His mouth opened and then closed. “You don’t date clients.”
No, but he was more than a client. At least, she wanted him to be. And if she didn’t take this chance, she might regret it. Forever. “I don’t kiss clients, either, but I think it’s time I made an exception to my rules.”
Hadley rose on her toes and kissed Blaise, hard on the lips. She no longer cared about her rules or process. Only she and Blaise mattered.
He tensed for a nanosecond before relaxing into her kiss. As his mouth moved over hers, she soaked up his warmth and his taste. She’d forgotten how good he kissed, but she wanted to remember every detail.
His arms wrapped around Hadley, pulling her closer.
She went willingly, never letting her lips leave his.
As Blaise had all week, he made her feel special and adored. Cherished. She might be home, but she’d found a second home with him.
Slowly, he drew away from the kiss. “We should have been doing that all week.”
“Germs.”
He laughed before kissing her forehead. “Trust me, sweetheart, I wouldn’t have cared.”
Heat rose up her neck.
“When can I see you again?” he asked.
Hadley wiggled her toes. “I don’t know, but I hope soon.”
“Me, too.” Blaise brushed his lips over hers. “We’ll make this work.”
She nodded, not knowing how when they lived in two different cities in two different states, but they had to try. She gazed into his eyes, seeing not only the possibilities but her future. “We will.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Blaise texted Hadley. Sometimes they spoke on the phone, but they always had a video chat in the evenings. He enjoyed hearing her voice and seeing her on the screen, but by week two of being apart, he was losing patience. He wanted to be with her. That gave him an idea.
Blaise:I have a conference starting on Thursday in Las Vegas. Meet me there. I can send a plane.
HL:I could squeeze in a quick trip on Friday, but I’ll save the planet and fly commercial.
Blaise:Send me your itinerary. I can’t wait to see you.
HL:Same. I miss you.
Let the countdown begin! He couldn’t stop smiling. Everyone from Trevor to his executive staff commented on Blaise’s good mood. Most assumed the buzz surrounding the new fund was the reason, but it was Hadley.
His phone playedThe Legend of Zeldatheme song. The ringtone belonged to Dash.
“Hey,” Blaise answered. “What’s going on?”
“I went on a date with a woman Hadley found for me. Dude, Raina is amazing.” Awe filled Dash’s voice. “She not only loves video games as much as I do, but she also designs them. We had a great time. We’re getting together again before I leave for Las Vegas.”
One down… Blaise grinned. “I’m so happy for you.”
And he was, regardless of the bet, but knowing he was one step closer to winning thrilled him. And it was because of Hadley.
“It’s only been one date, but so far Raina seems perfect,” Dash said. “Hadley knows what she’s doing.”
Pride flowed through Blaise. “Yes, she does.”
“Well, I just wanted to let you know and to say thanks.”
