“I’m fine,” I said shortly, flinching from his touch.“We shouldn’t have done that.It was stupid and reckless.”
He frowned, looking hurt.“I thought—I mean, it felt like before.Like maybe things could work between us again.”
I shook my head, unable to meet his eyes.“No, Hugh.This doesn’t change anything.Hooking up in alleys isn’t going to fix what went wrong with us.”
“But that was good.Cal, you can’t deny that something’s still there.”He stepped closer.
I held up a hand to stop him.“Physical attraction was never our problem.But that’s all this is—a physical release.It doesn’t mean anything more.”
His jaw clenched, and he looked away, shoving his hands in his pockets.“Fine.If that’s how you want it, I can do casual.No strings attached, just two people fucking.”
I grimaced at the crassness but nodded.It was for the best.I couldn’t afford any distractions or complications right now.“Casual, then.Just no more alleys.”
Some of the tension melted from Hugh’s body, and he smiled.“Agreed.No more alleys.How do you feel about cars?”
I bit back a grin as we turned toward the main street that led back to Marco’s apartment.“Cramped, but better.I’m not opposed to a bed.”
“Boring.We can do better.”He shot me a wink and reached out to run a hand down my back.I froze.His eyes darted from my eyes to my lips and back again.
“I’m gonna go,” I said.
He cleared his throat.“Yeah, sure.I’ll see you when I see you, I guess.”
I offered him a tight smile.“Bye, Hugh.”
I turned toward Marco’s apartment, briefly glancing back at Hugh, rooted to the sidewalk with his hands in his pockets.
And I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had made a big mistake.
CHAPTER FIVE
EMMETT
On Friday,I caught up with Callie at the twenty-seventh floor elevator.
I hadn’t seen her yet that day, so I figured I’d stop by and check in before I grabbed lunch.As I approached her desk, I saw her put on her coat and grab her purse.I hurried to catch up.When I reached her, I stepped up behind her, my chest close to her back.“Heading out for lunch?”I asked, my breath ghosting over her ear.
“Jesus!”She peered at me over her shoulder, her hand clutching her chest.“You scared me.”
I chuckled.“Sorry.”
She shook her head but turned to face me.“Yes, I’m meeting some people for lunch.Is that alright?”
“Of course.I was on my way to grab some food, too.I’ll ride down with you.”
“Okay,” she said with a half smile.
The elevator chimed, and the doors slid open.A few members of the team walked out.Callie and I both nodded and said hello.I stuck out an arm to keep the doors from closing and gestured for her to enter ahead of me.She pushed the button for the lobby and moved to the farthest corner of the elevator, like she wanted to put as much distance between us as possible.
Yeah, that won’t do.
I moved to her side, leaning against the back wall.“So, how are things going?Are you getting to know the team?”
“It’s amazing here, Mr.Price, really.”
I shot her a mock glare, and she winced.
“Sorry,Emmett.But yes, the team has been great.I’ve almost made it through my initial orientations with every department.”
