I can overthink it.
Me: Monday. We’ll talk more on Monday.
Daniel: I’ll hold you to that.
Me: I know you will.
I gather my things and head home. The subway is quiet, but my mind won’t stop racing.
10
Daniel
Ispend the morning trying to focus on actual work and failing miserably. Every time I close my eyes, I see Bailey in that emerald dress. Whenever I try to concentrate on financial reports, I remember how she kissed me back on the terrace.
Lottie appears in my doorway at noon with her tablet and her no-nonsense expression.
“The photographer will be here at two. They’re setting up in the executive lounge. Wardrobe sent over options for both of you.” She pauses. “Are you listening to me?”
“I’m listening.”
“You look distracted.”
“I’m fine.”
“Daniel.” She sits down across from me. “This shoot is important. It’s for the business section of Forbes. The article is about successful partnerships in business. It’s the perfect platform for you to convince everyone now.”
“I understand the stakes.”
“Do you? Because you’ve been weird since the gala. And Bailey has been avoiding eye contact with you for three days.”
I look up sharply. “You noticed that?”
“Everyone has noticed that. You two were all over each other Thursday night, and now you’re acting like strangers.” She leans forward. “What happened?”
“Nothing happened.”
“That’s a lie.”
“It’s complicated.”
