“Zipper?” She turns her back to me.
My hands are still shaking as I reach for it. I take my time, fingers deliberately trailing up her spine as I pull it closed. She shivers, goosebumps rising on her skin.
“See?” she says softly. “We both feel it. The difference is, I’m not afraid of it.”
I lean down, lips brushing her shoulder. “I’m terrified of it.”
She turns in my arms, breaking contact again. I will actually cry if she keeps doing that.
“Being terrified doesn’t give you permission to hurt me.”
“I never meant to—”
“But you did.” She places a hand on my chest, right over my racing heart. “You’re still doing it. Every time you pull away or treat me like I’m just part of your business arrangement, you hurt me.”
“Bailey—”
“Fuck you.” She steps back, picking up her clutch. “Fix your tie, Mr. Williams. We have investors to impress.”
She walks toward the door, and panic surges through me. “Wait—”
“What?” She turns, eyebrow raised.
“I’m sorry.” The words come out raw. “For hurting you.”
Bailey chuckles dryly, then she’s gone, leaving me standing there, pulse racing, body aching, and completely undone by a woman who just gave me the most devastating show of my life while making it clear she’s still furious with me.
I’m in so much trouble.
And God help me, I’ve never wanted anyone more.
***
The post-meeting cocktail reception is held at The Shard’s rooftop bar with panoramic views of London. The Thames winds through the city below like a ribbon of light, and Big Ben gleams in the distance.
I arrive ten minutes after Bailey, needing the time to compose myself. My tie is straight now, my shirt buttoned properly, but I can still feel the ghost of her hands on my chest.
She’s standing by the bar talking to Cindy, and when she sees me, satisfaction flickers across her face. Game on.
I grab a scotch and join a cluster of investors discussing market trends, but my attention keeps drifting to Bailey. She’s moved from Cindy to a group near the windows, laughing at something someone said.
That’s when Whitmore approaches her.
He’s too close. His hand touches her elbow as he leans in to speak. Bailey smiles politely, but I see the way she shifts slightly. Whitmore doesn’t take the hint. He moves closer again, saying something that makes her laugh, but it’s not a genuine laugh.
My jaw clenches.
“Daniel?” Cindy appears at my elbow. “You look tense.”
“Just tired from the presentation.”
“Mmm.” She follows my gaze to Bailey and Whitmore. “James does tend to be a bit… enthusiastic with attractive women. Should I intervene?”
“No. Bailey can handle herself.”
But I’m already moving toward them.
“—absolutely fascinating work,” Whitmore is saying as I approach. “You should come to our offices tomorrow. I’d love to show you our design department. Maybe over lunch?”
