We stand together. I help her with her coat without touching her more than necessary. The moment stays intact.
At the door, she pauses, fingers brushing mine briefly, intentional, yet fleeting.
“Thank you,” she says. “For tonight.”
“Anytime,” I say. And I mean it.
She leaves first. I watch her get into her car. Mine waits behind it.
As I turn back toward the lounge, one thought lingers longer than the rest.
This was supposed to be simple.
I already know it won’t be.
Chapter eleven
Sloane
“This was useful.”
I say it out loud to the ceiling, because ceilings don’t argue back.
Also because if I say it silently, my body might call me a liar.
Useful. Strategic. Efficient. A successful execution of a high-visibility opportunity with measurable upside and zero contractual obligation.
See? That didn’t even sound emotional.
The morning light cuts across the room like it wants to wake me up. I blink at it, roll onto my side, and immediately regret the movement because my brain decides now is the perfect time to replay last night.
Specifically the kiss.
I groan and press my face into the pillow.
No. We are not doing this.
The kiss was not a moment. It was a byproduct. An inevitable outcome of adrenaline, proximity, and a crowd that had collectively decided it was rooting for us.
Also, I kissed him back.
Which is… fine.
People kiss all the time. It doesn’t mean anything. It especially doesn’t mean anything when both parties are adults who understand optics and boundaries and the fact that chemistry is not a binding agreement.
I peel myself out of bed and pad toward the bathroom, avoiding the mirror like it might try to have a conversation with me.
“This was useful,” I tell my reflection again, because I’m brave like that.
My reflection stares at me like,sure, whatever you say.She also looks annoyingly well-rested for someone who absolutely did not go to bed early. Hair slightly mussed. Lips...
Nope.
I turn on the sink and splash cold water on my face.
Let’s review the facts.
Fact one: The event worked. Social engagement spiked. Mentions doubled. Raina’s name trended locally for three blessed hours after my publicity.
